Hyderabad: An unsavoury controversy has broken out in Andhra Pradesh over government's expenditure during the recently organised second World Chess Championship, with Opposition Congress alleging 'astronomical payment' to the hosts 'Ramoji Film City', a charge vehemently denied by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government.

While Congress Legislature Party (CLP) secretary G Chinna Reddy alleged the government had made a 'grossly disproportionate payment of Rs 5 crore' to the organisers, state Information Minister S Chandramohan Reddy and Sports Minister P Ramulu clarified that only Rs 2.75 crore was paid, which included a prize money of Rs 1.60 crore for winners.

Terming the Opposition charge as 'unfortunate', the Ministers told a joint press conference here today that it was a matter of immense pride for the state to have hosted the tournament held in India for the first time.

All procedures were followed and the arrangements were of truly world standards drawing appreciation from players including world champion Viswanathan Anand, they said.

Stating the venue was selected by a joint team of FIDE and All India Chess Federation, they said Ramoji Film City had brought laurels to the state by organising the prestigious event without any hitch.

"It is unbecoming of the main Opposition party to be trying to politicise a sport event and adversely affect the interests of the state," they said.

As many as 48 players, all Grand Masters, from 23 countries participated in the 12- day tournament held at Ramoji Film City campus from October 10 to 21.

PTI