Vietnamese swimmers Hoang Quy Phuoc, Pham Thanh Nguyen, Nguyen Thi Anh Vien and Nguyen Thi Kim Tuyen will be sent on a training course under the guidance of Spanish coach Sergio Lopez in 2012 at the Bolles School in the US.

Phuoc exceeds the B standard for the Olympics and is expected to qualify for the London Games next year, while the others are looking for an opportunity to compete at the event.

They will take part in tournaments during their time in the US to try and earn enough points to be awarded berths.

Nhat hits 11-under to win Singha Classic

Tran Le Duy Nhat shot a 11-under-par 277 to win the Singha Classic in Thailand on Sunday. Host players Wisut Artjanawat and Prayad Marksaeng shared second place with scores of 10-under-par 278.

The 22-year-old is Viet Nam's top golfer and has represented the national team. Nhat won the 2008 National Golf Championship and was ranked 51st on the Asian Tour in 2010.

The annual tournament attracted leading players such as the 2010 Mercedes Tour champion Namchok Tantipokhakul and Marksaeng who used to be ranked in the top 100 players in the world.

Chess players lose to Armenia at world teams

Viet Nam were defeated by Armenia in the eighth round of the women's World Team Chess Championship in Turkey on Monday.

Nguyen Thi Mai Hung beat Kursova Maria but Pham Le Thao Nguyen and Hoang Thi Bao Tram both lost to Danielian Elina and Mkrtchyan Lilit. Hoang Thi Nhu Y managed a draw against Aginian Nelly. In the ninth round, they face Ukraine who earlier inflicted China's first defeat of the tournament. — VNS