HA NOI  (VNS) — Li Chao of China defeated his biggest rival L Quang Lim yesterday to lead the fifth HDBank Cup International Open Chess tournament.

No 1 seed Li yesterday beat the second seed after 52 moves to bag 5.5 points.

His first defeat pushed Lim down from the top position to the third with 4.5 points.

His teammate Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, the defending champion, jumped to second place after beating compatriot Nguyen Duc Hia in a sixth-round match.

He has five points and will play Li today. Lim will meet Dimakiling Oliver of the Philippines. — VNS