Niaz helps Police to debut chess title

Debutants Bangladesh Police emerged unbeaten champions in the Walton Refrigerator Premier Division Chess League after beating Janata Bank Officer Welfare Society by 3.5-.5 points in the final and 11th round at the National Sports Council Auditorium yesterday.

Bangladesh Police, who played the 2nd Division Chess League this year and entered top-flight chess after buying out the E-Soft Arena Chess Club, formed the second-best side with three GMs, one IM and one FM. They maintained an all-win record till the end to deny last edition’s champions Saif SC, who had fielded six GMs.

In the final round, Police easily beat Janata Bank, with their two Georgian GMs -- Baadur Jobava and GM Mchedlishvili Mikheli – along with IM Fahad Rahman winning their respective boards. GM Niaz Murshed, however, dropped points against FM Syed Mahfuzur Rahman.

Niaz played the key role behind forming the Police team like he had previously helped Mohammedan SC to the title thrice (2011 to 2013) and Sheikh Russel Memorial SC (2015), Saif SC (2016) and Bengal Chess Club (2017) once each in the last eight years.

“Beating holders Saif SC was the turning point,” Murshed told reporters after confirming the prestigious maiden title.

“Our target was to win the league which was really tough this time. I could not play well because of asthma problem while Fahad had to play tough matches. Our players could not get rest during the championship but we are now happy to become champions,” said Murshed, who hoped Bangladesh Police will continue in chess league.

“Bangladesh Police is an institution and they have resource to run a chess club. I believe Bangladesh Police will continue its presence in chess league and it will help the chess players,” opined Murshed.