Cho U Defend His Meijin Title

The seventh game of 33rd Meijin Title Match had been played.

Cho U, the title holder, won the last game and defend his title for one more year.

Iyama played black this time. I found it a little strange, since he also played black in the sixth game. I think in a title matches, nigiri only played in the first match and the two players changing color in every next matches. Or is there any special circumstance?

Anyway, Iyama played a moyo oriented move with move 5, which answered by Cho with low chinese fuseki.

Cho U(W) vs. Iyama Yuta (B), up to move 52

The game was pretty good with a big trade in the early game. Iyama resigned at move 236. I think white is ahead about 3 points on the board without komi, so it's understandable why Iyama resigned.

Eventhough he lost, I think Iyama has played very good during this seven series match.I think if Iyama can improve more and doesn't burn out, he can be Japan new star in international arena.

Congratulation for Cho U. I hope he can improve more and win an international tournament for Japan.

Cho U seems pretty happy. Of course. He won the title against his "this year's rival"