HCM City's 11-year-old Nguyen Anh Khoi beat seniors on the way to a silver medal at this year's national chess championships.—Photo thethaovanhoa

HA NOI (VNS)–Nguyen Anh Khoi continued to confound experts with his chess prowess, winning silver at the National All-star Chess Tournament which concluded yesterday in HCM City.

Khoi, who is just 11, won four and drew three matches, scoring six points, 0.5 less than the champion Dao Thien Hai.

Nguyen Thi Thanh An of HCM City took the women's title with seven points after nine rounds.

Already hailed as a prodigy, Khoai defeated Asian blitz chess silver medallist Nguyen Van Huy of Ha Noi and senior Vo Thanh Ninh from Kien Giang in the last two rounds.

"What he has done is unique. Not many players at his age can do that. His family and I were only hoping he could enter the top 10. However he has surprised everybody," said coach Lam Minh Chau.

It is the first time the under-10 world champion had taken part in the annual tournament and he also made history as the youngest chess master to end up in the top three at a national event.

Khoi will be one of Viet Nam's representatives at the coming World Youth Chess Championships in the United Arab Emirates next month.

Last year Khoi took the U10 title. This year he will compete in the U12 category.—VNS