Karpov Wins, Narrows Gap

Come-from-behind challenger Anatoly Karpov, playing white, defeated world chess champion Gary Kasparov in the 17th game of their title match today, Tass press agency said.

The agency said Kasparov resigned on his 31st move. Karpov’s win after defeats in the 14th and 16th games narrows Kasparov’s lead to two points, 9 1/2 to 7 1/2. Karpov has won two games and Kasparov has won four.