After Leander Paes, it was the second 'big' setback for India going into Guangzhou in a few days time. Vishy Anand, India's best bet in chess along with his female counterpart Koneru Humpy have both pulled out due to a clash with Chess Olympiad happening at the same time
India's medal prospects in chess at the Guangzhou Asian Games suffered a major setback after World champion Vishwanathan Anand announced his withdrawal.
New Delhi: World chess champion Viswanathan Anand will not be available for next month's Asian Games in China due to prior commitments, officials said on Friday.
With the top woman player Koneru Humpy also opting out of the mega event, the Indian squad will be same that played in the Olympiad last month. Humpy had won two gold medals including one in the team event in the last edition in Doha while Anand was absent there as well.
Both the players have already told the All India Chess Federation that they will not be available for the November 12-27 Games.
"AICF Secretary had approached Anand to play in the Asian Games. But he said he will not be available," Delhi Chess Association President Bharat Singh Chauhan, who has been named team manager of the 10-member squad said.
"AICF Secretary had approached Anand to play in the Asian Games. But he said he will not be available," Delhi Chess Association President Bharat Singh Chauhan, who has been named team manager of the 10-member squad said.
Medals will be up for grabs in the team events for men and women apart from the two individual rapid events.
Men: K Sasikiran, P Hari Krishna, Surya Shekhar Ganguly, G N Gopal and B Adhiban.
Women: D Harika, Tania Sachdev, Eesha Karavade, S Meenakshi and Nisha Mohota.
Coaches: Lev Psakhis and Oleg Romanishin; Manager: Bharat Singh Chauhan.
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