Rani Hamid Stands Alone at the Top of Berger National Women’s Chess
Woman International Master (WIM) Rani Hamid maintained her solo lead after the sixth round of the Berger 44th National Women’s Chess Championship. In yesterday’s matches at the National Sports Council’s old building, she drew against Woman Candidate Master Ishrat Jahan Diba. Playing Black in a Sicilian Defense, Ms. Rani shared the point after a 66-move battle.
On the same day, another WIM, Wadifa Ahmed, also drew against Woman Candidate Master Nusrat Jahan Alo. Their encounter concluded in a draw after 47 moves in an English Opening. Victories in the sixth round went to Woman FIDE Master Warsia Khushbu, Woman Candidate Master Nilava Chowdhury, Walija Ahmed, and Sharmin Sultana Shirin. Khushbu defeated Nazrana Khan Eva in 59 moves, Nilava overcame Sanjida Shakib in 55 moves, Walija triumphed over Zinnat Akhter Shahnaz in 28 moves, and Shirin defeated Nusrat Jahan Liza in 36 moves.
Meanwhile, the reigning champion Noshin Anjum drew her match against Khandaker Anika Mawla. After six rounds, Rani Hamid leads with 5 points. Wadifa Ahmed and Warsia Khushbu share second place with 4.5 points each, while Nilava Chowdhury holds the third position with 4 points. Nusrat Jahan Alo and Zinnat Akhter Shahnaz are tied for fourth place with 3.5 points each. The seventh round of the competition will commence today at 3:00 PM at the same venue.
