Kasparov Aided by Drawn Game

World chess champion Gary Kasparov improved his chances of retaining his title today by holding challenger Anatoly Karpov to a draw in game 21 of the series.

The two Soviet players agreed to a draw after Kasparov, playing with the disadvantage of black, made his 45th move. The result left the two players tied at 10 1/2 points each in the 24-game series. Kasparov needs only a 12-12 tie to retain the title, which he won from Karpov last November, and today’s result boosted his chances.