Liza stays on Shirin's heels

IWM Rani Hamid (R) and Nazrana Khan Eva are engaged in a cerebral war in the ninth round of the 30th National Women's Chess Championship at the federation hall room yesterday.Photo: STAR

IWM Rani Hamid lost ground in the 30th Parachute National Women's Chess Champion ship when the defending champion went down to Nazrana Khan Eva in the ninth round yesterday.
The defeat meant Sharmin Sultana Shirin, who shared the top spot with Rani in the previous round, regained solo lead after defeating young prodigy Protiva Talukder at the federation hall-room.
Shirin now has eight points but only half-a-point ahead of last year's runner-up Shamima Akhter Liza, who beat Amena Begum.
In other matches, Jahanara Haque Runu beat Farjana Hossain Anne, Masuda Begum drew with WFM Zakia Sultana and Rokhsana Titli drew with Ahely Sarkar.