WFM Sharmin Sultana Shirin maintained her sole lead in the Walton 37th National Women's Chess Championship, with seven points after the end of the seventh round yesterday.

The current runner-up beat WFM Zakia Sultana at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall room to continue with her perfect record in the event.

WIM Shamima Akter Liza, who beat defending champion WFM Nazrana Khan Eva, was in second position with six points.

WFM Tanima Parveen and Jhorna Begum were third with 5.5 points.