On the rise: Vietnamese GM Le Quang Liem

Top Vietnamese Grandmaster (GM) Le Quang Liem won the third round match of this year Spice Cup Chess Tournament in the US.

Liem, the tournament favourite, yesterday defeated American GM Aleksandr Lenderman, who won the title at the World Under-16 Championships in 2005.

The world No 34 got off to a good start with victories in his two first matches on Wednesday.

Earlier in the week, Liem recorded wins over Akshat Chandra and Kayden Troff.

His next game is against GM Alexander Shabalov, another American.

Liem was crowned champion at the 2011 Spice Cup and claimed the second spot at the tournament last year.

This year's Spice Cup boasts total prize money of US$11,000, including $4,000 for the champion. — VNS