17 spaces? If worst comes to worst you could always do XXXXX or XXXXXX (prelim ties) - that should cut it down a bit? So, for example I could get 'Andy Boulton OR Per Laursen etc..
We have 60 of the 72 spots filled, and the first night of matches is already underway. I am therefore going to cut 4 spots off the required total (to reflect the four players who will be eliminated by the end of tonight's play and so who will not be involved in our NSC draw) and conduct the draw tomorrow morning, by which time I hope the remaining eight spots will be filled.
So, 8 more places up for grabs. First come, first served.
Right, so I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get the draw done.
As per sheebo's suggestion, I will assign some people both players in a prelim round match until I get to the same amount of draws as we have entrants. The draw will be posted in a seperate thread which will then be updated as the tournament progresses.