China, 27 September, 2025 – Vietnamese xiangqi grandmaster Lai Ly Huynh etched his name into history on September 27, 2025, when he stunned host nation China to win the men’s individual standard event at the 19th World Xiangqi Championship in Shanghai. His triumph not only secured Vietnam’s first-ever world title in this category but also ended China’s remarkable 18-tournament winning streak since the championship was first held in 1990.
Vietnam entered the competition with high hopes, fielding its strongest players including Lai Ly Huynh and Nguyen Thanh Bao. Still, few dared to imagine a breakthrough in the discipline long dominated by China. Facing Doan Thang, one of China’s top representatives, Lai delivered the performance of a lifetime to achieve what generations of Vietnamese players had only dreamed of.
The final was a tense battle of nerves and precision. Drawn to play black, Lai was forced to move second and immediately absorbed pressure from Doan Thang. The Chinese master gained the upper hand in the middlegame, locking down Lai’s rook and knight while sacrificing a cannon to activate a dangerous attacking formation. With the home crowd urging him on, Doan appeared to be on the verge of extending China’s dominance.
But Lai refused to yield. Drawing on years of experience and remarkable composure, he slowly unraveled Doan’s attack, countering with accurate defensive maneuvers before shifting momentum with bold counterplay. As the game entered the endgame, Lai turned the tables, pinning Doan’s rook and knight while mounting relentless pressure on the general. The Vietnamese champion’s clinical precision forced his rival into repeated errors. Unable to find a solution, Doan eventually conceded defeat, leaving the arena in stunned silence as Vietnam celebrated a historic victory.
Vietnam head coach Diep Khai Nguyen praised his star pupil’s resilience under pressure: “Doan Thang fully utilized the advantage of moving first and had a winning position at one point. But in the heat of battle, he missed opportunities. Lai Ly Huynh remained calm, chose more accurate moves, and achieved a spectacular victory,” he explained.
For Vietnam, Lai’s victory is more than just a gold medal. It symbolizes the breaking of a seemingly unshakable monopoly and asserts the country’s growing influence on the global xiangqi stage. For nearly two decades, China’s dominance had created an aura of invincibility, but the triumph of Lai Ly Huynh proves that persistence, preparation, and belief can overturn even the longest dynasties.
As the final move was played, chants of “Vietnam champions!” erupted throughout the hall, carrying across social media and stirring national pride back home. For millions of Vietnamese fans, Lai’s world title is not only a sporting achievement but also a proud moment affirming the talent, intelligence, and determination of Vietnam on the international stage.
Hoai Phuong
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