Fans still stand by Kasparov

To many of the young people in the audience watching the last game of the Kasparov-Deep Blue rematch, the world champion had accomplished the impossible. He had managed to win one game against the best inanimate chess player in the world, and had held off the machine three other times. But the last game proved too daunting for a mere human -- an exhausted, discouraged Kasparov resigned after just 19 moves, and in many eyes, became a fallen hero.

"I'm stunned," said Josh Waitzkin, 20, an International Master who has played against Kasparov. "He went into a position that is known to be really, really bad for black. (Kasparov played black in Sunday's game.) He made a terrible blunder, which I can't believe."

Jamie Rosen, 26, and his sister Vanessa, 23, of New York city arrived at the Equitable Center in Manhattan two hours before the game without tickets. Scalpers were hawking them for $75 a piece, but the two managed to get tickets at the last minute at face value -- $25 each. They were stunned by Kasparov's sudden loss, but considered the experience well worth the money they paid. "I was really sad," said Jamie Rosen. "He sort of went out with a whimper. But it was an amazing event. I am fascinated by Kasparov."

Jennifer Casinelli, 9, is on a chess team at school in White Plains, N.Y. and came to watch the game Sunday, hoping she would learn something. She learned that even the best sometimes have to lose. "I was pretty surprised, and kind of disappointed," she said. "I guess I'll just go home and look over the game."

Susan Polgar, the reigning women's world champion chess player, took the opportunity to advance her own cause. She handed out fliers advertising her official request to be Deep Blue's next human opponent. She promised to "defend the female race and show that a woman can face the brilliant men behind the machine!!!"

But Heath Marell, 17, president of the chess club at White Plains High School, was still willing to give Kasparov another chance. "Everyone makes mistakes," he said. "Kasparov is the best. That hasn't changed."
--Julia Lawlor