Defeating the American player, Le Quang Liem has a wide open door to the 4th round of the Chess World Cup

Le Quang Liem plays explosively

Le Quang Liem (elo 2,729) is the 13th seed of the 2025 Chess World Cup while Jeffery Xiong (elo 2,648) is a 25-year-old American chess talent who was awarded the Grandmaster title at the age of 14. The previous intense encounters also made the rematch between Le Quang Liem and Jeffery Xiong attract attention.

Le Quang Liem (right) in his winning game against Jeffery Xiong in the first leg of round 3 of the 2025 Chess World Cup taking place today.

PHOTO: FIDE

Le Quang Liem was at a disadvantage in the first leg of round 3 when he held the black pieces (going later). Vietnam's No. 1 chess player deployed a tight chess game, waiting for his opponent to make a mistake before attacking. Le Quang Liem's precise moves and his quick initiative helped the Ho Chi Minh City player put time pressure on his opponent.

American chess player Jeffery Xiong missed a move in the middle game, which was immediately recognized and effectively exploited by Le Quang Liem. With only one pawn advantage, Le Quang Liem launched a strong attack, forcing Jeffery Xiong to try his best to defend but was unable to neutralize him.

Jeffery Xiong lost to Le Quang Liem in the first round of the 3rd round of the World Chess Cup

PHOTO: FIDE

After 53 moves of wits, Jeffery Xiong had to accept defeat against Le Quang Liem. This victory gives Le Quang Liem a huge advantage because if he only draws with his opponent in the return match tomorrow, he will win the overall match and a ticket to round 4 of the 2025 Chess World Cup.

Le Quang Liem has an additional advantage in the return leg when he holds the white pieces (goes first). However, Vietnam's number 1 chess player must also concentrate highly on this match because Jeffery Xiong will put all his efforts into finding victory in order to bring the match to a rapid and blitz tie-break.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/danh-bai-ky-thu-my-le-quang-liem-rong-cua-vao-vong-4-world-cup-co-vua-185251107205319651.htm