Koneru Humpy, Indian chess grand master, says her team will be the one to beat when the 15th Asian Games click into gear in Doha.

Speaking on Tuesday 21 November she beamed: "It's the first time that chess has been included in the Asian Games, so we are all looking to do well. The Indian team are the best on paper and the expectations are very high.”

They should do well. Humpy, the women’s world No 2, will spearhead the team and will be joined by two top male colleagues with international pedigree.

Sashikiran Krishnan, winner of the Asian Championship and 20 year-old former junior champion Harikrishna Pentala will team-up with 19 year-old Humpy at the 15th Asian Games.

Their strongest competition will come from China, Qatar, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

The chess tournament at the 15th Asian Games takes place 2 – 14 December at the Al-Dana Club in Doha.

(dohaasiangames.org November 22, 2006)