Kasparov Takes Timeout; Play to Resume Friday

SEVILLE, Spain — Titleholder Gary Kasparov, riding a one-point lead against challenger Anatoly Karpov, took his second timeout Wednesday at the world chess championship.

Chief arbiter Geurt Gijssen of Holland said that Kasparov, due to play with black pieces, called the timeout about five hours before the game was to start. The decision postpones the 15th game of the championship until Friday.

Each side is allowed to request three days off in the 24-game match, which began Oct. 12. Games are played Monday, Wednesday and Friday, although adjourned games can stretch play to six days a week.

The 24-year-old titleholder leads Karpov 7 1/2 to 6 1/2 points, with three victories to his rival’s two. Nine other games, including their 14th encounter Monday, ended in draws, giving each half a point. A victory counts one point.