16th LG Cup, Round 1

The first round of the 16th LG Cup started today. 32 players from 4 countries started the race to become the 16th champion of LG Cup.


The contestants

The highlight game of round 1 was the battle between Gu Li and Lee Changho both are very experienced players that once dominated the go arena, however both players are also in a slump. Lee Changho even had to play from the open qualification to reach the main stage. Maybe Lee was motivated. He played well and won the game by resignation (it was a close game though)


Gu Li (left) vs. Lee Changho

Here is the game record:
Lee Changho (White) vs. Gu Li (black). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[16th LG Cup, round 1]DT[2011-06-13]
PB[Gu Li]BR[9p]PW[Lee Changho]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dp];B[fq];W[cn];B[lq];W[qf];B[qi];W[qc];B[qd];W[pc];B[od];W[rd]
;B[re];W[rc];B[qe];W[nc];B[po];W[oi];B[pk];W[of];B[rf];W[ip];B[nj];W[lf];B[me];W[mf]
;B[lo];W[pq];B[qq];W[eq];B[fp];W[jr];B[en];W[go];B[ho];W[gp];B[er];W[dr];B[gr];W[hp]
;B[do];W[co];B[cq];W[cr];B[dq];W[bq];B[ep];W[cp];B[kr];W[kp];B[jq];W[kq];B[ir];W[lp]
;B[js];W[ko];B[mq];W[mo];B[ml];W[fm];B[cf];W[ce];B[df];W[fd];B[di];W[ck];B[oc];W[ob]
;B[nb];W[mb];B[mc];W[na];B[nd];W[lc];B[nb];W[gg];B[dk];W[dj];B[cc];W[be];B[ej];W[cj]
;B[dl];W[ei];B[fj];W[nc];B[im];W[hn];B[nb];W[qg];B[rg];W[nc];B[fh];W[md];B[hm];W[ln]
;B[km];W[gm];B[cl];W[dh];B[fg];W[em];B[gk];W[ci];B[gf];W[ef];B[eg];W[ff];B[dg];W[ed]
;B[hg];W[qh];B[rh];W[bg];B[ld];W[pi];B[pj];W[mc];B[eb];W[fb];B[bf];W[af];B[ec];W[fc]
;B[bd];W[hj];B[bh];W[ch];B[cg];W[ag];B[gh];W[hk];B[hl];W[gj];B[fk];W[ji];B[dm];W[mm]
;B[nn];W[ll];B[lm];W[mn];B[kk];W[gl];B[ik];W[ii];B[dn];W[qj];B[ri];W[if];B[ig];W[jg]
;B[jf];W[kh];B[nl];W[ie];B[fi];W[jn];B[he];W[hd];B[gd];W[hc];B[je];W[id];B[ne];W[le]
;B[np];W[cd];B[bc];W[ea];B[db];W[jm];B[jl];W[nm];B[om];W[on];B[pm];W[dc];B[ca];W[lj]
;B[lk];W[ni];B[no];W[mj];B[eq];W[bm];B[bl];W[am];B[kj];W[ki];B[nf];W[ng];B[ai];W[aj]
;B[bj];W[bi];B[ak];W[nk];B[mk];W[oj];B[ok];W[gc];B[ge];W[in];B[il];W[el];B[ek];W[fo]
;B[eo];W[ae];B[bb];W[fa];B[da];W[eh];B[iq];W[br];B[nj];W[pg];B[ds];W[cs];B[es];W[hq]
;B[hr];W[se];B[sf];W[sd];B[jp];W[jo];B[fn];W[gn];B[ad];W[kn];B[kl];W[hi];B[ih];W[jh]
;B[cm];W[jj];B[nk];W[fe])

Last year's runner-up, Kong Jie, had a difficult time with his opponent, Park Jungsang (9 dan). Despite of his victory at Asian TV Cup, Kong stumbled and lost by resignation to Park.


Park Jungsang

Here is the game record:
Park Jungsang (black) vs. Kong Jie (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[16th LG Cup, round 1]DT[2011-06-13]
PB[Park Jungsang]BR[9p]PW[Kong Jie]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[pp];B[dc];W[dp];B[cn];W[fq];B[ch];W[nc];B[lc];W[qc];B[pc];W[pd];B[qb];W[rc]
;B[od];W[pe];B[oc];W[rb];B[of];W[oe];B[ne];W[qe];B[nd];W[fc];B[ed];W[db];B[eb];W[ec]
;B[fb];W[dd];B[cc];W[fd];B[ee];W[cb];B[bb];W[bc];B[cd];W[ba];B[ab];W[ac];B[gc];W[bd]
;B[ce];W[be];B[cf];W[em];B[nq];W[kp];B[cp];W[cq];B[do];W[bp];B[bo];W[co];B[da];W[aa]
;B[cp];W[ep];B[eo];W[fo];B[fn];W[en];B[go];W[fp];B[bf];W[ae];B[bq];W[co];B[bb];W[dn]
;B[ca];W[oq];B[np];W[pn];B[lp];W[ko];B[kq];W[jq];B[jr];W[kr];B[lq];W[ir];B[ln];W[ip]
;B[mk];W[kk];B[ji];W[mm];B[mn];W[nm];B[lm];W[ll];B[ml];W[nn];B[qq];W[pq];B[jl];W[jk]
;B[lr];W[js];B[qr];W[pr];B[ik];W[ij];B[il];W[jj];B[hj];W[ii];B[kl];W[lk];B[mj];W[hm]
;B[gk];W[ki];B[ro];W[qp];B[rp];W[qm];B[qn];W[pl];B[mh];W[hi];B[gi];W[gh];B[fi];W[jf]
;B[rm];W[rl];B[qk];W[ql];B[rr];W[oj];B[oh];W[qi];B[qh];W[no];B[jn];W[gf];B[cm];W[bn]
;B[bm];W[dl];B[an];W[ap];B[ck];W[jd];B[ge];W[kc];B[ld];W[ff];B[fe];W[lg];B[pi];W[qj]
;B[pj];W[pk];B[ri];W[rj];B[rg];W[dk];B[dj];W[in];B[fh];W[hd];B[he];W[ie];B[re];W[rd]
;B[qf];W[se];B[rf];W[pb];B[ob];W[pa];B[sj];W[rk];B[hf];W[hg];B[ic];W[id];B[gd];W[cl]
;B[bl];W[lb];B[im];W[kn];B[km];W[hn];B[fl];W[hc];B[mb];W[hb];B[oa];W[qa];B[ig];W[if]
;B[fg];W[gg];B[ef];W[hh];B[ra];W[sa];B[ek];W[el];B[fk];W[fm];B[jo];W[io];B[pf];W[qd]
;B[kb];W[jb];B[la];W[ao];B[bn];W[sm];B[rn];W[mg];B[lh];W[kh];B[kd];W[oi];B[ph];W[ng]
;B[nh];W[jc];B[op];W[oo];B[nr];W[hl];B[hk];W[bk];B[cj])

Iyama Yuta is the only Japanese player to make it to the next round. He beat Yun Junsang (8 dan) by killing Yun's big group at the upper left corner. Thanks to the tesuji at A19, Yun only got one eye.


Iyama Yuta (left) vs. Yun Junsang (right)

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

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[16th LG Cup, round 1]
DT[2011-06-13]PB[Yun Junsang]BR[9p]PW[Iyama Yuta]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[qk];W[mp];B[po];W[jp];B[nc];W[cn];B[fc];W[df];B[id];W[di]
;B[er];W[dq];B[hq];W[iq];B[hp];W[in];B[hn];W[im];B[hm];W[hl];B[gl];W[ho];B[go];W[io]
;B[fn];W[fp];B[gp];W[gk];B[fl];W[fq];B[ej];W[hk];B[dm];W[fk];B[ek];W[el];B[dl];W[gm]
;B[fm];W[gn];B[fo];W[ck];B[bm];W[bn];B[ei];W[dh];B[eh];W[fd];B[gd];W[fe];B[ec];W[gh]
;B[dg];W[cg];B[eg];W[bh];B[cj];W[bj];B[ef];W[de];B[gg];W[ge];B[hg];W[hd];B[gc];W[hc]
;B[he];W[fg];B[ff];W[ic];B[ie];W[kc];B[cc];W[gf];B[hh];W[hf];B[gi];W[if];B[qe];W[bb]
;B[cb];W[bc];B[bd];W[cd];B[be];W[dc];B[db];W[ca];B[fb];W[da];B[eb];W[bf];B[hb];W[je]
;B[no];W[ga];B[ke];W[jd];B[mo];W[qc];B[pc];W[pj];B[qj];W[pi];B[ni];W[pk];B[nk];W[ql]
;B[rl];W[rm];B[qm];W[pl];B[rn];W[nh];B[mi];W[qf];B[qg];W[pf];B[rf];W[rh];B[rg];W[rk]
;B[sm];W[rj];B[lp];W[oh];B[kq];W[kp];B[lo];W[lq];B[lr];W[hr];B[gr];W[mq];B[dr];W[cr]
;B[br];W[cq];B[ac];W[ad])

Chen Shiyuan as the only Taiwan's representative succeed to advance to the second round. He won by a mere 0.5 point to Han Wonggyu (3dan).

Here is the game record:
Chen Shiyuan (white) vs. Han Wonggyu (black). Result: W+0.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[16th LG Cup, round 1]
DT[2011-06-13]PB[Han Wonggyu]BR[3p]PW[Chen Shiyuan]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+0.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pq];W[oc];B[md];W[qk];B[od];W[qo];B[dp];W[fq];B[hp];W[pc];B[pd];W[mc]
;B[nc];W[nb];B[nd];W[lb];B[lc];W[mb];B[qi];W[op];B[oq];W[np];B[mq];W[nq];B[nr];W[mr]
;B[lr];W[mp];B[lq];W[or];B[ms];W[qq];B[pr];W[cq];B[dq];W[cp];B[do];W[dr];B[er];W[cr]
;B[eq];W[cn];B[pk];W[ql];B[kc];W[qc];B[qj];W[oj];B[pj];W[cf];B[pl];W[qr];B[pp];W[po]
;B[em];W[le];B[je];W[jg];B[lg];W[he];B[if];W[ki];B[ii];W[lh];B[jh];W[mg];B[kg];W[oh]
;B[mf];W[mh];B[rc];W[rb];B[nf];W[kk];B[cc];W[dc];B[db];W[eb];B[bb];W[da];B[ca];W[cb]
;B[qm];W[ba];B[rn];W[ro];B[on];W[oo];B[ko];W[ij];B[cm];W[bm];B[cl];W[dn];B[en];W[bl]
;B[cj];W[hj];B[hm];W[jm];B[jn];W[hf];B[hg];W[jd];B[jc];W[id];B[ke];W[gg];B[hb];W[rd]
;B[re];W[sc];B[bg];W[cg];B[bk];W[co];B[bf];W[bh];B[ch];W[dh];B[ci];W[be];B[bi];W[af]
;B[ah];W[hc];B[gc];W[gb];B[ic];W[hd];B[fb];W[fc];B[ga];W[gd];B[pg];W[se];B[rf];W[ei]
;B[gb];W[im];B[in];W[hl];B[gm];W[sf];B[sg];W[sd];B[rg];W[ph];B[qh];W[og];B[of];W[es]
;B[fs];W[ds];B[fr];W[kb];B[gl];W[jb];B[ib];W[gh];B[nk];W[ig];B[hh];W[jf];B[kf];W[ie]
;B[ih];W[if];B[kh];W[mj];B[fd];W[ec];B[nn];W[pm];B[rm];W[pn];B[ej];W[fj];B[fk];W[gj]
;B[gf];W[ff];B[kd];W[ge];B[di];W[eh];B[il];W[jl];B[hk];W[ek];B[dj];W[gk];B[fl];W[sn]
;B[ji];W[jj];B[li];W[kj];B[ng];W[nh];B[nj];W[rk];B[rj];W[sm];B[sk];W[qs];B[os];W[qp]
;B[oi];W[mi];B[ll];W[lp];B[kp];W[om];B[km];W[ol];B[mm];W[ps];B[or];W[ik];B[hl];W[dm]
;B[dl];W[pf];B[qg];W[ok];B[mk];W[kl];B[hi];W[nl];B[lo];W[mo];B[mn];W[pi];B[ni];W[lj]
;B[ml];W[bn];B[gi];W[fi];B[al];W[am];B[ak];W[ia];B[ag];W[ae];B[sl];W[so];B[ln];W[sr]
;B[rl];W[ja];B[fa])

The second round will be played at June 15th. Don't miss it.

Park Yeonghun Won Game 1 of 12th Maxim Cup Final

Park Yeonghun (9 dan) took the lead at the final of the 12th Maxim Cup.


Park Yeonghun (left) vs. Weon Sungjin (right) at Myeongin title match

Park who played white as usual, played for territory. The deciding move started when white played white 130. Black decided to attack two white stones at the left, however white found a great combination and survived the attack.


Lee Changho (left) vs. Choi Cheolhan (right) at Kuksu title match

Will Lee Changho end his bad slump by taking his chance at the second game, or will Park successfully repeat his result in 2008? The second game will be played at April 7.

Here is the game record:
Park Yeonghun (white) vs. Lee Changho (black). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[12th Korean Maxim Cup, final 1]DT[2011-03-21]
PB[Lee Changho]BR[9p]PW[Park Yeonghun ]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dq];B[cf];W[fc];B[bd];W[cc];B[ci];W[co];B[iq];W[qn];B[qp];W[qk]
;B[qi];W[ok];B[nc];W[qg];B[oi];W[no];B[mq];W[qd];B[qe];W[pe];B[qc];W[rd];B[pf];W[oe]
;B[qf];W[of];B[pg];W[pc];B[od];W[qb];B[pb];W[rc];B[ob];W[re];B[rf];W[se];B[ne];W[jd]
;B[fq];W[nf];B[me];W[mf];B[lf];W[mh];B[kc];W[lg];B[kf];W[mj];B[nh];W[jc];B[kb];W[rj]
;B[ri];W[lp];B[lq];W[kp];B[jq];W[jb];B[og];W[op];B[oq];W[ck];B[eo];W[fr];B[cn];W[bn]
;B[bo];W[bp];B[cp];W[ao];B[do];W[cq];B[bo];W[cg];B[bg];W[co];B[sb];W[sc];B[bo];W[dg]
;B[bf];W[co];B[nk];W[dp];B[ol];W[pl];B[oj];W[pk];B[on];W[nl];B[mk];W[om];B[gr];W[fp]
;B[gq];W[kj];B[nj];W[df];B[if];W[ce];B[be];W[bc];B[bj];W[bk];B[ch];W[kl];B[jk];W[kk]
;B[mg];W[ep];B[gm];W[ro];B[jn];W[jm];B[im];W[kn];B[hd];W[hb];B[gc];W[gb];B[ee];W[de]
;B[cm];W[em];B[dl];W[ie];B[bm];W[ei];B[fg];W[hf];B[hg];W[ig];B[eh];W[dj];B[dk];W[cj]
;B[dh];W[fi];B[hh];W[gj];B[ij];W[fl];B[fk];W[bi];B[bh];W[gk];B[gl];W[fn];B[fo];W[go]
;B[dn];W[gn];B[fm];W[el];B[en];W[hm])

Choi Cheolhan Won Kuksu

Choi Cheolhan is truly on fire. After winning Chunwon title , Choi scored his second title this year by winning Kuksu title over Lee Changho.


Lee Changho (left) vs. Choi Cheolhan (right)

The game started by both sides played a Low Chinese opening. Lee made the approach at G3 and white answered with the simplest move. Choi quickly invade Lee's moyo with a probe at White 16. The game quickly turned to be a semeai. However. black's shape wasn't very strong and Choi cut black's group apart with M11. Lee Changho resigned surprisingly quick. At move 98!

Here is the game record:
Choi Cheolhan (white) vs. Lee Changho (black). Result: W+R

(;
SZ[19]
KM[6.5]
GM[1]
EV[54th Kuksu title match 4]
FF[3]
DT[2011-02-14]
PB[Lee Changho]
BR[Kuksu]
RE[W+R]
PW[Choi Cheolhan]
WR[9d]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dq];B[qk];W[ck];B[gq];W[do];B[jp];W[nc];B[pf]
;W[pb];B[qc];W[kc];B[po];W[qq];B[qp];W[oq];B[pr];W[op];B[pp];W[lq]
;B[kq];W[lp];B[kn];W[mn];B[ll];W[nl];B[nm];W[ko];B[jo];W[km];B[lm]
;W[ln];B[jn];W[mm];B[pl];W[ml];B[lk];W[mj];B[lj];W[pj];B[mi];W[nj]
;B[qi];W[df];B[ek];W[gp];B[cp];W[fq];B[co];W[cq];B[dn];W[eo];B[cl]
;W[bl];B[bm];W[dl];B[cm];W[dk];B[bk];W[bj];B[al];W[hq];B[cj];W[dj]
;B[ci];W[di];B[ch];W[jl];B[il];W[jk];B[jm];W[dh];B[cg];W[cf];B[eb]
;W[fc];B[kh];W[fb];B[no];W[ik];B[mo];W[lo];B[lr];W[mr];B[kr];W[qj]
;B[qh];W[rk];B[qm];W[ri];B[rh];W[rl];B[om];W[pk];B[ql];W[li])

Choi Cheolhan Took the Lead

Choi Cheolhan (9 dan) is a step closer for his third Kuksu title. He won the third game of the 54th Kuksu title match and leads the series by 2-1.


Lee Changho (left) vs. Choi Cheolhan (right)

The game opening is quite unusual with white invaded with white 12 instead of finishing the joseki at the left side. Things became difficult for white when black cut white's group with black 149 and threatened the whole white group at the upper side. I personally think white 168 is the losing move. Perhaps white should solidly defense at F18 and avoid the dangerous ko fight.


Choi Cheolhan

Here is the game record:
Choi Cheolhan (black) vs. Lee Changho (white). Result: B+R

(;
EV[54th Kuksu title match 3]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Lee Changho]
WR[Kuksu]
DT[2011-01-25]
BR[9d]
RE[B+R]
PB[Choi Cheolhan]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[qk];W[fq];B[nc];W[fc];B[cj];W[cl];B[cf]
;W[re];B[rd];W[qe];B[qd];W[qi];B[mp];W[oi];B[ok];W[qo];B[qp];W[rp]
;B[rq];W[oo];B[np];W[qm];B[qg];W[rg];B[nm];W[om];B[nl];W[pp];B[qq]
;W[rk];B[hq];W[ch];B[bh];W[bg];B[cg];W[bi];B[bf];W[ci];B[cc];W[cd]
;B[bd];W[dc];B[bc];W[ic];B[cn];W[cp];B[fr];W[er];B[dm];W[dl];B[fm]
;W[hp];B[iq];W[gp];B[el];W[ek];B[fk];W[ej];B[fj];W[ei];B[fi];W[gl]
;B[fl];W[ah];B[eh];W[dh];B[ip];W[hn];B[ho];W[go];B[io];W[en];B[gq]
;W[gn];B[eq];W[ep];B[fp];W[em];B[dr];W[cb];B[bb];W[jm];B[bq];W[bp]
;B[eg];W[gh];B[ij];W[ih];B[kj];W[jk];B[ik];W[hl];B[jl];W[kl];B[il]
;W[kn];B[ff];W[hf];B[lh];W[mc];B[nd];W[nb];B[ob];W[lf];B[le];W[ke]
;B[ld];W[kk];B[jj];W[lj];B[li];W[mj];B[ni];W[qj];B[kd];W[je];B[nj]
;W[kb];B[lb];W[sd];B[pg];W[qh];B[jb];W[ib];B[jc];W[rc];B[jd];W[id]
;B[ia];W[ha];B[ja];W[db];B[hb];W[ee];B[ef];W[fh];B[ba];W[hj];B[hi]
;W[hk];B[hh];W[gi];B[hg];W[ig];B[he];W[gg];B[ie];W[ce];B[be];W[gf]
;B[ge];W[fa];B[gc];W[eb];B[im];W[in];B[ii];W[if];B[jo];W[jn];B[ga]
;W[fe];B[gd];W[qb];B[fb];W[gb];B[dk];W[ck];B[fb];W[ki];B[jh];W[gb]
;B[bl];W[ha];B[bk];W[dj];B[bj];W[cm];B[dn];W[bm];B[bn];W[am];B[an]
;W[aj];B[fn];W[fo];B[eo];W[fq];B[al];W[ak];B[fp];W[cr];B[gj];W[kf]
;B[fq];W[en];B[do];W[br];B[ga];W[mg];B[lm];W[lo];B[ko];W[ln];B[mn]
;W[lp];B[lq])

Choi Evened the Score

After a heart breaking lost at the first game, Choi Cheolhan (9 dan) beat Lee Changho at the 54th Kuksu title match series.


Choi Cheolhan (left) vs. Lee Changho (right)

Lee who played black opened the game with a recently fashionable way to play the Low Chinese. Lee soon played for a big moyo at the upper board. Choi quickly entered the moyo with white 42 and saved the group without any problem. Choi then continued to destroy black's moyo at the center without many problems. Lee resigned at move 166.


Choi Cheolhan

Here is the game record:
Choi Cheolhan (white) vs. Lee Changho (black). Resulr: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[54th Korean Kuksu, title match #2]DT[2011-01-14]
PB[Lee Changho]BR[9p]PW[Choi Cheolhan]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dq];B[do];W[co];B[cn];W[cp];B[qk];W[dj];B[jp];W[nc];B[pf];W[pb]
;B[fc];W[ec];B[fd];W[df];B[lc];W[qc];B[oc];W[ob];B[nd];W[re];B[po];W[qg];B[fg];W[pg]
;B[nh];W[dn];B[fj];W[dm];B[dk];W[cj];B[cc];W[eb];B[ce];W[de];B[bf];W[bg];B[bb];W[id]
;B[if];W[kd];B[nb];W[ld];B[mc];W[ge];B[fe];W[hf];B[dg];W[cf];B[be];W[hg];B[hc];W[cg]
;B[ic];W[ie];B[kf];W[lf];B[kg];W[ke];B[jc];W[eg];B[ef];W[eh];B[fh];W[lg];B[kh];W[ng]
;B[lh];W[oh];B[mg];W[mf];B[mh];W[nf];B[oj];W[qq];B[qp];W[oq];B[pr];W[op];B[pp];W[lp]
;B[kq];W[ln];B[lq];W[nm];B[km];W[kn];B[jn];W[nk];B[lk];W[pl];B[ql];W[pk];B[fq];W[qn]
;B[rn];W[pn];B[rm];W[jm];B[jl];W[im];B[lm];W[oo];B[in];W[hm];B[hn];W[gm];B[ik];W[gn]
;B[go];W[fo];B[gp];W[er];B[el];W[ej];B[fk];W[dl];B[or];W[gr];B[fr];W[fs];B[ek];W[ck]
;B[qf];W[rf];B[mp];W[mo];B[nq];W[iq];B[no];W[nn];B[np];W[pj];B[rh];W[mj];B[on];W[lj]
;B[kj];W[kk];B[jj];W[rj];B[qj];W[ri];B[qi];W[qh];B[qd];W[rd];B[rk];W[af];B[ae];W[ca]
;B[db];W[da];B[ba];W[ag];B[ei];W[dh];B[jr];W[ip];B[ho];W[gq];B[hq];W[fp])

Lee Changho Won Game 1

The 54th Kuksu title match series has started. The first game from the best of 5 was played at January 12. Choi Cheolhan (9 dan) challenges Lee Changho Kuksu for his title.


Lee Changho (right) who won the 11th Nongshim Cup for Korea.

The game started casually. Lee Changho (white) went for the corners while Choi Cheolhan created a moyo at the bottom board. Choi attacked Lee's group early in the game with move 75 and put white group to a ko fight to alive. Lee chose to abandon it and cut black's stones instead.


Choi Cheolhan

Choi Cheolhan's trouble started from the shoulder hit at move 82. Choi decided to come out instead of assuring his life with B12, because white's moyo will be too deep if he let white played D14. Lee Changho played a great sequence up to move 114 and then directly cut black's group with white 116. Lee then created a ko fight to determine the status of Choi's group, but then it became clear that white's group at the right side still had a big aji. Choi resigned without fought the ko.

The second game will be played at January 14.

Here is the game record:
Lee Changho (white) vs. Choi Cheolhan (black). Resut: W+R

(;
EV[54th Kuksu title match 1]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Lee Changho]
WR[Kuksu]
DT[2011-01-12]
BR[9d]
RE[W+R]
PB[Choi Cheolhan]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dq];B[do];W[qf];B[pi];W[qc];B[qd];W[pc];B[od]
;W[rd];B[re];W[rc];B[qe];W[nc];B[fp];W[qn];B[po];W[qk];B[qo];W[ro]
;B[pn];W[qm];B[rp];W[ri];B[pf];W[co];B[cn];W[cp];B[dm];W[fr];B[cf]
;W[fc];B[bd];W[eo];B[ep];W[dp];B[fo];W[bn];B[en];W[bm];B[pl];W[pk]
;B[ok];W[oj];B[nk];W[oi];B[qi];W[rh];B[qg];W[pj];B[jq];W[kk];B[lj]
;W[ik];B[rn];W[rm];B[so];W[rg];B[rf];W[kn];B[lp];W[cc];B[jj];W[kj]
;B[ki];W[jk];B[mi];W[lh];B[qh];W[sj];B[sg];W[qj];B[rk];W[sh];B[rj]
;W[sf];B[sk];W[li];B[mj];W[dg];B[cg];W[ch];B[df];W[bh];B[ef];W[eh]
;B[bc];W[bb];B[fe];W[gd];B[fh];W[fi];B[gh];W[hf];B[gf];W[hg];B[oc]
;W[ob];B[gi];W[ii];B[lf];W[fj];B[gj];W[fk];B[gk];W[fl];B[gl];W[fm]
;B[gm];W[gn];B[hn];W[fn];B[ho];W[hm];B[ip];W[mh];B[nh];W[ng];B[oh]
;W[dl];B[eg];W[dh];B[he];W[ge];B[ie];W[gg];B[fg];W[ji];B[hh];W[ih]
;B[ig];W[rl];B[si];W[ff])

The Marriage of Lee Changho

Lee Changho, one of the best known baduk master finally got married at October 28. Lee (35) married to Lee Doyoon (23). The couple met as pro player and a reporter than their relationship begun to grow. In early press conference, Lee told that they are already planning for a big(!?) family with 1-3 children.



Congratulations for the Lee couple! Hope you guys can keep your marriage til death do its part :)

Park Yenghun Advanced to Final

A new Myeongin will be born! Park Yeonghun beat the 13 times Myeongin title holder, Lee Changho, at the semi-final of the 38th Myeongin.

This is the first time for Park to advance to the final, while for Weon Sungjin, this is his second shot at the title.



Here is the game record:
Park Yeonghun (black) vs. Lee Changho (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rating game]EV[38th Myeongin semi-final]
DT[2010-10-05]PB[Park Yeonghun]BR[9p]PW[Lee Changho]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[pp];B[dc];W[dp];B[cn];W[fq];B[ch];W[od];B[oc];W[nc];B[pc];W[nd];B[qf];W[jc]
;B[bp];W[gc];B[jd];W[ic];B[de];W[cq];B[nq];W[qn];B[pr];W[mq];B[mp];W[lq];B[lp];W[nr]
;B[oq];W[jq];B[kp];W[iq];B[qq];W[qp];B[or];W[qk];B[dl];W[dk];B[el];W[di];B[dh];W[fi]
;B[eh];W[ck];B[cl];W[fk];B[gg];W[fl];B[do];W[fn];B[fo];W[go];B[en];W[gn];B[qi];W[og]
;B[ld];W[lc];B[oi];W[ok];B[nm];W[no];B[oo];W[on];B[nn];W[op];B[np];W[qg];B[rg];W[rf]
;B[re];W[ni];B[nj];W[mi];B[he];W[oj];B[pg];W[mo];B[ln];W[ie];B[if];W[id];B[jf];W[db]
;B[eb];W[cc];B[cb];W[dd];B[da];W[ed];B[cd];W[bc];B[ce];W[ec];B[db];W[fb];B[bb];W[rq]
;B[rr];W[pq];B[qr];W[bq];B[ep];W[eq];B[cp];W[dq];B[pl];W[ql];B[aq];W[ar];B[ap];W[ob]
;B[pb];W[bk];B[kq];W[kr];B[ns];W[mr];B[ms];W[lr];B[rp];W[ro];B[sq];W[bi];B[bh];W[po]
;B[jm];W[kl];B[jl];W[km];B[kn];W[kk];B[lm];W[jn];B[jk];W[kj];B[jj];W[ji];B[ii];W[jh]
;B[ih];W[in];B[gj];W[je];B[kf];W[fj];B[lh];W[li];B[bl];W[ge];B[hf];W[ah];B[ag];W[ai]
;B[bf];W[le];B[fa];W[ga];B[hd];W[hc];B[oa];W[nb];B[na];W[ma];B[pa];W[mc];B[rj];W[ph]
;B[qh];W[pf];B[qg];W[al];B[am];W[ak];B[br];W[bm];B[an];W[bs];B[as];W[bn];B[ao];W[ar]
;B[cm];W[cr];B[pm];W[qj];B[pn];W[pi];B[om];W[oo];B[rk];W[rl];B[gd];W[ri];B[si];W[sk]
;B[rh];W[fd];B[of];W[pe];B[ng];W[oh];B[mf];W[ml];B[me];W[md];B[ke];W[kd];B[ff];W[so]
;B[ll];W[lk];B[nl];W[nk];B[jp];W[ip];B[jr];W[os];B[ps];W[ir];B[gk];W[qe];B[rd];W[rs]
;B[ss];W[sr];B[qs];W[sp];B[rq];W[gi];B[hl];W[hi];B[hj];W[fe];B[pk];W[pj];B[jg];W[fp]
;B[kh];W[ki];B[eo];W[lf];B[lg];W[ld];B[hh];W[oe];B[im];W[nf];B[ci];W[cj];B[ei];W[dj]
;B[qm])

Lee Changho and Weon Sungjin Won Myeongin Playoff

The semi finalists of the 38th Myeongin had been decided. Two players from the playoff joined Park Yeonghun and Kang Dongyun at the semi final.


Four players, two tickets.

The first player is the Myeongin title holder, Lee Changho. Lee won his playoff from An Kukhyun (2 dan) who previously beat him at the league. The game was hard and full of fighthing. Lee Changho eventually won the game by 1.5 points.


Lee Changho (left) vs. An Kukhyun (right)

Here is the game record:
Lee Changho (white) vs. An Kukhyun (black). Result: W+1.5

(;
RE[W+1.5]
BR[2d]
EV[38th Myeongin final round player decision match of league A]
WR[Myeongin]
PB[An Kukhyun]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
KM[6.5]
DT[2010-09-05]
PW[Lee Changho]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[co];W[oq];B[lp];W[ck];B[gp];W[ep];B[pq]
;W[cp];B[op];W[fc];B[pj];W[nc];B[pf];W[kd];B[me];W[md];B[le];W[ld]
;B[ne];W[jf];B[be];W[cd];B[ch];W[bg];B[bh];W[cf];B[dk];W[dl];B[dj]
;W[cl];B[el];W[em];B[fl];W[fm];B[gm];W[gl];B[fj];W[hl];B[hm];W[il]
;B[im];W[jl];B[kn];W[cj];B[di];W[ii];B[hj];W[ij];B[hi];W[nk];B[lk]
;W[qj];B[qk];W[pi];B[pk];W[qh];B[rj];W[mh];B[oh];W[oi];B[li];W[ll]
;B[ni];W[nh];B[mi];W[lh];B[kh];W[og];B[kg];W[oj];B[kk];W[jm];B[jn]
;W[jh];B[ml];W[ri];B[hh];W[nl];B[mm];W[mk];B[jg];W[qm];B[lm];W[om]
;B[pn];W[pm];B[fq];W[fo];B[go];W[er];B[rg];W[rh];B[gd];W[gf];B[fd]
;W[ig];B[ih];W[gc];B[hd];W[ef];B[hc];W[kf];B[hg];W[jc];B[ie];W[lg]
;B[if];W[qc];B[pc];W[qb];B[qd];W[pb];B[rc];W[rb];B[oc];W[ob];B[qg]
;W[gr];B[fr];W[fs];B[ec];W[eb];B[dc];W[ed];B[cb];W[fb];B[db];W[hb]
;B[ib];W[bb];B[ea];W[fa];B[ba];W[bc];B[ga];W[da];B[ca];W[ir];B[ea]
;W[bf];B[rn];W[rm];B[kr];W[da];B[ak];W[cc];B[ea];W[nd];B[oe];W[da]
;B[bp];W[bq];B[ea];W[fk];B[ek];W[da];B[dm];W[dn];B[ea];W[kj];B[ki]
;W[da];B[do];W[gn];B[ho];W[bm];B[ea];W[pr];B[qr];W[da];B[dp];W[cq]
;B[ea];W[rq];B[qq];W[da];B[eq];W[fp];B[gq];W[hq];B[hn];W[fn];B[ea]
;W[np];B[on];W[qn];B[nn];W[da];B[dr];W[es];B[ea];W[mj];B[lj];W[da]
;B[am];W[an];B[ea];W[qo];B[al];W[bo];B[po];W[da];B[eo];W[cm];B[ea]
;W[jr];B[lr];W[da];B[bn];W[cn];B[ea];W[lf];B[re];W[da];B[ao];W[ap]
;B[ea];W[sc];B[gb];W[rp];B[dg];W[df];B[rr];W[rd];B[qe];W[kq];B[sq]
;W[lq];B[mq];W[kp];B[lo];W[ro];B[jp];W[jq];B[kb];W[jb];B[ja];W[eg]
;B[pg];W[ph];B[eh];W[of];B[od];W[bj];B[aj];W[ip];B[fe];W[ee];B[mb]
;W[gg];B[nb];W[ic];B[ha];W[kc];B[lb];W[mp];B[nq];W[ks];B[mr];W[gh]
;B[jo];W[hp];B[nj];W[nf];B[mf];W[mg];B[ok];W[rk];B[sj];W[ke];B[sh]
;W[si];B[qi];W[sg];B[sf];W[qj];B[gi];W[js];B[ls];W[na];B[qi];W[sd]
;B[rl];W[sp];B[sr];W[qj];B[hs];W[gs];B[qi];W[sl];B[sk];W[qj];B[sm]
;W[sn];B[ag];W[af];B[ah];W[se];B[sh];W[nr];B[or];W[sg];B[rf];W[ab]
;B[fh];W[io];B[in];W[ql];B[qi];W[sl];B[sh];W[qj];B[sm];W[ol];B[ma]
;W[oa];B[sg];W[ka];B[qi];W[oh];B[la];W[sl];B[id];W[rk];B[hf];W[ge]
;B[ko];W[bi];B[ai];W[qj];B[ia];W[lc];B[ka];W[cg];B[dh];W[ff];B[nm]
)

The second player is Weon Sungjin (9 dan). He won his semi final seat after beating Kim Kiyoung (5 dan) at the second playoff. Weon previously beat Cho Hanseung (9 dan) at the first playoff.


Weon Sungjin (left) vs. Kim Kiyoung (right)

Here is the gam record:
Weon Sungjin (wgite) vs. Kim Kiyoung (black). Result: W+R

(;
RE[W+R]
BR[5d]
EV[38th Myeongin final round player decision match of league B]
WR[9d]
PB[Kim Kiyoung]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
KM[6.5]
DT[2010-09-05]
PW[Won Sungjin]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[do];W[gq];B[cq];W[cr];B[cp];W[oq];B[br]
;W[jp];B[cf];W[fc];B[bd];W[cc];B[ci];W[qf];B[nc];W[qn];B[po];W[pn]
;B[oo];W[on];B[np];W[mq];B[nn];W[nm];B[mn];W[pr];B[pj];W[mm];B[kn]
;W[ni];B[lm];W[lo];B[nq];W[nr];B[lp];W[mo];B[mp];W[no];B[ln];W[ko]
;B[op];W[jq];B[mr];W[lq];B[lr];W[kq];B[pq];W[or];B[qr];W[kr];B[rp]
;W[ll];B[jn];W[ph];B[hp];W[hq];B[nj];W[mj];B[mk];W[nk];B[ok];W[nl]
;B[oi];W[nh];B[pl];W[ol];B[oj];W[lj];B[rl];W[rm];B[qk];W[qi];B[pm]
;W[om];B[qm];W[ro];B[sm];W[sn];B[rn];W[rd];B[so];W[lc];B[kl];W[qc]
;B[oh];W[og];B[ng];W[of];B[ld];W[kc];B[mg];W[lh];B[lg];W[kh];B[md]
;W[lk];B[jf];W[id];B[ie];W[hd];B[jj];W[ih];B[jd];W[jc];B[hi];W[hh]
;B[gh];W[hf];B[ob];W[ne];B[pc];W[qb];B[mb];W[kd];B[gg];W[hn];B[jo]
;W[kp];B[il];W[im];B[jm];W[hl];B[ik];W[kg];B[kf];W[lf];B[mf];W[le]
;B[me];W[ke];B[oe];W[fn];B[qe];W[re];B[em];W[fk];B[fl];W[en];B[dn]
;W[hk];B[ek];W[ij];B[kk];W[jk];B[jl];W[gj];B[ii];W[ej];B[fi];W[dk]
;B[el];W[fj];B[dj];W[hj];B[kj];W[dh])

The pairings for the semi final are:
1. Lee Changho vs. Park Yeonghun
2. Kang Dongyun vs. Weon Sungjin

Lee Sedol Won First Game

Lee Sedol (9 dan) finally won from Lee Changho after awhile. He beat Lee Changho at the final of the 6th Korean Prices Information Cup. This time Lee Sedol manage a resignation victory.


Lee Changho (left) vs. Lee Sedol (right)




The second game will be played at September 15.



Here is the game record:
Lee Sedol (white) vs. Lee Changho (black). Result: W+R

(;
EV[6th Prices Information Cup final round 1]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
PW[Lee Sedol]
GM[1]
KM[6.5]
WR[9d]
PB[Lee Changho]
BR[Kuksu]
RE[W+R]
DT[2010-09-01]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dd];B[oq];W[qf];B[pi];W[md];B[pf];W[qc];B[qe]
;W[pc];B[fq];W[cn];B[jp];W[fc];B[fo];W[dk];B[be];W[ce];B[bd];W[bf]
;B[cf];W[cg];B[df];W[bg];B[dg];W[dh];B[eh];W[di];B[dc];W[cc];B[cb]
;W[pp];B[po];W[op];B[pq];W[qo];B[cd];W[oo];B[rp];W[pn];B[ro];W[mp]
;B[nq];W[ic];B[np];W[mn];B[mo];W[ln];B[no];W[nn];B[ko];W[qg];B[pg]
;W[re];B[qh];W[oh];B[oi];W[eq];B[fr];W[nh];B[ph];W[qm];B[rf];W[er]
;B[rd];W[qd];B[se];W[od];B[ep];W[dq];B[om];W[on];B[kl];W[rn];B[do]
;W[co];B[dn];W[dm];B[cp];W[cq];B[bp];W[bq];B[cm];W[cl];B[ld];W[me]
;B[jd];W[id];B[jf];W[ie];B[lf];W[ed];B[ch];W[ci];B[eb];W[le];B[em]
;W[dl];B[je];W[hg];B[de];W[jh];B[kh];W[ki];B[lh];W[li];B[mh];W[jm]
;B[mi];W[jg];B[kf];W[qq];B[rq];W[io];B[ip];W[gm];B[bh];W[bi];B[ji]
;W[qr];B[rr];W[lk];B[ll];W[mj];B[ii];W[nj];B[if];W[hh];B[hf];W[fg]
;B[ff];W[kb];B[kk];W[ni];B[jj];W[lj];B[ih];W[pe];B[rg];W[gp];B[fp]
;W[go];B[fn];W[lo];B[lp];W[gq];B[gr];W[hq];B[gn];W[hn];B[ir];W[ef]
;B[eg];W[ig];B[fh];W[gi];B[gk];W[fj];B[nf];W[kn];B[gj];W[fi];B[hi]
;W[gh];B[ik];W[jo];B[kp];W[fm];B[ml];W[ok];B[jl];W[hr];B[hs];W[iq]
;B[jr];W[qk];B[jc];W[jb];B[lc];W[mb];B[lb];W[la];B[mc];W[nc];B[ol]
;W[nk];B[nl];W[qj];B[hb];W[ib];B[gc];W[fb];B[gd];W[gb];B[nb];W[ma]
;B[hc];W[fe];B[ee];W[ge];B[ga];W[fd];B[fa];W[he];B[pk];W[pj];B[pl]
;W[oj];B[rb];W[gf];B[ng];W[rc];B[sc];W[qb];B[sl];W[en];B[eo];W[hl]
;B[el];W[fl];B[il];W[jq];B[kq];W[ho];B[es];W[ds];B[im];W[hm];B[oe]
;W[ef];B[af];W[ah];B[ff];W[hk];B[hj];W[ef];B[ob];W[nd];B[ff];W[ea]
;B[da];W[ef];B[bo];W[bm];B[ff];W[bc];B[bb];W[ef];B[bn];W[cm];B[ff]
;W[kc];B[kd];W[ef];B[ri];W[rl];B[ff];W[gg];B[sb];W[ra];B[rj];W[rk]
;B[sk];W[sm];B[sj];W[mf];B[mg];W[kg];B[lg];W[og];B[of];W[ia];B[ha]
;W[fs];B[gs];W[es];B[so];W[ei])

Five Players Two Seats

The 38th Myeongin (Meijin) league is burning up. Five players are competing with only two seats left for the semi-final. One seat at League A and 1 seat at League B.

At League A, Kang Dongyun (9 dan) came out as the first placer with 4-1 score. His only lost came from new rising player, An Kukhyun (2 dan). An thus put himself at the final round player decision match of league A. He will play the winner between Lee Changho vs. Lee Sedol match. Lee Changho won that game and won the right to play An Kukhyun to decide the second placer of the league. An previously beat Lee Changho at the league. The game will be played at September 5.


An Kukhyun

At league B, Park Yeonghun (9 dan) came as the winner with 4-1. Park's only lost came from Cho Hanseung (9 dan). Cho is one of the last three players who are competing for semi-final seat. Cho along with Weon Sungjin (9 dan) and Kim Kiyoung (5 dan) has 3-2 record thus creating a three way tie. Cho Hanseung will play Weon Sungjin first at August 30. The winner will play Kim Kiyoung to determine who will join Park Yeonghun in the semi-final.



Here is the game record between Lee Changho and Lee Sedol:
Lee Changho (black) vs. Lee Sedol (white). Result: B+R

(;
EV[38th Myeongin league]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Lee Sedol]
WR[9d]
DT[2010-08-19]
BR[Myeongin]
RE[B+R]
PB[Lee Changho]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dd];B[oq];W[qf];B[qi];W[nd];B[qe];W[pf];B[oe]
;W[qc];B[pc];W[re];B[qd];W[rd];B[rc];W[nf];B[rg];W[rf];B[of];W[og]
;B[qb];W[pi];B[pj];W[qj];B[qk];W[rj];B[ri];W[rk];B[pk];W[qh];B[ph]
;W[oi];B[qg];W[pg];B[rl];W[ne];B[nb];W[fq];B[mk];W[ob];B[mc];W[oc]
;B[pb];W[ke];B[jc];W[hc];B[hd];W[gc];B[id];W[if];B[gd];W[fc];B[gg]
;W[ih];B[kp];W[ln];B[gi];W[ce];B[fd];W[ed];B[gp];W[fp];B[cc];W[db]
;B[li];W[kk];B[ji];W[kh];B[lh];W[mg];B[lg];W[lf];B[kg];W[hj];B[ii]
;W[hi];B[hh];W[gj];B[fj];W[fk];B[ej];W[ek];B[dj];W[dk];B[cj];W[ck]
;B[ik];W[hl];B[il];W[jn];B[hm];W[gl];B[km];W[hg];B[gh];W[gf];B[ff]
;W[je];B[ld];W[le];B[jh];W[lb];B[cp];W[oh];B[do];W[ig];B[eg];W[co]
;B[dn];W[bp];B[cq];W[cn];B[fo];W[go];B[fn];W[ch];B[dh];W[hp];B[ep]
;W[kn];B[cm];W[bm];B[gn];W[ho];B[in];W[bq];B[bn];W[bo];B[io];W[jm]
;B[im];W[np];B[dr];W[cr];B[dq];W[nq];B[bl];W[dm];B[am];W[bk];B[em]
;W[dl];B[br];W[ar];B[cs];W[cl];B[or];W[rh];B[mo];W[lp];B[lo];W[nm]
;B[lq];W[nk];B[nj];W[ml];B[ok];W[nl];B[pm];W[no];B[ao];W[bm];B[ip]
;W[nr];B[cm];W[jq];B[iq];W[bm];B[lr];W[ir];B[hr];W[jp];B[jo];W[ko]
;B[mp];W[mn];B[cm];W[ij];B[jj];W[jk];B[oj];W[mi];B[mj])

Here is the game between Cho Hanseung and Park Jeunggeum (4 dan). This is Cho's last game at the league and the one that saved his neck.
Cho Hanseung (white) vs. Park Jeunggeum (black). Result: W+R

(;
EV[38th Myeongin league]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Cho Hanseung]
WR[9d]
DT[2010-08-26]
BR[4d]
RE[W+R]
PB[Park Jeonggeun]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pp];W[cp];B[eq];W[od];B[cf];W[fc];B[dm];W[do];B[dj]
;W[fp];B[fq];W[gp];B[gq];W[hp];B[iq];W[ch];B[ep];W[eo];B[fn];W[em]
;B[el];W[fm];B[dh];W[fl];B[cg];W[jo];B[oc];W[pd];B[pc];W[qe];B[rd]
;W[nd];B[nc];W[md];B[qf];W[re];B[rf];W[se];B[pf];W[mc];B[pe];W[qc]
;B[rc];W[qb];B[rb];W[pb];B[qn];W[be];B[gd];W[gc];B[id];W[ge];B[cd]
;W[ce];B[de];W[cc];B[ed];W[dc];B[he];W[ee];B[df];W[fd];B[hg];W[ol]
;B[ip];W[io];B[kp];W[ln];B[nm];W[om];B[no];W[ql];B[nl];W[ok];B[ko]
;W[kn];B[mo];W[qq];B[pq];W[pr];B[or];W[rr];B[ps];W[qs];B[qr];W[bf]
;B[bg];W[pr];B[rp];W[qp];B[qo];W[rq];B[qr];W[lo];B[lp];W[pr];B[ho]
;W[hn];B[qr];W[ei];B[rs];W[di];B[ci];W[cj];B[bi];W[dk];B[bj];W[ej]
;B[cl];W[qi];B[kd];W[jc];B[ic];W[kc];B[qa];W[ob];B[hi];W[dr];B[cn]
;W[dl];B[cq];W[bq];B[dq];W[cr];B[bp];W[bo];B[fo];W[en];B[br];W[ap]
;B[bs];W[eh];B[bh];W[jg];B[gf];W[fe];B[ji];W[if];B[hf];W[jd];B[jh]
;W[ie];B[hd];W[ig];B[kg];W[kf];B[ih];W[lg];B[kh];W[gh];B[hh];W[rm]
;B[rh];W[ri];B[si];W[sj];B[sh];W[qh];B[qg];W[on];B[oo];W[ll];B[rj]
;W[lf];B[lj];W[mi];B[li];W[jk];B[ik];W[ij])

Lees Final

The 6th Prices Information Cup is down to the climax. The final game to decide who will be the 6th champion. This time, the finalist is the famous Lees. Lee Changho and Lee Sedol.


Lee Changho (left) vs. Lee Sedol (right) at the 27th KBS Cup final.

Lee Sedol beat Weon Sungjin (9 dan) by resignation at the semi-final game yesterday.

Here is the game record between Lee Sedol and Weon Sungjin. Black won by resignation.

(;CA[Windows-1252]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[6th Korean Prices Information Cup, semi-final]
DT[2010-08-08]PB[Lee Sedol]PW[Weon Seongjin]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[fq];W[cn];B[ql];W[eq];B[fp];W[jp];B[lq];W[hp];B[fn];W[eo]
;B[fo];W[im];B[iq];W[ip];B[jr];W[pn];B[lo];W[pp];B[qq];W[np];B[oq];W[hq];B[hr];W[mo]
;B[mn];W[ln];B[lm];W[kn];B[no];W[mp];B[op];W[nn];B[mm];W[lp];B[oo];W[pl];B[pk];W[ol]
;B[qk];W[ok];B[oj];W[nj];B[oi];W[on];B[km];W[mk];B[kk];W[mh];B[jn];W[ko];B[kq];W[jm]
;B[jl];W[gm];B[kp];W[jo];B[kh];W[qm];B[og];W[mf];B[kf];W[hk];B[ni];W[mi];B[lj];W[mj]
;B[kd];W[md];B[oc];W[kc];B[jc];W[lc];B[jd];W[jj];B[ik];W[hj];B[ij];W[ii];B[hi];W[ih]
;B[ki];W[oe];B[pe];W[ji];B[lk];W[jk];B[fc];W[df];B[dm];W[em];B[ch];W[cj];B[eh];W[gf]
;B[dk];W[en];B[ck];W[ec];B[fd];W[cg];B[bg];W[hc];B[hd];W[hb];B[jb];W[ie];B[id];W[fb]
;B[hg];W[hf];B[ng];W[mg];B[jf];W[qi];B[qj];W[pf];B[of];W[od];B[qf];W[pg];B[ph];W[pc]
;B[ne];W[nd];B[me];W[le];B[nf];W[ld];B[lf];W[qg];B[qh];W[rg];B[rh];W[qd];B[sg];W[rf]
;B[qn];W[rm];B[rn];W[sf];B[sh];W[bf];B[ig];W[gi];B[dg];W[cf];B[ef];W[ee];B[fe];W[ff]
;B[eg];W[ei];B[ed];W[de];B[fh];W[gc];B[he];W[gr];B[bh];W[eb];B[ej];W[fi];B[di];W[jq]
;B[ir];W[hs];B[lr];W[bl];B[bk];W[cm];B[il];W[hl];B[kl];W[hh];B[ma];W[gh];B[gg];W[fg]
;B[dh];W[jg];B[if];W[kg];B[lg];W[jh];B[lh];W[mb];B[cq];W[er];B[fr];W[qo];B[ro];W[ri]
;B[rj];W[gq];B[cp];W[pi];B[sj];W[si];B[pj];W[ds];B[br];W[bs];B[dr];W[kj];B[li])

Lee Changho at Prices Information Final

It seems that Lee Changho won't go anywhere in Korean's baduk world in near time, despite many challenges from younger players.


Lee Changho

He proved himself once again by becoming the finalist of the 6th Prices Information Cup. Today, Lee defeated Choi Cheolhan (9 dan) to win the final's seat.

Lee who got black in the game played an interesting sequence to help his stones at the lower left. Another interesting sequence was played shortly. White invaded black's influence at move 84. Black handled the invasion well and white played a smart sacrifice to help the invasion.


Choi Cheolhan

The game ended at move 265 with Lee's 1.5 points victory.

Here is the game record:

(;DT[2010-08-01]EV[6th Korean Prices Information Cup, semi-final]
PB[Lee Changho]PW[Choi Cheolhan]
KM[6.5]RE[B+2.5]SO[Go4Go.net]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[do];W[co];B[cn];W[cp];B[oq];W[dn]
;B[cf];W[fc];B[bd];W[cc];B[ci];W[qf];B[nc];W[rd];B[qg];W[pg]
;B[qh];W[pf];B[qc];W[ph];B[qj];W[qi];B[ri];W[pi];B[pj];W[rh]
;B[rg];W[sh];B[rk];W[rf];B[kc];W[jq];B[lq];W[jo];B[hn];W[jm]
;B[kn];W[jn];B[hl];W[np];B[mr];W[pm];B[mn];W[nl];B[ol];W[om]
;B[nm];W[qo];B[po];W[qn];B[rm];W[pp];B[op];W[pq];B[qq];W[pr]
;B[oo];W[qr];B[rr];W[rs];B[sr];W[rp];B[rq];W[sp];B[ro];W[rn]
;B[or];W[ql];B[ok];W[rl];B[ml];W[hp];B[gp];W[gq];B[cm];W[dm]
;B[dl];W[el];B[cl];W[fn];B[sl];W[so];B[ps];W[sm];B[ek];W[fl]
;B[sn];W[qm];B[si];W[sg];B[fk];W[gl];B[gk];W[hk];B[il];W[go]
;B[hc];W[hj];B[jj];W[hh];B[gm];W[fm];B[gi];W[hi];B[jl];W[ei]
;B[fi];W[eg];B[fg];W[ef];B[dh];W[eh];B[dj];W[gg];B[en];W[em]
;B[bo];W[bn];B[bc];W[hb];B[gb];W[gc];B[ib];W[hd];B[ic];W[ld]
;B[ho];W[fp];B[lc];W[km];B[lk];W[bm];B[bl];W[bp];B[gn];W[eo]
;B[fb];W[ie];B[kp];W[jp];B[am];W[ao];B[jh];W[nd];B[md];W[me]
;B[mc];W[jg];B[fh];W[ff];B[kr];W[kh];B[ki];W[lh];B[ir];W[jr]
;B[js];W[hr];B[iq];W[ip];B[ec];W[ed];B[id];W[he];B[le];W[lf]
;B[ke];W[li];B[gd];W[fd];B[lj];W[nj];B[oj];W[ni];B[nk];W[ce]
;B[be];W[eb];B[db];W[dc];B[cb];W[fa];B[ha];W[df];B[cg];W[gj]
;B[sk];W[sm];B[fj];W[rj];B[sj];W[rc];B[rb];W[od];B[oc];W[qb]
;B[pb];W[mf];B[mj];W[qd];B[pc];W[qk];B[rj];W[sb];B[ra];W[pe]
;B[oi];W[nh];B[je];W[ko];B[lo];W[ih];B[ji];W[kl];B[kk];W[jf]
;B[kf];W[kg];B[mi];W[mh];B[oh];W[og];B[ga];W[da];B[bb];W[hs]
;B[is];W[ea];B[ks];W[hq];B[cd];W[de];B[ca];W[ec];B[ln];W[kq]
;B[lp];W[on];B[nn];W[di];B[dg];W[gh];B[al];W[an];B[lm];W[ik]
;B[jk];W[im];B[hm])

Edit: I posted the wrong game. I posted Lee vs. Choi's game from the 2010 Korean Baduk League which was played a day before. I've fixed the game. Thank you for Haengma who pointed out this mistake. :)

At the other semi-final, Weon Sungjin will face Lee Sedol for the last final's ticket. Will it be another Lees final? Or will Weon find himself at Prices Information's final for the first time? The game


Weon Sungjin (right) when playing against Iyama Yuta at Fujitsu Cup

Gu Li, the 1st International Meijin

Gu Li did it once again. After kinda dried year for his international carrer, he ended it with a come back victory at the 1st International Meijin Championship.


Starting the game

Gu who lost to Lee Changho at day 1 managed to beat Iyama Yuta at day 2 and he took revenge on Lee by winning the last game by 1.5 points.



Here's the game record:

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rating game]EV[1st International Meijin Championship]
DT[2010-07-27]PB[Gu Li]BR[9p]PW[Lee Changho]WR[9p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[B+1.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dp];B[oq];W[qf];B[qi];W[nd];B[qe];W[oe];B[rf];W[kd];B[pf];W[fq]
;B[fc];W[hc];B[cc];W[dc];B[cd];W[de];B[db];W[eb];B[cb];W[ec];B[cf];W[ch];B[df];W[ef]
;B[eg];W[ff];B[dh];W[di];B[fg];W[gg];B[gf];W[fd];B[ei];W[dj];B[hf];W[fh];B[eh];W[ej]
;B[fi];W[fj];B[gh];W[co];B[jp];W[oo];B[pn];W[lp];B[np];W[ln];B[lq];W[qq];B[pp];W[mq]
;B[lr];W[mp];B[mr];W[no];B[hq];W[oc];B[nm];W[kp];B[jq];W[nq];B[nr];W[ml];B[cq];W[dq]
;B[bo];W[bn];B[bp];W[cr];B[cn];W[cm];B[cp];W[dn];B[br];W[ql];B[qm];W[qj];B[pi];W[rm]
;B[rn];W[pm];B[qn];W[ok];B[pl];W[pk];B[om];W[ri];B[pc];W[rk];B[rh];W[hg];B[fb];W[fa]
;B[gd];W[ge];B[he];W[fe];B[je];W[ig];B[ic];W[hd];B[jf];W[pb];B[qb];W[id];B[jd];W[jc]
;B[kc];W[ib];B[jb];W[ic];B[ld];W[kb];B[ke];W[lb];B[mm];W[hi];B[lm];W[km];B[kl];W[jm]
;B[jo];W[ko];B[gi];W[kh];B[me];W[cg];B[dg];W[bf];B[be];W[bg];B[ce];W[sn];B[so];W[sm]
;B[rp];W[ll];B[kk];W[lj];B[ik];W[gj];B[hj];W[ii];B[im];W[op];B[lk];W[nj];B[mk];W[ng]
;B[of];W[nf];B[ne];W[od];B[lf];W[mh];B[ob];W[nb];B[pa];W[dr];B[bs];W[md];B[lc];W[mc]
;B[kg];W[gm];B[si];W[rj];B[mj];W[mi];B[gk];W[oi];B[ol];W[fk];B[go];W[ao];B[aq];W[an]
;B[ap];W[ph];B[eo];W[do];B[qh];W[pg];B[qg];W[hr];B[gq];W[gr];B[ir];W[gl];B[fp];W[fr]
;B[fm];W[fn];B[en];W[em];B[gn];W[hm];B[fo];W[fl];B[in];W[hn];B[ki];W[lh];B[ho];W[kq]
;B[kr];W[hk];B[ij];W[kj];B[jj];W[li];B[ji];W[jh];B[il];W[nk];B[nl];W[mf];B[mn];W[mo]
;B[ae];W[le];B[me];W[af];B[da];W[ea];B[jl];W[kn];B[hs];W[gs];B[is];W[pe];B[cs];W[og]
;B[qf];W[sj];B[sh];W[lg];B[jg];W[po];B[ds];W[qo];B[ro];W[es];B[ep];W[na];B[eq];W[er]
;B[oa];W[hl];B[fn];W[pj];B[if];W[ih];B[le];W[ne];B[on];W[nn];B[jn];W[ie];B[hh])

Lee Changho Won Day 1

The first game at the International Meijin Championship which is being held at China was decided. It was battle between China's Mingren vs. Korea's Myeongin. Yup! It was Gu Li vs. Lee Changho.


Left to right: Gu Li, Iyama Yuta, and Lee Changho

Gu Li who played white took the center at this game, while Lee got a big moyo at the upper side. The battle started at move 100 where Gu tried to save his stones. Gu Li showed a good fighthing skill, creating a ko fight, trying to survive. However, Lee was calm about this. It was later proved to be true that Gu can't win the fight. He resigned at move 209.





Here's the game record:

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[1st International Master Championship, game 1]
DT[2010-07-24]PB[Lee Changho]BR[9p]PW[Gu Li]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[co];W[ck];B[fp];W[ep];B[eo];W[fq];B[gp];W[gq];B[hp];W[hq]
;B[ip];W[jq];B[cf];W[ch];B[fd];W[df];B[dg];W[cg];B[dc];W[ce];B[cc];W[qf];B[nc];W[rd]
;B[qh];W[ph];B[qi];W[pg];B[qc];W[pj];B[pi];W[oi];B[qj];W[pk];B[ql];W[hc];B[gc];W[hd]
;B[kc];W[nh];B[pl];W[oq];B[nj];W[md];B[mc];W[ol];B[om];W[nl];B[oj];W[ok];B[li];W[lg]
;B[nm];W[ml];B[mm];W[ll];B[jf];W[jg];B[ig];W[jh];B[kf];W[lh];B[ge];W[lm];B[mo];W[jp]
;B[cl];W[po];B[pp];W[op];B[qo];W[dl];B[dm];W[el];B[bk];W[cj];B[dp];W[eq];B[cq];W[cr]
;B[bm];W[qk];B[rk];W[pm];B[qm];W[pn];B[oo];W[rl];B[qn];W[rj];B[mq];W[kd];B[jd];W[ec]
;B[ed];W[gb];B[fb];W[jc];B[ld];W[id];B[ke];W[ib];B[ga];W[hf];B[if];W[ha];B[hb];W[mp]
;B[np];W[gb];B[fa];W[he];B[rm];W[sk];B[bq];W[kb];B[lb];W[lr];B[mr];W[lp];B[nq];W[rc]
;B[br];W[bd];B[bc];W[ff];B[ef];W[de];B[ee];W[eg];B[fg];W[dh];B[gf];W[gg];B[fe];W[hg]
;B[fh];W[ih];B[gm];W[dr];B[qe];W[qd];B[pe];W[pc];B[re];W[qb];B[rf];W[qg];B[ob];W[pb]
;B[nf];W[rg];B[il];W[ik];B[hk];W[jk];B[bi];W[bj];B[aj];W[fi];B[gh];W[gi];B[ci];W[di]
;B[hh];W[hi];B[hb];W[eb];B[ff];W[gb];B[db];W[hb];B[ka];W[ja];B[jb];W[eh];B[ea];W[kb]
;B[dj];W[dk];B[jb];W[gd];B[fc];W[kb];B[ej];W[em];B[en];W[fk];B[jb];W[dn];B[cm];W[kb]
;B[iq];W[ir];B[jb];W[cp];B[do];W[kb];B[fm];W[gk];B[jb];W[od];B[kb];W[oe];B[me])

This mean, tomorrow's game will be Gu Li vs. Iyama Yuta.

China-Japan-Korea Master Tournament

A new trilateral tournament is going to be held from July 24-27. Three professionals who hold Master title from China, South Korea, and Japan will compete to decide who is the strongest Master.

The participants are: Gu Li Mingren (China), Lee Changho Myeongin (S. Korea), and Iyama Yuta Meijin (Japan).


Lee Changho

Iyama is the youngest contestant here. He hasn't performed very well against Lee and Gu. His personal record is 0-2 to Lee Changho (if I'm not mistaken. Correct me if I'm wrong.) and his record against Gu Li is 0-1.


Iyama Yuta

Meanwhile, fans seem to be waiting the game Lee Changho vs. Gu Li. They have met in many international games before, but I think the game will have many fireworks.


Gu Li

Here is the schedule:
July 24: Game day 1 between 2 players.
July 25: Day 1 loser meet the third player.
July 27: Winner of day 1 vs. winner of day 2 to decide the champion.

Lee Changho In Danger

Lee Changho (Myeongin) started his Myeongin (Meijin) league badly with 2 consecutive loses to An Kukhyun (1 dan) and Kang Dongyun (9 dan).

However, he managed to revive with his victory over Baek Hongsuk. Not stopping there, he won another game 2 days ago from Kim Seongjae (4 dan) and keep his chance to win league A.


Lee Changho

But this task seem to be very hard. There are three other players who have 2 victories are Lee Sedol, Kang Dongyun, and An Kukhyun.

Kang is leading with a perfect 2-0. He also still has 3 more games to be played. Meanwhile, Lee Changho is down to last game against Lee Sedol.

Lee Changho Getting Married

A happy news came from Lee Changho. The Korean master announced his wedding. A press conference was held on Tuesday was held to confirm the marriage.

The lucky woman who will marry hm is Lee Doyun, CyberOro reporter.

Congratulations for the couple. I hope they will marry til death do their part

Korea Stole the Title from China Again!

It was settled! Korea is the champion of the 11th Nongshim Cup!

It must be very disappointing for China, since they were doing very well, yet they can't win the title.


Lee Changho

Let's review the tournament from the first stage. Kim Jiseok of Korea was the star of the first round. He won the first three games (thus winning the consecutive prize money), before losing to Xie He of China in the fourth game.

When the tournament was continued in January, the spot light went to Xie He who won 4 consecutive games before losing to Japan's Honinbo, Hane Naoki. Hane Naoki then closed the second stage by beating Park Yeonghun in the tenth game.

The third stage was started at March 9. Liu Xing of China helped China team to strengthen their grip on the tournament. However, Lee Changho played all out and won the last three games from Liu Xing, Gu Li, and Chang Hao. It was such a drama this year!




I can understand how disappointed China team is.

Download the game: Lee Changho vs. Chang Hao

Why I said again in the title? Because the same thing also happened in the Jeongganjang Cup. When the third stage started at Jeongganjang Cup, China still has three members, while Japan and Korea only had one each. However, Park Jieun won all 4 games, thus winning the championship for Korea.


Signing an autograph. I want one too. Hehehehehe.

I must say that the two tournaments were very interesting this year.

China or Korea

The 11th Nongshim Cup is down to the climax part! Only two countries left with only one player representing each.

The 14th game is down to China's captain, Chang Hao vs. Korea's captain, Lee Changho.

The third stage was started in March 9. The first game was between Hane Naoki from Japan and Liu Xing of China. Hane lost the game by 5.5 points, thus eliminating Japan's hope to win the tournament, as their last player was eliminated.


Liu Xing (left) vs. Hane Naoki (right)



Download the game: Liu Xing vs. Hane Naoki

The next day, the last player of Korea, Lee Changho played Liu Xing. China was on the advantage side, since they still had three players. Liu Xing, Gu Li, and Chang Hao. If Liu won this game, China will once again triumph in this championship.

However, Lee pulled quite a game and saved Korea from losing by beating Liu Xing by resignation.


Liu Xing (left) vs. Lee Changho (right)



Download the game: Lee Changho vs. Liu Xing

The next player from China was the grand slam, Gu Li. It was interesting to wonder the outcome, since Gu Li's playing style is very aggressive, while Lee's is calm (though he seems to change a little nowadays).

Lee Changho once again played very well and won the game by resignation.

Download the game record: Lee Changho vs. Gu Li

Today, the last game is played. Who will be the winner? China or Korea?