Quang Liem named Asia's number one blitz chess player

According to ACF President Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan, the awards are given to motivate players, trainers, arbiters, organizers, sponsors, chess journalists and chess leaders towards continuing contributions to the continent's chess community.

Liem had a spectacular 2013. He won the world blitz chess championship in Khanty Mansiysk, Russia, in June with 20.5 points, after having conquered the Asian blitz chess title in Pasay, Philippines, the previous month.

The Man of the Year Award was given to Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, whose generous donation helped build the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club. Valued at US$10 million, it is the biggest chess club in the world.

The highest-rated player in Asia, Viswanathan Anand of India, was chosen as Player of the Year in recognition of his long reign as world champion.

Hou Yifan of China was elected Female Player of the Year for retaking her title as women's world champion from the hands of Ukrainian Anna Ushenina.

Another Chinese player, Yu Yangyi, was chosen as Best Junior Player of the Year for winning the World Junior Championship and the Asian Indoor Games chess event.

Asia's first Grandmaster, Eugene Torre of the Philippines, will be given a special Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and commitment to chess, and his stellar record of participating in the World Chess Olympiad 21 times.

(Source: Nhandan Online)