Umezawa Yukari Defend Female Kisei

After lost the second game, Umezawa Yukari, Female Kisei, won the third game along with the title.

The third game is fiercer than the second game. In the early stage, Umezawa's weak group was attacked. Umezawa Yukari made an eye shape with sacrificing three stones at move 77. But the group wasn't yet alive. The battle continued with a ko fight started at move 110. This ko fight was very important for Umezawa. She must won this ko, or she'll lost two groups of stones.
At move 120, Umezawa finally can save one of her group. winning the ko by capturing 2 stones with J19. But one of her cluster is not yet alive. At the same time, the game was not easy for Kato Keiko. Letting Umezawa to save one group, she chased the big cluster by putting her group into danger and fight for the second ko at L19. A kill or killed ko.



board position up to move 105



Fifty two moves later, Umezawa won the ko and killed Kato's group. Kato Keiko resigned at move 286. White's leading was obvious. Umezawa Yukari was leading about 10 points on he board.

With this victory, Umezawa Yukari already hold the title for the last 3 years. She took the title 3 years ago from Mannami Kana. Female Kisei is the only title Umezawa Yukari ever has and the only big title where she was ever become the challenger.

Kato Keiko Closed the Gap

Kato Keiko, the challenger of the 12th Female Kisei sen, won the second match by the same margin as her lost in first match. Kato won by 2.5 points.
The game was quite well spirited. A fight started in early stage. Kato Keiko chose to attack Umezawa's weak group in the right. Umezawa's cut at move 32 was brave, since her attacked group was not yet settle. The fight spreaded to center.


Umezawa Yukari (W) vs. Kato Keiko (B), game up to move 70

I think the outcome of the battle was favourable for black, since she gained sente at the beginning of the yose stage.

Umezawa Yukari Took the Lead At Female Kisei sen

Umezawa Yukari (5 dan), the current Female Kisei title holder is challenged by Kato Keiko the Female Saikyo title holder for the 12th Female Kisei title.

Umezawa Yukari who played black in the first game, won the game by 2.5 points.

The game was quite well balance and rather close. I think Umezawa Yukari won the game because she was able to control the center after the exchange at 119-132.

Umezawa Yukari (B) vs. Kato Keiko (W), game up to move 78

Umezawa Yukari whose fame was risen due to "Go Go Igo", a go program which was aired after Hikaru no Go for several minutes, has been this title holder for the last two years.