India

Right, never mind the dog story. And hey, according to some, these guys invented chess. But the Indians do take chess seriously. Present world number 2 is Vishy Anand. And they plan some more with a target of 100 grandmasters by 2012!

"What's the ACF's GM target?" I hear you ask. I have no idea. Go ask the ACF!

Anyway, there is almost no doubt that India will make it. Just looking at the Indian press tells us something about that. Almost everyday the local press has a mention of the current World Youths. The Hindu, the Press Trust of India, and Outlook all feature chess.

It makes me envious. Though, at times, one finds chess in the most unexpected sentences.