As Vladimir Kramnik is ramping up accusations against Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, he expanded into another direction, calling out the Charlotte Chess Center for enabling a “blitz farming scheme” for its top coaches Naroditsky and Oleksandr Bortnyk.
Including path to 2700+ FIDE blitz rating from 2630, playing almost 100 games against amateurs in events organized in a local club he and his friend Bortnyk (raised to 2755 also using this method) working as main coaches.FM Peter Giannatos, founder of the Charlotte Chess Center, answered the accusations by inviting Vladimir Kramnik to play in a special double round robin blitz tournament.
Dear esteemed world champion Vladimir Kramnik, it has come to my attention that the good reputation of CCC events and our top coaches has been called into question.
There seems to be speculation related to the integrity, strength, and legitimacy of the club-level events here. While these events are not world class level competitions, they are filled with underrated adult and junior players who have had little opportunities to play in FIDE level competition.
Therefore, on behalf of The Farm, more commonly known as the Charlotte Chess Center, I’d like to invite you to an invitational double RR blitz tournament to be held over two days. The event will be held at the CCC and would feature yourself, our top 3 coaches, GM Naroditsky, GM Bortnyk, GM Troff, and our top 6 club players, all of whom are masters. Of course, the event will be FIDE rated. All games will be played OTB with the standard blitz time control of 3+2.
I will put up $10,000 toward the prize fund to get us started and assist with crowdfunding a larger prize fund. The sky is the limit related to the prize fund. My modest investment in this, at minimum, would turn out to be a great learning experience for our coaches and top juniors. I am sure others would be interested in contributing.
All the money will go to the top 3 finishers. 1st place – 50% of funds, 2nd place 30%, 3rd place 20%.
I cordially hope you accept the invitation to play!