Is there a rest day now? I think Kramnik could do with it...the next 4 games should be fascinating - really looking forward to it. I think there are still plenty of twists and turns left in this match...but Kramniks reaction to defeat is going to be critical

Why Markovich, how obtuse!  Is it deliberate?

OstapBender wrote on 10/05/06 at 15:54:18:


I can assure you that if Topalov finishes +2 or better, Kramnik's case will never be heard in court.  However, I don't expect that Topalov will press very hard to make +2 happen, once (hypothetically) he is +1.  Why gamble, given that Kramnik's chances in court are slight (so I opine, at any rate)?

Indeed, I suspect that the chances of Kramnik's case being heard at all are rather slight, irrespective of Topalov's hypothetical margin of victory.

I wouldnt go that far, obviously the whole thing is distasteful - and Danailov should be investigated by FIDE ethics commission (if there is one  )  His latest press release about Fritz is arguably more damaging than the earlier official appeal.

However I still admire Topalov as a chess player, and IF he wins the match (which is a big if) I believe he is a worthy World Champion. I think we have to concentrate on the chess, which admittedly is difficult with Danailov spouting away in the background.

Incidentally I believe somehow the Danailov tactics may be getting to Kramnik as if you look at the pictures today in the official site Kramnik looks worn down and dishevelled for todays game, whereas Topalov looks completely focussed as always. 

I dont know if this is possible but for team Kramnik they should try and isolate their man from all these goings on and let him concentrate only on the chess, I would even withdraw him from the press conferences if that is possible.

Plainly this is a travesty!  I don't care if Topalov goes +2 or better in the last 4 games; he will never deserve to be World Champion after the crap he pulled earlier in the match.

The only thing that made the end of this match tolerable was the apparent likelihood that Topalov would not be able to win a game (not legitimately, anyway).  Had Topalov come back from his -2 deficit through his over the board prowess, it's be a different story of course.  As it is, he has permanently tarnished his reputation.  Unless Kramnik wins, the World Championship situation will be even worse than it was before this reunification match.

Congratulations FIDE!

4 games left, 2 Whites and 2 Blacks eache, so theoretically it is anybodys match, and Kramnik proved against Leko that he can come back from -1 even as late as the last game.

But...Topalov has momentum now and confidence, and these are 2 dangerous things once he gets them - also traditionally he is a strong finisher...

Kramnik better resign before he gets mated  

Edit --OK, finally...