26 Mar 2011

Internet used in alleged Chess scam

5:44 am on 26 March 2011

The French chess federation has suspended three top players for violating sporting ethics at a chess olympiad in Siberia.

The trio are acused of using an elaborate scheme involving text messages and computer software.

The federation says while the international grand master Sebastien Feller, was playing, a colleague followed developments over the internet and used computer software to establish the best next move.

The answer was sent by a coded text message to another team member.

He would then sit at a particular table in the hall to represent an agreed square on the chess board.

The federation says it is the first case of its kind.

The players deny cheating.