GM Zia shares second slot in Malaysian chess meet

Bangladeshi Grand Master Ziaur Rahman shared the second slot with four other players in the IGM 3rd Dato Arthur Tan Malaysian Open Chess Championship securing six points each after the 8th round matches in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Saturday, reports UNB.

Another Bangladeshi GM Niaz Murshed earned 5 1/2 points after the 8th round.

In the 7th round matches, Ziaur Rahman beat IM Ronald Dableo of the Philippines while Niaz Murshed drew with GM Nguyen Ngoc Trong Son of Vietnam.

In the 8th round, Zia beat GM Nguyen Ngoc Trong Son of Vietnam and Niaz drew with GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam. After the 8th round matches, FM Mehdi Hasan Parag of Biman earned 4 1/2 points while his teammate IWM Rani Hamid earned 3 points.

IM Oliver Dimakiling of the Philippines topped the list securing 6 1/2 points.

Meanwhile, FM Abu Sufian Shakil became champion in the Weekly Rapid Chess Tournament with 6 points out of possible seven points at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room here Saturday.

IM Abdullah Al Rakib of Biman became runner-up while Aminul Islam Palash of Titas Club finished 3rd. Both Rakib and Palash earned 6 points each.