Grand Master Enamul Hossain Razib reclaimed the National Chess Championship title after 10 years when the country's fifth Grand Master defeated the sub-continent's first GM, Niaz Murshed, in the 13th and final round at the NSC Tower auditorium yesterday.

Razib finished on top with 11 points after claiming nine wins and four draws from 13 matches to ensure his third national championship title after previously being crowned in 2006 and 1997.

GM Abdullah Al Rakib and Razib began the 13th and final round with 10 points each but Rakib's shocking defeat to FM Rezaul Karim in the final round left Razib with a clear path. However, the youngest Grand Master still had to tackle the experienced Niaz to leave Rakib behind and he did so, leaving Rakib to be content with 10.5 points and the runners-up trophy.

"I started the game with a mindset of winning and never thought about Rakib's game. It was tough for me to win with black pieces. However, I was in a better position throughout the game and a wrong move from Niaz Bhai helped me win the board," Razib said soon after winning.

"It is always pleasing to win the national championship. Before the start of the championship, I wanted to improve my game further after good performances in the Chess Olympiad and I think I carried that momentum into the national championship," Rakib concluded.