Ice chess tournament to mark Russian festival in London

One of the highlights of the 3rd annual Russian winter festival in London is set to be the world's first ever international game of ice chess. The event starts on Thursday and will showcase Russian culture and traditions.

The chess pieces are being shaped now for the clash of grandmasters. It takes around 3 or 4 hours to complete just one simple piece like a pawn, more complicated items will take many more hours.

“We make this kind of figure piece by piece. We make the top part on a lathe first; then we glue it with water to the bottom part, and finalize it.  I feel the responsibility because this is a major event. I am very happy. I’ll do my best,” Dmitry, a craftsman says.

The previous winter festivals have been massive hits and the chess game will mark the start of the 3rd annual event. It will be screened live via satellite link-up between both capitals – Moscow and London.

The Russian team is under tutelage of Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov.

People are working around the clock to complete all 32 pieces for the Russian chess set.  When they're finished, they should stay frozen for up to two days, as they have a core temperature of minus 20. So, there should be no danger of them melting, and leading to a stalemate, whatever the weather is.