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])))

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])

Xie Yimin Defended Female Meijin

It seems that Xie Yimin is staying on her throne. After a defeat in game 1, Xie fought back to win game 2 and 3 at the 23rd Female Meijin and defended her title from challenger, Mukai Chiaki.


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

Game 2 was played on March 23. The game was continued after the break caused by the earthquake and tsunami that attacked Japan on March 11. The game was fierce, but Xie handled the fight well and won the game by resignation.


Mukai Chiaki

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

(;CA[Windows-1252]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[23rd Japanese Female Meijin, title match #2]
DT[2011-03-11]PB[Xie Yimin]BR[5p]PW[Mukai Chiaki]WR[4p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pq];W[oc];B[md];W[qh];B[od];W[qk];B[nc];W[qo];B[dp];W[mp];B[op];W[fq]
;B[ip];W[fo];B[dn];W[in];B[kp];W[mo];B[on];W[fm];B[kn];W[mm];B[kl];W[pn];B[po];W[qp]
;B[pm];W[qn];B[nm];W[ll];B[qm];W[qq];B[or];W[qr];B[nl];W[lk];B[km];W[nq];B[oq];W[lm]
;B[nj];W[kk];B[il];W[ok];B[nk];W[jk];B[im];W[nh];B[pj];W[qe];B[pe];W[qf];B[rd];W[qj]
;B[ph];W[ol];B[pi];W[ql];B[qi];W[om];B[nn];W[lo];B[ko];W[hj];B[gl];W[fj];B[gk];W[gj]
;B[el];W[dr];B[gp];W[fp];B[ek];W[di];B[li];W[ri];B[rh];W[sh];B[ji];W[jj];B[ii];W[hk]
;B[qg];W[rg];B[gh];W[ej];B[fc];W[gf];B[fe];W[fg];B[de];W[ec];B[ed];W[dc];B[fb];W[ce]
;B[df];W[gd];B[fd];W[hg];B[cf];W[be];B[bf];W[bc];B[hh];W[fh];B[cj];W[ci];B[id];W[if]
;B[kf];W[je];B[kc];W[le];B[ke];W[jd];B[kd];W[ib];B[fa];W[cl];B[ck];W[dk];B[dl];W[bi]
;B[cb];W[bb];B[jc];W[cm];B[cn];W[bn];B[bo];W[hd];B[ic];W[bl];B[dm];W[hq];B[iq];W[bp]
;B[cp];W[ao];B[cr];W[co];B[do];W[dq];B[cq];W[hp];B[ho];W[gq];B[hn];W[kh];B[ki];W[oj]
;B[oi];W[pf];B[of];W[pg];B[qh];W[ni];B[rf];W[lh];B[jg];W[mj];B[mi];W[mh];B[jh])

Game 3 was played on March 25. This time, Xie played black again and Mukai had white. Xie played a new move at black 9 and black threw her corner to get a huge thickness. I personally like the result for black. I wonder if C6 is better for white (instead of hane). Xie stacked up a huge moyo using her thickness and didn't really have any trouble during the game. She won the game after 163 moves.


Xie Yimin. I personally don't like the dress. It makes her look old.

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

(;CA[Windows-1252]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[23rd Japanese Female Meijin, title match #3]
DT[2011-03-25]PB[Xie Yimin]BR[5p]PW[Mukai Chiaki]WR[4p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[qp];B[dc];W[cp];B[ep];W[gq];B[cq];W[cm];B[dm];W[dl];B[cn];W[dn];B[em];W[bn]
;B[cl];W[co];B[bm];W[cn];B[dk];W[fo];B[el];W[dq];B[ce];W[kc];B[ic];W[oc];B[mc];W[oe]
;B[qg];W[qc];B[rc];W[pd];B[qe];W[qb];B[me];W[og];B[jd];W[pj];B[ih];W[hl];B[hj];W[np]
;B[lq];W[nq];B[dr];W[bq];B[hq];W[gp];B[io];W[gm];B[ir];W[jq];B[iq];W[cf];B[be];W[fk]
;B[fj];W[ej];B[ek];W[ei];B[ci];W[gj];B[fi];W[gi];B[fh];W[gh];B[gk];W[fl];B[gg];W[fg]
;B[eh];W[hg];B[gf];W[hh];B[hf];W[ig];B[if];W[jg];B[lo];W[rh];B[rg];W[jn];B[jo];W[qi]
;B[rb];W[mn];B[mo];W[nn];B[rp];W[qq];B[km];W[kn];B[ln];W[lm];B[kl];W[in];B[hk];W[il]
;B[mm];W[ll];B[kk];W[lh];B[no];W[on];B[oo];W[pn];B[li];W[ml];B[mh];W[kh];B[mg];W[jj]
;B[mk];W[mb];B[nl];W[nm];B[lk];W[mm];B[kd];W[mr];B[lr];W[gr];B[hp];W[ni];B[mi];W[lc]
;B[hn];W[im];B[rq];W[ko];B[kp];W[rr];B[go];W[gn];B[ho];W[gl];B[fp];W[eq];B[qo];W[po]
;B[qn];W[pp];B[sr];W[qr];B[rk];W[rl];B[ql];W[jp];B[jr];W[rm];B[qm];W[rn];B[ro];W[rj]
;B[qk];W[sk];B[ok];W[ol];B[pk];W[nk];B[oj];W[nj];B[ph])

With this victory, Xie put herself in a tie with Sugiuchi Kazuko (8 dan) for a 4 times consecutive Female Meijin title.

Postponed Female Meijin

An interesting occasion happened during the second game of the 23rd Female Meijin title match.

The game was played at March 11, the same day where Japan was hit by earthquake and tsunami. The game was eventually postponed at move 53. The game was planned to be continued on February March 15.

Edit: It seems that the tournament is postponed further. I'm not sure why, but it seems to be the sponsor.

Mukai Chiaki Won Game 1 of 23rd Female Meijin

They clash again! I'm talking about the recent "rivalry" between triple crowns, Xie Yimin, and Mukai Chiaki (4 dan). This is the third time Mukai Chiaki challenged Xie Yimin for Xie's title. Previously, they met at the 22nd Female Meijin and 29th Female Honinbo.


Mukai Chiaki vs. Xie Yimin


Xie Yimin

The game was interesting with a big exchange between two groups toward the end. Mukai finally won the game at move 281 by resignation. She was leading about 3-4 points on board. This is also the end of Xie's 12 games winning streak at a title match. Xie started the streak by winning from Aoki Kikuyo at the 28th Female Honinbo.


Mukai Chiaki, finally breaks his 5 consecutive losses from Xie

Left to right: Mukai Chiaki, Xie Yimin, Cho U, Iyama Yuta. All is playing in the Meijin series

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

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[23rd Japanese Female Meijin, title match #1]
DT[2011-03-02]PB[Mukai Chiaki]BR[4p]PW[Xie Yimin]WR[5p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[pp];B[dc];W[cp];B[ep];W[gq];B[cq];W[cm];B[dp];W[bp];B[dn];W[cl];B[fq];W[gp]
;B[bq];W[ci];B[jq];W[mq];B[jo];W[gm];B[mo];W[oq];B[ho];W[go];B[gn];W[hn];B[fn];W[io]
;B[hp];W[ip];B[hq];W[iq];B[hr];W[ir];B[in];W[hm];B[gr];W[jp];B[im];W[ko];B[il];W[qm]
;B[fl];W[od];B[ld];W[qe];B[re];W[pe];B[rf];W[qc];B[rc];W[pd];B[rd];W[qb];B[qi];W[mc]
;B[lc];W[lb];B[kb];W[mb];B[cg];W[hs];B[fr];W[jc];B[kc];W[jb];B[jd];W[id];B[je];W[hc]
;B[ja];W[ia];B[ka];W[hb];B[md];W[rb];B[fb];W[ie];B[if];W[hf];B[nc];W[qg];B[rg];W[nb]
;B[nd];W[oc];B[hg];W[ge];B[gf];W[he];B[ig];W[qh];B[rh];W[rj];B[ri];W[ff];B[bj];W[bi]
;B[cj];W[dj];B[di];W[ej];B[ch];W[el];B[gg];W[fk];B[gl];W[gk];B[hl];W[qk];B[mm];W[de]
;B[dh];W[cc];B[bl];W[bm];B[bk];W[ap];B[dm];W[dl];B[ee];W[fe];B[ef];W[db];B[fj];W[ei]
;B[fi];W[eh];B[fg];W[eg];B[df];W[hj];B[ii];W[ij];B[ji];W[jj];B[kj];W[fh];B[lp];W[ki]
;B[kh];W[li];B[lj];W[lh];B[kg];W[lg];B[kf];W[hi];B[lq];W[mj];B[ll];W[ed];B[ce];W[sc]
;B[oh];W[og];B[ng];W[nh];B[pg];W[lk];B[kk];W[mk];B[of];W[lr];B[kr];W[mr];B[dd];W[kl]
;B[jn];W[kp];B[fd];W[ln];B[gd];W[eb];B[ec];W[bd];B[lm];W[mn];B[nm];W[jk];B[ol];W[pj]
;B[km];W[nn];B[on];W[pn];B[ea];W[bb];B[da];W[cb];B[oo];W[no];B[po];W[qo];B[qp];W[pq]
;B[ro];W[qn];B[rl];W[ql];B[qq];W[rn];B[rq];W[ps];B[kn];W[lo];B[qr];W[sr];B[sj];W[rk]
;B[sk];W[si];B[sh];W[pi];B[qf];W[ph];B[pf];W[mf];B[ni];W[mh];B[sd];W[ne];B[sf];W[aq]
;B[oe];W[ob];B[nj];W[oi];B[ok];W[og];B[co];W[bo];B[oh];W[em];B[fm];W[og];B[pk];W[qj]
;B[oh];W[op];B[om];W[og];B[is];W[js];B[oh];W[br];B[cr];W[og];B[bs];W[ag];B[bh];W[ca]
;B[sl];W[sn];B[fa];W[oh];B[ar];W[cn];B[jl];W[kk];B[be];W[ae];B[gh];W[gi];B[sb];W[do]
;B[en];W[ih];B[jh];W[hh];B[lf];W[mg];B[me];W[nf];B[bf];W[af];B[al];W[ah];B[ai];W[cd]
;B[gs])

Mukai Chiaki Rechallenge Xie Yimin

Despite her lost at the final round at the 23rd Female Meijin league, Mukai Chiaki (4 dan) won her ticket to play Xie Yimin for the title Female Meijin.


Mukai Chiaki

Mukai picked 4 victories and 2 losses. At the final round of the league, Mukai lost by a slim 0.5 point to Mannami Nao (2 dan), but her higher placement at the previous league won her the ticket to the best-of-3 title series.



Mannami Nao

The date of the first game is still unknown, but it is expected to be in March. Xie has a very positive 7-2 record against Mukai. This will be their third title series between the two. Previously, Xie beat Mukai 3-0 in Female Honinbo title match and 2-0 in last year Female Meijin.

Final placement of the league:
1. Mukai Chiaki (4 dan) 4-2
2. Suzuki Ayumi (5 dan) 4-2
3. Yoshida Mika (8 dan) 4-2
4. Okuda Aya (2 dan) 4-2
5. Mannami Nao (2 dan) 3-3 Demoted
6. Umezawa Yukari (5 dan) 1-5 Demoted
7. Koyama Terumi (6 dan( 1-5 Demoted

Mannami Nao (black) vs. Mukai Chiaki (white). Result: B+0.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[23rd Female Meijin, league]DT[2011-01-20]
PB[Mannami Kana]BR[2p]PW[Mukai Chiaki]WR[4p]KM[6.5]RE[B+0.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pp];W[dq];B[fc];W[cf];B[kc];W[qj];B[qn];W[qg];B[pi];W[qi];B[pf];W[re]
;B[pg];W[qe];B[pe];W[qh];B[pd];W[ic];B[fe];W[ie];B[db];W[ke];B[md];W[gd];B[fd];W[cc]
;B[fg];W[gc];B[dh];W[fb];B[eb];W[gb];B[cb];W[bc];B[de];W[ce];B[ed];W[dc];B[ec];W[bh]
;B[do];W[dl];B[eq];W[er];B[ep];W[fr];B[cq];W[cr];B[dp];W[dr];B[bq];W[iq];B[cm];W[cl]
;B[dm];W[eg];B[fh];W[eh];B[fi];W[ei];B[kq];W[jq];B[kp];W[lc];B[ld];W[kd];B[lb];W[jc]
;B[kb];W[ff];B[gf];W[ef];B[ge];W[hg];B[gg];W[hh];B[gj];W[ij];B[pq];W[rc];B[rd];W[sd]
;B[lg];W[lf];B[jg];W[mg];B[lh];W[ig];B[el];W[fk];B[gk];W[fl];B[ik];W[jk];B[il];W[jl]
;B[im];W[fj];B[hi];W[ii];B[jm];W[kj];B[mh];W[qb];B[pb];W[nf];B[ng];W[mf];B[qc];W[rb]
;B[lm];W[ql];B[ek];W[dj];B[kr];W[gp];B[em];W[ej];B[rm];W[nm];B[mn];W[ob];B[oa];W[nn]
;B[no];W[oo];B[np];W[bl];B[br];W[bn];B[bm];W[am];B[bo];W[jr];B[dk];W[ck];B[js];W[is]
;B[ks];W[io];B[hr];W[ir];B[rl];W[rk];B[pl];W[pk];B[pm];W[og];B[mj];W[oc];B[pc];W[nd]
;B[nb];W[ll];B[ml];W[km];B[kn];W[kl];B[gl];W[mm];B[ln];W[hj];B[gi];W[nl];B[mk];W[ok]
;B[ph];W[fm];B[jh];W[ih];B[jo];W[nh];B[ni];W[on];B[bb];W[ab];B[jb];W[ib];B[qf];W[rf]
;B[cn];W[oj];B[oi];W[ne];B[nc];W[od];B[an];W[al];B[ji];W[jj];B[cs];W[qa];B[pa];W[jf]
;B[fq];W[gq];B[gr];W[hq];B[ds];W[gs];B[ho];W[hs];B[es];W[bs];B[as];W[fs];B[bs];W[go]
;B[ip];W[hn];B[in];W[fn];B[ee];W[op];B[oq];W[po];B[qo];W[sl];B[sm];W[sk];B[df];W[dg]
;B[ki];W[kg];B[lj];W[qk];B[qm];W[kf];B[kh];W[mi];B[li];W[nj];B[he];W[hd];B[ia];W[ha]
;B[ja];W[ea];B[da];W[fa];B[hm];W[gn];B[en];W[lk];B[hf];W[if];B[hk];W[ba];B[ca];W[ac]
;B[aa];W[qp];B[rp];W[ba];B[cj];W[bj];B[aa];W[hp];B[io];W[ba];B[rg];W[rh];B[aa];W[nk]
;B[mi];W[ba];B[fp];W[fo];B[aa];W[qq];B[qr];W[ba];B[ci];W[bi];B[aa];W[rq];B[rr];W[ba]
;B[bk];W[ak];B[aa];W[ng];B[ba])

Suzuki Ayumi (black) vs. Umezawa Yukari (white). Result: B+R


Suzuki Ayumi

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[23rd Female Meijin, league]DT[2011-01-20]
PB[Suzuki Ayumi]BR[5p]PW[Umezawa Yukari]WR[5p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dd];B[fq];W[cn];B[lq];W[qj];B[qf];W[qm];B[pn];W[ro];B[rp];W[pm]
;B[om];W[on];B[qn];W[oo];B[rn];W[rm];B[op];W[np];B[oq];W[mo];B[ol];W[nq];B[jp];W[qh]
;B[ll];W[kn];B[oi];W[pg];B[fo];W[eq];B[fr];W[or];B[pr];W[qr];B[pq];W[kq];B[jq];W[kp]
;B[kr];W[jo];B[lp];W[ko];B[mr];W[nr];B[ps];W[ho];B[hq];W[il];B[pf];W[og];B[mh];W[rg]
;B[cf];W[ch];B[fd];W[df];B[dg];W[cg];B[dc];W[ce];B[cc];W[ef];B[en];W[fc];B[gc];W[ec]
;B[ed];W[gb];B[hc];W[db];B[hb];W[cb];B[cd];W[de];B[bb];W[eb];B[ga];W[ba];B[bc];W[ge]
;B[ff];W[fg];B[fe];W[gg];B[gf];W[hf];B[he];W[ie];B[be];W[fa];B[fb];W[hd];B[gd];W[gb]
;B[bf];W[dh];B[fb];W[ip];B[iq];W[gb];B[ha];W[ad];B[fb];W[ab];B[bd];W[gb];B[qk];W[rk]
;B[fb];W[pc];B[oc];W[gb];B[pj];W[ri];B[fb];W[od];B[qc];W[gb];B[ca];W[da];B[pb];W[bg]
;B[fb];W[lj];B[jk];W[ki];B[jl];W[im];B[ik];W[hk];B[hj];W[gk];B[mm];W[mn];B[mj];W[gb]
;B[cm];W[bm];B[bn];W[dn];B[bo];W[bl];B[dm];W[cp];B[gm];W[gl];B[fb];W[mi];B[ni];W[gb]
;B[ck];W[bk];B[fb];W[lh];B[li];W[gb];B[lg];W[af];B[fb];W[ae];B[hg];W[if];B[hh];W[ic]
;B[jb];W[jc];B[kb];W[kc];B[lc];W[ld];B[mc];W[mf];B[lf];W[me];B[cj];W[bj];B[dr];W[cr]
;B[br];W[bp];B[of];W[ng];B[mg];W[nf];B[gj];W[fm];B[em];W[fj];B[bq];W[cq];B[cs];W[ek]
;B[jg];W[cl];B[fi];W[ei];B[ea];W[ac];B[rf];W[sf];B[se];W[sg];B[re];W[ig];B[ih];W[gi]
;B[hi];W[gh];B[ql];W[rl];B[ep];W[aq];B[dq];W[bs];B[as];W[ap];B[fl];W[jf];B[kg];W[sn]
;B[qo];W[so];B[sm];W[sl];B[sp];W[sm];B[jm];W[in];B[ke])

Okuda Aya Joins Mukai Chiaki Lead

Being the sole leader of the 23rd Female Meijin for 2 weeks, Mukai Chiaki must watch her back. Because the young and ambitious Okuda Aya (2 dan) also scored her second victory today.


Okuda Aya

Okuda Aya beat Koyama Terumi (6 dan) by 2.5 points. With this lost, Koyama is in danger with 0-2 score.

Here is the game record:
Okuda Aya (white) vs. Koyama Terumi (black). Result: W+2.5.

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[23rd Female Meijin, league]DT[2010-08-26]
PB[Koyama Terumi]BR[6p]PW[Okuda Aya]WR[2p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+2.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[oq];W[qf];B[qh];W[qc];B[qd];W[pc];B[od];W[rd];B[re];W[rc]
;B[qe];W[nc];B[co];W[gq];B[cf];W[di];B[ck];W[cm];B[fp];W[fq];B[cq];W[cr];B[dp];W[bq]
;B[eq];W[cp];B[dr];W[cq];B[fr];W[gp];B[gr];W[iq];B[go];W[ho];B[eo];W[bo];B[gn];W[hn]
;B[gm];W[hm];B[gk];W[hl];B[ek];W[gl];B[fl];W[fj];B[fk];W[em];B[fm];W[df];B[dg];W[ef]
;B[ce];W[cd];B[eg];W[fg];B[fh];W[gh];B[ch];W[fd];B[gi];W[gg];B[hi];W[mp];B[pk];W[nd]
;B[kp];W[ds];B[er];W[kq];B[lq];W[lp];B[ko];W[kr];B[mq];W[ln];B[kn];W[nq];B[nr];W[np]
;B[mr];W[lm];B[km];W[kl];B[jl];W[op];B[pp];W[ll];B[ip];W[jm];B[jq];W[jr];B[hq];W[jp]
;B[hp];W[jo];B[ic];W[gc];B[lc];W[nf];B[pf];W[ci];B[eh];W[kb];B[lb];W[kc];B[kd];W[ld]
;B[nb];W[ob];B[md];W[le];B[oc];W[mb];B[ne];W[na];B[mc];W[jd];B[nb];W[qn];B[ma];W[pb]
;B[cn];W[bm];B[ig];W[if];B[hf];W[hg];B[ka];W[jb];B[ie];W[jf];B[ke];W[je];B[kf];W[kg]
;B[lf];W[lg];B[me];W[ib];B[pn];W[pm];B[oo];W[om];B[no];W[mo];B[bn];W[an];B[bk];W[rp]
;B[rq];W[ro];B[pr];W[qk];B[qj];W[rk];B[rj];W[be];B[bf];W[bd];B[ql];W[rl];B[rm];W[qm]
;B[sk];W[pl];B[sl];W[ql];B[ok];W[qq];B[rr];W[ii];B[nn];W[nm];B[ih];W[nj];B[ji];W[oi]
;B[jg];W[id];B[nk];W[lj];B[pi];W[dl];B[dk];W[jk];B[mg];W[mh];B[nh];W[oh];B[mi];W[mj]
;B[og];W[pg];B[of];W[li];B[lh];W[mn];B[po];W[kh];B[ki];W[mh];B[sd];W[rb];B[lh];W[sc]
;B[mh];W[se];B[rf];W[ph];B[qg];W[af];B[ag];W[ae];B[bg];W[rn];B[io];W[in];B[sm];W[is]
;B[oj];W[ni];B[ml];W[mm];B[kj];W[lk];B[ij];W[hr];B[ik];W[il];B[oa];W[hk];B[hj];W[en]
;B[al];W[bl];B[de];W[ee];B[fn];W[ls];B[sp];W[ms];B[ns];W[lr];B[kk];W[gs];B[ja];W[ia]
;B[la];W[pa];B[sf];W[am];B[ak];W[sd];B[na])

Mukai Chiaki Leads Female Meijin League.

Mukai Chiaki (4 dan) is surely ambitious to re-challenge Xie Yimin, the Female Meijin title holder after her unsuccessful challenge early this year.


Mukai Chiaki

Mukai beat Suzuki Ayumi (5 dan) by 3.5 points to become league's leader by 2-0. Meanwhile, Suzuki Ayumi is in danger since she has lost twice at the league.

At the same day, Umezawa Yukari (5 dan) escaped the 0-2 score by defeating Mannami Nao by resignation. Currently, Ms. Umezawa is 1-1 at the league.


Umezawa Yukari

Here is the game record between Mukai Chiaki and Suzuki Ayumi

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[23rd Female Meijin, league]DT[2010-08-12]
PB[Mukai Chiaki]BR[4p]PW[Suzuki Ayumi]WR[5p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[B+3.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dc];B[ce];W[qn];B[ql];W[qq];B[qp];W[pp];B[rq];W[qr];B[po];W[op]
;B[qo];W[rr];B[no];W[oo];B[on];W[oq];B[pn];W[dh];B[fe];W[fc];B[ed];W[ec];B[he];W[ic]
;B[cj];W[cm];B[ei];W[ef];B[ee];W[eh];B[fi];W[gg];B[hi];W[ig];B[je];W[kg];B[jh];W[jg]
;B[le];W[mg];B[li];W[lc];B[hc];W[hb];B[kc];W[id];B[ie];W[kb];B[mc];W[ld];B[md];W[mb]
;B[kd];W[lb];B[hd];W[jb];B[pf];W[ci];B[bi];W[bh];B[bk];W[ai];B[bj];W[gf];B[ge];W[nh]
;B[lf];W[lg];B[hh];W[hg];B[ph];W[df];B[cd];W[ji];B[jj];W[ki];B[kj];W[ih];B[ii];W[kh]
;B[ik];W[dq];B[oi];W[pc];B[qc];W[od];B[qd];W[cc];B[oe];W[ob];B[nd];W[nf];B[ne];W[ip]
;B[kq];W[iq];B[co];W[dn];B[bq];W[cr];B[br];W[bm];B[do];W[eo];B[bo];W[fn];B[em];W[en]
;B[bs];W[mp];B[ko];W[lp];B[kp];W[mn];B[in];W[dk];B[dj];W[hn];B[hm];W[io];B[gn];W[ho]
;B[gm];W[go];B[nn];W[ln];B[mr];W[mq];B[jn];W[kn];B[jo];W[qb];B[jr];W[ir];B[nr];W[rp]
;B[ro];W[sq];B[or];W[pr];B[oc];W[pb];B[rb];W[ra];B[sc];W[so];B[rn];W[sn];B[sm];W[sp]
;B[qm];W[fm];B[fl];W[el];B[ek];W[dl];B[gk];W[nl];B[ni];W[lk];B[bc];W[bf];B[cg];W[cf]
;B[ch];W[bg];B[di];W[be];B[bd];W[ae];B[nk];W[mk];B[ok];W[ao];B[ap];W[cp];B[bp];W[an]
;B[ar];W[bb];B[ab];W[ba];B[nb];W[na];B[kl];W[kk];B[jl];W[ll];B[dr];W[er];B[ds];W[es]
;B[cs];W[km];B[jm];W[ol];B[is];W[hs];B[js];W[gr];B[nc];W[pl];B[pk];W[mj];B[gc];W[gb]
;B[mi];W[og];B[pg];W[os];B[nm];W[mm];B[cq];W[lr];B[lq];W[ns];B[ls];W[gh];B[gi];W[dg]
;B[nj];W[ci];B[ch];W[mf];B[me];W[ps];B[ms];W[jc];B[of];W[ff];B[fh];W[fg];B[fd];W[oa]
;B[qa];W[pa];B[sb];W[ma])

Here is the game record between Umezawa Yukari vs. Mannami Nao

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[23rd Female Meijin, league]DT[2010-08-12]
PB[Mannami Nao]BR[2p]PW[Umezawa Yukari]WR[5p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dc];B[de];W[ce];B[cf];W[cd];B[fq];W[cm];B[cq];W[dq];B[cp];W[dr]
;B[cn];W[dn];B[do];W[eo];B[co];W[en];B[bm];W[cl];B[bl];W[ck];B[bk];W[cj];B[oq];W[jd]
;B[lc];W[le];B[nc];W[df];B[hd];W[kc];B[ld];W[jf];B[hf];W[ih];B[hh];W[ii];B[hi];W[hj]
;B[ef];W[dg];B[eg];W[dh];B[fi];W[kp];B[gj];W[hk];B[pj];W[re];B[qd];W[rd];B[rc];W[rb]
;B[qc];W[qh];B[rj];W[pf];B[ig];W[jg];B[iq];W[np];B[nq];W[mq];B[mr];W[lq];B[io];W[hp]
;B[ip];W[kn];B[gp];W[go];B[fo];W[fn];B[fp];W[ho];B[hq];W[fr];B[ep];W[eq];B[gq];W[cr]
;B[br];W[bq];B[aq];W[bs];B[ar];W[es];B[im];W[hl];B[is];W[gr];B[lr];W[kr];B[ks];W[jr]
;B[js];W[pm];B[ol];W[po];B[pp];W[nn];B[rn];W[pl];B[pk];W[rl];B[ph];W[pg];B[qi];W[rh]
;B[oh];W[me];B[sd];W[nd];B[od];W[nf];B[nk];W[eh];B[fc];W[fh];B[ic];W[gg];B[hg];W[lb]
;B[eb];W[nb];B[ob];W[mc];B[oc];W[oa];B[pa];W[na];B[qb];W[se];B[sc];W[ge];B[he];W[db]
;B[gb];W[jb];B[gf];W[fe];B[ff];W[ee];B[ib];W[gd];B[gc];W[da];B[ea];W[id];B[gh];W[fg]
;B[hc];W[mh];B[mm];W[nm];B[qe];W[rf];B[ml];W[kl];B[qk];W[rm];B[qn];W[pn];B[bj];W[bi]
;B[bh];W[ai];B[op];W[mo];B[ci];W[ch];B[gn];W[hn];B[dm];W[ej];B[gm];W[hm];B[em];W[ni]
;B[oi];W[nj];B[oj];W[mk];B[qf];W[qg];B[nl];W[ll];B[in];W[sn];B[ro];W[jl];B[nh];W[mj])

Girls Fight

Let's take a look at a recently played game. This game came from the 23rd Female Meijin league. Black is Okuda Aya (2 dan) and white is Suzuki Ayumi (5 dan).


Okuda Aya

In this game, Okuda Aya who played black showed an excellent game. The game became complicated early when Suzuki Ayumi played a hit shoulder at move 10. Black struggled to come out and helped her group in the center.


Suzuki Ayumi

The game was decided when black cut white's stone at move 149. It seemed that white would win the capturing race. However, black played a tesuji with 179 to kill white. Black won the game by resignation.

Okuda Aya recently showed a very good result. She was the finalist of the 4th Daiwa Ladies Cup and notably, she beat Xie Yimin at the first round of the championship. She also started her Female Meijin league with a nice victory.

Here's the game record:

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[23rd Japanese Female Meijin, league]
DT[2010-07-29]PB[Okuda Aya]BR[2p]PW[Suzuki Ayumi]WR[5p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[fq];W[cn];B[qk];W[jp];B[lq];W[gp];B[fp];W[fo];B[eo];W[fn]
;B[ep];W[dq];B[en];W[fm];B[cm];W[bm];B[cl];W[el];B[co];W[bo];B[dn];W[bn];B[dl];W[lo]
;B[np];W[di];B[gq];W[hp];B[iq];W[jq];B[ir];W[jr];B[ip];W[io];B[jo];W[lp];B[jn];W[mq]
;B[ek];W[fk];B[ej];W[df];B[gl];W[in];B[jm];W[im];B[il];W[jl];B[hm];W[ik];B[hl];W[ho]
;B[ln];W[fl];B[lr];W[mr];B[mn];W[kr];B[hj];W[gj];B[jk];W[kl];B[jj];W[ei];B[cj];W[ci]
;B[er];W[dr];B[dj];W[gi];B[jd];W[qf];B[qe];W[pf];B[nd];W[ml];B[lk];W[pj];B[pk];W[qj]
;B[oj];W[rk];B[rl];W[rj];B[ko];W[kp];B[qm];W[op];B[oo];W[nn];B[ll];W[oq];B[pp];W[no]
;B[or];W[nq];B[oi];W[re];B[rd];W[rf];B[qh];W[rh];B[qi];W[ri];B[og];W[qc];B[qd];W[rc]
;B[sd];W[of];B[nf];W[ng];B[nh];W[sk];B[fc];W[ob];B[pc];W[pb];B[nc];W[ra];B[ee];W[de]
;B[db];W[ge];B[hd];W[ih];B[hf];W[mb];B[nb];W[na];B[lc];W[cc];B[ds];W[cs];B[es];W[br]
;B[gf];W[is];B[hr];W[bj];B[bk];W[bi];B[do];W[cp];B[hh];W[hi];B[ii];W[fj];B[bl];W[ji]
;B[ij];W[hg];B[gh];W[gg];B[fh];W[fg];B[ig];W[jh];B[eg];W[ff];B[ef];W[fe];B[eh];W[ed]
;B[jg];W[kg];B[kh];W[ki];B[li];W[lh];B[kj];W[kh];B[kf];W[lf];B[lg])

Xie Yimin Beat Mukai Chiaki

Xie Yimin once again show that she is the number one female player in Japan.
She beat Mukai Chiaki (4 dan) in the second game of 22th Female Meijin.



Congratulations for Xie Yimin!


This is the game record. Black won by 2.5 points.

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rating game]DT[20011231 [23\:41\]]PB[Hsieh.Min 6DP]
PW[Mukai,Chia 4DP]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[Black 2,5Win !]US[www.cyberoro.com]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[pp];B[dc];W[dp];B[cn];W[cl];B[ce];W[fp];B[qn];W[np];B[pj];W[nc];B[pc];W[jd]
;B[hc];W[ne];B[lq];W[jq];B[lo];W[nn];B[nr];W[qh];B[oq];W[ql];B[pm];W[pl];B[om];W[op]
;B[lm];W[rp];B[ro];W[lp];B[kp];W[mr];B[mq];W[nq];B[lr];W[or];B[ms];W[qq];B[qj];W[ok]
;B[oj];W[nk];B[nm];W[oh];B[nj];W[mk];B[nh];W[og];B[lh];W[kk];B[lj];W[lk];B[jm];W[ki]
;B[kh];W[ji];B[ng];W[nf];B[kf];W[le];B[ig];W[ie];B[hh];W[ik];B[gk];W[mp];B[jp];W[ip]
;B[io];W[ko];B[ln];W[kq];B[jo];W[hq];B[os];W[pr];B[kr];W[jr];B[hp];W[gq];B[iq];W[ir]
;B[gm];W[mj];B[mi];W[hj];B[fi];W[gh];B[gg];W[hi];B[ks];W[ci];B[cq];W[bo];B[eq];W[dq]
;B[dr];W[cp];B[bq];W[er];B[fr];W[ep];B[es];W[fh];B[dl];W[bm];B[di];W[ch];B[fg];W[eh]
;B[qf];W[hn];B[gn];W[im];B[il];W[jl];B[hl];W[ho];B[go];W[gp];B[ip];W[jn];B[kn];W[km]
;B[hm];W[jm];B[in];W[ps];B[gr];W[hr];B[ns];W[dj];B[dk];W[ej];B[ck];W[bk];B[cm];W[bl]
;B[rk];W[dd];B[cd];W[ec];B[db];W[gd];B[gc];W[rl];B[jb];W[pf];B[qg];W[rg];B[cj];W[bj]
;B[rf];W[oi];B[ni];W[ri];B[hd];W[ob];B[pb];W[hf];B[hg];W[df];B[ge];W[de];B[fd];W[cc]
;B[cb];W[kc];B[kb];W[lb];B[sg];W[sh];B[rh];W[dm];B[fk];W[rg];B[ph];W[pi];B[rh];W[em]
;B[ek];W[rg];B[sf];W[ed];B[jc];W[lc];B[eb];W[cf];B[bf];W[bc];B[bd];W[ad];B[be];W[bg]
;B[bb];W[ei];B[en];W[dn];B[fm];W[eo];B[ke];W[lf];B[if];W[kd];B[rh];W[af];B[ac];W[qi]
;B[qo];W[fq];B[er];W[fc];B[fb];W[pa];B[qa];W[oa];B[qc];W[rg];B[pe];W[he];B[pg];W[of]
;B[fe];W[bp];B[aq];W[li];B[qp];W[rq];B[eg];W[dg];B[od];W[ka];B[ja];W[ic];B[ib];W[la]
;B[id];W[je];B[oc];W[nb];B[nd];W[md];B[gi];W[gs];B[br];W[kg];B[jh];W[jf];B[ii];W[ij]
;B[fn];W[mg];B[lg];W[mf];B[mh];W[on];B[ll];W[jg];B[ih];W[rj];B[qk];W[sk];B[rh];W[cs]
;B[bs];W[rg];B[fj];W[dh];B[rh];W[qb];B[rb];W[rg];B[kl];W[jk];B[rh];W[ra];B[sa];W[rg]
;B[do];W[co];B[rh];W[mn];B[mm];W[rg];B[el];W[bn];B[rh];W[gf];B[ff];W[rg];B[ol];W[pk]
;B[rh];W[si];B[mo];W[ap];B[sp];W[sq];B[so];W[sm];B[js];W[ag];B[ae];W[no];B[po];W[rg]
;B[pn];W[qm];B[rh];W[rm];B[rg];W[pq];B[ko];W[hs];B[gd])

Xie Yimin Good Start

The 22nd Female Meijin title matches had started. The first game was played in
March 3.

This time, Xie Yimin Female Meijin is challenged by the youngest of Mukai sisters, Mukai Chiaki (4 dan).


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

This is Mukai Chiaki's second shot for a title. The first one was Female Kisei, but lost to the title holder, Umezawa Yukari.

While Xie just won her third big title, Female Kisei last month. The first game was won by Xie Yimin who hold white.

The next game will be played in March 10.

(;
EV[22nd Female Meijin title match 1]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Xie Yimin]
WR[Female Meijin]
DT[2010-03-03]
BR[4d]
RE[W+R]
PB[Mukai Chiaki]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[co];W[op];B[mq];W[qq];B[qm];W[pp];B[rp]
;W[on];B[gq];W[do];B[dn];W[eo];B[cp];W[cq];B[fr];W[eq];B[go];W[gn]
;B[ho];W[fn];B[cl];W[jp];B[hn];W[lp];B[hl];W[fl];B[kq];W[mp];B[lq]
;W[pl];B[ql];W[pk];B[kp];W[qk];B[rq];W[qf];B[nc];W[rd];B[cf];W[fc]
;B[dj];W[qc];B[kc];W[bd];B[lo];W[of];B[hc];W[ch];B[gk];W[er];B[ce]
;W[cd];B[dh];W[bp];B[mm];W[qr];B[rk];W[rj];B[sl];W[ml];B[ri];W[qj]
;B[ll];W[lk];B[pm];W[om];B[nl];W[mk];B[nm];W[lm];B[np];W[ol];B[nk]
;W[nj];B[sj];W[kl];B[no];W[pn];B[qn];W[qi];B[rh];W[qh];B[rg];W[ob]
;B[oc];W[nb];B[mb];W[pc];B[na];W[pb];B[md];W[ci];B[di];W[cg];B[dg]
;W[bf];B[be];W[ae];B[bg];W[af];B[ee];W[jn];B[oq];W[pq];B[lh];W[jj]
;B[jh];W[fe];B[ef];W[gc];B[hb];W[he];B[ed];W[ec];B[ea];W[fa];B[fb]
;W[gb];B[ga];W[eb];B[bo];W[cj];B[ck];W[bk];B[bl];W[aj];B[bq];W[br]
;B[ap];W[ar];B[fa];W[da];B[ha];W[db];B[or];W[jc];B[id];W[jd];B[ie]
;W[je];B[if];W[le];B[nf];W[kg];B[kf];W[jf];B[jg];W[lf];B[mg];W[kb]
;B[og];W[lc];B[oj];W[oi];B[mj];W[ni];B[lj];W[kj];B[mh];W[pf];B[ph]
;W[qg];B[ld];W[ig];B[hf];W[kd];B[ad];W[ih];B[kh];W[ii];B[lb];W[gg]
;B[ge];W[gf];B[hd];W[gd];B[ff];W[he];B[ja];W[ib];B[ge];W[fd];B[ag]
;W[ia];B[pi];W[pj];B[nh];W[ok];B[mi];W[mf];B[ka];W[ke])

Xie Yimin Defended Her Female Meijin

One of the current strongest female player in Japan is Xie Yimin. Holding many titles in such young age, make her one of the Japanese promising player.

This year, as the title holder, she was challenged by Chinen Kaori for her Female Meijin title.

The first game was played in March 4, at Chiyoda, Tokyo.

In this game, Chinen Kaori played as black and Xie Yimin played as white. Chinen played the opening that was popularized by Lee changho. Black got a very nice thickness in the right side after the joseki they finished in move 26. I wonder if the sequence from move 27-32 is conidered as joseki. I saw a lot of Japanese player played this sequence (and I think the sequence is only favourited in Japan, I think Cho U played this sequence very much in the past). The pincer at move 33 was natural. It worked well with black's thickness in the right side.


board position up to move 83


The fight started a move 63, where black cut white's formation. It was clear that black was confident that she was able to killed white's group, due to her thickness in the right side, but Xie successfully saved her group in move 118.

The game went pretty good for Xie Yimin after that, as she successfully handle Chinen's attack in the left side. Xie won the game after she revived her group in the bottom, using the cut she got after black defended her threatened group in the left.



Xie Yimin, Female Honinbo won the first game by resignation.

The second game was played in March 17. This time, Chinen Kaori payback the first game, by winning the second game by 3.5 points margin.


Board position up to move 88

The game started by Chinen successfully created a moyo in the left side up to move 38. Xie invaded the moyo in move 41 and successfully reduce the moyo. The only problem Xie got was that she ended in gote. Up to move 80, I think the opening was slightly better for Chinen.

I think Xie's move at move 83 was not very good. She tried to split white's stones at H15 and G11, it was success and she completely saved her earlier invading group, but I personally think the aji was bad as Chinen had a probe stone at R17. The move also made her group in the right became thin.

Chinen played a very good yose and eventually won the game after 290 moves.

The last and deciding game was played in April Fool day.Xie Yimin played as black and Chinen Kaori played as white.

The game started with Chinen (for the third time in this title match) playing for thickness in the left side. The sequence from move 21-36 is worth to learn, as it usually appears in a game.


Board position up to move 87

Chinen's move at move 66 was excitin. She took territory without leaving aji. It's a good decision, comparing to using iken-tobi in this situation.



A fight started at move 92. Chinen threated Xie's group in the middle and in the upper right corner, but surprisingly, Chinen sacrificed the attacking group, for a moyo in the left. Looking the dangerous moyo created, Xie played the famous tesuij at move 147 and tried to gave life to the group. A sabaki started. In the end, Xie gave life to the group and won the game, as Chinen Kaori resigned at move 207.



Xie Yimin defended her title that she took from Kato Keiko last year. The prize money for first placer is ¥5,100,000.

Chinen Kaori Challenge Xie Yimin For the 21st Female Meijin sen

The teenager title holder, Xie Yimin, will be challenged by Chinen Kaori 4dan.

Chinen Kaori (left) won the right to challenge after winning the first place in the league with 4-2 score.It's actually kinda surprise, because Kato Keiko was leading the league, but ended up with 3-3 score due to her straight loses in her last 2 games and put her in the third place.Suzuki Ayumi, who lost to Xie Yimin (right) in the 27th Female Honinbo title match, ended up in second place. She also had 4-2 score, but it seems that she wasranked #2 due to his 2.5 points lost to Chinen Kaori. Umezawa Yukari, the current Female Kisei title holder ended in fourth place with 3-3 score. She was lucky, becauseshe was tied with Yoshida Mika (8 dan), but due to her resignation victory, she wasn't demoted from the league.Bad news for 3 bottom players. Kobayashi Izumi (6 dan), Yoshida Mika (8 dan), and Mukai Chiaki (2 dan) are demoted from the league.

Chinen Kaori has won 2 titles so far. They're Female Kisei in 2002,2003,and 2005 and Female Honinbo in 1997-1999 and in 2004.Her first title in the 1997 Female Honinbo was pretty interesting and involved huge press conference due to her pregnancy, as by that point the baby was expected any day.The game four (which she won along with the title) was played in Yugen no Ma in Nihon Kiin.
one interesting point about this 21st Female Meijin league is the fact that the league system is just being used this time. They were using double elimination system before.
The first round's date is yet unknown but expected to be played in February. Last year Xie Yimin won 2 straight games, all by 0.5 point. I wonder who will win this time.