Chinese media explains why Lai Ly Huynh received a special exemption in the super chess tournament.

Controversy arose when the Wuyang Cup – the world's premier chess tournament – ​​granted Lai Ly Huynh a special exemption, giving him a direct ticket to the final round, while many Chinese champions were eliminated.

Lai Ly Huynh is currently highly sought after by the Chinese chess community - Archival photo.

In the world of Chinese chess, the Wuyang Cup is known as the "tournament of chess kings," established as a platform for showcasing the skills of champions from generations across the country.

In its 32nd edition, the Wuyang Cup significantly expanded its scale, with a total prize pool exceeding 1.1 million yuan (over 4 billion VND). The tournament was divided into two stages: the qualifying round at the end of January, and the final round – featuring the 16 strongest players – at the end of February.

A heated debate erupted after the qualifying round concluded, with a number of strong Chinese players being eliminated.

Among them, the most prominent are Meng Chen - the 2023 world champion, and Cao Yanlei - the reigning champion of the Wuyang Cup.

Many Chinese chess fans are upset, arguing that the organizers in their country "made things difficult for themselves" by granting a wildcard entry to Lai Ly Huynh - a famous Vietnamese chess player - while the local champions had to "struggle" through the qualifying rounds.

For several days now, Chinese media has been continuously publishing articles promoting its super chess tournament. Among these articles, the reason why Lai Li Huynh was given special consideration in the Wuyang Cup has also been analyzed.

China's QQ News website explains: "In this edition, the Wuyang Cup has expanded its scope to the international arena, aiming to transform the tournament into a festival not only for Chinese people."

"This year's tournament is particularly special because it will feature the Guangzhou Festival: Exploring Cultural Heritage. The presence of powerful players from abroad, such as Lai Ly Huynh, will be very significant."

Besides Lai Ly Huynh from Vietnam, this year's Ngu Duong Cup also awarded an extra spot to Hong Kong, by organizing a separate tournament for Hong Kong players to compete for a place in the final round. Ultimately, Phung Gia Tuan emerged victorious.

Besides its international significance, the Five Yang Cup also awarded a spot to Lai Ly Huynh because of his status as world champion.

"For decades, the Wuyang Cup has been known as the sacred ground of chess kings. And the truth that the Chinese chess community must accept is that the current world champion is Lai Li-Huynh. He needs to be in the finals," a Weibo post stated.

Another article on 163 points out: "Chinese fans should be pleased with the presence of Lai Ly Huynh. He is a target for our country's players."

Considered a "super tournament" holding the top position in Chinese chess, the Wuyang Cup boasts a total prize pool of over 1.1 million yuan (over 4 billion VND), the highest ever.

The champion will receive 300,000 yuan (over 1 billion VND), and simply reaching the final round already guarantees a minimum prize of 12,500 yuan (47 million VND).

The qualifying rounds of the tournament took place from January 29 to 31, while the finals were held from February 25 to March 1 in Guangzhou.

Besides Lai Ly Huynh from Vietnam, the other 15 players participating in the tournament are Doan Thang, Manh Phan Due, Vuong Vu Bac, Tran Hoang Thinh, Ngo Nguy, Trieu Phan Vi, Vuong Hao, Luu Tu Kien, Trinh Vu Dong, Luu Ba Hoang, Tuc Thieu Phong, Quach Phung Dat, Phung Gia Tuan, along with 2 female players, Duong Dan and Duong Tu Nam.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bao-trung-quoc-ly-giai-vi-sao-sieu-giai-co-tuong-dac-cach-cho-lai-ly-huynh-20260215174623301.htm