In the sixth and final Group B round on the evening of February 27, Lai Ly Huynh defeated Liu Zijian with a precise and strategically dominant performance. Meanwhile, 17-year-old prodigy Liu Baihong was held to a draw by compatriot Guo Fengda, allowing the Vietnamese champion to clinch first place outright.

Against Liu Zijian, the Vietnamese player demonstrated exceptional calculation and composure. A bold tactical decision to sacrifice a Cannon in exchange for two Advisors gave him both positional superiority and a decisive time advantage. In the endgame phase, He maintained near-perfect accuracy, gradually tightening the pressure until his opponent was forced to resign.

The victory brought Lai Ly Huynh’s total to 12 points after four wins and two draws, ensuring first place in Group B. Liu Baihong finished second with 10 points, concluding a gripping head-to-head battle between the reigning world champion and the reigning Asian champion.

Earlier that day in Round 5, Lai Ly Huynh and Liu Baihong faced off in what many considered a de facto group final. Both players adopted cautious and deeply calculated approaches, aware that a single misstep could cost them a semifinal place.

Liu Baihong attempted a fresh opening setup to unsettle his opponent, but Lai Ly Huynh responded confidently. Although the former made a slight inaccuracy on move 21, the latter was unable to capitalise fully, and the game eventually transitioned into a balanced endgame where both sides agreed to a draw.

In the semifinals on February 28, Lai Ly Huynh will meet Group C winner Zhao Panwei, a seasoned veteran known for defeating many of China’s top masters. The semifinal will consist of two classical games; if tied, the match will be decided by rapid playoffs.

Founded in 1981, the Wuyang Cup is one of China’s most prestigious xiangqi tournaments. The 2026 edition features a total prize pool equivalent to roughly VND4 billion, with the champion receiving approximately VND1.1 billion.

Notably, Lai Ly Huynh was granted direct entry into the final stage, a rare honour for a foreign player, while more than 100 competitors battled through qualification to secure the remaining 15 spots. His advancement to the semifinals further underscores both his individual stature and Vietnam’s growing prominence in the international xiangqi arena.

Lai Ly Huynh leads tight race at 2026 Wuyang Cup

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s top Xiangqi (Chinese chess) player Lai Ly Huynh maintained his unbeaten run at the 2026 Wuyang Cup in Guangdong, China, moving to the top of Group B after four rounds and setting up a decisive showdown for a semifinal berth.