Vietnamese grandmaster claims double gold at Southeast Asian chess championships

Bao Tram secured her double gold victory on the final day of the event on Monday. After claiming the blitz title with eight points from nine rounds at noon, she carried her momentum into the afternoon session to dominate the rapid division.

Her only defeat in the blitz event came against Shania Mae Mendoza, before she bounced back with five consecutive victories to claim the gold medal.

Unlike the classical and blitz competitions, the rapid event consisted of just seven rounds, with points determining the final standings.

The condensed schedule added to the pressure, leaving little room for mistakes in the race for the title.

Bao Tram rose to the challenge, remaining unbeaten with six wins and one draw to score 6.5 points and secure Vietnam's second gold medal of the day.

Her decisive victory came in the final round, when she defeated Grandmaster Altan-Ulzii Enkhtuul to finish atop the women's standings.

Also in the women's division, Grandmaster Nguyen Thi Mai Hung and Nguyen Hong Anh delivered consistent performances. Both scored 5.5 points from seven rounds, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.

The men's competition proved more challenging. Grandmaster Nguyen Duc Hoa and young talent Pham Tran Gia Phuc both produced notable performances, but setbacks in the fifth round derailed their medal hopes.

After seven rounds, Gia Phuc and Duc Hoa each scored 5.5 points, finishing seventh and eighth, respectively.