NATIONAL Hotel Services Company (NHSC) grabbed sole lead with 21.5 points after six rounds of the 10th Corporate Team Chess Championship.

NHSC are eight points ahead of their nearest rivals Bahrain Maritime and Mercantile International (BMMI).

Gulf Hotel and Top Media share third spot with 11 points each followed by Bahrain National Gas Company (BANAGAS, 3.5 points) and Falcon Cement Factory (2.5 points).

In round six Banagas drew with BMMI and Gulf Hotel were held by Top Media.

Banagas are being represented by Hani Makki, Hameed Abdulla, Sanjeep K and Amini Mansouri while Rene Costales, Rudolfo Llucas, Joey Cabaya and Ruel Llanos play for BMMI.

Gulf Hotel team consists of Lito Dario, Dado Cagampan, Palajuren Grace (the only female in the competition and with the best result so far on board No. 4) and James D.

Top Media escaped defeat after some stuning play by both Cagampan and Grace.

Round seven fixtures set for this evening starting at 7pm at the Mind Sports Association in Muharraq: NHSC vs Banagas, Falcon Cement vs Gulf Hotel, Top Media vs BMMI.