Vladimir KRAMNIK: «I feel sorry for it»
Today there were two separate press conferences instead of a joint one. When Kramnik was al-ready sitting in the press conference hall, Topalov suddenly refused leaving the stage: «I will not go; I’ll give a separate press conference!» Vladimir sighed with relief and said: «Okay, this is even easier for me», and spent half of the twenty prescribed minutes in lively chatter.
– Thanks to Silvio Danailov, today we found out that you are a strong player! We were given the paper listing frequencies of your moves coinciding with Fritz9 main lines. It revealed that 78% of your moves were also suggested by Fritz. In the second game this number equaled 87%! How high this frequency was in today’s game in your opinion?
– An exhaustive analysis, bearing in mind that in the second game we both blundered a mate in three! First of all, this 87% is total nonsense – everything depends on the time allotted to the en-gine for analyzing a given position. Secondly, Topalov’s percentages in San Luis, for example, were even higher. And, thirdly, it is clear already that the opponent’s team uses the dirtiest tricks to drive me out of my wits. I do not want to blame them; I just feel sorry for them. All these scandals can only harm chess.
Everything that already happened and will surely happen later in the match must become known to the chess community, and Danailov’s conduct must be investigated by the Ethics Committee. I have never faced more unethical conduct with respect to organizers and me. I feel sorry for this.
– Vladimir, the last week was indeed black for you: playing three Blacks in a row is a unique case in the WCC matches. Are you satisfied with sporting result of these games, and how do you assess their content?
– I cannot say I experienced any serious problems in the first two games. However, today’s game was rather difficult; at some point my position was dangerous, and I was short on time, but then I simply outplayed the opponent. Maybe Black had some winning chances after the first time con-trol, but Veselin defended very accurately, and they evaporated… Three draws as Black is acceptable result. Everything goes according to the plan. Tomorrow I’ll finally have White – I almost forgot the feeling…
– How could you explain your lengthy thought in today’s game?
– Obviously, I ran into Topalov’s preparation. Veselin played his opening moves at machine gun speed. The value of moves in the position that occurred after the opening was high, so I took my time. If you haven’t studied certain position at home, you need a lot of time to grasp the essence of it at the board. Maybe I played too slowly, but I succeeded.
– Technology is becoming dominant in our world, and chess is no longer the issue between one man and another man. What do you think about it?
– Of course, chess has been changed much since the computers appeared; we even started to understand it differently. I am convinced that all major events like world championship, etc., must be played under total control aimed against using external assistance. The earlier it happens, the better it is. This is like doping control in other sports. Here in Elista the players do not have even theoretical chance to use external help. One requires very strong imagination for inventing stories like Mr. Danailov does. If the measures taken here are taken in other major tournaments, computer technologies will not pose a threat to chess. Otherwise anything can happen. I think it is time for FIDE to include such rules into their regulations. This does not require much investments; certainly not thousands dollars. Most major tournaments have sufficient funds.
– You mentioned that you expect more dirty tricks from the Bulgarian side. Do you have any idea what to expect?
– I guess you should ask this question on the next press conference. To be honest, I cannot think of anything my opponents can complain about. Immediately after Kramnik left the room, Topalov and Danailov came in. Silvio warned the journalists as if trying to leave out forbidden grounds: «Veselin will only answer the questions about today’s game!» (see these questions and answers in the game notes – ed.)
Source: WC Site 
Topalov needs to come out of his shell, he looks like a puppet in Danailov’s hands. Whatever he thinks, he needs occasionally so say it himself. Danailov acts like his father, manager and boss, all at the same time.
I hope Kramnik keeps up his good attitude toward the ridiculous accusations. Maybe he should just start wearing earplugs and refuse to read the newspapers (or “open letters”).
And people thought Topalov was in disagreement with Danailov. How juvenile that Topalov would leave the press conference with Kramnik! Does Topalov truly not realize how horrible he is making himself look in the eyes of everyone (that is, except Danailov)???
No… both sides are not to blame.
The way team Topalov has been acting is really unethical. Im really dissapointed with Topalov who used to be me favorite. Now i hope Kramnik crushes him!
Looks like Danailov has some information what will keep Topalov under his control for quite some time.
The moment Kramnik stopped consulting his portable chess set in the bathroom he lost! Do you need more proof?
Finally one Topolav’s fan.. haha
And now he has a chance to talk…
😛
Team Topolov’s strategy is becoming clearer to me. It is a three-pronged attack focused on over-the-board aggression by Topolov, supported by off-the-board psychological warfare by Danailov and completed by FIDE’s blatant ambivalence towards investigating ongoing unethical behaviour by their champion. The longer this goes on, the bigger the damage will be to our beloved game. As Team Topolov continues their disgraceful accusations and behaviour all of us have to ask the question of why and at what cost. After all, regardless of the outcome of this match, events only strengthen our belief in Kramnik as the only worthy champion. Meanwhile, Team Topolov’s conduct betrays the legacy left behind by all the great players of the past.
In light of FIDE’s inaction, it is up to us chess players to do what we can to preserve what little integrity we have in this game. If Team Topolov’s behaviour continues, I’m calling for a blanket boycott (in participation and coverage) of any future tournament that either Topolov or Danailov participate in. Accordingly, this will make other professionals think twice about tainting their own reputation by participating with either Topolov or Danailov. Perhaps this will help everyone understand that there is a (at least moral) consequence to their actions.
s. shamy stop defending the toilet cheater!!! If someone went to the restroom so much during a game against you, you would be the first to complain (calling the whaaaaaambulance). So do not be a hypocrite.