Grandmaster Le Quang Liem achieved a perfect start with a victory over Eduardo Rojas Sepulveda of Chile at the Millionaire Chess tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada yesterday.

The Vietnamese, who ranks third in the Open category, had no difficulty beating Sepulveda, ranked 67th, after 32 moves.

Top seed Wesley So of the Philippines and second-seeded Bu Xiangzhi of China also scored easy wins.

Liem will play against Wan Yungui of China while So will go up against Alexandra Ivanov of the United States and Bu will try out host master Chandra Akshatin in the second round early this morning.

More than 500 masters are competing in six categories ranging from U14 to U22, as well as the Open, for a total prize of US$1 million for six categories. The final rounds will be held next Monday. — VNS