actually if lederer didnt reach over 2100 in chess in his life , didnt had the time meanwhile to practice and if the rules on top of that prevent lederer to practice for the bet , Howard his already toast when allen almost at 1900...
no way lederer goood enough now to be a 2000 player without practicing a bit.
like in everything, when u make a comeback u cant be at your pick or close to it in anything, everyone get their skills diluded over time wihtout practice, and howard wont have the chance elements to bail him out !!!
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for Howard to have any chance to beat alllen ( and a 2000 vs 1900 is far from a sure win btw for the 2000) he would need to have around 2000 rating so after couple years of non practice, to maintain that strong rating u at least need to have reach master fide in your life .
imo, if his best is 2100 and he didnt play for couple of years, than is worth at best 1800 and this is wihtout counting he isnt up to date with opening...ouch!
and if he didnt went over 2000 than forget about it....its done and i would gladly ask Allen a piece of the action!