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Battle of brains

It was a brilliant mind game where players unleashed their prowess on the board of squares, reports J. R. SHRIDHARAN

PHOTO: CH. VIJAYA BHASKAR

ENGROSSED The game of square board whets the mind

For the batch of 70-odd children of all age groups, it was a moment to cherish as they were provided a platform to showcase their talent in the game of chess at the on-going all India industrial and agricultural exhibition.

Thanks to the initiative by Champions Chess Academy, the kids played a series of 10-minute games, aimed at enlightening the thousands of revellers, who thronged the expo. Says academy chairman V. R. Bobba: "Chess is gaining popularity in coastal Andhra, primarily due to the exploits of Grandmasters Koneru Humpy and P. Harikrishna. Demonstrations like this will help the game attract parents and children in a big way." Col. C.K. Nayudu Sports Arena in the ground wore a festive look with kids, along with their parents, arriving there to unleash a fusillade of openings and moves.

Exam fever

After the four-hour long intensive games, Telaprolu Bapanaiah High School's G. Monish and D. Gokul of Kendriya Vidyalaya emerged joint winners garnering four points.

Following the winners was S.V.S. Suraj of T.B. High School with 3.5 points. Says Khasim of Global Chess Academy: "The demonstration came handy for many academies to assess the skills of their wards. All the players noted down their moves, which was heartening to the coaches. Due to the on-going examinations, many kids failed to turn up for the demonstration." Incidentally, players from Global Chess Academy, Musthabada Chess Academy, T. Nagar Chess Academy, Sivaprasad Chess Academy, along with players from St. John's Public School, Kakatiya Public School, Atkinson and NSM Public School took part in the demo.

Bowled over

Lok Ayukta R. Ramanujam was bowled over by the unbridled interest evinced by the children to hone their skills in the mind game. "India has emerged a super power in chess. Our country has produced many Grandmasters and world champions. The future looks bright for players pursuing the game of the 64 squares," he said.

Hogging the limelight was the youngest participant Jaswanthika, a 4-year-old kindergarten student from Atkinson High School.

The little girl exhibited steely grit to lock horns with some of the experienced players. The organisers, as a gesture, presented mementoes to all the participants and shields to the winners.

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