Yamashita Keigo Survived His First Kadoban

If there was any pro player that stressed out in February 18, then I bet no one was as stressed as Yamashita Keigo, as he faced his first kadoban in the 34th Kisei title match series.

Cho U who won the first three games only need one more victory to steal Yamashita's Kisei. However, Yamashita who played white this time, went all out and won the game.

Cho who played black, opened the game with a micro chinese opening. Yamashita chose to make a far approach by playing Q7 and answered by an aggressive move at Q9. The game then continued with an exchange. Cho gave up the corner for a thickness in the right side. Perhaps Cho was aiming for white's weak group in the center.


Position at the end of day 1.

Day 1 ended at move 60, with Cho U did the sealing move.


Cho U handled his sealing move to the referee.

Day 2 started with Cho played his sealing move at C2 which is a casual move under that position.

The game went difficultly from that point, but Yamashita Keigo handled the game well and won the game by 7.5 points.


Yamashita saved his chance!

With this, Yamashita saved his chance to defend his title. Fifth game will be played in February 25,26 at Izu, Shizuoka.