Kasparov Resigns in 22nd Game as Karpov Rebounds

Challenger Gary Kasparov today resigned without resuming play in the 22nd game of the world chess title match against Anatoly Karpov, leaving the champion now trailing only one point with two games to play.

Kasparov leads the 24-game series by 11 1/2 points to 10 1/2.

Experts said Tuesday night that Kasparov’s position was as good as lost when Karpov sealed his 42nd move with a one-pawn advantage.

The champion’s confident comeback surprised the capacity crowd in Tchaikovsky Hall. At the end of Tuesday’s five-hour session the champion, never a favorite with the local Moscow supporters, was given a prolonged round of applause.

If Karpov holds the next game with the black pieces, the stage will be set for a dramatic decider in the last game, with the champion having the advantage of white and needing a win to retain a title that he has held for 10 years.