Chess Game Adjourned; Kasparov Favored

Challenger Gary Kasparov appeared to hold a winning position Thursday when the 19th game of the world chess championship was adjourned after 41 moves.

Experts watching the match said Kasparov is almost certain to defeat champion Anatoly Karpov. The score currently stands at 9 1/2 to 8 1/2 in Kasparov’s favor, and a victory in the 19th game would give the challenger a huge advantage in the contest, with just five more games remaining.

If Kasparov wins the game, he would have 10 1/2 points, with 12 1/2 points needed to win the match. Each victory counts one point and a draw counts one-half point.

Those gathered in Tchaikovsky Hall to watch the Soviets play applauded when Kasparov sealed his 42nd move, then played it out on the board to show that he planned to capture a pawn and put Karpov in check with q:c7ch.

Grandmasters said Kasparov seemed to have an unbeatable position, and many predicted that Karpov would resign before the game resumes today.