M Taibur Rahman and Jamal Ahmed took joint lead In the preliminary phase of the Mercantile Bank 35th National Chess Championship with eight points after the 10th round at the chess federation hall room yesterday.

Fide Masters Abu Sufian Shakil and Mehdi Hasan Parag. Sheikh Nasir Ahmed and Aminul Islam Palash, Golam Mostafa Bhuiyan are following the leaders closely with 7.5 points each.

In the 10th round, Taibur beat Mostafa, Jamal beat Debaraj, Shakil drew with Nasir, Parag drew with Palash, Amin drew with Javed, Younus drew with Munir, Ali beat Anisuzzaman Jewel, Emon beat Uten, Robin beat Mohammad Shamim and Nazrana beat Shafiq Ahmed.

The 11th and last round matches start will be held.

VOLLEYBALL

Sajjat Smrity Sangsad reached the final defeating Sunrise Sporting Club 3-1 in the first semifinal of the Rangs National Volleyball League at the Gaibandha Stadium.

Sajjat SS will meet Jubo Sangsad, who ousted Nabarun Krira Chakra 3-2 in the second semifinal, in the final.