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On one disastrous Sunday, Korchnoi lost twice to Karpov in the space of an hour. The anguished challenger fled to Manila, where he encountered Steven Michael Dwyer and Victoria Sheppard, members of Ananda Marga, a yoga-practicing Indian sect. The two young Americans were out on bail, appealing a conviction for stabbing an Indian embassy official. Korchnoi struck up a friendship with the saffron-robed duo, who prescribed yoga exercises, including headstands, as a remedy for his tension. Back in Baguio City, with the yoga experts in tow, Korchnoi mounted a surprising offensive, winning four of the next 14 games, to even the score at five games apiece. Karpov's aides demanded that the "terrorist-criminals" be expelled from the city, and match officials complied.
As the decisive game got under way last week, the spooky Dr. Zoukhar walked boldly to the front of the hall, fixing an unblinking gaze in Korchnoi's direction. Although he did not seem to notice Zoukhar, the challenger began to play badly once again; after 5 hours and 40 moves, he sealed his last play and rose from the table, a beaten man.
Next day, Korchnoi declined to sign his game card as a protest against the "intolerable conditions under which the games have been played." Karpov dutifully credited the "support of the Soviet people" for his victory. With his $350,000 winner's share of the purse (part of which will flow into the Soviet treasury), he can now relax with the chauffeured Mercedes, apartments in Moscow and Leningrad and other luxuries his chess title affords him. But he may soon face another ordeal: Bobby Fischer, who failed to defend the championship in 1975 after whomping Soviet Boris Spassky, was in Belgrade, reportedly looking for a tune-up match in preparation for challenging Karpov.