No Handshake between Anand and Topalov

so the Topalov refusing to talk to Anand (including draw offers) is Vishys fault?

rooperi, no need for personal attacks. In one of my previous post, I clearly indicated that I was not sure the information was correct.

The negatives I was refering to were-

1. Playing under Sofia rules- When in fact he should be playing under FIDE World Championship rules.

2. He demands silence, and no chat during games. Fair enough, but this is understood...at their level they don't ever "chat" anyway...so why the need for this statement?

3. He goes on to say that he will not offer any draws, and will not take any...When this was discussed at a previous blog, it was said that he meant-directly to Anand. In fact, today he put this into practice by going to the arbiter directly.

All I am saying is that all the demands are only coming from one camp. Playing good chess is one thing, but how you win is also important...winning at any cost does not gain my respect. 

The only "fault" in this thread is a vicious attack one one of the top players in the world about a FALSE claim that Topalov refused to shake Anand's hand. (See the topic title, and read the 1st 2 or 3 posts by the OP)

Topalov did and said some silly things, judge him on that. Fabricating embelishments is just weird.

I have no stake in either of these 2 players, I just want to see a good match. The more Anand is portrayed as a Victim, the more my emotional support will go to Topalov. That's just me, I don't like victims, in that sense.

The way I see it, toppa has created the tension. He or his manager wanted to play Sofia rules and  Anand as is his right refused. This caused toppa to spit his dummy out and announce there would be silence with draw offers having to be through an arbiter (presumably Sofia rules). Anand doesn't need to be dictated to and when the arbiter approaced the table with a draw offer from toppa Anand chose to ignore him and played out the repetition.

"Fair play to him" I say

yeah, its been shown that them not shaking hands was a mutual thing as both players left. everytime something happens players and fans are going to be critical for the things he has done in the past and the present.

I think if it were Carlsen instead of Anand it would be paying dividends in points, but Vishy has good experience.

What a shame. I have lost all respect for Topalov now...childish...and immature...what a total a..hole. I hope Anand wipes the floor with him.

Oh, the irony.

And am I correct in deducing that you admit that your attack on Topalov was indeed unfounded? Are you going to retract that you called him a total a..hole?

Great moderation there.

The guy is acting as though he is the world champion...but he is not. The world champion is not even making all these ridiculous demands...refusing to talk to the other person...there has to be some bad blood between the two...but Topalov is currently coming across as the villain.

a lot of people have lost respect for Topalov in this match.. (pretty much all the ones that havnt already in the toiletgate)

its only natural to want the A-hole of the match to be the one to lose. I personally like his style but dont want him to win. he knows how to be a professional, just chooses not to

Yes rooperi, I was wrong to fly off the handle based on information that was not confirmed. This being said...these are two GMs, a fraternity, a brotherhood...but one side is refusing to talk to the other etc. etc. He sure is not building his fan base.

I looked at a lot a Topalov games as well...because I like his style also...he likes to attack and gives no quarter...unfortunately, his style of play is duplicated in how he projects himself...it comes across as negative...some of these demands are not even necessary....like "no chatting during games"- I can't recall ever seeing GMs chat during any chess game.

Thanx, that's all I needed.

Now that we have the definitive answer, this thread is closed.

I can only wildly surmise that I am safe, as I wish to chest bump Steinitz.

Oh, joy, people are more interesting in politics rather than in chess. People would prefer talking about chessplayers' weirdness (yeah, chess players are a weird breed) or how they eat their spaghetti instead of watching their games and learning something.

As for politics, leave your Hollywood's "good Vs bad" perception at the door. The world is not black and white although if it was it would have been much easier to understand. So what's the problem with Topalov wanting to play the game to the end? The same people complaining of too much draws in chess on the highest levels now complain because Topalov wants decisive games. I think people just want to hate somebody.

Concentrate on chess rather than rumours and slanders and you might actually become good at it. We have 3 outstanding games in this match so far! I actually believe Topalov's decision not to accept draws increased the quality of the match - now each game is and will be fought with as much dedication as possible.

Well...I'll say this for Topalov, he sure knows how to attract attention. He must have a good marketing manager...because all the stuff he is saying and doing, is in fact translating into increasing viewer-ship for these games. Two prim and proper opponents make for boring chess...but a good guy/bad guy "a la wrestling" combo, equals increasing interest. Looking forward for Game 4.

Topalov has normal demands, Fischer demands were even more insane

I hope the match finally gives chess the much desired popularity and at least few more bucks from sponsors.

ninevah, I hate GMs agreeing to a draw at move 11...early draws are ridiculous. What I am criticizing has nothing to do with fighting-on...Topalov knew the position was a drawn one, but rather than just offer/accept the draw, he goes to the official to bring him to the table, so now he can play his 3 moves and force a draw...this to me is not in keeping with the spirit of the games...he would have done better by simply verbally offering one...but remember he wishes not to speak with Anand directly. 

Well, chessplayers are a weird breed and this particular weirdness doesn't really harm anybody when you think about it. But how would the public react if he offered a draw after he said he won't offer draws? He have to keep his promises.