I read the current situation the same as I think you do,that is....... on the basis of the info released by IPT so far, the results achieved by any 'qualifiers' at The Venetian will be irrelevant to gaining entry to the other Open event at Reno,no matter where they place,even if they win.
So far IPT info released confirms that qualifiers (irrespective of whether they are US 1,000 entrants or US$ 500 entrants) finishing in the first 6 at The Venetian will secure invites to only the two later "Closed" events on the 2006 tour calendar (ie Players and Masters tourneys).
So far IPT info released confirms that prize money earned at The Venetian by any qualifier who entered at the US$ 500 entry fee level,even if they win or place top 6,will not count towards the money ranking list for determining the top 100 at the end of the 2006 tour.However money earned by US$ 1,000 entry fee level qualifiers will count for the money ranking list.
Presently it is therefore hypothetically possible that a US$ 500 qualifier who wins the event at The Venetian would have to enter and win another qualifying event in order to play at Reno and would not automatically qualify for one of the 1-100 guaranteed 2007 tour cards and would not even automatically qualify to play in the end of season tournament to determine the fifty (101-150) tour places for 2007. A US$ 1,000 qualifier who wins at The Venetian wouldn't automatically qualify for Reno but would almost certainly make the end of season money list top 100 and would therefore secure a 2007 card.
On the other hand IPT have been adding various rewards on the fly so we'll see what develops eh? LOL
