Bangladesh’s 14-year-old International Master (IM) Manon Reja Neer defeated two Grandmasters in the World Rapid Chess Championship taking place in New York.

National chess champion FIDE Master (FM) Manon Reja Neer narrowly missed out on attaining the title of International Master (IM) after finishing second in the Under-18 Open Group of the 7th Western Asian Youth Chess Championship in Sri Lanka today.

“I had nearly confirmed my championship win with two rounds in hand and was really happy about it. But now I am shocked and can’t find the words to express my emotions after the death of my beloved Zia sir,” Neer told The Daily Star yesterday.

FIDE Master (FM) Manon Reja Neer earned a second norm of International Master at the close of nine games of the Saif Powertec 48th Chess Championship after beating FM Tahsin Tajwar Zia at the Bangladesh Chess Federation Hall Room today.