Below is a fiery interview with Veselin Topalov on Saturday
Trud Daily (largest Bulgarian daily newspaper)
Saturday, October 7, 2006
Q: Is the match changing now after the 4:4 draw?
Veselin Topalov: Yes. For me it was important to achieve a draw. The victory with the black pieces was of special significance because Kramnik rarely loses when he plays with the white pieces. There is nothing to do but feel sorry about my omissions in the first, second and fourth games.
Q: So far there have been numerous battles outside the chess board. What will be the main thing from now on?
VT: I believe that my manager Silvio Danailov did an extraordinary job and won all the legal battles outside the board quite convincingly, and in the enemy field, too. Now it is my turn to do the same on the chess board.
Q: What is your psychological disposition at the moment?
VT: I have not been worried or anything like that because Silvio kept all the problems away from me but after yesterday’s (Thursday) victory my self-confidence is naturally increasing.
Q: When was the hardest part of all?
VT: During the third game when I had to defend a very difficult position at 0:2. I remembered my omissions from the previous two games and I felt like crying.
Q: Do you think that your games are spectacular for the chess fans?
VT: The match follows the “Sofia rules” although this makes many people unhappy. However, that is the future. Every game continues until all chances are exhausted and the millions of fans of the chess game are finally happy.
Q: Don’t you think that your agreement to play on Russian territory, be it in Kalmykia, was a mistake?
VT: No. I enjoy challenges and I am not afraid of anything. Defeating the opponent on his own territory is the sweetest victory, provided the fair play is guaranteed, of course.
Q: Apparently, Kramnik feels very much at home…
VT: He also has his negatives because the pressure and responsibility are very tough on him.
Q: Do you think that players of his type are a good advertisement of chess?
VT: One thing I can say: the place of the sportsman is in the field or on the stage in front of the audience, and not in rest rooms or toilets.
Q: Do you think that this game will remain in history as uniting?
VT: It is early to say. Let’s wait until the end.
Q: But don’t you think that by threatening to sue FIDE Kramnik leaves an open door to proceed with the battle beyond the sport?
VT: That is his decision but in my opinion he couldn’t seriously believe that his chances will be high in court.
Q: After all, Kramnik was one of the “break aways” and stayed away from the FIDE tournaments.
VT: True. He has never adhered to any principles and has always been led by his current personal interests. Kramnik tried several times to play in the FIDE championships and when it did not work, Kasparov offered a match to him as a gift, together with a virtual title of world champion.
Q: Kramnik said in one of the press conferences that he was more anxious about the football Champions League. Have you ever heard anything more insulting than that?
VT: This is not an insult to me but to the organizers, the audience, the media and the millions of fans all over the world.
Q: What do you think of the name “The Toilet Match”?
VT: It’s humorous.
Q: Could you count your friends in the chess sport by their responses to the events in Elista?
VT: I think very few people actually know what is going on here. The majority draws information from the ChessBase site, which is apparently on Kramnik’s side. I would like to make it clear that this site is a shame for a developed European state like Germany.
Q: Did you like the book on Buddhism?
VT: Very much. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov gave me two books that I read with great pleasure. This philosophy definitely appeals to me.
Q: Would you ever go back to Kalmykia?
VT: I will answer with the lyrics of our technical expert:
Elista is a nice town
Kalmykia is the land of wonder
And from here I don’t want to depart.
I understand that Topalov made this interview for the Bulgarian fans and he may want to please them. I also understand that some of the translations may be off. However, the timing is rotten and the context does not help his image either. That’s a double whammy! I would certainly ask these questions: “Why?” and “What does he have to gain by attacking Kramnik or ChessBase?”
I would like to just ask why Kramnik needs to be visited by his seconds “GMs Svidler and Bareev” in Elista. It just creates more controversy.
Why did you specifically underline his accusations against Kramnik? Do you agree with him? Why not underline his disgraceful comments, when he congratulates Danailov on the dirty off the board trics, or calls Chessbase a shame for Germany. “They” were supposed to stop with the off the board insults (not that Kramnik ever was involved in that anyway) and here the Topalov camp go again. So why did you underline their baseless, unfounded and shameful accusations that only degrade this noble game?
I always underline the controversial points by FIDE, Topalov and Kramnik’s statements and interviews. It has nothing to do with taking sides.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
http://www.PolgarChess.com
http://www.SusanPolgar.com
Susan, please ignore the previous post, it’s the rant of a Kramnik cheerleader. You are obviously non-partisan and it is in your best interest to be so (this is the best guarantee). Kramnik has made many insulting comments (“his pieces arrived at the right place by chance”, “he was lucky”, etc.) but his fans do not like to be reminded of this facet of their champion. The most revealing act by Kramnik (as a reflection of his true character) was his stabing in the back of Kasparov. After Kasparov helped him trough all his career, chose him undeservedly (after Kramnik lost to Shirov in the candidates) for the title match, etc., Kramnik refused to give him the rematch. Topalov, on the other hand, sticks with his friends (even when they damage him over and over again like Dainalov), he could have distanced himself from them but instead (even knowing how unpopular this is) he backs them up. This is a show of true character and principle. Topalov’s characterization of Kramnik as a selfish scoundrel is right in the money.
Topalov has fish and/or chips in his head.
>>I think very few people actually know what is going on here. The majority draws information from the ChessBase site, which is apparently on Kramnik’s side.
So what IS going on in Elista, Mr. Topalov? He won´t tell…
Great blog, Susan,
Jürgen
Chessbase has revelaed its true color in this match, the number of anti-Topalov articles it has published is not only shameful but increadibly obvious. Chessbase has always tended to publish just one article on each subject (or different parts of the “same” article) but this time it is publishing a lot of articles on the same subject (anti-topalov rantings). Chessbase should be considered from now on not a balanced news site but simply the commercial advertisement site that it is, nothing more…
Topalov, SHUT UP!
What a jerk.
At least there is no doubt now that Danilov’s insanity was totally at Topalov’s bidding.
Until reading that interview I was trying to give him some benefit of doubt.
Now I doubt he deserves any benefits least of all his ill gotten forfeit.
Topalov is 100% right. Kramnik is a selfish back-stabing thug.
The campaign against Topalov was started long before the match by the Kramnik team. It continues during the match in all media and in the chessbase too. Now it’s the cheater Kramnik who gets all accolades and his victim Topalov who gets all the blame. I think that Topalov made a very bad move in agreeing to have this match under those conditions imposed by the Russian side. If they were to have a match, it shouldn’t have been for the World Championship because Topalov is a World Chess Champion, period. Not “FIDE” Chess Champion, not “classical” Chess Champion. Also, the match should have been on a neutral territory, as all other matches for chess titles. If they were in a neutral country, suspicions for bugging would be less founded.
There is a HUGE difference between the Open letters by Kramnik (Hensel) and the open letters by Topalov (Danailov).
Topalov and Danailov have been attacking Mr. Kramnik’s person, integrity, honest and standing in the chess world. They have openly accused Mr. Kramnik of using computer assistance. Even comparing his move patterns to Fritz recommendations. This is disgraceful.
The Open letters by Mr. Kramnik and Hensel have been in DEFENCE against these accusations, to protect the integrity and honesty of Mr. Kramnik. If your character is defeamed in the press, it is your responsibility to defend yourself against these accusations.
If you BY NOW cannot take a side AGAINST Topalov and FOR Kramnik, especially with this latest interview from two days ago, in which Topalov congratulates Danailov on the Toiletgate, then how can you call yourself a moral person.
It has come time for the world of chess to take a firm stance against Mr. Topalov and his disgraceful and unfair methods.
Only Mr. Kramnik can emerge as the World Champion from this match.
In the past you said that both parties were to blame. And you said that the frequent toilet visits were a deliberate ploy from Mr. Kramnik to provoke this incident with his mindgames. We can quote your past news items and prove this (unless you have gone back to edit them or have removed them).
For sincerity, grace and dignity’s sake. Take the stance Anand and others have taken. Against Mr. Topalov.
Refusing to criticize the CRIMINAL is not neutrality. And grouping the criminal and victim together, is not neutrality either.
We cannot “just play chess” if the rules of fairplay are constantly being violated by one of the two sides.
After the so called “peace deal” which cost Mr. Kramnik a full point, there have been Danailov’s Fritz percentages and now this disgraceful interview from Mr. Topalov.
Veselin is the villain of the chess world.
Topalov is special. He comes across as disarming and open, very refreshing. I guess he doesn’t have a big apparatus behind him. Maybe he doesn’t even get along with the Bulgarian chess politicians; he didn’t play in the chess Olympiad. So Kramnik has Russia behind him and Topalov has … one guy, Danailov.
And in this situation Topalov can even say that Russia’s support is creating pressure on Kramnik. That’s true now, because Topalov is unflappable: he takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
Players should be extra vigilant right now. Their food should be taste-tested, etc.
Topalov is a hero. He is not only fighting against the whole Russian communist apparatus but also agains the ultra-capitalist propaganda chessbase site. To tpo it off, he is fighting against the succesor of Rasputin (Kramnik) a back staber of friends (he did it to Kasparov). Long live Topalov, the dragon slayer!
Kramnik’s followers are so vile, that they accuse anyone who is not blindly pro-Krmanik of being anti-chess and inmoral. Please do not listen to them Susan, these people have no morals.
i’ve kind of followed along, thinking it was a bit silly and that topalov was trying to get in the head of kramnik, a little gamemanship. rude and childish, but still gamemanship. reading these comments, i’m more taken back by the viciousness of the fans. it’s only chess, not the fight for survival! they’re splitting a million dollars, no one is going to die!
As was previous stated, Topalov’s interview shows how Danailov represents his position catagorically. I would not be surprised if someone ends the match if game 11 has a decisive result. This would be more likely if Topalov loses a second game, and with White. He will have only then have a chance to tie the match, having lost on actual matches played. It is harder for Kramnik to run away in his own country, and it should be clear to him that he has the sympathy of the chess world that was previously lacking. Walking out would ruin that.
There is nothing refreshing about his continued comments today. They are barbaric
VT: I believe that my manager Silvio Danailov did an extraordinary job and won all the legal battles outside the board quite convincingly, and in the enemy field, too. Now it is my turn to do the same on the chess board.
. Defeating the opponent on his own territory is the sweetest victory, provided the fair play is guaranteed, of course.
VT: One thing I can say: the place of the sportsman is in the field or on the stage in front of the audience, and not in rest rooms or toilets.
VT: That is his decision but in my opinion he couldn’t seriously believe that his chances will be high in court.
VT: True. He has never adhered to any principles and has always been led by his current personal interests. Kramnik tried several times to play in the FIDE championships and when it did not work, Kasparov offered a match to him as a gift, together with a virtual title of world champion.
Q: Kramnik said in one of the press conferences that he was more anxious about the football Champions League. This is not an insult to me but to the organizers, the audience, the media and the millions of fans all over the world.
Q: What do you think of the name “The Toilet Match”?
VT: It’s humorous.
“I think very few people actually know what is going on here. The majority draws information from the ChessBase site, which is apparently on Kramnik’s side. I would like to make it clear that this site is a shame for a developed European state like Germany.”
Unfortunately he is absolutely right. This site smells bad…
more and more Mr.Topalov reminds me of Jefim Bogoljubow (a theologian and preacher and chess GM and WC candiate…) who said:
“With the white pieces i win, because i have white; with the black pieces i win, because i’m Bogoljubow!”
and after his horrible loss against Alekhine in 1929 Bogoljubow stated:
“i simply blundered my chances away!”
let me cite the holy bible… (Ecclesiastes)
1:1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
1:2 All is to no purpose, said the Preacher, all the ways of man are to no purpose.
1:3 What is a man profited by all his work which he does under the sun?
1:4 One generation goes and another comes; but the earth is for ever.
1:5 The sun comes up and the sun goes down, and goes quickly back to the place where he came up.
1:6 The wind goes to the south, turning back again to the north; circling round for ever.
1:7 All the rivers go down to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the rivers go, there they go again.
1:8 All things are full of weariness; man may not give their story: the eye has never enough of its seeing, or the ear of its hearing.
1:9 That which has been, is that which is to be, and that which has been done, is that which will be done, and there is no new thing under the sun.
greetings, yours Vohaul
Neither of these two clowns (Topalov and Kramnik) is leaving me with a good impression.
Topalov fans,
Both Karpov and Korchnoi told that they would stop playin if they were put in the shoes of Kramnik. Spassky. Spassky made it clear that he supports Kramnik in this situation. Lots of GMs wrote open letters in support of Kramnik.
Can you give a single reference to any GM who supports Topalov in this situation ?
Susan, I think this blog needs a moderator. There are too many simply offensive posts. I am tired of people accusing you and ChessBase of bias, accusing Kramnik of using a portable set, etc. Whenever people have nothing to say, they repeat the same thing, every time in a more offensive manner. I no longer let my 11 year-old daughter read these crazy rants – she might think that too many people around chess have anger management issues.
In answer to the last comment: all quoted GMs are Russians. Of course they will support Kramnik. Now what about Anand, Short, Timann, Kamsky. They keep silent because they know that this is a continuation of Kramnik’s campaign started before the match. A campaign, including any means, such as cheating in the toilet.
* Anonymous said…
Susan, I think this blog needs a moderator. There are too many simply offensive posts. I am tired of people accusing you and ChessBase of bias, accusing Kramnik of using a portable set, etc. Whenever people have nothing to say, they repeat the same thing, every time in a more offensive manner. I no longer let my 11 year-old daughter read these crazy rants – she might think that too many people around chess have anger management issues.
I apologize. It is very unfortunate that some people really have gone out of their ways to repeat the same insults. I will see what I can do to cut that down.
Thank you.
Susan Polgar
http://www.PolgarChess.com
It’s as simple as deleting any post that supports Topalov. This is what chessbase does.
Susan, no-one who regularly reads your blog could accuse you of bias without looking foolish. I think this is partly due to the fact that all the comments made by others are unmoderated. I appreciate that you’re a busy lady and having to weed out comments that might be considered offensive by some, while also ensuring that the views of all are expressed seems like a lot to expect of you.
You could set Blogger to refuse anonymous comments, as most of the unreasonable points made here sem to made by people unwilling to put their names to their opinions.
For what it’s worth, I’d like to thank you for the great job you’re doing in keeping a very readable blog on top of all your other commitments.
We are not worthy!
I have previously been a fan of Topalov (and Kasparov when he was active). I simply like the way they play. I supported Toplaov in this WCC match before they started. Kramnik’s style usually don’t give me the same pleasure, although he obviously is a very strong chessplayer. After the recent “Toiletgate” incidents I must say that I have been extremely disappointed by Mr. Topalov and his bad advicer. If he ends up winning this match (with or without taking the result from game 5 into consideration) I will not recognice him as the World Champion. To me he will always be The Cheater. I wouldn’t feel sorry if his fellow super GM’s avoided meeting him in future tournaments – just to tell him very clearly that they too don’t recognice his behavior.
Susan will be perfectly right to close that blog. It gets the rotten smell of ChessBase because of the pro-Kramnik campaigners.
Susan,
One thing that would help would be to set Blogger to reject anonymous comments. A lot of the worst comments are made by people hiding behind the “anonymous shield.” Making them register and identify themselves would probably deter some of them.
To the Kramnik propagandist:
All you quote is ChessBase. I don’t believe a word in it anymore.
To the Topalov propagandist,
Open letter of support to Vladimir Kramnik
Monday 2nd of October 2006
Dear Vladimir,
Through absolutely no fault of your own, you have suffered the consequences of an unprecedented combination of unethical behaviour from your opponent and glaring incompetence, for lack of a stronger word, on the part of the Appeals Committee.
In spite of evidently unfair treatment, which has not only resulted in your being forfeited one game, but also being subjected to petty attacks and ridiculous accusations from the opposing camp, you have agreed to continue the match for the sake of reunifying the chess world. This is a very impressive decision. It testifies to your remarkable sense of honour and is worthy of your true status of World Champion.
Regardless of the final result of this match you have earned the deepest respect of your fellow Grandmasters and colleagues as well as countless chess fans around the world. Thank you for being a model sportsman in a time and place where so many circumstances turned against you. You deserve to win.
With unfailing support,
GM Joel Lautier (France)
IM Almira Skripchenko (France)
GM Viktor Korchnoi (Switzerland)
GM Laurent Fressinet (France)
GM Nigel Short (Greece)
GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (Russia)
GM Pavel Tregubov (Russia)
GM Pentala Harikrishna (India)
GM Yannick Pelletier (Switzerland)
WGM Sophie Milliet (France)
GM Lev Alburt (USA)
WIM Anna Hahn (USA)
GM Rustam Dautov (Germany)
GM Yasser Seirawan (USA)
GM Emanuel Berg (Sweden)
GM Helmut Pfleger (Germany)
WIM Olena Boytsun (Ukraine)
GM Vladimir Barksij (Russia)
GM Bartlomiej Macieja (Poland)
IM Maxim Notkin (Russia)
GM Alexander Baburin (Irland)
GM Tony Kosten (England)
GM Alexander Khalifman (Russia)
IM Ilias Kourkounakis (Greece)
WGM Natalia Zhukova (Ukraine)
GM Konstantin Landa (Russia)
GM Michal Krasenkow (Poland)
GM Boris Gelfand (Israel)
GM Alexander Huzman (Israel)
GM Harry Schüssler (Sweden)
GM Jon Levitt (England)
Open Letter of Support to Vladimir Kramnik from Grandmaster Colleagues.
Monday October 2nd, 2006
Dear Vladimir,
We are writing as a small group of Grandmasters, but we believe that we represent the views of the vast majority of our colleagues. We simply wanted to let you know that we think you have suffered a gross injustice, and that you have our support.
We appreciate that you are now under immense psychological pressure, and that it must be difficult to continue to play well in the context of such blatant bias, unfairness, and hostility.
Good luck in the days ahead. If you manage to win in these circumstances you will be a worthy champion indeed.
Best wishes,
GM Jonathan Rowson (Scotland)
GM Peter Heine Nielsen (Denmark)
GM Magnus Carlsen (Norway)
GM Jan Gustafsson (Germany)
GM Tomi Nyback (Finland)
GM Luke McShane (England)
GM Loek Van Wely (Netherlands)
Are they all members of the ACP, a group funded by Kramnik’s 50 year old ex girlfriend the billionaire? Now that’s hardly neutral, is it?
Apparently the ChessBase compilators were afraid to paste the name of Anand to those fabricated letters.
Why didn’t the ChessBase publish the appeal of the Bulgarian Chess Federation expressing the unanimous support for Topalov by all Bulgarian chess masters?
@anonym_12.01:
to be honest, i do not understand your solicitude – this great blog has gained the ability “to clean itself” – e.g. some pocket chess setters, some racists, some other offending anonym ones, etc. – lot’s of people here have the clear capeability to adjust even the worst offendings – and they do so!
on the other hand – open internet blogs, open internet forums or open internet chat rooms should always be marked as “for adults only” because there is no way to moderate the contents in a manner to be suited for 11 years old children
– frankly spoken, it is within your own parental responsibility.
children and their use of internet is a serious and controversial discussed problem nowadays – but – in my eyes – Ms. Susan Polgar is not responsible for moronic, offending, insulting or even worse contents of the blog, bearing her name.
She tries, obviously by best means, to keep the blog clean – as far it is possible – she tries to keep unbiased points of view – not least to keep this blog open for ALL opinions (freedom of it …) – i gratefully thank Susan for her well done appeasement work!
sincerly, Vohaul
PS: the discussion around the little pocket chess set made from plastic is an awesome running gag, isn’t it?
to be honest, i’m jealous, that i have missed the invention…
Well, Kramnik could just have laughed in the face of Topalov, playing the game under protest and be the moral winner. (Noone can tell me that he would have been unable to play under the circumstances of not having a private loo.)
Instead he chose to forfeit a point, which is the principal thing to do, but also very risky. It didn’t pay off and he has to accept it. As soon as the game was forfeited, there was basically no way to get it back except by a very great, but very unrealistic gesture of Topalov (look into any pro sport and see how often you find someone giving back what he perhaps did not earn).
So we now have a mess. Both players are responsible (and of corse the committee): Kramnik for his unflexibility and Topalov for his mind game accusations.
And to be honest: i’m still waiting for an unbiased account of what really happened. Up to now one only gets information from either Topalov or Kramnik, but not from an observer directly in Ellista, known to be impartial.
@last anonym 1.12 – is this because you suffer from paranoia?
i’m with Vladimir Kramnik since he played in the german bundesliga for a berlin club … i can tell you – you are very alone with your statements and Vladimir does not need “fans” like you!
so -please – calm down!
sincerly, Vohaul
ooops – the message i responded to has been erased… so – please erase my reply,too! :))
Vohaul
To the moron(s) who posted these ill-informed pieces of garbage:
“all quoted GMs are Russians. Of course they will support Kramnik. Now what about Anand, Short, Timann, Kamsky. They keep silent because they know that this is a continuation of Kramnik’s campaign started before the match. A campaign, including any means, such as cheating in the toilet.”
” Apparently the ChessBase compilators were afraid to paste the name of Anand to those fabricated letters.”
Check out Vishy Anand’s comments which came out in the Indian newspaper Hindu today. I watched the interview on NDTV (Indian news channel) as well.
Says Anand:
“It’s great entertainment, no doubt. But there is no place for such things in sport. He (Kramnik) was accused not of something he actually did, but something he could have done, and losing a game was extremely [b]unfair to Kramnik[/b]. To say that it could have been handled better would actually be putting it mildly. The event is tainted now,”
http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/09/stories/2006100906301800.htm
Kramnik supporters accuse Topalov for not having evidence. But the fact that the 78% coincidence with Fritz9 dropped to 23% after Kramnik didn’t visit his bathroom so often is a strong indirect evidence that is acceptable in any court of law. The direct evidence in the form of electronic bug can be found after destroying the walls of the infamous bathroom.
By accusing Kramnik of using a program, which “adds 300 points”, Topalov’s team is admitting that Kramnik is the stronger player — much stronger.
Kramnik has a massive positive lifetime score against Topalov and has always outrated him when healthy, and the old Kramnik is clearly back.
i’m not lucky with the new posting rules – one more censored site in the net … not neccessary – after nsome anonymus postings
disappointed – Vohaul
Interesting Interview!
One thing I will say being someone who has his own business with attornies etc. is this:
It would be very hard for Kramnik to win in court if he sued FIDE. FIDE was following the law.
They tried to renegotiate the contract but Kramnik for whatever reason did not cooperate.
So Kramnik’s best bet is to win the match on the chessboard.
it was an honor to me to post as vohaul – and i’m – besides that character in SpaceQuest I and II – the first computer games i have played – the one and only Vohaul in the net … no one ever tried to cheat me… ask you why?
now i’m more and more acidified
PS: censorship rules …
“way to go old scum, Vohaul…”
ahhh – you changed it again – but now – im no longer User Vohaul, but Blogger Vohaul … ok! 🙂 i’ll do my very best!
:)) your’s
Zsuzsa, you can silence the words here, but we will not forget you apologized for the corrupted, who have done unsaid damage to our game.
veselintopalov.net says that Kramnik did not want to go to a doping test and a new scandal may arise!
I really hope that this is not a doping gate that we are going to see.
GM Dr.Robert Hübner did not want to have “liquid” doping tests either, that is the reason he retired from playing for the german national chess team …
Anonymous GM? I doubt it. It’s more like anonymous coward.
I agree with Susan’s prior sentiments. Kramnik has steamrolled over many others to get his opportunities, somehow the way has been paved for him.
But now that the match is a fact, I think Susan is staying neutral in the face of immense pressure among the GMs to take Kramnik’s side.
Topalov might secretly suspect that he’s the weaker player, which would account for him acting emotionally and grasping at paranoid straws everywhere. Deep down he fears losing the match and being exposed as not a “real champion”.
Anonymous posts that rant uncivilly for Topalov or Kramnink seem to come from 2 camps: 1) From vindictive or immature people who take the license of a secret identity to do something that would be punished on the merits of content with the author’s name known. 2) Less obviously, from people who represent the parties involved. What is the case for having anonymous posts?
I bet Topalov will not fire Danailov, as many requested him to do.
All these Topalov fans are wanna-be bad guys.
Vohaul very interesting, bathroomgate takes a new turn …
As someone pointed out on dailydirt, in soccer if you refuse a drug test, you forfeit the game.
What are banned substances for this match?
GM Polgar, please don’t censor your blog. That goes against the principle of free speech. Having said that, I would remind people that “free speech” carries a responsibility to be accurate and not overly insulting or offensive. Some sensitive people find “have a nice day” offensive, but I’m talking about what 90% of the adult world would find offensive and insulting. There is really not place here for super coarse language. One can find other words in language to expressive themselves. If so, why be vulgar? Now, on to what a eleven year old girl should read. I would hope this blog would be suitable for each and every chess player and fan to read. However, some discussion are not for everyone. Parents need to monitor content by proof reading the blog…yes, real parenting there. At some point, if parents have done a adequate job, our children will not feel the need to read filth and will not enter chat rooms and blogs they find unsuitable. They simply won’t suffer such foolishness. Until that point…parents do your job! Finally, all the anonymous posters should be think of the purpose of anonymity. It’s to protect your real identity (usually well known) and have other’s opinion swayed by your fame. It’s not a shield to spread lies and use unsavory language.
“I always underline the controversial points by FIDE, Topalov and Kramnik’s statements and interviews. It has nothing to do with taking sides.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar”
That’s a ridiculous statement.
Posting this interview without any comment but with a big headline “Topalov: He has never adhered to any principles” IS by definition taking sides.
All GMs supporting Kramnik are ACP members (like Kramnik himself). Some funds in ACP come from Kramnik’s acquaintance. FIDE cannot stand up for Topalov because it will be accused of being unfair. ACP can oficially (look at their website) be unfair.
I saw how on ICC some GMs were accusing Topalov of cheating when doing perfect machine-gun moves. How on hell he physically could have cheated?
Chess is the most beautiful game,
but from my experience sometimes one cannot distinguish a GM from a bus driver when talking on humanistic or natural sciences disciplines. Some GMs in ACP will be as fair as their general culture will allow them. Their pocket too.
For those who claim that the news on the Chessbase website is biased, please point us to other websites that you feel give the true perspective on this. In this internet age where it is so easy to post news, surely there must be some.
@artichoke – in 2000 germany won the silver medal in chess olympics at istanbul – Hübner boycotted the winners photo …
substances / drugs were the same as at the olympic commitees list, alcohol an caffeine included …
nowadays alcohol, caffein and nicotine have been removed from the entire list by the olympic doping commitee – but i’m not sure whether FIDE removed them too …
that’s why i’m pointing on Kramniks smoking addiction …
pottygate will continue – im quite sure …
still sad … Vohaul
@anononym 3.04 – the sad one – your post was the first you ever did here – not a loss if you intend to post not anymore – but – i invite you to change your mind – nice comments, nice puzzles, nice people and a nice “mistress” here … and at least one real Vladimir Kramnik fan here around – ME!
sincerly, Vohaul
Anonymous said…
I would like to just ask why Kramnik needs to be visited by his seconds “GMs Svidler and Bareev” in Elista. It just creates more controversy.
Monday, October 09, 2006 10:24:55 AM
this is just one way that the hysteria gets going. there is a perfectly good answer. before the match ever started it was decided that they would go to elista after game 5 to join and assist kramnik. ]
how do you like that for an answer.
Well heck if Kramnik just needs a smoke or some coffee, I would be on his side. Actually I believe tea and coffee are provided, so caffeine must not be banned.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Topalov and his cronies are stinkin’ crooks! After all this, eh has the balls to come up with this nonsense!
Shut the hell up ToiletLov. Kramnik is one of my least favorite players. I never thought I would be rooting so much for him.
He deserves an ass kicking of a lifetime and I hope he gets it in Elista and ends up in the trash cans of chess history. What a jerk!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Some people have major mental problems to sort out in their own lives. Sad to see a blog full of useful informationa nd news being disgraced.
– Vinay
What the heck are the “Sofia rules” that Topalov referred to?
@chess-father – insulting a person with outwardness is the most primitive form of accusement – please give us more examples of your artwork!
(i suppose your real name is Paris and your beauteousness is fully proven by three georgeous godesses – hopefully the apple was not poisened – oops – it was? driven unsane? too much Topalov? he? sorry – you are a GM – please excuse my poor english)
for ever, Vohaul
Sofia rules mean no draw. You play until the end. This was designed to stop some grandmasters from showing up, taking quick draws and collect their money.
Anand has spoken here:
Click
xargon,
Thanks for the link. I will post it now.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
http://www.SusanPolgar.com
btw – to remove comments is not a good way to get a grip on splash postings! so – please – remove my answers, too … not amused
Vohaul
I agree with anonymous.
What the hell is up with being neutral. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it.
Kudos to the players who have come forward and talked about how Topalov and his team have disgraced the great game that they cherish so much.
People who are neutral are either too afraid or too blind to see the truth and are actually instrumental in hurting the game.
Flame on!
TOPOLOV: I FELT LIKE CRYING
Crying?!? There’s no crying in chess!!
Hi Susan,
You forgot to underline “I believe that my manager Silvio Danailov did an extraordinary job “. 🙂
It seems that Topalov satistied with whatever Silvio did.
Best Regard,
Ian
@anon: i am bald 😀
artichoke said…
I agree with Susan’s prior sentiments. Kramnik has steamrolled over many others to get his opportunities, somehow the way has been paved for him.
But now that the match is a fact, I think Susan is staying neutral in the face of immense pressure among the GMs to take Kramnik’s side.
Monday, October 09, 2006 2:29:45 PM
well it seems to me that what you have said above is that susan favors topalov. exactly what everyone says. I have never seen anyone claim that susan supports kramnik. the claim of neutrality is just not acceptable. the truth is she is biased in favor of topalov. this is why there is so much kramnik and chessbase mindless bashing on this blog.
go back up this posting and someone posted some names of big time GM’s that support Kramnik. there must be a reason. and it is not the story that topalov and danailov spins for the irrational fans.
Ok chessbase is supposed to be bias. Read Mig Greengard’s Daily Dirt columns on chessninja.com
http://www.chessninja.com/dailydirt/2006/10/
Susan’s blog also seems to have been mentioned.
chessbase is a shame for germany? then mr. topalov the same applies to your beloved Dainalov for bulgaria
TRT
“the truth is she is biased in favor of topalov.”
They have been discussing Susan’s bias on other forums as well.
Having read Susan Polgar’s blog since game 1, I wrote here some time right after game 3, that Susan Polgar was not taking sides.
I retract that statement now.
“After the dispute over game 5, Susan Polgar HAS been taking sides. The latest slant was to post Topalov’s statement in TRUD without any comment, but with the big headline “Topalov: He has never adhered to any principles”.
I wonder what Susan Polgar would say if someone quoted a statement without comment but with a big headline about her: “She has never adhered to any principles” I think that Susan Polgar would consider it a low blow against her and possibly considers to sue the perpetrators for slander
To be fair, Susan Polgar has also written an open letter supporting Kramnik. But then she also says things like: “Everyone should stop publishing open letters.” She is obviously confused
All in all, after the dispute over game 5, the tenor of Susan Polgar’s comments on her blog is slanted towards Topalov.”
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chess.pl?tid=52037&pid=12089
Chessbase will have Fritz-Kramnik match in November.
There will be 2-3 times more audience in case Kramnik will be The Champion. 2-3 more money from ads.
Let’s be serious.
Do you know that Bach was a greedy and vanitous person?
So, in the logic of these moralistic fundamentalists his music was a shame for the music world.
Einstein to his wife was worse than Topalov is to Ktramnik, so on hell with the Theory of Relativity.
Please, moralistic mediocrities, follow the music of Bach and not his behavior.
If Bach was playing his music while he kept kicking Chopin under the table, it would have been a different story.
Topalov is a good chess player. he is not Capablanca, Alekhine, Bobby or Kaspy. It will take years of great performance before you can call him “bach of Chess”. So relax and climb back into your hole.
that’s exactly why i enjoyed the play of Mr. Topalov – hummm – let’s say yesterday?
Bach did not blunder that much – maybe Einstein blundered, but i’m sure, he needed no press (^^) conference declarations to explain them …
Mr. Topalov and Mr. Danailov (quote: “without any doubt, there are aliens amongst us!”) are for sure the best comedian duo since Laurel and Hardy…
may the amusement continue and never stop – great!
Chessbase will have Fritz-Kramnik match in November.
There will be 2-3 times more audience in case Kramnik will be The Champion. 2-3 more money from ads.
Let’s be serious, whom do you think they will support?
Chessbase will have Fritz-Kramnik match in November.
There will be 10 times more SELLS (Fritz9, Fritz10 and so on…) in case Kramnik will be The Champion.
Let’s be serious boys, people are ready for anything for MONEY?
Indeed Susan did post an open letter during the match that was biased toward Kramnik. I didn’t like it. But it sure puts the lie to people who say she is biased against Kramnik during the match.
Is she supposed to comment on every comment by the players? I think that’s not what she is doing.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Obviously, Topalov has spent all his time playing chess; and not developing into a mature adult…
Comparative philosophy (Buddha and Christianity/Jesus Christ comparative philosophies)? Egad, child take a high school or community college class!
artichoke are you a Bush supporter? Do you have a ‘Honk if you love Jesus’ bumper sticker on your pick-up truck?
response to:
… Monday, October 09, 2006 4:03:12 PM
Bach was not greedy or whataever you claim and Einstein was kind to his wife.
What is sure that the defenders of Topalov are doing the same like their hero… tell lies for their own interest…
This is amusing to me and a sure sign of a true LOOSER!!!
Susan, I am banning my 47 year old son from reading your blog from now on. I am tired of people calling each other “meanies” and saying “heck” (sorry to repeat this foul word). Id rather he goes to chat sites were the avatars are pornographic, 1 out of 2 word are curses and there is a graphic description of depraved sex every other post. Yes, your blog is really really bad will all these people discussing such a violent sport (didn’t Alekhine aimed his king to his opponent head one time?). Yes the anonymous posters are the scum of the earth, I prefer my son watch FOX with its depiction of violence ever 2.3 seconds and sees videos of people being decapited in other news TV programs. Susan, how can you support all the filth in your blog? (one anonymous poster called another a MORON for goodness sake!).
Bush for prez!!!
Yes, I agree, no 11 year old girl should ever hear about the obscene portable chess set, Gosh forbid!!!!
I think that Topalov is perfectly within his rights to file a complaint against Kramnik, but I also think that it has gone a little too far. If Topalov wins, he will never earn the respect and honor that comes with being the World Champion. And plus, Kramnik won’t even let him be; he’ll probably sue FIDE before Topalov has a chance to spend a penny of his prize money. I think that the players need to stop thinking about personal gain/advantage and start thinking about chess. Because it’s their love of chess that should really matter in the first place.
By the way, I love this blog, and I love reading everyone’s opinions on this…it’s quite amusing how some people get so heated up about this issue…
People, enough is enough!
It is time that you accept that Susan is going to do her best to report without bias both Kramnik’s view and Topalov’s view in this issue, and not take sides, no matter how hard you try and bait her into choosing!
>Bach was not greedy or whataever >you claim and Einstein was kind >to his wife.
>What is sure that the defenders >of Topalov are doing the same >like their hero… tell lies for >their own interest…
>This is amusing to me and a sure >sign of a true LOOSER!!!
The lack of general culture is easy to cure nowdays (although the lack of synapses is harder).
Put +Johannes (or +Johann) +Bach +greedy on google, maybe you will find something.
and +avaricious instead of +greedy, he was both.
Put +Einstein +wife +cheat +”10 mistresses”
Besides that Einstein did to his wife things which be impolite to write on this blog.
Moralistic null-entities, please, listen to Bach and learn General Relativity. Enjoy the games Topalov-Kramnik.
dante,
Thank you! This is one of the most sensible posts all day.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
http://www.SusanPolgar.com
Hmmmm…following Danailov’s (Topalov’s manager) recent shenanigans, this is like the pot calling the kettle black.
“Topalov charges: ‘He has never adhered to any principles.'”
>Moralistic null-entities, please, listen to Bach and learn General Relativity. Enjoy the games Topalov-Kramnik.
1)That’s funny… right now i’m listening to the orchestral suite nr 1.
2)i did check google and nothing appeared…
3)probably all my teachers at conservatorium were wrong about Bach or maybe all the books i read on the subject were wrong??
strange isn’t it?
4)Your word are not insulting me “Moralistic null-entities”, because a) i’m not a moralistic person b)actually people consider me a big entity
5)what is insulting is your ignorance coupled with arrogance.
Again, sign of a looser.
Enjoy life…
Susan’s commentary:
“I understand that Topalov made this interview for the Bulgarian fans and he may want to please them. I also understand that some of the translations may be off. However, the timing is rotten and the context does not help his image either.”
Susan, Chessbase is reporting that Danailov did the translation himself and he supplied it to Chessbase directly.
http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=3413
That Bulgarian newspaper lives up to it’s name.
Susan, I have two children, one 8 years old, the other 10 and they simply ENJOY your blog. It is the ONLY place in the net were they can read without being exposed to all kinds of bad influences (and I hope all the discussions are helping them to learn how to present their arguments in a logical manner, and how not to!). What realy cracks them up is the “pocket chess theory” guy posts. One of them just rolls with laughter whenever he posts something new. Please do not ban the anonymous joksters, they make this site so much fun! (and besides, if you start muzzling people what are you going to teach our children about freedom of expression and liberty?).
What is really obscene about this blog is the bearded photo of that van something guy. No girl no mater her age should ever see that!
Here is a funny story “authorities captured today the infamous pocket chess set theory author while he was ‘exposing’ his theory to some children”
Susan…
what a delusion…
Hi Susan,
I am not now, or ever have been, a fan of Kramnik’s. However, I am beginning to support Kramnik as being less objectionable than Topalov.
Going into the match I viewed Topalov as “John Wayne”-like hero going in to wrest the classical chess crown away from Kramnik. The Topalov interview certainly dispelled any illusion that I had regarding Mr. Topalov’s character.
Veselin may charge Vladmir as “never having adhered to any principles”. From where I sit Veselin is an expert on the subject as he is unprincipled himself.
I wish Garry Kasparov would come back. Say what you will about the man the only games he played with his opponent were at the chessboard. He never resorted to unprovable slurs.
Tom D
I agree with Topalov that a sportsman’s place is on the stage, not hiding in a toilet. As for sponsors, who would want to sponsor Kramnik? He plays boring chess, hides in his bathroom, portrays himself as the injured party when he is as guilty as his opponent, is a poor ambassador of the sport, etc., etc. etc.
I agree with the comments about the guy with the creepy beard. I said so before.
* Anonymous said…
Susan, I think this blog needs a moderator. There are too many simply offensive posts. I am tired of people accusing you and ChessBase of bias, accusing Kramnik of using a portable set, etc. Whenever people have nothing to say, they repeat the same thing, every time in a more offensive manner. I no longer let my 11 year-old daughter read these crazy rants – she might think that too many people around chess have anger management issues.
There is nothing wrong with people accusing Kramnik of cheating. His toilet behavior invites such charges! And Chessbase’s coverage of the match invites charges of partisanship as well. Are these accusations not legitimate just because you personally disagree with them? Get your own blog and censor anyone who posts such “outlandish” charges!
I agree Susan should dump posts that attack her, or those with foul language, but that’s her decision. If people don’t like her, why are they here? I think her coverage of the match has been better than anyone’s.
This is what I just posted on Mig’s blog:
Please allow me to make this as directly and clearly as possible. Obviously, you and others will choose to believe what you want no matter how incorrect it is. I see it hundreds of times a day on my own blog. I will only state this once on this forum. I apologize to Mig upfront for being off topic.
1. I have said countless times that the actions of Danailov are INEXCUSABLE. The tone and wordings of his letters are very unprofessional. I even question Topalov’s decision not to part ways with Danailov. This does not mean I support Kramnik. It means that I find the actions of Topalov’s camp wrong, very wrong.
2. I have also said countless times that it is wrong for Topalov to accept the forfeit win, even if FIDE insisted on it. Many people in the chess community will never forget this. It was a wrong decision even if he thinks he deserved it. Again, this does not mean I support Kramnik. It means that I find the actions of Topalov’s camp wrong.
3. I have NEVER said that I blame both equally. That is a total lie. I said all three sides are to blame (some more than others with FIDE and Danailov leading the big percentage). Once again, this does not mean I support Kramnik. It means that I find the actions of Topalov’s camp wrong.
4. Please don’t insult my intelligence by saying that Kramnik has been a Saint during this whole match. Yes, the Appeals Committee made horrendous mistakes and I also said so many times. However, somebody has to big enough to allow the other side to make the last word. This does not mean I support Topalov.
5. I could not care less who wins. It does not make an ounce of difference for me. I have friends on both sides and I want to see a unified World Champion. I am a chess fan as well as a chess professional. I just want to see exciting chess without the unprofessional open letters or silly press releases from any side. I feel that with strong leadership, this matter could have been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction without making it into a scandal.
6. The problem is there are lunatics who believe that unless I support Kramnik 100%, I am against him and I support Topalov. That is like saying unless I appreciate Bishops 100%, it means that I hate Bishops and will only play with Knights. And to make their silly points, these lunatics have to lie, insult (me and everyone who disagree) and spam the same nonsense hundreds of times.
7. I have been a victim of my own supporters in the past. While I appreciate people supporting me, I ask that they do not behave that way. There is no need to spam other websites dozens of times to defend me or insult others. It is good to have a civilized debates or discussions. There is no need to get hostile and rude.
8. If I wanted a job with FIDE or Bessel, I could have had it. My phone rang many times but no thanks. I want no part of the destructive politics. I hate chess politics. I am interested in promoting chess, especially for kids, without ugly bureaucracy and dirty politics. That is why I formed the Susan Polgar Foundation. I have enough work to do in chess while taking care of my 2 children.
9. If people want to believe in lies and nonsense then there is nothing I can do about it. I have no problem if people do not like me or do not agree with me. They are more than welcome to do that. But it is sad that people would try to put words in my mouth, make up things that I never said, or pretend to be me and post on various sites.
10. Just remember, there are always many sides of every story. Do not be so hasty in jumping into conclusions without knowing all the facts. Today, Anand spoke out against Topalov and stated this match has been spoiled. He believes that the 2007 World Championship in Mexico City will determine the true World Champion. Guess how long it took for fans of Topalov and Kramnik to bash Anand?
I am not rooting for either side. I would just like for everyone to behave more professionally for the sake of our sport. If that is too much to ask then I have wasted your time. I hope we can agree to disagree. The last word is yours 🙂
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
http://www.SusanPolgar.com
Great!! Topalov made the right comments against chessbase. Shame on Chessbase.com as I had been saying many times. visit:
http://srinivas-insights.blogspot.com/
This interview has increased my respect for topalov. He rightly said that for a good sportsman the right place is “in front of the audience”.
Suddenly, I got totally lost in the toilet scandal. Why is ChessBase a “shame for … Germany”? What did it do to Topalov for him to say such things publicly? If he means the GMs who signed a letter of support to Kramnik, well – they are not ChessBase. Can somebody explain what prompted this new outburst? Maybe there was something in the past that I do not know.
Susan
I do not think you are objective in your blog regarding the Kramnik Topalov match although i think your blog is very good. You ask both sides to stop the pres relaeases and in doing this your to some extent equating both sides releases. I also thought your selection of quote and high lighting of Topalov interview was misplaced. OK a simple analyisi of what has taken place is as follows: Topolav (everything issues by his team is on his personal shoulders) has issued press releases during the WCC accusing the opponent of cheating because he was losing the chess match at the time. It was a piece of psychological warefare. The reference to Kramnik’s so called refusal to take a drug test has arisen after Topalovs bad loss in game 10 as is a case in point. Topalov does not like Kramniks habit of mving and then leaving the board he would prefer that he sat at the table while he (Topalov) is thinking. Thtas all it amounts to. I remember Korchnoi being quiet upset in his match with Spassky when the latter spent ALL his time away from the board and played from the demo board. Kramnik is not doing this. My conclusion from all this is that Topalov lacks confidence in his chess playing ability to defeat Kramnik and needs to use other tactics to help himself. Its a difference of character – I cannot imagine Kramnik allowing press releases because he had lost a game. Note the timing of his managers relaease about fear of a device being planted did not come after a loss. Finally what has really gone wrong here is 100% done to Illuymsanov he determined the toilets should be closed and he determined the forfeit and that the forfeit should stand. He was in constant contact and called EVERY decision. Well done Kirsan this style my work for governing Kalmykia but it has a made a mess of this WCC. My message to Topalov – please get some confidence and professionalism and just play chess
Srini,
You wrote:
“The readers should note that no other sport in the world allows a participant in a championship match, to go “unmonitored” for substantial amount of time, especially while he is actively playing in the match.”
But according to the stipulated match conditions of the 2006 World Chess Championship at Elista, there is NO PROHIBITION on going to the toilet “unmonitored” as many times one wants.
By locking Kramnik’s toilet, the authorities altered the pre-agreed match conditions.
“I cannot understand why a neutral view of this issue is not being published any where. My attempt here is to present that neutral view as above.”
My or anybody else’s attempt at neutrality is as sincere as yours.
There is only a few world champions of any kind like Bion Borg,Rodger Federer,Tiger Woods etc…
These Champions let their preformance do the talking,
they never complain they go with the flo off their sport
A lot of top chess players
need to look at what makes
a great chess player and just let their playing do
the talking with respect
for the game and his fellow
player
I felt sorry for Topalov after the first two games, but he has really established himself as an a**h*** since then. I hope Kramnik mops the floor with him in the remaining two games.
To the blogger who “does not understand the attack on chessbase”. Just look how many antitopalov articles it has published and not a single one pro-topalov (and yes, there are a few pro-topalov grandmasters out there).
Chessbase has really debased itself. Not only it is completely anti-Topalov AND pro-Kramnik, but it completely ignores Susan’s blog (quite an event for chess with its tens of thousands of visitors). The latest low move on Chessbase part: copying Susan’s funny caption idea (but Chessbase could not equal it because it does not permit the free expression of its readers).
Ms. Polgar,
Awesome Blog. I really like that you haven’t let the World Championship take away from the other events you have reported. I even like that supporters of both player allowed to state their opinions.
I can’t wait for history to provide some answer as to what is really happening in Elista. Until it does, we just have to go on the open letters, the interviews, the news articles, and the commentary on various websites such as chessbase and this one. As such, I don’t mind the open letters and the interviews: they give me more information on which to base an opinion. I’ll keep the opinion to myself as I don’t think it will make any difference to anyone but me.
The thing I do want also is whatever is best for chess. No matter who or what agency is to blame and how much, this does not promote chess in a good way. If the title is unified, that’s about the only good I see coming out of this match.
My local newspaper has published five articles about chess that I can remember. The first one was when GM Kasparov was deafeated by IBM’s computer. The second was when he retired. The third and fourth were about players being evicted from tournaments for cheating. Toiletgate is the fifth.
As for playing styles of the players and which is more interesting. I admire GM. Topalov’s aggressiveness and wish I had it. In my own games; however, I try to emulate the games of GM Karpov and GM Kramnik. Thus I hoped before the scandal to see Mr. Kramnik win. Now that the scandal has occured, I still wish that he would win, but I will find the event tainted by scandal no matter who wins.
Once again, thanks for the news, the blog, and the chance to state our opinions. Also, glad to hear you’re most interested in what’s best for chess. To me, that would be everyone accepting the winner as the World Champion of a unified chess community and then continuing on with a universally regarded champion.
Shawna “lady of the” Lake
Susan, in all good faith I see nothing insulting in Topalov’s comments. That “the place of tha sportsman is in front of the audience, not in the restroom” and that “Kramnik tried to become a FIDE champion, and when he failed, Kasparov granted him a match (although he had LOST TO SHIROV and had no right to a match with Kasparov) are simple truths.
Finally, Kramnik’s comment after the 4th game that he was paying more attention to the Champion’s League was truly arrogant and tasteless. Kramnik’s air of superiority is one of the reasons why the Bulgarian camp became infuriated in the first place, and I wonder why noone paid attention to Kramnik’s arrogance at the time, while Danailov’s behavior received so much attention.
Cheers,
Alex