Karpov Postpones 5th Chess Game With a Timeout

SEVILLE, Spain — Challenger Anatoly Karpov took his first timeout Wednesday, postponing until Friday the fifth game of his world chess championship match with titleholder Gary Kasparov.

Kasparov scored a decisive victory Tuesday in the fourth game to level the score at two points each.

Experts said that Karpov will use the timeout to rest after his loss and prepare to hit back when he plays the white pieces Friday.

In his two earlier games with the advantageous white pieces, Karpov’s early initiative was easily neutralized.

Each player can take three timeouts during the 24-game series.

The winner of the match will be the first player to score 12 1/2 points or achieve six victories. A victory scores one point and a draw half a point. In the event of a 12-12 tie, Kasparov will retain his title.