The field this year is very strong. Over 30 players are either over 2700 or have been recently over 2700.
GM Mamedyarov is the defending World Rapid Champion while Webster University freshman is the defending World Blitz Champion.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
The organizer is afraid to invite Nakamura. They know he’ll win.
Because they knew that this field is too tough for Nakamura. They are just protecting him not to mesh up with his brain and go banana. Banana by the way is Naka’s favorite staple. Runs in the family.
He chikened out. Nakamura did not register because he knows he cant win in this tournament.
Nakamura and Kosteniuk would have no competition in this rather average tournament. So they declined.
The organizers never in their history invited a loser. They dont want to tarnish their mage. Thats why they only invites players who have a chance of winning this tournament.
The prestige of the organization is at stake. It will lose credentials if they invite Nakamura.
This tournament is by registration not by invitation. Nakamura failed to register knowing he will face Anand and Aronian in the match and his effort to have a chance of winning is nil, so why waste energy and time. Now that is wise thinking on his part.