[MACADEMIC]

Dear all!

'After some discussions Edal and I decided to honor the great commitment shown by ALL who were on the waitinglist and allow ALL of them to participate in the tournament. We found a good way to make the groups still very fair and even.'

We're very happy we found a way to allow all to participate, while keeping the groups and rules fair and balanced. RATMAN91101, dkwookie, JRHOODY1, I'm pleased to inform you that you are in!

There will be three groups in the A) tournament:

Group A1): 6 players
Group A2): 6 players
Group A3): 7 players

The best 3 of group A3) will directly qualify for the Quarterfinals (best of 8 ). From groups A1) and A2), the best 2 of each will directly qualify. The remaining Quarterfinalist will be determined by an elimination match between the 3rd of groups A1) and A2).

In the groups of 6 each player will have 5 opponents and play 10 matches total (excluding a possible elimination match for QF). In group A3) each player will face 6 opponents and play 12 matches total.

The groups will be determined by randomizing the list of participants. This will be done by utilising the following pubic internet application:

http://www.random.org/lists/

The resulting list contains a timestamp in UTC to verify authenticity.

I will randomize the list today at precisely 1700UTC.

The resulting randomized list will be final and not changed. Further, I will take and publish a screenshot of the resulting list as soon as possible.

The groups will be made up like this:

Randomized list positions 1-6: Group A1)
Randomized list positions 7-12: Group A2)
Randomized list positions 13-19: Group A3)

Everybody is invited to be online at the forum at 1700UTC to receive the news first and discuss the outcome!

Good luck to us all!

MAC