by Ravi Nagahawatte

World chess champion Vishy Anand is reported to have sent his blessings through an e-mail to a Sri Lankan chess club which has been formed under his name.

Anand, Grand Master and World Champion for year 2002, is said to have been impressed by the formation of a chess club by his name-Vishy Anand Chess Club.

Derrick Perera, President Vishy Anand Chess Club told ‘The Island’ that Anand’s blessings had been sent to him through Kuruwila Abrahim of T.N.Q Sponsorship India Pvt Limited, the firm which represents the commercial interest of Anand.

Perera further added that he hopes to meet the legendary Indian when the club travels to Germany through the Asian German Sports Exchange Programme in October. Abrahim had further revealed that the World champion had expressed the wish to personally get in touch with the members of Vishy Anand Chess Club.

Vishy Anand Chess Club which was formed last year won the year 2002 Inter-club team championship. The club’s next commitment will be at the National ‘B’ Chess Championship which is scheduled to commence this week at the Chess Federation headquarters.

An interesting feature of the team which will represent the club at this tournament is that six out of eight members in the team possess international ratings.

The strong Vishy Anand Chess Club comprises of Nuwan Didula, T.D.R. Peiris, Dimuthu Priyadharshana, Shamin de Moraes, Uddama Amarawickrema, Tivanka Mallawarachchi (All rated players) along with Derrick Perera and Nuwanka Jayawardana ( both un rated).