Chess Gateway: FIDE World Chess Championship 2006, Topalov vs Kramnik

04.09.2006: A further statement from Carsten Hensel is released, in which he states that he has received information, that the Topalov team may attemp to 'manufacture' evidence that Vladimir Kramnik is cheating. "One of the possibilities is that a member of the Topalov Team may plant an electronic device or something similar in the restroom or toilet of Mr. Kramnik." He went on, "The driving force for such an action would be to an attempt to divert attention from the public relation disaster the Topalov Team is currently experiencing, as a result of their previous attempts. In addition they might be hoping to force Mr. Kramnik to stop playing the match and abandon the event." Source: chessbase

03.09.2006: The new Appeals Committee replies to the new appeal regarding game 5 submitted by Vladimir Kramnik. They state 1), that any decision made by a previous appeals Committee is final, and 2). that they can only rule on appeals made after the 6th game. Therefore, in effect rejecting Kramnik's appeal. More

02.09.2006: Schedule for the remainder of the match is published. View

02.09.2006: Topalov, Kramnik, and Ilyumzhinov appear at the press conference of game 6. Ilyumzhinov begins by thanking them for continueing the match. Veselin Topalov acknowledged that he had nothing to be proud of for the threat to not shake hands with Kramnik. "I believe that his play is fair, and my decision to continue the match proves it. We are humans, and sometimes we make mistakes." Kramnik also revealed that he had submitted a fresh appeal over game 5. And if he does not get back the point ...? "The only thing I know for certain is that I will sue FIDE in this case. I will have to consult my lawyers to decide whether I should continue the match." More

02.09.2006: Vladimir Kramnik agrees to continue his particpation in the match, but "under protest". In a statement made just before the scheduled start of the game, Kramnik cited the condition that he wishes to clarify game five at a later date, and protests the decision by FIDE to award the point to Topalov. His decision to play on was because "I do not want to disappoint the overwhelming majority of the chess fans which are hoping for the unification since so many years." Kramnik also went on to voice regret at the "unsportsmanlike and unequalled" behaviour of his opponent, and was thankful for the support he had received over the last few days. More

01.09.2006: FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov rules that the match will continue on Monday Obtober 2nd, with the score of 3-2 to Kramnik, therefore the forfeit of game 5 standing. More

01.09.2006: All three members of the Appeals Committee resign following their closing of Kramnik's bathroom. Players bathrooms are re-opened, and the respective teams are allowed to inspect them. After inspections, team Topalov declare their satisfaction. More

30.09.2006: Match delayed as scheduled play for 30th September (game 6) is called off while negotiations continue. Chess Gateway Report

29.09.2006: FIDE President (and President of Kalmykia) Kirsan Ilyumzhinov interrupts official duties to return to the match venue and attempt to solve the crisis.

29.09.2006: Kramnik appears at a press conference, and later sends a second letter to the FIDE President, apparently not recognising the forfeit and once again demanding the reversal of the decision of the Appeals Committee, and that its members are replaced. He states that his dignity does not allow him to proceed with the match in its current conditions, but that he is willing to proceed (playing game 5) should it be corrected. More

29.09.2006: Game 5 is delayed to attempt to solve the crisis, and when it does begin, Vladimir Kramnik remains in his restroom waiting for the door to his bathroom to be opened. It is not, and he is officially forfeited game 5.

29.09.2006: Carsten Hansel, Manager of Vladimir Kramnik and the Russian Delegation, writes an open letter to the FIDE President, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, demanding that the decision of the Appeals Committee be over-turned. He states infringement of Kramnik's rights, as well as mistrust of the appeals committee, naming two of them as good friends of Silvio Danailov. Vladimir Kramnik will stop playing the match unless the decision is over-turned. More

29.09.2006: Silvio Danailov responds to the ruling of the Appeals Committee on behalf of Veselin Topalov, deeming the ruling not satisfactory. He insists that players must be accompanied to the bathroom. He says that Topalov will continue with the match, but will not shake hands with Vladimir Kramnik or take part in joint press conferences with him. More

29.09.2006: The appeals Committee of the match rules that there were an unusual number of visits to the toilet by Vladimir Kramnik, but did not draw any conclusions from that. They ruled that the toilet's in the player's restrooms would be closed, and that the players would use a common bathroom. More

28.09.2006: Bulgarian Manager, and Manager to Veselin Topalov, Silvio Danailov, writes a letter to the appeals committee of the match, protesting at the 'strange, if not suspicious' useage by Vladimir Kramnik, of the toilet in his restroom. If the issue is not addressed, Topalov may discontinue the match. More

	FIDE World Chess Championship 2006 Veselin Topalov 7.5 vs 8.5 Vladimir Kramnik September 21st -- October 13th 2006