Ravichandran Ashwin buys team in Global Chess League

NEW DELHI: Star Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has ventured into the world of chess by becoming a co-owner of the American Gambits. This newly formed team is set to participate in the upcoming second edition of the Global Chess League, a collaborative initiative between Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
The League on Monday announced the six franchises that will compete in the second edition, which is scheduled to take place in London from October 3 to 12.
The American Gambits, co-owned by notable business figures Prachura PP, Venkat K Narayana, and Ashwin, will take the place of the Chingari Gulf Titans in the tournament.
"We're thrilled to introduce the American Gambits to the chess world. With a blend of strategic brilliance and unwavering determination, our team aims to redefine the game. As co-owner, I'm excited to witness their journey and contribute to their success," PTI quoted Ashwin as saying in a media release.
The Global Chess League is gearing up for its second season, with five returning franchises ready to compete once again. Apart from American Gambits, these teams include the Alpine SG Pipers, PBG Alaskan Knights, Ganges Grandmasters, reigning champions Triveni Continental Kings and Mumba Masters.
"We are thrilled to welcome the teams for the second season of the Global Chess League. We have found the right partners to strengthen the league's global reach and look forward to bringing an exciting season of chess to fans worldwide.
The teams made season one a huge success and we believe that their impact and popularity will continue to expand in the world of chess," said Sameer Pathak, CEO, Global Chess League.
The tournament will feature a distinctive team format, with each team comprising six players, including two leading female chess players and a prodigy. This groundbreaking format is set to be broadcast on major OTT and television platforms globally, generating significant buzz among chess enthusiasts.
Throughout the tournament, the teams will engage in a total of 10 matches, following a double round-robin structure. The victor of each match will be determined using a best-of-six board scoring system, ensuring a competitive and thrilling experience for both players and spectators alike.
Each team will participate in a total of 10 matches, alternating between playing with black and white pieces. The competition will be divided into two rounds, each consisting of five matches. In the first round, all six players from each team will start by playing with either the white or black pieces against their designated opponents.
Upon completion of the first round, the teams will engage in a reverse round, where they will play another set of five matches. However, in this second round, the players will switch colors, playing with the opposite pieces against the same opponents they faced in the first round.
The team that accumulates the most points from wins and draws across all six games in a match will emerge as the winner. The two teams with the highest overall scores will progress to the final round, setting the stage for an epic showdown between the tournament's top contenders.