Renowned Indian Off-Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Ventures into Chess with American Gambits
Renowned Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has made a surprising move into the world of chess by purchasing a team in the Global Chess League. The off-spinner is now a co-owner of the American Gambits, alongside businessmen Venkat K Narayana and Prachura PP. The team will be replacing the Chingari Gulf Titans in the league’s upcoming second edition.
The Global Chess League, a partnership between Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation, announced the six teams for the next season, set to take place in London from 3rd October to 12th October. Alongside the American Gambits, the defending champion Triveni Continental Kings, the Ganges Grandmasters, the PBG Alaskan Knights, the Alpine SG Pipers, and the Mumba Masters will also be competing.
Legendary chess grandmaster Vishy Anand welcomed Ashwin to the chess community with a heartfelt message on social media. Anand expressed his excitement for Ashwin’s new venture and wished him luck with the American Gambits in the upcoming season.
The format of the second Global Chess League will feature six players per side, including two female chess players and a prodigy. Teams will play ten matches each in a double round-robin format, with matches decided by a best-of-six board scoring system. The top two teams will advance to the championship game.
Fans can expect an exciting season of chess with this unique format, which will be broadcast on key OTT and broadcast platforms worldwide. Ashwin expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture and is looking forward to contributing to the success of the American Gambits in the league.