Hane Naoki Gosei

Hane Naoki (9 dan) seems to be the new "King of Comeback" (the old one was Cho Chikun). Though he failed to win the Honinbo by comeback earlier, he didn't miss his chance to win the Gosei by winning the last 3 games after lost the first two.


Hane Naoki (left) vs. Sakai Hideyuki (right)

Hane Naoki won game 4 by 6.5 points and won game 5 by resignation after he successfully exploited Sakai's weak groups in the opening. This is the first Gosei title for Hane. Congratulations!


Hane Naoki Gosei


Sakai Hideyuki lost his title and have to started from the final preliminary again.

The game records:
Game 4
Hane Naoki (white) vs. Sakai Hideyuki (black). Result: W+6.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]GM[1]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]SZ[19]FF[3]EV[36th Gosei title match 4]
DT[2011-08-18]PB[Sakai Hideyuki]BR[8p]PW[Hane Naoki]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[W+6.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[op];W[co];B[iq];W[qj];B[qh];W[qm];B[pl];W[ql];B[pj];W[pk]
;B[ok];W[qk];B[pi];W[ol];B[nk];W[pq];B[pp];W[nl];B[pm];W[pn];B[om];W[no];B[nm];W[ml]
;B[mm];W[lm];B[ln];W[ll];B[mn];W[kn];B[lp];W[rh];B[rg];W[ri];B[qg];W[rn];B[ko];W[jn]
;B[fc];W[id];B[df];W[fd];B[cc];W[ec];B[cd];W[ch];B[bf];W[nc];B[gc];W[gd];B[eb];W[pc]
;B[qc];W[qd];B[pe];W[qb];B[rc];W[hc];B[oc];W[pb];B[ob];W[nb];B[od];W[oa];B[rb];W[ra]
;B[qe];W[ld];B[fq];W[eo];B[cn];W[dn];B[cm];W[bo];B[cj];W[eh];B[dm];W[oq];B[nq];W[nr]
;B[np];W[lr];B[or];W[pr];B[mr];W[os];B[ms];W[ej];B[rr];W[fb];B[lq];W[db];B[bh];W[cg]
;B[bg];W[lj];B[md];W[nd];B[me];W[ne];B[mf];W[lc];B[dc];W[ea];B[en];W[do];B[de];W[lg]
;B[mg];W[mh];B[ff];W[nh];B[gg];W[ci];B[bi];W[gi];B[of];W[ck];B[dj];W[dk];B[bk];W[el]
;B[em];W[fm];B[fn];W[gm];B[er];W[dr];B[di];W[ei];B[hh];W[rp];B[rq];W[hi];B[kh];W[lh]
;B[ki];W[kg];B[hn];W[hm];B[in];W[im];B[km];W[jo];B[jp];W[jm];B[mj];W[oi];B[oh];W[og]
;B[ph];W[mk];B[kl];W[lk];B[ih];W[oj];B[li];W[nj];B[jj];W[ii];B[jh];W[kj];B[ji];W[jk]
;B[ed];W[gb];B[ij];W[bb];B[cb];W[ca];B[qo];W[qn];B[bc];W[ro];B[on];W[hp];B[hq];W[nf]
;B[ng];W[if];B[mc];W[mb];B[ds];W[cs];B[es];W[br];B[hj];W[gj];B[hl];W[qq];B[qs];W[qr]
;B[rs];W[sq];B[sr];W[sp];B[ns];W[eq];B[fr];W[le];B[pg];W[bn];B[gp];W[gn];B[il];W[jl]
;B[io];W[go];B[bm];W[fp];B[gq];W[fe];B[gf];W[dh];B[bj];W[ef];B[eg];W[ee];B[dg];W[fh]
;B[fg];W[hf];B[ab];W[ba];B[gk];W[fk];B[gl];W[ik];B[hk];W[fl];B[ge];W[he];B[jg];W[jf]
;B[mi];W[lf];B[og];W[cf];B[ce];W[po];B[oo];W[am];B[al];W[an];B[fo];W[ep];B[qi];W[sh]
;B[rj];W[rk];B[sj];W[sk];B[sg];W[si];B[ip];W[ho];B[rd];W[na];B[sb];W[pa];B[dd];W[dl]
;B[bl])

Game 5
Hane Naoki (white) vs. Sakai Hideyuki (black). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]GM[1]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]SZ[19]FF[3]EV[36th Gosei title match 5]
DT[2011-08-29]PB[Sakai Hideyuki]BR[8p]PW[Hane Naoki]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dc];B[dp];W[pp];B[ce];W[oc];B[ld];W[dh];B[fe];W[ee];B[ef];W[ed];B[cg];W[ff]
;B[eg];W[ge];B[fg];W[fd];B[pc];W[od];B[pf];W[of];B[og];W[mf];B[hf];W[id];B[jd];W[je]
;B[ic];W[ie];B[mc];W[pe];B[qe];W[pg];B[qf];W[oh];B[ng];W[nf];B[nh];W[kd];B[kc];W[ke]
;B[nb];W[ob];B[hb];W[lb];B[mb];W[ph];B[ni];W[pj];B[le];W[lf];B[rh];W[ri];B[qi];W[oj]
;B[rj];W[lj];B[ki];W[kj];B[ji];W[jj];B[ii];W[li];B[ij];W[ik];B[hk];W[hl];B[il];W[jk]
;B[gk];W[hm];B[lh];W[kh];B[kg];W[mh];B[jh];W[mg];B[dm];W[hp];B[mq];W[nq];B[jq];W[mp]
;B[lq];W[nr];B[hq];W[gq];B[gp];W[ho];B[iq];W[cp];B[fq];W[do];B[dq];W[cm];B[cl];W[dl]
;B[cn];W[bm];B[dn];W[bn];B[ck];W[dk];B[cj];W[co];B[fm];W[rk];B[qp];W[qo];B[po];W[ro]
;B[lo];W[dj];B[fn];W[ch];B[ci];W[dg];B[di];W[df];B[cq];W[ei];B[ej];W[eh];B[bh];W[bg]
;B[op];W[pq];B[np];W[bq];B[br];W[ar];B[bp];W[ap];B[aq];W[jc];B[jb];W[bq];B[bi];W[cf]
;B[aq];W[hc];B[ib];W[bq];B[fj];W[gb];B[pb];W[bo];B[oq];W[or];B[pr];W[qq];B[qr];W[rq]
;B[mo];W[pn];B[jm];W[km];B[jn];W[no];B[lp];W[oo];B[mp];W[mr];B[gg];W[lr];B[be];W[de]
;B[cb];W[bd];B[oa];W[jl];B[mm];W[im];B[cd];W[cc];B[bc];W[bb];B[ad];W[ab];B[af];W[ag]
;B[ac];W[db];B[bf];W[kr];B[nl];W[mk];B[rl];W[sk];B[qk];W[qj];B[si];W[ql];B[pk];W[pl]
;B[ok];W[rm];B[in];W[hn];B[lm];W[kn];B[jo];W[is];B[hs];W[gc];B[bs];W[go];B[gr];W[fi]
;B[gi];W[aj];B[bl];W[al];B[jr];W[ks];B[ll];W[kl];B[eo];W[gf];B[if];W[gh];B[hh];W[fh]
;B[hg];W[lc];B[kb];W[md];B[la];W[me];B[js];W[lc];B[om];W[fp];B[fo];W[gq];B[qh];W[nj]
;B[gp];W[pi];B[pd];W[oe];B[pm];W[qm];B[sj];W[sl])

Hane Naoki Won Game 3

The 36th Gosei continued with the third game between Sakai Hideyuki Gosei and Hane Naoki, the challenger.


Sakai Hideyuki (left) vs. Hane Naoki (right)

After losing the second game , Hane played well at the third game to win by 3.5 points and saved his chance to capture the title.


Post game review

Vote who do you think will become the 36th Gosei

Who will be the 36th Gosei?
	Sakai Hideyuki
	Hane Naoki
pollcode.com free polls

The fourth game will be played at August 13.

Here is the game record:
Hane Naoki (black) vs. Sakai Hdeyuki (white). Result: B+3.5

(;
EV[36th Gosei title match 3]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Sakai Hideyuki]
WR[Gosei]
DT[2011-07-29]
BR[9d]
RE[B+3.5]
PB[Hane Naoki]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pq];W[po];B[dp];W[oc];B[ld];W[qf];B[od];W[pc];B[pd]
;W[qc];B[nd];W[rd];B[re];W[rc];B[qe];W[oq];B[or];W[op];B[nq];W[nr]
;B[mr];W[pr];B[ns];W[qq];B[qj];W[fq];B[cn];W[iq];B[qm];W[lq];B[np]
;W[no];B[lp];W[kq];B[mo];W[nn];B[lm];W[oj];B[jp];W[oh];B[qh];W[pl]
;B[ql];W[dm];B[cm];W[dl];B[nb];W[ob];B[fc];W[kp];B[ko];W[jo];B[ip]
;W[jq];B[jn];W[io];B[hp];W[hq];B[jm];W[hn];B[cf];W[fd];B[gd];W[ec]
;B[fe];W[ed];B[fb];W[ge];B[hd];W[ff];B[he];W[gf];B[cl];W[be];B[dk]
;W[kl];B[km];W[gp];B[ce];W[bd];B[dh];W[bf];B[cg];W[eb];B[hf];W[qn]
;B[pm];W[nl];B[dr];W[mn];B[ln];W[ek];B[ej];W[fk];B[fj];W[gj];B[gk]
;W[fm];B[hj];W[gi];B[hi];W[gh];B[hk];W[dj];B[ei];W[eg];B[ck];W[nc]
;B[mc];W[mh];B[mj];W[lj];B[lk];W[mi];B[kj];W[li];B[mk];W[me];B[le]
;W[mf];B[mb];W[fa];B[gb];W[rf];B[pf];W[pg];B[qg];W[of];B[sf];W[pe]
;B[rg];W[eh];B[di];W[er];B[eq];W[fr];B[dn];W[ds];B[cr];W[ga];B[ha]
;W[ea];B[hb];W[ep];B[dq];W[bg];B[bh];W[rm];B[rl];W[rn];B[ps];W[qr]
;B[kg];W[ki];B[pf];W[jj];B[kk];W[ig];B[hg];W[jg];B[kf];W[qf];B[lr]
;W[ah];B[ai];W[ag];B[bi];W[eo];B[gg];W[ii];B[hh];W[cs];B[bs];W[es]
;B[br];W[fh];B[qs];W[rs];B[os];W[kr];B[rr];W[rq];B[ss];W[em];B[ng]
;W[ok];B[mg];W[nf];B[lg];W[pi];B[pk];W[ol];B[oa];W[pa];B[na];W[ra]
;B[ef];W[ee];B[df];W[fg];B[hm];W[sl];B[sk];W[sm];B[qi];W[pj];B[qk]
;W[sj];B[rk];W[md];B[sh];W[mq];B[mp];W[jk];B[on];W[oo];B[ls];W[if]
;B[ie];W[pf];B[rf];W[jf];B[je];W[in];B[sq];W[rp];B[en];W[fn];B[fl]
;W[el];B[gl];W[gn];B[ks];W[js];B[cd];W[cc];B[jl];W[do];B[mm];W[pn]
;B[om];W[nm];B[co];W[ml];B[ll];W[dg];B[sd];W[sc];B[im];W[ik];B[lf]
;W[il];B[ph];W[og];B[se];W[sp];B[rs];W[oi];B[sr])

Second Kadoban For Hane

This year must be one of the busiest year for Hane Naoki. Not only he played at the Honinbo title match and Meijin league, he also challenges Sakai Hideyuki for his Gosei title. However, Hane always found himself in a tough spot. After surviving his first kadoban at the Honinbo, Hane faces his second kadoban as Sakai won the second game and brought the title match to his favor by 2-0.



Sakai Hideyuki (left) vs. Hane Naoki (right)

Sakai who played black in this game got a nice setup at the right side. Black 69 makes me wonder, because I think iken tobi at M10 is better, since it aims white's 3 stones and if white helped the stones, black can play black 69.

In the end, the game became really close. I think Hane lost the game with white 156. It's better to play something like D13 to help his 2 stones. Sakai quickly captured the stones and wrapped up the game by 1.5 points.


Will Sakai finish it at the third game, or will Hane survive like what he did at the Honinbo?

Vote who do you think will become the 36th Gosei

Who will be the 36th Gosei?
	Sakai Hideyuki
	Hane Naoki
pollcode.com free polls

Post game analysis

Here is the game record:
Sakai Hideyuki (black) vs. Hane Naoki (white). Result: B+1.5

(;
EV[36th Gosei title match 2]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PB[Sakai Hideyuki]
PW[Hane Naoki]
BR[Gosei]
RE[B+1.5]
DT[2011/07/10]
WR[9d]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dp];B[op];W[qf];B[qi];W[qc];B[qd];W[pc];B[od]
;W[rd];B[re];W[rc];B[qe];W[nc];B[fq];W[hq];B[dn];W[fp];B[gp];W[gq]
;B[cp];W[eq];B[cq];W[cl];B[fr];W[er];B[fo];W[ep];B[bn];W[cf];B[me]
;W[mc];B[nj];W[rf];B[sf];W[qj];B[pj];W[ri];B[rj];W[qk];B[rh];W[pi]
;B[qh];W[rk];B[si];W[qo];B[po];W[qn];B[rp];W[pn];B[pk];W[pl];B[lp]
;W[nk];B[oj];W[ec];B[ol];W[nm];B[no];W[nl];B[ql];W[rl];B[on];W[pm]
;B[om];W[ro];B[ke];W[mj];B[dr];W[gr];B[sp];W[rm];B[jq];W[mi];B[lk]
;W[mk];B[ok];W[jh];B[cc];W[cd];B[dk];W[mg];B[nh];W[mh];B[ng];W[ie]
;B[eb];W[fb];B[fc];W[gc];B[fd];W[gb];B[cj];W[di];B[ci];W[dh];B[fk]
;W[be];B[gi];W[mf];B[ne];W[ir];B[db];W[bc];B[hd];W[gd];B[he];W[if]
;B[ge];W[fe];B[gg];W[kr];B[mr];W[ik];B[ii];W[ji];B[ij];W[jj];B[jk]
;W[il];B[jl];W[jm];B[km];W[im];B[ll];W[jo];B[kn];W[ih];B[gj];W[fn]
;B[en];W[gn];B[id];W[je];B[jd];W[kf];B[ff];W[ee];B[lf];W[kg];B[kq]
;W[em];B[ch];W[dm];B[cm];W[dl];B[bl];W[co];B[cn];W[fl];B[ck];W[jp]
;B[jr];W[js];B[dg];W[kc];B[oc];W[ob];B[pb];W[qb];B[hb];W[ni];B[oi]
;W[nf];B[of];W[lo];B[mn];W[ko];B[mo];W[oh];B[og];W[jb];B[hc];W[ed]
;B[ig];W[hg];B[hf];W[jg];B[hh];W[ig];B[lj];W[li];B[gl];W[eo];B[so]
;W[sn];B[bg];W[do];B[bo];W[lr];B[ks];W[ls];B[lq];W[is];B[ms];W[ks]
;B[gm];W[fm];B[hn];W[ho];B[hm];W[hk];B[gk];W[ln];B[mm];W[lm];B[ml]
;W[jn];B[kl];W[cg];B[ef];W[df];B[eg];W[ib];B[ia];W[ja];B[ha];W[bh]
;B[bi];W[bf];B[ah];W[kd];B[le];W[kj];B[ga];W[fa];B[ds];W[es];B[lg]
;W[lh];B[dq];W[go];B[in];W[af];B[ip];W[io];B[iq];W[hp];B[sd];W[sc]
;B[se];W[ag];B[bh];W[sk];B[hj];W[sj];B[ri];W[nn];B[oo];W[ek];B[ej]
;W[nd];B[nb];W[pa];B[lb];W[mb];B[jc];W[kb];B[ld];W[lc];B[el];W[mq]
;B[nq];W[ek];B[sm];W[sl];B[el];W[kp];B[mp];W[ek];B[hr];W[hs];B[el]
;W[oe];B[pe];W[ek];B[gs];W[fs];B[el];W[ic];B[gf];W[ek];B[ki];W[kh]
;B[el];W[fh];B[gh];W[ek];B[oe];W[el])

Sakai Leads Gosei Defense

Hane Naoki seems to be in up and down. After surviving his first kadoban, Hane who became Gosei challenger last month, lost the first game of the 36th Gosei title match.


Hane Naoki (left) vs. Sakai Hideyuki (right)

Sakai Hideyuki Gosei who played white at the first game trapped Hane's group in his influence and successfully killed it. This title is very important for Sakai. Not only he will be promoted to 9 dan if he win the title once again, it will also give him fame as he achieved little after winning the Gosei last year. The second game will be played at July 10 in Nagaoka.

Vote who do you think will become the 36th Gosei

Who will be the 36th Gosei?
	Sakai Hideyuki
	Hane Naoki
pollcode.com free polls

Here is the game record:
Sakai Hideyuki (white) vs. Hane Naoki (black). Result: W+R

(;
EV[36th Gosei title match 1]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Sakai Hideyuki]
WR[Gosei]
DT[2011-06-23]
BR[9d]
RE[W+R]
PB[Hane Naoki]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dq];B[do];W[oc];B[fp];W[pe];B[qe];W[pf];B[qg]
;W[fq];B[gp];W[co];B[cn];W[cp];B[ep];W[gr];B[bn];W[iq];B[di];W[cg]
;B[jd];W[hc];B[md];W[qf];B[rf];W[rg];B[rh];W[pg];B[qh];W[re];B[sg]
;W[qc];B[pd];W[od];B[rd];W[rc];B[ne];W[oe];B[fc];W[ie];B[fe];W[je]
;B[jc];W[hd];B[nb];W[dc];B[eg];W[df];B[hf];W[ig];B[gh];W[mc];B[lc]
;W[nc];B[mb];W[lb];B[kb];W[ld];B[kc];W[le];B[bh];W[qo];B[bg];W[bf]
;B[eb];W[db];B[he];W[id];B[qp];W[po];B[nq];W[gj];B[ii];W[ij];B[jj]
;W[ik];B[jk];W[il];B[jl];W[im];B[ip];W[ji];B[jh];W[ki];B[ih];W[kh]
;B[jg];W[lg];B[jm];W[io];B[jp];W[jn];B[lm];W[km];B[kl];W[kn];B[ml]
;W[ln];B[mn];W[mo];B[nn];W[op];B[oq];W[lp];B[hn];W[ho];B[gn];W[in]
;B[hp];W[rp];B[rq];W[pp];B[qq];W[lk];B[ll];W[ol];B[nk];W[ok];B[nj]
;W[oj];B[on];W[qm];B[ni];W[oi];B[ng];W[nl])

Hane Naoki the Gosei Challenger

Hane Naoki (9 dan) is in his shape! After winning the right to be Honinbo challenger, Hane went for his second challenger's seat at the 36th Gosei.


Hane Naoki (left) vs. Rin Shien (right)

Hane beat Rin Shien (7 dan) at the final. Hane who played white showed a great invading skill. Rin who played a moyo game got his moyo destroyed after Hane saved his group with white 162.


Rin Shien

This will be the first time Hane play at Gosei title match. He will challenge Sakai Hideyuki Gosei at 23rd June. Based on the previous meeting, Sakai is leading the tally with 2-0, but both game came from 2004. Almost 7 years ago! I believe both got stronger in 7 years, so it will be interesting to see who's gonna win this.


Hane Naoki

Here is the game record:
Hane Naoki (white) vs. Rin Shien (black). Result: W+R

(;
EV[36th Gosei challenger decision match]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Hane Naoki]
WR[9d]
DT[2011-05-19]
BR[7d]
RE[W+R]
PB[Rin Shien]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[oq];W[qj];B[do];W[co];B[cn];W[cp];B[fc]
;W[cf];B[qh];W[qm];B[db];W[cc];B[ic];W[qc];B[pc];W[qd];B[qe];W[re]
;B[rf];W[pb];B[ob];W[oc];B[od];W[qb];B[nc];W[qf];B[pe];W[rg];B[pf]
;W[qg];B[pg];W[rh];B[dn];W[fq];B[dj];W[je];B[fe];W[jc];B[jb];W[id]
;B[kc];W[hc];B[jd];W[ib];B[jc];W[he];B[fg];W[hg];B[ch];W[cb];B[bf]
;W[cg];B[bg];W[dh];B[dg];W[df];B[eg];W[be];B[if];W[jg];B[ie];W[hd]
;B[hf];W[gf];B[jf];W[kf];B[ke];W[ig];B[je];W[ci];B[bh];W[di];B[cj]
;W[bi];B[bj];W[ei];B[ai];W[ff];B[ef];W[ee];B[gg];W[ge];B[fi];W[ej]
;B[gj];W[dk];B[ck];W[hb];B[ae];W[bd];B[hk];W[jk];B[go];W[hi];B[gi]
;W[kh];B[pl];W[ql];B[ji];W[ij];B[kk];W[kl];B[jl];W[ik];B[km];W[ll]
;B[il];W[lk];B[lm];W[fk];B[gk];W[kj];B[ep];W[gr];B[mm];W[jq];B[lq]
;W[cl];B[dl];W[bl];B[ek];W[bn];B[qi];W[ri];B[pj];W[pk];B[ok];W[qk]
;B[hq];W[hr];B[rd];W[sf];B[fd];W[fb];B[lj];W[lh];B[eq];W[er];B[dp]
;W[cq];B[eb];W[fa];B[cm];W[kq];B[ia];W[ha];B[ja];W[gb];B[kr];W[jr]
;B[li];W[ki];B[mg];W[lg];B[lf];W[mj];B[mi];W[mf])

Here are the games between Sakai and Hane:

52nd Japanese NHK Cup, round 3
Sakai Hideyuki (W) vs. Hane Naoki (B). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[52nd Japanese NHK Cup, round 3]DT[2004-12-12]
PB[Hane Naoki]BR[9p]PW[Sakai Hideyuki]WR[6p]KM[6.5]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dd];B[oc];W[po];B[qo];W[qn];B[qp];W[rd];B[qc];W[pm];B[nq];W[qi]
;B[qg];W[oi];B[cj];W[cl];B[cf];W[ch];B[bh];W[fc];B[dh];W[qe];B[pe];W[qf];B[pf];W[rg]
;B[rf];W[re];B[rh];W[sf];B[qh];W[ri];B[sh];W[rc];B[og];W[ce];B[df];W[bf];B[bg];W[ic]
;B[cn];W[co];B[dn];W[bn];B[bm];W[bo];B[cm];W[fq];B[kc];W[rb];B[gc];W[gb];B[fb];W[eb]
;B[fd];W[fa];B[ec];W[fb];B[gn];W[hk];B[hq];W[fo];B[fn];W[jk];B[ll];W[jm];B[il];W[jl]
;B[kn];W[jn];B[jo];W[io];B[jp];W[ip];B[iq];W[lm];B[km];W[kl];B[lo];W[ln];B[ko];W[nm]
;B[lk];W[li];B[ij];W[jj];B[ik];W[ii];B[hi];W[hm];B[hj];W[hn];B[ni];W[nj];B[ih];W[nh]
;B[ji];W[gl];B[fk];W[fl];B[el];W[mo];B[mp];W[gk];B[no];W[nn];B[ed];W[dc];B[fj];W[lb]
;B[jc];W[lc];B[ke];W[le];B[lf];W[ld];B[mf];W[kd];B[jd];W[je];B[id];W[kf];B[if];W[ie]
;B[he];W[kg];B[ki];W[nd];B[lh];W[mh];B[lj];W[mi];B[hp];W[kj];B[od];W[ne];B[im];W[in]
;B[ho];W[hc];B[hd];W[gd];B[ql];W[rk];B[rn];W[ee];B[rl];W[qk];B[pl];W[ml];B[gm];W[gr]
;B[er];W[fr];B[mn];W[mm];B[kh];W[lg];B[kb];W[ka];B[ja];W[la];B[mg];W[nb];B[ob];W[ng]
;B[nf];W[me];B[of];W[na];B[ok];W[ph];B[hr];W[be];B[pj];W[pk];B[ol];W[oj];B[ep];W[eq]
;B[gf];W[ff];B[fg];W[am];B[al];W[an];B[bl];W[mj];B[hl];W[eo])

30th Japanese Meijin, preliminary
Sakai Hideyuki (W) vs. Hane Naoki (B). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[30th Japanese Meijin, preliminary]DT[2004-10-28]
PB[Hane Naok]BR[9p]PW[Sakai Hideyuki]WR[6p]KM[6.5]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[pp];B[dd];W[dp];B[oc];W[qj];B[fq];W[hp];B[nq];W[pn];B[fo];W[dn];B[cq];W[dq]
;B[dr];W[er];B[cr];W[fr];B[co];W[do];B[bn];W[gq];B[pr];W[mq];B[mp];W[lq];B[qq];W[qp]
;B[nr];W[np];B[qh];W[oi];B[fc];W[rq];B[rr];W[rp];B[sr];W[mr];B[pq];W[no];B[og];W[mh]
;B[jj];W[mf];B[ce];W[oe];B[pe];W[nc];B[od];W[nd];B[jd];W[jf];B[hj];W[qi];B[lg];W[lf]
;B[ne];W[me];B[of];W[jc];B[kc];W[kd];B[ic];W[jb];B[id];W[kb];B[cl];W[fk];B[dk];W[gl]
;B[hl];W[hm];B[il];W[fi];B[jn];W[kk];B[kj];W[lk];B[im];W[hn];B[ln];W[cn];B[bo];W[cm]
;B[bm];W[cc];B[dc];W[dh];B[io];W[ho];B[el];W[fm];B[ri];W[rj];B[mm];W[km];B[ke];W[ld]
;B[ig];W[kn];B[lp];W[ko];B[kp];W[kq];B[jp];W[jq];B[lm];W[jo];B[kl];W[ll];B[ip];W[in]
;B[jl];W[jm];B[iq];W[ir];B[hr];W[is];B[hq];W[kr];B[gr];W[eq];B[gp];W[em];B[pm];W[nl]
;B[on];W[qm];B[ml];W[mk];B[nk];W[nj];B[ol];W[qn])

Here Comes the New Gosei

When Cho won the third game, everyone though Cho will defend his title for another year, however Sakai put the tense up when he won the fourth game by 3.5 points thus dragged this year Gosei to its fifth game.

Today, the two meet again for the last and final game to determine who will become the 35th Gosei. The day started by Cho doing the nigiri to decide who will play which color. Sakai guessed it was odd, but then it was revealed Cho's nigiri was even number. Game started with Cho playing the first move.


Here come the king...


And his challenger


Nigiri result

The joseki started at move 11 was similiar with the third game of the 35th Japanese Tengen title match. Cho was playing white at that time. Sakai varied at move 16. He played keima at F6 where Cho played a two spaces extension to (in this case) K3. Cho lost the game back then.



Sakai successfully captured the left side, while Cho managed to get 3 corners. The game ended at move 281. Sakai was far behind in territory, bt he captured enough stones to win the game with komi's help. Sakai won the game by 2.5 points.

With his victory, Sakai Hideyuki was crowned as the new Gosei. Stealing the title from Cho U with 3-2 score. This is Sakai's first shot at the top 7 title and amazingly he didn't goof up during the series (I would be very nervous and goof up if it was my first shot).

Also, Cho lost his chance to win his first honorary title. He was Gosei title holder for 4 consecutive years. Winning the title this year will make him the Honorary Gosei. Too bad. Perhaps this is a karma because Cho prevented Yamashita from becoming Honorary Kisei early this year.


Sakai Hideyuki

Here is the game record:
Sakai Hideyuki (white) vs. Cho U (black). Result: W+2.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese Gosei, title match game #5 ]
DT[2010-08-27]PB[Cho U]BR[9p]PW[Sakai Hideyuki]WR[7p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+2.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[oq];W[qj];B[do];W[cm];B[cq];W[gq];B[fp];W[er];B[cn];W[dm]
;B[cr];W[fn];B[cf];W[dh];B[cc];W[cd];B[dc];W[ed];B[bd];W[be];B[bc];W[ce];B[fc];W[ge]
;B[qh];W[qm];B[pl];W[qo];B[po];W[pn];B[pp];W[on];B[ql];W[ol];B[pj];W[pi];B[ok];W[qk]
;B[qi];W[pk];B[oj];W[rl];B[oh];W[qc];B[pc];W[qd];B[qb];W[rb];B[pb];W[qf];B[pe];W[rg]
;B[ra];W[sb];B[fd];W[fe];B[hd];W[pf];B[of];W[jc];B[ic];W[jd];B[he];W[mc];B[qe];W[re]
;B[pg];W[gb];B[ec];W[ib];B[hb];W[ha];B[hc];W[kb];B[rd];W[rc];B[sd];W[rh];B[ri];W[sh]
;B[rf];W[sf];B[qg];W[se];B[rf];W[qf];B[ld];W[lc];B[bf];W[af];B[ag];W[ae];B[ch];W[dg]
;B[df];W[ef];B[ci];W[di];B[bk];W[bn];B[bo];W[dn];B[co];W[cg];B[bm];W[bl];B[an];W[ck]
;B[al];W[cl];B[jq];W[bj];B[gp];W[hq];B[io];W[jr];B[kr];W[ir];B[kq];W[dr];B[ro];W[nl]
;B[mk];W[np];B[mn];W[nn];B[nq];W[ml];B[lk];W[jf];B[fb];W[lf];B[ak];W[cj];B[rn];W[mo]
;B[kh];W[gk];B[lg];W[mf];B[jg];W[ik];B[gm];W[ko];B[im];W[hi];B[ds];W[fq];B[fm];W[eo]
;B[ep];W[gr];B[km];W[ll];B[kl];W[kk];B[kj];W[jk];B[es];W[fs];B[cs];W[hp];B[dp];W[gn]
;B[ho];W[eq];B[hm];W[li];B[ki];W[mg];B[kf];W[ke];B[if];W[kg];B[pf];W[rf];B[kf];W[ip]
;B[jp];W[kg];B[hs];W[hr];B[kf];W[jo];B[go];W[kg];B[si];W[sc];B[kf];W[mq];B[mr];W[kg]
;B[gs];W[is];B[kf];W[lq];B[lr];W[kg];B[gs];W[hs];B[kf];W[je];B[hh];W[gh];B[gg];W[fh]
;B[fk];W[fj];B[nb];W[ne];B[ln];W[lo];B[ek];W[aj];B[am];W[ej];B[mb];W[nc];B[em];W[en]
;B[fg];W[eg];B[ii];W[ij];B[hg];W[lb];B[il];W[hk];B[oc];W[qn];B[rm];W[pm];B[sk];W[sl]
;B[rk];W[rj];B[sj];W[ql];B[sm];W[ji];B[ih];W[jj];B[fa];W[ga];B[kg];W[lj];B[mj];W[mi]
;B[oi];W[nk];B[nj];W[lh];B[dk];W[dj];B[mm];W[kp];B[oo];W[no];B[nm];W[om];B[ks];W[jh]
;B[ig];W[ma];B[na];W[la];B[ad];W[ee];B[ng];W[nd];B[op];W[hn];B[in];W[jl];B[jm];W[gj]
;B[hf])

Sakai Hideyuki Pulled to Game 5

After almost one month break since the third game of 35th Gosei title match, Cho U Gosei once again sit in front of the goban to face his challenger, Sakai Hideyuki.


Sakai Hideyuki (left) vs. Cho U (right)

Sakai who played white in this fourth game opened the game by a rare Niken Takagakari (2 spaces high approach). Cho U's answer was new! Instead of the usual Q3 or P3, he played P5. Sakai denied to answer and pinch Cho's approaching stone at the bottom left corner instead. Cho decided to play for influence by playing move 9-19 combination.

The game was close. Sakai once again showed his endgame skill and won the game by 3.5 points.

I'm impressed by Sakai. He can stand Japan's number 1 player so well. Seems that Iyama Yuta is not the only threat for Cho's dominance at Japanese go world.

The last game will be played August 27 at Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Here is the game record:
Sakai Hideyuki (white) vs. Cho U (black). Result: W+3.5.

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Gosei title match, game #4]DT[2010-08-19]
PB[Cho U]BR[9p]PW[Sakai Hideyuki]WR[7p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+3.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[co];W[np];B[oo];W[cl];B[hp];W[cp];B[ep];W[eq];B[fp];W[bo]
;B[dp];W[cq];B[cn];W[bn];B[no];W[lp];B[nq];W[qi];B[mp];W[qf];B[qe];W[pf];B[nc];W[ql]
;B[pj];W[qj];B[rf];W[rg];B[fc];W[df];B[db];W[cc];B[hd];W[jc];B[ic];W[jd];B[cb];W[qc]
;B[pc];W[re];B[rd];W[sf];B[rc];W[if];B[ch];W[cj];B[eh];W[ff];B[gh];W[fi];B[eg];W[fd]
;B[gd];W[gg];B[fh];W[ih];B[ce];W[cf];B[ef];W[de];B[ee];W[ed];B[fe];W[bb];B[dk];W[dl]
;B[ck];W[bk];B[dj];W[ib];B[hb];W[id];B[hc];W[iq];B[hq];W[lq];B[ip];W[jq];B[ba];W[ab]
;B[bf];W[be];B[bg];W[bd];B[bj];W[nr];B[or];W[mr];B[qm];W[rm];B[qn];W[bl];B[pl];W[pk]
;B[rl];W[qk];B[ko];W[pr];B[oq];W[os];B[qr];W[pq];B[qq];W[lo];B[km];W[jo];B[jp];W[kn]
;B[jn];W[kp];B[in];W[lm];B[kl];W[ll];B[kk];W[lk];B[ki];W[kj];B[jj];W[lj];B[ji];W[mc]
;B[mb];W[lc];B[nd];W[lb];B[nb];W[kg];B[mn];W[li];B[kr];W[jr];B[ln];W[ks];B[ol];W[rn]
;B[ro];W[ok];B[nf];W[jb];B[el];W[em];B[fm];W[eb];B[ec];W[fb];B[dc];W[gb];B[ga];W[fa]
;B[gc];W[ha];B[hf];W[hg];B[gf];W[hi];B[jf];W[kf];B[ie];W[ig];B[je];W[ke];B[hj];W[ci]
;B[fl];W[bi];B[ii];W[ng];B[mg];W[mf];B[me];W[lf];B[gr];W[mq];B[op];W[fr];B[fq];W[er]
;B[kh];W[jg];B[nh];W[he];B[fg];W[og];B[lh];W[rk];B[dm];W[cm];B[en];W[mi];B[mh];W[nl]
;B[pp];W[pe];B[qd];W[di];B[ei];W[hh];B[gi];W[nm];B[ps];W[ko];B[ni];W[bh];B[cg];W[mo]
;B[nn];W[pm];B[pn];W[om];B[nj];W[oj];B[oi];W[pi];B[oh];W[ph];B[ge];W[oe];B[ne];W[ie]
;B[ir];W[lr];B[ns];W[ms];B[io];W[od];B[oc];W[ma];B[na];W[la];B[sd];W[of];B[ld];W[kd]
;B[se];W[rf];B[sn];W[sl];B[so];W[sm];B[ae];W[ad];B[ah];W[ai];B[is];W[gs];B[mm];W[ml]
;B[js];W[kq];B[hr];W[os];B[ag];W[ns];B[np];W[af];B[ia];W[ja];B[ae];W[nk];B[mj];W[af]
;B[fs];W[es];B[ae];W[le];B[md];W[af];B[hs];W[fs];B[ae];W[rb];B[qb];W[af];B[ca];W[ia]
;B[ae];W[pb];B[qa];W[af];B[jk];W[ae])

Cho U Took the Lead

After losing out at the second game, Cho U rebound and took the third game from Sakai Hideyuki.


Cho U


Sakai Hideyuki

The third game of the 35th Gosei-sen was played in Nagaoka, Nigata.



You can download the game here .



The fourth game will be played at August 19.

Sakai Hideyuki Even the Score

After losing the first game at the 35th Gosei title match, Sakai Hideyuki keep his chance by winning the second game. He defeated Cho U by 2.5 points.

You can download the game by clicking here.

You can also read my previous writing about this year's Gosei.

The third game will be played at July 20.

The Road to Gosei

The first game of the 35th Gosei title match has been decided. It'll be played on June 24. This year, challenger Sakai Hideyuki will play one of the strongest Japan master, Cho U.


Sakai Hideyuki beating Yamashita Keigo at 25th Gosei final.

Many favor Cho to defend his title since Cho has more experience in title matches and has proved himself in last Kisei, Judan, and Tengen. While for Sakai, this is his first shot at one of the top 7 titles.


Cho U

So far the record between those two is 2-2. All four games came from two tournaments. They are Meijin (both are from league games) and the televised blitz chmpionship, NHK Cup. Both Cho and Sakai won once in each tournament.

Here I present you with the four game records.

32nd Japanese Meijin, league
Sakai Hideyuki (W) vs. Cho U (B) Result: W+0.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[32nd Japanese Meijin, league]DT[2007-03-08]
PB[Cho U]PW[Sakai Hideyuki]KM[6.5]RE[W+0.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dc];B[dq];W[pp];B[ce];W[ed];B[ci];W[nc];B[qg];W[jc];B[nq];W[lq];B[co];W[iq]
;B[qn];W[pn];B[pm];W[on];B[qq];W[qo];B[pq];W[qm];B[mq];W[qc];B[qj];W[pd];B[qe];W[mr]
;B[nr];W[rp];B[lp];W[kr];B[kp];W[fq];B[rc];W[pc];B[hq];W[hr];B[hp];W[gq];B[ip];W[jq]
;B[gr];W[fr];B[jp];W[gs];B[ql];W[rm];B[rl];W[om];B[ef];W[dh];B[ch];W[dg];B[ee];W[cg]
;B[fd];W[fc];B[gd];W[gc];B[hd];W[di];B[ck];W[hc];B[jd];W[cj];B[bj];W[dj];B[bg];W[id]
;B[ie];W[ic];B[hf];W[pl];B[cl];W[gj];B[ij];W[dk];B[em];W[fl];B[fm];W[gl];B[il];W[gh]
;B[hi];W[hk];B[ik];W[bf];B[bh];W[cd];B[be];W[cf];B[de];W[bd];B[af];W[gi];B[kd];W[rb]
;B[ad];W[bb];B[eg];W[el];B[eh];W[ei];B[fh];W[fj];B[pk];W[ok];B[oj];W[nk];B[rd];W[nj]
;B[oi];W[dp];B[cp];W[dr];B[kc];W[cq];B[bq];W[eq];B[sb];W[ra];B[ne];W[pe];B[pf];W[oe]
;B[nd];W[mb];B[lb];W[of];B[ma];W[pg];B[qf];W[ob];B[na];W[mf];B[le];W[mh];B[og];W[nf]
;B[lg];W[lf];B[kf];W[ng];B[oh];W[kg];B[kh];W[br];B[jg];W[md];B[me];W[mi];B[jb];W[sl]
;B[sk];W[sm];B[rk];W[ib];B[rq];W[dn];B[bp];W[cm];B[bm];W[bn];B[cn];W[dm];B[bl];W[aq]
;B[mm];W[ap];B[an];W[do];B[bo];W[hm];B[mk];W[pj];B[pi];W[im];B[mj];W[nb];B[jm];W[li]
;B[go];W[ml];B[ll];W[nl];B[gm];W[hl];B[lk];W[ac];B[ms];W[lr];B[no];W[op];B[ni];W[od]
;B[nm];W[ol];B[nn];W[oq];B[or];W[sq];B[sr];W[sp];B[gg];W[gn];B[fn];W[hn];B[fo];W[jn]
;B[kn];W[hh];B[rr];W[jo];B[ko];W[kj];B[kk];W[jj];B[jk];W[ae];B[ho];W[in];B[ad];W[np]
;B[mp];W[ae];B[ar];W[as];B[ad];W[km];B[jl];W[ae];B[qp];W[ro];B[ad];W[ja];B[ka];W[kb]
;B[dd];W[ec];B[jb];W[ia];B[ae];W[ii];B[ih];W[ji];B[lc];W[mc];B[hj];W[ig];B[jh];W[hg]
;B[if];W[oa];B[oo];W[po];B[kq];W[la];B[ma];W[jr];B[ls];W[ks];B[ns];W[ar];B[ao];W[kb]
;B[la];W[ld];B[ke];W[gf];B[fg];W[fe];B[he];W[dl];B[lh];W[jb])

35th Japanese Meijin, league
Cho U (W) vs. Sakai Hideyuki (B). Result: W+3.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese Meijin, league]DT[2010-04-19]
PB[Sakai Hideyuki]PW[Cho U]KM[6.5]RE[W+3.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[dc];W[po];B[ce];W[pq];B[oc];W[qi];B[fq];W[hq];B[dm];W[fp];B[cq];W[dq]
;B[cp];W[co];B[do];W[cr];B[br];W[dn];B[eo];W[dr];B[ep];W[bo];B[bp];W[ap];B[bq];W[cn]
;B[en];W[bs];B[cm];W[bm];B[eq];W[ar];B[jq];W[ip];B[jp];W[in];B[jo];W[io];B[km];W[il]
;B[fl];W[kl];B[jm];W[hk];B[np];W[ll];B[oq];W[op];B[nq];W[pr];B[qm];W[no];B[mo];W[mp]
;B[mq];W[mn];B[lo];W[qn];B[qp];W[pp];B[rn];W[rl];B[rm];W[qo];B[om];W[nn];B[qk];W[rk]
;B[qj];W[rj];B[oj];W[nl];B[nm];W[ml];B[ol];W[ql];B[pl];W[pi];B[rh];W[rg];B[qg];W[qh]
;B[rf];W[pj];B[pk];W[ri];B[ni];W[nk];B[ok];W[sh];B[ng];W[ln];B[ck];W[id];B[ld];W[fd]
;B[qf];W[df];B[cf];W[dg];B[bh];W[ch];B[bi];W[ec];B[dd];W[kc];B[fe];W[ge];B[ee];W[gf]
;B[lc];W[kd];B[le];W[ms];B[lr];W[hr];B[gl];W[im];B[lp];W[eb];B[fg];W[fj];B[eh];W[kb]
;B[ed];W[gc];B[ro];W[rp];B[da];W[mb];B[lb];W[la];B[nb];W[dj];B[ci];W[bl];B[gn];W[mc]
;B[md];W[nc];B[nd];W[ma];B[ob];W[db];B[cb];W[ea];B[ca];W[sf];B[re];W[on];B[pm];W[gh]
;B[se];W[sg];B[lh];W[ff];B[ef];W[gg];B[di];W[fh];B[eg];W[kg];B[kh];W[jh];B[ji];W[jg]
;B[rq];W[qq];B[sp];W[rr];B[lg];W[pg];B[qp];W[ii];B[jj];W[rp];B[na];W[ka];B[qp];W[cc]
;B[bc];W[rp];B[kf];W[jf];B[qp];W[kn];B[ke];W[je];B[pf];W[lj];B[kj];W[rp];B[ij];W[hj]
;B[qp];W[og];B[of];W[rp];B[hi];W[ih];B[qp];W[bb];B[cd];W[rp];B[fc];W[fb];B[qp];W[ba]
;B[cc];W[rp];B[gd];W[hd];B[qp];W[gp];B[dk];W[rp];B[si];W[sj];B[qp];W[li];B[ki];W[rp]
;B[bk];W[sq];B[ej];W[mi];B[mh];W[nj];B[oi];W[kk];B[ir];W[jn];B[fk];W[fi];B[or];W[os]
;B[ls];W[iq];B[js];W[ak];B[aj];W[al];B[er];W[ns];B[ds];W[aq];B[mm];W[lm];B[jk];W[jl]
;B[hl];W[hm];B[gm];W[fo];B[gj];W[ik];B[gk];W[gi];B[fn];W[cl];B[dl];W[ei];B[ek];W[hs]
;B[ko];W[is];B[jr];W[go];B[hn];W[ho];B[so];W[sm])

55th Japanese NHK Cup, semi-final
Cho U (W) vs. Sakai Hideyuki (B). Result: W+R

(;DT[2008-03-02]EV[55th Japanese NHK Cup, semi-final]
PB[Sakai Hideyuki]PW[Cho U]
KM[6.5]RE[W+R]SO[Go4Go.net]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dq];B[do];W[po];B[qo];W[qn];B[qp];W[co]
;B[dp];W[cp];B[eq];W[cn];B[dn];W[dm];B[cq];W[dr];B[bq];W[cr]
;B[cm];W[cl];B[br];W[er];B[bm];W[bn];B[bl];W[bp];B[fq];W[dl]
;B[ck];W[fr];B[fo];W[dk];B[cj];W[dj];B[ao];W[ap];B[bs];W[ar]
;B[an];W[aq];B[am];W[bk];B[bj];W[gn];B[ak];W[cs];B[ip];W[fn]
;B[pn];W[qm];B[pm];W[pl];B[oo];W[ol];B[nm];W[qf];B[nc];W[qi]
;B[in];W[ho];B[hp];W[io];B[jo];W[jp];B[ir];W[kp];B[jn];W[jr]
;B[gr];W[is];B[jq];W[kq];B[iq];W[ln];B[kr];W[om];B[lo];W[lr]
;B[js];W[ko];B[kn];W[mo];B[lm];W[lp];B[nn];W[on];B[no];W[mq]
;B[np];W[mp];B[nr];W[nq];B[or];W[mn];B[mm];W[mr];B[fc];W[hd]
;B[ge];W[cf];B[dc];W[cc];B[cb];W[ec];B[db];W[ed];B[eb];W[gd]
;B[fd];W[fe];B[gb];W[gf];B[ff];W[he];B[ee];W[fg];B[ge];W[gq]
;B[gp];W[fe];B[bo];W[as];B[ge];W[ep];B[fp];W[fe];B[de];W[ef]
;B[cd];W[qc];B[qd];W[rd];B[pc];W[rc];B[pf];W[qe];B[pe];W[pg]
;B[og];W[oh];B[ng];W[ch];B[jd];W[kl];B[km];W[kf];B[ke];W[ic]
;B[jf];W[jg];B[kg];W[nh];B[mh];W[mi];B[li];W[mj];B[lj];W[mk]
;B[ph];W[qg];B[jh];W[ig];B[lk];W[kh];B[lg];W[if];B[hk];W[je]
;B[nk];W[ni];B[lf];W[ji];B[ci];W[di];B[ij];W[ih];B[kc];W[lh]
;B[mg];W[jj];B[jk];W[kk];B[ml];W[oj];B[jl];W[gs];B[hr];W[rn]
;B[ro];W[kj];B[bh];W[bg];B[fl];W[fk];B[gl];W[em];B[qb];W[jb]
;B[rb];W[ah];B[bi];W[lb];B[kb];W[ka];B[re];W[rf];B[sc];W[se]
;B[mb];W[lc];B[ld];W[jc];B[kd];W[ob];B[pb];W[mc];B[md];W[la]
;B[nb];W[gj];B[pp];W[hj];B[ll];W[be];B[bd];W[nl];B[gk];W[ek]
;B[hn];W[go];B[ma];W[ja];B[hb];W[oq];B[pn];W[ii];B[ik];W[ns]
;B[ps];W[ae];B[jf];W[ie];B[dh];W[cg];B[df];W[dg];B[sn];W[sm]
)

56th Japanese NHK Cup, round 3
Cho U (W) vs. Sakai Hideyuki (B). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[56th Japanese NHK Cup, round 3]DT[2009-02-01]
PB[Sakai Hideyuki]PW[Cho U]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dc];B[dp];W[qq];B[ce];W[ed];B[ci];W[oc];B[jc];W[hc];B[mc];W[qh];B[pc];W[pk]
;B[nq];W[jp];B[hq];W[po];B[jr];W[kq];B[kr];W[cq];B[cp];W[dq];B[eq];W[er];B[fr];W[bp]
;B[bo];W[co];B[do];W[di];B[ch];W[bq];B[fp];W[cn];B[bn];W[cm];B[bm];W[cl];B[bl];W[cj]
;B[ck];W[dk];B[bk];W[dr];B[qf];W[gp];B[go];W[en];B[bj];W[fo];B[hp];W[gn];B[gq];W[in]
;B[og];W[pb];B[qb];W[kd];B[kc];W[md];B[hd];W[lc];B[lb];W[ld];B[mb];W[gd];B[nd];W[pd]
;B[qc];W[ne];B[od];W[jd];B[ic];W[id];B[he];W[ib];B[gc];W[hb];B[jb];W[ja];B[kb];W[ge]
;B[hf];W[fc];B[dj];W[ng];B[oe];W[oh];B[nf];W[mf];B[me];W[lf];B[hi];W[mh];B[no];W[dn]
;B[fm];W[gm];B[fn];W[eo];B[fl];W[gl];B[fk];W[ep];B[kn];W[jo];B[lq];W[ho];B[qm];W[pm]
;B[pn];W[on];B[qn];W[oo];B[pl];W[om];B[ol];W[qk];B[ql];W[qo];B[ml];W[lp];B[mp];W[lr]
;B[mq];W[mj];B[ok];W[pg];B[kl];W[lm];B[mm];W[ln];B[mn];W[lo];B[pr];W[or];B[oq];W[pq]
;B[ll];W[jq];B[iq];W[gf];B[qr];W[rr];B[nr];W[qs];B[os];W[rp];B[hg];W[bd];B[be];W[cd]
;B[km];W[gp];B[gb];W[fb];B[go];W[hj];B[gj];W[gp];B[ia];W[ga];B[go];W[ii];B[gi];W[gp]
;B[fq];W[ih];B[gg];W[de];B[oj];W[of];B[ko];W[eg];B[hk];W[ij];B[gk];W[ik];B[il];W[go]
;B[cf];W[rg];B[rj];W[re];B[ad];W[ac];B[ae];W[bc];B[rf];W[sf];B[pf];W[pi];B[pj];W[rn]
;B[kp];W[rm];B[jf];W[jg];B[kj];W[ne];B[jn];W[io];B[li];W[mi];B[kg])

Sakai Hideyuki Challanges Cho U

Today must be the happiest day in Sakai Hideyuki's professional career. He beat Yamashita Keigo (Tengen) to gain the seat as Gosei title challenger!

Yamashita who played black in this game opened the game by unusual move at move 7. Sakai made an invasion at move 8 and the sequence went for a corner for Yamashita Keigo and a settled but small position in the right side for white.


Sakai Hideyuki

Yamashita who had sente after the sequence went for a low approach in white left bottom's stone. Sakai didn't reply the approach. He launched a splitting attack instead. Sakai later ran into uncomfortable position when his group in the left bottom was attacked.

Starting from move 72, Sakai attacked Yamashita's weak group in the right side. Sakai got a big chance in killing the group when Yamashita abandoned Sakai's threat for winning a ko fight, however it turned out to be burdensome for Yamashita.

Yamashita resigned at move 152. He lost two big groups in the fight!

Congratulations for Sakai! This will be his first shot at the top 7 titles.

The first game will be played at June 24.

Here is the game record:

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Gosei challenger final]PB[Yamashita Keigo]
BR[9p]PW[Sakai Hideyuki]WR[7p]KM[6.5]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[pp];B[dd];W[dp];B[qn];W[nq];B[nd];W[qj];B[qh];W[qp];B[ql];W[oj];B[nm];W[oh]
;B[mp];W[mq];B[lp];W[qe];B[pe];W[qg];B[qf];W[pg];B[rg];W[rh];B[re];W[sg];B[rf];W[qi]
;B[fq];W[oo];B[nk];W[mn];B[mm];W[ln];B[nn];W[no];B[ip];W[kr];B[cn];W[fp];B[gp];W[fo]
;B[dq];W[cq];B[eq];W[bp];B[go];W[do];B[dl];W[fm];B[di];W[fc];B[ec];W[fd];B[df];W[jc]
;B[hc];W[hd];B[fb];W[gb];B[eb];W[ir];B[hq];W[kl];B[lm];W[km];B[kn];W[jn];B[ko];W[mo]
;B[im];W[lj];B[ol];W[rk];B[nj];W[jm];B[gm];W[dm];B[cl];W[gl];B[hl];W[lh];B[ro];W[gn]
;B[hn];W[hm];B[kq];W[in];B[gm];W[rm];B[fn];W[ll];B[rl];W[sl];B[rp];W[rq];B[oi];W[ni]
;B[mi];W[nh];B[lr];W[jq];B[ks];W[jr];B[lq];W[jp];B[nr];W[or];B[oq];W[pq];B[jo];W[io]
;B[mr];W[np];B[rr];W[on];B[pr];W[os];B[qr];W[qq];B[om];W[sq];B[qm];W[sn];B[li];W[ki]
;B[kj];W[jj];B[kh];W[kk];B[ji];W[kj];B[br];W[bn];B[bm];W[co];B[an];W[bo];B[cr];W[cm]
;B[em];W[dn];B[id];W[ic];B[hb];W[ie];B[mh];W[lg];B[mg];W[mj];B[lf];W[gc])

Who Will be the Next Gosei Challenger?

The 35th Gosei tournament has come to the final. One from two remaining player will advance to be Gosei challenger, while the other must wait another year for a shot.

One of the remaining players is Yamashita Keigo. Yamashita Recently showed extremely good result in domestic tournaments. Starting from Tengen title match in November, he has played in 3 title matches and became the challenger for Honinbo.


Yamashita Keigo

Undoubtedly, he is the favorite here.

The other player is Sakai Hideyuki. For many years, Sakai is one of the strongest amateur. He won World Amateur Go Championship in 2000 and earned his professional diploma in 2001. So far his achievement is quite good. He won the 47th Kansai-Kiin First Place Tournament and entered Meijin league several times with 3rd place as his highest rank. He also successfully enter Fujitsu Cup early this year by defeating Cho Chikun by 0.5 points.


Sakai Hideyuki at 2000's WAGC

Will Yamashita continue his title match streak? Or will Sakai make his first shot at the 7 titles? The decisive game will be played at May 6.