CHAOTIC START to 1st ROUND of WYCC 2013, Al Ain - UAE

UPDATE 1:

Just found out the actual reason why the start was delayed.

A FIDE official whom I shall not name informed me that the organisers took on more than they could have handled (2 other Open Chess events were also being held concurrently with the WYCC 2013, one of which involves more than 25 GMs Taking part) resulting in there being a shortage or MIA of around 200 tables.

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The 1st Round of the WYCC 2013 started in chaos and disarray when the start of play was delayed - FIRST from 3pm to 5pm, then FINALLY the first round began at 6PM with the ceremonial move by the FIDE President who was either not aware or oblivious to the pushing and shoving at the entrance. 

During the technical meeting, country officials was informed that the start was delayed to accommodate late arrivals and yet to arrive participants. We were also informed that the Participants' Start List will be published around 2pm and that Pairings was supposed to be published at 4PM but it never happened. In my opinion, the start was delayed more to cover for the organisers' inefficiencies rather than the official reason given.

More worrying is the fact that players...as young as 6yrs old had to push through the crowd to get into the playing venue. In the pushing and shoving at the entrance, some lost the Player Pass in the chaos and the "hopeless" organisers and arbiters just turn a blind eye. My blood started to boil when the bouncers at the entrance shouted - "Players Only" when there are literally hundreds of non-players in the competition venue. WYCC 2013 organisers, DON'T be asinine ...make announcements, get Q lines to form - Don't U all know such basic stuff...even school kids or kindergarten students know what to do. I shudder to think what will happen when the Football World Cup comes to Dubai.

Though the infrastructure or hardware part of WYCC 2013 seemed impressive i.e. whatever money can buy e.g. Digital Boards for most games, superb internet access, decent accommodation which is better than some 2 or 3 star hotels that I can think off - it is the "soft" part of organising the event that leaves much to be desired. From the long Qs at the Dining Hall yesterday during breakfast and lunch, shortage of shuttle busses and the pushing and shoving...much more can be done. Also having a TV in the hostels will be good..