Kasparov Win Gives Him 2-Point Lead With 5 Games Left

World chess champion Anatoly Karpov resigned without resuming play today in the adjourned 19th game of his world title defense against Gary Kasparov, giving the challenger a formidable two-point lead in the match and putting him five draws away from victory.

Kasparov had been so confident of winning when play was adjourned Thursday that he revealed his intended next move, a display unprecedented in world championship play.

The 22-year-old challenger holds a commanding 10.5-8.5 lead with only five games left in the 24-game series. He needs only to draw in the remaining games to become the 13th world chess champion.

The first player to score six victories, or the player ahead after 24 games, will win the title. Under rules for the match, a win is worth one point and a draw gives each player a half-point.