International Master Ziaur Rahman continued with his winning run in the Open FIDE rating chess tournament defeating country's lone International Women Master Rani Hamid in the eight round at NSC chess room yesterday.

Playing with white pieces, Zia. the 1996 national champion. opted English Opening against Rani and checkmated her after a marathon four and a half hours spell.

With the win, Zia raised his tally to eight points and re-mained atop the standings with a 1.5-polnt lead over four players — Enamul Hossain Rajib, Syed Ruhu) Kabir Shlplu, Mizanur Rahman Labu and Monir Hossain.

In yesterday s round, Rajib beat Enayet. Shlplu defeated former national champion Tanlma Parveen. Labu edged East All Amjad Mintu while ionir tamed Aminul Islam.

Rani, ten times national women champion who was second in the table after the seventh round with six points, is now sharing the crowded third spot alongwith seven others — International Master Reefat-bin-Sattar, Abdullah-al-Rakib. Rezaul Haque, Saifuddin Lovlu. Tyebur Rahman Sumon, Uten and Mahfuzur Rahman Imon.

The ninth of the 11 -round Swiss League tourney will begin at the same venue today at 3 pm.