Blog On Hiatus

I'm announcing that UnlimitedGo is now on hiatus. I'm busy right now working on my undergraduate thesis and couldn't spend as much times as I could to browse and look at professional games. I will return perhaps at the last quarter of the year.

I'll see you again guys :)

Xie Yimin Saved Japan

Wang Chenxing who single handedly eliminated Korea at the 2nd Huanglongshi Cup met the last member of team Japan, Xie Yimin. Xie is the last obstacle between China and the trophy of Huanglongshi Cup.

Wang Chenxing (left) vs. Xe Yimin (right)

In this game, Xie played black while Wang played white. Xie went for a frontal attack starting from black 55. After black 61, the game went into a big fighting game. Xie showed her mastery in attacking and got a promising position. Black 117 was the deciding move and after Xie controlled the center completely, Wang resigned.

Xie Yimin, the last defense of Japan.

With this, Japan still has their chance to win, though it is very hard and almost impossible. Let see if Xie can survive the next game and increase the chance or not.

Wang Chenxing's winning streak finally ended. It seems that her red jacket didn't bring her good luck in this game.

Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (black) vs. Wang Chenxing (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[2nd Huanglongshi Cup, game 10]DT[2012-04-08]
PB[Xie Yimin ]BR[6p]PW[Wang Chenxing ]WR[5p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[pp];B[dc];W[cp];B[ep];W[de];B[ce];W[cf];B[cd];W[eo];B[fo];W[do];B[fp];W[dq]
;B[fm];W[df];B[ed];W[dl];B[nq];W[qn];B[kp];W[od];B[mc];W[qc];B[qg];W[pd];B[rd];W[pf]
;B[qh];W[ld];B[lc];W[kd];B[kc];W[jd];B[ne];W[nd];B[md];W[me];B[jc];W[id];B[nf];W[nc]
;B[hb];W[rc];B[lg];W[jg];B[ji];W[ff];B[fk];W[fr];B[dk];W[ck];B[dj];W[el];B[cj];W[fl]
;B[gl];W[gm];B[gk];W[hm];B[gg];W[fi];B[fj];W[gi];B[gf];W[eh];B[ih];W[ij];B[ik];W[hh]
;B[ig];W[jj];B[hj];W[hi];B[ii];W[hg];B[if];W[hf];B[ge];W[he];B[le];W[dd];B[cc];W[fd]
;B[gd];W[ec];B[eb];W[fc];B[fe];W[ee];B[gc];W[fb];B[ea];W[ch];B[bg];W[bi];B[bj];W[bf]
;B[fg];W[be];B[bd];W[aj];B[bk];W[ae];B[ag];W[bb];B[cb];W[ca];B[ba];W[aa];B[fa];W[ad]
;B[gb];W[bc];B[ed];W[ac];B[dh];W[dg];B[di];W[bh];B[eg];W[hp];B[ho];W[io];B[ip];W[go]
;B[hq];W[hn];B[gp];W[ho];B[gr];W[jp];B[jq];W[iq];B[ir];W[mp];B[ip];W[mq];B[fn];W[nr]
;B[kn];W[qj];B[mm];W[ec];B[oh];W[mk];B[kk];W[db];B[oj];W[ok];B[pk];W[pj];B[nk];W[ol]
;B[nj];W[og];B[ng])

South Korea Eliminated From Huanglongshi Cup

"The 2nd Huanglongshi cup brought several surprises to the table. First, Wang Chenxing scored 7 consecutive victories. Second, Wang rewrite her winning streak from 7 to 8 as she beat Park Jieun at the 9th game. Third, as Park Jieun went down, South Korea lost all team member and eventually eliminated from the championship. Leaving only Japan and China competing for the title.

Park Jieun (left) vs. Wang Chenxing (right)

Wang Chenxing who played black made a big framework at the bottom board at the beginning of the game. Park didn't rush to attack the framework and took care the center instead. Wang made a ko fight wth black 87. Park won the ko, but Wang got to play black 107 and 109 as a compensation. Later, Park won the second ko fight, but gave black a chance to solidify the center.

Park Jieun, the last gate of team Korea

The game entered its endgame and black's position was solid enough to get through. I wonder if black 165 is better to be played at white 166 instead.

Wang Chenxing promoted to 5 dan. I think this is the same case as Song Ronghui's promotion after 7th Jeongganjang cup

Here is the game record:
Wang Chenxing (black) vs. Park Jieun (white). Result: B+2.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[2nd Huanglongshi Cup, game 9]DT[2012-04-08]
PB[Wang Chenxing]BR[5p]PW[Park Jieun]WR[9p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[B+2.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dp];B[fq];W[cn];B[lq];W[qj];B[qf];W[qm];B[pn];W[ro];B[pm];W[rp]
;B[qq];W[ql];B[fo];W[dr];B[kn];W[in];B[ip];W[fc];B[dm];W[dn];B[em];W[bl];B[ej];W[kl]
;B[kj];W[ml];B[mn];W[ol];B[jc];W[pb];B[pc];W[ob];B[qb];W[rb];B[qc];W[lc];B[mb];W[lb]
;B[mc];W[md];B[nc];W[kd];B[ie];W[je];B[gc];W[id];B[he];W[ic];B[cd];W[ce];B[dc];W[cc]
;B[bd];W[db];B[de];W[ec];B[cf];W[ee];B[be];W[eg];B[nd];W[ch];B[jf];W[if];B[gf];W[ig]
;B[kf];W[me];B[gh];W[jh];B[mf];W[ne];B[ii];W[lh];B[nf];W[oe];B[ji];W[ki];B[lj];W[nh]
;B[lg];W[mi];B[kh];W[kg];B[jg];W[ih];B[kh];W[od];B[oc];W[kg];B[le];W[ke];B[kh];W[li]
;B[of];W[pf];B[pe];W[ld];B[pg];W[lf];B[ef];W[kg];B[fe];W[gd];B[cj];W[bj];B[bi];W[ck]
;B[aj];W[ak];B[bk];W[nn];B[nm];W[bj];B[hd];W[hc];B[bk];W[mm];B[ln];W[bj];B[fd];W[gb]
;B[bk];W[om];B[no];W[bj];B[qn];W[rn];B[bk];W[gg];B[fg];W[bj];B[jl];W[ai];B[jk];W[fr]
;B[eq];W[er];B[gr];W[fh];B[hg];W[fi];B[dh];W[gq];B[gp];W[ek];B[dk];W[dl];B[dj];W[el]
;B[cm];W[cl];B[bm];W[ci];B[cg];W[bh];B[fm];W[hq];B[hr];W[bn];B[an];W[fj];B[bp];W[dq]
;B[am];W[bq];B[gk];W[rq];B[pl];W[nl];B[pk];W[ri];B[qr];W[rg];B[aq];W[br];B[rf];W[hj]
;B[hk];W[rr];B[rs];W[ij];B[gj];W[hi];B[iq];W[eo];B[fp];W[jj];B[kk];W[km];B[jm];W[ik]
;B[il];W[eh];B[ed];W[dg];B[qh];W[pj];B[ok];W[nk];B[oj];W[oi];B[nj];W[mj];B[on];W[qo]
;B[po];W[rh];B[la];W[ka];B[ma];W[sf];B[se];W[sg];B[re];W[kb];B[bb];W[bc];B[ac];W[cb]
;B[bg];W[bo];B[ao];W[cp];B[ap];W[ba];B[ab];W[mg];B[nm];W[pp];B[oq];W[nn];B[lm];W[ll]
;B[nm];W[mk];B[qk];W[rk];B[ar];W[ag];B[af];W[fl];B[gl];W[en];B[fn];W[fs];B[gs];W[nn]
;B[bs];W[cs];B[gi];W[ni];B[nm];W[ir];B[hp];W[nn];B[oo];W[fk];B[ge];W[dc];B[ph];W[sr]
;B[as];W[hh];B[hf];W[gc];B[nm];W[og];B[qs];W[ng];B[pf];W[ca];B[pi];W[qi];B[ad];W[al]
;B[df];W[ep];B[qg];W[oh];B[lk];W[aa];B[ss];W[ah];B[nn])

Wang Chenxing Continues Her Rampage

The 2nd Huanglongshi Cup continues! After 2 months break, the female players from China, Japan, and Korea continues their competition to claim the best female team of the 3 professional countries. Wang Chenxing who scored 6 consecutive victories in the previous round continues her rampage by winning the 7th game from Mannami Nao of Japan.

Wang Chenxing won her 7th game

The game was very calm. Both players focused on territory. I think white 106 already gave the victory to white. Black didn't get any chance to reverse the game afterward. A convincing victory by Wang Chenxing.

Mannami Nao, the 4th member of team Japan

Here is the game record:
Wang Chenxing (white) vs. Mannami Nao (black). Result: W+R

(;
KM[7.5]
EV[2nd Huanglongshi Cup 8th round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Wang Chenxing]
WR[2d]
PB[Mannami Nao]
BR[2d]
RE[W+R]
DT[2012-04-06]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[oq];W[qf];B[nc];W[rd];B[qg];W[pg];B[qh]
;W[ph];B[rf];W[qe];B[qj];W[pi];B[qk];W[qc];B[kc];W[ck];B[gp];W[do]
;B[jp];W[rp];B[qq];W[qm];B[ok];W[qo];B[po];W[pn];B[ro];W[rn];B[qn]
;W[qi];B[ri];W[qo];B[cp];W[cq];B[qn];W[rj];B[qo];W[rk];B[rl];W[rh]
;B[sk];W[si];B[ql];W[fc];B[be];W[bd];B[ce];W[cd];B[ch];W[kn];B[jn]
;W[ko];B[kp];W[kl];B[jo];W[mo];B[km];W[lm];B[jm];W[ll];B[lp];W[bi]
;B[ik];W[ki];B[ci];W[bh];B[bg];W[cj];B[ei];W[ek];B[ah];W[bj];B[hc]
;W[om];B[rm];W[fq];B[gq];W[eg];B[ef];W[ff];B[ee];W[dg];B[cg];W[fe]
;B[gi];W[de];B[em];W[dm];B[en];W[dn];B[el];W[ej];B[fh];W[fr];B[dl]
;W[cl];B[pc];W[id];B[ic];W[kd];B[lc];W[hr];B[gr];W[gs];B[gd];W[ed]
;B[jh];W[kh];B[kg];W[lg];B[lf];W[mg];B[ji];W[jj];B[ij];W[mf];B[kj]
;W[lj];B[jk];W[nl];B[kf];W[md];B[qb];W[rb];B[qd];W[rc];B[ld];W[hf]
;B[gb];W[fb];B[ir];W[hq];B[is];W[hs];B[iq];W[hp];B[go];W[ho];B[gn]
;W[mp];B[mq];W[np];B[nq];W[gc];B[ep];W[dp];B[ie];W[hb];B[ib];W[ga]
;B[nn];W[mn];B[nm];W[on];B[ad];W[ac])

Wang will play the last member of team Korea, Park Jieun (9 dan). Let see if Park can shot Wang down.

Wang Chenxing (left) vs. Mannami Nao (right)

Iyama Yuta Leads Judan by 2-1

The 50th Judan serves us a clash between 2 top Japanese players, Iyama Yuta, the title holder, and his challenger, Cho U. Iyama won the first game and took an early lead.

Iyama then won the second game on March 19 and got his game point. Iyama who played black kept the balance at the center well and after he converted the left side to his area, Cho U resigned.

Here is the game record:
Iyama Yuta (black) vs. Cho U (white). Result: B+R

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[50th Judan title match 2]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Cho U]
WR[Kisei]
DT[2012-03-19]
BR[Judan]
RE[B+R]
PB[Iyama Yuta]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dc];B[op];W[ci];B[fq];W[dn];B[cq];W[dq];B[dr]
;W[er];B[cr];W[eq];B[bo];W[jq];B[cm];W[dm];B[cl];W[dl];B[jd];W[qf]
;B[nc];W[pj];B[ql];W[mq];B[ph];W[pl];B[pm];W[qk];B[ol];W[pk];B[qm]
;W[qh];B[fr];W[ds];B[co];W[do];B[ck];W[io];B[de];W[ce];B[cf];W[cd]
;B[df];W[ej];B[dj];W[fc];B[di];W[or];B[gn];W[gp];B[fp];W[go];B[fo]
;W[fn];B[fm];W[en];B[hn];W[in];B[lq];W[lr];B[mr];W[nr];B[kr];W[ms]
;B[ip];W[iq];B[jp];W[kq];B[ho];W[hq];B[ek];W[fl];B[el];W[gm];B[hp]
;W[gq];B[em];W[hm];B[ko];W[hk];B[dk];W[ln];B[lo];W[mo];B[im];W[il]
;B[jm];W[kl];B[mn];W[nn];B[km];W[mm];B[ll];W[kk];B[lm];W[lj];B[ml]
;W[nj];B[mi];W[mj];B[ij];W[jl];B[cs];W[es];B[nm];W[of];B[qe];W[rf]
;B[dd];W[cc];B[gr];W[hr];B[fs];W[hs];B[ne];W[ic];B[jc];W[nf];B[mf]
;W[oe];B[me];W[od];B[oc];W[jb];B[kb];W[ib];B[re];W[lb];B[ka];W[on]
;B[om];W[nk];B[mn];W[pc];B[qc];W[mm];B[nl];W[pb];B[lc];W[qb];B[pe]
;W[rc];B[pf];W[oh];B[pg];W[pi];B[rd];W[sc];B[qg];W[rh];B[rg];W[og]
;B[sd];W[sf];B[rb];W[qd];B[qi];W[ri];B[qc];W[kp];B[jo];W[qd];B[rj]
;W[rk];B[qc];W[qo];B[sb];W[po];B[mn];W[rn];B[mp];W[mm];B[gl];W[hl]
;B[mn];W[nd];B[pp];W[mm];B[oo];W[pn];B[lp];W[rp];B[nq];W[jr];B[mr]
;W[ks];B[qq];W[rq];B[rr];W[pr];B[qr];W[rm];B[sr];W[mc];B[mb];W[md]
;B[nb];W[ld];B[kc];W[bf];B[bg];W[be];B[ch];W[kf];B[gj];W[gs];B[cp]
;W[eo];B[rl];W[sl];B[gk];W[jh];B[ke];W[le];B[ih];W[ig];B[hg];W[ii]
;B[hh];W[ji];B[gd];W[fd];B[fe];W[hi];B[gc];W[gb];B[fb];W[eb];B[gi]
;W[gf];B[if];W[hf];B[jg];W[ge];B[kg];W[lg];B[ed];W[ec];B[gg];W[ff]
;B[fg])

The third game was played on April 5. Cho U faced a must win situation as he was behind by 0-2. If he lost the third game, his chance to claim Judan would be 0. Fortunately, he won this game and the match went to its 4th game. Cho got a nice attacking game this time. He threw 11 stones away at the upper left corner to capture Iyama's group at the center. Cho solidified his center and Iyama resigned soon afterward.

Iyama Yuta (left) vs. Cho U (right)

Here is the game record:
Cho U (black) vs. Iyama Yuta (white). Result: B+R

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[50th Judan title match 3]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PB[Cho U]
DT[2012-04-05]
BR[Kisei]
RE[B+R]
PW[Iyama Yuta]
WR[Judan]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[fc];W[cf];B[kc];W[po];B[qm];W[qq];B[mq]
;W[pp];B[pr];W[np];B[lq];W[qn];B[pl];W[qr];B[iq];W[qf];B[pe];W[rd]
;B[re];W[qe];B[rf];W[pd];B[qc];W[pf];B[oe];W[rc];B[rb];W[of];B[ne]
;W[nf];B[mf];W[me];B[oc];W[pc];B[qb];W[rg];B[sc];W[mg];B[lf];W[pj]
;B[lg];W[mh];B[lh];W[mi];B[qh];W[sf];B[sd];W[qg];B[qj];W[pi];B[rn]
;W[ro];B[pn];W[qo];B[qk];W[kd];B[jd];W[ke];B[id];W[md];B[nc];W[jf]
;B[li];W[ig];B[mj];W[nj];B[ii];W[lj];B[mk];W[kj];B[jh];W[nk];B[ml]
;W[nl];B[mm];W[nm];B[rl];W[sn];B[rh];W[jk];B[hj];W[rm];B[ph];W[oh]
;B[sh];W[sg];B[pk];W[on];B[pm];W[ge];B[ln];W[gc];B[gd];W[hd];B[fd]
;W[hc];B[he];W[fb];B[eb];W[gb];B[hf];W[fe];B[ee];W[ff];B[dc];W[cc]
;B[cd];W[de];B[cb];W[bc];B[ec];W[bb];B[ef];W[fg];B[ed];W[ie];B[cg]
;W[ce];B[eg];W[fh];B[hg];W[hh];B[ih];W[gi];B[hi];W[dh];B[ib];W[gg]
;B[gh];W[nd];B[fi];W[eh];B[gj];W[dg];B[od];W[ea];B[fp];W[dn];B[fn]
;W[fq];B[gq];W[eq];B[gr];W[mn];B[mo];W[mp];B[lp];W[no];B[nn];W[ki]
;B[kh];W[mn];B[km])

The 4th game will be played on April 18. Iyama will play for his title, while Cho U will face another must win game. Who will come out as the winner?

The happy Cho U survived the 3rd game.

Iyama Yuta the 67th Honinbo's Challenger

Honinbo is 1 of the top 3 Japanese title. It has a long history and could be dated back in Edo period. After it became an annual tournament, 16 people already claimed this title. This year, Iyama Yuta got his first shot to be the 17th people to hold the annual Honinbo.

Iyama won the Honinbo league in his 3rd try. In the previous 2 leagues, he scored 4-3 and 6-1 and stayed at the second position. This year he scored 6-1 again but the circumstance is difference as he collected most win and doesn't have to play a tiebreak game.

Iyama won the last game against Hane Naoki and avoided a possible tie result with Yuki Satoshi. This victory gave Iyama his 5th major title challenger's right. Oza and Gosei are the only tournament where he never become challenger.

Hane Naoki (left) vs. Iyama Yuta (right)

Final league result:
1. Iyama Yuta 6-1
2. Yuki Satoshi 5-2
3. Cho U 4-3
4. Takao Shinji & Kono Rin 4-3 (Will play demotion player decision match)
6. Hane Naoki 3-4 (demoted)
7-8 Seto Taiki & Ko Iso 1-6 (demoted)

Here is one of Iyama game during the league. His second round's victory from Cho U started his winning streak at the league after previously losing to Takao Shinji at the first round.

Here is the game record:
Iyama Yuta (white) vs. Cho U (black). Result: W+R

(;
WR[Judan]
EV[67th Honinbo league]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
PW[Iyama Yuta]
GM[1]
PB[Cho U]
BR[Kisei]
RE[W+R]
DT[2011-11-14]
KM[6.5]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dc];B[lq];W[nc];B[pf];W[jd];B[df];W[ce];B[cn]
;W[dk];B[fp];W[dn];B[dm];W[en];B[em];W[co];B[cm];W[fn];B[fm];W[gn]
;B[di];W[hq];B[cq];W[bp];B[er];W[gm];B[bq];W[dj];B[ci];W[bj];B[fk]
;W[fl];B[el];W[gl];B[ek];W[ej];B[fh];W[fi];B[gi];W[eh];B[gj];W[fg]
;B[gh];W[ei];B[eg];W[dg];B[ef];W[cf];B[gf];W[fq];B[eq];W[fr];B[gp]
;W[ep];B[hp];W[es];B[dr];W[iq];B[ip];W[jp];B[jo];W[io];B[jq];W[kp]
;B[ir];W[hr];B[hs];W[gr];B[kr];W[ho];B[lp];W[ko];B[lo];W[qk];B[gs]
;W[fo];B[kn];W[jn];B[kq];W[jo];B[ds];W[go];B[ql];W[qq];B[rp];W[pp]
;B[qn];W[oq];B[oo];W[po];B[pn];W[rr];B[nr];W[or];B[rq];W[pr];B[sr]
;W[on];B[no];W[qs];B[op];W[nq];B[mr];W[os];B[qi];W[qc];B[pc];W[pb]
;B[lc];W[qd];B[qe];W[oe];B[pe];W[ob];B[le];W[gd];B[re];W[kc];B[kb]
;W[jb];B[kd];W[jc];B[rb];W[qb];B[sb];W[ke];B[ld];W[lb];B[mb];W[ka]
;B[mc];W[ma];B[na];W[nb];B[la];W[lf];B[kf];W[je];B[mf];W[lg];B[mg]
;W[me];B[lh];W[kg];B[kh];W[jg];B[ne];W[ma];B[md];W[hg];B[gg];W[oa]
;B[bk];W[bl];B[ck];W[cj];B[cl];W[ll];B[mk];W[nd];B[me];W[ml];B[nl]
;W[mn];B[nn];W[nm];B[om];W[nk];B[mm];W[mj];B[cc];W[dd];B[jh];W[mh]
;B[ig];W[jf];B[of];W[km];B[db];W[bb];B[cd];W[cb];B[de];W[ee];B[ff]
;W[bd];B[fd];W[ok];B[lk];W[kj];B[kk];W[jk];B[kl];W[lm];B[jl];W[jj]
;B[il];W[hk];B[lj];W[li];B[oi];W[mi];B[rs];W[qj];B[ri];W[ss];B[nj]
;W[pk];B[rs];W[gq];B[fs];W[ss];B[ii];W[ki];B[rs];W[js];B[qr];W[is]
;B[es];W[rr];B[rk];W[ss];B[oj];W[jm];B[rs];W[jr];B[bs];W[ss];B[ol]
;W[im];B[rs];W[fc];B[gc];W[ss];B[rj];W[ik];B[rs];W[fe];B[ge];W[ed]
;B[hd];W[fd];B[hb];W[ss];B[fb];W[bc];B[rs];W[if];B[he];W[ss];B[pl]
;W[hl];B[rs];W[ng];B[nf];W[ss];B[dh];W[cg];B[rs];W[oh];B[ph];W[ss]
;B[bi];W[ai];B[rs];W[gb];B[ga];W[ss];B[bh];W[bg];B[rs];W[ic];B[hc]
;W[ss];B[ah];W[aj];B[rs];W[cr])

Cho U Defended Kisei

The 36th Kisei-sen met its climax at the 7th game. Takao Shinji won the critical 6th game and got his final chance to capture the title. Cho played black in this game, while Takao got white.

Takao Shinji (left) vs. Cho U (right)

Cho opened the game with a big framework at the right side. Takao made an invasion with white 46. Cho got an attack at the bottom board for Takao's success invasion. He sacrificed 2 stones at the top to win the ko. Later, attacking white's formation at the bottom gave black enough point on the left side. Takao resigned after 281 moves.

This is the third year for Cho U as a Kisei. Previously he captured the title from Yamashita Keigo and defended it well from Iyama Yuta.

Here is the game record:
Cho U (black) vs. Takao Shinji (white). Result: B+R

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[36th Kisei title match 1]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Takao Shinji]
WR[9d]
PB[Cho U]
BR[Kisei]
RE[B+R]
DT[2012-03-14,15]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[pp];W[dc];B[lc];W[qn];B[pj];W[nq];B[oo];W[qq];B[qp]
;W[pq];B[rq];W[lp];B[ol];W[od];B[pf];W[qc];B[rc];W[md];B[ld];W[pc]
;B[rb];W[le];B[ke];W[lf];B[kf];W[mc];B[jc];W[nf];B[ph];W[ce];B[fq]
;W[hq];B[cq];W[dq];B[cp];W[do];B[dr];W[er];B[cr];W[eq];B[cn];W[gc]
;B[rr];W[qk];B[qj];W[pm];B[mq];W[mp];B[om];W[rj];B[ri];W[rl];B[oq]
;W[or];B[op];W[si];B[rh];W[ro];B[nr];W[mr];B[np];W[lq];B[pl];W[ql]
;B[pn];W[qm];B[lr];W[nq];B[sh];W[sj];B[mq];W[kd];B[jd];W[nq];B[sm]
;W[sn];B[mq];W[lb];B[ms];W[kc];B[jq];W[ho];B[ge];W[ee];B[hc];W[hb]
;B[gb];W[hd];B[ic];W[gd];B[fb];W[eb];B[ie];W[jr];B[dn];W[jp];B[fn]
;W[ci];B[fc];W[fd];B[ec];W[db];B[gp];W[fp];B[fo];W[hr];B[fr];W[fs]
;B[ep];W[gr];B[ck];W[kg];B[jg];W[hg];B[kh];W[lg];B[if];W[ei];B[jo]
;W[kq];B[ko];W[hp];B[ln];W[jh];B[ih];W[ji];B[ig];W[lj];B[fg];W[eg]
;B[hn];W[eo];B[bi];W[bj];B[io];W[fp];B[sp];W[sl];B[ep];W[kr];B[ip]
;W[fp];B[so];W[rn];B[ep];W[iq];B[kp];W[fp];B[cj];W[bh];B[ep];W[in]
;B[en];W[fp];B[di];W[ch];B[ep];W[hm];B[gn];W[fp];B[ki];W[kj];B[ep]
;W[lo];B[km];W[fp];B[rk];W[sk];B[ep];W[mn];B[mm];W[fp];B[ii];W[jj]
;B[ep];W[ll];B[nn];W[fp];B[mi];W[li];B[ep];W[mo];B[im];W[fp];B[mh]
;W[lh];B[ep];W[lm];B[bk];W[ed];B[ib];W[ai];B[fp];W[ml];B[jn];W[nm]
;B[ej];W[dh];B[dj];W[pd];B[qe];W[hk];B[fi];W[qb];B[hj];W[ik];B[gk]
;W[gl];B[fl];W[ff];B[gg];W[rp];B[sq];W[ak];B[co];W[es];B[al];W[aj]
;B[bl];W[ra];B[gf];W[ps];B[ns];W[no];B[on];W[ij];B[gj];W[og];B[nk]
;W[pk];B[ok];W[he];B[hf];W[pg];B[qg];W[mj];B[nj];W[oh];B[oi];W[eh]
;B[mg];W[mf];B[pe];W[fh];B[gh];W[kl];B[ka];W[kb];B[ja];W[la];B[kn]
;W[ks];B[ls];W[gs];B[il];W[hl];B[jl];W[ds];B[cs];W[gm];B[nl];W[fm]
;B[em];W[jb];B[ha];W[fa];B[mm];W[qr];B[rs];W[nm];B[fe];W[ef];B[mm]
;W[sr];B[os];W[nm];B[oe];W[ne];B[mm])

Xie Yimin Defended Female Meijin

The 24th Female Meijin brought another title for Xie Yimin (5 dan). After losing her Female Kisei in February, Xie successfully defended her Female Meijin this time.

Mukai led the game halfway through until Xie played black 137. The move forced Mukai to gave up half of her group. It was quite a tsumego to work there. Can you figure out how black threaten to capture white if she connected with G2 instead?

Xie pulled out a 1.5 points victory and got her 5th conseutive Female Meijin. This is Mukai's 3rd unsuccessful attempt to capture Female Meijin. Her record against Xie s poor as Xie is leading with 14-4.

Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (black) vs. Mukai Chiaki (white). Result: B+1.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]FF[3]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]SZ[19]GM[1]EV[24th Female Meijin title match 2]
DT[2012-03-14]PB[Xie Yimin]BR[Female Meijin]PW[Mukai Chiaki]WR[5d]KM[6.5]RE[B+1.5]
MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dc];B[nc];W[po];B[qo];W[qn];B[qp];W[pm];B[nq];W[qi];B[qg];W[ci]
;B[gd];W[de];B[jd];W[oi];B[og];W[fq];B[bp];W[bn];B[co];W[cm];B[cq];W[dq];B[br];W[iq]
;B[gg];W[qc];B[pc];W[dr];B[cn];W[dm];B[bo];W[bm];B[cr];W[gi];B[cg];W[eg];B[cd];W[cc]
;B[di];W[ch];B[dg];W[dh];B[ef];W[fg];B[df];W[ff];B[ee];W[gb];B[dd];W[ec];B[mh];W[mj]
;B[mn];W[lq];B[nj];W[nk];B[ni];W[oj];B[mk];W[nl];B[lj];W[ml];B[lk];W[ib];B[jb];W[ic]
;B[jc];W[id];B[bc];W[je];B[ke];W[kf];B[jf];W[ie];B[le];W[kg];B[ri];W[rh];B[qh];W[rj]
;B[pi];W[qj];B[oh];W[pj];B[ij];W[hk];B[ik];W[il];B[ip];W[jq];B[en];W[hl];B[eo];W[bb]
;B[bd];W[ih];B[fe];W[gm];B[gf];W[gh];B[gp];W[gq];B[bg];W[bh];B[mr];W[np];B[mq];W[pp]
;B[oq];W[qq];B[rq];W[qr];B[rr];W[rn];B[sp];W[mp];B[op];W[oo];B[lp];W[lo];B[kp];W[kq]
;B[jp];W[mo];B[hp];W[lr];B[hq];W[hr];B[fp];W[ms];B[ns];W[ls];B[ir]
(;W[os];B[pr];W[nr];B[gr];W[qs];B[rs];W[ps];B[ro];W[jr];B[hs];W[rd];B[qb];W[rg]
;B[rf];W[lf];B[mf];W[ja];B[ka];W[mg];B[nf];W[ia];B[lb];W[sn];B[so];W[sq];B[sr];W[ab]
;B[em];W[el];B[ln];W[ko];B[kn];W[jo];B[jn];W[io];B[jl];W[kl];B[jk];W[ll];B[im];W[sf]
;B[se];W[sh];B[sg];W[me];B[ne];W[sf];B[eh];W[fh];B[sg];W[md];B[lc];W[sf];B[fc];W[fb]
;B[sg];W[mc];B[mb];W[sf];B[re];W[ph];B[pg];W[ld];B[kd];W[ji];B[kk];W[hg];B[kh];W[jg]
;B[hj];W[gj];B[lh];W[lg];B[nn];W[ag];B[af];W[ah];B[on];W[pn];B[jh];W[ii];B[om];W[ol]
;B[ng];W[if];B[cj];W[bj];B[fm];W[fl];B[gn];W[dn];B[do];W[be];B[ae];W[ac];B[gc];W[ed]
;B[ce];W[hm];B[ki];W[ho];B[go];W[in];B[jm];W[ao];B[ap];W[an];B[hn];W[no];B[hi];W[hf]
;B[ge];W[js];B[hh];W[is];B[hr];W[ad];B[bf];W[hc];B[gk];W[gl];B[ei];W[dj];B[jj];W[ig]
;B[dl];W[ej];B[pi];W[si];B[ph];W[sg])
(;W[gr];B[jr];W[os]C[White tries to gain more liberty]
(;B[ks];W[nr];B[kr];W[ns];B[ps])
(;B[pr]C[If black plays here instead...];W[nr];B[qs];W[is];B[js];W[hs];B[or];W[ks]
;B[ns];W[kr])))

Kisei Went to Seventh Game

The 36th Kisei-sen went all the way to its seventh game after Takao Shinji's victory at the sixth game. At the end of game 5, the position was 3-2 for Cho U's favor. Takao have to win the 6th game or he will start all over again from the league. In this game, Takao Shinji played white while Cho U played black.

Takao Shinji (left) vs. Cho U (right)

The game started with a new move by black 11. White got a running group at the upper board, but received a nice thickness toward the bottom. Black got territory at the upper board, but had to take care of white's thickness. Day 1 ended with black 67. A fierce cut that will bring fight at the right side.

At day 2, Cho tried to invade white's influence with black 111 and 113. Takao showed that he was confidence with his group at the right side and decided to win the ko fight with white 142. Takao showed a great skill to create a double ko fight for himself and seized the advantage, Cho resigned soon afterward.

Takao Shinji survived game 6

The last game will be played on March 14-15. Who will get the title? Takao Shinji the challenger or Cho U the title holder?

Here is the game record:
Takao Shinji (white) vs. Cho U (black). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[36th Japanese Ksei title series, game 6]
DT[2012-03-07,08]PB[Cho U]BR[9p]PW[Takao Shinji]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dc];B[qp];W[dp];B[lq];W[fq];B[ce];W[ci];B[fc];W[ed];B[cb];W[cc];B[db];W[ec]
;B[eb];W[fd];B[gc];W[gd];B[hc];W[ie];B[dh];W[di];B[eh];W[ei];B[fh];W[gj];B[hh];W[bg]
;B[df];W[hd];B[ic];W[ke];B[jh];W[ii];B[kg];W[me];B[fi];W[fj];B[ek];W[ej];B[og];W[ng]
;B[nf];W[mf];B[mg];W[nh];B[mh];W[ni];B[mi];W[nj];B[of];W[mj];B[lj];W[ki];B[li];W[lk]
;B[kj];W[kk];B[ji];W[ij];B[ih];W[nd];B[kc];W[gf];B[ld];W[kf];B[mk];W[pi];B[jf];W[je]
;B[od];W[nc];B[ob];W[oc];B[pc];W[nb];B[ml];W[pl];B[qh];W[qi];B[pb];W[be];B[bf];W[cg]
;B[bd];W[de];B[ee];W[cd];B[dd];W[jb];B[jc];W[de];B[cf];W[ef];B[dg];W[bc];B[ae];W[lb]
;B[kb];W[lc];B[qn];W[om];B[nn];W[po];B[qo];W[lm];B[mm];W[ln];B[np];W[rh];B[cn];W[co]
;B[cl];W[dn];B[dm];W[bn];B[bm];W[cm];B[kd];W[fe];B[cn];W[oo];B[no];W[cm];B[bi];W[em]
;B[cn];W[pq];B[on];W[cm];B[qg];W[rg];B[rf];W[pn];B[pp];W[qm];B[cn];W[qf];B[qe];W[cm]
;B[ok];W[dl];B[rj];W[ri];B[rk];W[rm];B[pk];W[nk];B[ol];W[qk];B[qj];W[nl];B[nm];W[pm]
;B[pj];W[rl];B[op];W[sk];B[sj];W[oj];B[sl];W[si];B[ql];W[sm];B[ch];W[bj];B[iq];W[bh]
;B[gq];W[fr];B[jm];W[gi];B[gh];W[km])

Iyama Yuta Leads Judan

The Judan title celebrates its 50th year of running this year with 2 top Japanese players battle for the title. Iyama Yuta Judan will play a best-of-5 series against Cho U, the challenger.

The first game was played on March 1 at Higashiosaka, Osaka (the same place as the first match of the 24th Female Meijin). Iyama played white while Cho played black.

Cho U (left) vs. Iyama Yuta (right)

The opening was unusual The combination of black 7 and 9 is a new for me. The result was a corner for white and influence for black. Iyama made a good use for his stones' aji with white 68. White made a seki and grabbed a big territories at the upper board. Iyama continued to give a brilliant attack, starting with white 144. White trapped black's group at the center and killed it.

Here is the game record:
Iyama Yuta (white) vs. Cho U (black). Result: W+R

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[50th Judan title match 1]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Iyama Yuta]
WR[Judan]
DT[2012-03-01]
BR[Kisei]
RE[W+R]
PB[Cho U]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dd];B[lq];W[qf];B[pj];W[nc];B[of];W[qc];B[qd]
;W[rd];B[pc];W[rb];B[qb];W[rc];B[md];W[qh];B[pg];W[qg];B[mc];W[fc]
;B[fq];W[cn];B[dr];W[oq];B[pq];W[oo];B[qn];W[lo];B[jp];W[mq];B[mr]
;W[nr];B[mp];W[mo];B[nq];W[np];B[mq];W[pr];B[ns];W[or];B[qr];W[pm]
;B[nn];W[nm];B[qm];W[on];B[cq];W[ck];B[bd];W[bf];B[cc];W[dc];B[bb]
;W[ic];B[ce];W[nd];B[mb];W[cg];B[cf];W[dg];B[fo];W[db];B[be];W[bg]
;B[cb];W[ne];B[mf];W[me];B[le];W[nf];B[ng];W[lf];B[mg];W[nb];B[ke]
;W[oe];B[pf];W[pe];B[qe];W[ph];B[og];W[pa];B[oa];W[ob];B[pb];W[na]
;B[ra];W[re];B[kc];W[lg];B[lh];W[jf];B[id];W[mh];B[nh];W[mi];B[ni]
;W[nj];B[oi];W[li];B[kh];W[jg];B[rj];W[jd];B[je];W[ie];B[hd];W[jc]
;B[if];W[he];B[hg];W[hf];B[ig];W[jh];B[gd];W[fe];B[kb];W[hb];B[ki]
;W[ii];B[ma];W[kj];B[gg];W[ff];B[lj];W[mj];B[jj];W[lk];B[ji];W[ih]
;B[ij];W[hi];B[hj];W[gi];B[gj];W[fi];B[fj];W[sb];B[ei];W[fh];B[jb]
;W[gp];B[fp];W[jo];B[io];W[ip];B[iq];W[in];B[ho];W[kp];B[jq];W[hn]
;B[jn];W[jm];B[ko];W[kn];B[jo];W[qk];B[qj];W[pk];B[rk];W[fm];B[el]
;W[em];B[km];W[jl];B[hl];W[jk];B[cl];W[bl];B[dl];W[cm];B[dk];W[cj]
;B[dj];W[di];B[bm];W[bk])

Xie Yimin Leads Female Meijin

After her unsuccessful attempt to defend her Female Kisei, Xie Yimin is back in another title defense. This time, she'll play Mukai Chiaki in best-of-3 series for the Female Meijin.

The first game was played on February 29. Xie Yimin played white while Mukai Chiaki was black. Mukai focused on the teritory in this game, giving Xie the active play. Xie later sacrificed 2 stones at the bottom to gain thickness at the center. Xie later handled Mukai's invasion at the upper left corner well and won the game by 15.5 points.

Mukai Chiaki (left) vs. Xie Yimin (right)

The next game will be played on March 14,

Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (white) vs. Mukai Chiaki (black). Result: W+15.5

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[24th Female Meijin title match 1]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Xie Yimin]
WR[Female Meijin]
DT[2012-02-29]
BR[5d]
RE[W+15.5]
PB[Mukai Chiaki]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[co];W[dl];B[gp];W[do];B[dp];W[ep];B[cp]
;W[cq];B[dm];W[eo];B[cm];W[em];B[el];W[fm];B[dk];W[fl];B[ek];W[iq]
;B[ho];W[kp];B[jo];W[ko];B[jn];W[oq];B[kn];W[po];B[qo];W[pn];B[qn]
;W[pm];B[pq];W[or];B[ql];W[ci];B[cj];W[cf];B[jc];W[nc];B[oc];W[nd]
;B[pf];W[ke];B[gc];W[ec];B[lc];W[me];B[ie];W[hd];B[hc];W[jg];B[id]
;W[kk];B[ik];W[im];B[jl];W[qh];B[og];W[mh];B[mg];W[lg];B[lh];W[qe]
;B[qd];W[ng];B[nh];W[mf];B[mi];W[oh];B[mg];W[nf];B[oi];W[ph];B[qf]
;W[pj];B[jp];W[jq];B[fq];W[eq];B[kg];W[mh];B[kq];W[ni];B[lq];W[mp]
;B[mq];W[mo];B[jr];W[qr];B[rk];W[rq];B[rp];W[ir];B[kr];W[bj];B[bk]
;W[dj];B[ck];W[kh];B[mn];W[nn];B[mm];W[nq];B[mr];W[fr];B[gr];W[es]
;B[gs];W[ob];B[pb];W[od];B[pc];W[mb];B[rg];W[cn];B[bn];W[dn];B[bm]
;W[bq];B[bd];W[be];B[db];W[eb];B[cd];W[de];B[bb];W[cc];B[cb];W[dc]
;B[bc];W[ad];B[ac];W[aa];B[ea];W[fb];B[ce];W[bf];B[df];W[ef];B[dg]
;W[bh];B[ee];W[fe];B[eg];W[ff];B[fd];W[ed];B[ae];W[di];B[ei];W[hf]
;B[cg];W[bg];B[he];W[ej];B[fg];W[gg];B[gh];W[hh];B[fj];W[gi];B[fi]
;W[fh];B[eh];W[ai];B[af];W[fk];B[gj];W[ag];B[ak];W[ad];B[ae];W[da]
;B[ib];W[fp];B[hi];W[gq];B[hq];W[hr];B[jh];W[kf];B[fq];W[hj];B[gh]
;W[ii];B[hk];W[gq];B[ih];W[gi];B[fq];W[hi];B[gk];W[gq];B[ge];W[gf]
;B[fq];W[qm];B[rm];W[gq];B[if];W[ig];B[fq];W[pe];B[gq];W[re];B[rd]
;W[sd];B[sc];W[se];B[rb];W[aj];B[ch];W[fa];B[ca];W[ea];B[dh];W[ab]
;B[bi];W[ci];B[rh];W[ri];B[si];W[rj];B[sj];W[pl];B[pk];W[ok];B[qk]
;W[bo];B[jj];W[mj];B[pr];W[ps];B[qq];W[rr];B[sp];W[sq];B[nm];W[no]
;B[ji];W[kb];B[lb];W[la];B[kc];W[gn];B[nk];W[ol];B[lj];W[li];B[mk]
;W[kj];B[nj];W[lk];B[oj];W[qj];B[pi];W[qi];B[of];W[oe];B[oa];W[nb]
;B[gb];W[af];B[ga];W[ad];B[ns];W[os];B[ae];W[hg];B[fc];W[ee];B[di]
;W[ad];B[ba];W[ab];B[ae];W[sl];B[sk];W[ad];B[fs];W[er];B[ae];W[rn]
;B[sn];W[ad];B[pp];W[op];B[ae];W[rf];B[qg];W[ad];B[bi];W[aa];B[ah]
;W[in];B[io];W[jm];B[km];W[jk];B[ij];W[go];B[kl];W[il];B[ll];W[nl]
;B[ml];W[nr];B[ms];W[ln];B[jb];W[ka];B[ja];W[ma];B[ai];W[om];B[ki]
;W[lj];B[is];W[ld];B[ao];W[ap];B[an];W[mc];B[gm];W[hn];B[gl];W[fh]
;B[kd];W[je];B[gh];W[lo];B[fh])

Cho U Leads Kisei Title Series

The 36th Kisei-sen continued. After Takao Shinji scored a victory at the third game, Cho U won the next 2 games and brought the series to his lead by 3-2.

Cho won the fourth game by resignation as black. The game was a small margin victory for black, thanks to R18.

Here is the game record:
Cho U (black) vs. Takao Shinji (white). Result: B+R

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[36th Kisei title match 4]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Takao Shinji]
WR[9d]
DT[2012-02-15,16]
BR[Kisei]
RE[B+R]
PB[Cho U]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dp];B[lq];W[fq];B[pj];W[nc];B[lc];W[qc];B[qd]
;W[pc];B[od];W[nb];B[me];W[op];B[pn];W[mp];B[mq];W[qq];B[pq];W[pp]
;B[rq];W[qr];B[oq];W[nq];B[nr];W[np];B[pr];W[qo];B[rp];W[qn];B[rr]
;W[pm];B[om];W[pl];B[ol];W[pk];B[ok];W[qj];B[qi];W[rj];B[ri];W[on]
;B[oj];W[cj];B[fc];W[df];B[cp];W[cq];B[co];W[bq];B[do];W[dm];B[ep]
;W[dq];B[dk];W[ck];B[dl];W[cm];B[em];W[dj];B[fl];W[fj];B[cc];W[dc]
;B[db];W[cd];B[bb];W[bc];B[cb];W[fn];B[en];W[hj];B[fp];W[gq];B[gp]
;W[ge];B[rc];W[rb];B[rd];W[bd];B[hd];W[lb];B[kb];W[kc];B[jc];W[kd]
;B[mb];W[ld];B[la];W[mc];B[lb];W[md];B[jd];W[ne];B[nf];W[mf];B[of]
;W[lg];B[if];W[ng];B[og];W[hp];B[ho];W[eq];B[gn];W[hg];B[nh];W[eb]
;B[ec];W[gc];B[gd];W[fb];B[gb];W[fd];B[hc];W[ed];B[sb];W[kh];B[gc]
;W[ig];B[ir];W[ip];B[bm];W[bn];B[bl];W[cl];B[cn];W[bk];B[li];W[ki]
;B[kf];W[kg];B[gk];W[hk];B[hl];W[il];B[gj];W[gi];B[im];W[jq];B[jr]
;W[hm];B[gl];W[in];B[fi];W[jm];B[gh];W[hi];B[ej];W[ek];B[fk];W[el]
;B[bo];W[eh];B[gf];W[hf];B[he];W[fe];B[fh];W[ei];B[fj];W[lj];B[jg]
;W[jh];B[jf];W[lf];B[ll];W[ni];B[mh];W[mj];B[oi];W[kl];B[fs];W[es]
;B[rl];W[rk];B[sk];W[sj];B[si];W[qk];B[rn];W[ro];B[so];W[po];B[rm]
;W[hn];B[go];W[mm];B[lp];W[lo];B[ko];W[ml];B[nn];W[nm];B[ln];W[mo]
;B[kn];W[kp];B[io];W[jo];B[jn];W[hq];B[jp];W[or];B[os];W[jo];B[gm]
;W[im];B[jp];W[sn];B[kq];W[sp];B[sq];W[so];B[hh])

At the fifth game, Cho attacked Takao's weak group at the left and got a big territory at the right side as the result. Later Cho played white 136 and successfully stole some points from black's corner. Cho won this game, again, by resignation.

Takao Shinji (left) vs. Cho U (right)

Here is the game record:
Cho U (white) vs. Takao Shinji (black). Result: W+R

(;
PW[Cho U]
EV[36th Kisei title match 5]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
WR[Kisei]
PB[Takao Shinji]
BR[9d]
RE[W+R]
DT[2012-02-23,24]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dd];B[fq];W[ip];B[dn];W[fp];B[cq];W[eq];B[cp]
;W[cl];B[bn];W[qo];B[op];W[qk];B[gq];W[gp];B[er];W[hq];B[ho];W[hn]
;B[io];W[jo];B[in];W[hp];B[cf];W[fc];B[bd];W[cg];B[dg];W[ch];B[bf]
;W[cc];B[dh];W[ci];B[de];W[ej];B[kp];W[jn];B[im];W[jp];B[kq];W[em]
;B[en];W[fn];B[fm];W[gn];B[gl];W[el];B[gj];W[fi];B[gg];W[hh];B[jk]
;W[fr];B[dq];W[gr];B[gh];W[gi];B[hi];W[ih];B[ii];W[jh];B[ji];W[kh]
;B[ed];W[ec];B[cd];W[fd];B[dc];W[db];B[hf];W[ie];B[if];W[ke];B[he]
;W[id];B[kf];W[jf];B[jg];W[je];B[kg];W[le];B[mf];W[mh];B[mg];W[nh]
;B[mk];W[nd];B[of];W[ph];B[qg];W[qh];B[hd];W[hc];B[ic];W[hb];B[lc]
;W[me];B[og];W[oh];B[oc];W[mb];B[rg];W[qq];B[qr];W[oo];B[ol];W[pp]
;B[oq];W[qm];B[no];W[rh];B[ob];W[mc];B[on];W[sg];B[rf];W[jm];B[il]
;W[bm];B[cm];W[bl];B[bc];W[dd];B[di];W[dj];B[dc];W[dr];B[cr];W[dd]
;B[bj];W[cj];B[dc];W[re];B[sf];W[qe];B[qf];W[dd];B[ds];W[jr];B[dc]
;W[pe];B[oe];W[rc];B[qd];W[rd];B[od];W[qb];B[sb];W[pb];B[pa];W[qa]
;B[rb];W[oa];B[na];W[nb];B[pa];W[sc];B[se];W[oa];B[jq];W[kk];B[kj]
;W[ma];B[ir];W[jl];B[hk];W[lk];B[lj];W[lm];B[lh];W[li];B[lg];W[lo]
;B[po];W[qp];B[qn];W[rn];B[pm];W[pn];B[ag];W[bk];B[qn];W[mj];B[ki]
;W[pn];B[qc];W[oo];B[pf];W[mp];B[mr];W[nr];B[nq];W[po];B[np];W[nn]
;B[mn];W[om];B[nm];W[on];B[mo];W[mm];B[ln];W[dd];B[mi];W[nj];B[dc]
;W[ko];B[lp];W[dd];B[ni];W[oi];B[dc];W[iq];B[kr];W[dd];B[li];W[oj]
;B[dc];W[cb];B[rq];W[rp];B[rr];W[dm])

The sixth game will be played on March 7-8. Takao Shinji have to win the next game to keep his chance for the title alive. 

Will Takao bring the series to its 7th game?

Aoki Kikuyo Won Female Kisei

The 15th Female Kisei ended at February 16 with a new winner crowned for the title. Aok Kikuyo (8 dan) won the least game from Xie Yimin, the title holder, and won the series.

Aoki Kikuyo paid her lost at the first game  by winning the second game. The game was difficult and entertaining. A fight started early when Xie tried to help her stone at the bottom. Aoki attacked it and the fight spread to the center. It became the focus of the whole game. Xie showed an impressive skill of life and death, however, it was Aoki who came out ahead by 9.5 points.

Aoki Kikuyo in her bright yellow blazer.

Here is the game record:
Aoki Kikuyo (white) vs. Xie Yimin (black). Result: W+9.5

(;
EV[15th Female Kisei title match 2]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Aoki Kikuyo]
WR[8d]
DT[2012-02-09]
BR[Female Kisei]
RE[W+9.5]
PB[Xie Yimin]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[dc];W[de];B[ce];W[cf];B[cd];W[dg];B[ef];W[eg];B[bf]
;W[ff];B[bg];W[pp];B[qn];W[pk];B[nq];W[pn];B[qq];W[pq];B[qp];W[qo]
;B[ro];W[po];B[rm];W[qm];B[rn];W[jp];B[lp];W[kn];B[mn];W[pr];B[ml]
;W[ql];B[qr];W[mo];B[no];W[lo];B[nm];W[np];B[mp];W[op];B[ko];W[ln]
;B[kp];W[jo];B[jn];W[kl];B[jq];W[iq];B[jr];W[hp];B[ir];W[gq];B[ol]
;W[pl];B[pi];W[mr];B[nr];W[lr];B[mq];W[qs];B[rr];W[rs];B[sp];W[hr]
;B[is];W[oj];B[in];W[kk];B[mj];W[oi];B[li];W[ki];B[kh];W[ji];B[ph]
;W[ns];B[os];W[ls];B[ms];W[oh];B[pg];W[ns];B[or];W[kq];B[ps];W[og]
;B[lg];W[oe];B[pf];W[mh];B[lh];W[me];B[ke];W[pc];B[qc];W[lc];B[hh]
;W[jh];B[jg];W[ig];B[ih];W[jf];B[kg];W[hj];B[gj];W[gk];B[gi];W[hl]
;B[ik];W[il];B[kc];W[kb];B[ld];W[mc];B[jb];W[jc];B[kd];W[ib];B[md]
;W[nd];B[lb];W[ja];B[nc];W[mb];B[nb];W[la];B[pb];W[kf];B[lf];W[ie]
;B[ok];W[pj];B[lm];W[km];B[ll];W[nj];B[nk];W[mi];B[lj];W[qi];B[fk]
;W[fl];B[el];W[ek];B[fj];W[fm];B[em];W[dk];B[en];W[fn];B[eo];W[ep]
;B[fo];W[go];B[fp];W[fq];B[cn];W[di];B[jk];W[ij];B[gf];W[fe];B[le]
;W[rg];B[ge];W[id];B[rf];W[rh];B[hg];W[if];B[gd];W[gg];B[hf];W[fc]
;B[ei];W[ch];B[fd];W[ed];B[ec];W[gc];B[cj];W[dj];B[ck];W[bh];B[hc]
;W[gb];B[gh];W[fg];B[ho];W[ip];B[bi];W[cl];B[bl];W[dl];B[cm];W[ah]
;B[cg];W[df];B[dd];W[ee];B[fb];W[hb];B[rk];W[qf];B[qe];W[qg];B[pe]
;W[re];B[fh];W[aj];B[bk];W[ai];B[dh];W[eh];B[ci];W[be];B[bd];W[hk]
;B[dm];W[dh];B[ak];W[bm];B[am];W[ae];B[ad];W[hd];B[bn];W[bp];B[rj]
;W[qj];B[rd];W[sf];B[kr];W[lq];B[ms];W[ii];B[af];W[hi];B[bj];W[he]
;B[ag];W[ns];B[ss];W[oq];B[ms];W[od];B[oc];W[ns];B[qs];W[hs];B[ms]
;W[rl];B[sl];W[ns];B[kj];W[jj];B[ms];W[be];B[ae];W[ns];B[gp];W[gn]
;B[ms];W[of];B[pd];W[ns];B[ri];W[mf];B[ms];W[lk];B[mk];W[ns];B[mg]
;W[ng];B[ms];W[eb];B[db];W[ns];B[nh];W[ni];B[ms];W[fa];B[cp];W[cq]
;B[co];W[bq];B[da];W[ns];B[nf];W[ne];B[ms];W[on];B[nn];W[ns];B[io]
;W[hq];B[ms];W[sd];B[sc];W[se];B[sh];W[qh];B[ks];W[na];B[oa];W[ma]
;B[ea];W[fb];B[ao];W[sg];B[ap];W[aq];B[bo];W[do];B[jd];W[si];B[sk]
)

At the last game, Aoki Kikuyo played black and opened the game with Low Chinese Fuseki. The opening seems favorable for black. White's position at the top looks awkward. The game once again turned into a wild ride after Xie attacked Aoki's group with white 114. Black utilized white's weak group with black 159. Aoki Kikuyo found the combination and saved her group. Xie resigned soon afterward.

Aoki Kikuyo (left) vs. Xie Yimin (right)

Here is the game record:
Aoki Kikuyo (black) vs. Xie Yimin (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[15th Female Kisei, game 3]DT[2012-02-16]
PB[Aoki Kikuyo]BR[8p]PW[Xie Yimin  ]WR[6p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[qk];W[fq];B[fc];W[cf];B[jd];W[qf];B[re];W[lc];B[nc];W[le]
;B[of];W[jb];B[ic];W[ib];B[dc];W[cc];B[cb];W[ec];B[db];W[eb];B[ed];W[fb];B[gc];W[gb]
;B[hb];W[ha];B[hc];W[kc];B[ga];W[fa];B[ia];W[ja];B[da];W[ia];B[cd];W[de];B[fe];W[bd]
;B[bc];W[be];B[ba];W[nd];B[mc];W[md];B[od];W[ee];B[fd];W[lg];B[ig];W[ci];B[kp];W[po]
;B[qp];W[mq];B[np];W[mp];B[mo];W[no];B[nq];W[lo];B[mn];W[lp];B[nm];W[ln];B[lm];W[km]
;B[ll];W[pk];B[pj];W[ok];B[ql];W[nr];B[or];W[oj];B[pi];W[oi];B[ph];W[om];B[on];W[pm]
;B[pn];W[qm];B[qn];W[rn];B[ro];W[rl];B[mf];W[ng];B[nf];W[lf];B[mg];W[li];B[mh];W[lh]
;B[gp];W[gq];B[ip];W[kl];B[lk];W[mi];B[gn];W[jn];B[dn];W[dl];B[ep];W[dq];B[fp];W[hq]
;B[do];W[gf];B[gg];W[ff];B[hf];W[hh];B[hg];W[ge];B[fg];W[he];B[ie];W[jf];B[jg];W[je]
;B[if];W[hj];B[gi];W[hi];B[ji];W[jj];B[kj];W[ki];B[fk];W[fl];B[ch];W[bh];B[ij];W[jk]
;B[gk];W[gl];B[hk];W[jh];B[hl];W[el];B[in];W[ho];B[hp];W[hm];B[im];W[gm];B[ik];W[hn]
;B[io];W[ii];B[ei];W[fn];B[cj];W[bj];B[di];W[bi];B[ck];W[cl];B[bk];W[bl];B[aj];W[cg]
;B[eq];W[er];B[go];W[al];B[bo];W[cp];B[bn];W[ek];B[cr];W[dr];B[bq];W[bp];B[ap];W[gh]
;B[fh];W[jr];B[jq];W[ir];B[ej];W[gj];B[fj];W[en];B[eo];W[ak];B[eg];W[ef];B[dh];W[rj]
;B[ri];W[qo];B[oo];W[so];B[rp])

This is the first Female Kisei title for Aoki Kikuyo. It was also a swet revenge for her lost at the 28th Female Honinbo from Xie. Congratulations for Aoki Kikuyo!

Female Kisei, the 11th title for Aoki Kikuyo.

Wang Chenxing 6 Consecutive Victory.

After defeating Yoshida Mika and Lee Sula, Wang Chenxing went on a rampage and won the next 4 games. Giving her a 6 conseecutive victory at the 2nd Huanglongshi Cup.

She won from Mukai Chiaki at the fourth game. The game was close, but Wang played the endgame beautifully and won by resignation.

Wang Chenxing (left) vs. Mukai Chiaki (right)

Here is the game record:
Wang Chenxing (white) vs. Mukai Chiaki (black). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[2nd Huanglongshi Cup, game 04]DT[2012-02-04]
PB[Mukai Chiaki]BR[5p]PW[Wang Chenxing]WR[2p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dc];B[dp];W[pp];B[ce];W[oc];B[ld];W[of];B[qf];W[ed];B[ic];W[qc];B[od];W[pc]
;B[oe];W[ci];B[dh];W[di];B[eh];W[ei];B[fh];W[cn];B[bc];W[gc];B[ch];W[gj];B[fq];W[en]
;B[co];W[bn];B[qn];W[np];B[pk];W[hq];B[fo];W[ho];B[fn];W[bp];B[fl];W[dk];B[hk];W[hm]
;B[gk];W[jl];B[lq];W[jq];B[in];W[hn];B[dm];W[em];B[dn];W[el];B[do];W[fm];B[bo];W[cl]
;B[cm];W[nl];B[gm];W[gn];B[gl];W[gi];B[dl];W[ek];B[jk];W[kl];B[ji];W[bl];B[bm];W[hh]
;B[ij];W[bb];B[cc];W[cb];B[on];W[nn];B[oq];W[op];B[pq];W[nq];B[nr];W[mr];B[or];W[mq]
;B[rp];W[oj];B[ig];W[hg];B[ok];W[nk];B[nj];W[mj];B[ni];W[mi];B[bh];W[if];B[jg];W[jf]
;B[lg];W[kf];B[kg];W[lf];B[mf];W[me];B[hf];W[mg];B[mh];W[nf];B[nh];W[gf];B[nc];W[nb]
;B[md];W[mc];B[he];W[id];B[nd];W[lb];B[eb];W[pg];B[pi];W[jd];B[hd];W[gd];B[db];W[qh]
;B[lc];W[mb];B[pf];W[og];B[rc];W[rb];B[re];W[sc];B[rg];W[rh];B[rd];W[qj];B[pj];W[gr]
;B[lk];W[kk];B[lj];W[qq];B[qr];W[ll];B[mk];W[kj];B[li];W[er];B[dr];W[ds];B[cr];W[qp]
;B[rq];W[ns];B[mm];W[ml];B[nm];W[mn];B[om];W[lm];B[ps];W[ec];B[fb];W[gb];B[qg];W[ph]
;B[kc];W[jc];B[kb];W[ac];B[ib];W[hc];B[ad];W[bd];B[cd];W[ae];B[ca];W[fa];B[ba];W[ab]
;B[be];W[ms];B[os];W[jb];B[la];W[eq];B[ma];W[na];B[ja];W[ka];B[la];W[ep];B[eo];W[cs]
;B[bs];W[es];B[br];W[fp];B[rj];W[fc];B[ad];W[rk];B[qi];W[bd];B[sb];W[ra];B[ad];W[ri]
;B[qk];W[bd];B[ng];W[mf];B[ad];W[sg];B[sf];W[bd];B[pa];W[pb];B[ad];W[rs];B[rr];W[bd]
;B[ff];W[ge];B[ad];W[qs];B[ss];W[bd];B[hi];W[ih];B[ad];W[qs];B[rs];W[bd];B[fi];W[fj]
;B[ad];W[pd];B[pe];W[bd];B[no];W[oo];B[ad];W[sj];B[il];W[im];B[rl];W[bd];B[ln];W[mo]
;B[ad];W[qj];B[aa];W[sl];B[rj];W[sk];B[sm];W[si];B[qm];W[bi];B[fe];W[ii];B[jj];W[ki]
;B[jh];W[hj])

At the fifth game, Wang played Park Jiyeon. Park got a nice position at the upper board. However, Wang broke into the upper right corner after a ko fight at E14. Black couldn't find a place to reverse the position afterward.

Wang Chenxing (left ) vs. Park Jiyeon (right)

Here is the game record:
Wang Chenxing (white) vs. Park Jiyeon (black). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[2nd Huanglongshi Cup, game 05]
DT[2012-02-05]PB[Park Jiyeon]BR[2p]PW[Wang Chenxing]WR[2p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[do];W[cm];B[cq];W[gq];B[gp];W[hp];B[fq];W[fp];B[go];W[fr]
;B[hq];W[eq];B[gr];W[fq];B[ip];W[cp];B[ho];W[oq];B[pq];W[op];B[pn];W[lp];B[nc];W[jq]
;B[no];W[pr];B[qr];W[ln];B[co];W[bp];B[en];W[bo];B[ek];W[qi];B[ko];W[pp];B[qq];W[lo]
;B[or];W[nr];B[ps];W[mq];B[fc];W[cf];B[db];W[cc];B[id];W[qf];B[re];W[ql];B[qm];W[pl]
;B[rf];W[on];B[kd];W[gm];B[dm];W[im];B[fo];W[cl];B[cn];W[bn];B[jk];W[gk];B[jm];W[jn]
;B[in];W[jl];B[km];W[il];B[kn];W[kl];B[lm];W[el];B[fl];W[dk];B[fk];W[fm];B[fi];W[hi]
;B[fe];W[ff];B[gh];W[ee];B[ge];W[ec];B[eb];W[gf];B[hh];W[ih];B[ig];W[fd];B[gd];W[hg]
;B[if];W[hf];B[ed];W[ie];B[ef];W[eg];B[de];W[df];B[je];W[ee];B[em];W[dl];B[ii];W[jh]
;B[ji];W[ki];B[ef];W[jj];B[fg];W[ee];B[ij];W[hj];B[ef];W[eh];B[he];W[ee];B[kj];W[ik]
;B[ef];W[qe];B[ee];W[qd];B[qg];W[pc];B[qh];W[pi];B[rd];W[rc];B[oc];W[pb];B[ce];W[pg]
;B[ri];W[rj];B[sh];W[ph];B[rg];W[be];B[bd];W[bf];B[ei];W[ci];B[di];W[ch];B[mm];W[ir]
;B[hr];W[ma];B[mb];W[mk];B[of];W[oe];B[ne];W[nf];B[pe];W[pf];B[od];W[ng];B[om];W[jp]
;B[jo];W[nn];B[mn];W[oo];B[nm];W[bc];B[cd];W[ad];B[kp];W[kq];B[mp];W[lq];B[mo];W[ns]
;B[dj];W[cj];B[nk];W[nj];B[lh];W[li];B[cb];W[lf];B[ok];W[rl];B[kg];W[na];B[la];W[ob]
;B[nb];W[oa];B[lc];W[sj];B[si];W[bb];B[dp];W[dr];B[pk];W[qk];B[pj];W[qj];B[is];W[js]
;B[iq];W[jr];B[sc];W[sb];B[sd];W[rb];B[gl];W[mh];B[lk];W[lj];B[ll];W[kk];B[ba];W[rn]
;B[ro];W[hl];B[rm];W[fj];B[ej];W[sm];B[qn];W[gi];B[fh];W[sn];B[dc];W[ac];B[gj];W[jj]
;B[hk];W[jg];B[kf];W[jf];B[gg];W[lg];B[le];W[os];B[pr];W[pm];B[so];W[sl];B[qo];W[kh]
;B[mf];W[ke];B[dh];W[dg];B[kf];W[ep];B[eo];W[oj])

At the next game, Wang played Yashiro Kumiko from Japan. Wang played black this time and she got a nice position since the beginning. The game was already decided on black 167 when Wang captured Yashiro's group at the right side.

Yashiro Kumio (left) vs. Wang Chenxing (right)

Here is the game record:
Wang Chenxing (black) vs. Yashiro Kumiko (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[2nd Huanglongshi Cup, game 06]DT[2012-02-06]
PB[Wang Chenxing]BR[2p]PW[Yashiro Kumiko]WR[5p]KM[7.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[op];B[oq];W[nq];B[pq];W[mp];B[dp];W[qo];B[ro];W[pp];B[qn];W[qq]
;B[po];W[rq];B[lq];W[or];B[pj];W[nc];B[pf];W[jd];B[cf];W[fc];B[bd];W[cn];B[co];W[dn]
;B[fp];W[ch];B[cc];W[ce];B[be];W[df];B[dg];W[cg];B[bf];W[dj];B[eb];W[cq];B[bo];W[eq]
;B[ep];W[fr];B[fq];W[er];B[hq];W[gr];B[dq];W[dr];B[bq];W[br];B[cp];W[cr];B[ef];W[de]
;B[hr];W[aq];B[hn];W[eg];B[pb];W[qh];B[ph];W[pi];B[oi];W[qi];B[qj];W[rj];B[rk];W[qk]
;B[pk];W[rh];B[pg];W[sk];B[ql];W[rf];B[re];W[si];B[qf];W[rg];B[lc];W[ld];B[kd];W[kc]
;B[ke];W[lb];B[fg];W[dh];B[jc];W[mc];B[kb];W[lc];B[id];W[jb];B[je];W[ib];B[fh];W[lp]
;B[fk];W[gf];B[ff];W[ge];B[hg];W[if];B[jg];W[im];B[oo];W[np];B[in];W[jm];B[cl];W[dl]
;B[ck];W[dk];B[bn];W[fj];B[gj];W[gk];B[ej];W[fl];B[fi];W[hl];B[ik];W[jk];B[jj];W[kk]
;B[cj];W[gc];B[kj];W[ij];B[lk];W[hj];B[hi];W[ii];B[ih];W[ji];B[ki];W[jh];B[kh];W[hk]
;B[ig];W[gq];B[gp];W[kq];B[sl];W[sj];B[lm];W[mf];B[lg];W[mn];B[em];W[dm];B[el];W[ek]
;B[fm];W[fj];B[ap];W[ar];B[fk];W[jn];B[gl];W[gm];B[hm];W[fl];B[sh];W[fj];B[ri];W[gn]
;B[ip];W[ho];B[io];W[go];B[fk];W[gl];B[hp];W[bi];B[bj];W[jr];B[ci];W[fj];B[bh];W[gi]
;B[hh];W[bg];B[ai];W[ml];B[ll];W[mm];B[mk];W[lf];B[kf];W[mg];B[mh];W[rp];B[nl];W[qo]
;B[rn];W[on];B[pn];W[om];B[ob])

At the last round of stage 1, Wang played Kim Hyeoyimin of Korea. Kim who played white stacked a big territory at the upper board. However, Wang's position at the bottom board was thick. Kim tried to invade at move 52, but the invasion didn't turn out well and the invading group was killed. Black later found black 131 and things went downhill for white afterward.

Wang Chenxing

Kim Hyeoyimin

Here is the game record:
Wang Chenxing (black) vs. Kim Hyeoyimin (white). Result: B+R.

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[2nd Huanglongshi Cup, game 07]
DT[2012-02-07]PB[Wang Chenxing ]BR[2p]PW[Kim Hyeoyimin]WR[6p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]
MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dc];B[de];W[ce];B[cf];W[cd];B[fq];W[cm];B[df];W[fc];B[cj];W[dq]
;B[kq];W[qj];B[ql];W[qf];B[nc];W[rd];B[qh];W[of];B[pi];W[qc];B[pj];W[lc];B[nf];W[ne]
;B[oe];W[mf];B[ng];W[me];B[pf];W[od];B[og];W[pc];B[ko];W[kl];B[ld];W[kd];B[kc];W[mc]
;B[nd];W[oc];B[md];W[nb];B[le];W[jd];B[lf];W[jf];B[fo];W[oq];B[pq];W[po];B[np];W[op]
;B[no];W[qo];B[rp];W[qm];B[pm];W[pr];B[qr];W[pl];B[om];W[pp];B[qq];W[rl];B[qn];W[rm]
;B[rn];W[ro];B[so];W[pn];B[sn];W[pk];B[nl];W[nr];B[rs];W[jq];B[kr];W[hn];B[jp];W[jn]
;B[gm];W[ip];B[hp];W[jo];B[kp];W[hl];B[io];W[em];B[fk];W[gl];B[ge];W[hd];B[er];W[dr]
;B[dl];W[cl];B[ck];W[el];B[ek];W[hi];B[he];W[ie];B[ji];W[kh];B[jh];W[ki];B[kg];W[jg]
;B[kj];W[lg];B[mg];W[kf];B[jj];W[gj];B[lj];W[ei];B[gh];W[gi];B[dh];W[ri];B[gd];W[gc]
;B[hc];W[id];B[ig];W[gn];B[kb];W[lb];B[ic];W[hb];B[ib];W[ia];B[ka];W[jc];B[mb];W[ma]
;B[la];W[gp];B[gq];W[bf];B[bg];W[be];B[mb];W[jb];B[dm];W[dn];B[dk];W[cn];B[fh];W[ho]
;B[iq];W[fp];B[ep];W[go];B[eq];W[eo];B[kn];W[in];B[qe];W[ob];B[re];W[ej];B[eh];W[ll]
;B[mm];W[mh];B[sp];W[qk];B[ds];W[cs];B[es];W[br];B[ed];W[qd];B[ec];W[eb];B[dd];W[cc]
;B[sd])

With this, Japan is down to their last 2 players, Mannami Nao and Xie Yimin. Korea is down to Park Jieun. While China is still perfect. Wang will play Mannami Nao at the beginning of the second stage. Can either Japan or Korea stop China?

China Took the Lead

Wang Chenxing (2 dan) of China continued her crusade through the 2nd Huanglongshi Cup. After defeating Yoshida Mika at the second game, she beat Lee Sula (3 dan) at the third game earlier today. Wang played black stone this time, while Lee Sula played white.

Lee Sula (left) vs. Wang Chenxing (right)

Wang went for the thickness in the opening. The thickness was not really ideal, but it was enough to capture white's invading stone at white 52 and captured a big left side. The game was still even afterward, but black's thickness at the center helped Wang a lot and Lee Sula resigned after 229 moves when the winner was already decided.

Lee Sula (3 dan)

With this victory, China took an early lead. Wang Chenxing will play one of the Japanese member (probably Mukai Chiaki) tomorrow.

Japanese team at the spectator room

Here is the game reord:
Wang Chenxing (black) vs. Lee Sula (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[2nd Huanglongshi Cup, game 3]DT[2012-02-03]
PB[Wang Chenxing]BR[2p]PW[Lee Sula]WR[3p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[do];W[co];B[cn];W[cp];B[dm];W[fq];B[cf];W[fc];B[di];W[oq]
;B[po];W[qj];B[qh];W[qm];B[np];W[mq];B[oi];W[ol];B[mp];W[lq];B[lp];W[kp];B[ko];W[jp]
;B[jo];W[ip];B[nj];W[ro];B[pk];W[qk];B[pl];W[pm];B[om];W[ql];B[pj];W[qi];B[ph];W[on]
;B[nm];W[op];B[oo];W[nn];B[mm];W[pn];B[no];W[hn];B[kc];W[dk];B[el];W[ek];B[fk];W[ej]
;B[gl];W[ei];B[dh];W[im];B[fg];W[mn];B[ln];W[lm];B[km];W[ll];B[kl];W[ml];B[il];W[jl]
;B[jk];W[hl];B[jm];W[hk];B[gm];W[hm];B[gj];W[ic];B[hj];W[qc];B[pc];W[qd];B[qb];W[rb]
;B[pb];W[qf];B[pf];W[rf];B[bd];W[bo];B[bn];W[kd];B[jd];W[jc];B[lc];W[gg];B[je];W[ff]
;B[fh];W[ef];B[gh];W[hg];B[he];W[ge];B[hd];W[hc];B[nq];W[nr];B[or];W[hh];B[dg];W[an]
;B[am];W[ao];B[bm];W[lg];B[lf];W[kf];B[kg];W[jg];B[kh];W[lh];B[jf];W[ki];B[jh];W[ji]
;B[ke];W[pr];B[io];W[hp];B[ho];W[go];B[gn];W[ij];B[ik];W[mg];B[nf];W[cc];B[gp];W[gq]
;B[gd];W[fd];B[rh];W[ra];B[bc];W[fo];B[cb];W[db];B[cd];W[dc];B[li];W[mi];B[nk];W[nl]
;B[lj];W[mj];B[kj];W[mk];B[nh];W[mh];B[rp];W[ng];B[og];W[kb];B[lb];W[ja];B[qr];W[la]
;B[mb];W[qs];B[rr];W[mf];B[me];W[hi];B[bb];W[gi];B[fi];W[fn];B[em];W[qo];B[mr];W[os]
;B[lr];W[kq];B[pq];W[kr];B[ep];W[eq];B[gc];W[gb];B[ig];W[ri];B[rs];W[ls];B[de];W[ee]
;B[so];W[sn];B[sp];W[rn];B[qe];W[re];B[pe];W[df];B[ce];W[fm];B[fl];W[eo];B[dp];W[mo]
;B[lo];W[qa];B[pa];W[qg];B[fb];W[ea];B[ma];W[ga];B[hf];W[gf];B[eg];W[id];B[ie];W[ca]
;B[ba];W[lk];B[kk];W[fp];B[dn])

Wang Chenxing Won Game 2

After a successful first round, Yoshida Mika played Wang Chenxing of China at the second day of the 2nd Huanglongshi Cup. Yoshida Mika played black while Wang Chenxing played white.

Yoshida who chose influence strategy at the previous game went for a territory strategy this time. She abandoned white 18 in order to play black 19. Wang got a strong ponuki at the center, while Yoshida got the corner.

Wang Chenxing (left) vs. Yoshida Mika (right)

Black tried to save the bottom left stones with black 25. White's answer was very good as it kept black under pressure and made a good use of white's thickness. However, Yoshida got to play black 41 and made a potentially huge corner.While black's position looked good, it had a lot of holes and white utilized it well with moves like white 52 and 54, leaving black with an awkward position at the top board.

The game came to white's favor and Yoshida Mika gambled it all with black 133. Wang carefully took care of the gamble and soon Yoshida resigned after her gambling group failed to live.

Wang Chenxing will play one of Korea's member at the third game

Yoshida Mika during the game's analysis

Here is the game record:
Wang Chenxing (white) vs. Yoshida Mika (black). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[2nd Huanglongshi Cup, game 2]
DT[2012-02-02]PB[Yosida Mika ]BR[8p]PW[Wang Chenxing]WR[2p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dq];B[do];W[cm];B[cq];W[gq];B[cf];W[ch];B[fc];W[df];B[dg];W[cg]
;B[dc];W[ce];B[cc];W[cr];B[bf];W[eg];B[be];W[en];B[po];W[dh];B[fp];W[gn];B[er];W[cp]
;B[gp];W[hp];B[hq];W[iq];B[hr];W[ip];B[ir];W[jr];B[gr];W[eo];B[ep];W[dp];B[ql];W[qf]
;B[qe];W[pf];B[nd];W[pi];B[nk];W[kp];B[dr];W[mg];B[ld];W[qc];B[qd];W[jc];B[mi];W[pk]
;B[pl];W[qk];B[rk];W[rj];B[rl];W[nb];B[pb];W[lb];B[jd];W[ic];B[kg];W[rf];B[oh];W[oi]
;B[re];W[ni];B[hj];W[jh];B[jj];W[kh];B[fk];W[oc];B[pc];W[od];B[he];W[hh];B[gd];W[ik]
;B[hk];W[op];B[pp];W[ij];B[ii];W[il];B[hi];W[ji];B[ih];W[jg];B[ig];W[jf];B[kc];W[kb]
;B[ie];W[ol];B[im];W[hl];B[nm];W[om];B[nn];W[qn];B[pn];W[pm];B[qm];W[nl];B[ml];W[ok]
;B[lm];W[rn];B[ro];W[qo];B[rp];W[mp];B[lo];W[lp];B[kk];W[dk];B[sn];W[bq];B[dj];W[ej]
;B[dl];W[ek];B[fm];W[gm];B[gl];W[jm];B[dm];W[el];B[em];W[fl];B[cl];W[cn];B[ck];W[ei]
;B[bi];W[ah])

Takao Shinji Won Game 3

The 36th Kisei title series was continued to its third game after only 4 days of break from the second game, which is unusual for a major title like Kisei. Takao Shinji, the chalenger, played black and Cho U Kisei played white.

The game started with a Low Chinese Fuseki from black at the right side. Cho U was the first to play unusual move with white 12 and showed his intention to control the center after the opening. Day 1 proceeded rather fast and Cho U did the sealing move for white 96.

Cho U handed his sealed move

Day 2 started with an iken tobi from white. Cho U tried to establish the center while keeping the pressure over black's group. Cho played a good move with white 126, making white's center really big. Takao countered this with black 143 and the ko fight began. Cho sacrificed the lower group to capture the whole center and the game became really close.

Takao Shinji (lefT) vs. Cho U (right)

A pity lost for Cho U

Takao Shinji finally won the match after 299 moves by 0.5 point. The fourth game will be played 2 weks from now. Will Takao keep his advantage, or will Cho once again close the gap? Stay tune for the answer.

Game record:
Takao Shinji (black) vs. Cho U (white). Result: B+0.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[36th Kisei title series, game 3]
DT[2012-02-02]PB[Takao Shinji]BR[9p]PW[Cho U]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[B+0.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dd];B[qk];W[mp];B[po];W[jq];B[cf];W[di];B[fc];W[ef];B[cd];W[cc]
;B[dc];W[ce];B[bd];W[de];B[be];W[ec];B[db];W[cg];B[cn];W[bf];B[cb];W[co];B[dn];W[fp]
;B[ck];W[ek];B[bn];W[bo];B[ci];W[ch];B[bi];W[nc];B[oc];W[nd];B[pf];W[jc];B[fd];W[qc]
;B[pc];W[fn];B[mn];W[bh];B[af];W[df];B[ao];W[bq];B[em];W[ng];B[le];W[lc];B[qd];W[ok]
;B[pm];W[qj];B[rj];W[pj];B[ri];W[op];B[pp];W[on];B[oo];W[no];B[nn];W[om];B[mo];W[pn]
;B[qn];W[qm];B[pl];W[ol];B[rm];W[np];B[lp];W[lq];B[mq];W[nq];B[mr];W[nr];B[kq];W[lr]
;B[kr];W[ms];B[kp];W[qo];B[rn];W[pr];B[qr];W[oq];B[rq];W[kn];B[ln];W[kl];B[jp];W[lm]
;B[gq];W[fq];B[gp];W[go];B[gr];W[dl];B[dj];W[ej];B[cl];W[dm];B[ei];W[dh];B[cm];W[jr]
;B[ks];W[hp];B[hq];W[ip];B[iq];W[ir];B[fr];W[er];B[eq];W[ep];B[es];W[dr];B[is];W[if]
;B[ie];W[je];B[nf];W[mf];B[ne];W[me];B[hf];W[he];B[id];W[gf];B[mg];W[lg];B[mh];W[lh]
;B[nh];W[hg];B[ps];W[os];B[or];W[ai];B[aj];W[pr];B[lf];W[md];B[or];W[ah];B[bk];W[pr]
;B[li];W[mi];B[or];W[al];B[fj];W[el];B[am];W[pr];B[jd];W[kd];B[or];W[ed];B[eb];W[pr]
;B[jf];W[ke];B[or];W[bc];B[bb];W[pr];B[ig];W[kf];B[hf];W[hd];B[gg];W[if];B[fm];W[fi]
;B[hf];W[cj];B[bj];W[if];B[or];W[jg];B[pr];W[en];B[jn];W[im];B[ni];W[mj];B[jm];W[jl]
;B[in];W[hn];B[nj];W[mk];B[jo];W[ph];B[hm];W[il];B[ho];W[gn];B[og];W[ob];B[pb];W[ap]
;B[dk];W[gb];B[fb];W[qg];B[rh];W[pk];B[ql];W[pg];B[rf];W[na];B[hb];W[pa];B[qb];W[gc]
;B[hc];W[gd];B[ga];W[ib];B[ds];W[cr];B[mm];W[nk];B[km];W[qf];B[qe];W[oe];B[od];W[oh]
;B[pe];W[qa];B[ra];W[oa];B[ll];W[lk];B[fe];W[ic];B[ff];W[fg];B[ha];W[an];B[bm];W[rg]
;B[sg];W[rb];B[rc];W[sa];B[eo];W[fo];B[ml];W[ia];B[fa];W[cs];B[fs];W[do];B[qi];W[ag]
;B[ac];W[ae];B[ge];W[gh];B[ao];W[oi];B[of];W[an];B[ad];W[ao];B[af];W[io];B[ho];W[ae]
;B[kh];W[kg];B[af];W[io];B[ip];W[ae];B[kk];W[kj];B[af];W[oj];B[ng];W[ae];B[jk];W[ik]
;B[af];W[ra];B[ae];W[jj];B[sd])

Huanglongshi Cup Starts!

The second Huanglongshi cup starts today (February 1) in China. This year the format has been changed to a win and continue tournament, the format that was used by Jeongganjang Cup. This tournament can be seen as the replacement of Jeongganjang Cup which was stopped after 9 years of running. Unlike the first edition where 4 teams compete for the title, only 3 teams (China, Japan, Korea) are competing this time.

The opening game was between Yoshida Mika of Japan and the newly crowned Female Myeongin, Choi Jung. Yoshida Mika who played white chose an unusual strategy with white 8.

Yoshida Mika (left) and Choi Jung (right)

The game look even after the opening. Choi decided to attack white's position at the bottom board with black 57. Yoshida kept the group under attack and the fight at the center started. The position was chaotic but both players handled their group well and saved them.

The endgame was close for both player. White 162 seems slow for me. I think a monkey jump at T3 is better. The game came to its end after 281 moves, and thanks to the Chinese counting and 7.5 points komi, Yoshida Mika won the game by 1/4 stone.

The Korean team discussing the game

The second game will be played tomorrow. It seems that Wang Chenxing (2 pro) will be Yoshida Mika's next oponent.

Here is the game record:
Yoshida Mika (white) vs. Choi Jung (black). Result: W+0.25

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[2nd Huanglonshi Cup, game 01]
DT[2012-02-01]PB[Choi Jung]PW[Yoshida Mika]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[White+0.25]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[po];B[qo];W[qn];B[qp];W[mn];B[dp];W[fq];B[cn];W[mq];B[fc];W[cf]
;B[db];W[dj];B[qg];W[gd];B[fd];W[gc];B[fe];W[fb];B[eb];W[gb];B[cd];W[cc];B[de];W[bd]
;B[ce];W[be];B[dc];W[df];B[ed];W[kc];B[oc];W[dr];B[cl];W[cq];B[bj];W[rn];B[qj];W[mc]
;B[bc];W[fg];B[ge];W[hg];B[ie];W[he];B[jc];W[jd];B[hf];W[hd];B[gg];W[gh];B[gf];W[hh]
;B[gp];W[fp];B[go];W[gq];B[ip];W[fo];B[gn];W[dm];B[dl];W[el];B[di];W[ek];B[ci];W[ei]
;B[ko];W[or];B[oq];W[nq];B[pr];W[hq];B[km];W[ml];B[kk];W[il];B[im];W[hm];B[in];W[bg]
;B[cm];W[jl];B[lm];W[nk];B[hl];W[gm];B[on];W[om];B[oo];W[qk];B[rk];W[rl];B[kq];W[nn]
;B[pm];W[ol];B[pk];W[ql];B[mp];W[kr];B[np];W[jr];B[pl];W[rj];B[ri];W[sk];B[mj];W[nj]
;B[pj];W[lj];B[lk];W[mi];B[li];W[mk];B[ki];W[mg];B[kd];W[ic];B[mh];W[nh];B[lh];W[oi]
;B[eh];W[fh];B[og];W[ng];B[me];W[lg];B[lc];W[jb];B[kg];W[kf];B[lb];W[pg];B[pf];W[ld]
;B[md];W[le];B[si];W[sj];B[mb];W[bo];B[fm];W[gl];B[em];W[ph];B[qh];W[fn];B[en];W[bn]
;B[bh];W[hk];B[lq];W[lr];B[ad];W[jq];B[lo];W[pn];B[rp];W[bm];B[bl];W[of];B[pe];W[nr]
;B[jp];W[ps];B[qs];W[os];B[rr];W[if];B[jj];W[pi];B[qi];W[ne];B[cp];W[bp];B[dq];W[cr]
;B[nd];W[jg];B[kb];W[ke];B[ae];W[bf];B[ef];W[eg];B[dh];W[ff];B[ee];W[dg];B[mm];W[nm]
;B[hj];W[gj];B[hi];W[gi];B[fl];W[fk];B[eq];W[er];B[iq];W[ir];B[ih];W[jh];B[ii];W[ig]
;B[dk];W[cj];B[ck];W[ej];B[kj];W[ah];B[ai];W[jm];B[jn];W[hn];B[hp];W[mj];B[oe];W[nf]
;B[qm];W[rm];B[so];W[sn];B[am];W[an];B[al];W[ro];B[sp];W[ho];B[io];W[ln];B[kn];W[ik]
;B[kh];W[ka];B[la];W[ja];B[fa];W[ga];B[ea];W[ok];B[ag];W[af];B[ac];W[mf];B[ah];W[ch]
;B[cg];W[eo];B[dn];W[ch];B[bi];W[oj];B[op];W[mo];B[ll];W[jk];B[ji];W[no];B[co];W[pp]
;B[cg];W[bk];B[ak];W[ch];B[bq];W[br];B[cg];W[qr];B[qq];W[ch];B[ep];W[ij];B[do];W[kl]
;B[cg])

Cho U Won Game 2 of Kisei

After suffering a defeat at the first game, Cho U Kisei balanced the score at the end of the second game after defeating Takao Shinji by resignation.

Cho who played black went for a thickness on the right side at the opening. Takao played an interesting invasion with white 30, and quickly a fight rose at the center. Day 1 ended with Cho did the sealing move for black 81.

The fight continued at the next day with Cho played hane at F8. Takao sacrificed some of his stones for a chance to grab the right side. However this strategy proved to be troublesome as it left some aji for black. Cho utilized this stone to invade the right side with the combination starting with black 123, 127, 133. White 146 is a bit confusing for me. I'm not sure whether this move is overconfidence from Takao who think he could handle the left side or he played this for other purpose.

Takao resigned after 171 moves. The ko fight was to difficult for white to handle.

Here is the game record:
Cho U (black) vs. Takao Shinji (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[36th Kisei title match, game 2]DT[2012-01-27]
PB[Cho U]BR[9p]PW[Takao Shinji]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dp];B[lq];W[fq];B[pj];W[nc];B[lc];W[qc];B[qd];W[pc];B[od];W[nd]
;B[oc];W[ob];B[pb];W[qb];B[nb];W[pa];B[ne];W[mb];B[md];W[na];B[op];W[me];B[nf];W[le]
;B[jd];W[pf];B[re];W[ph];B[nh];W[oe];B[qg];W[ng];B[mg];W[og];B[mf];W[mh];B[lh];W[mi]
;B[qh];W[kf];B[lg];W[pi];B[qi];W[oj];B[pk];W[li];B[jh];W[if];B[ok];W[nj];B[hd];W[fc]
;B[ge];W[hg];B[gg];W[gh];B[fg];W[ml];B[fh];W[hi];B[ki];W[fi];B[ei];W[fj];B[kl];W[kj]
;B[jj];W[jk];B[kk];W[lj];B[ij];W[pq];B[ej];W[fk];B[ek];W[il];B[fl];W[gl];B[gm];W[hl]
;B[ih];W[hh];B[jl];W[el];B[lk];W[nl];B[fm];W[dl];B[mn];W[eh];B[hf];W[dh];B[ig];W[ni]
;B[om];W[oh];B[qq];W[in];B[im];W[hj];B[hm];W[hk];B[ik];W[kq];B[lp];W[dk];B[hq];W[lr]
;B[mr];W[jr];B[jn];W[hr];B[gr];W[gq];B[ir];W[iq];B[hs];W[hp];B[cp];W[cq];B[ip];W[hr]
;B[ci];W[ch];B[hq];W[jq];B[do];W[dq];B[cc];W[cd];B[dc];W[bc];B[bb];W[bd];B[fb];W[ie]
;B[id];W[fd];B[gb];W[jf];B[bh];W[he];B[di];W[cg];B[bk];W[bl];B[bj];W[en];B[bm];W[cl]
;B[cn];W[em];B[al];W[ak];B[aj];W[bp];B[eo];W[fn];B[ho];W[gn];B[gp];W[hn];B[jm];W[fp]
;B[jp];W[go];B[bo])

Xie Yimin Leads Female Kisei

The female competition seems to be busy. After the victorius Choi Jung at the Female Myeongin, now we move to Japan and pay attention at the 15th Female Kisei where Xie Yimin Female Kisei will play her challenger, Aoki Kikuyo (8 dan), in a best-of-3 title series.

Xie Yimin Female Kisei Female Honinbo Female Meijin

The first game was played on January 26. Xie Yimin played white while Aoki Kikuyo played black. Aoki Kikuyo opened the game with Low Chinese Fuseki. The game then proceed with a big influence at the bottom part for Aoki and a big territory potential at the upper and botom left corner for Xie.

Aoki Kikuyo (8 dan)

Xie approached the upper right corner and Aoki eagerly attacked the stone. However, Xie  played it well and utilized black's weakness at the upper right to contro the center. Aoki Kikuyo trie to save her stones in the center, but they were successfully killed by Xie. The next game will be played on February 9.

Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (white) vs. Aoki Kikuyo (black). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]DT[20120127 [19\:34\]]PB[k.Aoki      8DP]
PW[HsiehYiMin  5DP]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[White wins by resign!]US[www.cyberoro.com]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dc];B[qk];W[nc];B[pf];W[jd];B[cf];W[cd];B[dj];W[cl];B[ef];W[gd]
;B[fq];W[dq];B[jp];W[el];B[po];W[dh];B[ed];W[de];B[df];W[ee];B[ch];W[ci];B[di];W[bh]
;B[eh];W[cg];B[fe];W[fd];B[ce];W[dd];B[dk];W[ck];B[dl];W[dm];B[em];W[fl];B[fi];W[fo]
;B[hp];W[qq];B[or];W[hi];B[hg];W[gk];B[he];W[ge];B[gf];W[if];B[ig];W[ff];B[fg];W[jf]
;B[hf];W[jg];B[hj];W[kn];B[gj];W[kp];B[ko];W[lo];B[jo];W[ln];B[lp];W[mp];B[kq];W[pn]
;B[qo];W[on];B[qn];W[lq];B[lr];W[kp];B[cj];W[bj];B[lp];W[qh];B[oh];W[qe];B[pe];W[qd]
;B[qf];W[rf];B[qc];W[rc];B[oc];W[re];B[hd];W[hc];B[ic];W[id];B[rb];W[sb];B[pb];W[mc]
;B[ri];W[rh];B[lc];W[ld];B[lb];W[mb];B[md];W[nd];B[kd];W[me];B[jc];W[hb];B[ke];W[lg]
;B[kg];W[kf];B[lf];W[mf];B[ie];W[le];B[je];W[og];B[nb];W[na];B[oa];W[ob];B[ph];W[pg]
;B[nb];W[ma];B[qa];W[qi];B[ob];W[pk];B[pl];W[ok];B[ol];W[nl];B[nk];W[ql];B[qm];W[rl]
;B[ml];W[nm];B[pm];W[mk];B[nj];W[pj];B[li];W[mj];B[ni];W[kj];B[ng];W[nf];B[lh];W[kh]
;B[lj];W[kk];B[lk];W[ll];B[mi];W[kl])