Are you allowed to play to win, Matty? I think it'd be worth a discussion with the higher ups if the staff at the event say no. You could do something along the lines of if you do get top 4, then 5th place (or the person you defeated in top 8) would get the travel award, but you keep the trophy.
It really is an odd situation to be in because you already have the trip, but you still want to be Italy National Champion.
Yeah...really odd situation :/
In Paris, at the time of registration they told me that I could participate without problems, because i won my travel award in the past season, but when i reached the finalist lounge they changed their mind...
Last week i contacted the player coordinator, and i asked him what the regulation says about that, and why in the USA the 2011 world champions are allowed to play in 2012 events and in europe not.
This is his reply, which honestly leaves me very confused
Matteo,
While it is typically Play! Pokémon policy to allow players with invitations and travel awards to play, and pass down any winnings they are ineligible for, this policy was not clearly communicated to our UK staff who are in charge of the VGC EU events. Because of this confusion, they have communicated a separate policy, not only to you, but to other previous winners.
Due to the way that this policy has been communicated to VGC EU players, we will stand by the policy that has been enforced for this year, and we will update it in future years to be consistent with other Play! Pokémon events.
We apologize for the confusion and miscommunication on this matter.