After an incredibly successful 2007 SPICE Cup, the dates for the 2008 SPICE Cup have been set. This prestigious event will take place on September 19-28, 2008 at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. We are aiming at a category 14 event (not lower than category 13 and may even potentially reach category 15) which has an average FIDE rating of 2576 or higher.
I already sent out 8 invitations (not all have been accepted yet but they should be confirmed soon). There are 2 spots remaining. I want to do something different than the norm. I would like the readers of this blog and my http://www.chessdiscussion.com/ forum help decide the last 2 invitees.
Which 2 players would you like to see receive the final 2 invitations. The rating range of these 2 players has to be at a minimum around 2525 with average of around 2575 for these 2 players.
It can be either two female players, two male players, or one of each gender. There is no guarantee that the players would accept the invitations. However, they would be the first to receive the final 2 invitations. You help decide! 🙂 You can vote by posting here or by sending me an email at SusanPolgar@aol.com
Yifan Hou and Humpy Koneru.
Judit Polgar and Garry Kasparov.
Judit Polgar and Irina Krush!
Two mighty chess beauties in one tournament!
If Judit is too busy, another Hungarian beauty to be invited is Anna!
It would make chess history!
Korchnoi and Sofia Polgar.
Cheparinov or Kamsky and Nigel Short. That would be a battle on and off the board.
This is a great idea. I’m surprised no organizer has done this before. Getting the fans involved is awesome.
GM Manuel Leon
GM Judith Polgar
I second Hou Yifan & Humpy Koneru
Judit Polgar and Ray Robson.
Susan said the minimum rating of 2525. Why are you guys recommending 2300-2400 players? Let’s not abuse this voting privilege.
I think a special competition should be made between the winner and the runner up in a game of blitz.
Great idea Susan! How about Onischuk and Humpy Koneru?
Henrique Mecking 2565
Robert Huebner 2599
If they can’t make it then:
Fabiano Caruana 2620
Miguel Illescas 2605
Koneru Hampy 2603
Andrei Sokolov 2596
Wesley So 2540
Jan Timman 2565
I would have placed Fabiano instead of Huebner, but kills the average rating. And I think it would be really nice to have Mecking.
Jorge Hasbun Sammour & Alexander Ivanov
I would like to see Hou and Koneru!
Jorge Sammour-Hasbun and Hou, Yifan is my vote.
-Richard Rajchel
If Julio Becerra is not among your players already invited – he should be. He’s an active player, who has been a rock for the US Chess League. Great addition to any tournament.
Yes,Yifan Hou and Humpy Koneru.
Judit Polgar and Humpy Koneru.
Who are the 8 invitees?
Good question. I don’t want to waste my vote.
Jorge Sammour-Hasbun
Depending on the invitee list
Nakamura
Kamsky
Onischuk
Shabalov
Akobian
No question about it – Susan Polgar!!!
Akobian!