Chess teams suffer defeats

Bangladesh men's chess team suffered a narrow 2.5-1.5 point defeat to Norway in the second round of 42nd Chess Olympiad in Azerbaijan on Saturday.

Bangladesh, who had started with a 4-0 win against San Marino in the opening round, had a good chance to hold the 12th seed Norway, but they suffered defeat after GM Abdullah Al Rakib drew against GM Hammer John Ludvig despite staying in a good position. GM Enamul Hosssain Razib lost against world champion Magnus Carlsen while GM Ziaur Rahman lost against GM Tari Aryan. GM Niaz Murshed, however, managed to beat GM Urkedal Frode of Norway.

In the women's section, Bangladesh lost to 19th seed Vietnam by 1-3 points as WIM Shamima Akter Liza, WFM Nazrana Khan Eva and WIM Rani Hamid lost their respective boards. Only WFM Shirin Sultana managed to win her board.