1) FIDE Rapid 2) FIDE std 3) ECF Rapidplay grades A to D take precedence as in the order given. However, International, National, Local Gradings and recent British Rapidplay results may also be considered at our discretion. Players without a grade MUST give a detailed estimate of their strength. The event is E.C.F. game fee registered and all players’ games will be graded.
I entered the tournament on this basis. I was then contacted by the organiser and told I was being moved to the open. I explained to him that I met the clearly stated entry requirements. He said he could see my point, but that it was the grader who had made, and will make the decision. The grader called me, each time I said that I met the stated requirements he simply ignored the point.
He said that my last rapid grade - 163 in 2015 - was the same as my standardplay in that year, which made my rapidplay grade the same as my current standardplay grade of 180, which is higher than the entry requirement of 171 ?!?!?! Regardless of the fact that according to their own regulation that Fide standardplay takes precedence over ecf rapid grades!
I pointed out that there were 2 players with 174 ecf grades accepted. Plus one player rated 190 - that he said he had 'missed'.
I would have happily played the open if ineligible for the major, but after this JOKE of a decision I withdrew. £30 cancellation fee for accomodation. Possibly £42 entry fee if not refunded. All because of an incompetent grader. Seriously pissed off.
