Kasparov Seeks High Perch for Title Defense

World chess champion Garry Kasparov of Russia wants to defend his title in New York on the observation deck of the 110-story World Trade Center because of the spectacular views, officials said Friday.

New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani told reporters he had offered the Russian Grandmaster the opportunity to play at the top of the twin-tower building, a target of a fatal truck bomb attack in 1993.

Kasparov is scheduled to defend his Professional Chess Assn. title against Viswanathan Anand of India in Cologne, Germany, starting Sept. 10.

Officials said a deal to play in New York may be completed this week.

Kasparov, who broke away from the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1993 after a dispute with the organization over the terms for his title match with British Grandmaster Nigel Short, met with Giuliani in June when he won a PCA chess tournament in New York.

The winner of the match between Kasparov and Anand will play the winner of the FIDE championship match to be contested between champion Anatoly Karpov of Russia and Gata Kamsky of the United States.