PC gamer insures fingers for £375,000

NEWS A UK computer games fanatic has insured his fingers for £375,000 ahead of the World Cyber Games, which are being held in Korea this week. Alex Nikitin from London said qualifying for the prestigious geek-fest was what made him realise the importance of his fingers - claiming missing games through injury could cause a loss of potential earnings. Nikitin's insurance policy follows a number of celebrities who, over time, have insured body parts to which they attributed their livelihoods Female stars of the silver screen Marlene Dietrich (voice) and Betty Grable (legs) took out $1m policies, while pianist Liberace and fellow ivory-tinkler Richard Clayderman famously insured their fingers. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards also took out a policy on his guitar playing hands lest an accident should prematurely end his career. One of the largest celebrity insurance policies ever taken out was by Riverdancing oddity Michael Flatley, who insured his legs for £25m. However, the closest case to Nikitin's own tale is that of Harvey Lowe, winner of the first World Yo-Yo Contest in 1934, who insured his yo-yo hand for $150,000.