A web site hosted by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka (CFSL) has recorded an all time high 20,000 hits on July 22 (Tuesday).

The web site has aroused the interest of viewers by providing information about the on-going Asian Junior Chess Championship, a hotly contested event where there is no clear favourite.

Derrick Perera, of the CFSL and the Continental General Secretary World Chess Federation (FIDE), told ‘The Island’ the huge viewership demonstrated the extraordinary interest the event has generated.

"This shows massive development in the sport. This is just what a sponsor wants," said Perera.

Perera added that last year, when the tournament was hosted by Sri Lanka, only 2000 hits had been recorded during the whole event.

According to Perera the web site www.asianjuniors03.com has been rated as the best on July 22 by gloogle search- a web site which specialises in helping viewers find other web sites.

An elated Perera said, "They are battling it out like nothing,".

The Tournament, which is being staged at Camelot Beach Hotel in Negombo, began on July 18 and is expected to conclude on July 26.