The Walton International Rating Chess Tournament-2022, sponsored by Walton Hi-Tech Industries and organised by Bangladesh Chess Federation, began on Monday at Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room and the conference room of National Sports council here.

Earlier, Senior Executive Director of Walton Hi-Tech Industries FM Iqbal Bin Anwar inaugurated the event as chief guest. 

Vice-President of Bangladesh Chess Federation KM Shahidullah presided over the ceremony where Syed Shahab Uddin Shamim, General Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation was present as special guest. International Arbiter Md Haroon Or Rashid and Sajol Mahmud, Executive Member of Bangladesh Chess Federation also spoke on the occasion. 

A total of  137 players including GM Ziaur Rahman, GM Enamul Hossain Razib, IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman, IM Mohammad Minhaz Uddin, FM Mehdi Hasan Parag, FM Khandekar Aminul Islam, FM Sheikh Nasir Ahmed, FM Syed Mahfuzur Rahman, FM Mohammad Javed and FM Md Saif Uddin are taking part in the meet.

READ: Bangabandhu's birthday: BCF to organise rapid chess competition for children Thursday

Sixty Six players won their 1st round game and earned one point each.

In the 1st round matches, GM Zia beat Al Shahid, GM Razib beat Saif, IM Fahad beat Maleq, IM Minhaz beat Monir, FM Parag beat Alo, CM Sharif beat Mridul, FM Nasir beat Faruk, CM Dihan beat Osman, CM Neer beat Rezwan, WFM Noshin beat Rashid and Khushbu drew with Abzid. 

The event is being held on a 9- round Swiss League system. The winners of the event will be awarded a total two lac taka cash prize money and Walton  gift hampers.

The 2nd round games will be tomorrow (Tuesday) from 2:00 PM at the same both venues.