Despite having the same point but a difference on the auxiliary index, Yi temporarily took the lead in this division, followed by Liem and Xiangzhi.
Additionally, Vietnamese players Tran Tuan Minh defeated Kathmale Sameer of India, Le Tuan Minh defeated Le Thanh Tu and Nguyen Anh Khoi won over Tran Ngoc Lan.
Vietnamese player Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son withdrew from the competition due to sickness.
In the Challengers category, Duong Thuong Cong of Vietnam temporarily topped the rankings after defeating teammate Vu Ba Khoi.
The event, which will offer a largest-ever bonus of US$45,000, will take place on March 12-17 in Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of 230 players from 24 countries and territories.
