Wednesday
Feb022011
Linares?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 1:02AM
Normally the next big event on the tournament calendar is Linares, but I've heard various rumors the past few days that it would be delayed or even cancelled this year. Can anyone shed some further light on this?
Incidentally, if Linares doesn't occur at the usual time, then the Amber rapid & blindfold tournament will be the next super-GM event, and to compound the misfortunate it's in its final incarnation as well: this is to be its last year.
Reader Comments (1)
Even Jeroen van den Berg, Tata tournament director and member of the Grand Slam Chess association, doesn't know much while confirming rumors or concerns. Answering a question at the final press conference about forthcoming Grand Slam events (video at http://www.chessvibes.com/reports/hikaru-nakamura-wins-2011-tata-steel-chess-tournament/ ) he said the following, clearly feeling uncomfortable:
"Yesterday we had a meeting ... chances for Sofia are, I believe, almost zero at the moment so it will not be held. The situation with Linares is unclear due to the elections in May. I don't have inside information but it's not yet clear when and where it's going to be held well in Linares but maybe in another part. You should find other sources."
Background is, of course, the financial situation of Spain which was already bad last year (Linares going from eight to six players with a reduced prize fund) but has gotten worse in the meantime. For example, last summer public employees had to accept a 5% salary cut - my first-hand information from concerned scientists.
Maybe the event could be moved to Gibraltar - which of course would be dramatic for proud Spaniards ... .