It is ‘fixing’ with a difference! A visit to the venue of the A.P International FIDE-rated chess tournament (below ELO 2200) would have left any chess lover stunned at the way the event was organised in the by-lanes of BK Guda.
The organisers had informed FIDE (world governing body for chess) that they were hosting the event with a possible 200 entries, including many FIDE-rated players. Reality, however, was something totally in contrast.
About 30 players turned up, a poor mix of local players and a few rated players from Mumbai, who were paid appearance money for the event! These select players from Mumbai were also made to lose their games to “help the local talent”.
A visit to the venue exposed the fact that it was meant to increase the rating of a few select players by the coaches. That the results of the three-day event were not posted on the chessresults.com (though not mandatory but all FIDE-rated event organisers follow in principle) and a majority of the players were not even informed about the address of the venue raised a few eyebrows.
Although the event was held under the aegis of the A.P Chess Association, rules went for a toss as the organisers did not have the mandatory Swiss manager (software for pairings) which is a must.
The venue was a junior college with four tables in two classrooms.
“I wrote to the APCA seeking clarifications and I am awaiting a reply,” says coach and former national player Lanka Srinivas. APCA officials refused to comment despite repeated queries.
