Vietnam’s Phan Huy Hoang wins individual gold at World Xiangqi Open
The 18-year-old scored 13 points, finishing ahead of three leading Chinese players, while Vietnam took silver in both senior team events.
Phan Huy Hoang, 18, of Vietnam claimed individual gold at the World Xiangqi Open 2026 in Singapore, recording six wins and a draw for 13 points. Vietnam also collected silver in the men’s team competition.
Hoang’s draw came against former Asian champion Liu Baihong during Vietnam’s encounter with China. He finished above all three Chinese team members: Liu, China’s top-ranked player Meng Fanrui and Ru Yichun. Fellow Vietnamese player Nguyen Minh Nhat Quang earned individual bronze.
The organisers provided separate medals for the team competition’s individual performance award, known as the “Shooting King”. China had all but clinched the men’s team title by beating Vietnam in round three, leaving four rounds to settle the individual medals.
Vietnam’s women scored 12 points to secure team silver behind China, with Dam Thi Thuy Dung adding an individual bronze. In the U18 competition, Vu Xuan Bach placed fifth.
Vietnam earned boys’ U16 team silver through Hoang Nhat Minh Huy, Do Pham Nhat Minh and Do Manh Thang, behind China. Do Nguyen Minh Hang, Vu Nha Uyen and Do Nguyen Lan Anh collected girls’ U16 team bronze. Vietnam was also still in contention for U16 mixed team silver, while Le Pha won boys’ U12 individual bronze.
The World Xiangqi Federation’s programme at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre comprises three tournaments: the fifth World Xiangqi Open, the sixth World Youth Xiangqi Championship and the fourth World Xiangqi Rapid Championship. Vietnam’s Lai Ly Huynh is due to play in the rapid event, where each player receives 10 minutes plus five seconds per move.
