The First Asian Internet Chess Festival among the Russian Cultural Centres was held this past week at the Russian Cultural Centre in Alwarpet.
Eight countries participated and seven teams are taking part in the online internet chess matches. Each team consists of three players in the four-round, 30 minutes rapid chess championship. The tournament was inaugurated by his Nikolay Listopado, Consul General of the Russian Federation in south India – he made the first online move.
World champion Vishwanathan Anand endorsed the tournament and said that Russia has a very special place in his heart. ‘Vishy ‘ groomed his skills at Mikhail Tal Chess Club at the Russian Cultural Centre here during his childhood days.
Ebenezer Joseph of Emmanuel Chess Club, the consultant says this festival is organized to promote peace among the Asian countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal and Pakistan.
V. Mariy, Director, RCC, Chennai also took part in the launch event.
Ebenezer Joseph is at 65470470
