The proposal on the change of the World Chess Championship Cycle

The main circumstances of the current cycle which make it “bulky” are its complicity. It is a complicated formula (for example, Candidates’ matches) that is difficult to be presented and advertised for potential sponsors. This is also one of the reasons for the top Grandmasters’ unwillingness to participate in the World Cup due to its formula.

1. The following simple scheme is proposed: in odd years (November- December) to organize World Cup with 128 players, the winner of which will play a match of 12-16 games with the World Champion in even years.

Advantages:

– Every year FIDE will be organizing one of the most important events (which is significant for potential sponsors and for FIDE PR activities).
– The FIDE shares from the prize funds of these events shall become more regular in timing.
– A more harmonious calendar (now: The World Cup and World Championship are organized the same year during the period September-December).
– The leadership and FIDE employees can concentrate on the most important event and will not be “distracted” during the preparation and organization.

2. It is proposed to change the formula for the World Cup: Initial stage 128 players are divided into 16 groups with 8 players each on the following principle: group 1 (numbers 1, 32, 33, 64, 65, 96, 97, 128), group 2 – (2, 31, 34, 63, 66, 95, 98, 127) etc. Free days – after 4th and 7th games.

Then 16 winners are divided into 2 groups with 8 players based on their rating:
1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16 and 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15. Free days – after 4th and 7th games.

In the final, there is a match of 4 games and possible tiebreak.

Advantages:

– We shall not have criticisms from the participants and mass media in respect of first round: “knockout is roulette”, “lucky – unlucky”, “did not sleep well”, “one blunder and you are out” etc.
– The number of accidental results will fall – a total of 7 games in the first two stages is enough for the top Grandmasters to prove that they are the best.

Among the 16 group winners, there will not be weaker chess players.

– All the games will be played with the same time control.
– The tie break might be necessary only in one case – if there is a tie in the final.
– There will be no necessity to have a large number of additional local arbiters for the tiebreaks during initial stages.
– Weaker participants have opportunities to meet with 7 different players from various continents, get substantial experience, and not leave after the 1st round as under the current format.
– The top Grandmasters will have difficulties in explaining the reason for their non-participation. – No more confusion with the hotels and air-tickets, there will be a firm plan for the departures of those who are knocked out.
– Organisers will have more chances for the media coverage of the World Cup participants.
– It is easier to negotiate good prices with the hotels, as the number of the nights spent in the hotels will drastically increase.

These reasons will promote the increase of the status of the event with mass media, possible organizers and sponsors and therefore, encourage the participation of all leading Grandmasters.

Source: FIDE
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