Dhaka: Three players have claimed a joint lead in the points table with a perfect score of four points each after the fourth round in the Open section of the 42nd National Junior (Under-20) Chess Championships. The championships, encompassing both open and girls categories, were held today at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall room.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the leaders in the open section are FIDE Master Sakline Mostafa Sajid representing Bangladesh Army, Mohammed Shaker Ullah from Cox's Bazar, and Oitijja Barua. Close behind them, Swarnavo Choudhury and Md. Nafis Fuad Zahin share the second position with 3.5 points.
In the girls' category, Woman FIDE Master Warsia Khusbu of Bangladesh Navy has taken the solo lead with a maximum score of four points. Woman Candidate Master Israt Jahan Diba is closely trailing with 3.5 points. Six players are tied for the third position with three points each, including Woman Candidate Master Nusrat Jahan Alo of Comilla, Omnia Binte Yusuf Lubaba of Chattogram, Jannatul Preety of Barisal, Jinnat Akter Shahnaz, Sidratul Muntaha Nafi, and Ahona Dey.
The day's matches in the open section saw FM Sakline Mostafa Sajid defeat CM Md Azmaeen Parvez Sayor, while Mohammed Shaker Ullah triumphed over Radmim Raha Rajya. Oitijja Barua outplayed Candidate Master Md. Sajidul Haque. Swarnavo Choudhury and Md. Nafis Fuad Zahin ended their match in a draw. Other notable victories included Tushin Talukder's win against Awsaf Chowdhury, Rafiul Hasan Pranto's victory over Rayan Rashid Mugdho, and several other intense matches.
In the girls' section, WFM Warsia Khusbu defeated WCM Nusrat Jahan Alo, while WCM Israt Jahan Diba drew her match with Jannatul Preety. WCM Omnia Binte Yusuf Lubaba won against Tanjila Akter, and Jinnat Akter Shahnaz overpowered Nusrat Hasan Naba. The competition continues to intensify as participants vie for top positions in the championship.