Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, August 21

Nepal's only FIDE Master (FM) Manish Hamal started with victory in the ninth United Insurance and United Leasing Grandmasters Chess Tournament in Dhaka today.

The 2086-rated Hamal outplayed 2316-rated FM Aminul K Islam of Bangladesh in the first round of the tournament. Hamal will now take on 2473-rated Indian Grand Master (GM) Dibyendu Barua in the second round on Saturday.

The 2133-rated veteran Naveen Tandukar, who made his comeback after seven years in international tournament, held 2391-rated Bangladeshi FM Minhazuddin Ahmed for a draw. Tandukar has been paired with 2531-rated GM Enamul Hossain of Bangladesh.

The 2134-rated Keshav Shrestha also lost his first round match to 2453-rated GM of India Tejas Bakre and 2162-rated Badri Lal Nepali lost to 2474-rated Neelotpal Das, another GM from India.

On the day when all Nepali players faced tough opponents, the 2106-rated Bilam Lal Shrestha also lost his first round match to 2363-rated Praveen Kumar of India.