Rakib, Vahidov, Somak share top slot

Three players-GM Abdullah Al-Rakib of Bangladesh, GM Vahidov Tair of Uzbekistan and Somak Palit of India-shared the top slot in the CJKS-Prime Distributions Group Grandmasters Chess Tournament securing five points each after the 8th round matches at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong Thursday, reports UNB.

GM Niaz Murshed of Dhaka Mohammedan SC and IM Minhazuddin Ahmed Sagar of the Bangladesh Navy followed the leaders neck and neck securing 4.5 points each.

In the day's 8th and penultimate round matches, Rakib drew with Minhaz, Vahidov Tair drew with FM Sheikh Nasir Ahmed of the Bangladesh Navy, Somak Palit drew with his compatriot IM Akshat Khamparia, Niaz beat FM Khondakar Aminul Islam of Bangladesh Navy, IM Abu Sufian Shakil of Dhaka Mohammedan drew with WGM Toma Katarzyna of Poland.

The 9th and last round matches will be held today (Friday) from 10:00 am at the same venue.

Housing and Public Works Minister Engineer Mosharraf Hossain will be the chief guest at the closing function and will distribute prizes.