Although it was obvious who you were talking about, I like to be certain.

He sounds like a slimeball to not turn up and very slimy to get away with it without a slapping. It's the standard outspending tactic, knowing you have little time and that a short 'phone call costs him little and you a lot. The referee must be naive or gullible not to see through that.

Assuming it's his standard tactic, I suggest collecting records of his previous stalling and getting your attorney to reveal this. Never get depressed about a tactic, devise a counter-tactic.

And, of course, group hug!