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New Delhi (25 March 2022) :-  Grand Master and former Commonwealth Champion M R Lalith Babu nosed ahead of the field defeating young International Master Shahil Dey in the fifth round of the 19th Delhi International open chess tournament now underway here at Tivoli Gardens. Visit delhichess.com and chess-results.com.

With his fifth victory in as many games, Lalith who is coming fresh from winning as many as four international events in different countries, maintained a clean slate at the halfway stage of this 25 Lakh prize money tournament.

Arjun Erigaisi’s winning run was halted by fellow P Iniyan (photo above) who played out a draw with pieces. Arjun now shares the second spot with Iniyan and seven others with 4.5 points apiece.  With five rounds still to come, as many as 30 players are on the toes of these nine with four points each in their kitty.

Lalith capitalized on a massive oversight by Shahil Dey. Starting out with the Larsen opening, Shahil Dey got an even middle game as Lalith Babu meticulously developed his forces. On the 24th move disaster struck Dey as he thought he was playing the winning move through a Knight sacrifice but overlooked a deft reply that turned the tables immediately. Lalith who has been in exemplary form did not give a second chance and wrapped the issue in 39 moves.

Iniyan employed a topical variation to counter Arjun’s Sicilian Sveshnikov. The middle game was interestingly poised when Iniyan parted with his queen for two rooks but his earlier sacrifice had meant that Arjun also had an extra pawn. However with a handful of extra pawns Iniyan made another sacrifice to create a brilliant fortress where Arjun’s Queen was helpless against a lone rook. The game was drawn after 41 moves.

The Online Asian Nations Cup 2022 – Under 14 has started on Torenlo, organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka on behalf of the Asian Chess Federation. Participating are 34 teams from 12 countries, namely Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Hong Kong, India, Maldives, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and UAE. The event is held according to the Swiss System for teams in 9 rounds in two categories Open and Girls. Each country is allowed to include 2 teams for each category where the host country has the right of entering three teams each. Visit chess-results.com.

India and Singapore are on top with full six points out of 3 matches in Open section while India dominates in Girls section with full 6 points out of three games. Singapore Open Team I beat Bahrain (4-0), Mongolia (3-1) and Malaysia B (4-0) while India A beat Sri Lanka (Blue), PH Knights (Philippines) (3-1)and Singapore Team( 2 ½ – 1 ½ ) to reach the top the curtail match between India A Vs Singapore 1 is held as the 1^st game tomorrow. Six Teams. India B, Philippines A, Singapore Open 2, Malaysia B, Mongolia and Thailand are in the 3^rd spot with 4 match points out of 3 rounds.

India Women A team took the sole lead after 3 round scoring full 6 match points. They beat Sri Lanka Team (Red) (3-1), Hong Kong Girls (4-0) and New Zealand Girls (4-0) to reach 6 match points. Singapore Girls Team 1 is in the 2^nd spot with 5 match points where they beat Singapore Girls 2 (3-1), India Team B (2 ½ -1 ½) and drew with Philippines Girls (2-2) to score 5 match points. Mongolia Girls, Malaysia Team A, Sri Lanka (Red) and New Zealand Girls are in the 3^rd place with 4 match points.

A small attractive opening Ceremony was held at the start of the event with the participation of Asian Chess Federation Officials. There are 3 rounds each on Saturday & Sunday starting from 11.30 a.m. Sri Lanka time.

 

15 year Old SDBK Seneviratne (above left) of Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala and Minethma Lasandi Wickramasinghe (above right) of Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara won the Sri Lanka National (Premier Division) Chess Championships 2022, Open and Girlsevents respectively. Seneviratne who was having a perfect score till 7^th round had two losses in a row at 8^th and 9^th rounds recovered well in the final round to tie with three more players for the first place and won the Championship with the better tie breaker. He beat Sand wiaru Galukagama, Daham Jayasundara, Lahiru Manuranga, Buddhika Amarasinghe, Dhanushka Bandara, Chandana Wijekoon, Isuru Alahakoon and Jenith Weerathunga while losing to Lisara Tennakoon and Nabil Nazar Mohamed to earn 8 points and the title.

Veteran, four times National Chess Champion, Isuru Alahakoon of Sri Lanka Navy also had a good performance to score 8 points and placed 2^nd according to the tie breaker. Isuru beat SMHD Sathkumara, Marlon Fernando, Malith Madusanka, S Sivathanujan, Osheen De Silva, KGSTD Kiriella and Lisara tennakoon, drew with Chandana Wijekoon and Dhanushka Bandara with only lost to the winner SDBK Senevirathne to score 8 points.

Nabil Nazar Mohamed of Gateway College beat Induwara Wijewickrama, Chamin Vithanage, OLB Yatawara, RMISA Rathnayake, Achintha Shamain Kaluarachchi, Sithija Lahiru and SDBK Senevirathne, drew with B Janukshan and Brijeash Saravanabhavan to reach 8 points and 3^rd place on the tie breaker.

Brijeash Saravanabhawan of Gateway College also made his best performance in an event so far to tie for the 1^st place but had to satisfy with the 4^th place according to the tie breaker. He beat Vinsith Perera, Ramiru Gunawardena, Yasantha Jayaweera, Kevin Ranindu Silva, NPG Sithija Lahiru, MN Abdul Basith and Elath Mathanga De Silva, drew with Lisara Tennakkon and Nabil Nazar Mohamed with only one lost to Chandana Wijekoon. All four players shared the total cash award of Rs. 140,000/- as Rs. 35,000/= per each player.

Eleven players, DBK Senevirathne, Isuru Alahakoon, Nabil Nazar Mohamed, Brijeash Saravanabhavan, Lisara Tennakoon (Dharmaraja College), Elath Mathanga De Silva, Thumula Kiriella(Maliyadeva College), NPG Sithija Lahiru, Buddhika Amarasinghe(Super Knight CC), Achinth Shamain Kaluarachchi (St. Mary’s College, Kegalle) and Dhanushka Bandara(Kandy YMCA) Got selected to play the Sri Lanka National Chess Championships 2022 – Finals with the directly qualified, regning National Chess Champion Susal De Silva of Nalanda College, over ELO 2300 players, Harshana Thilakarathne and Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage. Chandana Wijekoon of Sri Lanka Navy would be the 1^st standby player to replace if any of the 14 withdraws.

Minethma Lasandi Wickramasinghe also had 7 straight wins with Punsadi Devaraja, Hansali Thrinethsari, Pasindi Wijesuriya, Chethani Chamathka, Tharuli Ranganath, Devindya Oshini Gunawardena, Esha Pallie and Chamodya Yapabandara in the final round. She got a draw with WIM Sachini Ranasinghe in the penultimate round and lost only one game to Wishwara Mapa to score 8 ½ points and earn the ought right title with Rs. 50,000/= in cash.

Wishwara Mapa of Girls high Schools, Kandy also had an excellent performance to score 8 points out of 10 games and earn the 2^nd place with Rs. 25,000/- in cash. She beat U Vishlini, Ranumi Dange, Devindi Vithana, Javindi Akuratiya, Chanindi Mewna Attanayake, Minethma Lasandi Wickramasinghe and Desandi Dihansa Gamage, drew with Tiumi Yashora and Sanidula Dahamdi with a lost to Chethani Chamathka in the 2^nd round.

KM Dahamdi Sanudula of Musaeus College placed 3^rd with 7 ½ points out of 10 games and earn the Bronze Medal and Rs. 15,000/- in cash. She beat R Laxiha, Sumudu Wijesinghe, Nemindi Ramanayake, RGRDM Rajapakse, Chanethma Marasinghe, Janandani Abeysinghe and Esha Pallie, drew with Wishwara Mapa in the last round with two losses to Oneli Vithanawasam and Desandi Dihansa Gamage.

Thirteen players, Minetma, Mapa, Dahamdi, Desandi Dihansa Gamage (Sirimavo Bandaranaike BMV), WIM Sachini Ranasinghe(Grand Prix Chess Cliub), GPY Wijesuriya(Passed Pawn CC), Chamodya Yapabandara(Girls High School), Tiyumi Yashora(Colombo University), Esha Pallie(Visakha Vidyalaya), Janandani Abeysinghe (NSBM Green University), Oneli Vithanawasam(Lycium International School, Wattala), WMN Wijesinghe(Girls High School, Kandy) and Nemindi Linaya Ramanayake (Bandaranayake College) selected to play the Sri Lanka Women’s National Chess Championship 2022 – Finals with the reigning National Chess Champion, Niklesh Tharushi of Visakha Vidyalaya. Yasasi Geemini Abeysekara of Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara will be standby for any withdrawals.

The 3^rd Level of Sri Lanka National Chess Championships Cycle 2022(Open and Girls), the Sri Lanka National (Premier Division) CC, conducted by Chess Federation of Sri Lanka was held from 16^th to 20^th of March 2022 at Palm Beach Hotel, Mt. Lavinia with a total cash award of Rs. 230,000/=. Events are held according to the Swiss System in 10 rounds. Twenty Games of the events are live broadcasted everyday.

The Sri Lanka National/ Women’s National Chess Championships 2022 will be held in the last part of April 2022 in Colombo and details will be published soon.

 

 

Bangladesh Police became the undefeated champion in the Golden Jubilee of Independence Premier Division Chess League 2022, sponsored by Shah Cement and organised by Bangladesh Chess Federation.

Bangladesh Police clinched the premier division chess league title with 20 points out of 11 games. This is the hat trick title win of Bangladesh Police in Premier Division Chess League. Earlier, Bangladesh Police also won the title in the 2019 and 2020 Premier Division Chess League.

Bangladesh Police team participated in the Premier Division Chess League this time represented by Captain-Dr. Shoaib Riaz Alam, Players-Indian National Champion GM Erigasi Arjun Indian National Runner-up GM D, Gukesh, GM Ziaur Rahman, GM Mollah Abdullah Al Rakib, IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman and FM Master Mehdi Hasan Parag. In the last round match, Bangladesh Police drew with Bangladesh Biman by 2-2 game points.

Saif Sporting Club became runners-up and Bangladesh Biman became third. Saif Sporting Club and Bangladesh Biman both scored 18 points each in 11 games. In tie-breaking system Saif Sporting Club is runners-up with 31 game points and Bangladesh Biman is third with 28 game points. Saif Sporting Club was represented by Captain-IO Mahmuda Hoque Chowdhury Moly, Players-GM Niaz Murshed, Iranian GM Idani Pouya, Georgian GM Mikheil Mchedlishvili, National Champion GM Enamul Hossain Razib, GM Reefat Bin Sattar and FM Md. Taibur Rahman.

Bangladesh Biman was represented by Captain-Shakil Meraj, Players-Indian GM Abhimanyu Puranik, Indian GM Mitrabha Guha, IM Abu Sufian Shakil, FM Tahsin Tajwar Zia, CM Nayem Haque and Sadat Ibna Sultan.

Rupali Bank Sports Council became 4^th with 12 match points and 22.5 game points and Shahin Chess Club became 5^th with 12 match points and 22 game points. Manha’s Castle finished 6^th with 11 points. Titas Club became 7^th with 10 points, Uttara Central Chess Club 8^th with 8 match points and 21 game points, Leonine Chess Club became 9^th with 8 match points and 19.5 game points, Sheikh Russell Chess Club became 10^th with 6 match points, Bangladesh Navy became 11^th 6 points and Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society became 12^th with 2 points. Bangladesh Navy and Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society have been relegated to the first division.

Board Award: First Board-GM Niaz Murshed (Saif Sporting Club) 5.5 points, 2341 Rating Performance in 7 Games, 2^nd Board-GM Idani Pouya (Saif Sporting Club) 10 points in 11 Games, 2777 Rating Performance, 3^rd Board-GM Abhimanyu Puranik (Bangladesh Biman) 9.5 points, 2618 rating performance in 11 games, 4^th board – GM Mendonca Leon Luke (Manha’s Castle) 9.5, 2622 rating performance in 11 games, Additional 1^st board – GM Ziaur Rahman (Bangladesh Police) ) 4.5 points, 2475 rating performance in 7 games and additional 2^nd board-CM Saiful Islam Chowdhury (Titas Club) 4.5 points, 2211 rating performance in 8 games game.

The eleventh or final round match today (Sunday) morning. In the last round match, Saif Sporting Club defeated Sheikh Russell Chess Club by 3.5-0.5 game points, Rupali Bank Sports Council defeated Bangladesh Navy by 3-1 game points and Titas Club defeated Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society by 3-1 game points. Manha’s Castle drew with Shahin Chess Club by 2-2 game points and Uttara Central Chess Club drew with Leonine Chess Club by 2-2 game.

First Division Chess League at the same time, Sultana Kamal Smirity Pathagar has become the undefeated champion in the first division chess league. Sultana Kamal Smriti won the title by getting maximum 22 points in 11 games. On behalf of Sultana Kamal Smirity Pathagar, two Indian International Masters Harikrishnan A, Ra, Muthaiah Al, Afzal Hossain Sacchu, CM Md. Jamal Uddin, Mohammad Shameem (Captain) and Md. Saiful Islam participated.

Palli Sanchay Bank became runners-up with 16 points. On behalf of Palli Sanchay Bank, IM of India Dhulipalla Bala Chandra Prasad, Subhayan Kundu of India, Anichuzzaman Jewel (Captain), Mohammad Aminul Islam, CM Avik Sarkar and A, B, Bappi participated respectively.

Dhaka Chess Club became 3^rd with 16 points. Participated on behalf of Dhaka Chess Club – Sourath Biswas of India, Alekhya Mukherjee of India, Md. Ratan Ali (Captain), Delwar Hossain, Md. Asifur Rahman and Nurul Islam Emon.

Khelaghor Daba Sangah, Gopalganj became 4^th with 11 points. Other positions are: 5^th– Esoft Arena Chess Club, Point-10, 6^th-Access Club, Match Point-9, Game Point-21, 7^th-Mir Chess Club, Match Point-9, Game Point-20, 8^th-Journalist Shahnoor Khan Smriti Sangsad, Match Point-9, Game Point-18.5, 9^th-Sonali Bank Sports & Club, Point-8, 10^th-Kasparov Chess Club, Match Point-7, Game Point-20, 11^th-Basir Memorial Chess Club, Match Point-7, Game Point-16.5 and 12^th-Agrani Bank Chess Team, Point-6. Board Award: 1^st Board – Sourath Biswas (Dhaka Chess Club) 8 points out of 10 games, 2246 rating performance, 22^nd Board-IM Dhulipall Bala Chandra Prasad (Palli Sanchay Bank) 10 points, 2394 Rating Performance in 11 Games, 3^rd Board-IM Muthaiah Al (Sultana Kamal Smirity Pathagar) 10 points, 2307 Rating Performance in 11 Games, 4^th Board-Aishwin Daniel (Khelaghor Daba Sangah, Gopalganj) 6.5 points, 2187 Rating Performance in 8 games, Additional Board-1 Shreshtha Surai (Access Club) 6 points in 11 Games, 1954 Rating Performance and Additional Board 2 – Feroz Ahmed (Sonali Bank Sports and Recreation Club) 5.5 points, 2000 rating performance in 9 games. 11^th or last round match is held today (Sunday) in the sports room of Bangladesh Chess Federation. In the last round match, Sultana Kamal Smriti Pathagar defeated Khelaghor Chess Association, Gopalganj by 3-1 game points, Palli Sanchay Bank defeated Basir Memorial Chess Club by 4-0 game points, Access Club defeated Agrani Bank Chess Team by 2.5-1.5 game points. Kasparov Chess Club gets a walk-over against Esoft Arena Chess Club. Dhaka Chess Club drew with Sonali Bank Sports and Recreation Club, Mir Chess Club drew with Journalist Shahnoor Khan Smriti Sangsad by 2-2 game points. Champion Sultana Kamal Smriti Pathagar and Runners-up Palli Sanchay Bank has been promoted to the Premier Division. Basir Memorial Chess Club and Agrani Bank Daba Dal have been relegated to the second division.

The prize-distribution and closing ceremony was held tonight (Sunday) at the Banquet Hall of Radisson Blu Water Garden in Dhaka. Honorable Inspector General of Bangladesh Police and President of the Bangladesh Chess Federation Dr. Benazir Ahmed, BPM (Bar) distributed prizes among the winners as the chief guest.

Tarafdar Md. Ruhul Amin, Vice President of Bangladesh Chess Federation and Managing Director of Saif Powertech Ltd. presided over the awards ceremony.

Abu Saeed Chowdhury, Vice President of Bangladesh Chess Federation and Deputy Managing Director of Abul Khair Group, Freedom Fighter Brigadier General (Retd.) Shahidullah Chowdhury (photo above), Executive Director of Abul Khair Group, K M Shahidullah, Vice President of Bangladesh Chess Federation, Syed Shahab Uddin Shamim, General Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation and President of FIDE Zone 3.2 (photo below).

Dr. Shoaib Riaz Alam Additional DIG of Bangladesh Police and Joint-Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation (photo above),  Masudur Rahman Mallick, Joint-Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation and Mahir Ali Khan Ratul, Treasurer of Bangladesh Chess Federation were present as special guests in the ceremony. Premier Division Champion Team Bangladesh Police was awarded one lac twenty five thousand, Trophy and Medal, Runners-up Saif Sporting Club received seventy five thousand taka, Trophy and Medal and Third Bangladesh Biman received fifty thousand taka, Trophy and Medal, First Division Chess League champion Sultana Kamal Smriti Patahgar received fifty thousand taka, trophy and medal, Runners-up Palli Sanchay Bank received thirty thousand taka, trophy and medal and the third Dhaka Chess Club received twenty, trophy and medal. The best player on each board in the Premier Division was given a cash prize of ten thousand Taka each and a medal and The best player on each board in the 1^st Division was given a cash prize of five thousand Taka each and a medal.

Roll of Honor:

1^st Division Chess League

 

Roll of honor:

1977-Mohammadan S.C.,1980-Bangladesh Biman,1981-Mohammdan S.C.,1982-Brothers Union,1983-Bangladesh Biman,1984-Bangladesh Ansar,1985-Bengal Group, 1986, 1987-Brothers Union, 1988-Brothers Union,1989-Brothers Union,1990-Bangladesh Biman, 1991-Bangladesh Biman,1992-Bangladesh Biman,1993-Brothers Union,1994-Brothers Union, 1995-Mohammdan S.C.,1996-Mohammadan S.C.,1997-Leonine Chess Club,1998-Bangladesh Biman

1999-Bangladesh Biman,2000-Titas Club,2001-Bangladesh Biman,2002-Bangladesh Biman

2003-Bangladesh Biman,2004-Leonine Chess Club,2005-Leonine Chess Club,2006-Bangladesh Biman,2007-Bangladesh Biman,2008-Destiny 2000 Limited,2009-Bangladesh Biman, 2010-Bangladesh Biman,2011-Farashganj Sporting Club, 2012- Leonine Chess Club, 2013-Fire Service & Civil Defense Sports Club, 2014-Sonali Bank Sports & Recreation Club,2015- Fire Service & Civil Defense Sports Club,2016-Access Chess Club, 2017-Esoft Arena Chess Club,2018- Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society,2019- Leonine Chess Club, 2020- Champion-Rupali Bank Krira Parisad, Runners-Up : Manha’s Castle, 2021- Champion-Sultana Kamal Smnirity Patahgar, Runners-Up-Palli Sanchay Bank.

 

Premier Division Chess League

 

2011-Champion-Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club, Runners-Up-Bangladesh Biman

2012- Champion-Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club, Runners-Up- Duronto Rajshahi

2013- Champion-Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club, Runners-Up-Bangladesh Navy

2014-Champion- Bangladesh Navy, Runners-Up- Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club

2015-Champion-Sheikh Russell Memorial Chess Club, Runners-Up-Bangladesh Navy,

2016-Champion-SAIF Sporting Club, Runners-Up- Sheikh Russell Memorial Chess Club

2017-Champion-Bengal Chess Club, Runners-Up-SAIF Sporting Club

2018-Champion- SAIF Sporting Club, Runners-Up-Bangladesh Navy

2019-Champion-Bangladesh Police, Runners-Up- SAIF Sporting Club

2020- Champion-Bangladesh Police, Runners-Up-Shahin Chess Club

2021- Champion-Bangladesh Police, Runners-Up-Saif Sporting Club

Youth players SDBK Seneviratne (Maliyadeva College), Brijeash Saravanabawan (Gateway International School) and Lisara Sandamith Tennakoon (Dharmaraja College) are leading the Sri Lanka National (Premier Division) CC 2022 scoring 7 points out of possible 8 games. Only two more games to be played tomorrow. Seneviratne had a perfect score till round 7 but lost his last game to Lisara Tennakookn. Lisara drew two games with NPG Sithija Lahiru and MN Abdul Bhashith while Bridjeash lost only one game to Chandana Wijekoon to reach 7 points.

Monethma Lasandi Wickramasinghe of Sujatha Vidyalaya had a great event where she score straight 7 points  but lost her last game to Wishwara Mapa of Girls High School Kandy. Mapa also lost one game to Chethani Chamathka and drew with senior player, Tiyumi Yashora who is in action after several years.

The Final two rounds will be held tomorrow.

The 3^rd Level of Sri Lanka National Chess Championships Cycle 2022(Open and Girls), the Sri Lanka National (Premier Division) CC is conducted by Chess Federation of Sri Lanka from 16^th to 20^th of March at Palm Beach Hotel, Mt. Lavinia with a Rs. 230,000/=. Events are held according to the Swiss System in 10 rounds.

Twelve players will be qualified to most prestigious Sri Lanka National Chess Championship 2022 – finals from the Open section while almost top 14 players will be selected for the Sri Lanka Women’s National Chess Championship 2022 from the Women event. The reigning National Chess Champion, FIDE Master, Susal De Silva of Nalanda College and FIDE Master with 2348 FIDE Ratings and International Master with a rating of 2398, Harshana Thilakaratne are directly qualified for the Open event while Niklesha Tharushi of Visakha Vidyalaya, being the current Women’s National Chess Champion is selected to women’s National CC Finals. But, unfortunately, Harshana and Niklesha has opted to stay out of the finals due to their academic involvements.

Public links to tournaments

Sri Lanka National B Chess Championship – 2022*

Link https://view.livechesscloud.com#8f7361bb-70e5-427e-b2a8-fdeeb17b0b10

 

Sri Lanka Women’s National B Chess Championship – 2022

Link https://view.livechesscloud.com#b88bd52d-34d6-4b2a-ba7c-705ea4092e33

 

Reigning premier league champion Bangladesh Police is now solely lead in the points table with 17 points after end of the 9^th round matches of the Golden Jubilee of Independence Premier Division Chess League powered by Shah Cement and organised by Bangladesh Chess Federation now being held at the Crown Hall-Room of Asia Hotel & Resorts in Topkhana Road, Dhaka. Bangladesh Biman is in 2^nd psotion with 16 points and SAIF Sporting Club is in 3^rd position with 14 points.

9^th round matches were held today (Friday). In the 9^th round matches, Bangladesh Police drew with SAIF Sporting Club by 2-2 game points. Indian GM D Gukesh of Bangladesh Police won against GM Enamul Hossain Razib of SAIF Sporting Club, Iranian GM Idani Pouya beat GM Mollah Abdullah Al Rakib of Bangladesh Police. Indian GM Erigaisi Arjun and GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh Police drew with Georgian GM Mikheil Mchedlisvili and GM Reefat Bin Sattar of Saif Sporting Club.

Bangladesh Biman lost to Titas Club by 1½-2½ game points. FM Mohammed Abdul Malek of Titas Club beat FM Tahsin Tajwar Zia of Bangladesh Biman, FM Md Saif Uddin Lavlu, Indian IM Mohammad Nubairshah Shaikh and Indian GM Himanshu Sharma of Titas drew with IM Abu Sufian Shakil, Indian GM Abhimanyu Puranik Indian GM Mitabha Guha of Bangladesh Biman respectively.

Shahin Chess Club beat Sheikh Russel Chess Club by 2½-1½game points. Indian IM Aditya Mittal of Shahin Chess Club won against GM Diptayan Ghosh of Sheikh Russel Chess Club. CM Shawket Bin Osman Shaon, Indian IM V Pranav and FM Debaraj Chatterjee of Shahin Chess Club drew with Showat Hossaibn Pollab, Indian GM Shyam Sundar and Shafiq Ahmed of Sheikh Russel Chess Club respectively.

Rupali Bank Krira Parisad beat Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society by 2½-1½game points. Indian GM Srinath Narayanan and Anata Choudhury of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad won against Indian FM S Harshad and Mihir Lal Das of Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society respectively. FM Syed Mahfuzur Rahman of Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society won against CM Sadnan Hasan Dihan of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad. Indian FM Panesar Vedant of Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society drew with Indian GM Sankalp Gupta of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad.

Manha’s Castle beat Uttara Central Chess Club by 3-1 game points. CM Sohel Chowdhury and Indian GM Harsha Bharathakoti of Manha’s Castle won against CM Manon Reja Neer and Indian IM Bharath Subramanyiam of Uttara Central Chess Club respectively. Indian GM Mendonca Leon Luke and Md. Masum Hossain of Manha’s Castle drew with Indian FM Nitish Belurkar and CM Ikramul Haq Siam of Uttara Central Chess Club respectively.

Leonine Chess Club beat Bangladesh Navy by 2½-1½game points. Indian IM Srijit Paul and Indian IM Aronyak Ghosh of Leonine Chess Club won against IM Mohammad Minhaz Uddin and CM Md. Sharif Hossain of Bangladesh Navy. FM Subrota Biswas of Bangladesh Navy beat Asif Mahmud of Leonine Chess Club. Md. Abzid Rahman of Leonine Chess Club drew with FM Khandekar Aminul Islam of Bangladesh Navy.

 The 10^th or penultimate round matches will start tomorrow (Saturday) from 3:00 PM at Crown-Hall in Asia Hotel & Resorts. 10^th round games are: Saif Sporting Club Vs. Bangladesh Navy, Rupali Bank Krira Parisad Vs. Leonine Chess Club, Uttara Central Chess Club Vs. Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society, Titas Club Vs. Manha’s Castle, Shahin Chess Club Vs Bangladesh Biman and Bangladesh Police Vs. Sheikh Russel Chess Club.

1^st Division Chess League

Sultana Kamal Smriti Pathagar is now solely lead in the points table with maximum 18 points after 9^th round games of the Golden Jubilee of Independence 1^st Division Chess League is now being held at Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room. Dhaka Chess Club is in 2^nd position with 15 points. Palli Sanchay Bank is in 3^rd position with 14 points. The 9^th round matches were held today (Friday) at Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room. In the 9^th round matches, Sultana Kamal Smriti Patahgar beat Sonali Bank Sports and Recreation Club by 2½-1½ game points, Dhaka Chess Club beat Agrani Bank Daba Dal by 4-0 game points, Palli Sanchay Bank beat Khelaghor Daba Sangha, Gopalganj by 3½-½ game points, Sangbadik Shahnoor Khan Smriti Sangsad drew with Access Chess Club by 2-2 game points, Mir Chess Club drew with Kasparov Chess Club by 2-2 game points, Esoft Arena Chess Club drew with Basir Memorial Chess Club by 2-2 games. 10^th or penultimate round match will start tomorrow (Saturday) from 3-00 PM in Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room.

Today (Thursday) Bangladesh Chess Federation officially celebrates the 102^nd birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of nation and the greatest Bengali of all time and National Children’s Day.

In the morning, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birthday was celebrated by cake cutting in the hall-room of Bangladesh Chess Federation. Mr. Tarafder Md. Ruhul Amin, Vice President of Bangladesh Chess Federation and Managing Director of Saif Powertech Ltd. sliced the cake from his presence as the Chief Guest.

Speeches were made by Mr. K M Shahidullah, Vice President of Bangladesh Chess Federation and Mr. Syed Shahabuddin Shamim, General Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation. Executive members of Bangladesh Chess Federation Mr. Moniruzzaman Palash, International organiser Mahmuda Hoque Chowdhury Moly, Mr. Sajol Mahmud and International Arbiter Md Haroon Or Rashid were present in the ceremony.

Chess competitions are organised for children on the occasion of National Children’s Day. Md. Sajidul Haque earned maximum 7 points out of 7 games and became the undefeated champion in Open division. Tashriq Saihan Shan became Runner-up and Safayat Kibria finished third with five and a half points each in the Open division. Syed Ridwan, Afnan Zarif Haque, Ryan Rashid Mugdho, Siam Chowdhury, Md. Jakibul Islam Ayon and Ridwan Rabbani secured the ninth position from fourth to ninth with five points respectively. In the girl’s division, Israt Jahan Diba became the undefeated champion with full 7 points in 7 games. Neelava Choudhury was runner-up with six points and Wadifa Ahmed was third with five points. Jarin Tasnim was fourth and Nazia Jafrin Mohona was fifth with four and a half points. Warsia Khusbu, Annasha Banik, Marzuka Mukarrama, Alizah Nubaisha Islam and Fatiha Eyenoon Diya became in sixth and tenth place respectively with four points. The winners of the open and girls group in the 7 round Swiss-League competition were given cash prizes of total fifty thousand Taka, trophies and medals.

Golden Jubilee of Independence Premier Division Chess League and First Division Chess League 2021-22

Reigning premier league champion Bangladesh Police and Bangladesh Biman are maintaining their jointly leads in the points table with maximum 16 points each after end of the 8^th round matches of the Golden Jubilee of Independence Premier Division Chess League powered by Shah Cement and organised by Bangladesh Chess Federation is now being held at the Crown Hall-Room of Asia Hotel & Resorts in Topkhana Road, Dhaka. SAIF Sporting Club is in 2^nd position with 13 points and Shahin Chess Club and Sheikh Russel Chess Club are jointly in 3^rd position with 8 points each.

8^th round matches were held today (Thursday). In the 8^th round matches, Bangladesh Police defeated Shahin Chess Club by 4-0 game points. GM Mollah Abdullah Al Rakib, Indian GM D Gukesh and GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh Police won against CM Md Shawket Bin Osman Shaon, Indian IM Aditya Mittal and Indian IM V Pranav of Shahin Chess Club respectively. Indian GM Erigaisi Arjun of Bangladesh Police got walk-over against CM S M Sharon of Shahin Chess Club.

Bangladesh Biman beat Uttara Central Chess Club by 2½-1½ game points. Indian GM Abhimanyu Puranik of Bangladesh Biman beat IM Bharath Subramaniyam of Uttara Central Chess Club. FM Tahsin Tajwar Zia, GM Mitabha Guha and CM Nayem Haque of Bangladesh Biman drew with CM Manon Reja Neer, FM Nitish Belurkar and CM Ikramul Haq Siam of Uttara Central Chess Club respectively.

Saif Sporting Club drew with Leonine Chess Club by 2-2 game points. Md. Abzid Rahman and IM Aronyak Ghosh of Leonine Chess Club won against GM Niaz Murshed and GM Reefat Bin Sattar of SAIF Sporting Club respectively. Iranian GM Idani Pouya and Georgian GM Mikheil Mchedlisvili of Saif Sporting Club won against IM Srijit Paul and WFM Tanima Parveen respectively.

Sheikh Russel Chess Club drew with Titas Club by 2-2 game points. Indian GM Shyam Sundar of Sheikh Russel Chess Club won against CM Chanchal Kumer Ghosh of Titas Club and CM Saiful Islam Chowdhury of Titas Club won against Sakline Mostafa Sajid of Sheikh Russel Chess Club. Indian GM Srinath Narayanan and Shafiq Ahmed of Sheikh Russel Chess Club drew with IM Mohammad Nubairshah Shaikh and Indian GM Himanshu Sharma of Titas Club respectively.

Rupali Bank Krira Parisad beat Manha’s Castle by 2½-1½ game points. CM Sadnan Hasan Dihan and Anata Choudhury of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad won against CM Sohel Chowdhury and Md Masum Hossain of Manha’s Castle respectively. GM Harsha Bharathakoti of Manha’s Castle won against GM Sankalp Gupta of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad and Indian GM Srinath Narayanan of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad drew with Indian GM Mendonca Leon Luke of Manha’s Castle.

Bangladesh Navy beat Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society by 2½-1½game points. FM Khandekar Aminul Islam and FM Subrota Biswas of Bangladesh Navy wopn against FM Syed Mahfuzur Rahman and Mihir Lal Das of Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society respectively. Indian FM S Harshad of Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society won against CM Md Sharif Hossain of Bangladesh Navy and IM Mohammad Minhaz Uddin of Bangladesh Navy drew with FM Panesar Vedant of Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society.

The 9^th round matches will start tomorrow (Friday) from 4:00 PM at Crown-Hall in Asia Hotel & Resorts. 9^th round games are: Bangladesh Police Vs. Saif Sporting Club, Sheikh Russel Chess Club Vs.  Shahin Chess Club, Bangladesh Biman Vs. Titas Club, Manha’s Castle Vs. Uttara Central Chess Club, Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society Vs. Rupali Bank Krira Parisad and Leonine Chess Club Vs. Bangladesh Navy.

1^st Division Chess League

Sultana Kamal Smriti Pathagar is now solely lead in the points table with maximum 16 points after 8^th round games of the Golden Jubilee of Independence 1^st Division Chess League is now being held at Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room. Dhaka Chess Club is in 2^nd position with 13 points. Palli Sanchay Bank is in 3^rd position with 12 points and and Khelaghor Daba Sangha, Gopalganj is in 4^th position with 10 points. The 8^th round matches were held today (Thursday) at Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room. In the 8^th round matches, Sultana Kamal Smriti Patahgar beat Access Club by 3-1 game points, Dhaka Chess Club beat Sangbadik Shahnoor Khan Smriti Sangsad by 3½-½ game points, Palli Sanchay Bank beat Mir Chess Club by 3-1 game points, Esoft Arena Chess Club beat Agrani Bank Daba Dal by 3-1 game points, Sonali Bank Sports and Recreation Club beat Kasparov Chess Club by 2½-1½ game points, Basir Memorial Chess Club beat Khelaghor Daba Sangha, Gopalganj by 2½-1½ game points. 9^th round match will start tomorrow (Friday) from 4-00 PM in Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room.

The Bangladesh Chess Federation will celebrate 102^nd birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father nation and the greatest Bengali nation of all time and also organise a chess competition for children on the occasion of National Children’s Day. The Rapid Chess Competition for boys and girls will start tomorrow (Thursday) from 9:00 AM in the Conference-Room at ground floor of the old building of the National Sports Council. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s 102nd birthday will be celebrated by slice a cake at the same place at 11:00 AM. All participating players are asked to be present in the playing room before 9:00 AM on tomorrow (Thursday). The winners of the 7 round Swiss-League competition will be awarded total cash prize of fifty thousand Taka.

Golden Jubilee of Independence Premier Division Chess League and First Division Chess League 2021-22

Reigning premier league champion Bangladesh Police and Bangladesh Biman are maintaining their jointly leads in the points table with maximum 14 points each after end of the 7^th round matches of the Golden Jubilee of Independence Premier Division Chess League powered by Shah Cement and organised by Bangladesh Chess Federation is now being held at the Crown Hall-Room of Asia Hotel & Resorts in Topkhana Road, Dhaka. SAIF Sporting Club is in 2^nd position with 10 points and Shahin Chess Club is in 3^rd position with 8 points.

7^th round matches were held today (Wednesday). In the 7^th round matches, Bangladesh Police defeated Titas Club by 3-1 game points. GM Mollah Abdullah Al Rakib and Indian GM D Gukesh won against FM Md Saif Uddin Lavlu and CM Chanchal Kumer Ghosh of Titas Clubrespectively. Indian GM Erigaisi Arjun and IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman of Bangladesh Police drew with IM Mohammad Nubairshah Shaikh and GM Hmanshu Sharma of Titas Club respectively.

Bangladesh Biman beat Rupali Bank Krira Parisad by 3-1 game points. Indian GM Abhimanyu Puranik and Indian GM Mitrabha Guha of Bangladesh Biman won against Indian GM Srinath Narayanan and Anata Chowdhury of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad. IM Abu Sufian Shakil and FM Tahsin Tajwar Zia of Bangladesh Biman drew with CM Sadnan Hasan Dihan and Indian GM Sankalp Gupta of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad.

Saif Sporting Club beat Shahin Chess Club by game points. GM Niaz Murshed and Iranian GM Idani Pouya won against CM S M Sharon and IM Aditya Mittal of Shahin Chess Club respectively. Georgian GM Mikheil Mchedlisvili and GM Reefat Bin Sattar of Saif Sporting Club drew with Indian IM V Pranav and FM Debaraj Chatterjee of Shahin Chess Club respectively.

Manha’s Castle drew with Bangladesh Navy by 2-2 game points. Indian GM Harsha Bharathakoti and Indian GM Mendonca Leon Luke of Manha’s Castle won against FM Sheikh Nasir Ahmed and FM Subrota Biswas of Bangladesh Navy respectively. IM Mohammad Minhaz Uddin and CM Md Sharif Hossain of Bangladesh Navy beat CM Sohel Chowdhury and Jabed Al Azad of Manha’s Castle respectively.

Uttara Central Chess Club beat Sheikh Russel Chess Club by 2½-1½ game points. Indian FM Nitish Belurkar and CM Ikramul Haq Siam of Uttara Central Chess Club won against Sakline Mostafa Sajid and Golam Mostafa Bhuiyan of Sheikh Russel Chess Club respectively. GM Diptayan Ghosh of Sheikh Russel Chess Club won against CM Manon Reja Neer of Uttara Central Chess Club.  Indian IM Bharath Subramaniyam of Uttara Central Chess Club drew with Indian GM Shyam Sundar of Sheikh Russel Chess Club.

Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society beat Leonine Chess Club by 2½-1½ game points. FM Panesar Vedant of Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society won against WFM Tanima Parveen of Leonine Chess Club. FM Syed Mahfuzur Rahman, Indian S Harshad and Mihir Lal Das of Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society drew with Indian IM Srijit Paul, Indian IM Aronyak Ghosh and Asif Mahmud of Leonine Chess Club respectively.

The 8^th round matches will start tomorrow (Thursday) from 3:00 PM at Crown-Hall in Asia Hotel & Resorts. 8^th round games are: Saif Sporting Club Vs. Leonine Chess Club, Bangladesh Navy Vs. Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society,  Rupali Bank Krira Parisad Vs. Manha’s Castle, Uttara Central Chess Club Vs. Bangladesh Biman, Titas Club Vs. Sheikh Russel Chess Club and  Shahin Chess Club  Vs. Bangladesh Police.

1^st Division Chess League: 

Sultana Kamal Smriti Pathagar is now solely lead in the points table with maximum 14 points after 7^th round games of the Golden Jubilee of Independence 1^st Division Chess League is now being held at Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room. Dhaka Chess Club is in 2^nd position with 11 points. Palli Sanchay Bank and Khelaghor Daba Sangha, Gopalganj are jointly in 3^rd position with 10 points each. The 7^th round matches were held today (Wednesday) at Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room. In the 7^th round matches, Sultana Kamal Smriti Patahgar beat Dhaka Chess Club by 2½-1½ game points, Palli Sanchay Bank beat Sonali Bank Sports and Recreation Club by 2½-1½ game points, Khelaghor Daba Sangha, Gopalganj drew with Esoft Arena Chess Club  by 2-2 game points, Sangbadik Shahnoor Khan Smriti Sangsad beat Agrani Bank Daba Dal by 3-1 game points, Mir Chess Club beat Basir Memorial Chess Club by 2½-1½ game points and Kasparov Chess Club drew with Access Chess Club by 2-2 game points.  8^th round match will start tomorrow (Thursday) from 3-00 PM in Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room.,

FIDE, The World Chess Federation, on Tuesday awarded the All India Chess Federation (AICF) to host the 44^th Chess Olympiad in July later this year.

The event, known as the biggest chess spectacle in the world, will be the biggest ever sporting event held in India with likely participation of over 150 Countries from around the world.

AICF, with Tamil Nadu Govt. has decided to host the event near Mahabalipuram in Chennai to ensure a picturesque sight and great facilities for the participating countries.

The Tamil Nadu Govt. under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Sh. M K Stalin came forward very graciously to hold this mega event at such a short notice.

The Olympiad, originally scheduled to be held in Moscow, Russia at the same time had to be shifted by FIDE due to the current political situation. As FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich started looking for possible venues, India was amongst the first to propose to host the event and it was granted in a special meeting held by FIDE on Tuesday evening.

The Chess Olympiad is an event like none other. In the last edition at Batumi in Georgia in 2018, there were 185 participating countries. FIDE has increased membership since then and there is every chance that we will beat the Batumi record by a few more countries participating. It may be recalled that the biennial event could not be held in 2020 due to Covid-19 and it was organized online.

“It’s a matter of great pride and responsibility that we are entrusted with and we are committed to make it a grand success. The entire Chess fraternity of the country is ready to come together for this. This event is here because of our chess family. Let’s celebrate this together”, said Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, AICF President.

The AICF Secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan was obviously overjoyed, “I cannot complain about anything in life now. All the countries of the world now have this great opportunity to come under one roof in the country where Chess was born. My thanks to Thiru M K Stalin the Hon’ble CM to make this dream come true”. He said

The event is held over 11 rounds in both open and  Women category with likely participation of over 2000 players. This is a team event with five players and one trainer allowed per team in both the sections.

The participants list in a virtual who’s who of the chess world in the Olympiad. World Champion Magnus Carlsen has often turned out to play for Norway and almost every top player of the world is present in this event to represent their country. To sum it up, it’s a galaxy of chess stars of the world under one roof.

Team India was the joint winner of the Gold medal in the last Olympiad that was organized online. This time the team will be led by Viswanathan Anand who will have the support of P Harikrishna and Vidit Gujarathi for sure. The other two members are still unclear but young guns like Arjun Erigaise, Nihal Sarin and some truly special players like B Adhiban, Sasikiran and few others have a strong case. The final decision for the team selection in open will be taken on May 1, 2022 as per AICF rules.

In the women’s section too Indian eves will be amongst the front runners with Koneru Humpy on the top and D Harika, and R Vaishali as nearly confirmed participants. The other two places up for grabs have Tania Sachdev as a strong candidate while Bhakti Kulkarni and few others will try to be part of the team.

As host, India is entitled to field an additional team and this could likely go to Indian juniors or the India ‘B’ team in both sections. The final decision will be taken by AICF on May 1, in this regard.

Reigning premier league champion Bangladesh Police and Bangladesh Biman are maintaining their joint lead in the points table with maximum 12 points each after end of the 6^th round matches of the Golden Jubilee of Independence Premier Division Chess League powered by Shah Cement and organised by Bangladesh Chess Federation which is now being held at the Crown Hall-Room of Asia Hotel & Resorts in Topkhana Road, Dhaka. SAIF Sporting Club is in 2^nd position with 10 points and Shahin Chess Club is in 3rd position with 8 points.

6^th round matches were held today (Tuesday). In the 6^th round matches, Bangladesh Police defeated Uttara Central Chess Club by 3-1 game points. GM Mollah Abdullah Al Rakib and Indian GM Erigaisi Arjun won against CM manon Reja Neer and Md Monjur Alam of Uttara Central Chess Club respectively. Indian IM Bharath Subramaniyam and Indian FM Nitish Belurkar of Uttara Central Chess Club drew with Indian GM D Gukesh and GM Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh Police respectively.

Bangladesh Biman beat Leonine Chess Club by 3½-½ game points. Indian GM Abhimanyu Puranik, FM Tahsin Tajwar Zia and Indian GM Mitrabha Guha of Bangladesh Biman won against FM Sheikh Nasir Ahmed, CM Md. Sharif Hossain and FM Subrota Biswas respectively. FM Khandekar Aminul Islam of Bangladesh Navy drew with and IM Abu Sifian Shakil of Bangladesh Biman.

Saif Sporting Club beat Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society by 4-0 game points. Georgian Iranian GM Idani Pouya, GM Mikheil Mchedlisvili, GM Enamul Hossain Razib and GM Reefat Bin Sattar of Saif Sporting Club won against FM Syed Mahfuzur Rahman, Indian Panesar Vedant, S Harshad and Mihir Lal Das of Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society respectively.

Shahin Chess Club beat Titas Club by 3½-½ game points. Indian IM Aditya Mittal, Indian IM V Pranav and FM Debaraj Chatterjee of Shahin Chess Club won against CM Chanchal Kumer Ghosh, Indian GM Himanshu Sharma and CM Saiful Islam Chowdhury of Titas Club respectively. S M Sharon of Shahin Chess Club drew with IM Mohammead Nubairshah Shaikh of Titas Club.

Sheikh Russel Chess Club drew with Rupali Bank Krira Parisad. CM Sadnan Hasan Dihan of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad beat Showkat Hossain Pollab of Sheikh Russel Chess Club. India GM Sankalp Gupta and Indian GM Srinath Narayanan of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad drew with GM Diptayan Ghosh and Indian GM Shyam Sundar of Sheikh Russell Chess Club. Sakline Mostafa Sajid of Sheikh Russel Chess Club got walk-over against Anata Chowdhury of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad Bangladesh.

Manha’s Castle beat Leonine Chess Club by 2½-1½ game points. Indian GM Harsha Bharathakoti and Indian GM Mendonca Leon Luke of Manha’s Castle won against Indian IM Srijit Paul and Asif Mahmud. Indian IM Aronyak Ghosh won against Jabed Al Azad of Manha’s Castle and Md. Abzid Rahman of Leonine Chess Club drew with CM Sohel Chowdhury of Manha’s Castle.

The 7^th round matches will start tomorrow (Wednesday) at 3:00 PM at Hotel Asia. 7^th round games are: Shahin Chess Club Vs. Saif Sporting Club, Bangladesh Police Vs. Titas Club, Sheikh Russel Chess Club Vs. Uttara Central Chess Club, Bangladesh Biman Vs. Rupali Bank Krira Parisad, Manha’s Castle Vs. Bangladesh Navy and Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society Vs. Leonine Chess Club.

1^st Division Chess League:  Sultana Kamal Smriti Pathagar is now solely lead in the points table with maximum 12 points after 6^th round games of the Golden Jubilee of Independence 1^st Division Chess League is now being held at Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room. Dhaka Chess Club is in 2^nd position with 11 points. Khelaghor Daba Sangha, Gopalganj is in 3^rd position with 9 points and Palli Sanchay Bank is in 4^th position with 8 points.  The 6^th round matches were held today (Tuesday) at Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room. In the 6^th round matches, Sultana Kamal Smriti Patahgar beat Sangbadik Shahnoor Khan Smriti Sangsad by 3-1 game points, Dhaka Chess Club beat Kasparov Chess Club by 2½-1½ game points, Khelaghor Daba Sangha, Gopalganj beat Agrani Bank Daba Dal by 4-0 game points, Palli Sanchay Bank beat Access Chess Club by by 2½-1½ game points, Esoft Arena Chess Club drew with Mir Chess Club by 2-2 game points and Basir Memorial Chess Club beat Sonali Bank Sports and Recreation Club beat by 2½-1½ game points. 7^th round match will start tomorrow (Wednesday) from      3-00 PM in Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room.