FIDE World Rapid and Blitz December 25-30, 2021

[NickFaulks]

Ironically, FIDE have announced that ties for first in the Candidates will be decided by a play-off after consultation with the top players.

Yes, but who comes first in the Candidates really does matter.

The problem with events like this is that the players do seem to like prize money to be split equally between everyone on 1st equal, so after that they are playing for no money. That means that they are happy with a quick and dirty way of deciding the destination of the trophy.

Of course, they reserve the right to complain when the outcome doesn't suit them.

[LawrenceCooper]

Ironically, FIDE have announced that ties for first in the Candidates will be decided by a play-off after consultation with the top players.

Yes, but who comes first in the Candidates really does matter.

The problem with events like this is that the players do seem to like prize money to be split equally between everyone on 1st equal, so after that they are playing for no money. That means that they are happy with a quick and dirty way of deciding the destination of the trophy.

Of course, they reserve the right to complain when the outcome doesn't suit them.

It is still nice to see players being consulted, even if the timing was purely coincidental.

[Nick Burrows]

Of course, they reserve the right to complain when the outcome doesn't suit them.

Tweet from Ben Finegold:

A few years back, there was a 4 way tie for first in the Sinquefield Cup. They had the same rules, but Carlsen, one of the top 2, said “everyone plays the playoff, or I don’t play!” After a meeting of the organizers, they agreed to nobody plays. Integrity

[David Sedgwick]

Tweet from Ben Finegold:

A few years back, there was a 4 way tie for first in the Sinquefield Cup. They had the same rules, but Carlsen, one of the top 2, said “everyone plays the playoff, or I don’t play!” After a meeting of the organizers, they agreed to nobody plays. Integrity

It was a 3 way tie, and the 2 who would play were to be drawn by lot. Finegold is essentially correct otherwise.

In a piece of stupidity, I had agreed (and got permission) to be the arbiter of the UK Combined Services Championship at the same time. Hence I was on a transatlantic conference call at about 0300 UK time and I had to be ready to start the round in the Combined Services event at 0830.

[LawrenceCooper]

In a piece of stupidity, I had agreed (and got permission) to be the arbiter of the UK Combined Services Championship at the same time. Hence I was on a transatlantic conference call at about 0300 UK time and I had to be ready to start the round in the Combined Services event at 0830.

Having played in the Combined Services event on several occasions I'm fairly confident that you weren't the latest to bed or in the worst state when the games started at 08:30

[Kevin Thurlow]

"Having played in the Combined Services event on several occasions I'm fairly confident that you weren't the latest to bed or in the worst state when the games started at 08:30 "

That is a foul slur on the competitors in that event... Oh, well, er, actually, it isn't, there were some individuals...

[Chris Rice]

Day 1 report on the Blitz with Aronian leading the Open on 10/12. The four who tied for the Rapid seem to be having a reaction for example Carlsen lost three games yesterday and Abdusattorov, the new Rapid World Champion lost five and is currently languishing in 65th place.
Assaubayeva currently leads the Women's section on 8/9.

[NickFaulks]

Assaubayeva currently leads the Women's section on 8/9.

An amazing talent, who has had a bumpy ride over the past few years - a move from her native Kazakhstan to Russia, where she was targeted by disgraceful accusations of cheating, then back home, and of course all of the Covid complications.

Her next opponent, currently in clear second place, is R Vaishali ( R is for Rameshbabu ) Pragg's elder sister.

[LawrenceCooper]

How to resign in style: https://twitter.com/TarjeiJS/status/147 ... tZh1r9j1bw

[LawrenceCooper]

Today's games have been delayed pending an announcement from FIDE due to some positive Covid tests.

[Martin Benjamin]

Nakamura has already said on Twitter that he has tested positive and can not finish the tournament.

[Angus French]

Today's games have been delayed pending an announcement from FIDE due to some positive Covid tests.

This comes just after FIDE were criticised by a leading scientist for their lax anti-COVID controls.

[LawrenceCooper]

Play underway an hour later than planned with unchanged pairings.

[JustinHorton]

Albeit without Nakamura

[JustinHorton]

With two rounds to go, Carlsen is one of six players on 12.5. He plays Nepo, who's on 12, in round 20.

There are five players on 13,two (MVL and Artemiev) on 13.5 and Dubov on his own with 14.

Impossible to follow blitz properly on the internet, I find, at least where there's more than one game.