The Next Challenger to be Settled

The last round of the Honinbo league has been played yesterday. At my previous report, both Yamashita Keigo and Iyama Yuta were tied in the first place with 6-1 score, while Takao is third with 5-2.

With all games were played yesterday, there are still two candidates for the Honinbou challenger's seat. And it goes, of course, to either Yamashita or Iyama as they both won their games.


Iyama Yuta

Iyama Yuta won from Takemiya Masaki by resignation (W+R), while Yamashita won from Yuki Satoshi also by resignation (B+R).


Yamashita Keigo (right)

Four players who demoted from the league are:
Yamada Kimio (he already in the league for more than 5 years. In 2006 he successfully became the challenger, but lost to Takao Shinji by 4-2).

Takemiya Masaki (he surprised everyone when he successfully entered the league last year. Sadly, he doesn't show good performance in the league as he finished in the last place by 1-6 score).

Yuki Satoshi (Yuki lost his chance for a shoot at one of the big 3 title. The last time he challenged for one of the 3 title was in 2005 at the 29th Kisei).

Mimura Tomoyasu (the last time Mimura won a title was in 2000 where he won the NHK cup).

The challenger decision's match will be played at April 5.