Grand Master Abdullah Al Rakib and Women's International Master Rani Hamid qualified for the 2017 World Cup and 2018 World Women's Championship after emerging champions in the Asian Zonal Chess Championship in Kathmandu yesterday.

Rakib beat Grand Master Enamul Hossain Razib in the ninth and final round to earn eight points while GM Ziaur Rahman became runner-up with 7.5 points.

Rani and last edition's champion Shamima Akter Liza earned eight points each, but the former was declared champion in tie-breaking system.

Meanwhile, WFM Nazrana Khan Eva, who became third in women's section with six points, earned her second WIM norm and she now needs one more norm to earn the WIM title. Samiha Sharmin Shimmi, who finished fourth with 5.5 points, also achieved the title of Women's Candidate Master in this event.