Chennai, September 28 (IANS): Former Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich and now a strong contender for the President's post in FIDE, the world chess body, did not seek the support of All India Chess Federation (AICF) even as a formality. The AICF is the Indian government recognised national body for chess. Similarly, the third contender for the FIDE President's post British chess Grand Master (GM) Nigel Short too did not seek AICF's support. The FIDE Presidential elections slated early next month is a three-horse race with Dvorkovich, Short and Georgios Makropoulos contesting with their teams. "I did not, as the representative of India is on the ticket of Mr. Makropoulos," Dvorkovich told IANS when queried about approaching AICF for support. Responding to the question Short told IANS: "No. I did not meet any official of AICF. I thought it will be a waste of time as D.V.Sundar is part of the Makropoulos team. But many Indian chess Grand Masters are hoping that I would win." Sundar, Vice President, AICF is in the fray for the post of FIDE General Secretary as a part of Makropoulos team. The present FIDE Deputy President Makropoulos is contesting for the FIDE President's post. "Sundar will be voting on behalf of AICF at the FIDE elections," an AICF official had told IANS preferring anonymity. Curiously, Dvorkovich and Short are promising the National Chess Federations that they would bring in transparency in FIDE operations, attract big corporate sponsors. They also said the FIDE under their regime would financially support the National Chess Federations and not the other way around as it is now. Meanwhile Israeli chess Grand Master Boris Gelfand recently has expressed his support for Dvorkovich and the later thanked him for the support. Gelfand is the first player with world fame to have extended his support to Dvorkovich's candidature. Gelfand in a detailed message posted on Dvorkovich's election campaign website wished the Russian and also the English GM Nigel Short another FIDE Presidential candidate success in their endeavour.
