Chess

TWO RATHER pointless matches reached their conclusion at the weekend. In Spain, Kasparov and Topalov ended level, with two wins each and two draws, in games in which the players were given computers to help their thoughts. Kasparov then won a 5-minute play-off.

Meanwhile, in Budapest, Judit Polgar won a Rapidplay match against Karpov by two wins to nil with six draws. Karpov's problems were best illustrated by the end of game five (see diagram). Yes, he is a queen and bishop up, but must have been desperately short of time, or Black would have resigned. The game ended 1.Qh4+ Ke3 2.Qg3+ Kd4 3.Qf3!! drawn by stalemate. Any other final move by White would probably have lost on time.