Lê Quang Liêm is a Vietnamese chess grandmaster, born on March 13, 1991, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
He is the highest-rated chess player in Vietnam and has achieved numerous accolades in the world of chess. Notably, he was awarded the title of Grandmaster by FIDE in 2006 and won the World Blitz Chess Championship in 2013.
He has also won the Asian Chess Championship in 2019 and has been the top-ranked player in Vietnam for several years. Liêm graduated summa cum laude from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, US, with degrees in finance and management.
He played Board 1 for the national championship chess team at Webster University, winning the President’s Cup all four years as a student from 2014 through 2017.
Additionally, he has won several open tournaments globally, including the Aeroflot Open, HD Bank Open, SPICE Cup, Kolkata Open, and the World Youth Under 14 Chess Championship. In 2023, he defended his title at the Biel Grandmaster Triathlon.
Accomplishments
World Champion
Lê Quang Liêm has achieved the following accomplishments in his chess career:
- Became the first Vietnamese player to win the World Cup in 2010, defeating Magnus Carlsen in the semifinals.
- Repeated this victory in 2013, beating Hikaru Nakamura in the semifinals.
- Won the World Blitz Chess Championship in 2013.
- Defended his title at the Biel Grandmaster Triathlon in 2023.
Asian Champion
In 2019, Lê Quang Liêm won the Asian Chess Championship, making him the most successful Vietnamese player at this event.
Other Tournament Wins
Throughout his career, Lê Quang Liêm has won numerous open tournaments, including:
- The Aeroflot Open.
- The HD Bank Open.
- The SPICE Cup.
- The Kolkata Open.
- The World Youth Under 14 Chess Championship.
Student Success
Lê Quang Liêm’s achievements extend beyond his professional chess career. As a student at Webster University, he:
- Graduated summa cum laude with degrees in finance and management.
- Played on the national championship chess team, winning the President’s Cup all four years (2014-2017) as a student.
Style and Influences
Lê Quang Liêm is known for his aggressive style, which has earned him the nickname “The Tiger of HCM”. His favorite opening is the Ruy-Lopez, and his favorite ending is the pawn and knight ending. He has been influenced by many great players, including his father, Lê Thanh Liem, who introduced him to chess at the age of seven.
Personal Life
Lê Quang Liêm was born on March 13, 1991, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. His father, Lê Thanh Liem, was a former Vietnamese champion and introduced him to chess at the age of seven. Liêm has two sisters, Lê Thu Hang and Lê Thu Do, and a brother, Lê Quang Duy, who is also a chess player. In his free time, Lê Quang Liêm enjoys playing soccer and watching action movies.
Conclusion
Lê Quang Liêm is a highly accomplished chess player who has made significant contributions to the world of chess.
With numerous titles and accomplishments, he has solidified his status as the best Vietnamese chess player and has represented Vietnam in numerous international competitions. Lê Quang Liêm’s success in both professional and student life showcases his dedication and talent in the game of chess.
