'overpressed' - it's a matter of words. He played aggressively in the opening and passed by a number of quieter alternatives around moves 11-12 and in particular move 14 - look up the theory if you don't believe me. Yes, he ran into a novelty and yes, he did have to respond critically with 16 Bc6, but he didn't have to follow through with Rfc1. He overestimated his own form. As I said before, we should have realised that his first White would be a particularly testing time for him psychologically, and so should he. He should have gone there with the clear intent to make a draw - think how Petrosian or Karpov would have played, or indeed the great Gazza himself in 1984 - but he's never been able to do that.

Willempie, Diego Maradona is surely reviled throughout the world as a drugs cheat, isn't he? I know the Argentineans love him, but apart from them. Anyway (if Markovich will forgive another crass, ignorant, etc, etc, stereotype) the South Americans generally have a different view of football morality; punching the ball into the net is a no-no here, as is feigning injury, whereas in SA this sort of thing is fine - remember Rivaldo in the 2002 WC, or indeed Sorin trying to score with a handball exactly the same in the 2005 Argentina-England friendly. Topalov's going to be the same; the Bulgarians will love him but for everyone else, barring the constituencies I mentioned above, he'll be remembered as a lowlife.

I don't know what you mean even by Kramnik's saying 'we can basically do this match in between', let alone it being psychological warfare.

You miss the point - he is not even considering Danailov´s actions in my opinion, all his energy is solely on the games - this would be typical Topalov strategy. For him to consider his managers actions is only a distraction at this stage - put yourselves in the players situation, it is hard enough to deal with playing at this level without having to worry about other stuff - that it is the trap Kramnik is falling into.

PS - comparisons with mafia bosses and dictators is over the top, Danailovs actions I condemn in strongest posible terms, but you cannot put the action of someone accusing his mans opponent of cheating in the same league as mafia bosses and dictators. We have seen these tactics before in World ch matches, it is not nice or gentlemanly, but unfortunately it happens. The Kramnik team need to deal with the situation better.

woofwoof wrote on 10/05/06 at 16:47:36:


please stop using the word drawnik. It is not funny at all.

Quote:

OK imo you can argue whether the Toppy team has gone too far (or made themselves look like idiots) with the Fritzything. But from before the start of the match psychological warfare was used as a weapon by both parties, with Topalov being the more direct one (eg why should I play against him) and Kramnik the more indirect (we can do this match basically in between). 
The toilet complaint is I think what escalated matters and I think the committee made the wrong decision. For the rest I havent seen much spectacularly wrong by any of the sides. 
To me in a sport match you do everything needed to win including pushing the boundaries, otherwise people should stick to the olympics with their motto of participating is better than winning. 
To use a real life over the boundaries English example (I dont think Topalov has gone that far). Who is the sporting hero to millions Peter Shilton or Diego Maradona?

Its amazing that you think my entire argument consists of "Kramnik Good, Topalov Bad."

Frankly, I put a lot of time into my posts (getting statistics, checking previous games, Fritz analysis, official sites, etc.) and I think I've brought up several strong points, which you have completely ignored.  completely. 

And as I've  mentioned twice already, I do not hate Topalov. I think he is a brilliant and exciting player, but he should be ashamed of this match.  It's just so obvious.  These constant accusations (without any proof or even correct math), the daily insults to Kramnik, and his refusal to even answer questions about his team are unacceptable behavior.  This is the most embarrassing match chess as seen for decades and it seems very clear to almost every non-Bulgarian who is responsible.

But why bother writing out a detail response when its completely unheeded? How can you debate someone who wouldn't stick to the topic or bother reading the arguments against his case?
Why bother listing elo performace rating to discuss how a player is playing or offer any game analysis when you can just say "Well, I personally think Kramnik isn't playing very well."  Anway, as you wisely said in another thread, I've said my peace and that's enough of that.   I look forward to reading your future posts.  This match really is something special huh?

Markovich wrote on 10/06/06 at 00:31:39:


The thing is Markovich, you rarely if ever directly address any of Cox's points as it relates to the match, you simply avoid them. He did however address yours and quite emphatically I might add.

I cannot speak for Mr. Cox but one of the reasons why I am so upset by the happenings in Elista is as a tournament player myself who has represented his country I would hate to think that someone could get away with what Topalov and his team apparently did. The effect on ones psyche under such circumstances cannot be fully appreciated and grasped by a lay person, I suspect that that is why so many GM's have come out in support of Kramnik and expressed awe and admiration that he could continue in such circumstances. 

Your nonchalance regarding both players the match and the unfortuante circumstances surrounded it are duly noted, but do not get annoyed by those of us who show a modicum concern and empathy.

Toppy