Liem to play at tourney in Cuba


Le Quang Liem.
Viet Nam's top chess grandmaster Le Quang Liem has been invited to play in the Capablanca tournament organised in Cuba on May 8-22.

Liem who is ranked 49th by the world chess federation will compete against six other world-ranking masters, including world No 5, Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine who will defend his title for the fifth time. While Leinier Dominguez and Lazaro Bruzon, ranked 21 and 45 respectively will represent the hosts.

The tournament is named after Cuban former world chess champion, Jose Raul Capablanca, who triumphed in 1921.

After the Cuban competition, Liem will fly to France to don the Evry Grand Roque club jersey under a short term contract. Liem is the first Vietnamese master to sign a contract with a foreign club.


Thai coach Chalermsan resigns


Thai coach Dusit Chalermsan sent his letter of resignation to the Central Highlands' Hoang Anh Gia Lai management board on Saturday after a string of poor results.

Chairman Doan Nguyen Duc accepted his decision and promoted coach Huynh Van Anh to the vacant position a day later.

Chalermsan replaced his country fellow Kiatisuk Senamuang last August and received great support from managers and players. However he failed to stop the declining on-the-field performances. Chalermsan asked to resign two week ago but was persuaded to continue his job.

New coach Anh and his team travelled to HCM City to prepare for their V-League fixture on May 15.

HAGL currently sit 11th in the 14-team table with 15 points.


Chinh returns to coach Becamex


Technical director Dang Tran Chinh of Becamex Binh Duong was given the role of head coach on Monday.

Chinh replaced Portuguese Ricardo Formosinho who resigned a day after Binh Duong's 2-1 away defeat to Hoa Phat Ha Noi on Sunday at Hang Day Stadium.

Formosinho who used to be assistant to Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho said he had been worn out by the team's disappointing results which had seen the club go seven games without a win. Twice V-League champions Binh Duong had fallen to ninth place with 15 points, 14 points less than the leaders, Song Lam Nghe An.

Chinh's return came as something of a surprise as he had earlier resigned from the post after 10 matches last season, citing erratic team performances for his decision.


VietNamNet/Viet Nam News