Chess star Gary Kasparov comes to Malaysia

LEAD PIC IN CENTRESPREAD: Thoughtful: Chess grandmaster Gary Kasparov contemplating a move against Talentcorp Malaysia chief executive officer Johan Mahmood Merican, as Johan's son Kieran (left) looks on. Kasparov played against five players simultaneously during the Charity Chess Drive Gala Dinner held in at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre last month as part of his Kasparov Malaysia Tour 2014 that was organised by the Malaysian Chess Federation and the Umno Youth Economic Bureau. -- Photos by MOHD SAHAR MISNI/The Star

Regarded by many as the best chess player of all time, Gary Kasparov was welcomed with much excitement by the chess community in Malaysia during his recent visit.

At first glance, Gary Kimovich Kasparov appears reserved and, indeed, rather stand-offish, not looking directly at me while being introduced, although he does give a good handshake.