Can you explain Topalov's justification to walk? It looks like after
Kramnik was proven the superior player, Topalov made ridiculous and
unsubstantiated claims that Kramnik was what... using Fritz?!... in the
bathroom and wants someone accompanying Kramnik whenever he uses the
toilet. I imagine that would be embarassing, as Kramnik has diarrhea.

Kramnik wants his own bathroom, as he had since the beginning of the
match. If the players and respective bathrooms are inspected prior to
each game by both teams for hidden equipment and to ensure they're
shielded from radio reception, I don't see any real reason for Topalov
to believe Kramnik is cheating.

It seems like the arbitrators could have found some reasonable way to
settle this--if they had wanted to--instead of giving Topalov a forfeit
win. Argh!! It was an exciting match. I think it's over now... the
world knows Kramnik is better, but Kirsan wants to keep Topalov.

John A Swartz wrote:
I'm not arguing over who is right or wrong - just saying that I think
both sides have been given justification to walk at this point.

By the way, Kramnik refused to play game 5 due to the ruling, but don't
forget that Topalov's team was also protesting the "one bathroom"
decision - they wanted the assistant arbiter to accompany them when they
go to the bathroom: http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=3373

John

PS: So, if the match ends without result, will Kasparov come out of
retirement to claim the title?


Mike wrote:

Absence of Kramnik took place after organizers prevented Kramnik to use the
bathroom during the game!

"John A Swartz" wrote in message
...

Brief details he http://www.rookhouse.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=16

Well, I predict this will be the end of the match. Kramnik wanted to play
Game 5 today and will no doubt walk out if the forfeit is upheld.
Meanwhile, I assume Topalov would walk if the forfeit was not upheld (the
1972 Fischer-Spassky match sets the precedence that not showing up results
in a forfeit).

Sad...

John