No stopping of Shirin

Sharmin Sultana Shirin closed in on her maiden National Women's Chess Champion-ship title when she defeated Masuda Begum at the federation hall-room yesterday.
Shirin, who takes on Amena Khatun in the 11th and final round today, need to win to the game to secure the crown of the 30th Parachute National Women's Chess Championship.
However, there would be close watch on the day's game between second-placed Shamima Akhter Liza and third-placed defending champion IWM Rani Hamid.
A draw against Amena, on nine points, would take the solo leader beyond the reach of Rani Hamid. But the veteran 17-time champion Rani, who is on eight points, can spoil the hopes of Liza, the last year's runner-up now on 8.5 points.
In the other tenth round matches, Liza beat Rokhsana Titli, Rani Hamid beat Ahely Sarkar, Nazrana Khan Eva beat Jahanara Haque Runu, WFM Zakia Sultana beat Amena Khatun and Farjana Hossain Anne beat Protiva Talukder.