GARRY Kasparov's legendary resolve broke down yesterday in a defeat by the IBM super computer Deep Blue that created chess history - the first time a programme has triumphed over a reigning world champion in a classical chess match.
Under psychological stress since game two of the six game series a week ago, when he needlessly resigned in a drawn position, Kasparov gave up after 19 moves and just over an hour of the sixth and final game last night.
"One man, maybe the best in the world, cracked under the pressure and that has nothing to do with the computer being unbeatable," Kasparov said later. "I could hardly explain what I did today."
The humbled grandmaster apologised for his performance and said he was "ashamed" but persisted with his view that the match was essentially unfair because he had no access to the computer's prematch games or any of the IBM printouts during the contest, worth $700,000 (£438,000) to the winner and $400,000 to the loser.
"All games must be published," Kasparov said, turning to Deep Blue team manager ChungJen "CJ" Tan at a news conference. "Everyone who knows chess has an interest in seeing it. I believe it is your obligation to publish the print outs of everything Deep Blue was doing in this match.
Tan responded that the print outs would be made accessible "at an appropriate time" but did not say exactly when.
Deep Blue, improved and modified from the one that lost to Kasparov in Philadelphia in February 1996, pushed the champion to psychological limits in this match that few of his human challengers in recent years have accomplished.
In six games played over nine days, the system won two, drew three and lost one, the opening encounter on May 3rd, for a final match score of 3 1/2 points to 2 1/2 points. One point is awarded for a win and a half point for a draw.