On December 28, 2010, at HDBank, the Vietnam Chess Federation and HDBank jointly organized the HDBank International Chess Tournament Press Conference and invited GM Le Quang Liem to play a 20-board simultaneous exhibition.

Attending the ceremony, there were the representatitives of the Chess Federation: Mr. Dang Tat Thang - Vice Chairman and General Secretary of Vietnam Chess Federation, Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Trung - Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Chess Federation, and Sponsor representative: Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao - HDBank Permanent Vice Chairwoman, Mr. Nguyen Huu Dang - HDBank Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Le Hong Son - Deputy CEO of HDBank.

The International Chess Tournament organized by the Vietnam Chess Federation is an annual tournament that gathers the best players of many countries, which also encourages the spirit of domestic players, facilitating competition with international players, contributing to fostering talents, developing the Chess movement. From 2011, the tournament will receive the companion of HDBank and the official name is "HDBank International Chess Tournament". Besides, the prize also received the sponsorship of units such as Saigon Tourist, Rex Hotel and Phuong Trang Company. Especially the companion of media agencies such as Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV), Thanh Nien newspaper, Sai Gon Tiep Thi newspaper, Sports & Cultural newspaper, Banking Times, Magazines Vietnamese American, Vnexpress electronic newspaper ...

This is also the largest international chess tournament organized by Vietnam in the competition system of the World Chess Federation (FIDE). The tournament will take place from January 4, 2011 to the end of January 9, 2011 at Rex Hotel (Ho Chi Minh City) and attract more than 80 participants. In particular, gathered more than 45 players from 15 provinces and cities of Vietnam and 35 top players from countries: India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Ukraine ... Players will participate in 9 rounds of Swiss system.

This year's tournament is considered to be a strong tournament, high professional quality, the average Elo of the players above 2258, attracting the participation of more than 13 GMs (Grandmasters), 12 IMs (International Master). Including top Vietnamese players such as: GM Le Quang Liem, GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, GM Cao Sang, GM Dao Thien Hai, GM Tu Hoang Thong ... and famous international players such as: GM Yu Yangyi (China), GM Zhao Jun (China), WGM Sukandar Irine Kharisma (Indonesia) ...

This year's prize structure also has a new breakthrough to increase the attractiveness and encourage the competition spirit among the players. The organizers will award the following prizes:

The prize for top 20 player

Women's Championship: 6 awards

Youth: 2 awards (U16 and U12)

In recent years, Vietnam chess has affirmed its positions in the regional and worldwide arenas, receiving the attention and support of leaders of agencies and fans. After 2 times of organizing the tournament, from 2011 with the companion of HDBank, the tournament will officially become a professional tournament. Along with the great strides in the quality and number of players attending, this event will contribute to fostering new factors, developing the national chess movement.

As one of the first commercial banks in the country, HDBank is making strong strides towards becoming the leading modern versatile bank in Vietnam. HDBank boasts solid financial resources, modern technologies, and a diverse range of banking, financial products and services for individual, corporate customers and investors. As the main sponsor of the tournament, HDBank wishes to contribute to developing the chess movement, promoting the intelligence and creativity of Vietnamese people, thereby contributing to the development and integration of the country.

Notwithstanding its support for customers’ business, living standards and financial conditions, HDBank is also concerned with and wants to contribute to the local growth at its locations. This is well-received and commended aspect of the Bank’s culture.

To kick off the tournament, at the Press Conference,GM Le Quang Liem played against 20 players in a "simul" game.

The competition was very interesting with the results of GM Liem won 19 and 1 draw.

The organizers have awarded the participants competitions such as:

• Winner: None
• Draw game: Nguyen Anh Khoi
• Best game: Ngo Quang Nhat
• Stylish player: Pham Tran Gia Thu
• Potential player: Nguyen Cong Tai
• Youngest player: Tran Phan Anh Khoi (6 years old)