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Reefat GM-elect

BISHWAJIT ROY
BOB Chess
While the rest of the country was ushering in another Bangla New Year on Thursday, a young man's thoughts however were very much elsewhere. But in the end Reefat-Bin-Sattar's small sacrifice for missing the traditional festivities paid rich dividends as the 31-year-old International Master earned his much-awaited third and final GM norm from the United Insurance and Leasing Company Grand Master's Tournament.
Having come so close only to fall at the final hurdle in other rated tournaments at home and abroad, Reefat, who according to many keen chess followers, was earmarked as a future star since he became an IM in 1993, made no
mistake on this occasion beating Uzbek Grand Master Safin Shukharat to finish with the desired eight points and also claim the runner-up prize in the prestigious tournament.
"I never missed the New Year programmes that's why I was a little bit depressed having to play chess. But I was inspired by my wife (Irin Bashar) who told me that 'I had the opportunity to present a special gift to the nation on the day'. I must say it was a red letter day for me,"' said a delighted Reefat, who dedicated his achievement to his sixteen-month-old daughter Mushar Mita.
Once Reefat receives official clearance from the game's governing body the World Chess Federation or FIDE, he is set become only Bangladesh's third Grand Master following in the footsteps of Niaz Murshed way back in 1987 and Ziaur Rahman, who earned the highest chess title three
years ago.
Reefat now has to wait as the FIDE Presidential board will approve his title after reviewing his rating and norms. A player needs at least a 2500-rating points including three norms. Reefat, who began with a rating of 2473, collected 21 points from this tournament.
Reefat, who bagged his first 10-game GM norm from New White Plus Grand Master tournament in 2002 and added the second one in 2003 from Leonine Grand Master Chess tournament, bemoaned the lack opportunities to raise his profile.
"We need more strong tournaments like this in the country. Also playing opportunities in events abroad are far and few between and that I think was the main reason behind the delay. Although I have achieved my goal much later than expected especially when you think
SEE PAGE 13 COL 2 Reefat GM
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I started my chess at the same time as Zia, I'm still happy," said Reefat, who began playing at the age of seven.
Zia was equally delighted by his success and thought it will open a vista for the country's budding chess talents.
"Reefat's success will hopefully change the picture of Bangladesh chess. In the past we had to rely on foreign GMs to arrange a Grand Master tournament. Now we can arrange much more tournaments in the country as a country needs at least three GMs to organise a GM event," said Zia.
Indian Grand Master Surya Shekhar Ganguly, who became champion in the tournament, branded Reefat as one of the sharpest players of this generation.
"He is a very attacking player and that's why sometimes he loses some games. But that flare is his strength also. He deserved the laurel."
Meanwhile, another Bangladeshi International Master Enamul Hossain Rajib failed to earn his second norm as he lost to Russian GM Alexander Fominyh in the last round.