[chessmind] Dennis Monokroussos: Handshakegate resolved: Cheparinov apologizes, Short wins anyway

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Posted by Dennis Monokroussos:
Handshakegate resolved: Cheparinov apologizes, Short wins anyway
http://chessmind.powerblogs.com/posts/1200976370.shtml


   Yesterday Ivan Cheparinov twice refused to shake Nigel Short's hand at
   the start of their 8th round game in the ongoing Corus tournament in
   Wijk aan Zee, and was forfeited for his action. Cheparinov and his
   manager, Silvio Danailov, filed an appeal, correctly, and the matter
   went to the Appeals Committee. Their decision was that Cheparinov had
   to apologize, the players had to shake hands, and that they'd have to
   replay the game today.

   And that's what happened. Here's the apology - it's as unconvincing as
   possible, but they didn't require sincerity or tears:

     Dear All,

     I accept the decision of the Appeal Committee and on the name of
     chess ,the chess fans and showing respect to the opinion of my
     colleagues would like to state the following:

     I apologize officially to Mr. Short, to the Organizing Committee
     and the sponsors of Corus chess tournament.

     I am ready to play the game today at 13â30 and will shake hands
     with Mr.Short according to the decision of the Appeal Committee.

     Best regards,

     Ivan Cheparinov

   Shake hands they did, and you can find a picture of that cheery event
   [1]here. And then there's the game (which you can replay [2]here).
   Short won, and in very good style, at that. Best of all are his
   post-game comments:

     "I played a bloody good game." "I was going to quit the tournament
     but at some point I became determined." "There is a god and he's
     not Bulgarian."

   Gens una sumus, indeed.

References

   1. http://www.chesscenter.com/twic/twic.html#news704
   2. http://chessmind.powerblogs.com/files/waz2008_short_cheparinov.htm