In a remarkable display of strategic prowess, FIDE Master Manon Reja Neer, a mere 14 years of age, clinched the title of undefeated champion at the 48th National Chess Championship. His victory came in the face of formidable opposition, outmanoeuvring three seasoned Grandmasters. Yet, the young prodigy found himself ensnared in a maelstrom of emotion, grappling with the untimely loss of his esteemed mentor, 'Zia sir'.
"I was on the brink of sealing the championship with a couple of rounds to spare, and I was overjoyed," Neer confided to the press on Sunday. "But now, I'm reeling from the shock and at a loss for words over the passing of my dear Zia sir."
Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman, a titan of the chess world, succumbed to a cardiac arrest during the penultimate round of the championship on Friday. In recent years, he had turned his hand to nurturing the next generation of chess talent, with Neer among his protégés.
Neer, who departed for Sri Lanka yesterday to compete in a duo of tournaments, mirrored Zia's own youthful triumph, as the latter had also seized his inaugural title at the tender age of 14 back in 1988.
"Zia sir was my most formidable adversary in the recent championship; I was leading by a solitary point. He likely would have been thrilled to witness me ascend to champion, especially considering the intensive 11-day training stint I had under his tutelage, journeying from Narayanganj to his abode in Mohammadpur," the ninth-grader reflected, noting that he had never managed to outplay GM Zia.
This teenage chess sensation has now etched his name as the 16th victor of the national championship, mirroring GM Zia's feat of clinching his first championship at 14.
Nonetheless, the accolade of the youngest national chess champion remains with GM Niaz Murshed, who claimed the title in 1979 at the age of 13.
Neer astounded the chess fraternity by amassing 10 points across 13 matches, which included three draws against the triumvirate of Grandmasters – Niaz, Zia, and Enamul Hossain Razib.
Neer credits his sterling performance at the 21st Bangkok Chess Club Open in April, where he garnered 6.5 points from nine, as pivotal to his championship victory following three prior attempts.
"Ever since my foray into the national championship, my eyes have been set on the prize of becoming champion. I believe my commendable showing in Thailand significantly bolstered my play," Neer remarked, having secured his first International Master norm at the Bangkok Open and the second IM norm from the recently concluded national championship.
When queried about his aspirations, Neer articulated, "My grand ambition is to be crowned world champion, a daunting yet attainable goal. My immediate aim is to acquire the IM title and then ascend to become the nation's sixth GM within the next two years. To realise these ambitions, I'm in need of financial backing, sponsorships, and coaching," Neer stated, also expressing his gratitude to Tanvir Ahmed Titu, chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board's media committee, for his generosity in providing airfare for international tournament participation.
