Karpov Win Gives Lead In World Chess Contest

SEVILLE, Spain--Anatoly Karpov, the challenger, scored a dramatic victory yesterday in the next-to-last game of the World Chess Championship, putting him in position to take the title from champion Garri Kasparov with a draw in the final contest.

Karpov won the 23rd game, which had been adjourned Wednesday, in 57 moves.

Karpov only requires a draw in Friday's final game to regain the title he held for 10 years, but lost to Kasparov in November 1985

Kasparov needs to win the 24th game. He will retain his title should the match finish in a 12-12 tie.

The winner of the contest will hold the championship crown for three years.

Play had been adjourned on Wednesday night with Karpov playing white, sealing his 41st move.

The victor requires 12 and a half points or six wins. A win scores one point and a draw a half point. Karpov has scored four victories and Karpov three, with 16 games drawn.

Kasparov will play with the advantage of the white pieces in the 24th game Friday.