The field is Kamsky, Gareev, Akobian, Onischuk, Erenburg, Robson, Shankland, Naroditsky, Friedel, Lenderman, Ramirez and a TBD wild-card for a 12-player round robin. Nakamura has declined his invitation.
Thanks. Looking forward to it.
I too, am looking forward to this as well. Again, why not the 12th player in
this group be GM Fabiano Caruana to give Kamsky a run for his money?
David A. Cole, USCF Life Member, Franklin, NJ
The following, except for Caruana’s schedule, is just conjecture.
Putting aside potential federation conflicts (I don’t think the US Championship is a zonal this year, but there may be some other issue)…
Caruana is currently scheduled to play the Gashimov Memorial in late April, and Norway Chess in early June. Caruana, like Nakamura, is likely focused on playing top-tier events only, as those are the best preparation for coming WC cycles. It is probably not constructive for him to squeeze in a two-week event between these two super-strong tournaments, especially when that event will offer only one player within 80 Elo of him.
Congrats to GM Mac Molner for getting the final wildcard spot!