Viet Nam have been invited to take part in the World Cities Team Championship for the Sheikh Zayed Cup in Al Ain, the United Arab Emirates from December 21-29.

Olympiad champions Armenia will lead 32 teams in the US$150,000 competition.

The UAE have received a bye to join the qualifiers as the hosts.

The tournament is being organised by the Al Ain Chess Club on behalf of the World Chess Federation, the Asian Chess Federation and the UAE Chess Federation.

Teams will be divided into eight groups of four based on their Elo ratings. The top two from each group will advance to the knock-out round.-VNS