Vietnam Wins Gold in Asian Indoor Games Blitz Print
Saturday, 31 October 2009 23:31
aig3mascotThe Vietnam chess team beat China to win the gold medal in the 3rd Asian Indoor Games Blitz Team Competition, 1st November in Halongbay, Vietnam.

The chess competition of the 3rd Asian Indoor Games of the Olympic Council of Asia reeled off 31st October in Halong Bay, Vietnam with 19 countries competing in four events. Blitz Mixed Team, Rapid Men's Individual, Rapid Women's Individual and Rapid Mixed Team Championship are slated for four gold medals in the multi-sport meet.

China, Vietnam, India and Iran qualified for the Semifinals. See results of the Blitz Team Preliminary in chess-results.com. Visit the Olympic Council of Asia and the VAIGOC official web site. China beat Iran in an exciting sudden death playoff match by 2:1. After a draw in the first round, Vietnam beat India 2-1/2 to 1-1/2 in the Semifinals. In the Finals, Vietnam beat China in the first round and drew the second round to grab the gold.

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With a jubilant Vietnam team at the winner's podium are, from left, Vietnam Chess Federation vice president Dang Tat Thang, FIDE General Secretary Ignatius Leong, Ha Quang Long, Director of Culture, Sport and Tourism Department of Quang Ninh Province, Asian Chess Federation Deputy President and Chief Arbiter Casto Abundo and ACF Treasurer Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh.

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FIDE Secretary General Ignatius Leong (right foreground) and Asian Chess Federation Secretary General Hisham Al Taher (center) welcome heads of 19 countries at the opening ceremonies.

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A panoramic view of the playing hall.