This is exactly the mentality that created the whole mess in 1993, because of which we are still suffering. I dont understand this anti-FIDE tirade. Isnt this match supposed to be a the UNIFICATION match ? If we revolt against FIDE, isnt the whole point lost ? Of course, FIDE is full of corrupt people, but the solution to that is to create a better FIDE, and ensure that people like Bessel Kok win the next time. And dont forget that these people, no matter how corrupt they are, came to power through elections. If you think (and many people do) that American people made a mistake by electing George Bush, what do you think the solution is ? Breaking up America into pieces, giving up democracy, or trying to campaign and ensure that democracy and stability remains but next time a better person wins ? Listening to some of the kibitzers you almost get the impression that Topalov-Danailov are innocent; its FIDE and not them who did the dirty stuff. Lets not remove our focus from who the real culprits are. Of course, FIDE could have handled thes situation better, and it is also possible that Makro and Azmai were conniving with Danailov to create the whole mess (even though its not certain). But nitpicking on whether they violated the contract is really missing the point. Makropolus already explained why he thinks the contracts weren't violated, and whether or not he is correct, the point is that its really a question of legal details (and honestly, I dont think Kramnik has much chance of winning if he sues FIDE). The broader point is that its the Topa camp who are the main cupprits, and FIDE did a reasoanably good job in organising this match (other than the possible actions of Makro/Azmai at Danailov's behest) and as much as I hate to say this, Kirsan, if anything, played a positive role.

Look, there was no other way out. Its extremely unfair to Kramnik, and in my eyes makes Topalov's win in the match (if that happens) illegitimate. But the way to avoid this would be to postpone game 5 until the disputes were resolved. I dont know who is more guilty on that count; the arbiter or the Appeals committee. But the thing is, once Kramnik forfeited the game, there was no way Topalov was going to give the point back. After all, that was his whole plan anyway ! (winning an unfair point). If FIDE tried to force him, they would have a very weak case in the court of law. Topalov sueing FIDE for nullifying a forfeiture against FIDE laws would have much more chance of winning than Kramnik sueing FIDE over the bathroom issue. So Kirsan had no choice. Danailov (or Danailov-Makro-Azmai-Arbiter, if you insist) had already won the battle.

Yeah.. he ignored the whole world after all ! :)

if todays game is a draw i wd advise vlad to refuse absolutely to play the blitz games until game five is rescinded and played over the board. if collective karmic support were decisive vlad wd win hands down today but i doubt that the global pro kramnik psychic energy will penetrate the mystic force field kirsan has set up to protect kalmykia-doubtless sustained by dilithium crystals powered by a vulcan spacehip moored somewhere behind alpha centauri