Chess grandmaster Le Quang Liem temporarily took the lead yesterday at the annual SPICE Cup Open in the highest rated international invitational tournament in the US. — Photo vnexpress.net

HA NOI (VNS) — Chess grandmaster Le Quang Liem temporarily took the lead yesterday at the annual SPICE Cup Open in the highest rated international invitational tournament in the US.

On Wednesday, Liem drew against US rival Aleksandr Shimanov, who entered the match in first place. But now, after yesterday's defeat of American Samuel Sevian in the eighth match, he overtook Shimanov who only managed a tie against his teammate Ray.

Former world blitz champion Liem entered the ninth round today with 6.5 points after three draws and five wins; Shimanov follows with six points.

Liem, ELo-rated 2697, will face Illya Nyzhnyk of Ukraine (Elo 2628) in the final match.

The HCM City-born player needs to beat Nyzhnyk to clinch a win at the US$15,000 tournament.

Liem won the SPICE Cup in 2011 and was the runner-up in 2012. At the Millionaire Chess Tournament, which wrapped up on October 13 in Las Vegas, he came in second and was awarded US$50,000. — VNS