The group of 3 players you mentioned, were they the ones that played in several tournaments a few days before the deadline, in several states? It was questioned whether they actually appeared in one of them as I recall.
Rodriguez and Olea in 2015 and Silvestre in 2014. Since the 2014 MCO only required 25 games, Silvestre had to add some more in 2015 to reach 50.
Yuri... if you have something to say regarding the topic, you're welcome to it. Otherwise, if you hadn't noticed I'm the OP and been known to have a short fuse when it comes to spamming the thread.
Nakamura and Carauna have committed to another tournament (far less prize $). Will not be playing MC3.
Quite a line up for the Isle of Man. 6 players 2700+, 20 players 2600+.
46 GM'S in all. An open tournament.
The Isle of Man International might be paying less prize money, but I'd bet that Carauna and Nakamura are getting paid an appearance fee (something MC doesn't do).
Yep, plus where would you rather be for a week? In Atlantic City or the Isle of Man? A no brainer.
Just added to MC3 in latest newsletter:
Although a player must have a minimum of 60 rated games under either a national or FIDE rating system to qualify for an under section, any available rating information (even a rating based on fewer than 60 games) may be used to move a player into a higher section if, in the Chief Arbiter's opinion, the rating demonstrates the player's ability exceeds the limit for the section requested.
What is it saying? Seems to indicate less than 60 games will be accepted.
334 entries as of 9/3. With the expected last minute rush of 1000 players, another smashing success.The newsletter said "maybe the last MC" so don't miss out visiting fabulous Atlantic City !
I think the newsletter's comment on the ratings is poorly worded. It's possible for an entrant to have more than one rating, a USCF rating and a foreign rating for example. One rating may be based on fewer than 60 games. If you look at the MC2 rating report, you will see many foreign players with a provisional USCF rating. They met the 50 game requirement through their foreign rating.
USCF rules allow the TD to assign a higher rating to a player if the TD has evidence that a player is stronger than his published rating (If you look at the rating report for the World Open, you will see that Christian Silvestre, one of the California wonders, was moved from the <2000 section to the <2200 section after two rounds. I doubt that he did it voluntarily). I think MC is informing participants that MC has the authority to do this, and they will use any existing rating to make this judgement
Yes, they attempt to cover all angles. Past events were poorly monitored and enforced. Hopefully the track record improves. Possibly this "cover all the angles" policy regarding sandbagging results in lower entries, as players become fearful that a random decision by unknown individuals bumps them up a division.
I'm wondering if the announced entries is after players have been vetted, or might they later be informed of a change in sections?
Imo, all this talk in the newsletters regarding ratings is bad for publicity. They are admitting to past mistakes, trying to appease players it won't happen again.
Just do a proper job of it. No need to make assurances when fairness is expected.
They're in damage-control mode because of what happened in MC2. People no longer expect fairness from MC. I had a similar experience. I played in two tournaments where the TD knowingly let strong unrated players enter the <1400 section. His excuse, they were unrated, what could I do? The players quickly achieved 1800+ ratings (sounds like the CA guys doesn't it). Do I expect fairness when I find out he is the TD of a tournament. No way!
231 entries to date for MC3
Refund available up to day before the start.