Indian chess grandmaster and a former world chess champion, Viswanathan Anand, paid a special visit to Ravenscroft Primary School.
The five-time world champion, came to the Carson Road school, in Canning Town, to take on challenges from scores of children and the Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, on Tuesday afternoon.
Viswanathan, who is regarded by many as the world’s greatest chess player, guided the schoolchildren with key tips and tactics, as part of the Chess in Schools and Communities charity project, who are responsible for the development of the chess in 35 schools in the borough.
Viswanathan said: “I have long been involved with children playing chess in schools.
“I think it’s important, as children who play chess seem to do better academically.
“It’s also just a fun thing to give them a chance to play a good player.”
The youngsters gave the star a run for his money, as they kept him playing the board for more than an hour.
“They put up a good fight and I think if they keep it up, they will continue improving,” he added.
The special day filled with games of chess came as part of the charities objective to teach every child how to play chess or at least give them an opportunity to learn.
Malcolm Pein, CEO of Chess in Schools and Communities, said: “It’s an opportunity of a life-time for them to play against a chess champion.”
Headteacher Alison Sharp added: “It was a huge success, the children were really excited to meet him and we learn all about him.
“He asked them every move they made, what they would do and why they would do it, which was nice to see.”
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