Vietnamese teen outshines Chinese stars at World Xiangqi Open

In xiangqi (Chinese chess), the team event usually includes an individual award called the "Shooting King," given to the player with the best individual performance.

At the World Xiangqi Open 2026, jointly organized by the World Xiangqi Federation and Singapore, the organizers awarded a separate set of medals for this category.

China had virtually secured the men's team title after defeating Vietnam in the third round.

The remaining four rounds therefore determined the individual medal standings.

China fielded a strong men's team featuring three leading players: Meng Fanrui, Liu Baihong and Ru Yichun.

Meng currently ranks No. 1 in China, while Liu is a former Asian champion.

However, all three finished behind Phan Huy Hoang, an 18-year-old Vietnamese player who emerged as a surprise contender.

Hoang drew with Liu in the match against China and won all six of his remaining games, earning 13 points.

Vietnam won the men's team silver medal, while Hoang claimed individual gold and Nguyen Minh Nhat Quang took individual bronze.

The women's team event produced a similar result.

Vietnam finished second behind China, winning team silver with 12 points.

Vietnamese player Dam Thi Thuy Dung also claimed individual bronze.

In the U18 category, Vu Xuan Bach finished fifth, while Vietnamese players in the U16 and younger categories achieved strong results.

Hoang Nhat Minh Huy, Do Pham Nhat Minh and Do Manh Thang won silver in the boys' U16 team event, with China taking gold.

In the girls' U16 team event, Do Nguyen Minh Hang, Vu Nha Uyen and Do Nguyen Lan Anh won bronze.

Vietnam also remained in contention for silver in the U16 mixed team event.

In the U12 category, Le Pha won individual bronze in the boys' event.

He is considered a promising young player in Vietnam's junior Chinese chess scene.

3 separate tournaments in Singapore

The World Xiangqi Federation is organizing three separate tournaments at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre from Tuesday to Sunday.

The fifth World Xiangqi Open took place from Tuesday to Friday, featuring men's and women's team events and an individual U18 event.

The sixth World Youth Xiangqi Championship was held over the same period, featuring boys' and girls' competitions in the U12 and U16 categories.

The fourth World Xiangqi Rapid Championship is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Vietnamese player Lai Ly Huynh will compete in the rapid championship, with his first game scheduled for 8:30 am on Saturday, Vietnam time.

Each player will have 10 minutes, with an additional five seconds after every move.