Legend: Ashley has been a familiar figure in the world of chess for almost three decades.
| Photo Credit: P.K. Ajith Kumar
Maurice Ashley was one of the most familiar faces at the World Chess Championship. The first move was made in each game after these words from him, as he stood between Ding Liren and D. Gukesh: “Let the game begin.”
The American Grandmaster has been a commentator and presenter for major chess events for over three decades, but that isn’t his biggest achievement.
In 1999, he became the first African-American person to become a Grandmaster. Some 25 years later, of the 2000-odd Grandmasters in the world, only four are of African heritage.
Ashley is proud that he is the first African-American Grandmaster but is disappointed that not many have followed in his footsteps. He would like to have the kind of influence on his community – and he is working hard towards his goal by supporting children – what Viswanathan Anand has had on Indian chess.
Sporting family
Ashley comes from a sporting family. His sister Alicia is a former World boxing champion and brother Devon is a former World kick-boxing champion.
“But I never was tempted to be a boxer,” said Ashley in an interview with The Hindu at World Resorts Sentosa. “I fell in love with playing chess and have been enjoying talking about the game.”
His first big assignment as a commentator was the 1995 World championship match between Anand and Garry Kasparov. That match was played at the World Trade Centre. “And the first game was played on September 11,” he said.
“That was a big match, as has been this one, despite the criticism from some about the number of draws and the Ding’s blunder in the final game.”
He said it was an absolutely thrilling match. “A blunder may have ended it, but that is chess,” said the Jamaica-born Grandmaster. “It is the pressure, the intensity of the moment, having to live up to the expectations of millions of fans that could get to you.”
He believes Gukesh is going to create a legacy not just for India but for the world. “Even beyond chess, in fact, as you are getting such a young World champion,” added Ashley. “He will be an inspiration for millions around the world.”
Ashley believes Gukesh has the potential to be a much stronger player. “He is still growing, he still has years before he reaches his peak,” said Ashely. “I think he could go down as a GOAT of the game”.
Published – December 14, 2024 06:25 pm IST
