Woman International Master Shamima Akhter Liza clinched the title of 35th National Women’s Chess Championship with a game in hand after she beat Nazrana Khan Eva in the penultimate round on Sunday. Reigning champion Liza has now won her all 10 matches in this year’s competition, raising the prospect of a rare all-win championship. She will face unheralded Zahuratul Zannat Zisha in the final round today.
This is Liza’s second successive national title, fourth overall.
WFM Sharmin Sultana Shirin trails Liza by 1.5 points in the second position.
Liza, who is now settled in Portugal with her husband, attributed the success to her ceaseless international competitions over the past few years.
‘I played many international tournaments when I was in Portugal last year,’ Liza told reporters on Sunday.
‘It gave me some confidence. Also, this competition seemed relatively easier to me as six of my 10 opponents are new faces. I faced very little challenge from them.’
Liza is now aiming to become first woman Grand Master of the country.
‘I’m very happy with my current form and if I continue like this in next two or three years I can become the first WGM in the country,’ said Liza, who also won national title in 2005 and 2010 before her back-to-back success.
-With New Age input
