HÀ NỘI — Lại Lý Huynh lost his only match in the National Chinese Chess Team Championships’ blitz event, but it did not stop him from retaining the men’s title in Đà Nẵng City yesterday.

Huynh from Bình Duơng lost to Vũ Hữu Cường of Hà Nội in the ninth match. However, with 7.5 points, he successfully defended his title.

Nguyễn Minh Nhật Quang of HCM City finished second with the same points but lower parameter.

A win over the tournament’s leading athlete pushed Cường to No 3 with seven points.

In the women’s category, Ngô Lan Hương of HCM City secured the title with 7.5 points. She was followed by teammate Đàm Thị Thùy Dung (7 points) and Hồ Thị Thanh Hồng of Bình Dương (6.5 points).

In the mixed doubles, Hà Nội and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu shared the top position with Bình Định standing third.

Earlier on Saturday, Võ Minh Nhật stole the show to win the men’s standard title with 7.5 points.

He rallied to push Huynh, who led the tournament from the first to the eighth round, to the second spot with seven points. Quang bagged his second medal, a bronze, with seven points.

Nguyễn Hoàng Yến of HCM City had no worthy rival. She triumphed with seven wins and two draws, earning eight points, in the women’s category.

Đàm Thị Thùy Dung, also from HCM City, replaced her teammate Trần Huỳnh Thiên Kim in the second position with seven points. Kim was third with 6.5 points.

In the mixed doubles, Bình Định secured a gold medal. HCM City took a silver and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu bagged a bronze.

The championships will continue today with the rapid event. — VNS