Isn't it odd, almost an insult to him that Nakamura is still considered a rising star? Karjakin, Radjabov and Wang Yue - all about the same age - are no longer invited. Or is a player invited until he finally qualifies for Amber??

I've go no insight in the invitation policy, but in Nakamura's case I think it's clear that, considering his special rapid play skills, everyone would want him to see at the Amber tournament. And because he got quite ill during last year's NH Tournament I think it's safe to say he simply gets a second chance.

Should be very interesting. My money is on the rising stars to win with a comfortable margin.

Disappointed that neither Le Quang Liem, nor Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, is invited. After all Le was clear second at Dortmund, and Nguyen was shared first at Biel. Must be that the invitation had been been handed out long ago. In that cae, still Le was clear first at super strong Aeroflot last year.

@Peter Doggers: That's plausible, and actually consistent with what I wrote. But few people would complain or be surprised if Nakamura was directly invited to Amber next year, so it may also be insulting that he has to qualify first? And if he doesn't win the NH event, it will be harder to 'justify' inviting him anyway ... .

Many names are arguably missing, or were missing at previous occasions: not just the two Vietnamese, also Vachier-Lagrave, Nepomniachtchi, Andreikin, Hammer, Sjugirov. Maybe "invitation policies" include that players have to be charismatic, and have to speak English reasonably well? Not saying that all of my names would fail these criteria, but Andreikin gave a Biel interview in Russian (translated by Pelletier). Also worthwhile mentioning that Karjakin was the only ex-Soviet player ever invited to the event ... .

But of course, van Oosterom can invite whomever he wants - looking forward to an interesting event, maybe I will visit once or twice.

i do believe that this NH tournament on Experience vs. Rising Stars was designed to somehow boost the interest of sponsors. It was known worldwide that those Experienced players have made it to the top thru years of deep studies, and tournaments. But youth has shown today that they have the ability and intelligence to surpass the veterans with the help of computers. Veterans and youth today are considered already equal in chess. Selections of players is problably the sponsors' or promoters' decision. this they did to develop chess consciousness and to attract more market. Before, if you belong to the caliber of Kasparov and Anand, then that's the time you become popular or sensational. Veterans always get the better recognition But now,youth had a great chance to be world chess sensation. There is now balance of superiority and greaness in between youth and veterans. it is better to hear and see they clash than the Kasparov-Deep Blue games or the unattractive kasparov-karpov. It's so boring to hear. Pardon me if i use the names of these chess greats. thnks to sponsors, organizers and participants