Grand Master Niaz Murshed will take part in the first round of the world chess ch-ampionshlp, scheduled to begin in Netherlands from December 8.

The lone GM of the country, who earned the unique feat by virtue of becoming runner-up In a zonal competition in India In 1995. will be first ever Bangladeshi to take part in the elite circle of chess. The grand show involving 68 players from across the globe will get underway In the city of Groningen.

In the knock-out first phase, Niaz needs at least a win and a draw to secure a berth in the second round of the championship

Up to sixth round of the tournament, the proceedings will be held in Groningen. The semifinals are slated to take place In Russia, where top two qualifiers from sixth round will be up against GM Anatoli Karpov and GM Garrf Kasparov, the two undisputed icons of the hosts in the world chess.

With a lucrative cash awards of 5 million US dollars up for grab for the winners. Niaz will

get six thousand dollars as appearance money in the meet, which will be patronised by International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The two finalists will meet in Switzerland. The champion will get a cash award of 13.70.000 US dollars.