2 Vietnamese Xiangqi players defeat Chinese masters at 'soundproof' tournament

The event, known as the Au Si Lai Cup, is a Vietnam-China international friendly Xiangqi tournament held in Wenzhou, China. 

Vietnam is represented by two leading players, Nguyen Minh Nhat Quang and Vu Quoc Dat, who were invited to compete.

Both players are among Vietnam’s top Xiangqi talents and have been awarded the title of International Master. 

Nhat Quang, in particular, is a familiar face at major Xiangqi tournaments in China. He recently made an impressive run to the round of 16 at the Qicheng Cup, before being eliminated in the qualifying round of the Shanghai Cup.

At the tournament, Nhat Quang and Quoc Dat face Chinese players Zhang Hui, known as the 'Wenzhou Xiangqi King,' and Shen Enxuan, another well-known player.

What makes the tournament unusual is its lively playing environment. 

While the matches are underway, cheerleading teams perform around the playing area, while fans freely discuss and exchange opinions. 

To help the players stay focused amid the noise, the organizers provide them with noise-canceling headphones throughout the games.

Such a format is rare in a mind sport traditionally associated with silence and a solemn atmosphere. To help them stay focused, the players are equipped with noise-canceling headphones during the matches.

The Au Si Lai Cup therefore introduces a distinctive new approach to Xiangqi, allowing spectators to become more engaged with the games rather than simply watching in silence. 

The format could potentially become a new trend in high-level Xiangqi, adding more entertainment value to the mind sport.

At this year's tournament, the Vietnamese team delivered an impressive performance, defeating their Chinese opponents 17-6. The result highlighted the excellent form of Nguyen Minh Nhat Quang and Vu Quoc Dat.