Le Quang Liem. — File Photo

HCM CITY (VNS) — Defending champion Le Quang Liem gained momentum yesterday at the International HDBank Chess Tournament, after his second victory in HCM City.

Grandmaster Liem, the world No 38 and tournament's top seed, defeated teammate Duong The Anh, accumulating two points after two matches.

Zhang Zhong and Liu Xiangyi of Singapore, Lu Shanglei of China, Nguyen Duc Hoa of Viet Nam and Kashlinskaya Alina shared the top place with Liem.

Liem will face Yap Kim Steven of the Philippines in the next round. — VNS