But 62-move match with Kasparov exceeded expectations.

A worldwide team of Internet chess players Friday resigned its game against world champion Garry Kasparov after a gripping, four-month battle on a Microsoft web site that broke new ground in chess theory. Kasparov, 36, considered by many experts to be the best player in the history of the ancient game, was about to promote his only remaining pawn to a second queen in a technically complex endgame while "The World" team ran out of opportunities to even force a draw. The game, described by Kasparov and Microsoft as an experiment for chess playing on the Internet, was closely fought with a new move in chess theory played by "The World" in the Sicilian Defense on its 10th turn that surprised the champion. Kasparov opened with the white pieces on June 21 at a ceremony in New York and the contest lasted longer than many expected, ending on Friday on the 62nd move. "Kasparov Wins!" the Microsoft web site www.zone.com/kasparov/home.asp announced. "Despite a valiant challenge from a resourceful World Team, a superior position by Garry Kasparov at move 62 forced resignation by the opposition." Microsoft gaming zone production manager Eddie Ranchigoda said more than 50 percent of the Internet voters opted for resignation, which under the rules conceded the contest to the Russian.The company said that over the course of the game, the site hosted more than 3 million visitors from more than 75 countries. Kasparov declined immediate comment on the outcome but he said by telephone from Moscow that next week he would discuss his analysis of the game. Kasparov also promised to address a minor controversy of a week ago, when some fans on the site angrily accused Microsoft of mishandling a crucial move suggested by one of four strong teenagers advising the voters. The move 58...Qf5 was sent in late by Irina Krush of the United States - the de facto leader of the team, which was also assisted by grandmasters - and the Internet audience voted instead for 58...Qe4, considered weaker. Kasparov told however, that according to his analysis, even 58...Qf5 would have led to defeat for "The World" team. Entry to the site and to vote every two days on a move was free.