Dear Editor,
I noticed a major error as it relates to the article published about CM Anthony Drayton now being a FIDE Master (SN, 8/10/2018). There are some rules and regulations that were adopted by FIDE last year as it relates to the awarding of a direct title. As Section 0.62 of Part B (Permanent Commission) of the FIDE Handbook states, “For a direct title to be awarded immediately, an applicant has to have achieved at some time or other a minimum rating as follows: FM 2100”.
CM Drayton had qualified from the sub-zonal held in Jamaica for the direct awarding of the FM title and as such, his performance at the Olympiad would have no bearing on the awarding of the title now. The direct title comes from attaining 6/9 points in a particular tournament. Also, there are no norms associated with the CM or FM title but with the International Master (IM) and Grandmaster (GM) titles.
CM Drayton will be awarded the FM title once he reaches a 2100 rating and it is published on a rating list. As you can see from the link and picture below, CM Drayton has only recently attained the 2000 Elo mark and has another 70 Elo left to earn in order to receive the FM title. (http://chess-results.com/tnr 368908.aspx?lan=1&art=20&fed=GUY&flag=30 ) The 6 Elo gained from the Olympiad would push his rating to 2030 as soon as the new rating list is published.
Thanks again for taking the time to read this letter and I am glad I was able to help correct the error.
Yours faithfully,
D. Rose
