Le Quang Liem’s undefeated streak ended on Wednesday after he lost to world No 41 Vidit Santosh Gujrathi in the second round’s first match of the Chess World Cup in Georgia.

Le Quang Liem (right) plays against Vidit Santosh Gujrathi in the second round’s first match of the Chess World Cup in Georgia. 

Liem , world No 26, recently enjoyed 59 consecutive wins or draws since the Chess Olympiad last year.

However, the Vietnamese Grandmaster failed to maintain his performance although he had the advantage with the white pieces.

The former world blitz chess champion has the opportunity to play on in the tournament if he beats Gujrathi in the second match tonight to level the score, forcing the two sides into a tie-break.

The Chess World Cup is the largest tournament with the participation of 128 masters who compete in seven rounds, 14 matches, until September 27.

A purse of US$1.6 million is available for the athletes. The winner will walk away with $120.000. Liêm has until now won $6,000 for reaching the second round. 

VNS