What occurs if a player in the top 8 drops before the match starts?

In the scenario where a player in the top 8 drops before the match starts, the appropriate outcome is that they receive a bye for that round. A bye allows the player to not play a match that round, and it ensures that the tournament can continue without disruption.

When a player drops, the tournament structure necessitates that there must be a certain number of matches played, typically to ensure that the bracket is filled out appropriately for the remaining players. Awarding a bye to the dropping player allows the other participants to continue without a need for reassigning matches or delaying the event.

This system is designed to maintain the flow and integrity of the tournament, ensuring that the remaining competitors can proceed without unnecessary interruptions. Other players in the top 8 will thus still compete, and the dropping player is simply marked as having a bye for that specific round rather than being replaced or causing delays.