Date:01/02/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/01/stories/2003020104242300.htm

Sport - Chess

Computer beats Kasparov

New York Jan. 31 A blunder cost chess legend Garry Kasparov the third in a series of Man vs. Machine championship games with supercomputer Deep Junior.

``I had a complete blackout,'' Kasparov said after the contest. ``Despite Deep Junior having a great team and grandmaster trainers, I had great positions.''

After sacrificing a pawn, Kasparov was left nearly crippled as Deep Junior capitalised on the mistake and prevented any possibility of being checkmated — or having its king captured.

Seeing few options to win, Kasparov resigned the game.

The six-game series is tied at one game each. Kasparov won the first game, on Sunday; the second, on Tuesday, was a draw.

Kasparov, 39, said he becomes fatigued during the games, which can last for hours, while the computer doesn't.

``I have to work on that,'' he said.