Dhaka: The 49th National 'B' Chess Championship is set to commence at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room tomorrow (Friday). A diverse group of fifty-four players, including those who secured 5th to 14th places in the 48th National Chess Championship last year, will be competing. Participants also include players with a standard rating of 2100 and above, as well as top performers from various regional zones.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the competition will feature fifteen players from Dhaka Zone-1, five players from Chittagong Zone-2, four players from Khulna and Barisal Zone-3, four players from Rajshahi and Rangpur Zone-4, and three players from Sylhet and Mymensingh Zone-5. Additionally, the national women's champion, women's international masters, the national junior (under-20) champion, and the girls under-20 champion will also be participating in the event.
The tournament holds significant importance as the top eight players will secure a spot in the final phase of the 49th National Chess Championship. Prestigious players such as grand masters Niaz Murshed, Reefat Bin Sattar, Molla Abdullah Al Rakib, and Enamul Hossain Rajib have been invited to participate in the final round. Last year's champion, International Master Manon Reja Neer, and runner-up, International Master Mohammad Fahad Rahman, will also join the final phase, raising the stakes and excitement for this year's championship.