June 20 was established as an International Chess Day in 1966 by the World Chess Federation. A game of logic and intelligence, chess had never been regarded as a field for flirting – before a woman tried to make a revolution, bringing in beauty

Maria Manakova started playing chess at the age of four and ever since the board has been her everything. Teenaged Maria won tournaments one after another. At 17 she became a European Champion, at 23 – one of the world's youngest grandmasters.

“I make a move and now I can do anything with you. I can flirt, I can cheer, I can cry. Chess is a wise game, which means interaction of the two people.  It's also a game of love. I met my husband at the chess table,” says Maria.

But it is not her checks and mates which made her a celebrity in the world of chess. At one point Maria realised that female players lack sex appeal. The world's 20th player decided to encourage others in her own way – first by changing pants to mini-skirts, then by stripping for glossy magazines.

“The idea of bringing chess to a new level through sex appeal came up because I felt the visual boredom of chess needed a change. Though this photo session was several years ago, it is still being talked about. It stirred up the female chess world. Now women players like to be photographed during the matches,” Maria says proudly.

However, not everyone in the chess community actually appreciated such move. Maria faced criticism for turning the world's most ancient game into adultery. Maria denounces such accusations, saying that she did it for the sake of chess.

“When I invented a concept of sexy chess, I thus wanted to underline the esthetics of the game. And I inspired many to change their style. Now players tend to look smart and attractive and that brings more sponsors. And thus – more money and publicity to the chess,” believes the young woman.

A decade after she became a grandmaster Maria is not participating in major tournaments. The creator of “sexual chess” concept says that for now the game can't bring a tidy profit. The multi-talented Maria devotes more time to writing books, acting and singing.

She descended down the rankings, but believes that her mission in chess has in fact been accomplished. Maria has given up playing at professional level, but her legacy lives on. The sexual revolution in chess – as she says -  is gathering pace. As more and more women nowadays tend to look attractive at the board.