Grand Master Abdullah Al Rakib and Fide Master Fahad Rahman joined GM Niaz Murshed at the top of the points table of the 45th National Chess Championship following wins in the eighth round at the Institute of Engineers Building in Dhaka yesterday.

Rakib beat CM Manon Reja Neer while Fahad beat FM Taibur Rahman to grab a share of the lead with six points after GM Niaz drew his game against IM Minhaz Uddin Ahmed.

GM Reefat Bin Sattar was in second position with 5.5 points after beating defending champion GM Ziaur Rahman.