Iyama Yuta the 67th Honinbo's Challenger

Honinbo is 1 of the top 3 Japanese title. It has a long history and could be dated back in Edo period. After it became an annual tournament, 16 people already claimed this title. This year, Iyama Yuta got his first shot to be the 17th people to hold the annual Honinbo.

Iyama won the Honinbo league in his 3rd try. In the previous 2 leagues, he scored 4-3 and 6-1 and stayed at the second position. This year he scored 6-1 again but the circumstance is difference as he collected most win and doesn't have to play a tiebreak game.

Iyama won the last game against Hane Naoki and avoided a possible tie result with Yuki Satoshi. This victory gave Iyama his 5th major title challenger's right. Oza and Gosei are the only tournament where he never become challenger.

Hane Naoki (left) vs. Iyama Yuta (right)

Final league result:
1. Iyama Yuta 6-1
2. Yuki Satoshi 5-2
3. Cho U 4-3
4. Takao Shinji & Kono Rin 4-3 (Will play demotion player decision match)
6. Hane Naoki 3-4 (demoted)
7-8 Seto Taiki & Ko Iso 1-6 (demoted)

Here is one of Iyama game during the league. His second round's victory from Cho U started his winning streak at the league after previously losing to Takao Shinji at the first round.

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

(;
WR[Judan]
EV[67th Honinbo league]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
PW[Iyama Yuta]
GM[1]
PB[Cho U]
BR[Kisei]
RE[W+R]
DT[2011-11-14]
KM[6.5]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dc];B[lq];W[nc];B[pf];W[jd];B[df];W[ce];B[cn]
;W[dk];B[fp];W[dn];B[dm];W[en];B[em];W[co];B[cm];W[fn];B[fm];W[gn]
;B[di];W[hq];B[cq];W[bp];B[er];W[gm];B[bq];W[dj];B[ci];W[bj];B[fk]
;W[fl];B[el];W[gl];B[ek];W[ej];B[fh];W[fi];B[gi];W[eh];B[gj];W[fg]
;B[gh];W[ei];B[eg];W[dg];B[ef];W[cf];B[gf];W[fq];B[eq];W[fr];B[gp]
;W[ep];B[hp];W[es];B[dr];W[iq];B[ip];W[jp];B[jo];W[io];B[jq];W[kp]
;B[ir];W[hr];B[hs];W[gr];B[kr];W[ho];B[lp];W[ko];B[lo];W[qk];B[gs]
;W[fo];B[kn];W[jn];B[kq];W[jo];B[ds];W[go];B[ql];W[qq];B[rp];W[pp]
;B[qn];W[oq];B[oo];W[po];B[pn];W[rr];B[nr];W[or];B[rq];W[pr];B[sr]
;W[on];B[no];W[qs];B[op];W[nq];B[mr];W[os];B[qi];W[qc];B[pc];W[pb]
;B[lc];W[qd];B[qe];W[oe];B[pe];W[ob];B[le];W[gd];B[re];W[kc];B[kb]
;W[jb];B[kd];W[jc];B[rb];W[qb];B[sb];W[ke];B[ld];W[lb];B[mb];W[ka]
;B[mc];W[ma];B[na];W[nb];B[la];W[lf];B[kf];W[je];B[mf];W[lg];B[mg]
;W[me];B[lh];W[kg];B[kh];W[jg];B[ne];W[ma];B[md];W[hg];B[gg];W[oa]
;B[bk];W[bl];B[ck];W[cj];B[cl];W[ll];B[mk];W[nd];B[me];W[ml];B[nl]
;W[mn];B[nn];W[nm];B[om];W[nk];B[mm];W[mj];B[cc];W[dd];B[jh];W[mh]
;B[ig];W[jf];B[of];W[km];B[db];W[bb];B[cd];W[cb];B[de];W[ee];B[ff]
;W[bd];B[fd];W[ok];B[lk];W[kj];B[kk];W[jk];B[kl];W[lm];B[jl];W[jj]
;B[il];W[hk];B[lj];W[li];B[oi];W[mi];B[rs];W[qj];B[ri];W[ss];B[nj]
;W[pk];B[rs];W[gq];B[fs];W[ss];B[ii];W[ki];B[rs];W[js];B[qr];W[is]
;B[es];W[rr];B[rk];W[ss];B[oj];W[jm];B[rs];W[jr];B[bs];W[ss];B[ol]
;W[im];B[rs];W[fc];B[gc];W[ss];B[rj];W[ik];B[rs];W[fe];B[ge];W[ed]
;B[hd];W[fd];B[hb];W[ss];B[fb];W[bc];B[rs];W[if];B[he];W[ss];B[pl]
;W[hl];B[rs];W[ng];B[nf];W[ss];B[dh];W[cg];B[rs];W[oh];B[ph];W[ss]
;B[bi];W[ai];B[rs];W[gb];B[ga];W[ss];B[bh];W[bg];B[rs];W[ic];B[hc]
;W[ss];B[ah];W[aj];B[rs];W[cr])

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])

Hane Naoki Leads Meijin League

The 36th Meijin league has gone through halfway. With 5 games had been played, one player rises above his competitors.

Hane Naoki (9 dan) currently ranked first with 4-1 score. He beat Takao Shinji, Yuki Satoshi, Yamashita Keigo, and Rin Kanketsu, while his only lost came from Cho U. Yuki Satoshi Tengen came second with 3-1, while third place goes to Yamashita Keigo who has 3-2 score. Meanwhile, Sakai Hideyuki and Cho Chikun is in great danger of demotion. Sakai is currently at 1-4, while Cho is at 1-3.


Hane Naoki

League standing:
1. Hane Naoki 4-1
2. Yuki Satoshi 3-1
3. Yamashita Keigo 3-2
4. Takao Shinji 2-2
5. Cho U 2-2
6. Rin Kanketsu 2-2
7. Mizokami Tomochika 2-3
8. Cho Chikun 1-3
9. Sakai Hideyuki 1-4

Iyama Continue His Rivalry With Cho U

It seems that this year's Kisei is not the last time we will see Iyama-Cho U's clash as Iyama Meijin beat Takao Shinji (9 dan) at the final of the 49th Judan final.


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

Iyama Yuta succesfully enter the final by winning the winner section. The road was not as steady for Takao as he lost at the first round from So Yokoku (8 dan), but he gained back his form and drove all the way at the Loser section and eventualy became the winner.


Iyama Yuta Meijin

Takao actually broke his jinx against Iyama with his 4.5 points victory over the Meijin at the 4th Daiwa Cup Grand Champion tournament but it wasn't enough for him to break Iyama's tight wall.

The first game will be played at March 3.

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

(;
EV[49th Judan challenger decision match]
PW[Iyama Yuta]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
WR[Meijin]
PB[Takao Shinji]
RE[W+R]
DT[2011-02-10]
BR[9d]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[fq];W[cn];B[jp];W[qn];B[po];W[rp];B[pl]
;W[pn];B[qo];W[ro];B[rm];W[qq];B[rn];W[pr];B[on];W[nc];B[pf];W[kd]
;B[fc];W[ec];B[fd];W[df];B[ic];W[qc];B[pc];W[pb];B[ob];W[qb];B[oc]
;W[re];B[kf];W[nb];B[na];W[qf];B[pg];W[id];B[hd];W[ie];B[jc];W[ke]
;B[lf];W[ig];B[gg];W[jh];B[lh];W[eg];B[hf];W[hh];B[gh];W[gi];B[hi]
;W[ii];B[hj];W[fi];B[kc];W[ik];B[hg];W[ih];B[fj];W[ij];B[gj];W[gl]
;B[ei];W[fh];B[ek];W[fp];B[im];W[dj];B[ej];W[jm];B[in];W[il];B[fm]
;W[gm];B[fn];W[gn];B[fo];W[fl];B[el];W[gp];B[ep];W[eo];B[eq];W[go]
;B[do];W[en];B[em];W[dn];B[cq];W[cl];B[ck];W[bk];B[bl];W[bm];B[bj]
;W[al];B[cg];W[dg];B[ch];W[bf];B[bg];W[be];B[cj];W[dl];B[dk];W[di]
;B[dh];W[ah];B[ai];W[ag];B[bh];W[dq];B[dr];W[cp];B[af];W[fb];B[gb]
;W[ag];B[ci];W[cr];B[er];W[gq];B[bq];W[br];B[bp];W[co];B[ar];W[bs]
;B[ds];W[fr];B[gr];W[fs];B[hr];W[iq];B[bo];W[bn];B[ir];W[jq];B[gs]
;W[aq];B[jn];W[jr];B[is];W[km];B[kn];W[li];B[lm];W[ll];B[mi];W[mj]
;B[lj];W[ln];B[mm];W[mn];B[lp];W[nm];B[ml];W[lk];B[nl];W[kj];B[op]
;W[nq];B[md];W[nn];B[no];W[om];B[ol];W[oo];B[np];W[mq];B[mp];W[me]
;B[pp];W[nd];B[or];W[qr];B[eb];W[db];B[fa];W[ma];B[qg];W[ni];B[ng]
;W[qi];B[pi];W[rg];B[oi];W[qj];B[lq];W[mh];B[qe];W[rf];B[mf];W[ql]
;B[qm];W[rl];B[pm];W[mc];B[qh];W[rh];B[ps];W[oe];B[pk];W[rr];B[hq]
;W[pe];B[bb];W[cb];B[bc];W[ee];B[ed];W[dc];B[cf];W[ce];B[fg];W[bd]
;B[eh];W[qs];B[os];W[ka];B[qk];W[rk])

Predictable Result

Round 1 of the 4th Daiwa Cup Grand Champion tournament bring no sensation with all expected-to-win players won by resignation. Here is the results:

Cho U (white) vs. Mannami Kana (black). Result:W+R
Black's formation at the left side is quite unusual. Mini-Chinese is more usual in this formation. Cho ended the game by killing black at the top right corner.


Cho U

Game Record:

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[4th Daiwa Cup Grand Champion tournament 1st round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Cho U]
WR[Kisei]
PB[Mannami Kana]
BR[Daiwa Ladies Cup]
RE[W+R]
DT[2011-01-08]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[dc];W[qp];B[cn];W[fp];B[dj];W[ce];B[op];W[mq];B[no]
;W[qm];B[hq];W[mo];B[mn];W[lo];B[nn];W[ln];B[lm];W[km];B[ll];W[ip]
;B[hp];W[ho];B[io];W[in];B[go];W[jo];B[hn];W[hm];B[io];W[dn];B[ho]
;W[im];B[jp];W[jq];B[iq];W[kq];B[fn];W[cm];B[dr];W[dq];B[cr];W[fr]
;B[bp];W[co];B[em];W[bo];B[cq];W[er];B[ar];W[dl];B[gm];W[ej];B[hl]
;W[jk];B[dh];W[ei];B[eh];W[di];B[fh];W[gl];B[jn];W[jm];B[ko];W[kn]
;B[ek];W[gk];B[fk];W[gj];B[ci];W[gi];B[dk];W[ch];B[bi];W[bh];B[bk]
;W[ee];B[fc];W[ge];B[gh];W[hc];B[bc];W[cd];B[cc];W[ed];B[ih];W[fl]
;B[el];W[bl];B[ij];W[hk];B[cg];W[bg];B[bf];W[cf];B[ag];W[dg];B[ah]
;W[cg];B[be];W[ld];B[nc];W[kh];B[if];W[jd];B[ki];W[ji];B[jj];W[kj]
;B[li];W[ii];B[hi];W[jh];B[hj];W[kk];B[je];W[ig];B[hg];W[hh];B[he]
;W[ik];B[gf];W[gd];B[id];W[jc];B[le];W[md];B[ff];W[hd];B[mf];W[nf]
;B[ng];W[me];B[lf];W[oe];B[of];W[ne];B[pc];W[og];B[nh];W[pf];B[qq]
;W[lh];B[mh];W[re];B[rp];W[rc];B[rd];W[sd];B[lb];W[qb];B[pb];W[pi]
;B[nj];W[kb];B[lc];W[kc];B[qc];W[rb];B[od];W[ob];B[ra];W[qe])

Han Zenki (black) vs. Kahata Yoichi ama (white). Result: B+R
White 10 is rarely seen. I don't know whether the sequence played in this game is joseki or not, but I think the result is fair.


Han Zenki

Game Record:

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[4th Daiwa Grand Champion Cup 1st round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Kahata Yoichi]
WR[Amateur Haoh]
PB[Han Zenki]
BR[7d]
RE[B+R]
DT[2011-01-15]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dc];B[fq];W[ip];B[de];W[cg];B[cc];W[eb];B[dd]
;W[be];B[fc];W[fb];B[gc];W[cd];B[ec];W[db];B[gb];W[bc];B[kq];W[nd]
;B[lc];W[pf];B[nc];W[qd];B[qc];W[qe];B[pc];W[md];B[mc];W[qj];B[cn]
;W[fp];B[gp];W[fo];B[eq];W[dq];B[go];W[dn];B[dm];W[gn];B[do];W[ep]
;B[hq];W[en];B[cl];W[op];B[hn];W[gm];B[mp];W[pm];B[qn];W[qm];B[pn]
;W[on];B[om];W[nn];B[ol];W[rm];B[pq];W[oq];B[rn];W[mm];B[oj];W[ph]
;B[lk];W[jm];B[hm];W[hl];B[il];W[im];B[io];W[ik];B[gl];W[jl];B[fl]
;W[em];B[el];W[bo];B[co];W[bp];B[br];W[cq];B[bn];W[er];B[fr];W[cr]
;B[es];W[bs];B[jj];W[dk];B[dl];W[dr];B[ii];W[hi];B[hh];W[gi];B[ih]
;W[bk];B[ei];W[gh];B[ci];W[bi];B[ch];W[bh];B[dg];W[cj];B[fj];W[ij]
;B[ce];W[dh];B[di];W[eg];B[bg];W[df];B[bf];W[bl];B[fg];W[fh];B[eh]
;W[ff];B[gg];W[hg];B[gf];W[ig];B[hj];W[gj];B[gk];W[hk];B[fi];W[hj]
;B[jk];W[il];B[jg];W[ge];B[hf];W[if];B[he];W[jf];B[kh];W[ke];B[ie]
;W[lj];B[kk];W[mk];B[km];W[kn];B[kl];W[jn];B[ln];W[lm];B[lo];W[ji]
;B[jh];W[ll];B[ki];W[li];B[lh])

Iyama Yuta (white) vs. Okuda Aya (black). Result: W+R
Although I think the opening is quite even, white slowly overtake black at the middle game and finished it without a problem.


Iyama Yuta

Game Record:

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[4th Daiwa Cup Grand Champion 1st round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Iyama Yuta]
WR[Meijin]
PB[Okuda Aya]
BR[2d]
RE[W+R]
DT[2011-01-22]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dq];B[qo];W[ck];B[gp];W[do];B[jp];W[qf];B[qh]
;W[qc];B[qd];W[pc];B[od];W[rd];B[re];W[rc];B[qe];W[nc];B[fc];W[ec]
;B[fd];W[df];B[lc];W[nd];B[ne];W[me];B[nf];W[hc];B[ge];W[he];B[hf]
;W[ie];B[eg];W[dg];B[le];W[if];B[hg];W[mf];B[md];W[mc];B[ld];W[mg]
;B[kg];W[ig];B[hh];W[ih];B[kh];W[ii];B[gj];W[mi];B[kj];W[ik];B[eh]
;W[gi];B[hi];W[hj];B[fi];W[gk];B[fj];W[pf];B[og];W[oi];B[rf];W[qi]
;B[rh];W[lb];B[kb];W[lf];B[kf];W[ke];B[mb];W[kc];B[la];W[kd];B[oc]
;W[nb];B[ob];W[lb];B[ci];W[lq];B[kq];W[lp];B[kn];W[oo];B[nq];W[mo]
;B[hl];W[jo];B[ko];W[kp];B[jq];W[io];B[hp];W[hn];B[nn];W[mn];B[no]
;W[mm];B[gn];W[hm];B[gl];W[gm];B[il];W[fm];B[hk];W[gr];B[hr];W[gq]
;B[hq];W[ij];B[fl];W[em];B[lr];W[mr];B[ls];W[jl];B[nm];W[mq];B[jm]
;W[kl];B[im];W[ek];B[fk];W[nl];B[ol];W[ok];B[pm];W[pl];B[om];W[fb]
;B[pk];W[nk];B[ce];W[de];B[cd];W[bf];B[db];W[eb];B[be];W[cc];B[bc]
;W[oa];B[pa];W[na];B[bk];W[bl];B[pb];W[bb])

Pairing for the semi-finals:
Cho U vs. Han Zenki
Iyama Yuta vs. Takao Shinji

A Lot of Half Point at 36th Meijin League

The 36th Meijin League is underway. Nine players will fight each other in an 8 games league to determine who will be the next Meijin challenger.

The first round was played in December and there were 3 out of 4 games resulted in a half point victory.

Sakai Hideyuki Gosei extended his victory over Cho U Kisei after Sakai's victory over Cho at the last Gosei series. Sakai won with white stones by a half point. It seems that white plays an important role in Sakai-Cho's matches.


Sakai Hideyuki

Takao Shinji won over old veteran Cho Chikun (9 dan) by a half point with white stones. Will Takao re-challenge Iyama this year?


Takao Shinji

Yamashita Keigo beat fifth placer at the previous league, Mizokami Tomochika (8 dan), Yamashita won by 4.5 points with white pieces.


Yamashita Keigo

The last game of the first round was between two preliminary players, Hane Naoki (9 dan) and Rin Kanketsu (7 dan). Hane completed white's victory by defeating Rin by a half point.


Hane Naoki

Sadly, I have no record for the games above. But, there are games from the preliminaries' finals.

Edit: I have 1 game now.
Sakai Hideyuki vs. Cho U.
Hane Naoki (white) vs. Yamada Kimio (black). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[36th Japanese Meijin, preliminary]DT[2010-10-28]
PB[Yamada Kimio]BR[9p]PW[Hane Naoki]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[qk];W[fq];B[cf];W[fc];B[cj];W[nc];B[pf];W[pb];B[qc];W[ld]
;B[jp];W[po];B[qo];W[qn];B[qp];W[ol];B[pi];W[id];B[pn];W[on];B[pm];W[pl];B[om];W[nm]
;B[qm];W[ql];B[rm];W[ml];B[nk];W[nl];B[rl];W[mp];B[jm];W[cl];B[mn];W[nn];B[mo];W[no]
;B[lp];W[nq];B[lq];W[kl];B[jl];W[kj];B[ij];W[ch];B[ej];W[bj];B[kd];W[ke];B[lc];W[md]
;B[jd];W[je];B[ic];W[hc];B[hd];W[ie];B[hb];W[gc];B[jb];W[lb];B[kb];W[kc];B[jc];W[mb]
;B[gb];W[fb];B[ia];W[ci];B[cd];W[cc];B[de];W[bd];B[be];W[ce];B[lf];W[oi];B[ni];W[oj]
;B[oh];W[pj];B[ph];W[li];B[cd];W[qb];B[ed];W[ce];B[cp];W[cq];B[cd];W[dc];B[co];W[bq]
;B[en];W[el];B[ep];W[dq];B[qj];W[ce];B[jg];W[ii];B[ji];W[jj];B[hj];W[ih];B[hf];W[gh]
;B[jh];W[gi];B[gj];W[lg];B[mh];W[lh];B[kf];W[mf];B[fg];W[ei];B[di];W[eh];B[dh];W[dg]
;B[dj];W[eg];B[cg];W[ee];B[cd];W[df];B[ce];W[fd];B[bk];W[bl];B[ck];W[do];B[cm];W[cn]
;B[bm];W[dm];B[al];W[bc];B[bg];W[dn];B[dl];W[hq];B[rb];W[pc];B[mg];W[nf];B[od];W[le]
;B[ra];W[em];B[or];W[jr];B[ho];W[ga];B[ka];W[nj])

Rin Kanketsu (black) vs. O Meien (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[36th Japanese Meijin, preliminary]DT[2010-10-28]
PB[Rin Kanketsu]BR[7p]PW[O Meien]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[op];B[eq];W[pn];B[cp];W[ro];B[or];W[pq];B[kq];W[cf];B[nc];W[pi]
;B[dk];W[qf];B[ch];W[jd];B[pr];W[qq];B[np];W[no];B[mp];W[oq];B[nr];W[fo];B[eo];W[en]
;B[fn];W[em];B[gn];W[fl];B[eh];W[fj];B[cm];W[cn];B[bn];W[fh];B[fg];W[gh];B[ei];W[hl]
;B[in];W[eg];B[rd];W[ec];B[if];W[hd];B[kf];W[mg];B[he];W[gd];B[kd];W[kc];B[je];W[ld]
;B[id];W[ke];B[ic];W[nd];B[oc];W[jg];B[jf];W[gf];B[lh];W[jh];B[lf];W[ne];B[mc];W[le]
;B[kh];W[ni];B[ji];W[lj];B[ih];W[hg];B[ig];W[jn];B[jo];W[im];B[hn];W[bg];B[rf];W[qg]
;B[rg];W[rh];B[kn];W[jm];B[ge];W[fe];B[gc];W[ko];B[ln];W[bo];B[co];W[dn];B[bm];W[ep]
;B[do];W[cq];B[bp];W[fq];B[dq];W[iq];B[io];W[kr];B[jq];W[er];B[dr];W[jr];B[hr];W[mr]
;B[ir];W[nq];B[mq];W[lr];B[qr];W[rr];B[oo];W[rp];B[nn];W[is];B[gr];W[qe];B[re];W[bh]
;B[po];W[on];B[nm];W[ol];B[nl];W[ci];B[ok];W[ej];B[om];W[qo];B[mo];W[qm];B[pm];W[qn]
;B[fd];W[fc];B[hc];W[ed];B[rs];W[ns];B[sr];W[rq];B[os];W[ms];B[qs];W[sq];B[lq];W[ss]
;B[dj];W[di];B[sr];W[lb];B[mb];W[ss];B[bj];W[ps];B[bi];W[dh];B[pe];W[pf];B[ri];W[qh]
;B[fb];W[eb];B[cj];W[fi];B[qj];W[mh];B[ql];W[gb];B[hb];W[fa];B[sh];W[jb];B[rm];W[ij]
;B[jj];W[rn];B[sm];W[oj];B[nk];W[pj];B[pk];W[jk];B[kk];W[ii];B[jl];W[ik];B[km];W[mj]
;B[hh];W[hi];B[hf];W[gg];B[ek];W[fk];B[mf];W[nf];B[ha];W[qd];B[qc])

Yamashita Keigo (white) vs. Seto Taiki (black). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[36th Japanese Meijin, preliminary]DT[2010-10-21]
PB[Seto Taik]BR[7p]PW[Yamashita Keigo ]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[fc];W[od];B[md];W[of];B[qg];W[kc];B[mc];W[hd];B[fe];W[df]
;B[ke];W[hf];B[fg];W[le];B[ne];W[kf];B[oe];W[dc];B[dh];W[op];B[je];W[ld];B[jf];W[ic]
;B[jb];W[lc];B[hg];W[gf];B[gg];W[gd];B[ff];W[fd];B[pp];W[pe];B[nf];W[pd];B[og];W[pf]
;B[pg];W[qc];B[re];W[lg];B[nb];W[rd];B[qe];W[pb];B[kh];W[lh];B[kg];W[lf];B[nh];W[li]
;B[cn];W[fp];B[jj];W[oo];B[po];W[on];B[pn];W[om];B[nr];W[pm];B[en];W[co];B[bn];W[gn]
;B[mp];W[rc];B[qk];W[qn];B[rl];W[rm];B[ql];W[qm];B[ro];W[nj];B[mj];W[mi];B[nk];W[mk]
;B[ml];W[lj];B[ok];W[mo];B[ll];W[lp];B[mq];W[kn];B[jm];W[io];B[in];W[km];B[kl];W[ig]
;B[ho];W[qo];B[rp];W[ip];B[hn];W[hq];B[ih];W[fn];B[em];W[ch];B[ci];W[cg];B[bi];W[jn]
;B[eo];W[gp];B[cq];W[dq];B[bp];W[cr];B[lb];W[kb];B[ka];W[jc];B[br];W[cp];B[bq];W[gl]
;B[il];W[lq];B[lr];W[kr];B[ks];W[jr];B[af];W[bf];B[fk];W[fl];B[el];W[gk];B[gj];W[if]
;B[jg];W[hj];B[gi];W[ik];B[jk];W[dr];B[ia];W[ib];B[ob];W[ra];B[ha];W[ja];B[pa];W[qa]
;B[jb];W[nd];B[me];W[ja];B[sb];W[rb];B[jb];W[mg];B[ng];W[ja];B[ep];W[eq];B[jb];W[qp]
;B[qq];W[ja];B[lo];W[mn];B[jb];W[bo];B[ao];W[ja];B[ir];W[js];B[jb];W[ji];B[ij];W[ja]
;B[iq];W[kp];B[jb];W[ki])

Iyama Won Again Over Takao Shinji

Iyama Yuta continue his dominance over Takao Shinji by winning the semi-final game of the 6th Daiwa Cup at November 13.


Iyama Yuta

Takao who lost 4 straight games at this year's Meijin, then he lost to Iyama again at the Kisei's challenger decision game. Takao then extend his losing streak by losing the semi-final by 5.5 points.

Iyama will play Cho U at the final. This will be the opening of next year's Kisei where Cho U will be challenged by Iyama.

Here is the game record:
Iyama Yuta (black) vs. Takao Shinji. Result: B+5.5

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[6th Daiwa Cup tournament semifinal]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Takao Shinji]
WR[9d]
PB[Iyama Yuta]
BR[Meijin]
RE[B+5.5]
DT[2010-11-13]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[co];W[oq];B[lp];W[mo];B[op];W[np];B[oo]
;W[pq];B[qq];W[lo];B[jp];W[lq];B[fq];W[fp];B[gp];W[ep];B[go];W[dn]
;B[cm];W[qm];B[qn];W[rn];B[ro];W[pn];B[qo];W[fn];B[cf];W[fc];B[dj]
;W[qf];B[pi];W[nc];B[pf];W[qc];B[qe];W[pc];B[qg];W[pj];B[oj];W[pk]
;B[qi];W[nl];B[cn];W[bd];B[ef];W[gn];B[kq];W[lr];B[dr];W[gq];B[hq]
;W[gr];B[er];W[hr];B[cq];W[io];B[ip];W[jr];B[ko];W[iq];B[hn];W[cr]
;B[hm];W[br];B[bq];W[fr];B[ln];W[mn];B[lm];W[nj];B[be];W[ce];B[bf]
;W[fe];B[gg];W[id];B[fb];W[eb];B[gc];W[gb];B[em];W[eq];B[gl];W[gd]
;B[oi];W[ig];B[mm];W[nn];B[md];W[nd];B[me];W[lc];B[if];W[jf];B[hf]
;W[jg];B[mc];W[mb];B[je];W[ke];B[kd];W[ie];B[lb];W[kb];B[jd];W[mh]
;B[kh];W[lf];B[ld];W[ji];B[kc];W[gh];B[rd];W[rc];B[nb];W[ob];B[ma]
;W[fh];B[de];W[cd];B[eh];W[qd];B[fg];W[hg];B[re];W[ra];B[ar];W[kk]
;B[mg];W[jm];B[lk];W[kj];B[jn];W[km];B[kn];W[fj];B[rm];W[ek];B[dk]
;W[rl];B[sn];W[qr];B[rr];W[hk];B[gk];W[gj];B[pm];W[om];B[ql];W[pl]
;B[ok];W[qm];B[kr];W[ks];B[pm];W[hp];B[ho];W[qm];B[mp];W[mq];B[kp]
;W[qk];B[rj];W[no];B[bs];W[gf];B[ff];W[ee];B[df];W[he];B[ad];W[ac]
;B[ae];W[bc];B[pr];W[or];B[qs];W[jb];B[ic];W[ib];B[jc];W[ng];B[mf]
;W[ni];B[nk];W[lg];B[hc];W[hb];B[mj];W[mi];B[rk];W[es];B[cs];W[os]
;B[ej];W[fk];B[li];W[lj];B[mk];W[lh];B[ik];W[hj];B[im];W[dl];B[cl]
;W[ei];B[di];W[fi];B[dh];W[sl];B[oh];W[jk];B[il];W[ij];B[en];W[fo]
;B[nh];W[ne];B[nf];W[oe];B[pe];W[dm];B[do];W[el];B[eo];W[nm];B[hq]
;W[sm];B[rn];W[hp];B[of];W[oc];B[hq];W[ps];B[qr];W[hp];B[le];W[kf]
;B[hq];W[sd];B[jq];W[hp];B[sk];W[ql];B[hq];W[ir];B[se];W[sc];B[dp]
;W[fs];B[qj];W[ds];B[cr];W[oa];B[ka];W[ja];B[hp];W[la];B[ls];W[ms]
;B[ka];W[na];B[mb];W[la];B[js];W[is];B[ka];W[pm];B[la];W[nq];B[fm]
;W[fq];B[pp];W[kl];B[gm];W[hd];B[ll];W[on])

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])

Untouchable

Iyama Yuta showed an impressive skill at the 35th Meijin championship. He defended his title with a perfect score 4-0!


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

Day 2 of the fourth game started by Iyama playing his sealed move, a tobi tsuke at J15. After this move, a difficult fight started at the upper board. Iyama showed an impressive living skill with his sequence from move 161-171. He successfully got a flower ko fight and later revived the group.

After 265 moves, Takao Shinji resigned. His big group at the center die.

Congratulations for Iyama Yuta! This is his second Meijin title in a row. Hopefully he will do better in both domestic and international tournament.


Iyama Yuta

Here is the game record:

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rating game]EV[35th Japanese Meijin, title match game #4]
DT[2010-10-07]PB[Iyama Yuta]BR[9p]PW[Takao Shinji]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[dc];W[qp];B[ce];W[od];B[oc];W[nc];B[pc];W[nd];B[qf];W[jd];B[oq];W[fc]
;B[fq];W[dn];B[po];W[qo];B[pn];W[qn];B[pm];W[qm];B[pl];W[eq];B[fp];W[ip];B[kq];W[go]
;B[fo];W[gn];B[fn];W[fm];B[hp];W[in];B[em];W[en];B[iq];W[fl];B[cq];W[fr];B[bn];W[hq]
;B[gr];W[er];B[gq];W[bp];B[do];W[cn];B[co];W[cp];B[eo];W[dl];B[bo];W[bq];B[lb];W[mb]
;B[ld];W[jc];B[kc];W[me];B[le];W[lf];B[ke];W[if];B[ie];W[je];B[kf];W[pe];B[qe];W[lg]
;B[jf];W[he];B[kh];W[mi];B[ng];W[og];B[nh];W[mf];B[lh];W[mh];B[kj];W[pi];B[oh];W[pg]
;B[ph];W[qh];B[nj];W[qg];B[ql];W[kg];B[ig];W[hf];B[jg];W[jh];B[lj];W[mj];B[oj];W[ji]
;B[ij];W[jj];B[jk];W[ii];B[hi];W[ik];B[kk];W[hj];B[hg];W[nf];B[fe];W[gf];B[fg];W[ff]
;B[ef];W[ee];B[eg];W[ed];B[gg];W[pr];B[gd];W[hc];B[mk];W[ob];B[pb];W[rf];B[re];W[sf]
;B[or];W[jp];B[jq];W[cd];B[gc];W[fb];B[sh];W[rh];B[rl];W[si];B[rq];W[cf];B[be];W[de]
;B[df];W[bd];B[bf];W[cg];B[bg];W[ch];B[gb];W[hb];B[di];W[cc];B[bh];W[rc];B[rb];W[ra]
;B[oa];W[na];B[nb];W[pq];B[ma];W[rr];B[cb];W[dd];B[ab];W[ad];B[eb];W[ec];B[fa];W[ha]
;B[ba];W[db];B[da];W[ea];B[ri];W[sg];B[eb];W[ga];B[dc];W[ln];B[km];W[jn];B[gk];W[il]
;B[ho];W[ej];B[gj];W[gi];B[fi];W[dj];B[ci];W[hh];B[fj];W[hn];B[ck];W[lp];B[hl];W[gm]
;B[cl];W[lq];B[mo];W[kp];B[jm];W[im];B[mg];W[el];B[so];W[sp];B[db];W[kr];B[ae];W[ea]
;B[jr];W[js];B[hr];W[mr];B[fa];W[hd];B[bc];W[ea];B[pp];W[rj];B[fa];W[ge];B[ps];W[qr]
;B[ac];W[fd];B[sr];W[sn];B[cm];W[dm];B[rs];W[qq];B[qs];W[rm];B[se];W[pd];B[qc];W[lm]
;B[np];W[nm];B[kn];W[lo];B[nl];W[ei];B[eh];W[cj];B[bj];W[is];B[os];W[rk];B[io];W[jo]
;B[pf];W[of];B[hk];W[bi];B[ai];W[mp];B[nq];W[dk];B[fk];W[ml];B[ll];W[jl];B[kl])

Game 4 of Meijin

The fourth game of the 35th Meijin championship was played at October 6. This time challenger Takao Shinji will go all out against Iyama Yuta Meijin. Takao Shinji must win this game or he must wait one more year for another shoot at the title since Iyama is leading the series with 3-0.

At the end of day 1, Takao Shinji started a fight by attacking black's weak group at the upper board. However, white must be very careful since his group at the upper right is not yet settled.


Iyama handled his sealing move.


Board position at the end of day 1

The Master Stands AloneI

The third game of the 35th Meijin title match was played 4 days after the second game. This is unusually fast, since usually there is a one or two weeks break between each match. However, this is not the fastest break in a title match. The fastest was a 2 days break at the 57th Oza sen.

Takao who played black in this game opened the game by playing a 3-4 5-3 enclosure opening. Iyama answered by also enclosing his corner, then both side played at the side. Iyama as usual, play solid game. Day 1 ended with Iyama sealed his move.


Iyama Yuta vs. Takao Shinji

Day 2 started with Iyama played P12, his sealed move. From there, focus of the game seems to be at the center fighting. In the end, Iyama won by resignation in 170 moves.

Now Iyama Meijin is leading by 3-0. The next game will be played at September 22-23.

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

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Meijin title match, game #3]DT[2010-09-23]
PB[Takao Shinji]BR[9p]PW[Iyama Yuta]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[oq];W[do];B[qj];W[jp];B[fc];W[cf];B[db];W[hc];B[hd];W[id]
;B[gd];W[ci];B[nc];W[jc];B[cc];W[mq];B[cm];W[cn];B[em];W[fn];B[di];W[dj];B[ch];W[dh]
;B[ei];W[bh];B[cj];W[cg];B[bi];W[eb];B[ec];W[bj];B[ch];W[dc];B[cb];W[ci];B[ck];W[ai]
;B[ek];W[rp];B[ro];W[qo];B[po];W[qn];B[rn];W[qm];B[rm];W[qk];B[ql];W[pl];B[rl];W[pp]
;B[qq];W[oo];B[no];W[nn];B[op];W[pn];B[mo];W[pj];B[rk];W[pk];B[mn];W[qi];B[rj];W[mm]
;B[lm];W[nm];B[ll];W[lp];B[eq];W[fq];B[pi];W[oi];B[ph];W[oh];B[pg];W[qc];B[re];W[ob]
;B[nb];W[oc];B[od];W[pc];B[kd];W[if];B[kc];W[rd];B[ep];W[fp];B[fr];W[hq];B[og];W[mj]
;B[li];W[lj];B[kj];W[he];B[je];W[ie];B[rb];W[rc];B[cq];W[dr];B[cp];W[dp];B[bn];W[bo]
;B[co];W[dn];B[bm];W[br];B[bp];W[kk];B[kn];W[qe];B[rf];W[np];B[lk];W[ki];B[jj];W[jk]
;B[hm];W[jm];B[jn];W[gl];B[kq];W[kp];B[nl];W[nj];B[ol];W[pq];B[pr];W[po];B[or];W[qr]
;B[rq];W[rr];B[sp];W[nq];B[om];W[pm];B[nr];W[mr];B[sr];W[ij];B[ji];W[kh];B[ii];W[jg]
;B[mg];W[ik];B[hi];W[lh];B[go];W[fo];B[gm];W[gj];B[ip];W[io];B[hp];W[iq];B[gi];W[fj]
;B[fi];W[fm])

Who Will Win the 35th Meijin?

Who Do You Think Will win the 35th Meijin?
	Iyama Yuta
	Takao Shinji
pollcode.com free polls

Iyama Won Again

The second game of the 35th Meijin sen had concluded. Iyama Yuta Meijin won the second game by 5.5 points. The game was played at Matsuyama, Ehime.


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

In his blog, Takao Shinji mentioned that W176 is a bad move. Instead, he suggested the following diagram.



Now white has A and B to play.


Pro players analyzing the game. Komatsu Hideki (wearing black suit), Yuki Satoshi (the one at left), So Yokoku (the man between two women), Yashiro Kumiko (woman right to So Yokoku), and Mannami Nao (woman at the right).

The next game will be played at September 22 and 23.

Here is the game record:
Iyama Yuta (black) vs. Takao Shinji (right)

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[35th Japanese Meijin, title match #2]
DT[2010-09-16]PB[Iyama Yuta]BR[9p]PW[Takao Shinji]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[B+5.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dc];B[ce];W[oc];B[gd];W[ed];B[kc];W[mc];B[dg];W[cd];B[de];W[bd]
;B[cn];W[fq];B[pc];W[pe];B[qe];W[pd];B[qc];W[pf];B[qg];W[dk];B[bp];W[cq];B[do];W[dm]
;B[eo];W[cm];B[fp];W[gq];B[gp];W[ep];B[hp];W[ir];B[bq];W[br];B[qo];W[fn];B[en];W[di]
;B[gf];W[gh];B[fe];W[jp];B[em];W[hn];B[gn];W[gm];B[fm];W[fk];B[in];W[gl];B[ho];W[go]
;B[jo];W[kp];B[ln];W[oh];B[qh];W[np];B[jl];W[jc];B[jd];W[kb];B[jb];W[ic];B[lb];W[kd]
;B[lc];W[ld];B[id];W[ib];B[mb];W[me];B[nc];W[nd];B[md];W[gn];B[ej];W[ek];B[eq];W[er]
;B[ob];W[fo];B[bm];W[bl];B[am];W[fc];B[od];W[ne];B[kh];W[kf];B[ih];W[mh];B[bk];W[ck]
;B[al];W[bj];B[cl];W[dl];B[cp];W[dq];B[ar];W[bs];B[bo];W[kg];B[hk];W[bl];B[ak];W[dh]
;B[gi];W[fi];B[hh];W[gj];B[hi];W[lh];B[nq];W[mq];B[nr];W[qn];B[pn];W[qm];B[po];W[qk]
;B[ch];W[ci];B[bh];W[eg];B[ee];W[im];B[jm];W[hj];B[ik];W[aj];B[gk];W[fl];B[dn];W[ij]
;B[jj];W[fj];B[fh];W[ji];B[ii];W[ki];B[mo];W[bi];B[mp];W[if];B[fg];W[cg];B[bg];W[df]
;B[be];W[ko];B[kn];W[hq];B[jn];W[kj];B[jk];W[dj];B[ad];W[ac];B[ae];W[bc];B[rj];W[qj]
;B[rk];W[nl];B[gc];W[gb];B[hb];W[hc];B[ka];W[hd];B[he];W[ha];B[ie];W[hf];B[hg];W[je]
;B[ge];W[lq];B[qi];W[nn];B[no];W[pm];B[fb];W[eb];B[oi];W[rl];B[rn];W[pi];B[ia];W[ja]
;B[le];W[ke];B[ia];W[bn];B[an];W[ja];B[pj];W[ph];B[ia];W[ro];B[rp];W[ja];B[pk];W[ql]
;B[ia];W[mn];B[lo];W[ll];B[hb];W[fa];B[ls];W[on];B[lm];W[mm];B[lk];W[kk];B[kl];W[ml]
;B[jh];W[mj];B[kr];W[ip];B[io];W[ga];B[pg];W[og];B[qf];W[oe];B[eh];W[ei];B[cf];W[mr]
;B[ms];W[dg];B[jg];W[jf];B[jr];W[js];B[sk];W[ri];B[rh];W[si];B[sh];W[ah];B[ag];W[oo]
;B[op];W[sn];B[so];W[sm];B[ef];W[mc];B[oc];W[md];B[cl];W[ai];B[bl])

Second Game of Meijin

The second game of the 35th Meijin sen started at September 16. This time, Iyama Yuta Meijin plays black and his challenger, Takao Shinji, plays white.


Takao Shinji

Day 1 ended with Takao Shinji played the sealing move.

Day 2 started this morning with Takao Shinji played his fujite.


Start of day 2.