Xie Yimin Saved Japan

Wang Chenxing who single handedly eliminated Korea at the 2nd Huanglongshi Cup met the last member of team Japan, Xie Yimin. Xie is the last obstacle between China and the trophy of Huanglongshi Cup.

Wang Chenxing (left) vs. Xe Yimin (right)

In this game, Xie played black while Wang played white. Xie went for a frontal attack starting from black 55. After black 61, the game went into a big fighting game. Xie showed her mastery in attacking and got a promising position. Black 117 was the deciding move and after Xie controlled the center completely, Wang resigned.

Xie Yimin, the last defense of Japan.

With this, Japan still has their chance to win, though it is very hard and almost impossible. Let see if Xie can survive the next game and increase the chance or not.

Wang Chenxing's winning streak finally ended. It seems that her red jacket didn't bring her good luck in this game.

Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (black) vs. Wang Chenxing (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[2nd Huanglongshi Cup, game 10]DT[2012-04-08]
PB[Xie Yimin ]BR[6p]PW[Wang Chenxing ]WR[5p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[pp];B[dc];W[cp];B[ep];W[de];B[ce];W[cf];B[cd];W[eo];B[fo];W[do];B[fp];W[dq]
;B[fm];W[df];B[ed];W[dl];B[nq];W[qn];B[kp];W[od];B[mc];W[qc];B[qg];W[pd];B[rd];W[pf]
;B[qh];W[ld];B[lc];W[kd];B[kc];W[jd];B[ne];W[nd];B[md];W[me];B[jc];W[id];B[nf];W[nc]
;B[hb];W[rc];B[lg];W[jg];B[ji];W[ff];B[fk];W[fr];B[dk];W[ck];B[dj];W[el];B[cj];W[fl]
;B[gl];W[gm];B[gk];W[hm];B[gg];W[fi];B[fj];W[gi];B[gf];W[eh];B[ih];W[ij];B[ik];W[hh]
;B[ig];W[jj];B[hj];W[hi];B[ii];W[hg];B[if];W[hf];B[ge];W[he];B[le];W[dd];B[cc];W[fd]
;B[gd];W[ec];B[eb];W[fc];B[fe];W[ee];B[gc];W[fb];B[ea];W[ch];B[bg];W[bi];B[bj];W[bf]
;B[fg];W[be];B[bd];W[aj];B[bk];W[ae];B[ag];W[bb];B[cb];W[ca];B[ba];W[aa];B[fa];W[ad]
;B[gb];W[bc];B[ed];W[ac];B[dh];W[dg];B[di];W[bh];B[eg];W[hp];B[ho];W[io];B[ip];W[go]
;B[hq];W[hn];B[gp];W[ho];B[gr];W[jp];B[jq];W[iq];B[ir];W[mp];B[ip];W[mq];B[fn];W[nr]
;B[kn];W[qj];B[mm];W[ec];B[oh];W[mk];B[kk];W[db];B[oj];W[ok];B[pk];W[pj];B[nk];W[ol]
;B[nj];W[og];B[ng])

Xie Yimin Defended Female Meijin

The 24th Female Meijin brought another title for Xie Yimin (5 dan). After losing her Female Kisei in February, Xie successfully defended her Female Meijin this time.

Mukai led the game halfway through until Xie played black 137. The move forced Mukai to gave up half of her group. It was quite a tsumego to work there. Can you figure out how black threaten to capture white if she connected with G2 instead?

Xie pulled out a 1.5 points victory and got her 5th conseutive Female Meijin. This is Mukai's 3rd unsuccessful attempt to capture Female Meijin. Her record against Xie s poor as Xie is leading with 14-4.

Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (black) vs. Mukai Chiaki (white). Result: B+1.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]FF[3]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]SZ[19]GM[1]EV[24th Female Meijin title match 2]
DT[2012-03-14]PB[Xie Yimin]BR[Female Meijin]PW[Mukai Chiaki]WR[5d]KM[6.5]RE[B+1.5]
MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dc];B[nc];W[po];B[qo];W[qn];B[qp];W[pm];B[nq];W[qi];B[qg];W[ci]
;B[gd];W[de];B[jd];W[oi];B[og];W[fq];B[bp];W[bn];B[co];W[cm];B[cq];W[dq];B[br];W[iq]
;B[gg];W[qc];B[pc];W[dr];B[cn];W[dm];B[bo];W[bm];B[cr];W[gi];B[cg];W[eg];B[cd];W[cc]
;B[di];W[ch];B[dg];W[dh];B[ef];W[fg];B[df];W[ff];B[ee];W[gb];B[dd];W[ec];B[mh];W[mj]
;B[mn];W[lq];B[nj];W[nk];B[ni];W[oj];B[mk];W[nl];B[lj];W[ml];B[lk];W[ib];B[jb];W[ic]
;B[jc];W[id];B[bc];W[je];B[ke];W[kf];B[jf];W[ie];B[le];W[kg];B[ri];W[rh];B[qh];W[rj]
;B[pi];W[qj];B[oh];W[pj];B[ij];W[hk];B[ik];W[il];B[ip];W[jq];B[en];W[hl];B[eo];W[bb]
;B[bd];W[ih];B[fe];W[gm];B[gf];W[gh];B[gp];W[gq];B[bg];W[bh];B[mr];W[np];B[mq];W[pp]
;B[oq];W[qq];B[rq];W[qr];B[rr];W[rn];B[sp];W[mp];B[op];W[oo];B[lp];W[lo];B[kp];W[kq]
;B[jp];W[mo];B[hp];W[lr];B[hq];W[hr];B[fp];W[ms];B[ns];W[ls];B[ir]
(;W[os];B[pr];W[nr];B[gr];W[qs];B[rs];W[ps];B[ro];W[jr];B[hs];W[rd];B[qb];W[rg]
;B[rf];W[lf];B[mf];W[ja];B[ka];W[mg];B[nf];W[ia];B[lb];W[sn];B[so];W[sq];B[sr];W[ab]
;B[em];W[el];B[ln];W[ko];B[kn];W[jo];B[jn];W[io];B[jl];W[kl];B[jk];W[ll];B[im];W[sf]
;B[se];W[sh];B[sg];W[me];B[ne];W[sf];B[eh];W[fh];B[sg];W[md];B[lc];W[sf];B[fc];W[fb]
;B[sg];W[mc];B[mb];W[sf];B[re];W[ph];B[pg];W[ld];B[kd];W[ji];B[kk];W[hg];B[kh];W[jg]
;B[hj];W[gj];B[lh];W[lg];B[nn];W[ag];B[af];W[ah];B[on];W[pn];B[jh];W[ii];B[om];W[ol]
;B[ng];W[if];B[cj];W[bj];B[fm];W[fl];B[gn];W[dn];B[do];W[be];B[ae];W[ac];B[gc];W[ed]
;B[ce];W[hm];B[ki];W[ho];B[go];W[in];B[jm];W[ao];B[ap];W[an];B[hn];W[no];B[hi];W[hf]
;B[ge];W[js];B[hh];W[is];B[hr];W[ad];B[bf];W[hc];B[gk];W[gl];B[ei];W[dj];B[jj];W[ig]
;B[dl];W[ej];B[pi];W[si];B[ph];W[sg])
(;W[gr];B[jr];W[os]C[White tries to gain more liberty]
(;B[ks];W[nr];B[kr];W[ns];B[ps])
(;B[pr]C[If black plays here instead...];W[nr];B[qs];W[is];B[js];W[hs];B[or];W[ks]
;B[ns];W[kr])))

Xie Yimin Leads Female Meijin

After her unsuccessful attempt to defend her Female Kisei, Xie Yimin is back in another title defense. This time, she'll play Mukai Chiaki in best-of-3 series for the Female Meijin.

The first game was played on February 29. Xie Yimin played white while Mukai Chiaki was black. Mukai focused on the teritory in this game, giving Xie the active play. Xie later sacrificed 2 stones at the bottom to gain thickness at the center. Xie later handled Mukai's invasion at the upper left corner well and won the game by 15.5 points.

Mukai Chiaki (left) vs. Xie Yimin (right)

The next game will be played on March 14,

Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (white) vs. Mukai Chiaki (black). Result: W+15.5

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[24th Female Meijin title match 1]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Xie Yimin]
WR[Female Meijin]
DT[2012-02-29]
BR[5d]
RE[W+15.5]
PB[Mukai Chiaki]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[co];W[dl];B[gp];W[do];B[dp];W[ep];B[cp]
;W[cq];B[dm];W[eo];B[cm];W[em];B[el];W[fm];B[dk];W[fl];B[ek];W[iq]
;B[ho];W[kp];B[jo];W[ko];B[jn];W[oq];B[kn];W[po];B[qo];W[pn];B[qn]
;W[pm];B[pq];W[or];B[ql];W[ci];B[cj];W[cf];B[jc];W[nc];B[oc];W[nd]
;B[pf];W[ke];B[gc];W[ec];B[lc];W[me];B[ie];W[hd];B[hc];W[jg];B[id]
;W[kk];B[ik];W[im];B[jl];W[qh];B[og];W[mh];B[mg];W[lg];B[lh];W[qe]
;B[qd];W[ng];B[nh];W[mf];B[mi];W[oh];B[mg];W[nf];B[oi];W[ph];B[qf]
;W[pj];B[jp];W[jq];B[fq];W[eq];B[kg];W[mh];B[kq];W[ni];B[lq];W[mp]
;B[mq];W[mo];B[jr];W[qr];B[rk];W[rq];B[rp];W[ir];B[kr];W[bj];B[bk]
;W[dj];B[ck];W[kh];B[mn];W[nn];B[mm];W[nq];B[mr];W[fr];B[gr];W[es]
;B[gs];W[ob];B[pb];W[od];B[pc];W[mb];B[rg];W[cn];B[bn];W[dn];B[bm]
;W[bq];B[bd];W[be];B[db];W[eb];B[cd];W[de];B[bb];W[cc];B[cb];W[dc]
;B[bc];W[ad];B[ac];W[aa];B[ea];W[fb];B[ce];W[bf];B[df];W[ef];B[dg]
;W[bh];B[ee];W[fe];B[eg];W[ff];B[fd];W[ed];B[ae];W[di];B[ei];W[hf]
;B[cg];W[bg];B[he];W[ej];B[fg];W[gg];B[gh];W[hh];B[fj];W[gi];B[fi]
;W[fh];B[eh];W[ai];B[af];W[fk];B[gj];W[ag];B[ak];W[ad];B[ae];W[da]
;B[ib];W[fp];B[hi];W[gq];B[hq];W[hr];B[jh];W[kf];B[fq];W[hj];B[gh]
;W[ii];B[hk];W[gq];B[ih];W[gi];B[fq];W[hi];B[gk];W[gq];B[ge];W[gf]
;B[fq];W[qm];B[rm];W[gq];B[if];W[ig];B[fq];W[pe];B[gq];W[re];B[rd]
;W[sd];B[sc];W[se];B[rb];W[aj];B[ch];W[fa];B[ca];W[ea];B[dh];W[ab]
;B[bi];W[ci];B[rh];W[ri];B[si];W[rj];B[sj];W[pl];B[pk];W[ok];B[qk]
;W[bo];B[jj];W[mj];B[pr];W[ps];B[qq];W[rr];B[sp];W[sq];B[nm];W[no]
;B[ji];W[kb];B[lb];W[la];B[kc];W[gn];B[nk];W[ol];B[lj];W[li];B[mk]
;W[kj];B[nj];W[lk];B[oj];W[qj];B[pi];W[qi];B[of];W[oe];B[oa];W[nb]
;B[gb];W[af];B[ga];W[ad];B[ns];W[os];B[ae];W[hg];B[fc];W[ee];B[di]
;W[ad];B[ba];W[ab];B[ae];W[sl];B[sk];W[ad];B[fs];W[er];B[ae];W[rn]
;B[sn];W[ad];B[pp];W[op];B[ae];W[rf];B[qg];W[ad];B[bi];W[aa];B[ah]
;W[in];B[io];W[jm];B[km];W[jk];B[ij];W[go];B[kl];W[il];B[ll];W[nl]
;B[ml];W[nr];B[ms];W[ln];B[jb];W[ka];B[ja];W[ma];B[ai];W[om];B[ki]
;W[lj];B[is];W[ld];B[ao];W[ap];B[an];W[mc];B[gm];W[hn];B[gl];W[fh]
;B[kd];W[je];B[gh];W[lo];B[fh])

Aoki Kikuyo Won Female Kisei

The 15th Female Kisei ended at February 16 with a new winner crowned for the title. Aok Kikuyo (8 dan) won the least game from Xie Yimin, the title holder, and won the series.

Aoki Kikuyo paid her lost at the first game  by winning the second game. The game was difficult and entertaining. A fight started early when Xie tried to help her stone at the bottom. Aoki attacked it and the fight spread to the center. It became the focus of the whole game. Xie showed an impressive skill of life and death, however, it was Aoki who came out ahead by 9.5 points.

Aoki Kikuyo in her bright yellow blazer.

Here is the game record:
Aoki Kikuyo (white) vs. Xie Yimin (black). Result: W+9.5

(;
EV[15th Female Kisei title match 2]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Aoki Kikuyo]
WR[8d]
DT[2012-02-09]
BR[Female Kisei]
RE[W+9.5]
PB[Xie Yimin]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[dc];W[de];B[ce];W[cf];B[cd];W[dg];B[ef];W[eg];B[bf]
;W[ff];B[bg];W[pp];B[qn];W[pk];B[nq];W[pn];B[qq];W[pq];B[qp];W[qo]
;B[ro];W[po];B[rm];W[qm];B[rn];W[jp];B[lp];W[kn];B[mn];W[pr];B[ml]
;W[ql];B[qr];W[mo];B[no];W[lo];B[nm];W[np];B[mp];W[op];B[ko];W[ln]
;B[kp];W[jo];B[jn];W[kl];B[jq];W[iq];B[jr];W[hp];B[ir];W[gq];B[ol]
;W[pl];B[pi];W[mr];B[nr];W[lr];B[mq];W[qs];B[rr];W[rs];B[sp];W[hr]
;B[is];W[oj];B[in];W[kk];B[mj];W[oi];B[li];W[ki];B[kh];W[ji];B[ph]
;W[ns];B[os];W[ls];B[ms];W[oh];B[pg];W[ns];B[or];W[kq];B[ps];W[og]
;B[lg];W[oe];B[pf];W[mh];B[lh];W[me];B[ke];W[pc];B[qc];W[lc];B[hh]
;W[jh];B[jg];W[ig];B[ih];W[jf];B[kg];W[hj];B[gj];W[gk];B[gi];W[hl]
;B[ik];W[il];B[kc];W[kb];B[ld];W[mc];B[jb];W[jc];B[kd];W[ib];B[md]
;W[nd];B[lb];W[ja];B[nc];W[mb];B[nb];W[la];B[pb];W[kf];B[lf];W[ie]
;B[ok];W[pj];B[lm];W[km];B[ll];W[nj];B[nk];W[mi];B[lj];W[qi];B[fk]
;W[fl];B[el];W[ek];B[fj];W[fm];B[em];W[dk];B[en];W[fn];B[eo];W[ep]
;B[fo];W[go];B[fp];W[fq];B[cn];W[di];B[jk];W[ij];B[gf];W[fe];B[le]
;W[rg];B[ge];W[id];B[rf];W[rh];B[hg];W[if];B[gd];W[gg];B[hf];W[fc]
;B[ei];W[ch];B[fd];W[ed];B[ec];W[gc];B[cj];W[dj];B[ck];W[bh];B[hc]
;W[gb];B[gh];W[fg];B[ho];W[ip];B[bi];W[cl];B[bl];W[dl];B[cm];W[ah]
;B[cg];W[df];B[dd];W[ee];B[fb];W[hb];B[rk];W[qf];B[qe];W[qg];B[pe]
;W[re];B[fh];W[aj];B[bk];W[ai];B[dh];W[eh];B[ci];W[be];B[bd];W[hk]
;B[dm];W[dh];B[ak];W[bm];B[am];W[ae];B[ad];W[hd];B[bn];W[bp];B[rj]
;W[qj];B[rd];W[sf];B[kr];W[lq];B[ms];W[ii];B[af];W[hi];B[bj];W[he]
;B[ag];W[ns];B[ss];W[oq];B[ms];W[od];B[oc];W[ns];B[qs];W[hs];B[ms]
;W[rl];B[sl];W[ns];B[kj];W[jj];B[ms];W[be];B[ae];W[ns];B[gp];W[gn]
;B[ms];W[of];B[pd];W[ns];B[ri];W[mf];B[ms];W[lk];B[mk];W[ns];B[mg]
;W[ng];B[ms];W[eb];B[db];W[ns];B[nh];W[ni];B[ms];W[fa];B[cp];W[cq]
;B[co];W[bq];B[da];W[ns];B[nf];W[ne];B[ms];W[on];B[nn];W[ns];B[io]
;W[hq];B[ms];W[sd];B[sc];W[se];B[sh];W[qh];B[ks];W[na];B[oa];W[ma]
;B[ea];W[fb];B[ao];W[sg];B[ap];W[aq];B[bo];W[do];B[jd];W[si];B[sk]
)

At the last game, Aoki Kikuyo played black and opened the game with Low Chinese Fuseki. The opening seems favorable for black. White's position at the top looks awkward. The game once again turned into a wild ride after Xie attacked Aoki's group with white 114. Black utilized white's weak group with black 159. Aoki Kikuyo found the combination and saved her group. Xie resigned soon afterward.

Aoki Kikuyo (left) vs. Xie Yimin (right)

Here is the game record:
Aoki Kikuyo (black) vs. Xie Yimin (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[15th Female Kisei, game 3]DT[2012-02-16]
PB[Aoki Kikuyo]BR[8p]PW[Xie Yimin  ]WR[6p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[qk];W[fq];B[fc];W[cf];B[jd];W[qf];B[re];W[lc];B[nc];W[le]
;B[of];W[jb];B[ic];W[ib];B[dc];W[cc];B[cb];W[ec];B[db];W[eb];B[ed];W[fb];B[gc];W[gb]
;B[hb];W[ha];B[hc];W[kc];B[ga];W[fa];B[ia];W[ja];B[da];W[ia];B[cd];W[de];B[fe];W[bd]
;B[bc];W[be];B[ba];W[nd];B[mc];W[md];B[od];W[ee];B[fd];W[lg];B[ig];W[ci];B[kp];W[po]
;B[qp];W[mq];B[np];W[mp];B[mo];W[no];B[nq];W[lo];B[mn];W[lp];B[nm];W[ln];B[lm];W[km]
;B[ll];W[pk];B[pj];W[ok];B[ql];W[nr];B[or];W[oj];B[pi];W[oi];B[ph];W[om];B[on];W[pm]
;B[pn];W[qm];B[qn];W[rn];B[ro];W[rl];B[mf];W[ng];B[nf];W[lf];B[mg];W[li];B[mh];W[lh]
;B[gp];W[gq];B[ip];W[kl];B[lk];W[mi];B[gn];W[jn];B[dn];W[dl];B[ep];W[dq];B[fp];W[hq]
;B[do];W[gf];B[gg];W[ff];B[hf];W[hh];B[hg];W[ge];B[fg];W[he];B[ie];W[jf];B[jg];W[je]
;B[if];W[hj];B[gi];W[hi];B[ji];W[jj];B[kj];W[ki];B[fk];W[fl];B[ch];W[bh];B[ij];W[jk]
;B[gk];W[gl];B[hk];W[jh];B[hl];W[el];B[in];W[ho];B[hp];W[hm];B[im];W[gm];B[ik];W[hn]
;B[io];W[ii];B[ei];W[fn];B[cj];W[bj];B[di];W[bi];B[ck];W[cl];B[bk];W[bl];B[aj];W[cg]
;B[eq];W[er];B[go];W[al];B[bo];W[cp];B[bn];W[ek];B[cr];W[dr];B[bq];W[bp];B[ap];W[gh]
;B[fh];W[jr];B[jq];W[ir];B[ej];W[gj];B[fj];W[en];B[eo];W[ak];B[eg];W[ef];B[dh];W[rj]
;B[ri];W[qo];B[oo];W[so];B[rp])

This is the first Female Kisei title for Aoki Kikuyo. It was also a swet revenge for her lost at the 28th Female Honinbo from Xie. Congratulations for Aoki Kikuyo!

Female Kisei, the 11th title for Aoki Kikuyo.

Xie Yimin Leads Female Kisei

The female competition seems to be busy. After the victorius Choi Jung at the Female Myeongin, now we move to Japan and pay attention at the 15th Female Kisei where Xie Yimin Female Kisei will play her challenger, Aoki Kikuyo (8 dan), in a best-of-3 title series.

Xie Yimin Female Kisei Female Honinbo Female Meijin

The first game was played on January 26. Xie Yimin played white while Aoki Kikuyo played black. Aoki Kikuyo opened the game with Low Chinese Fuseki. The game then proceed with a big influence at the bottom part for Aoki and a big territory potential at the upper and botom left corner for Xie.

Aoki Kikuyo (8 dan)

Xie approached the upper right corner and Aoki eagerly attacked the stone. However, Xie  played it well and utilized black's weakness at the upper right to contro the center. Aoki Kikuyo trie to save her stones in the center, but they were successfully killed by Xie. The next game will be played on February 9.

Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (white) vs. Aoki Kikuyo (black). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]DT[20120127 [19\:34\]]PB[k.Aoki      8DP]
PW[HsiehYiMin  5DP]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[White wins by resign!]US[www.cyberoro.com]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dc];B[qk];W[nc];B[pf];W[jd];B[cf];W[cd];B[dj];W[cl];B[ef];W[gd]
;B[fq];W[dq];B[jp];W[el];B[po];W[dh];B[ed];W[de];B[df];W[ee];B[ch];W[ci];B[di];W[bh]
;B[eh];W[cg];B[fe];W[fd];B[ce];W[dd];B[dk];W[ck];B[dl];W[dm];B[em];W[fl];B[fi];W[fo]
;B[hp];W[qq];B[or];W[hi];B[hg];W[gk];B[he];W[ge];B[gf];W[if];B[ig];W[ff];B[fg];W[jf]
;B[hf];W[jg];B[hj];W[kn];B[gj];W[kp];B[ko];W[lo];B[jo];W[ln];B[lp];W[mp];B[kq];W[pn]
;B[qo];W[on];B[qn];W[lq];B[lr];W[kp];B[cj];W[bj];B[lp];W[qh];B[oh];W[qe];B[pe];W[qd]
;B[qf];W[rf];B[qc];W[rc];B[oc];W[re];B[hd];W[hc];B[ic];W[id];B[rb];W[sb];B[pb];W[mc]
;B[ri];W[rh];B[lc];W[ld];B[lb];W[mb];B[md];W[nd];B[kd];W[me];B[jc];W[hb];B[ke];W[lg]
;B[kg];W[kf];B[lf];W[mf];B[ie];W[le];B[je];W[og];B[nb];W[na];B[oa];W[ob];B[ph];W[pg]
;B[nb];W[ma];B[qa];W[qi];B[ob];W[pk];B[pl];W[ok];B[ol];W[nl];B[nk];W[ql];B[qm];W[rl]
;B[ml];W[nm];B[pm];W[mk];B[nj];W[pj];B[li];W[mj];B[ni];W[kj];B[ng];W[nf];B[lh];W[kh]
;B[lj];W[kk];B[lk];W[ll];B[mi];W[kl])

Xie Yimin Advanced To NHK Cup's Quarterfinal

Xie Yimin the Female Triple Crowns (Female Honinbo, Female Meijin, Female Kisei) made an impressive victory at the 59th NHK Cup. She won the 3rd round against last year's NHK Winner, Yamada Kimio (9 dan) in a quick 109 moves.

Xie Yimin

Xie opened the game with a Mini-Chinese Fuseki and Yamada decided to enter Xie's influence sphere with white 20. A fight started with Xie kept on attacking white's invading stones and soon Yamada Kimio found himself in trouble. In the end, Xie killed the stones and won by resignation.

Yamada Kimio

Xie will face another tough opponent as she will play Hane Naoki Gosei at the next round.

Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (black) vs. Yamada Kimio (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[59th NHK Cup, round 3]DT[22-01-2012]
PB[Xie Yimin]BR[5p]PW[Yamada Kimio]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pp];W[dq];B[do];W[co];B[cn];W[cp];B[fc];W[cf];B[kc];W[qj];B[qi];W[pi]
;B[qh];W[pj];B[ph];W[qn];B[nq];W[od];B[pc];W[le];B[nh];W[jd];B[kd];W[ke];B[je];W[id]
;B[jf];W[mc];B[ib];W[he];B[hc];W[lg];B[jh];W[li];B[fe];W[hg];B[ii];W[hi];B[hj];W[gi]
;B[ij];W[fk];B[dg];W[df];B[eg];W[ef];B[ff];W[fg];B[dj];W[cg];B[ei];W[gj];B[dm];W[ci]
;B[gg];W[fh];B[gf];W[cj];B[mj];W[qe];B[re];W[pe];B[oc];W[rf];B[rd];W[oh];B[og];W[oi]
;B[pf];W[ng];B[nf];W[mg];B[ne];W[kb];B[jc];W[nd];B[qf];W[me];B[ni];W[lj];B[ml];W[hh]
;B[hf];W[lk];B[mk];W[rp];B[ql];W[pl];B[pk];W[qk];B[pm];W[rl];B[ol];W[qm];B[km];W[jl]
;B[hl];W[kl];B[jm];W[jj];B[il];W[fp];B[kf];W[kh];B[mh];W[lc];B[ld])

Xie Yimin Defended Female Honinbo

The 30th Female Honinbo was settled. Xie Yimin is once again crowned as the Female Honinbo after she beat Mukai Chiaki at the fourth game. Xie played black in this game, while Mukai played white.

Mukai Chiaki (left) vs. Xie Yimin (right)

The game opened with micro chinese fuseki. Mukai's approach with white 10 is rather new. Usually white will play at R13 or Q13 here. Xie's response with black 13 makes white's formation on the right looks weak. Black 45 is a good move, using black's wall on the right side to create a big framework. Mukai Chiaki resigned after 159 moves.

This is the fifth consecutive years Xie win Female Honinbo. Making her the female player with best title streak for Female Honinbo.

Xie Yimin defended her title once again.

This is the second consecutive years Mukai Chiaki lost to Xie in Female Honinbo title series. 

Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (black) vs. Mukai Chiaki (white). Result: B+R

(;
EV[30th Female Honinbo title match 4]
KM[6.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Mukai Chiaki]
WR[4d]
DT[2011-10-24]
BR[Female Honinbo]
RE[B+R]
PB[Xie Yimin]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pp];W[dp];B[fc];W[cf];B[lc];W[qj];B[qn];W[rf];B[od]
;W[fq];B[qh];W[rh];B[qg];W[rg];B[qf];W[re];B[qi];W[ri];B[rk];W[rj]
;B[rd];W[qe];B[pe];W[pc];B[pd];W[kd];B[jb];W[ge];B[dc];W[cc];B[ed]
;W[de];B[cb];W[db];B[eb];W[ec];B[oj];W[ql];B[dc];W[qm];B[da];W[ee]
;B[he];W[hf];B[if];W[hd];B[ie];W[fd];B[gc];W[gd];B[id];W[hc];B[bc]
;W[dk];B[hg];W[gf];B[ji];W[pn];B[nq];W[mj];B[mi];W[li];B[mh];W[co]
;B[fj];W[ei];B[fi];W[eh];B[fl];W[jk];B[lh];W[qp];B[qq];W[qo];B[rq]
;W[jp];B[cq];W[bp];B[hq];W[gp];B[jq];W[kq];B[kp];W[kr];B[jr];W[mq]
;B[ko];W[nr];B[oq];W[lp];B[io];W[or];B[pr];W[ln];B[kn];W[lm];B[gr]
;W[hh];B[ig];W[gh];B[gn];W[er];B[dm];W[em];B[el];W[dl];B[dn];W[hn]
;B[hm];W[ho];B[go];W[im];B[hl];W[il];B[eo];W[fp];B[cl];W[js];B[ir]
;W[ck];B[bm];W[bl];B[cm];W[bk];B[hk];W[sd];B[sc];W[ib];B[jc];W[cd]
;B[ec];W[nj];B[pj];W[ni];B[nh];W[jo];B[in];W[jn];B[hp];W[oh];B[oi]
;W[pk];B[ok];W[ol];B[nk];W[rp];B[mp];W[lo];B[mr];W[lr];B[lq];W[rc]
;B[sb];W[mq];B[ms];W[se];B[rb])

Xie Leads Female Honinbo

The third game of the 30th Female Honinbo was played on October 17. Xie Yimin Female Honinbo played white against Mukai Chiaki, the challenger.

                                         Xie Yimin, the female grand slam.

 Mukai Chiaki got difficulty with her group at the lower left. Xie attacked the group well and took the initiative after black 73. Xie later exploited another black's weak group with white 164 and let black won the ko fight to grab some points at he center.

Xie won by a convincing 8.5 points margin. This game shows why it's bad to have weak groups in an early stage of the game. Xie utilized black's weak play in the opening very well. The fourth game will be played on October 24.

             Mukai Chiaki opened the series with a victory, but now she is one point down.

 Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (white) vs. Mukai Chiaki (black). Result: W+8.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[30th Japanese Female Honinbo, title match #3]
DT[2011-10-17]PB[Mukai Chiaki]BR[4p]PW[Xie Yimin]WR[5p]KM[6.5]RE[W+8.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dc];B[pq];W[dq];B[do];W[cm];B[cq];W[gq];B[cp];W[dr];B[dj];W[ek];B[fp];W[fq]
;B[dm];W[dl];B[em];W[cn];B[ce];W[gm];B[fo];W[ho];B[fl];W[ej];B[cj];W[cl];B[gl];W[dg]
;B[ee];W[gc];B[ei];W[di];B[dh];W[eh];B[ci];W[fi];B[cg];W[di];B[ch];W[hm];B[gj];W[hh]
;B[ik];W[jh];B[mp];W[kk];B[jl];W[lo];B[lp];W[kp];B[kq];W[ko];B[jq];W[kl];B[cr];W[bo]
;B[hp];W[gp];B[go];W[ip];B[hn];W[hq];B[gn];W[im];B[fm];W[dn];B[en];W[ep];B[eo];W[qf]
;B[nc];W[qo];B[io];W[qq];B[qr];W[pp];B[oq];W[rd];B[ql];W[qc];B[kc];W[qj];B[om];W[nn]
;B[oo];W[pm];B[pl];W[qm];B[on];W[rl];B[rk];W[rm];B[mm];W[jm];B[jp];W[ir];B[qk];W[rj]
;B[sk];W[rq];B[pj];W[pi];B[rr];W[ro];B[oj];W[ij];B[jo];W[cd];B[eg];W[hk];B[pc];W[jb]
;B[jc];W[ic];B[cb];W[be];B[ec];W[ed];B[fd];W[dd];B[fc];W[db];B[ge];W[bf];B[ei];W[fh]
;B[df];W[kb];B[lb];W[id];B[if];W[jd];B[lc];W[jf];B[fj];W[bk];B[ig];W[jg];B[ih];W[ii]
;B[ie];W[je];B[hi];W[di];B[el];W[dk];B[ei];W[qb];B[of];W[di];B[bj];W[bm];B[qg];W[pg]
;B[rf];W[qe];B[qh];W[pf];B[re];W[qd];B[nf];W[pb];B[ob];W[gf];B[ff];W[he];B[gg];W[hg]
;B[gh];W[hf];B[ph];W[og];B[kn];W[me];B[mf];W[le];B[ne];W[pe];B[oe];W[md];B[nd];W[oa]
;B[na];W[pa];B[nh];W[gd];B[fe];W[jr];B[kr];W[ml];B[nl];W[lm];B[ln];W[ng];B[la];W[nm]
;B[mn];W[nk];B[ol];W[bg];B[ei];W[oc];B[od];W[di];B[hb];W[ib];B[ei];W[ks];B[ls];W[js]
;B[lr];W[gb];B[hl];W[il];B[hj];W[di];B[eb];W[da];B[ei];W[oh];B[oi];W[di];B[ak];W[al]
;B[ei];W[rg];B[rh];W[di];B[aj];W[ck];B[ei];W[mj];B[di];W[ni];B[lf];W[lh];B[km];W[jk]
;B[pn];W[po];B[qn];W[rn];B[sr];W[sq];B[hs];W[ds];B[dp];W[eq];B[fs];W[fr];B[ll];W[mk]
;B[fa];W[bh];B[iq];W[hr];B[ga];W[op];B[np];W[ar];B[cs];W[cf];B[de];W[ai];B[sg];W[hc]
;B[ha];W[ok];B[pk];W[se];B[bp];W[ap];B[sl];W[sm];B[kg];W[kh];B[jn];W[mc];B[mb];W[kf]
;B[lg];W[lk];B[hp];W[es];B[lm])

Mukai Chiaki Leads Female Honinbo

The 30th Female Honinbo finally reached its title match series. Mukai Chiaki who won the challenger's decision match went on to win the first game from the best of 5 match.

                                      Mukai Chiaki (left) vs. Xie Yimin (right)

This also ends Mukai's 5 losing streak from Xie in title series. Will Mukai keep the momentum and finally break Xie Yimin's wall?

                                                     Mukai Chiaki

                                           O Meien explaining the game

Vote who do you think will become the 30th Female Honinbo

Who do you think will win the 30th Female Honinbo?
	Xie Yimin
	Mukai Chiaki
pollcode.com free polls

Here is the game record:
Mukai Chiaki (black) vs. Xie Yimin (white). Result: B+R

(;DT[2011-09-28]EV[30th Japanese Female Honinbo, title match #1] PB[Mukai Chiaki]PW[Xie Yimin] KM[6.5]RE[B+R] ;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[po];B[qo];W[qn];B[qp];W[dp];B[fc];W[hc] ;B[pn];W[fd];B[qm];W[ec];B[fq];W[cn];B[jp];W[qf];B[nc];W[rd] ;B[qg];W[pg];B[qh];W[rf];B[ph];W[qc];B[og];W[pf];B[kc];W[lq] ;B[kq];W[lo];B[kn];W[mm];B[on];W[mp];B[ll];W[ml];B[mk];W[ko] ;B[jo];W[nk];B[mj];W[kr];B[jr];W[kp];B[jq];W[nn];B[cq];W[dq] ;B[dr];W[lm];B[cp];W[co];B[eq];W[ck];B[km];W[nj];B[mi];W[kl] ;B[lk];W[jl];B[ol];W[nl];B[mq];W[pj];B[nh];W[mr];B[nq];W[om] ;B[ci];W[cf];B[cg];W[df];B[bl];W[bk];B[cl];W[dk];B[dl];W[el] ;B[ek];W[dm];B[fl];W[em];B[dj];W[fk];B[ej];W[bm];B[gl];W[gk] ;B[ln];W[mn];B[jn];W[pl];B[gi];W[hl];B[gm];W[ii];B[hj];W[ij] ;B[hk];W[ig];B[id];W[ic];B[jd];W[he];B[pc];W[of];B[nf];W[qb] ;B[hf];W[ne];B[mf];W[gh];B[hd];W[gd];B[ge];W[fg];B[fe];W[dg] ;B[oe];W[or];B[oq];W[rl];B[no];W[mo];B[nr];W[jb];B[kb];W[ch] ;B[pm];W[ok];B[fn];W[ob];B[pb];W[pa];B[ik];W[kj];B[jk];W[ke] ;B[jc];W[ib];B[kf];W[od];B[pe];W[jf];B[je];W[lf];B[me];W[kg] ;B[ki];W[ld];B[nb];W[ep];B[fp];W[bo];B[bq];W[jj];B[kk];W[ns] ;B[pr];W[rn];B[rm];W[sm];B[ro];W[sn];B[oo];W[rj];B[bh];W[bg] ;B[oc];W[lc];B[lb];W[fi];B[fj];W[ei];B[bj];W[al];B[dh];W[di] ;B[cj];W[cm];B[cg];W[oi];B[oh];W[ch];B[gc];W[ed];B[cg];W[cr] ;B[br];W[ch];B[gb])

China Won 1st Huanglongshi Cup

Day 3 of the 1st Huanglongshi Cup was a down between China vs. Korea and Japan vs. Taiwan.

The first game between China and Korea is between Li He and Park Jieun. Li He continued her victory and won from Park by 3.5 points.


Park Jieun (left) vs. Li He (right)

Here is the game record:

(;CA[Windows-1252]GM[1]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]SZ[19]FF[3]EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup 3rd round]
DT[2011-04-09]PB[Li He]BR[3d]PW[Park Jieun]WR[9d]KM[7.5]RE[B+3.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[qk];W[nc];B[pf];W[pb];B[fq];W[cn];B[qc];W[kc];B[lp];W[hq]
;B[cf];W[di];B[cc];W[cd];B[dc];W[ed];B[bd];W[be];B[bc];W[ce];B[fc];W[eq];B[ok];W[fp]
;B[ld];W[mc];B[km];W[qq];B[qp];W[pp];B[oq];W[qo];B[rp];W[op];B[nq];W[ql];B[pl];W[qm]
;B[po];W[rk];B[qj];W[rj];B[ri];W[qi];B[rh];W[oo];B[pn];W[pm];B[on];W[om];B[nn];W[nk]
;B[nl];W[nm];B[ml];W[ol];B[oj];W[mm];B[ll];W[kn];B[jn];W[ro];B[no];W[rq];B[sp];W[so]
;B[np];W[rm];B[bf];W[af];B[bh];W[df];B[dg];W[cg];B[bg];W[ch];B[ef];W[bi];B[de];W[ah]
;B[ei];W[ej];B[fj];W[fi];B[eh];W[ek];B[gj];W[fd];B[gc];W[pi];B[ni];W[qg];B[qh];W[gi]
;B[hi];W[gh];B[gg];W[hh];B[hj];W[ih];B[hf];W[if];B[ie];W[jf];B[lc];W[lb];B[kb];W[jb]
;B[kd];W[ka];B[he];W[lf];B[me];W[fg];B[ff];W[hg];B[gf];W[jj];B[hl];W[jl];B[ki];W[ji]
;B[gp];W[gq];B[fo];W[fr];B[jm];W[il];B[hm];W[mf];B[ne];W[li];B[em];W[ph];B[cj];W[ci]
;B[cm];W[cl];B[dm];W[bm];B[rg];W[dn];B[kh];W[kj];B[sj];W[si];B[sh];W[sl];B[nh];W[lh]
;B[qb];W[pp];B[op];W[sq];B[pp];W[pr];B[rr];W[kr];B[lr];W[qr];B[rs];W[gn];B[hn];W[go]
;B[el];W[ck];B[fn];W[gm];B[fl];W[hp];B[ik];W[kq];B[lq];W[ls];B[ms];W[ks];B[mr];W[hb]
;B[jp];W[jq];B[ic];W[ib];B[ob];W[nb];B[pa];W[hc];B[gd];W[gb];B[fb];W[mj];B[jk];W[ln]
;B[nj];W[mk];B[dk];W[dj];B[ip];W[iq];B[ho];W[qf];B[pg];W[nf];B[jc];W[oe];B[pe];W[ga]
;B[df];W[ag];B[fa];W[dl];B[ad];W[ae];B[na];W[ma];B[oa];W[oc];B[pc];W[of];B[od];W[kb]
;B[je];W[ec];B[eb];W[gl];B[fk];W[jo];B[kp];W[ko];B[io];W[eo];B[kf];W[kg];B[ke];W[jh]
;B[hd];W[pk];B[pj];W[og];B[oh];W[fh];B[qn];W[rn];B[mg];W[lg];B[mn];W[lm];B[lk];W[kk]
;B[kl];W[lo];B[mo];W[fe];B[si];W[sk];B[en];W[pl];B[oi];W[ij];B[hk];W[lj];B[eg];W[ai]
;B[ng];W[mb];B[nd];W[md];B[le];W[gp];B[ee];W[gk];B[dh];W[fm];B[ge];W[mi];B[ii];W[mh])

Park Jiyeon (2 dan) evened the situation by beating Chen Yiming (1 dan). I think black had the advantage since the fight on the left.


Chen Yiming (left) vs. Park Jiyeon (right)

Here is the game record:

(;
KM[7.5]
EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup 3rd round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Chen Yiming]
WR[1d]
DT[2011-04-09]
BR[2d]
RE[B+R]
PB[Park Jiyeon]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[oq];W[co];B[pj];W[jq];B[cf];W[ci];B[fd]
;W[ce];B[df];W[ee];B[cc];W[dc];B[be];W[cd];B[bd];W[bc];B[ff];W[bg]
;B[bf];W[ef];B[eg];W[cb];B[fe];W[dg];B[cg];W[dh];B[bi];W[bj];B[bh]
;W[cj];B[eb];W[fg];B[eh];W[gg];B[ei];W[db];B[ad];W[gi];B[ek];W[cl]
;B[dl];W[dm];B[em];W[fj];B[ej];W[dn];B[gl];W[il];B[cm];W[bl];B[hk]
;W[ii];B[he];W[fb];B[ec];W[ac];B[ik];W[nc];B[oc];W[nd];B[pf];W[jd]
;B[je];W[ke];B[jf];W[id];B[hf];W[ki];B[jh];W[ji];B[kk];W[kf];B[hh]
;W[kh];B[jg];W[kg];B[eq];W[gq];B[dp];W[cp];B[gp];W[hp];B[fq];W[hq]
;B[fo];W[en];B[hi];W[mq];B[nb];W[mb];B[qj];W[ob];B[pb];W[na];B[cq]
;W[dr];B[cr];W[ep];B[ds];W[er];B[fr];W[do];B[es];W[dp];B[fp];W[rp]
;B[rq];W[pp];B[qq];W[pn];B[po];W[oo];B[qo];W[qc];B[qd];W[oh];B[pg]
;W[gm];B[ho];W[hn];B[io];W[fn];B[bp];W[bo];B[aq];W[ao];B[go];W[fl]
;B[fk];W[hl];B[gk];W[or];B[jp];W[kq];B[iq];W[ir];B[ip];W[hr];B[jn]
;W[jl];B[kp];W[nn];B[nq];W[lp];B[lo];W[nr];B[pr];W[mp];B[qm];W[pm]
;B[ql];W[qb];B[pc];W[pa];B[rc];W[rb];B[hc];W[ib];B[rd];W[ih];B[hg]
;W[ln];B[ko];W[oe];B[nf];W[of];B[og];W[ng];B[nh];W[mg];B[ni];W[pe]
;B[qe];W[qf];B[qg])

Tang Yi won her game from Cho Hyeyeon (9 dan) and sealed the victory for China.


Cho Hyeyeon (left) vs. Tang Yi (right)

Here is the game record:

(;
KM[7.5]
EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup 3rd round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Cho Hyeyeon]
WR[9d]
DT[2011-04-09]
BR[2d]
RE[B+R]
PB[Tang Yi]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[qk];W[nc];B[pf];W[pb];B[qc];W[kc];B[cf]
;W[di];B[cc];W[cd];B[dc];W[ed];B[bd];W[be];B[bc];W[ce];B[fc];W[fq]
;B[bo];W[bp];B[co];W[cp];B[ck];W[ci];B[do];W[dm];B[fo];W[cl];B[el]
;W[em];B[fm];W[bk];B[hp];W[hr];B[po];W[iq];B[jo];W[lq];B[mo];W[pj]
;B[qj];W[qq];B[qp];W[ph];B[pi];W[oi];B[qi];W[mh];B[ld];W[lc];B[nd]
;W[oc];B[mj];W[kh];B[nh];W[mi];B[ni];W[lj];B[nj];W[lk];B[gl];W[ml]
;B[jk];W[ol];B[dk];W[bj];B[mg];W[oq];B[qr];W[pr];B[rq];W[ji];B[bm]
;W[bl];B[fi];W[jl];B[il];W[kl];B[im];W[qb];B[ef];W[dg];B[df];W[bf]
;B[cg];W[bg];B[hi];W[lg];B[mf];W[rb];B[rc];W[sc];B[sd];W[sb];B[rd]
;W[hc];B[gc];W[hb];B[nm];W[nl];B[nr];W[mr];B[nq];W[oj];B[oh];W[ip]
;B[ap];W[aq];B[ao];W[br];B[pl];W[io];B[ho];W[ij];B[ei];W[ik];B[hj]
;W[hk];B[gk];W[mq];B[np];W[dh];B[gf];W[ok];B[om];W[ns];B[os];W[ms]
;B[or];W[od];B[oe];W[md];B[ne];W[le];B[ie];W[hf];B[he];W[gg];B[fg]
;W[ig];B[fe];W[gh];B[if];W[hg];B[fh];W[in];B[hn];W[fa];B[eb];W[lo]
;B[ln];W[ko];B[hq];W[gq];B[jn];W[kp];B[jg];W[ih];B[kd];W[gn];B[fn]
;W[ep];B[dn])

Xie Yimin of Japan finally won her first game in the tournament. She beat Zhang Kaixin (3 dan) by resignation. The game was a big semeai right from the start!


Xie Yimin (left) vs. Zhang Kaixin (right)

(;
KM[7.5]
EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup 3rd round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Zhang Kaixin]
WR[3d]
DT[2011-04-09]
BR[5d]
RE[B+R]
PB[Xie Yimin]
;B[qd];W[dc];B[pq];W[od];B[oc];W[nc];B[pc];W[dp];B[ce];W[ed];B[ci]
;W[nd];B[pe];W[jd];B[qo];W[jq];B[cn];W[fp];B[bp];W[nq];B[jo];W[no]
;B[iq];W[ip];B[jp];W[hq];B[kq];W[ir];B[jr];W[kr];B[iq];W[pd];B[qe]
;W[jq];B[le];W[js];B[lc];W[qc];B[qb];W[rc];B[rb];W[jc];B[kb];W[nf]
;B[kf];W[nh];B[ki];W[jf];B[jg];W[ke];B[kd];W[je];B[me];W[of];B[lg]
;W[ig];B[ih];W[jh];B[kg];W[hg];B[nj];W[oj];B[ok];W[pj];B[ni];W[oi]
;B[pk];W[qj];B[qk];W[mh];B[ph];W[oh];B[qh];W[li];B[kj];W[nk];B[hh]
;W[gh];B[gg];W[ji];B[ij];W[ii];B[hi];W[hj];B[gi];W[jj];B[jk];W[ik]
;B[kh];W[ij];B[fh];W[he];B[jl];W[hm];B[mk];W[nl];B[mj];W[rk];B[rl]
;W[ri];B[sk];W[sj];B[rj];W[mf];B[lf];W[rk];B[qm];W[nb];B[pb];W[ml]
;B[ll];W[lm];B[km];W[lk];B[lj];W[kl];B[kk];W[ll];B[jb];W[ib];B[hb]
;W[ia];B[hl];W[il];B[im];W[gl];B[hn];W[gm];B[gj];W[hk];B[gk];W[hl]
;B[io];W[fn];B[kn];W[la];B[mp];W[np];B[hp];W[lq];B[iq];W[in];B[jn]
;W[ip];B[hd];W[ic];B[iq];W[kp];B[gq];W[hr];B[go];W[em];B[fo];W[eo]
;B[dn];W[en];B[fq];W[ep];B[gp];W[sl];B[cq];W[er];B[dr])

Yoshida Mika finally found her match when she was paired against Hei Jiajia. Hei finally won her game by resignation.


Yoshida Mika (left) vs. Hei Jiajia (right)

(;
KM[7.5]
EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup 3rd round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Yoshida Mika]
WR[8d]
DT[2011-04-09]
BR[5d]
RE[B+R]
PB[Hei Jiajia]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dq];B[qk];W[mp];B[po];W[jp];B[cn];W[nc];B[pf]
;W[kc];B[cf];W[dj];B[fc];W[fd];B[gd];W[fe];B[cc];W[ec];B[cd];W[cp]
;B[fn];W[fp];B[dl];W[gc];B[fk];W[ch];B[dg];W[fi];B[hj];W[be];B[bf]
;W[df];B[ce];W[cg];B[hh];W[ii];B[hi];W[eg];B[no];W[jk];B[in];W[mo]
;B[ip];W[iq];B[mn];W[ln];B[lm];W[qp];B[kn];W[pp];B[op];W[oq];B[qo]
;W[qq];B[kg];W[mg];B[nd];W[pg];B[og];W[ph];B[oh];W[pj];B[oi];W[qj]
;B[ql];W[qf];B[qe];W[of];B[pe];W[rg];B[nk];W[re];B[rd];W[rk];B[rl]
;W[sf];B[lf];W[np];B[oo];W[me];B[md];W[jg];B[le];W[jf];B[je];W[hg]
;B[ie];W[kh];B[hc];W[fb];B[mc];W[db];B[cb];W[lo];B[pr];W[nr];B[rr]
;W[io];B[qr];W[hb];B[ep];W[fq];B[ib];W[ic];B[jc];W[hd];B[jb];W[il]
;B[ei];W[ej];B[fj];W[gl];B[fl];W[ck];B[fh];W[eh];B[gm];W[hm];B[hn]
;W[go];B[gn];W[sd];B[ih];W[jh];B[hf];W[nj];B[mj];W[mi];B[oj];W[lj]
;B[ni];W[ij];B[hk];W[ll];B[kl];W[kk];B[ml];W[ki];B[rc];W[kf];B[ke]
;W[bo];B[bg];W[bh];B[or];W[nq];B[sc];W[ri];B[sk];W[se];B[bn];W[eo]
;B[co];W[bp];B[fo];W[ho];B[do];W[dp];B[lk];W[lh];B[bl];W[ca];B[ba]
;W[da];B[ab];W[mf];B[rj];W[pk];B[pl];W[oe];B[od];W[id];B[jd];W[os]
;B[ps];W[ns];B[si];W[rh];B[gi];W[bk];B[de];W[dh];B[en];W[cl];B[cm]
;W[hl];B[ge];W[al];B[bm])

Mukai Chiaki who was the hero in Korea-Japan match failed to win her game and lost to Su Shengfang by resignation.


Mukai Chiaki (left) vs. Su Shengfang (right)

(;
KM[7.5]
EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup 3rd round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Su Shengfang]
WR[1d]
DT[2011-04-09]
BR[4d]
RE[W+R]
PB[Mukai Chiaki]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dc];B[de];W[ce];B[dd];W[cd];B[ec];W[cf];B[db]
;W[cc];B[fd];W[qo];B[qk];W[op];B[oq];W[np];B[nq];W[mp];B[lq];W[qf]
;B[qe];W[pf];B[nd];W[qi];B[ok];W[oi];B[on];W[pp];B[qq];W[qm];B[mk]
;W[rk];B[kd];W[qc];B[re];W[oc];B[od];W[nb];B[nc];W[ob];B[mb];W[lb]
;B[mc];W[rb];B[ni];W[nh];B[mi];W[jb];B[rn];W[rm];B[id];W[ic];B[hd]
;W[ma];B[mh];W[qj];B[eg];W[dh];B[eh];W[di];B[fj];W[ng];B[mg];W[kc]
;B[nf];W[el];B[cn];W[cp];B[en];W[cl];B[go];W[gl];B[fp];W[fq];B[gq]
;W[eq];B[gr];W[hp];B[gp];W[hk];B[ck];W[dl];B[bl];W[bm];B[bj];W[al]
;B[ak];W[bk];B[qn];W[pn];B[bl];W[bn];B[bh];W[dg];B[am];W[ci];B[ek]
;W[dk];B[cj];W[ei];B[bi];W[fi];B[ro];W[rp];B[qp];W[po];B[rq];W[om]
;B[lp];W[jd];B[je];W[ke];B[jc];W[in];B[jp];W[jd];B[ld];W[jf];B[jc]
;W[ip];B[jq];W[jd];B[ie];W[hh];B[ii];W[ih];B[hm];W[ln];B[ik];W[hj]
;B[ij];W[gm];B[jh];W[if];B[kf];W[hc];B[le];W[an];B[al];W[fr];B[hn]
;W[hf];B[pc];W[gc];B[ge];W[pb];B[nm];W[nn];B[mn];W[mo];B[no];W[mm]
;B[lm];W[nn];B[cm];W[bo];B[mn];W[gd];B[he];W[nn];B[hi];W[gi];B[mn]
;W[aj];B[ai];W[nn];B[ff];W[nl];B[gh];W[fh];B[gg];W[fg];B[gf];W[gs]
;B[oj];W[is];B[hr];W[hs];B[em];W[dj];B[dr];W[bq];B[ep];W[dq];B[rg]
;W[ph];B[kn];W[km];B[ll];W[ko];B[jn];W[jo];B[jm];W[im];B[jl];W[il]
;B[kk];W[hl];B[kr];W[ef];B[ee];W[ir];B[iq];W[gn];B[ho];W[io];B[hq]
;W[nk];B[nj];W[fb];B[eb];W[rf];B[sf];W[fn];B[do];W[cb];B[ae];W[be]
;B[ag];W[ad];B[ca];W[of];B[bb];W[rh])

Final tally:
1. China (7 wins)
2. South Korea (5 wins)
3. Japan (4 wins)
4. Taiwan (2 wins)

Huanglongshi Cup Day 2

Day 2 means a clash between China-Taiwan and South Korea-Japan.

Li He Female Mingren played Zhang Kaixin of Taiwan. Both developed a base on the board and then started to attack each other. The main battleground was the left side of the board. In the end, Li He came out ahead by 6.5 points.


Zhang Kaixin (left) vs. Li He (right)

Here is the game record:

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup]
DT[2011-04-08]PB[Zhang Kaixin]BR[3p]PW[Li He]WR[3p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[W+6.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dc];B[ce];W[ci];B[ed];W[ec];B[fd];W[gc];B[cc];W[gd];B[dd];W[oc]
;B[pe];W[md];B[qo];W[cb];B[fc];W[fb];B[ge];W[he];B[gf];W[hf];B[gg];W[hb];B[ck];W[cm]
;B[dj];W[jq];B[lq];W[qi];B[pc];W[od];B[qk];W[qf];B[pf];W[qg];B[pb];W[oh];B[ob];W[nb]
;B[er];W[cq];B[ep];W[gp];B[eo];W[do];B[en];W[cl];B[bk];W[el];B[gn];W[jo];B[lo];W[gr]
;B[dq];W[cr];B[hl];W[fk];B[ho];W[fq];B[eq];W[in];B[fm];W[gl];B[hn];W[lr];B[mq];W[di]
;B[ej];W[fh];B[gj];W[gh];B[ei];W[eh];B[gi];W[hh];B[cg];W[dg];B[iq];W[bg];B[cf];W[ch]
;B[bb];W[hk];B[gk];W[il];B[hm];W[ik];B[bo];W[dn];B[an];W[bp];B[dl];W[dm];B[dk];W[em]
;B[fl];W[ip];B[hg];W[ig];B[ih];W[ef];B[ee];W[fg];B[fe];W[hi];B[ap];W[ar];B[co];W[cp]
;B[aq];W[bq];B[im];W[jg];B[ao];W[bs];B[jr];W[ir];B[kr];W[jm];B[ek];W[kq];B[mr];W[nf]
;B[na];W[mb];B[ok];W[bc];B[cd];W[db];B[ba];W[ll];B[mk];W[ml];B[nl];W[nj];B[nk];W[rd]
;B[rc];W[re];B[rb];W[kj];B[ni];W[rj];B[rk];W[li];B[lk];W[kk];B[nh];W[oi];B[mj];W[ng]
;B[mh];W[pd];B[qe];W[oa];B[sc];W[ma];B[qc];W[lg];B[mm];W[lm];B[ln];W[sk];B[sl];W[sj]
;B[rl];W[bf];B[ac];W[js];B[ls];W[oj];B[mi];W[hp];B[lh];W[kh];B[km];W[kl];B[kn];W[jn]
;B[kp];W[jp];B[da];W[nm];B[mn];W[pk];B[pl];W[pj];B[pg];W[ph];B[bi];W[bh];B[bj];W[be]
;B[bd];W[ea];B[ca];W[eb];B[hj];W[ij];B[df];W[ff];B[oe];W[ne];B[sd];W[rf];B[se];W[sf]
;B[ae];W[bl];B[al];W[ko];B[lp];W[fr];B[ds];W[cs];B[fs];W[fo];B[fn];W[gs];B[qj];W[ri]
;B[lj];W[ki];B[mg];W[mf];B[ol];W[es];B[is];W[hs];B[fs];W[is];B[ks];W[es];B[dr];W[ai]
;B[pa];W[af];B[ah];W[ag];B[ad];W[na];B[fs];W[fi];B[fj];W[ii];B[es];W[ah];B[ak];W[dh]
;B[am];W[fp];B[go];W[cn];B[gm])

Hei Jiajia of Taiwan met Chen Yiming of China. Chen developed a territory oriented strategy and got all 4 corners as early as move 67. Chen played carefully and the game ended with her 3.5 points victory.


Chen Yiming (left) vs. Hei Jiajia (right)


Here is the game record:

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup]DT[2011-04-08]
PB[Chen Yiming]BR[1p]PW[Hei Jiajia]WR[5p]KM[7.5]HA[1]RE[B+3.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[dc];W[pp];B[cf];W[nc];B[pc];W[jd];B[hc];W[ne];B[md];W[nd];B[qg];W[jb]
;B[nq];W[lq];B[no];W[qn];B[kp];W[lp];B[lo];W[kq];B[jp];W[jq];B[ip];W[hq];B[qq];W[pq]
;B[pr];W[or];B[qr];W[oq];B[ro];W[ln];B[mo];W[jn];B[kn];W[km];B[ko];W[on];B[mm];W[rn]
;B[qo];W[po];B[qp];W[hp];B[nr];W[pk];B[cq];W[cp];B[dq];W[fq];B[eq];W[ep];B[fr];W[gr]
;B[fp];W[gq];B[bp];W[bo];B[bq];W[cn];B[dj];W[er];B[dr];W[fs];B[bs];W[fc];B[he];W[cc]
;B[cd];W[dd];B[de];W[ed];B[cb];W[bc];B[eb];W[fb];B[bb];W[ee];B[hg];W[dg];B[cg];W[dh]
;B[ch];W[if];B[hf];W[df];B[ce];W[di];B[cj];W[ej];B[jh];W[jf];B[hi];W[ek];B[jm];W[jl]
;B[im];W[il];B[hm];W[hl];B[gm];W[gh];B[hh];W[gl];B[lh];W[lm];B[os];W[pg];B[qh];W[ph]
;B[qi];W[pi];B[kk];W[jj];B[ki];W[ml];B[kg];W[lf];B[kf];W[ke];B[mf];W[le];B[gb];W[gc]
;B[ib];W[id];B[hd];W[ga];B[kb];W[ja];B[lg];W[mi];B[ij];W[jk];B[ji];W[qj];B[ff];W[hb]
;B[ic];W[jc];B[ob];W[nb];B[ri];W[ho];B[io];W[fm];B[gn];W[fn];B[go];W[mn];B[rk];W[fh]
;B[gj];W[li];B[jg];W[kj];B[cl];W[rj];B[sj];W[bk];B[bj];W[bl];B[nn];W[nm];B[qk];W[pj]
;B[ql];W[pl];B[bm];W[cm];B[ck];W[am];B[ng];W[me];B[na];W[ma];B[oa];W[mb];B[ks];W[ig]
;B[ih];W[qf];B[rf];W[rg];B[re];W[ec];B[db];W[oc];B[pb];W[sh];B[si];W[pe];B[qm];W[pm]
;B[sk];W[rm];B[rh];W[kr];B[ls];W[js];B[mr];W[lr];B[ms];W[fo];B[in];W[iq];B[dl];W[dm]
;B[nh];W[ni];B[el];W[ef];B[fg];W[ia];B[em];W[en];B[ds];W[ea];B[da];W[gp];B[es];W[pd]
;B[qe];W[pf];B[fr];W[ab];B[bd];W[er];B[oh];W[oi];B[fr];W[hk];B[hj];W[er];B[ak];W[bn]
;B[fr];W[ac];B[ad];W[er];B[ie];W[je];B[fr];W[ci];B[bi];W[er];B[fi];W[ei];B[fr];W[ps]
;B[qs];W[er];B[ao];W[so];B[sp];W[sn];B[fr];W[qc];B[qb];W[er];B[aj];W[sl];B[sg];W[rl]
;B[al];W[fr];B[np];W[oo];B[bm];W[bl];B[of];W[nf];B[og];W[mg];B[mh];W[oe];B[fa];W[ap]
;B[aq];W[ea];B[mf];W[fa];B[mg];W[an];B[ap];W[bm];B[gg];W[ge];B[fe];W[gd];B[gi];W[eh]
;B[fk];W[fl];B[bh];W[gk];B[fj])

Tang Yi (2 dan) went head to head with the new pro, Su Shengfang (1 dan). Both sides developed a moyo strategy. Tang Yi got a little trouble when her stones on M10 got attacked, but she found her way out with move 100-116. Tang won by resignation at move 238. A perfect victory for China.


Su Shengfang (left) vs. Tang Yi (right)

Here is the game record:

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup]
DT[2011-04-08]PB[Su Shengfang]BR[1p]PW[Tang Yi]WR[2p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[W+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dc];B[qk];W[ce];B[nc];W[mq];B[po];W[jq];B[qe];W[cn];B[id];W[gc]
;B[mo];W[jn];B[dr];W[dq];B[er];W[cr];B[hq];W[ho];B[br];W[cq];B[io];W[in];B[jr];W[ir]
;B[iq];W[hr];B[jp];W[kq];B[kp];W[kr];B[gq];W[di];B[hn];W[hm];B[gn];W[gm];B[go];W[fm]
;B[il];W[jl];B[jk];W[kl];B[kk];W[lk];B[ll];W[lj];B[ji];W[ki];B[ij];W[im];B[kh];W[lh]
;B[kg];W[lg];B[lf];W[ml];B[lm];W[mm];B[ln];W[mf];B[kf];W[ng];B[mi];W[li];B[oi];W[nj]
;B[ni];W[pl];B[ok];W[nk];B[ol];W[oj];B[pk];W[no];B[np];W[om];B[qm];W[md];B[ne];W[me]
;B[kd];W[nd];B[od];W[mc];B[nb];W[oo];B[op];W[mp];B[lp];W[mn];B[lo];W[nr];B[jo];W[mb]
;B[kb];W[pi];B[oh];W[pg];B[ph];W[qh];B[qi];W[pj];B[qg];W[rh];B[ri];W[pn];B[qn];W[nl]
;B[mj];W[og];B[rg];W[mh];B[cg];W[ih];B[jh];W[ci];B[ge];W[ff];B[ec];W[ed];B[ee];W[dd]
;B[fe];W[df];B[ef];W[eg];B[dg];W[eh];B[de];W[cf];B[cd];W[bd];B[fd];W[eb];B[fc];W[fb]
;B[gf];W[gh];B[hb];W[gb];B[cm];W[dn];B[cc];W[db];B[ck];W[bj];B[fk];W[gk];B[gj];W[fj]
;B[fi];W[ej];B[ek];W[hk];B[gi];W[fh];B[bf];W[be];B[bh];W[bc];B[bk];W[bi];B[bn];W[bo]
;B[ao];W[ap];B[am];W[an];B[sh];W[mk];B[oe];W[ik];B[km];W[jm];B[jj];W[nh];B[qh];W[nf]
;B[ao];W[fp];B[gr];W[an];B[pm];W[on];B[ao];W[gp];B[hp];W[an];B[nm];W[nn];B[ao];W[fq]
;B[fr];W[an];B[js];W[ks];B[ao];W[hj];B[hi];W[an];B[lq];W[lr];B[ao];W[hh];B[bp];W[an]
;B[or];W[ms];B[ao];W[je];B[co];W[jd];B[jc];W[ie];B[ke];W[ii];B[ib];W[hd];B[ja];W[dm]
;B[ig];W[hg];B[nq];W[na];B[if];W[hf];B[jf];W[ic];B[mr];W[mq];B[ob];W[oa];B[pa];W[ma])

Xie Yimin found herself in a brawl with one of the strongest female player in the world, Park Jieun (9 dan). Both played very well, but Park got the lead and Xie resigned at move 257.


Xie Yimin (left) vs. Park Jieun (right)

Here is the game record:

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[1st Huanglongshi Jiyuan Cup]
DT[2011-04-08]PB[Park Jieun]BR[9p]PW[Xie Yimin]WR[5p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[fc];W[cf];B[lc];W[po];B[qo];W[qn];B[qp];W[pn];B[nq];W[qj]
;B[db];W[qg];B[pj];W[pk];B[qi];W[pi];B[oj];W[oi];B[qk];W[rj];B[ni];W[ri];B[pl];W[ok]
;B[nj];W[ol];B[od];W[id];B[fe];W[cc];B[hf];W[kd];B[kc];W[kf];B[jd];W[je];B[jc];W[ie]
;B[hb];W[ne];B[le];W[lf];B[ki];W[nd];B[nc];W[oc];B[pc];W[ii];B[ng];W[oe];B[ob];W[og]
;B[ih];W[mg];B[ji];W[fq];B[bp];W[cp];B[bo];W[bq];B[br];W[cq];B[cl];W[ci];B[om];W[nl]
;B[nm];W[ml];B[pm];W[mm];B[rl];W[nn];B[rn];W[qm];B[ql];W[rm];B[sm];W[on];B[ro];W[mp]
;B[mq];W[kp];B[lp];W[lo];B[lq];W[ko];B[jq];W[mi];B[mj];W[li];B[lj];W[kj];B[kk];W[jj]
;B[jk];W[ij];B[ik];W[gj];B[gk];W[fk];B[hl];W[gl];B[hk];W[fi];B[ll];W[ip];B[io];W[iq]
;B[gm];W[fl];B[go];W[kq];B[gq];W[fn];B[jr];W[jp];B[gp];W[ir];B[fr];W[kr];B[eo];W[dn]
;B[oh];W[ph];B[nh];W[nf];B[pf];W[pg];B[fm];W[em];B[en];W[hm];B[gn];W[dm];B[cj];W[bj]
;B[bk];W[dj];B[dk];W[ck];B[qf];W[gd];B[fd];W[ge];B[cj];W[di];B[bi];W[ck];B[rg];W[of]
;B[cj];W[im];B[jm];W[ck];B[de];W[ce];B[cj];W[ib];B[ic];W[ck];B[gh];W[hj];B[cj];W[hc]
;B[gc];W[ck];B[eg];W[cj];B[rh];W[gf];B[fh];W[hh];B[hg];W[gg];B[dh];W[hi];B[ch];W[bh]
;B[bg];W[ai];B[cg];W[df];B[ff];W[pe];B[qe];W[qh];B[cb];W[bf];B[hd];W[he];B[dr];W[cr]
;B[cs];W[ar];B[bc];W[bd];B[dc];W[cd];B[bb];W[ag];B[jn];W[rk];B[sl];W[op];B[np];W[oq]
;B[or];W[pp];B[qr];W[mo];B[no];W[lr];B[mr];W[hr];B[gr];W[js];B[ls];W[hs];B[do];W[co]
;B[bs];W[ep];B[fo];W[hc];B[gb];W[pd];B[cn];W[cm];B[bn];W[bm];B[oc];W[ld];B[md];W[ke]
;B[me];W[mf];B[mc];W[er];B[es];W[eq];B[si];W[sj];B[mh];W[lh];B[lm];W[kn];B[km];W[ee]
;B[ed];W[ef];B[fg];W[hp];B[ho])

Yoshida Mika went for a duel with Park Jiyeon. Yoshida as usual played the solid way. I like the combination she played to help black group on the right side. Yoshida Mika won her second game in this tournament by 7.5 points.


Park Jiyeon (left) vs. Yoshida Mika (right)

Here is the game record:

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup]
DT[2011-04-08]PB[Yoshida Mika]BR[8p]PW[Park Jiyeon]WR[2p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[B+7.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dq];B[do];W[co];B[cn];W[cp];B[fc];W[cf];B[dm];W[fq];B[ci];W[qo]
;B[qk];W[op];B[oq];W[np];B[nq];W[mp];B[lq];W[qi];B[ok];W[qf];B[oi];W[of];B[nd];W[rd]
;B[db];W[ff];B[gd];W[cc];B[kd];W[qc];B[cg];W[df];B[pc];W[qm];B[qd];W[rb];B[qb];W[rc]
;B[pg];W[pf];B[rh];W[qg];B[qh];W[ph];B[pi];W[og];B[qq];W[ri];B[qj];W[rg];B[om];W[nn]
;B[gf];W[gg];B[hf];W[cl];B[bm];W[cj];B[dj];W[dk];B[bj];W[bk];B[ck];W[md];B[mc];W[cj]
;B[ep];W[eq];B[ck];W[mq];B[mr];W[cj];B[pn];W[po];B[ck];W[lc];B[ld];W[cj];B[bf];W[me]
;B[nc];W[bi];B[ck];W[jd];B[cj];W[kc];B[ke];W[je];B[kf];W[jf];B[ne];W[hc];B[mf];W[gb]
;B[hg];W[fb];B[ec];W[gh];B[jg];W[be];B[rp];W[ro];B[gj];W[hi];B[ji];W[mg];B[lg];W[mh]
;B[hj];W[ei];B[ej];W[pl];B[ol];W[pk];B[pj];W[nj];B[ml];W[ll];B[mj];W[ni];B[rm];W[qn]
;B[oj];W[mm];B[mk];W[en];B[fn];W[bo];B[ln];W[lp];B[kq];W[lm];B[kn];W[kp];B[on];W[oo]
;B[jq];W[kj];B[jm];W[jo];B[jn];W[io];B[hn];W[ho];B[go];W[gp];B[hq];W[jl];B[kk];W[lk]
;B[jk];W[jj];B[ik];W[nk];B[nl];W[li];B[lj];W[ki];B[mi];W[nh];B[lh];W[ii];B[oh];W[ng]
;B[sh];W[sg];B[pg];W[lr];B[nr];W[ph];B[fg];W[fh];B[pg];W[rl];B[ql];W[sm];B[pm];W[ph]
;B[mn];W[nm];B[pg];W[in];B[ph];W[rk];B[rj];W[hm];B[kl];W[fm];B[em];W[fo];B[fl];W[gn]
;B[gr];W[dn];B[cm];W[fr];B[bg];W[fe];B[hd];W[cb];B[ae];W[bd];B[kb];W[jc];B[lb];W[ig]
;B[ih];W[if];B[hh];W[jh];B[gi];W[kg];B[eg];W[gc];B[fd];W[eb];B[ij];W[dg];B[ji];W[ii]
;B[eh];W[dh];B[fi];W[dc];B[jb];W[ib];B[fs];W[es];B[pb];W[gl];B[ra];W[re];B[gs];W[fk]
;B[el];W[gk];B[ek];W[il];B[ch];W[ja];B[sb];W[nf];B[le];W[sc];B[sk];W[rn];B[km];W[no]
;B[di];W[qp];B[rq];W[iq];B[ir];W[ip];B[ee];W[ef];B[ed];W[an];B[am];W[ad];B[de];W[ce]
;B[af];W[gq];B[hr];W[mb];B[nb];W[ka];B[ma];W[sp];B[sq];W[so];B[bn];W[ao];B[oe];W[ia]
;B[la];W[sl];B[sj];W[qe];B[qa];W[ge];B[he];W[sa];B[lf];W[ji];B[sb];W[jr];B[kr];W[sa]
;B[hk];W[hl];B[sb];W[ic];B[sa];W[jg];B[hi];W[jp];B[js];W[id];B[pe];W[ie];B[kh];W[fj]
;B[ko];W[im];B[lo];W[mo];B[hp];W[pp])

The biggest surprise of the day came from the match between Mukai Chiaki and Cho Hyeyeon. Mukai who was the dark horse of the match won by a slim 0.5 points margin from Cho, thanks to the 7.5 points komi. With Mukai's victory, Japan won the battle by 2-1.


Cho Hyeyeon (left) vs. Mukai Chiaki (right)

Here is the game record:

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup]
DT[2011-04-08]PB[Cho Hyeyeon]BR[9p]PW[Mukai Chiaki]WR[4p]KM[7.5]HA[0]RE[W+0.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dc];B[oq];W[qf];B[nc];W[rd];B[ph];W[of];B[qg];W[od];B[pc];W[pe]
;B[nd];W[qc];B[qd];W[rb];B[qb];W[rc];B[jc];W[ci];B[gc];W[de];B[fq];W[dn];B[jp];W[pl]
;B[nh];W[qn];B[rf];W[re];B[qe];W[pf];B[pb];W[rg];B[rh];W[sf];B[mf];W[qi];B[pi];W[qj]
;B[qh];W[qa];B[pj];W[pk];B[gf];W[oo];B[cq];W[dq];B[dr];W[cp];B[br];W[bq];B[cr];W[nq]
;B[op];W[np];B[no];W[or];B[pr];W[nr];B[qq];W[po];B[mo];W[kq];B[rn];W[rm];B[ro];W[ml]
;B[kp];W[jq];B[iq];W[lp];B[lo];W[mp];B[ip];W[rr];B[sm];W[rl];B[ps];W[ir];B[hr];W[jr]
;B[dj];W[di];B[dl];W[ej];B[fl];W[cl];B[cm];W[dm];B[ck];W[bl];B[bk];W[bm];B[ek];W[ei]
;B[lk];W[ll];B[kk];W[nj];B[mj];W[mk];B[mi];W[hi];B[ak];W[go];B[hk];W[gq];B[fp];W[gr]
;B[fr];W[hq];B[gp];W[hp];B[ho];W[hs];B[gn];W[bo];B[fo];W[bh];B[nm];W[nl];B[hg];W[rq]
;B[rs];W[hj];B[db];W[eb];B[cc];W[cb];B[dd];W[ec];B[fh];W[fg];B[eg];W[df];B[bb];W[da]
;B[ed];W[cd];B[dg];W[cf];B[cg];W[bf];B[ra];W[sa];B[ff];W[gk];B[gb];W[ki];B[bc];W[bd]
;B[ba];W[mg];B[ng];W[me];B[ne];W[nf];B[lf];W[lg];B[le];W[kg];B[jh];W[li];B[lj];W[ji]
;B[kl];W[km];B[jm];W[lm];B[jn];W[ik];B[il];W[fd];B[ee];W[fc];B[gd];W[fe];B[ef];W[ac]
;B[fa];W[ab];B[ea];W[ad];B[om];W[ri];B[si];W[sj];B[sh];W[rk];B[jf];W[hl];B[hm];W[jg]
;B[aq];W[em];B[fk];W[if];B[je];W[ig];B[jk];W[ie];B[ge];W[aa];B[id];W[kf];B[ke];W[sl]
;B[hh];W[ih];B[bg];W[ag];B[ij];W[hk];B[jj];W[ii];B[gi];W[fj];B[fm];W[gj];B[al];W[cn]
;B[ai];W[bi];B[pp];W[kn];B[ko];W[rp];B[qo];W[so];B[qr];W[sn];B[qm];W[ob];B[oc];W[pa]
;B[nb];W[pm];B[pn];W[sr];B[sp];W[sm];B[bp];W[oa];B[na];W[ra];B[eo];W[ao];B[do];W[co]
;B[am];W[an];B[oj];W[nk];B[ni];W[og];B[oh];W[oe];B[os];W[ns];B[ql];W[he];B[hd];W[ap]
;B[fs];W[gs];B[bq];W[eq];B[er];W[mh];B[mm];W[ln];B[mn];W[qk];B[qn];W[ca];B[fb];W[ah]
;B[aj];W[en];B[gl];W[sq];B[qs];W[sp];B[ss];W[el];B[dk])

1st Huanglongshi Cup Starts!

The first ever Huanglongshi Cup started in April 7. Huanglongshi Cup is an all female international tournament. The participants are female pros from 4 countries, China, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Each country made a team consists of 3 players.



Here is the line up:

China;
Li He(3d), Tang Yi(2d), Chen Yiming(1d)

Korea;
Park Jieun(9d), Cho Hyeyeon(9d), Park Jiyeon(2d)

China;
Yoshida Mika(8d), Xie Yimin(5d), Mukai Chiaki(4d)

Taiwan;
Hei Jiajia(5d), Zhang Kaixin(3d), Su Shengfang(1d)

Day 1 started with China vs. Japan and Korea vs. Taiwan.

Li He of Chna met the Triple Crowns of Japan, Xie Yimin. Xie who played black traded her group in center for bottom left corner. White (Li He) started a ko fight with white 204 and used the aji of her bottom left group well to win the ko fight. I think this is where Xie lost the game. Li He won by 6.5 points.

Here is the game record:

(;
KM[7.5]
EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup 1st round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Li He]
WR[3d]
DT[2011-04-07]
BR[5d]
RE[W+6.5]
PB[Xie Yimin]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dc];B[lc];W[po];B[qm];W[qq];B[mq];W[pp];B[pr]
;W[ro];B[qj];W[qr];B[jq];W[ce];B[hd];W[pi];B[qi];W[ph];B[ok];W[od]
;B[pe];W[oe];B[of];W[pf];B[nf];W[qf];B[pc];W[md];B[oc];W[nc];B[pd]
;W[me];B[mf];W[ke];B[nb];W[ni];B[mh];W[mi];B[li];W[lj];B[ki];W[ie]
;B[he];W[ig];B[kj];W[pk];B[pj];W[oj];B[qh];W[nk];B[ol];W[qg];B[og]
;W[pg];B[lk];W[ll];B[mj];W[mk];B[kl];W[pl];B[nl];W[ml];B[pm];W[km]
;B[jl];W[kg];B[lg];W[kh];B[lh];W[kc];B[mc];W[gf];B[nn];W[mn];B[no]
;W[jn];B[in];W[jp];B[ip];W[io];B[ho];W[jo];B[iq];W[lp];B[cn];W[bp]
;B[ee];W[ef];B[kb];W[jc];B[jb];W[ic];B[eq];W[ep];B[fq];W[dq];B[dj]
;W[de];B[bo];W[co];B[bn];W[dn];B[dm];W[en];B[hb];W[ib];B[ia];W[hc]
;B[gb];W[gc];B[eb];W[ec];B[lq];W[im];B[hn];W[jm];B[eg];W[fg];B[df]
;W[ff];B[cf];W[bf];B[bg];W[cg];B[dg];W[ch];B[be];W[af];B[di];W[bh]
;B[bd];W[cc];B[bi];W[ci];B[bj];W[cj];B[ck];W[ah];B[dh];W[bk];B[bl]
;W[ak];B[al];W[bc];B[aj];W[bk];B[ak];W[cd];B[bq];W[em];B[ap];W[gp]
;B[hp];W[lf];B[gl];W[hk];B[gk];W[hm];B[gm];W[gj];B[fj];W[hj];B[nd]
;W[gq];B[gr];W[ne];B[ld];W[le];B[ek];W[fb];B[fa];W[ha];B[ga];W[re]
;B[fc];W[fd];B[kd];W[jd];B[rd];W[sd];B[rc];W[rk];B[rl];W[qk];B[rj]
;W[rh];B[sk];W[oq];B[or];W[nr];B[nq];W[os];B[op];W[ps];B[oq];W[db]
;B[rn];W[so];B[gi];W[hi];B[lb];W[fb];B[qo];W[qp];B[fc];W[ja];B[ka]
;W[fb];B[qs];W[rs];B[fc];W[cq];B[br];W[fb];B[qn];W[rq];B[fc];W[er]
;B[fr];W[fb];B[sr];W[sq];B[fc];W[cr];B[ds];W[fb];B[oi];W[oh];B[fc]
;W[bs];B[ao];W[fb];B[gh];W[fh];B[fi];W[ea];B[hh];W[ih];B[hg];W[hf]
;B[mo];W[sc];B[sb];W[se];B[ln];W[lm];B[hl];W[il];B[mr];W[rb];B[qb]
;W[sa];B[ri];W[rg];B[ns];W[mm];B[lo];W[kp];B[kq];W[si];B[ql];W[sn]
;B[sm];W[eh];B[ei];W[qa];B[pa];W[qs];B[mp];W[sb];B[sj];W[sh];B[nc]
;W[ra];B[ja];W[ha];B[ai];W[ag];B[nm];W[on];B[om];W[ik];B[gg];W[oo]
;B[qe];W[pn];B[kn];W[ko])

Yoshida Mika (8 dan) of Japan met runner up of the 2nd Female Mingren, Chen Yiming (1 dan) of China. Yoshida played a great game. I like her move at 126 and 128 which attacked black's group at D13. Black saved that group, but soon Yoshida found a bigger group. She attacked Chen's group at the center and eventually the whole black group was in trouble. Yoshida won the game by resignation.

Here is the game record:

(;
KM[7.5]
EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup 1st round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Yoshida Mika]
WR[8d]
DT[2011-04-07]
BR[1d]
RE[W+R]
PB[Chen Yiming]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[do];W[op];B[oo];W[no];B[po];W[np];B[pq]
;W[dl];B[fo];W[gq];B[cq];W[cr];B[fq];W[cp];B[gp];W[hq];B[eq];W[dp]
;B[ep];W[co];B[jq];W[hp];B[ho];W[io];B[ip];W[hn];B[go];W[jo];B[lq]
;W[dn];B[fm];W[lp];B[kp];W[ko];B[iq];W[om];B[qm];W[nc];B[qf];W[kc]
;B[cf];W[df];B[dg];W[ce];B[ef];W[de];B[eg];W[fd];B[nn];W[ln];B[pb]
;W[on];B[hd];W[jd];B[hf];W[bg];B[ld];W[oc];B[lc];W[pc];B[qc];W[qb]
;B[rc];W[pe];B[qe];W[ne];B[lf];W[jf];B[ng];W[rb];B[sb];W[og];B[of]
;W[nf];B[mg];W[pf];B[pg];W[oe];B[oh];W[mb];B[lb];W[ob];B[ph];W[ih]
;B[ma];W[na];B[la];W[mc];B[ic];W[pl];B[ql];W[kh];B[ec];W[fc];B[fb]
;W[ge];B[he];W[db];B[eb];W[dc];B[bh];W[bf];B[gc];W[pp];B[qo];W[kr]
;B[kq];W[mq];B[lr];W[pk];B[nk];W[qk];B[ji];W[jh];B[lj];W[ml];B[hj]
;W[gh];B[dk];W[fi];B[el];W[di];B[ch];W[ck];B[cl];W[cj];B[dm];W[ff]
;B[gg];W[fg];B[hh];W[ii];B[ee];W[ed];B[eh];W[ei];B[fh];W[gi];B[fe]
;W[hi];B[gd];W[cg];B[dh];W[gl];B[jj];W[li];B[mj];W[mh];B[nh];W[jk]
;B[nl];W[nm];B[kj];W[ij];B[ll];W[oj];B[mi];W[lh];B[nj];W[oi];B[ni]
;W[rh];B[rg];W[pr];B[qr];W[oq];B[qq];W[qh];B[qg];W[rj];B[rl];W[er]
;B[fr];W[kb];B[es];W[kk];B[mm];W[lm];B[mk];W[mn];B[pi];W[rk])

Tang Yi (2 dan) of China met Mukai Chiaki (4 dan) of Japan. The game was full of fighting. I think Mukai got over ambitious and exchanged her group at P16 for black's group at M14. Tang Yi won by resignation and China won the match by 2-1.


Mukai Chiaki (far from the camera) vs. Tang Yi

Here is the game record:

(;
KM[7.5]
EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup 1st round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Tang Yi]
WR[2d]
DT[2011-04-07]
BR[4d]
RE[W+R]
PB[Mukai Chiaki]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[pq];W[dd];B[qk];W[mq];B[fc];W[po];B[op];W[jp];B[cf]
;W[fd];B[gd];W[fe];B[ec];W[dc];B[dg];W[ce];B[be];W[df];B[bf];W[db]
;B[cj];W[id];B[ic];W[hd];B[hc];W[ge];B[jc];W[ok];B[qi];W[qc];B[qd]
;W[pc];B[oc];W[ob];B[nb];W[nc];B[od];W[mb];B[nd];W[na];B[mc];W[nb]
;B[lc];W[ql];B[rl];W[qm];B[pk];W[ol];B[no];W[qq];B[qr];W[qp];B[or]
;W[lo];B[mn];W[nm];B[fq];W[eq];B[fp];W[dn];B[hp];W[iq];B[hq];W[in]
;B[gm];W[bn];B[hl];W[il];B[ik];W[jl];B[hj];W[nq];B[ln];W[rr];B[rs]
;W[rq];B[ll];W[gn];B[fn];W[hm];B[gl];W[lk];B[jn];W[kl];B[ml];W[kj]
;B[jo];W[io];B[lp];W[kp];B[ko];W[ip];B[lq];W[lr];B[mp];W[kq];B[np]
;W[go];B[fo];W[em];B[ho];W[hn];B[fm];W[oi];B[mk];W[li];B[mi];W[mh]
;B[ni];W[nh];B[lh];W[qh];B[rh];W[kh];B[lg];W[ph];B[rj];W[jr];B[on]
;W[om];B[og];W[oh];B[km];W[rm];B[pn];W[sl];B[sk];W[rk];B[rd];W[rc]
;B[rl];W[mm];B[lm];W[rk];B[co];W[do];B[rl];W[mf];B[sm];W[oj];B[mj]
;W[ke];B[jf];W[me];B[lf];W[md];B[le];W[ld];B[kd];W[of];B[je];W[rg]
;B[cd];W[gc];B[gb];W[de];B[sg];W[sf];B[sh];W[rf];B[bb];W[eg];B[gg]
;W[bd];B[cc];W[gh];B[hg];W[ei];B[dh];W[eh];B[ek];W[ci];B[cq];W[dj]
;B[dk];W[ck];B[bj];W[bk];B[cm];W[bi];B[cn];W[cp];B[bp];W[bo];B[bq]
;W[cl];B[bm];W[dl];B[lb];W[dr];B[cr];W[sn];B[sl];W[qn];B[dq];W[ep]
;B[er];W[cg])

Meanwhile in the clash between South Korea and Taiwan, Park Jieun (9 dan) met Zhang Kaixin (3 dan). Park showed an interesting play with black 77 and trapped the whole white's group. Park won by resignation in only 107 moves.

Here is the game record:

(;
KM[7.5]
EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup 1st round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Zhang Kaixin]
WR[3d]
DT[2011-04-07]
BR[9d]
RE[B+R]
PB[Park Jieun]
;B[pd];W[dc];B[dq];W[qp];B[ce];W[do];B[dm];W[fo];B[fq];W[hp];B[go]
;W[gp];B[fp];W[fn];B[io];W[ip];B[gn];W[fm];B[jo];W[jp];B[ko];W[lq]
;B[mp];W[lp];B[lo];W[mo];B[op];W[no];B[qo];W[np];B[pp];W[qq];B[pn]
;W[or];B[hr];W[ir];B[hl];W[fk];B[co];W[cn];B[cp];W[dn];B[ci];W[hj]
;B[ll];W[pk];B[ol];W[ok];B[nl];W[pl];B[om];W[qg];B[mc];W[qc];B[qd]
;W[pc];B[od];W[nb];B[nc];W[mb];B[rc];W[ob];B[kc];W[rb];B[ei];W[fi]
;B[fh];W[cd];B[de];W[fc];B[og];W[ph];B[fj];W[gk];B[oh];W[ck];B[qj]
;W[qk];B[pi];W[qi];B[ri];W[qh];B[pj];W[rj];B[rk];W[sj];B[sk];W[oi]
;B[si];W[rj];B[sj];W[oj];B[rm];W[rj];B[mi];W[mj];B[lj];W[mk];B[lk]
;W[ni];B[mh];W[qj];B[pr];W[qr];B[nk];W[rl];B[sl])

Hei Jiajia (5 dan) of Taiwan met Park Jiyeon (2 dan) of South Korea. The game looks even, but Hei Jiajia who played black couldn't pay the komi back and resigned at move 224.



Here is the game record:

(;
KM[7.5]
EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup 1st round]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PW[Park Jiyeon]
WR[1d]
DT[2011-04-07]
BR[5d]
RE[W+R]
PB[Hei Jiajia]
;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[ne];B[nf];W[mf];B[ng];W[oe];B[mg];W[qq]
;B[qp];W[oq];B[pr];W[op];B[pp];W[lp];B[kq];W[mn];B[lq];W[ml];B[cc]
;W[cd];B[dc];W[ec];B[eb];W[fb];B[bd];W[be];B[ce];W[ed];B[bf];W[bc]
;B[ae];W[bb];B[ci];W[pj];B[pk];W[pe];B[qe];W[of];B[og];W[qf];B[pg]
;W[re];B[qd];W[qg];B[rd];W[qh];B[qj];W[sf];B[qb];W[oj];B[pi];W[qi]
;B[oi];W[rj];B[rk];W[sj];B[nk];W[mk];B[nj];W[jm];B[hm];W[go];B[ho]
;W[gn];B[hn];W[ik];B[cm];W[bo];B[dk];W[oc];B[rb];W[sh];B[sd];W[dl]
;B[dj];W[cl];B[el];W[em];B[fl];W[kj];B[jd];W[jc];B[hd];W[lf];B[fe]
;W[gc];B[gd];W[dm];B[hj];W[bi];B[bh];W[cj];B[di];W[on];B[kn];W[ol]
;B[nl];W[nm];B[pm];W[om];B[ok];W[km];B[se];W[rf];B[fr];W[er];B[eq]
;W[ep];B[fq];W[dr];B[ic];W[ib];B[ld];W[kd];B[ke];W[le];B[hb];W[hc]
;B[id];W[ha];B[kf];W[lg];B[kg];W[lh];B[ji];W[gk];B[gj];W[mq];B[mr]
;W[or];B[mp];W[mo];B[nq];W[np];B[os];W[ns];B[ps];W[nr];B[mq];W[fk]
;B[jj];W[jk];B[hk];W[gl];B[gm];W[hl];B[il];W[im];B[fj];W[jl];B[ek]
;W[sk];B[rm];W[sm];B[sn];W[sl];B[qn];W[gp];B[hp];W[bj];B[es];W[ds]
;B[fs];W[ko];B[il];W[jo];B[io];W[ms];B[ls];W[kp];B[jq];W[in];B[ki]
;W[lj];B[li];W[mh];B[oo];W[no];B[od];W[nd];B[fn];W[eo];B[fm];W[mi]
;B[mj];W[de];B[df];W[cg];B[ee];W[fc];B[bg];W[ij];B[ii];W[kh];B[jh]
;W[pa];B[lk];W[kk];B[hl];W[ah];B[ag];W[ai];B[ac];W[ab];B[en];W[dn]
;B[qa];W[lc];B[pc];W[ob])

Cho Hyeyeon (9 dan) met Su Shengfang (1 dan). Su is a new professional who was promoted at January 2011. She is also still young, about 14 or 15 y.o (born in 1996).
Su played well, but I think Cho is still stronger and Cho finished the game in 169 moves. South Korea won 3-0 from Taiwan.

Here is the game record:

(;
KM[7.5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
WR[4d]
EV[1st Huanglongshi Cup 1st round]
RE[B+R]
PB[Cho Hyeyeon]
BR[9d]
DT[2011-04-07]
PW[Su Shengfang]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dc];B[oq];W[qj];B[de];W[ce];B[dd];W[cd];B[ec]
;W[cf];B[qg];W[qm];B[db];W[cc];B[jd];W[ge];B[gc];W[pc];B[qc];W[oc]
;B[qb];W[od];B[pe];W[lc];B[kb];W[hc];B[gd];W[jc];B[kc];W[kd];B[ic]
;W[je];B[jb];W[id];B[hd];W[jc];B[hb];W[nf];B[cn];W[ck];B[fq];W[dn]
;B[cq];W[dq];B[cp];W[co];B[bo];W[do];B[bm];W[cm];B[bn];W[dr];B[cl]
;W[dl];B[dm];W[em];B[dk];W[cm];B[bl];W[jq];B[ip];W[iq];B[hp];W[hq]
;B[gp];W[nq];B[op];W[ko];B[im];W[gm];B[fo];W[fn];B[jo];W[jp];B[in]
;W[jn];B[io];W[bk];B[cr];W[kn];B[jl];W[kl];B[kk];W[jk];B[ik];W[jj]
;B[ij];W[lk];B[dj];W[gj];B[gi];W[fj];B[hi];W[fi];B[ci];W[ji];B[lp]
;W[jm];B[il];W[fg];B[gg];W[gf];B[fh];W[eh];B[gh];W[di];B[dh];W[ei]
;B[eg];W[ch];B[cj];W[dg];B[ff];W[np];B[no];W[or];B[pr];W[nr];B[mo]
;W[lq];B[on];W[qr];B[ps];W[po];B[qq];W[qo];B[oo];W[eb];B[kp];W[kq]
;B[jg];W[fc];B[kf];W[le];B[lb];W[ii];B[hj];W[ig];B[ih];W[jh];B[if]
;W[jf];B[kg];W[hh];B[hg];W[ih];B[ie];W[lh];B[ke];W[ol];B[pi];W[pp]
;B[pq];W[ro];B[lm];W[km];B[nm];W[qi];B[mk];W[mj];B[nk];W[rg];B[rf]
;W[pg];B[qh];W[ph];B[rh])

Xie Yimin Defended Female Meijin

It seems that Xie Yimin is staying on her throne. After a defeat in game 1, Xie fought back to win game 2 and 3 at the 23rd Female Meijin and defended her title from challenger, Mukai Chiaki.


Mukai Chiaki (left) vs. Xie Yimin (right)

Game 2 was played on March 23. The game was continued after the break caused by the earthquake and tsunami that attacked Japan on March 11. The game was fierce, but Xie handled the fight well and won the game by resignation.


Mukai Chiaki

Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (black) vs. Mukai Chiaki (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[23rd Japanese Female Meijin, title match #2]
DT[2011-03-11]PB[Xie Yimin]BR[5p]PW[Mukai Chiaki]WR[4p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pq];W[oc];B[md];W[qh];B[od];W[qk];B[nc];W[qo];B[dp];W[mp];B[op];W[fq]
;B[ip];W[fo];B[dn];W[in];B[kp];W[mo];B[on];W[fm];B[kn];W[mm];B[kl];W[pn];B[po];W[qp]
;B[pm];W[qn];B[nm];W[ll];B[qm];W[qq];B[or];W[qr];B[nl];W[lk];B[km];W[nq];B[oq];W[lm]
;B[nj];W[kk];B[il];W[ok];B[nk];W[jk];B[im];W[nh];B[pj];W[qe];B[pe];W[qf];B[rd];W[qj]
;B[ph];W[ol];B[pi];W[ql];B[qi];W[om];B[nn];W[lo];B[ko];W[hj];B[gl];W[fj];B[gk];W[gj]
;B[el];W[dr];B[gp];W[fp];B[ek];W[di];B[li];W[ri];B[rh];W[sh];B[ji];W[jj];B[ii];W[hk]
;B[qg];W[rg];B[gh];W[ej];B[fc];W[gf];B[fe];W[fg];B[de];W[ec];B[ed];W[dc];B[fb];W[ce]
;B[df];W[gd];B[fd];W[hg];B[cf];W[be];B[bf];W[bc];B[hh];W[fh];B[cj];W[ci];B[id];W[if]
;B[kf];W[je];B[kc];W[le];B[ke];W[jd];B[kd];W[ib];B[fa];W[cl];B[ck];W[dk];B[dl];W[bi]
;B[cb];W[bb];B[jc];W[cm];B[cn];W[bn];B[bo];W[hd];B[ic];W[bl];B[dm];W[hq];B[iq];W[bp]
;B[cp];W[ao];B[cr];W[co];B[do];W[dq];B[cq];W[hp];B[ho];W[gq];B[hn];W[kh];B[ki];W[oj]
;B[oi];W[pf];B[of];W[pg];B[qh];W[ni];B[rf];W[lh];B[jg];W[mj];B[mi];W[mh];B[jh])

Game 3 was played on March 25. This time, Xie played black again and Mukai had white. Xie played a new move at black 9 and black threw her corner to get a huge thickness. I personally like the result for black. I wonder if C6 is better for white (instead of hane). Xie stacked up a huge moyo using her thickness and didn't really have any trouble during the game. She won the game after 163 moves.


Xie Yimin. I personally don't like the dress. It makes her look old.

Here is the game record:
Xie Yimin (black) vs. Mukai Chiaki (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[23rd Japanese Female Meijin, title match #3]
DT[2011-03-25]PB[Xie Yimin]BR[5p]PW[Mukai Chiaki]WR[4p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[qp];B[dc];W[cp];B[ep];W[gq];B[cq];W[cm];B[dm];W[dl];B[cn];W[dn];B[em];W[bn]
;B[cl];W[co];B[bm];W[cn];B[dk];W[fo];B[el];W[dq];B[ce];W[kc];B[ic];W[oc];B[mc];W[oe]
;B[qg];W[qc];B[rc];W[pd];B[qe];W[qb];B[me];W[og];B[jd];W[pj];B[ih];W[hl];B[hj];W[np]
;B[lq];W[nq];B[dr];W[bq];B[hq];W[gp];B[io];W[gm];B[ir];W[jq];B[iq];W[cf];B[be];W[fk]
;B[fj];W[ej];B[ek];W[ei];B[ci];W[gj];B[fi];W[gi];B[fh];W[gh];B[gk];W[fl];B[gg];W[fg]
;B[eh];W[hg];B[gf];W[hh];B[hf];W[ig];B[if];W[jg];B[lo];W[rh];B[rg];W[jn];B[jo];W[qi]
;B[rb];W[mn];B[mo];W[nn];B[rp];W[qq];B[km];W[kn];B[ln];W[lm];B[kl];W[in];B[hk];W[il]
;B[mm];W[ll];B[kk];W[lh];B[no];W[on];B[oo];W[pn];B[li];W[ml];B[mh];W[kh];B[mg];W[jj]
;B[mk];W[mb];B[nl];W[nm];B[lk];W[mm];B[kd];W[mr];B[lr];W[gr];B[hp];W[ni];B[mi];W[lc]
;B[hn];W[im];B[rq];W[ko];B[kp];W[rr];B[go];W[gn];B[ho];W[gl];B[fp];W[eq];B[qo];W[po]
;B[qn];W[pp];B[sr];W[qr];B[rk];W[rl];B[ql];W[jp];B[jr];W[rm];B[qm];W[rn];B[ro];W[rj]
;B[qk];W[sk];B[ok];W[ol];B[pk];W[nk];B[oj];W[nj];B[ph])

With this victory, Xie put herself in a tie with Sugiuchi Kazuko (8 dan) for a 4 times consecutive Female Meijin title.

Postponed Female Meijin

An interesting occasion happened during the second game of the 23rd Female Meijin title match.

The game was played at March 11, the same day where Japan was hit by earthquake and tsunami. The game was eventually postponed at move 53. The game was planned to be continued on February March 15.

Edit: It seems that the tournament is postponed further. I'm not sure why, but it seems to be the sponsor.

Mukai Chiaki Won Game 1 of 23rd Female Meijin

They clash again! I'm talking about the recent "rivalry" between triple crowns, Xie Yimin, and Mukai Chiaki (4 dan). This is the third time Mukai Chiaki challenged Xie Yimin for Xie's title. Previously, they met at the 22nd Female Meijin and 29th Female Honinbo.


Mukai Chiaki vs. Xie Yimin


Xie Yimin

The game was interesting with a big exchange between two groups toward the end. Mukai finally won the game at move 281 by resignation. She was leading about 3-4 points on board. This is also the end of Xie's 12 games winning streak at a title match. Xie started the streak by winning from Aoki Kikuyo at the 28th Female Honinbo.


Mukai Chiaki, finally breaks his 5 consecutive losses from Xie

Left to right: Mukai Chiaki, Xie Yimin, Cho U, Iyama Yuta. All is playing in the Meijin series

Here is the game record:
Mukai Chiaki (black) vs. Xie Yimin (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[23rd Japanese Female Meijin, title match #1]
DT[2011-03-02]PB[Mukai Chiaki]BR[4p]PW[Xie Yimin]WR[5p]KM[6.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[pp];B[dc];W[cp];B[ep];W[gq];B[cq];W[cm];B[dp];W[bp];B[dn];W[cl];B[fq];W[gp]
;B[bq];W[ci];B[jq];W[mq];B[jo];W[gm];B[mo];W[oq];B[ho];W[go];B[gn];W[hn];B[fn];W[io]
;B[hp];W[ip];B[hq];W[iq];B[hr];W[ir];B[in];W[hm];B[gr];W[jp];B[im];W[ko];B[il];W[qm]
;B[fl];W[od];B[ld];W[qe];B[re];W[pe];B[rf];W[qc];B[rc];W[pd];B[rd];W[qb];B[qi];W[mc]
;B[lc];W[lb];B[kb];W[mb];B[cg];W[hs];B[fr];W[jc];B[kc];W[jb];B[jd];W[id];B[je];W[hc]
;B[ja];W[ia];B[ka];W[hb];B[md];W[rb];B[fb];W[ie];B[if];W[hf];B[nc];W[qg];B[rg];W[nb]
;B[nd];W[oc];B[hg];W[ge];B[gf];W[he];B[ig];W[qh];B[rh];W[rj];B[ri];W[ff];B[bj];W[bi]
;B[cj];W[dj];B[di];W[ej];B[ch];W[el];B[gg];W[fk];B[gl];W[gk];B[hl];W[qk];B[mm];W[de]
;B[dh];W[cc];B[bl];W[bm];B[bk];W[ap];B[dm];W[dl];B[ee];W[fe];B[ef];W[db];B[fj];W[ei]
;B[fi];W[eh];B[fg];W[eg];B[df];W[hj];B[ii];W[ij];B[ji];W[jj];B[kj];W[fh];B[lp];W[ki]
;B[kh];W[li];B[lj];W[lh];B[kg];W[lg];B[kf];W[hi];B[lq];W[mj];B[ll];W[ed];B[ce];W[sc]
;B[oh];W[og];B[ng];W[nh];B[pg];W[lk];B[kk];W[mk];B[of];W[lr];B[kr];W[mr];B[dd];W[kl]
;B[jn];W[kp];B[fd];W[ln];B[gd];W[eb];B[ec];W[bd];B[lm];W[mn];B[nm];W[jk];B[ol];W[pj]
;B[km];W[nn];B[on];W[pn];B[ea];W[bb];B[da];W[cb];B[oo];W[no];B[po];W[qo];B[qp];W[pq]
;B[ro];W[qn];B[rl];W[ql];B[qq];W[rn];B[rq];W[ps];B[kn];W[lo];B[qr];W[sr];B[sj];W[rk]
;B[sk];W[si];B[sh];W[pi];B[qf];W[ph];B[pf];W[mf];B[ni];W[mh];B[sd];W[ne];B[sf];W[aq]
;B[oe];W[ob];B[nj];W[oi];B[ok];W[og];B[co];W[bo];B[oh];W[em];B[fm];W[og];B[pk];W[qj]
;B[oh];W[op];B[om];W[og];B[is];W[js];B[oh];W[br];B[cr];W[og];B[bs];W[ag];B[bh];W[ca]
;B[sl];W[sn];B[fa];W[oh];B[ar];W[cn];B[jl];W[kk];B[be];W[ae];B[gh];W[gi];B[sb];W[do]
;B[en];W[ih];B[jh];W[hh];B[lf];W[mg];B[me];W[nf];B[bf];W[af];B[al];W[ah];B[ai];W[cd]
;B[gs])