Minh, with an Elo rating of 2564, played with the white pieces and won the game after 31 moves, defeating Panjwani, who holds an Elo rating of 2460.

Minh has been the standout performer for Vietnam’s men's chess team throughout the tournament. With seven wins and four draws across 11 rounds, he accumulated 11 points, securing his bronze medal on board three in the open section.

The 2024 Chess Olympiad not only awards team medals but also individual medals to the top-performing players across five boards.

Le Tuan Minh’s consistent results ensured his spot on the podium, making him one of the top players of the tournament.

In the final match of the Olympiad, Vietnam’s men’s chess team faced the 50th-seeded Canada. While Le Tuan Minh triumphed on board three, the team ended the match with a 2-2 draw.

Notably, Le Quang Liem, Vietnam’s top player, did not participate in the final round, and his place was taken by 15-year-old rising star Banh Gia Huy, who delivered an impressive draw against the in-form Razvan Preotu.

Elsewhere, Tran Tuan Minh suffered a defeat to Shiyam Thavandiran, while Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son secured a draw against Shawn Rodrigue Lemieux. As a result, the Vietnamese men’s team finished the tournament in 22nd place overall.

Vietnam’s women’s chess team also finished in 22nd place after a tough final round against the third-seeded China. The team was unable to overcome their highly ranked opponents, losing 0.5-3.5.

Despite their best efforts, the women’s team could not produce an upset in the final rounds of the competition.

Dai Nam