VietNamNet Bridge – Le Quang Liem and Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son flew to Norway on August 9, representing Vietnam at the 2013 Chess World Cup.

The World Cup follows a run of prestigious tournaments where the Vietnamese players enjoyed considerable success. Both Liem and Son showed good form at the last World Blitz Chess and Rapid Chess Championships, with Liem finishing fourth in Rapid Chess and triumphing in the Blitz division.

The short break between the last two major tournaments prevented the Vietnamese players from preparing with any renowned international coaches. They were forced to undertake their research and strategising independently.

The players will attend a technical meeting with the tournament’s organising board on August 10 and officially begin compete the next day.

Le Quang Liem is seeded 29th among the World Cup’s 128 competitors. He will face the Philippines’ Oliver Barbosa, seeded100th, in the first round.

If Liem can win, his next match will be against the victor of the first round showdown between Argentina’s Diego Flores and Spain’s Vallejo Pons (Spain).

Advancing further could involve a match-up against Liem’s fierce Russian rival Alexandr Grischuk. Liem defeated Grischuk at the recent 2013 World Blitz and Rapid Championships.  

Meanwhile, Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, seeded 85th, will face the 44th-ranked Russian Vladimir Akopian in his first round match.

The 2013 Chess World Cup will last through to September 5.

Source: VOV