30-04-2015, 04:42 PM
I looked into this event as I've not yet been to Ayr, and found the idea of spending a weekend there quite appealing. Unfortunately, the way the prize fund has been distributed makes the event a non-starter for me.
It's not just the fact that the £150 first prize would be unlikely to cover my hotel/food/travel for the weekend. I don't mind admitting I prefer weekenders where a good performance enables me to leave with a small profit, but if it's a well-run event in a nice location, I might still disregard the financial aspect.
The big problem I have with this event is the policy of equal prize money across all sections. If money is tight, then fine, I understand that not every tournament can offer big prizes. However, to offer the under-1850 (let alone the 1450!) section the exact same prizes as the Open, which currently includes two IMs and two FMs, completely disregards the gulf in skill level between the different sections.
I'm not saying the prize structure should be completely lopsided, but there should at least be some sort of recognition for those players who have done the hard work required to compete and win a prize in a higher section.
Evidently the four titled players who have entered don't feel the same way, so good luck to all the players and organisers. I hope the event is a success, but also hope that a more reasonable prize distribution might come into effect in future years.
It's not just the fact that the £150 first prize would be unlikely to cover my hotel/food/travel for the weekend. I don't mind admitting I prefer weekenders where a good performance enables me to leave with a small profit, but if it's a well-run event in a nice location, I might still disregard the financial aspect.
The big problem I have with this event is the policy of equal prize money across all sections. If money is tight, then fine, I understand that not every tournament can offer big prizes. However, to offer the under-1850 (let alone the 1450!) section the exact same prizes as the Open, which currently includes two IMs and two FMs, completely disregards the gulf in skill level between the different sections.
I'm not saying the prize structure should be completely lopsided, but there should at least be some sort of recognition for those players who have done the hard work required to compete and win a prize in a higher section.
Evidently the four titled players who have entered don't feel the same way, so good luck to all the players and organisers. I hope the event is a success, but also hope that a more reasonable prize distribution might come into effect in future years.