International Grand Master (IGM) Le Quang Liem has agreed to take part in the 2012 London Olympics torch procession in Manchester this June, Liem's father Le Quynh confirmed on Jan. 3.
Liem, 21, and Miss Vietnam World Ngo Phuong Lan will represent Vietnam along with 100 other participants from across the world during the 70-day procession, which will wind its way across England before returning to London.
"Liem was invited to participate in the torch procession by the London Olympics Committee. It's an honour for Liem and the country," said Quynh.
He added that chess will not be included in the London Olympics, but the organising committee has selected him as a representative of Vietnam.
The HCM City-born player had a successful year, becoming the first player to win the Aeroflot Open twice in a row, which earned him an elo rate of 2,689 in the March World Chess Federation rankings and a place in the world top 50.
He was also the first Vietnamese chess player to compete in the German Chess League, China's Chess League Division A and the French Chess League Top 16 last year.
Two years ago, Liem won a silver medal at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
Vietnamese gymnast Phan Thi Ha Thanh is the first Vietnamese athlete to secure an official berth for the London Games./.
Liem, 21, and Miss Vietnam World Ngo Phuong Lan will represent Vietnam along with 100 other participants from across the world during the 70-day procession, which will wind its way across England before returning to London.
"Liem was invited to participate in the torch procession by the London Olympics Committee. It's an honour for Liem and the country," said Quynh.
He added that chess will not be included in the London Olympics, but the organising committee has selected him as a representative of Vietnam.
The HCM City-born player had a successful year, becoming the first player to win the Aeroflot Open twice in a row, which earned him an elo rate of 2,689 in the March World Chess Federation rankings and a place in the world top 50.
He was also the first Vietnamese chess player to compete in the German Chess League, China's Chess League Division A and the French Chess League Top 16 last year.
Two years ago, Liem won a silver medal at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
Vietnamese gymnast Phan Thi Ha Thanh is the first Vietnamese athlete to secure an official berth for the London Games./.
