American Go E-Journal

China Locks Up LG Cup Semifinal Slots: After knocking Korea out of LG Cup contention November 8, China now has all four spots in the 15th LG Cup semifinals. The only game that did not pit China against Korea was between Kong Jie and Hu Yaoyu, who are both Chinese players. This is the first time in LG Cup history that the semifinals will be played exclusively among Chinese players. It’s also very possible that we will see two mid-level dan players in the final. Here are the third round results: Kong Jie 9P defeated Hu Yaoyu 8P by resignation; Meng Tailing 5P defeated An Choyeong 9P by resignation; Wang Yao 6P defeated Lee Changho 9P by resignation; and Piao Wenyao 5P defeated Choi Cheolhan 9P by resignation. The semifinals are scheduled for November 10th. Kong Jie will play Meng Tailing, and Wang Yao will play Piao Wenyao. Gu Li 9P & Heo Yeongho 7P Advance to Samsung Cup Finals. In their second-round Samsung Cup semifinal matches, which were held November 3, Gu Li (r in photo) defeated Kim Jiseok 7P by a mere half-point, and Heo Yeongho (l in photo) defeated Park Junghwan 8P by resignation, so both advance to the finals.  In the first round matches, held November 1, both won by resignation.  This will be first time that both players have made it into the Samsung final, and it will be the first international title match for Heo. As the veteran, Gu is the favorite but Heo has demonstrated his skill with some impressive wins lately. The first game of the three-round title match will be played on December 7th.
– JustPlayGo; edited by Jake Edge