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Chess players compete for spots in China's national team for Asian Games Hangzhou. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

A preliminary competition to select three chess players to represent China at the Asian Games was held in Wangtan town, Shaoxing on April 18.

The competition featured six elite chess players. Winners of the competition will train with the national team before competing in the final selection in May.

"Chess has numerous attributes, particularly for young people, as it helps in intellectual and mental development," commented Xu Yuhua, vice-chairman of the Chinese Chess Association.

That same day, the Zhejiang Chess Association bestowed Wangtan town with the title of Zhejiang Provincial Chess Base.

More can be done to promote the game in the world's second most populous nation.

In certain Chinese cities, chess has some influence and even some primary schools offer chess classes for kids.