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])

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])

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?

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])

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])

Takao Shinji Leads Kisei

The 36th Kisei finally comes to its title match. This year, Takao Shinji will challenge Cho U Kisei in a best-of-7 title series. Takao won the challenger's seat after he beat Iyama Yuta at the final.

Takao Shinji (left) and Cho U (right)

The first game was played at Kurashiki, Okayama. Usually, once in 2 years, the first game of Kisei will be played abroad. However this year, all the game will be played in Japan (the last time the game was played abroad was 2 years ago. The game was played at Taiwan). I'm not sure why the game wasn't played abroad, but maybe the sponsor also tastes a little bit of crisis and decided not to have an abroad game.

The game opened with an unusual approach direction from white. White 6 usually played at R14 or R10, but white played a Kobayashi fuseki at the upper board instead. At the end of day 1, black position's seems to be more promising. Cho U sealed his move for the next day.

Cho U sealed his move

Day 2 started with Cho played his sealed move. Takao Shinji played keima tsuke as the answer and the battle at the center continued.The game was a great game to watch and learn. The fight at the center was careful by both side and the endgame was well played. Takao Shinji finally won the game by 2.5 points and opened the title series.

Counting the territories

Here is the game record:
Takao Shinji (black) vs. Cho U (white). Result: B+2.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[36th Japanese Kisei, g\\title match game 1]
DT[2012-01-12,13]PB[Takao Shinji]BR[9p]PW[Cho U]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[B+2.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dc];B[oq];W[nc];B[qf];W[jd];B[cf];W[ch];B[dd];W[ed];B[cc];W[cb]
;B[cd];W[eb];B[ee];W[fd];B[cj];W[di];B[dj];W[fi];B[cn];W[gf];B[ej];W[fq];B[bb];W[ba]
;B[da];W[db];B[ei];W[eh];B[dg];W[dh];B[fg];W[fh];B[gg];W[fj];B[fk];W[gk];B[fl];W[gl]
;B[fm];W[hg];B[gh];W[co];B[bo];W[gm];B[hh];W[dn];B[cm];W[bp];B[eo];W[hj];B[do];W[cp]
;B[go];W[hf];B[ii];W[jk];B[ki];W[lk];B[pk];W[oo];B[pn];W[nq];B[nr];W[or];B[mq];W[np]
;B[pr];W[ne];B[oc];W[nb];B[lr];W[nl];B[nm];W[mm];B[om];W[mn];B[og];W[qg];B[pf];W[qi]
;B[le];W[lc];B[oj];W[rk];B[rm];W[oi];B[ni];W[rh];B[rf];W[oh];B[nh];W[pj];B[qk];W[nj]
;B[ok];W[ph];B[jn];W[rl];B[nk];W[jh];B[ij];W[jm];B[im];W[ik];B[kj];W[kn];B[in];W[ih]
;B[eg];W[ko];B[jl];W[kk];B[gq];W[fp];B[fo];W[bg];B[fe];W[ge];B[kh];W[ip];B[ho];W[km]
;B[je];W[kd];B[dr];W[dq];B[gr];W[bn];B[bm];W[ao];B[ob];W[oa];B[pa];W[na];B[pb];W[mj]
;B[ke];W[ie];B[fr];W[cr];B[rj];W[qj];B[ql];W[hi];B[bf];W[ng];B[nf];W[mg];B[mf];W[lg]
;B[kg];W[bc];B[bd];W[ab];B[bi];W[oe];B[of];W[pq];B[os];W[bh];B[id];W[jf];B[jg];W[ig]
;B[ff];W[mi];B[ic];W[jc];B[jb];W[kb];B[ld];W[kc];B[ib];W[hd];B[md];W[mc];B[kf];W[nd]
;B[jp];W[jo];B[io];W[kq];B[jq];W[op];B[qq];W[lq];B[if];W[he];B[mp];W[kr];B[nn];W[mo]
;B[no];W[iq];B[ir];W[jr];B[hq];W[kp];B[er];W[bk];B[bj];W[am];B[bl];W[al];B[ck];W[ri]
;B[cs];W[bs];B[ds];W[br];B[ml];W[sm];B[sn];W[sk];B[sl];W[or];B[pp];W[sm];B[gc];W[gd]
;B[sl];W[ls];B[mr];W[sm];B[rn];W[pe];B[qe];W[ak];B[is];W[mk];B[ll];W[kl];B[ol];W[rd]
;B[qd];W[rb];B[qc];W[rc];B[ra];W[rg];B[re];W[il];B[ad];W[ac];B[gi];W[gj];B[gn];W[hm]
;B[sl];W[sj];B[eq];W[ep];B[od];W[sf];B[se];W[sg];B[lm];W[ln];B[nl];W[lp];B[oq];W[ms]
;B[af];W[jf];B[sm];W[if];B[ns];W[ks])

Cho U Defended Kisei

Cho U defended his Kisei title from challenger Iyama Yuta by winning the sixth game by a small 1.5 points margin. Cho seems to be able to beat Iyama's spell over him by winning the last 4 games (3 in Kisei title match and 1 in Judan title match). However, they are not end yet as Judan title defense is still underway.


Iyama Yuta vs. Cho U


Cho U (still) Kisei

Here is the game record:
Cho U (black) vs. Iyama Yuta (white). Result: B+1.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese Kisei, title match #6]DT[2011-03-10]
PB[Cho U]PW[Iyama Yuuta]KM[6.5]RE[B+1.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[lq];W[qf];B[pi];W[nc];B[of];W[qd];B[qc];W[pc];B[oc];W[pb]
;B[qe];W[pe];B[rd];W[od];B[pf];W[qd];B[re];W[nf];B[ng];W[mf];B[mg];W[lg];B[lf];W[ne]
;B[kf];W[og];B[qg];W[kg];B[mi];W[jf];B[je];W[if];B[kd];W[hd];B[id];W[ie];B[hc];W[ic]
;B[jd];W[ni];B[mh];W[le];B[gd];W[he];B[ib];W[gc];B[hb];W[mj];B[ke];W[kb];B[jb];W[pg]
;B[rf];W[oe];B[qf];W[li];B[oh];W[kc];B[jc];W[gb];B[mc];W[mb];B[lj];W[lh];B[ph];W[ld]
;B[ge];W[gf];B[jg];W[ig];B[jh];W[kj];B[lk];W[ki];B[ee];W[ed];B[fe];W[de];B[ih];W[gg]
;B[fc];W[fb];B[kk];W[ij];B[ik];W[hk];B[jk];W[ii];B[hl];W[gk];B[eb];W[ec];B[ga];W[fd]
;B[fa];W[fc];B[cb];W[cc];B[bb];W[db];B[da];W[ea];B[lc];W[md];B[eb];W[qq];B[dc];W[pp]
;B[qo];W[po];B[rq];W[pq];B[rr];W[pn];B[rn];W[mo];B[jp];W[nq];B[hi];W[hj];B[ef];W[df]
;B[eg];W[dg];B[mq];W[eh];B[nr];W[kn];B[np];W[no];B[in];W[kp];B[kq];W[op];B[oq];W[or]
;B[nq];W[jo];B[ip];W[mm];B[lm];W[ln];B[om];W[pl];B[nm];W[ml];B[ok];W[nn];B[on];W[im]
;B[jm];W[km];B[mk];W[io];B[ho];W[hn];B[gn];W[jn];B[hm];W[oo];B[ll];W[rm];B[nl];W[go]
;B[in];W[qn];B[so];W[hn];B[hp];W[rk];B[cq];W[fn];B[in];W[qr];B[rs];W[hn];B[gm];W[pm]
;B[rj];W[qj];B[ri];W[lp];B[qk];W[ql];B[dp];W[db];B[ea];W[cp];B[eq];W[dr];B[cr];W[co]
;B[ep];W[fm];B[dn];W[il];B[in];W[bc];B[ab];W[hn];B[hg];W[hf];B[in];W[ca];B[ba];W[hn]
;B[fh];W[gi];B[in];W[er];B[fr];W[hn];B[cn];W[gl];B[ck];W[gq];B[gr];W[hq];B[gp];W[fp]
;B[iq];W[bn];B[bm];W[bq];B[br];W[cl];B[dl];W[ir];B[jq];W[do];B[fq];W[eo];B[ch];W[dh]
;B[ci];W[dk];B[dj];W[dm];B[ek];W[cm];B[bl];W[en];B[fi];W[fg];B[bf];W[ar];B[es];W[be]
;B[bg];W[qb];B[pk];W[rc];B[bp];W[ap];B[aq];W[rp];B[ro];W[bq];B[ka];W[lb];B[aq];W[nh]
;B[og];W[bq];B[jj];W[ji];B[aq];W[ns];B[ao];W[ms];B[lr];W[ls];B[ks];W[el];B[dk];W[js]
;B[kr];W[fo];B[hr];W[am];B[bk];W[bo];B[qs];W[pr];B[gh];W[hh];B[fj];W[mn];B[sk];W[sl]
;B[rl];W[nk];B[nj];W[rk];B[sj];W[fk];B[rl];W[ol];B[nk];W[rk];B[mr];W[os];B[rl];W[sm]
;B[ae];W[ad];B[af];W[cf];B[bd];W[cd];B[ac];W[an];B[bd];W[al];B[ak];W[ad];B[sc];W[sb]
;B[sd];W[la];B[ja];W[jl];B[bd];W[ap];B[bq];W[ad];B[rb];W[ra];B[bd];W[bs];B[ds];W[ad]
;B[cg];W[di];B[ej];W[bd];B[gj];W[hi];B[rk];W[dc];B[sp];W[ao];B[mp];W[qm];B[ps];W[ff]
;B[kl];W[ei];B[sn])

Cho U Leads Kisei Defense

Cho U Kisei is close to defense his title as he won the fifth game by 2.5 points from challenger, Iyama Yuta Meijin.


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

The opening was unusual. Black tried to get a wall at the right side, but I think the wall is not effective due to J14. Day 1 ended with Iyama did the sealing move for black 57.


Iyama handling the sealed move to the referee, Takemiya Masaki.

Day 2 started with Iyama played O3 as his sealed move. The most interesting part of this game is the end game. As move 159, black captured white's group at the bottom but white got a big territory at the upper side. Cho later successfully captured 7 stones by attacking black's weak group around D10. Cho played a worth study end game move at white 190. Black started a ko fight at move 199, I'm not sure that this is the best idea, since white has more ko threads, but the normal way (connecting at H13 at black 199) gave an uncertain result. The game was really close for both side. Finally Iyama decided to capture the 3 stones and disrupted the upper side in retun of white's seki at the bottom board. The sixth game will be played at March 10-11. It will be a crucial game for Iyama if he wants to capture Kisei title.


Cho U

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

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[35th Kisei title match 5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Cho U]
WR[Kisei]
DT[2011-02-24,25]
BR[Meijin]
RE[W+2.5]
PB[Iyama Yuta]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dc];B[op];W[de];B[nc];W[pj];B[qh];W[jp];B[cn]
;W[cl];B[en];W[fp];B[dk];W[ck];B[dj];W[cj];B[di];W[co];B[bo];W[dl]
;B[el];W[ci];B[cq];W[bp];B[eq];W[do];B[fq];W[gp];B[gq];W[hq];B[hr]
;W[hp];B[dh];W[ir];B[bq];W[bn];B[oi];W[id];B[oj];W[pl];B[ok];W[qo]
;B[po];W[qn];B[rp];W[pn];B[kc];W[if];B[ch];W[mq];B[mp];W[nr];B[lq]
;W[lp];B[nq];W[mr];B[or];W[pq];B[pr];W[lo];B[lr];W[mo];B[np];W[qc]
;B[qd];W[rd];B[re];W[rb];B[hh];W[kd];B[ld];W[jc];B[ke];W[jd];B[pb]
;W[lc];B[mc];W[kb];B[le];W[br];B[ar];W[ao];B[cr];W[rh];B[ri];W[pc]
;B[rg];W[oo];B[pp];W[ob];B[oc];W[qb];B[no];W[nm];B[mn];W[ml];B[kl]
;W[km];B[lm];W[ll];B[kn];W[jm];B[kp];W[kk];B[jl];W[jk];B[il];W[mj]
;B[ik];W[ji];B[mh];W[lh];B[li];W[ih];B[jj];W[kj];B[ij];W[ki];B[jo]
;W[lg];B[mg];W[mi];B[gg];W[mf];B[nf];W[ff];B[be];W[cd];B[hn];W[kq]
;B[ln];W[kr];B[ls];W[lf];B[ne];W[gf];B[gr];W[fn];B[gn];W[fm];B[fo]
;W[em];B[ep];W[io];B[jq];W[iq];B[ho];W[eo];B[go];W[jr];B[is];W[hm]
;B[in];W[im];B[jn];W[gm];B[gj];W[gk];B[fk];W[fl];B[ii];W[fh];B[fg]
;W[gi];B[fi];W[hj];B[fj];W[hi];B[gh];W[hk];B[ig];W[jh];B[cf];W[bd]
;B[bh];W[ce];B[ol];W[bf];B[bg];W[ae];B[eg];W[om];B[pk];W[ql];B[rk]
;W[sd];B[df];W[rf];B[qf];W[sf];B[nb];W[pa];B[ee];W[ef];B[hf];W[he]
;B[ge];W[hg];B[hl];W[gl];B[hf];W[dq];B[fe];W[dr];B[er];W[ds];B[ip]
;W[bs];B[hc];W[io];B[eb];W[ib];B[ip];W[ec];B[fc];W[io];B[fs];W[hs]
;B[ip];W[ks];B[ko];W[io];B[lb];W[jf];B[ip];W[lp];B[lo];W[io];B[jg]
;W[kf];B[ip];W[ms];B[ns];W[io];B[nl];W[mm];B[ip];W[fd];B[gb];W[io]
;B[cb];W[ed];B[gd];W[ip];B[cc];W[bc];B[bb];W[ac];B[db];W[dd];B[aj]
;W[se];B[sg];W[qe];B[pe];W[me];B[md];W[la];B[kc];W[nh];B[ng];W[lc]
;B[bm];W[bl];B[al];W[cm];B[kc];W[ni];B[oh];W[lc];B[sn];W[mb];B[rl]
;W[na];B[am];W[rn];B[sm];W[od];B[re];W[qk];B[qj];W[qe];B[qg];W[ek]
;B[on];W[hb];B[ab];W[hd];B[mk];W[lk];B[nk];W[ro];B[bi];W[oe];B[pf]
;W[so];B[sp];W[pm];B[rm];W[kg];B[hg];W[je];B[nd];W[ga];B[fa];W[ha]
;B[ag];W[af];B[ej];W[bj];B[el];W[nn];B[ek];W[dn];B[ak];W[js];B[oo]
;W[es];B[gc];W[re])

Cho U Won By A Slim Margin

Cho U Kisei definitely doesn't want to step back, at least no t now. He won the fourth game of the 35th Kisei title match and evened the score to 2-2.


Cho U Kisei

The game started with a new (or at least I think so) variation of the recent Japan's joseki at the lower right corner. At the end of day 1, Iyama created strong walls toward the center while Cho had a solid territory at the right side. Iyama did the sealing move for move 82.


Iyama handled the sealed move.

Iyama played F2, his sealed mov, and opened day 2 of the fourth game. Cho invaded the left side at move 85 and a ko fight started. Cho won the ko and connected his group to his lower left, however he was only able to save half of his group as Iyama captured 10 stones from the fight.


Iyama Yuta Meijin

Cho played the vital point at move 165, the game became really close and finally Cho won the game by 0.5 point.

The fifth game will be played at February 24-25.

Here is the game record:
Cho U (black) vs. Iyama Yuta (white). Result: B+0.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese Kisei, title match #4]
DT[2011-02-17]PB[Cho U ]BR[9p]PW[Iyama Yuuta]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[B+0.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pq];W[po];B[qm];W[qq];B[mq];W[od];B[pf];W[pp];B[pr];W[np];B[lq];W[pl]
;B[pm];W[om];B[ql];W[pk];B[qk];W[pj];B[qi];W[nl];B[dp];W[pg];B[qg];W[of];B[ph];W[og]
;B[oh];W[nh];B[pe];W[oe];B[pc];W[oc];B[hc];W[jc];B[jb];W[kb];B[eb];W[cn];B[fp];W[dj]
;B[dc];W[ed];B[fc];W[hq];B[mo];W[nn];B[dn];W[dm];B[co];W[en];B[do];W[bn];B[em];W[dl]
;B[ho];W[jq];B[ip];W[fq];B[eq];W[gp];B[go];W[er];B[dr];W[fo];B[fn];W[ep];B[dq];W[kr]
;B[jp];W[cd];B[eo];W[pd];B[qb];W[pb];B[qc];W[qj];B[rj];W[oi];B[ro];W[fr];B[ib];W[kd]
;B[ch];W[dh];B[dg];W[eh];B[cf];W[ci];B[bi];W[bj];B[be];W[ec];B[db];W[gd];B[fd];W[fe]
;B[ge];W[ff];B[he];W[bd];B[bg];W[ai];B[ee];W[ef];B[de];W[bb];B[ah];W[bh];B[kq];W[id]
;B[hd];W[ir];B[bi];W[fb];B[gc];W[bh];B[eg];W[fg];B[bi];W[ae];B[aj];W[af];B[bk];W[cj]
;B[ce];W[cc];B[cb];W[ca];B[gb];W[ac];B[fh];W[gg];B[fi];W[di];B[ek];W[df];B[cg];W[hh]
;B[bl];W[cl];B[bo];W[ag];B[bm];W[qf];B[qe];W[rh];B[ri];W[qh];B[pi];W[rg];B[qp];W[re]
;B[ob];W[nb];B[pa];W[sb];B[rb];W[sd];B[ra];W[ni];B[cm];W[ad];B[ij];W[kj];B[lr];W[ks]
;B[jl];W[ii];B[hj];W[kl];B[km];W[jk];B[ll];W[kk];B[mm];W[pn];B[qn];W[ik];B[mk];W[si]
;B[rk];W[if];B[mj];W[ml];B[lk];W[li];B[oj];W[nj];B[ok];W[nk];B[ol];W[mn];B[na];W[mb]
;B[ie];W[je];B[hi];W[ji];B[lm];W[nm];B[ab];W[aa];B[hf];W[hg];B[ic];W[jd];B[ln];W[mp]
;B[lo];W[ds];B[cs];W[es];B[cr];W[no];B[il];W[hk];B[hl];W[gj];B[gk];W[gi];B[fj];W[gh]
;B[ig];W[jf];B[gf];W[jj];B[ak];W[bf];B[jr];W[iq];B[ls];W[js];B[fp];W[ma];B[oa];W[oq]
;B[or];W[nq];B[nr];W[lp];B[hp];W[gq];B[ai];W[bh];B[sj];W[jm];B[fl];W[gm];B[gl];W[el]
;B[rd];W[qo];B[rp];W[sc];B[sh];W[jn];B[jo];W[mi];B[ko];W[sg];B[ka];W[la];B[ja];W[da]
;B[fa];W[ba];B[ea];W[si];B[fm];W[sh])

Iyama Leads Kisei Fight

After successfully balanced the score at the second game of the 35th Kisei title match series, Cho U is faced with the hard fact. Iyama took the wheel of the competition by winning the third game.


The young Meijin in control

The fourth game will beplayed at February 17-18 in Takarazuka, Hyogo.


Cho must step up his game or he will lost his title to Iyama again

Here is the game record:
Iyama Yuta (black) vs. Cho U (white). Result: B+1.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese Kisei, title macth game 3]
DT[2011-02-03,04]PB[Iyama Yuta]BR[9p]PW[Cho U]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[B+1.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[pp];B[dc];W[cp];B[eq];W[hp];B[cm];W[ep];B[dp];W[do];B[dq];W[cn];B[cq];W[dm]
;B[fp];W[eo];B[fo];W[bq];B[bp];W[bo];B[co];W[ap];B[cp];W[bm];B[br];W[ce];B[ed];W[ch]
;B[kc];W[qn];B[jq];W[io];B[lp];W[pg];B[od];W[pj];B[fn];W[gq];B[em];W[dn];B[fq];W[kn]
;B[nq];W[kp];B[jp];W[kq];B[kr];W[lq];B[lr];W[ko];B[mq];W[or];B[pq];W[oq];B[op];W[nr]
;B[mr];W[oo];B[np];W[qq];B[po];W[qp];B[jo];W[jn];B[in];W[hn];B[im];W[hm];B[il];W[hl]
;B[ik];W[kl];B[lm];W[jl];B[jj];W[fl];B[on];W[kj];B[ki];W[lj];B[el];W[fj];B[ll];W[jk]
;B[ij];W[li];B[kh];W[lh];B[kg];W[pn];B[lo];W[ir];B[jr];W[om];B[no];W[lg];B[kf];W[ek]
;B[dl];W[cl];B[dk];W[dj];B[ck];W[bk];B[cj];W[di];B[df];W[gh];B[gf];W[ih];B[ii];W[fm]
;B[en];W[ff];B[fg];W[gg];B[fe];W[me];B[ld];W[pc];B[oc];W[pd];B[pe];W[qc];B[qe];W[ob]
;B[nb];W[pb];B[ne];W[of];B[oe];W[rb];B[bg];W[hf];B[ef];W[ie];B[rd];W[mb];B[nc];W[jd]
;B[kd];W[jc];B[jb];W[ib];B[kb];W[rc];B[hd];W[ke];B[le];W[je];B[lf];W[hc];B[gk];W[fk]
;B[ig];W[jg];B[jm];W[bh];B[cf];W[km];B[gb];W[gc];B[fc];W[jf];B[fi];W[gi];B[ei];W[jh]
;B[ji];W[hk];B[bj];W[aj];B[ai];W[ak];B[oh];W[ph];B[oj];W[ok];B[nj];W[nk];B[mk];W[nh]
;B[ng];W[nf];B[mh];W[mg];B[pk];W[ni];B[pi];W[qj];B[qi];W[mj];B[oi];W[og];B[ri];W[qk]
;B[rg];W[mf];B[rj];W[rk];B[sk];W[pl];B[rl];W[rm];B[ql];W[pk];B[oa];W[pa];B[na];W[ah]
;B[ag];W[qm];B[gr];W[hr];B[fs];W[nm];B[ln];W[kk];B[aq];W[gd];B[sd];W[sc];B[ao];W[bn]
;B[ge];W[md];B[mc];W[cg];B[bf];W[sl];B[he];W[gn];B[dh];W[dg];B[eh];W[ej];B[ci];W[bi]
;B[eg];W[ai];B[sj];W[ms];B[js];W[qg];B[rh];W[ml];B[hi];W[hh];B[hj];W[gj];B[lk];W[mm]
;B[mn];W[fb];B[eb];W[ja];B[ka];W[pr];B[ls];W[ns];B[fa];W[ia];B[qf];W[hs];B[gs];W[qo]
;B[oo];W[an];B[ap])

Cho U Won Game 2

Day 2 of 35th Kisei title match series game 2 started with Iyama played his sealed move which revealed to be C8.


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

The game progressed with Cho claimed the right side and Iyama for the upper side. Iyama used the aji of his stone at B15 by playing B13. As a result, Iyama got a 7 steps ko fight which he won. However, Iyama must trade it with his left side. Iyama resigned at move 189 because black successfully break into the center.

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

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese Kisei title match game 2]
DT[2011-01-28]PB[Cho U]BR[9p]PW[Iyama Yuta]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dc];B[pq];W[cp];B[nc];W[po];B[qm];W[qq];B[mq];W[pp];B[pr];W[ro];B[eq];W[do]
;B[pj];W[qr];B[ip];W[ci];B[fd];W[hd];B[dd];W[ed];B[ee];W[ec];B[cc];W[fe];B[cd];W[ff]
;B[ef];W[fc];B[cg];W[eg];B[dg];W[eh];B[eo];W[en];B[fo];W[dq];B[er];W[be];B[df];W[jp]
;B[jo];W[kp];B[mo];W[io];B[ho];W[in];B[iq];W[kn];B[hn];W[im];B[dn];W[cn];B[dm];W[cm]
;B[dl];W[cl];B[ph];W[ld];B[me];W[qc];B[pc];W[le];B[mf];W[lf];B[lg];W[md];B[mh];W[nd]
;B[od];W[rd];B[rc];W[ob];B[qb];W[ng];B[nh];W[kg];B[qn];W[mn];B[qo];W[qp];B[no];W[nn]
;B[lp];W[ko];B[kr];W[mg];B[lh];W[og];B[pg];W[oe];B[oc];W[pf];B[qf];W[qe];B[re];W[pe]
;B[rg];W[kh];B[lb];W[bg];B[bh];W[ah];B[bf];W[af];B[ag];W[rf];B[sf];W[bg];B[bi];W[cf]
;B[ch];W[ce];B[bd];W[de];B[ad];W[ae];B[ai];W[jr];B[jq];W[cb];B[ag];W[kq];B[lr];W[ah]
;B[bb];W[ac];B[bc];W[ba];B[ab];W[oj];B[ok];W[db];B[ag];W[pk];B[pl];W[ah];B[dk];W[ca]
;B[ag];W[nk];B[qk];W[ah];B[bo];W[aa];B[co];W[bk];B[ck];W[bj];B[cj];W[di];B[bm];W[bl]
;B[bn];W[dh];B[ag];W[ac];B[bf];W[mb];B[al];W[mc];B[nb];W[na];B[rn];W[mj];B[oi];W[gl]
;B[fk];W[gk];B[on];W[oq];B[or];W[nr];B[nq];W[op];B[ns];W[ps];B[mr];W[sp];B[qs];W[rr]
;B[sn];W[sq];B[fi];W[gh];B[lj];W[lk];B[ki])

Iyama Sealed Day 1

The 35th Kisei continues. After 2 weeks break from the 1st game, Iyama Yuta and Cho U meet again for game 2.

Cho who lost game 1 decided to play more carefully in game 2. After 57 moves, Cho got a lot of territory, but Iyama got a thick position at the upper board. At the end of the day, Iyama did the sealing move.


Iyama Yuta handling his sealed move to Yoda Norimoto

Day 2 will start tomorrow. Who will win this time?

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

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese Kisei title match game 2]
DT[2011-01-26]PB[Chang.Hsu ]BR[9p]PW[Iyama.Yuta]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[Progressing!]
MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dc];B[pq];W[cp];B[nc];W[po];B[qm];W[qq];B[mq];W[pp];B[pr];W[ro];B[eq];W[do]
;B[pj];W[qr];B[ip];W[ci];B[fd];W[hd];B[dd];W[ed];B[ee];W[ec];B[cc];W[fe];B[cd];W[ff]
;B[ef];W[fc];B[cg];W[eg];B[dg];W[eh];B[eo];W[en];B[fo];W[dq];B[er];W[be];B[df];W[jp]
;B[jo];W[kp];B[mo];W[io];B[ho];W[in];B[iq];W[kn];B[hn];W[im];B[dn];W[cn];B[dm];W[cm]
;B[dl])

First Blood at Kisei

The 35th Kisei entered the last day of the first game. Cho U (9 dan) played his sealed move, N6, and opened the last day.

Cho's sealed helped his group at the right side before he fix the group at the center by capturing one stone. I personally prefer to connect at H8 as black, because white's shape at the center is very poor and I'd like to keep it that way, but Iyama prefer to connect instead.


Iyama Yuta (facing the camera) vs. Cho U

Iyama started a ko fight at move 67. The ko fight is dangerous for both side. Iyama played carefully at move 99. He connected the ko instead of playing K2 which may lead to another dangerous ko fight. After the fight at the bottom board, I think Iyama had the control of the game. He played good moves like black 143 and black 95. He gave the final blow to Cho at move 201, showing Cho that move 200 is a blunder.

Iyama opened the title series with a great performance. The second game will be played at January 26-27.

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

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese kisei title match, game 1]
DT[2011-01-14]PB[Iyama Yuta]BR[9p]PW[Cho U]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[ed];B[cd];W[cc];B[ic];W[dd];B[ce];W[bc];B[cn];W[fp];B[dj];W[oq]
;B[kq];W[on];B[qm];W[iq];B[ko];W[ol];B[pk];W[ok];B[pj];W[oj];B[pi];W[jp];B[kp];W[km]
;B[jo];W[im];B[ho];W[gq];B[hr];W[ir];B[hm];W[in];B[io];W[hn];B[hq];W[gr];B[fo];W[hp]
;B[gn];W[dn];B[dm];W[en];B[il];W[jl];B[jm];W[jn];B[kn];W[jm];B[lm];W[ik];B[lk];W[mn]
;B[ln];W[hl];B[gm];W[fl];B[po];W[oo];B[pq];W[pr];B[or];W[nr];B[gp];W[go];B[op];W[nq]
;B[gp];W[hs];B[ep];W[go];B[np];W[mp];B[gp];W[fq];B[eo];W[do];B[eq];W[go];B[er];W[dl]
;B[cq];W[lr];B[kr];W[js];B[mq];W[no];B[pp];W[lq];B[lp];W[mo];B[gp];W[cm];B[ls];W[mr]
;B[go];W[ks];B[dg];W[dq];B[dr];W[bq];B[cp];W[co];B[bp];W[bo];B[br];W[gc];B[nc];W[ci]
;B[di];W[cj];B[ch];W[eh];B[ck];W[bk];B[eg];W[fh];B[fg];W[gh];B[gg];W[hg];B[hf];W[if]
;B[he];W[ig];B[ie];W[qd];B[qe];W[pc];B[od];W[rc];B[re];W[ob];B[nb];W[qb];B[qr];W[dh]
;B[bh];W[bj];B[hj];W[hi];B[gl];W[ij];B[gk];W[fj];B[rd];W[qc];B[hb];W[gb];B[jf];W[jg]
;B[kf];W[mg];B[kg];W[kh];B[ps];W[pl];B[ql];W[pn];B[qn];W[me];B[og];W[ng];B[lh];W[oh]
;B[ki];W[of];B[jh];W[ii];B[pg];W[oi];B[ph];W[ld];B[lc];W[hc];B[ib];W[kc];B[kb];W[jd]
;B[jc];W[kd];B[id];W[mc];B[fk];W[ek];B[lb];W[ae];B[fm];W[bf];B[em];W[dk];B[fd];W[fe]
;B[gd];W[ee];B[ge];W[cf];B[eb];W[fc];B[ec];W[db];B[ea];W[ga];B[dc])

35th Kisei Starts

The 35th Kisei title match series starts! The first game started today and will continue tomorrow to find whose blood will be spilled first.


Cho U (left) and Iyama Yuta (right) at the opening ceremony.

The attention to this year's Kisei is quite big, because the rivalry between Cho U and Iyama Yuta continues here aftet the last time they played for Meijin title.

The first day ended at move 55 with Cho U did the sealing move. The question is, did Cho decide to help his stones at the right side, or capturing at H8, or played somewhere else? Let see the answer tomorrow.


Cho U handled the sealed move.

Here is the game record of day 1
Cho U (white) vs. Iyama Yuta (black).

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[35th Kisei game 1 day 1]
DT[2011-01-13]PB[Iyama Yuta]BR[9p]PW[Cho U]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[Progressing!]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[ed];B[cd];W[cc];B[ic];W[dd];B[ce];W[bc];B[cn];W[fp];B[dj];W[oq]
;B[kq];W[on];B[qm];W[iq];B[ko];W[ol];B[pk];W[ok];B[pj];W[oj];B[pi];W[jp];B[kp];W[km]
;B[jo];W[im];B[ho];W[gq];B[hr];W[ir];B[hm];W[in];B[io];W[hn];B[hq];W[gr];B[fo];W[hp]
;B[gn];W[dn];B[dm];W[en];B[il];W[jl];B[jm];W[jn];B[kn];W[jm];B[lm];W[ik];B[lk])

Iyama Challenge Cho U

Iyama Yuta Meijin will face another 7 games title match against Cho U after their last fight at Meijin title match.


Iyama Yuta

Iyama beat Takao Shinji (9 dan) at the Challenger's decision match by resignation.


Takao Shinji (left) vs. Iyama Yuta (right)

This is the fifth consecutive lost for Takao from Iyama after he (Takao Shinji) lost 4 straight games at this year's Meijin. Interesting is, they will meet tomorrow to play the 6th Daiwa Cup's semi-final.


Takao Shinji

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

(;
EV[35th Kisei challenger decision match]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Iyama Yuta]
WR[Meijin]
DT[2010-11-11]
BR[9d]
RE[W+R]
PB[Takao Shinji]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[co];W[oq];B[lp];W[ck];B[ep];W[eq];B[fp]
;W[gq];B[gp];W[hq];B[hp];W[ip];B[io];W[jo];B[fq];W[fr];B[iq];W[jp]
;B[ir];W[gr];B[kq];W[ho];B[fn];W[cp];B[in];W[jn];B[np];W[op];B[no]
;W[oo];B[on];W[pn];B[po];W[qq];B[pm];W[qn];B[qm];W[rn];B[rq];W[rm]
;B[qr];W[om];B[nn];W[pl];B[nm];W[ol];B[pp];W[im];B[hn];W[gn];B[hm]
;W[gm];B[hl];W[go];B[dn];W[gl];B[il];W[km];B[kl];W[ll];B[kk];W[dp]
;B[en];W[el];B[jm];W[ln];B[mk];W[bn];B[cn];W[bo];B[cm];W[cl];B[kn]
;W[ko];B[lo];W[bm];B[lk];W[qi];B[fc];W[dc];B[ee];W[ed];B[fd];W[fe]
;B[ef];W[ff];B[ce];W[de];B[df];W[cf];B[cg];W[bf];B[fg];W[hf];B[gg]
;W[hd];B[hc];W[ic];B[ib];W[bg];B[eh];W[dg];B[eg];W[gc];B[gf];W[hb]
;B[ge];W[nc];B[db];W[eb];B[fb];W[cb];B[kc];W[kd];B[jd];W[jc];B[ld]
;W[ke];B[lb];W[le];B[md];W[kb];B[lc];W[jb];B[me];W[pc];B[qd];W[qc]
;B[rc];W[od];B[je];W[jf];B[oe];W[mb];B[ma];W[rb];B[rd];W[na];B[la]
;W[pb];B[kf];W[lf];B[if];W[kg];B[ie];W[he];B[ig];W[hg];B[hh];W[ih]
;B[jh];W[ii];B[jg];W[ki];B[ji];W[jj];B[ij];W[hi];B[kj];W[kh];B[jk]
;W[id];B[jj];W[pf];B[pg];W[of];B[pe];W[nf];B[qf];W[oh];B[ne];W[oi]
;B[qh];W[rh])

Takao-Iyama Showdown (Again)

After playing 4 games at this year's Meijin, Takao Shinji and Iyama Yuta Meijin will meet in another important game. They will play the challenger decision's match to decide who will challenge Cho U for the 35th Kisei title.

Takao Shinji won the last game at League A from O Meien and came out ahead with perfect 5-0 score. AS usual, O Meien opened the game with an unusual opening.


Takao Shinji

Here is the game record:
Takao Shinji (white) vs. O Meien (black). Result: W+3.5

(;
EV[35th Kisei league]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Takao Shinji]
WR[9d]
DT[2010-09-30]
BR[9d]
RE[W+3.5]
PB[O Meien]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[oq];W[dp];B[fq];W[cn];B[pn];W[iq];B[kp];W[io];B[dq]
;W[cq];B[cr];W[eq];B[dr];W[ep];B[cp];W[bq];B[bp];W[br];B[bs];W[er]
;B[aq];W[qf];B[ph];W[qc];B[qd];W[pc];B[od];W[rd];B[re];W[rc];B[qe]
;W[nc];B[cf];W[ch];B[jn];W[qj];B[qi];W[oj];B[ni];W[ri];B[rh];W[rn]
;B[qn];W[ro];B[ql];W[rm];B[pk];W[qm];B[pm];W[rl];B[pj];W[qk];B[pl]
;W[in];B[jm];W[hl];B[dh];W[di];B[dg];W[be];B[ei];W[ej];B[ci];W[dj]
;B[fc];W[ee];B[db];W[gd];B[gc];W[hd];B[fi];W[bi];B[fg];W[ik];B[cc]
;W[cd];B[bc];W[bg];B[ih];W[kk];B[jq];W[ir];B[gf];W[nd];B[lc];W[me]
;B[le];W[ge];B[lf];W[pp];B[pq];W[qq];B[qr];W[rq];B[rr];W[rj];B[fj]
;W[fl];B[co];W[dn];B[bn];W[bm];B[jr];W[jo];B[ko];W[jp];B[kq];W[ao]
;B[fk];W[el];B[sq];W[ll];B[lm];W[oe];B[pf];W[of];B[qg];W[kd];B[nb]
;W[ob];B[mb];W[ld];B[oc];W[pb];B[ib];W[kg];B[lg];W[kh];B[if];W[kf]
;B[lh];W[mm];B[jc];W[jd];B[ie];W[kc];B[kb];W[mc];B[lb];W[ic];B[jb]
;W[ln];B[km];W[li];B[mi];W[mo];B[jj];W[ji];B[lj];W[ii];B[kn];W[hc]
;B[hb];W[hh];B[hg];W[mk];B[jk];W[kj];B[ki];W[np];B[nq];W[li];B[bf]
;W[af];B[ki];W[mq];B[mr];W[li];B[sd];W[ra];B[ki];W[nr];B[lq];W[li]
;B[qa];W[rb];B[ki];W[mp];B[or];W[li];B[cg];W[cj];B[ki];W[lr];B[ns]
;W[li];B[im];W[hm];B[ki];W[ij];B[gh];W[li];B[ah];W[ag];B[ki];W[oi]
;B[oh];W[li];B[nn];W[ki];B[mn];W[pi];B[nj];W[qh];B[oa];W[pa];B[qi]
;W[ng];B[ok];W[qo];B[mh];W[op];B[is];W[hs];B[js];W[hr];B[id];W[ke]
;B[bo];W[do];B[mf];W[an];B[ar];W[ec];B[eb];W[og];B[bd];W[ce];B[nm]
;W[sp];B[hi];W[ml];B[lo];W[jl];B[mj];W[gk];B[sr];W[na];B[ek];W[dk]
;B[ad];W[ae];B[ef];W[fe];B[es];W[fs];B[ds];W[sc];B[se];W[sh];B[sg]
;W[si];B[kl];W[lk];B[il];W[gj];B[gi];W[rf];B[sf];W[pe];B[rg];W[pg]
;B[qf];W[jk];B[hj];W[hk];B[po];W[nl];B[fr];W[gs];B[he];W[jg];B[ig]
;W[ma];B[la];W[oa];B[dc];W[ed];B[oo];W[ol];B[om])

At League B, Iyama managed to win the important game against league's leader, Yamashiro Hiroshi (9 dan). Both Iyama and Yamashiro had the same final score, 4-1, but since Iyama's rank is higher Iyama automatically play against League A's winner.


Iyama Yuta

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

(;
EV[35th Kisei league]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Yamashiro Hiroshi]
WR[9d]
DT[2010-09-30]
BR[Meijin]
RE[B+R]
PB[Iyama Yuta]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dd];B[fq];W[dn];B[ip];W[po];B[np];W[qq];B[qr]
;W[qk];B[qm];W[pp];B[qp];W[rq];B[qo];W[qn];B[pn];W[pr];B[oq];W[rn]
;B[oo];W[pm];B[op];W[on];B[pl];W[po];B[ql];W[rr];B[or];W[pn];B[pp]
;W[rl];B[rm];W[sm];B[rk];W[sl];B[ol];W[rj];B[ro];W[nn];B[so];W[sn]
;B[ps];W[pg];B[qi];W[pi];B[cf];W[fc];B[bd];W[nc];B[qj];W[pk];B[ph]
;W[pj];B[oh];W[qh];B[ri];W[qg];B[sj];W[sk];B[nd];W[md];B[mc];W[ld]
;B[nb];W[oc];B[od];W[ok];B[lc];W[ob];B[kd];W[ke];B[jd];W[qc];B[og]
;W[lf];B[pf];W[rh];B[qf];W[sh];B[mb];W[rd];B[rf];W[jb];B[kb];W[pc]
;B[rb];W[qb];B[je];W[rj];B[kg];W[mh];B[rk];W[si];B[me];W[cc];B[cl]
;W[eq];B[fp];W[bo];B[el];W[ko];B[ef];W[bc];B[jn];W[di];B[ci];W[dg]
;B[de];W[cg];B[ed];W[ec];B[cd];W[dc];B[eg];W[cj];B[bi];W[bj];B[dj]
;W[bh];B[ei];W[dh];B[eh];W[dk];B[ej];W[ck];B[dl];W[lk];B[ll];W[mk]
;B[ek];W[bl];B[ak];W[ai];B[bm];W[bf];B[fr];W[er];B[es];W[jo];B[dr]
;W[cr];B[dq];W[cq];B[ep];W[do];B[bk];W[ch];B[cs];W[br];B[ln];W[lo]
;B[mn];W[mo];B[no];W[kn];B[km];W[jm];B[jl];W[in];B[il];W[kq];B[lr]
;W[lq];B[mr];W[go];B[fn];W[im];B[io];W[hl];B[ij];W[gn];B[gm];W[fm]
;B[fl];W[iq];B[hp];W[fo];B[em];W[eo];B[hm];W[hn];B[nm];W[rj];B[ml]
;W[kk];B[kl];W[hr];B[gr];W[gp];B[gs];W[lg];B[ki];W[li];B[le];W[fd]
;B[be];W[df];B[ee];W[ce];B[re];W[rc];B[cf];W[ic];B[af];W[ce];B[sd]
;W[sb];B[cf];W[aj];B[al];W[ce];B[sa];W[sc];B[cf];W[bg];B[hq];W[ir]
;B[jp];W[kr];B[ag];W[ce];B[kp];W[gq];B[cf];W[gl];B[fm];W[ce];B[lp]
;W[mp];B[cf];W[mm];B[ce])

Two Remains Perfect at Kisei League

The 35th Kisei League has come to its halftime. With 2 more games to go, things are heating up at both League A and League B.

Takao Shinji (9 dan) become the only leader with a perfect 3-0 score at League A. He beat Yamashita Keigo (Honinbo) to get this position. The game was very important for both, because Takao and Yamashita each had 2-0 record.


Takao Shinji

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

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese Kisei, league A]DT[2010-08-26]
PB[Takao Shinji]BR[9p]PW[Yamashita Keigo]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dc];B[oq];W[ci];B[nc];W[qj];B[ql];W[qg];B[qe];W[oj];B[fq];W[dn]
;B[dr];W[cq];B[hp];W[ol];B[kp];W[id];B[de];W[ed];B[ee];W[cd];B[ei];W[eh];B[fd];W[fh]
;B[ec];W[dd];B[ge];W[ff];B[fe];W[fb];B[ie];W[je];B[hd];W[if];B[ic];W[he];B[jd];W[qo]
;B[po];W[pp];B[op];W[pq];B[qq];W[pr];B[oo];W[qr];B[ro];W[qn];B[rn];W[hc];B[ie];W[rp]
;B[hf];W[rq];B[ce];W[bd];B[pm];W[mq];B[mp];W[or];B[di];W[dh];B[cj];W[bh];B[bi];W[ch]
;B[cl];W[lq];B[kq];W[bm];B[ek];W[lp];B[lo];W[mn];B[mo];W[pn];B[on];W[om];B[qp];W[qq]
;B[qm];W[qp];B[rj];W[ri];B[rk];W[sj];B[qi];W[pi];B[qh];W[rh];B[ph];W[qk];B[rl];W[og]
;B[pk];W[pj];B[ok];W[nk];B[pl];W[nj];B[nl];W[nm];B[ml];W[ln];B[kn];W[lm];B[kk];W[km]
;B[jm];W[jn];B[nn];W[ko];B[mm];W[jl];B[kr];W[nq];B[eb];W[fc];B[gc];W[md];B[nd];W[mf]
;B[db];W[cb];B[gb];W[be];B[cr];W[io];B[ip];W[em];B[cm];W[cn];B[bl];W[dj];B[bj];W[dk]
;B[bn];W[bo];B[am];W[ej];B[rf];W[mc];B[ng];W[of];B[ne];W[nf];B[me];W[le];B[ld];W[kd]
;B[lc];W[kc];B[mb];W[ig];B[mk];W[mi];B[ij];W[ho];B[go];W[gn];B[fo];W[jc];B[li];W[lh]
;B[kh];W[id];B[hb];W[ki];B[lj];W[lg];B[fn];W[fm];B[hk];W[br];B[dq];W[bq];B[ep];W[ji]
;B[ii];W[jh];B[hm];W[im];B[hn];W[gm];B[hl];W[in];B[jp];W[jo];B[mj];W[ni];B[rg];W[pg]
;B[fk];W[gj];B[do];W[cp];B[dl];W[el];B[en];W[dm];B[ih])

Yamashiro Hiroshi emerged as the sole leader of League B after defeating Ryu Shikun (9 dan). Yamashiro who is a hardcore influence lover will play O Rissei (9 dan) at the next round.


Yamashiro Hiroshi

Here is the ame record:
Yamashiro Hiroshi (black) vs. Ryu Shikun (white). Result: B+7.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese Kisei, league B]DT[2010-08-26]
PB[Yamashiro Hiroshi]BR[9p]PW[Ryu Shikun]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[B+7.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[pp];B[dq];W[dd];B[fc];W[cf];B[dg];W[df];B[fg];W[eg];B[eh];W[ef];B[fh];W[ci]
;B[qn];W[nq];B[od];W[jc];B[lc];W[gd];B[dc];W[cc];B[qj];W[je];B[hc];W[hd];B[ic];W[jb]
;B[id];W[ie];B[jd];W[kd];B[gc];W[ld];B[db];W[mc];B[cd];W[bd];B[fe];W[ff];B[gf];W[ge]
;B[cb];W[hf];B[co];W[ql];B[iq];W[qo];B[pn];W[ol];B[nn];W[oj];B[ph];W[kq];B[rn];W[oo]
;B[on];W[oh];B[rl];W[dm];B[nc];W[mb];B[og];W[nh];B[ng];W[pi];B[qi];W[mg];B[ne];W[hl]
;B[ik];W[hk];B[ij];W[hj];B[ii];W[pk];B[qk];W[kl];B[lk];W[kk];B[il];W[im];B[jm];W[ki]
;B[el];W[hm];B[em];W[ej];B[jl];W[ip];B[km];W[dn];B[fo];W[do];B[dp];W[fn];B[gn];W[fm]
;B[hp];W[jp];B[ho];W[eo];B[ep];W[fp];B[go];W[bo];B[hi];W[gi];B[gh];W[fj];B[gm];W[gl]
;B[fl];W[en];B[cn];W[cm];B[bn];W[bm];B[bp];W[hq];B[gq];W[hr];B[gr];W[ir];B[lj];W[kj]
;B[mm];W[bc];B[md];W[lb];B[le];W[ke];B[lf];W[kg];B[di];W[cj];B[hg];W[ig];B[qq];W[pq]
;B[qp];W[qr];B[rr];W[gg];B[hh];W[ob];B[bl];W[cl];B[am];W[bk];B[al];W[dj];B[mh];W[mi]
;B[lh];W[li];B[kh];W[nk];B[ll];W[pg];B[qh];W[lg];B[jh];W[mj];B[pj];W[ml];B[qb];W[pr]
;B[po];W[gs];B[fs];W[hs];B[fr];W[mf];B[me];W[pc];B[pd];W[ha];B[ga];W[bb];B[ed];W[ia]
;B[fb];W[rs];B[mp];W[no];B[oi];W[ni];B[lm];W[mk];B[qm];W[pl];B[lp];W[mq];B[lq];W[lr]
;B[kr];W[mr];B[nb];W[na];B[oc];W[de];B[fd];W[rq];B[rp];W[sr];B[gf];W[nf];B[of];W[gg]
;B[cg];W[bg];B[gf];W[pb];B[oa];W[pa];B[qc];W[gg];B[nm];W[nl];B[gf];W[oe];B[pe];W[gg]
;B[jg];W[kf];B[gf];W[pf];B[oe];W[gg];B[qa];W[sp];B[ro];W[mo];B[ko];W[ak];B[an];W[gf]
;B[kp];W[jq];B[ba];W[ch];B[dh];W[hb];B[gb];W[jn];B[jo];W[io];B[kn];W[in];B[np];W[op]
;B[ib];W[ja];B[fi];W[gj];B[so];W[sq];B[ab];W[ac];B[oa];W[ma];B[ca];W[aa];B[pi];W[ab])

Fujisawa Rina First Official Victory

Surely that there are some burden being the granddaughter of the famous Fujisawa Shuko. Fujisawa Rina knows it best. Being the most famous new player, Rina seems to be always under the radar.


Fujisawa Rina

And for you who is curious about her, here is the game record of her first official victory.

Black is Fujisawa Rina (1 dan) and white is Kanda Ei (9 dan). Black won the game by resignation.

Rina made a rare move with black 11. The usual combination would be black 11 at M17 followed by white O16, black P18, R17, N18, O15, M16, N15, L16, P12. Kanda Ei's answer at white 12 is the only move. Black's position will be too promising if white played O18. Rina also showed a calm defense when her group is under fire. She played the correct escaping move, S7. It doesn't matter whether white played Q8 or Q9 next, since black's group will still get out of the hot water.

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[36th Japanese Kisei, preliminary]DT[2010-06-10]
PB[Fujisawa Rina]BR[1p]PW[Kanda Ei]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[pp];B[dd];W[dp];B[qn];W[nq];B[pj];W[nc];B[od];W[pb];B[ob];W[oc];B[pc];W[qb]
;B[mc];W[nd];B[nb];W[md];B[lc];W[oe];B[qf];W[ld];B[kc];W[pf];B[qe];W[ph];B[qg];W[nh]
;B[qh];W[je];B[cn];W[cl];B[en];W[fp];B[bp];W[cq];B[ci];W[el];B[gn];W[gl];B[ho];W[hq]
;B[im];W[hm];B[in];W[ip];B[il];W[fj];B[bq];W[df];B[cf];W[cg];B[bf];W[de];B[cd];W[ed]
;B[ec];W[fc];B[fd];W[ee];B[db];W[eb];B[dc];W[gd];B[dg];W[fe];B[eg];W[qc];B[pd];W[rd]
;B[re];W[sc];B[ic];W[oa];B[ma];W[hc];B[ie];W[ib];B[id];W[jb];B[kd];W[ke];B[ig];W[kg]
;B[rp];W[fg];B[ra];W[rb];B[se];W[sa];B[sd];W[rc];B[sb];W[ce];B[be];W[sa];B[mf];W[lf]
;B[sb];W[bd];B[bc];W[sa];B[fh];W[qa];B[hh];W[bn];B[do];W[eh];B[gg];W[dh];B[ff];W[ch]
;B[ge];W[gb];B[bi];W[dj];B[bg];W[bo];B[co];W[cm];B[ep];W[eq];B[cp];W[ql];B[pg];W[og]
;B[qq];W[qo];B[ro];W[pn];B[rn];W[pm];B[or];W[pr];B[pq];W[oq];B[nr];W[mr];B[qr];W[ns]
;B[ps];W[mp];B[dq];W[er];B[lq];W[mq];B[ko];W[jo];B[oo];W[po];B[jq];W[jn];B[kn];W[jm]
;B[mn];W[nn];B[mo];W[no];B[nm];W[om];B[kl];W[rj];B[pi];W[oh];B[qk];W[rk];B[hr];W[kp]
;B[lp];W[ir];B[iq];W[kq];B[kr];W[jp];B[jr];W[lr];B[hp];W[nl];B[ri];W[gq];B[gr];W[si]
;B[sg];W[rf];B[ok];W[qj];B[qi];W[nk];B[nf];W[of];B[nj];W[mj];B[ni];W[oi];B[mi];W[mh]
;B[oj];W[li];B[sh];W[rg];B[qm];W[pl];B[rl];W[sl];B[sm];W[rm];B[ne];W[le];B[rl];W[fo]
;B[mk];W[is];B[hs];W[mm];B[fn];W[fq];B[dr];W[fs];B[go];W[ks];B[js];W[ls];B[eo];W[lj]
;B[sk])

Two players Bounced Back

Two players at the 35th isei tournament League B bounced back to the league from their 0-2 condition.

The first player is Hane Naoki (Agon) who beat Iyama Yuta (Meijin) in a fighting game. The game was difficult with Iyama tried to save his invading stones most of the time. Hane won the game by resignation at move 125 when he killed Iyama's group at the bottom board.


Hane Naoki


Iyama Yuta

Here is the game record:

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[35th Kisei league]
GM[1]
SZ[19]
FF[3]
PW[Iyama Yuta]
PB[Hane Naoki]
DT[2010-08-05]
WR[Meijin]
RE[B+R]
BR[9d]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[oq];W[ck];B[pj];W[jp];B[fc];W[df];B[mc]
;W[do];B[fe];W[ec];B[fb];W[fg];B[hf];W[jf];B[hh];W[jd];B[jh];W[ld]
;B[md];W[me];B[ne];W[nf];B[mf];W[le];B[lf];W[he];B[ge];W[nd];B[oe]
;W[nc];B[lb];W[nb];B[jb];W[qc];B[pc];W[pb];B[ic];W[ng];B[mh];W[kh]
;B[mg];W[pe];B[of];W[qd];B[pf];W[qe];B[qf];W[ji];B[jg];W[mp];B[no]
;W[gi];B[ij];W[ln];B[cq];W[cp];B[eq];W[dr];B[ep];W[dp];B[hp];W[hn]
;B[io];W[kg];B[ki];W[li];B[kj];W[kf];B[od];W[id];B[ob];W[hc];B[hb]
;W[jc];B[ib];W[qb];B[kc];W[nh];B[mi];W[lj];B[kk];W[lh];B[ni];W[oi]
;B[nj];W[nk];B[oj];W[lk];B[ll];W[ml];B[mm];W[nm];B[mn];W[ok];B[lm]
;W[pm];B[iq];W[jq];B[ir];W[nq];B[or];W[jr];B[nr];W[km];B[in];W[im]
;B[hm];W[il];B[jn];W[np];B[op];W[kn];B[jm];W[lq];B[on];W[om];B[mr]
;W[kl];B[jl];W[gr];B[ko])

You can download the game by clicking here .

The Second player is Akiyama Jiro (8 dan). He beat O Rissei (9 dan) by 5.5 points.


Akiyama Jiro


O Rissei

Here is the game record:

(;
EV[35th Kisei league]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Akiyama Jiro]
WR[8d]
DT[2010-08-05]
BR[9d]
RE[W+5.5]
PB[O Rissei]
;B[qd];W[od];B[pp];W[dq];B[oc];W[nc];B[pc];W[dd];B[nd];W[pj];B[qn]
;W[kp];B[cn];W[fp];B[ck];W[mc];B[fc];W[hc];B[df];W[fd];B[cc];W[ec]
;B[cd];W[nq];B[pr];W[pg];B[jc];W[kd];B[gc];W[gd];B[hb];W[hd];B[eb]
;W[oe];B[gb];W[jd];B[fj];W[hj];B[gh];W[ih];B[ok];W[mj];B[oj];W[oi]
;B[pi];W[qi];B[io];W[el];B[fl];W[fm];B[gl];W[cm];B[dm];W[em];B[dn]
;W[ej];B[gm];W[cj];B[fn];W[dl];B[cl];W[dk];B[bj];W[en];B[ci];W[dj]
;B[bm];W[eh];B[fo];W[eo];B[gp];W[gq];B[fq];W[ep];B[hp];W[gr];B[hq]
;W[fr];B[kl];W[kn];B[il];W[mm];B[ji];W[ii];B[jj];W[lk];B[jh];W[ig]
;B[li];W[mi];B[pk];W[ph];B[jq];W[kq];B[no];W[jm];B[hk];W[jl];B[ij]
;W[qb];B[nb];W[mb];B[rd];W[ql];B[qk];W[rk];B[om];W[rm];B[rn];W[bo]
;B[ch];W[na];B[ob];W[rf];B[qf];W[rg];B[rb];W[gj];B[fi];W[fk];B[gk]
;W[hi];B[lh];W[de];B[ce];W[bk];B[ak];W[dg];B[cp];W[co];B[do];W[bp]
;B[cq];W[dp];B[br];W[bn];B[cm];W[bq];B[cr];W[ar];B[ef];W[cg];B[bh]
;W[cf];B[dc];W[ee];B[ei];W[di];B[dh];W[ff];B[dr];W[er];B[an];W[bs]
;B[kc];W[bg];B[ah];W[or];B[oq];W[op];B[pq];W[np];B[oo];W[nr];B[ek]
;W[eq];B[fk];W[mo];B[ao];W[ds];B[lf];W[me];B[jf];W[if];B[kr];W[jp]
;B[ir];W[lr];B[sm];W[qj];B[sl];W[rl];B[gf];W[jg];B[kg];W[je];B[re]
;W[nn];B[on];W[jk];B[ik];W[kj];B[im];W[be];B[bd];W[kf];B[nm];W[mn]
;B[ap];W[cs];B[nf];W[ne];B[qg];W[pf];B[qe];W[rh];B[lj];W[kk];B[ic]
;W[mg];B[lc];W[ld];B[lg];W[oa];B[pa];W[ma];B[qc];W[mf];B[ed];W[eg]
;B[id];W[gg];B[os];W[ki];B[kh];W[ks];B[in];W[ie];B[hg];W[fg];B[hh]
;W[hf];B[jr];W[ns];B[ps];W[ja];B[ml];W[ia];B[ha];W[ll];B[mh];W[nh]
;B[pl];W[nl];B[nk];W[mk];B[rj];W[sj];B[qm];W[ri];B[ae];W[af];B[bf]
;W[ag];B[ai];W[be];B[ad];W[hr];B[js];W[ip];B[iq];W[ls];B[jo];W[ko]
;B[sf];W[sg];B[se];W[le];B[sn];W[sk];B[nj];W[hs];B[ib];W[ka];B[ec]
;W[bf])

You can download the game by clicking here .

If Yamashiro Hiroshi won from Ryu Shikun, he will be the leader. The game's date is still unknown.

Two Players Leading Two Leagues

The 35th Kisei sen already reaching its third stage. So far, two players are leading in both League A and B.

In League A, 4 years Kisei title holder, Yamashita Keigo and Takao Shinji are leading with 2-0. Yamashita Keigo beat Kato Atsushi (8 dan) and Takao Shinji beat Yoda Norimoto (9 dan) last week. What interesting is, at the next
stage, both leader will meet. One of either Takao or Yamashita will take the lead with 3-0 at (expected to be) middle of August.


Yamashita Keigo

In League B, the young Meijin, Iyama Yuta and unpredictable player, Yamashiro Hiroshi (9 dan) share the temporary lead with 2-0. Iyama beat O Rissei (9 dan) and Yamashiro beat Hane Naoki in a big moyo game.
At the next stage, Iyama will play Hane Naoki who is in danger of demotion with 0-2 score and Yamashiro will meet Ryu Shikun who is at 1-1 score.


Yamashiro Hiroshi

Here is the game between Yamashita Keigo and Kato Atsushi. It was a fierce game where Yamashita (white) must play a do-or-die ko to destroy Kato's (black) big moyo.

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese Kisei, league A]DT[2010-07-22]
PB[Kato Atsushi]BR[8p]PW[Yamashita Keigo]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pp];W[dq];B[do];W[od];B[cq];W[pf];B[cf];W[fd];B[di];W[rf];B[jc];W[lc]
;B[hc];W[ce];B[df];W[eb];B[oc];W[nc];B[pc];W[nb];B[qb];W[ke];B[if];W[qn];B[np];W[lq]
;B[ip];W[jo];B[jp];W[kp];B[ko];W[lo];B[kn];W[ln];B[km];W[nn];B[kk];W[rp];B[qq];W[nr]
;B[pn];W[qm];B[on];W[ll];B[kl];W[oq];B[nm];W[lm];B[pl];W[op];B[qp];W[ro];B[ql];W[po]
;B[oo];W[qo];B[rm];W[rk];B[rl];W[rq];B[qg];W[qf];B[dp];W[qj];B[pj];W[mj];B[nj];W[mi]
;B[qi];W[ri];B[qk];W[rj];B[oi];W[sf];B[rh];W[ph];B[pg];W[oh];B[og];W[nh];B[rg];W[pi]
;B[qh];W[of];B[ng];W[mg];B[nf];W[ne];B[mf];W[lf];B[me];W[md];B[sk];W[le];B[si];W[rc]
;B[gj];W[gf];B[he];W[ck];B[cm];W[bm];B[bn];W[ci];B[dj];W[dh];B[ch];W[bh];B[cg];W[cj]
;B[eh];W[bl];B[be];W[bd];B[ad];W[bc];B[bg];W[ah];B[bj];W[aj];B[ak];W[bi];B[ai];W[cn]
;B[dn];W[aj];B[rd];W[sd];B[ai];W[bo];B[co];W[aj];B[sb];W[sc];B[ai];W[an];B[cn];W[aj]
;B[rb];W[ob];B[ai];W[bq];B[bp];W[aj];B[se];W[re];B[ai];W[ap];B[br];W[aj];B[qc];W[se]
;B[ai];W[cp];B[cr];W[aj];B[rr];W[qr];B[ai];W[ag];B[af];W[aj];B[pr];W[pq];B[ai];W[oj]
;B[sj];W[aj];B[oe];W[pe];B[ai];W[eg];B[ee];W[aj];B[ed];W[bk];B[ec];W[dc];B[fb];W[dk]
;B[ek];W[el];B[fk];W[eq];B[gq];W[en];B[eo];W[dl];B[fn];W[fl];B[gl];W[jh];B[db];W[cb]
;B[ea];W[de];B[ii];W[ih];B[hh];W[hg];B[ab];W[ac];B[bb];W[ae];B[dg];W[bf];B[ig];W[ar])

Here is the game between Yamashiro Hiroshi and Hane Naoki. Both players successfully took big chunks of territories. Yamashiro won the game by a close 1.5 points.

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese Kisei, league B]DT[2010-07-29]
PB[Yamashiro Hiroshi]BR[9p]PW[Hane Naoki]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[B+1.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dc];B[dq];W[pp];B[de];W[ce];B[cf];W[cd];B[dg];W[fc];B[cl];W[gp];B[ep];W[jp]
;B[qn];W[nq];B[pk];W[oc];B[pe];W[md];B[pc];W[od];B[pg];W[gf];B[dj];W[of];B[pb];W[og]
;B[oh];W[nh];B[ph];W[jg];B[lb];W[lc];B[hh];W[gh];B[gi];W[hi];B[gj];W[ih];B[ni];W[rp]
;B[mh];W[ng];B[hg];W[gg];B[kc];W[kd];B[mc];W[ld];B[nb];W[kb];B[ed];W[fd];B[fe];W[ef]
;B[ge];W[eg];B[jc];W[df];B[hc];W[id];B[ic];W[dh];B[li];W[hj];B[gk];W[mj];B[mi];W[hk]
;B[on];W[gl];B[fl];W[fm];B[el];W[gm];B[dn];W[fq];B[mo];W[dr];B[er];W[cr];B[cq];W[eq]
;B[br];W[mp];B[ro];W[qo];B[rn];W[no];B[qq];W[qp];B[oo];W[op];B[nn];W[lo];B[mn];W[ob]
;B[oa];W[gb];B[np];W[rq];B[jd];W[je];B[ie];W[if];B[he];W[hf];B[oe];W[ne];B[ci];W[ch]
;B[pd];W[nd];B[fr];W[gr];B[cs];W[la];B[mb];W[nc];B[na];W[ja];B[ia];W[ib];B[hb];W[ha]
;B[jb];W[ln];B[lm];W[km];B[kl];W[ll];B[mm];W[jm];B[jl];W[il];B[kj];W[mg];B[lg];W[lf]
;B[ia];W[di];B[cj];W[ib];B[mq];W[lp];B[ia];W[fs];B[ds];W[ib];B[oq];W[nr];B[ia];W[pn]
;B[pm];W[ib];B[fp];W[gq];B[ia];W[po];B[qm];W[ib];B[or];W[mr];B[ia];W[em];B[dm];W[ib]
;B[qr];W[ml];B[om];W[rr];B[ia];W[ga];B[bh];W[bg];B[bi];W[ib];B[ka];W[ia];B[ma];W[jj]
;B[jk];W[ik];B[kk];W[ej];B[ee];W[fk];B[ek];W[fj];B[fo];W[go];B[rs];W[no];B[ec];W[eb]
;B[np];W[ki];B[lj];W[no];B[db];W[cb];B[np];W[dk];B[dl];W[no];B[ag];W[bf];B[np];W[sr]
;B[sp];W[no];B[fi];W[ei];B[np];W[pq];B[pr];W[no];B[ff];W[fg];B[np];W[os];B[so];W[no]
;B[gs];W[hs];B[np];W[ps];B[sq];W[qs];B[ke];W[jf];B[ji];W[kh];B[lh];W[kf];B[ij];W[af]
;B[ah];W[pf];B[qf];W[fn];B[en];W[gc];B[es];W[gs];B[no])