I've never said anything about Hikarus performance or goal in the Grand Prix. I said he was middle of the pack going in. You're trying to argue about things I never said, to defend hikaru against accusations I never made. Which is fine, but admit you're defending him if you're going to do that, don't pretend you aren't.
At this point I'm just refuting absurd chess arguments more than I'm defending Hikaru. Objectively Hikaru is one of the best places in the world. I'd make similar defenses for most players on his level.
Your criticisms so far have little to do with actual chess, despite your attempts to make them as such. You have a clear bias mixed with a casual understanding of the game and it doesn't hold up very well.
> Objectively Hikaru is one of the best places in the world. I'd make similar defenses for most players on his level.
Yes, as are many of the players he beat in the Grand Prix, most of whom would stand no chance whatsoever in the candidates. One can acknowledge that he's one of the best players while also acknowledging that he's clearly not one of the top 3 in classical chess.
He knows that too. That doesn't mean I don't look forward to him competing and seeing how he does. I do! Despite what you think I like Hikaru and enjoy his content and play! But like I said, I'm realistic about his chances.
