Uzbek Tahir leads the way

International Master Vakhidov Tahir of Uzbekistan took a solo lead in the Maan Bangladesh Grand Masters' Chess Tournament yesterday.

After the fourth round Tahir raised his tally to 3.5 points when he defeated Monir Hossain at the federation chess room.

Five players were trailing him on half-a-point behind. They are GM Ziaur Rahman IM Reefat-Bin-Sattar of and Leonine's three GM's Dao Thien Hai and Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam and Uzbekistan's Iuldachev Saidali.

In this round Zia drew with Nguyen, Dao Thien drew with

Saidali, Reefat beat Fide Master Taibur Rahman and GM Niaz Murshed won against Prasenjit Datta.

Niaz was one four players occupying third place on 2.5 points. They include FM Sk. Nasir Ahmed, IM Mahmood Lodhi of Pakistan and Rahul Sangma of India.

Lodhi drew with Rahul, Nasir beat Aminul Islam Polash, FM Abu Sufian Shakil drew with Debaraj Chatterjee, Tanmoy Pattanyk of India beat Sohel Chowdhury of Titas, Syed Mahfuzur Rahman Emon beat Shamima Akter Liza of Sonali Bank, Saifuddin Lavlu beat Souvik Chakraborty of India, Mahtabuddin Ahmed beat FM Rezaul Haque and Arman Monir beat Rabiul Islam.