Novikov Takes Chicago

I've updated the US Championship website to include the qualifiers from the Chicago Open. That report and also the update to the Qualifier Grand Prix race were prepared by AF4C press laddie John Henderson.

The Qualifier Grand Prix is a fun idea, a last-chance spot for someone who did well in many of the qualifying events but never managed to get a spot. It seems likely to go to a non-GM, since most of the heavyweights qualify directly or make it in by rating. Another roundabout way to qualify is via the "champion of state champions" event. It's nice to find a way to promote state championships, most of which are languishing. In general, open qualification adds a lot of interest to the build-up and to the event itself. 19 players still qualify by rating, a dozen too many in my opinion.