Hou Yifan participated in the top group 2015. Judit Polgar have participated multiple times. Nona Gaprindashvili participated i 1979. There are probably more.
You have to get invited. Normally the winner of the B-group will be sure to be invited to next years top group.
I have two questions. This year, Ju Wenjun is participating in Tata Steel Chess. So cool that she plays in the open! Does anyone know if this is the first time a woman plays in the Tata Steel Chess Tournament?
Could any grandmaster decide to participate or are they selected and invited to play by Tata Steel?
I am curious how this works.
Thank you in advance!
Have a nice day :)