Despite possessing the stronger team,Viet Nam could only manage a 2-2 draw with the Philippines in the 10th round of the Olympiad Istanbul Open chess tournament on Saturday.

However, the team, which consists of Le Quang Liem, Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, Nguyen Van Huy and Nguyen Duc Hoa, has moved up one place in the rankings, sitting in 15th position having gained 14 points.

Viet Nam will now play 10th-placed Uzbekistan while the Philippines, currently raanked 11th, will compete against Romania.

Meanwhile, Viet Nam's female counterparts, who lost 1.5-2.5 to powerhouse Georgia, will square off against hosts Turkey in the final round.-VNS