More than a month earlier, Trinh Vu Dong caused a stir when he defeated Lai Ly Huynh in the final of Ngu Duong Boi 2026 to win convincingly. This title helped the player born in 2000 rise to 3rd place in the national ranking announced by the Chinese Chess Association.
In April, the top chess players continued to gather at the Ho Lam Duc Boi tournament held in Ich Duong (Hu Nam). After the group stage, 4 chess players entered the semi-finals including Trinh Vu Dong, Doan Thang, Manh Than and Trieu Phan Vi.
In the semi-finals, Trinh Vu Dong defeated 2023 world champion Manh Than to win the right to the final. Meanwhile, Doan Thang surpassed Trieu Phan Vi to participate in the final match.
The final match taking place on the evening of April 19 was considered a remarkable showdown between two typical representatives of the young generation of Chinese chess players. Previously, at Ngu Duong Boi 2026, Trinh Vu Dong once defeated Doan Thang in the semi-finals.
However, in this rematch, Doan Thang won in the rapid chess event. According to Chinese media, he deployed an effective formation when he brought two army pieces to cross the river, creating pressure, causing Trinh Vu Dong to make a mistake with his army and accept the overall defeat.
The championship helped Doan Thang receive a bonus of 40,000 yuan (about 140 million VND), and at the same time accumulate more important points to improve his position in the national rankings after a period of falling to 9th place.
