GM Lê Quang Liêm of Việt Nam still has a chance at the FIDE World Cup after two draws in the first round. — Photo FIDE

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam's chess representative Lê Quang Liêm will take part in a play-off match after second draw at the FIDE World Cup's first round this morning in Russia.

Grandmaster Liêm tied with GM Aleksandrov Aleksej of Belarus after 36 moves.

They also drew in the first match of this round.

They will play a rapid game to identify the winner who will advance to the second round of 64 players.

Liêm's teammate Nguyễn Ngọc Trường Sơn however lost to talented Kirill Alekseenko of the hosts after 49 moves. He was eliminated but earned a bonus of US$6,000. — VNS