At this point we cannot assume the match will continue. Kramnik will want the match 5 to be played tomorrow, where as Topolav will refuse; Topalov will want the rest area bathrooms locked--regardless of how many security measures are put into place--and again Kramnik will refuse.
What I see here is an escape plan for Topalov more than anything else. He lost the first game pushing too hard for a win in a drawn position, then in the second game missed a forced win. The third game he had no tangible advantage, and in their final game he could not break Kramniks defense. Given the current trend of this match, and Kramniks record VS. Topalov--Kramnik is +10 I believe--one has to seriously question Topalovs motives.
As for Kramnik, I can understand why he would be upset given the recent events surrounding this match. He is up--no more thanks to Topalovs errors than his own skill--and is now being indirectly accused of cheating. If I were in his situation I would have taken the same course of action.
Frankly, if this match ends w/out all 12 games being played and a winner being crowned the reigning/new champion, I will stop following chess. The amount of draws, and level of play is not enough to keep me interested when I can simply load an engine vs engine tournament at home and see beautiful games fought to the biter end.
-Rant off
The high pressure in this match got even higher with Kramnik's refusal to play today.
At this point any player can claim he is on the right.
I won't be surprised if the match is replayed in third country starting from the beginning. Something Kramnik would hardly agree to do. (He wants his WC no matter what, plus apologies.)
I am more inclined to think that Topalov will agree to play tomorrow game #5 with score 3-1. Which in turn will be a slap on FIDE rules, since every new contender may show up at will to play or not to citing minor violation. And then ask for a game rescheduling.
What will be interesting is how will Kramnik and Topalovs play be affected if they have game 5 rescheduled and both parties agree to play under the new circumstances--ie the bathroom rules.
I think Topalov will have more to lose as his back will be up against with wall as it was prior to this fiasco. Kramnik on the other hand has his character questioned and seems more likely to come out fighting, which, could either hurt him, or allow him to pick apart Topalov and come to a 4-1 lead--a draw is also possible.
If Kramnik can get 2 more games under his belt there is no way Topalov will be overcome. Kasparov could not over come the two games he was down in 2000, and his level of play is far beyond that of Topalovs--especially in match play.
This should be an interesting couple of days, and whatever the outcome, I fear that chess is going to be hurt for some time.
Originally posted by RahimKI'm guessing this is the end.
Alright! This would make a great tv soap opera.
Unification after many years! It's finally going to happen.
I'm not playing anymore, well neither am I.
The world is torn once again. Will there ever be 1 true champion?
Tune it tommorrow.
On a side note, I kept going into the washroom because I like pacing and there isn't enough room in the res ...[text shortened]... ional to sit at the board and wait for your opponent to move.
Top level chess = luxury.
There will be no more games, they won't agree on a decision and basically it's all over.
2 Champions once again.
Kram. won't play unless it goes back to 3-1 and Top. won't agree to lose that 1 point he got for Kram. resignation.
Don't get your hopes up people. Fide did it again!
I think thats what it really comes down to, the FIDE trying to protect their champ because he is an asset where Kramnik is not.
If this was a fair and objective match, the contract would have been upheld and both parties would have to have come to an agreement regarding the issues at hand.
However, as far as Im concerened--and it seems like most GM's and followers of the sport--Kramnik won the right to be called the champion based on his performance when compared to Topalov's.
Originally posted by dots and loopsYep. Kirsan's letter to Kramnik very clearly indicates this, by implying how blame is to be partitioned.
I think thats what it really comes down to, the FIDE trying to protect their champ because he is an asset where Kramnik is not.
After thirteen years, we probably all hoped the title of World Chess Champion would regain its former majesty. Instead it is being flushed away - you know where, by you know who.
Originally posted by dots and loopsMay I disagree with you on this. Topalov showed up today for the game. Kramnik showed up in front of his WC and refused to play.
..............
What I see here is an escape plan for Topalov more than anything else. ..........
-Rant off
IMO Kramnik is taking escape plans by demanding his private bathroom opened and citing this as a reason not to play.
I am guessing why Kramnik's team does not want all video records given to Topalov's team.
May be there are other people from Kramnik's team getting in the "Kramnik's private bathroom" with Kramnik there and having discussions about the weather, the food or may be something more serious like the game he is playing.
I would like both teams to have access to all records. What you guys are going to say about this?
Originally posted by Los AngelesI don't think either team really has a legitimate need to get video of the other team's bathroom. If you really can't get a trustworthy, non-partisan human monitor to keep things in line in the bathrooms then there really isn't much point in continuing.
I would like both teams to have access to all records. What you guys are going to say about this?
Originally posted by leisurelyslothWhy don't you read the concerns Topalov's team has in bold black and read (that I made for you to find it easy) here:
I don't think either team really has a legitimate need to get video of the other team's bathroom. If you really can't get a trustworthy, non-partisan human monitor to keep things in line in the bathrooms then there really isn't much point in continuing.
http://www.forumforme.com/showthread.php?t=17
And then tell me again your opinion.
Actually reread the whole letter so you can make an inteligent decision.
One more thing you got really WRONG is the Video Records of the Bathrooms. There AREN'T any Bathroom records, those are the only areas where therer is no monitoring. There are video records for all other areas though. And those areas are NOT PRIVATE.