Giant chess game is played on ice

Enlarge Image

Trafalgar Square has hosted the world's first international chess game using giant board pieces carved out of ice.

A British team playing at the foot of Nelson's Column came toe-to-toe with their Russian counterparts in Moscow's Pushkin Square via video-link.

They played on two 64sq metre chess boards with one-metre high ice pieces in London and Moscow.

The morning face-off, which launched the third annual Russian Winter Festival, ended in a draw.

Pieces melting

Spectators were able to watch the game through a live satellite link-up on large screens in both cities.

The chess figures were carved exclusively for the event, with selected pieces sculpted in the shape of famous London and Moscow landmarks.

Unseasonally warm winters in both Moscow and London meant some of the pieces had partially melted before the one-hour game was up.

Russian and British chessmasters Anatoly Karpov and Nigel Short headed their respective teams, which included celebrities and budding chess talents.