Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Phan Ngoc Tho (left) presents commemorative flag and flowers for Deputy Chairman of Vietnam Chinese Chess Federation

The competition gathers nearly 300 athletes from 11 provinces and departments from all over the nation. At the tournament, the chess players compete in the following contents: fast chess, blitz, traditional chess and standard chess for athletes between the ages of 7 and 20 years.

At the tournament, there are 27 athletes from Thua Thien Hue competing with the target of 1 gold medal. Because the athletes have to confront with strongest units of the country including Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh city, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh, Da Nang, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, etc., so the target of the host is considered reasonable.

Thua Thien Hue chess team (left) confronts with many strong opponents at this tournament

Mr. Luu Duc Hai, Deputy Chairman of Vietnam Chinese Chess Federation evaluated, “Although this is the first time Hue hosted, I strongly believe the tournament will succeed because Hue has experience in holding regional and world level chess tournaments. Furthermore, with the number of athletes being larger and more skillful than the previous year, the chess-loving people will have a chance to watch many attractive thorny matches.

The tournament will end on August 15.

Story, photos: Han Dang