China's Premier Chess Tournament Suffers Shock Cancellation After 'Ignoring' Lại Lý Huynh

The Chinese Xiangqi (Chinese chess) community is reeling from an unprecedented event: the cancellation of the prestigious Sichuan Grand Bamboo Cup. Tuổi Trẻ reports on this shocking development, which saw the tournament, set to feature many of China's top players, called off just days before its finals due to a lack of participants in the qualifying rounds. This situation is particularly baffling given the tournament's B1 ranking by the Chinese Xiangqi Association and a substantial prize pool.

While international coverage might focus on the logistical failure, from a Vietnamese perspective, this event raises questions about the health and structure of professional Xiangqi within China itself. The article highlights that many fans believed Vietnamese star Lại Lý Huynh, along with other strong overseas players, should have received direct invitations to the finals, a point of contention that was ultimately not resolved in his favor. The fact that the organizers opted for a local player from Sichuan for a direct spot, while Huynh was relegated to the qualifiers, adds another layer to the story.

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A real shock, how can we believe this is a tournament that brings together Mạnh Thần, Mạnh Phồn Duệ, Vương Vũ Bác, Doãn Thăng?

The core issue appears to be the tournament's format. As one commentator on Baijiahao noted, the path to the finals was arduous, requiring an average of eight players to compete for a single spot, coupled with an entry fee. This likely made the endeavor seem not worthwhile for many, especially when compared to other prestigious tournaments like the Ngũ Dương Bôi, which offers both significant rewards and a long-standing reputation. The cancellation of a major tournament, despite attracting top talent, serves as a stark warning about the importance of accessible and appealing tournament structures in maintaining the vibrancy of professional sports.

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The prize money is large, but it is too difficult to win a ticket to the finals. On average, 8 players have to compete against each other to win a ticket to the finals. And participants also have to pay a fee, perhaps they feel it is not worth wasting time for such a small chance of winning.