Russian former chess champ Kasparov chosen as presidential candidate

The former world chess champion Garry Kasparov entered Russia's presidential race on Sunday, elected overwhelmingly as the candidate for the country's beleaguered opposition coalition.

Kasparov has been a driving force behind the Other Russia coalition, which has united liberals, leftists and nationalists in opposition to President Vladimir Putin. He received 379 of 498 votes at a national congress held in Moscow by the coalition, spokeswoman Lyudmila Mamina told The Associated Press. Kasparov's place on the March ballot was not assured. His candidacy still needs to be registered and is likely to be blocked. (AP)