by John Power, Japan correspondent for the E-Journal
Iyama extends lead in Meijin League
With Iyama maintainaing his unbeaten record in the 45th Meijin League, it’s looking more and more as if he will be the one to challenge the new Meijin, Shibano Toramaru. Shibano has won their only previous title match, but he is finding Iyama a different proposition in two-day games. We shouldn’t make any predictions, however, as Ichiriki Ryo is following hard on Iyama’s heels with just one loss. Recent results follow. Incidentally, Iyama’s win below is his ninth in a winning streak that started on March 5.
(June 15) Ichiriki Ryo 8P (W) beat Kono Rin 9P by 3.5 points.
(June 18) Kyo Kagen 8P (W) beat Rin Kanketsu 8P by resig.
(June 25) Iyama Yuta Kisei (B) beat Kyo Kagen by resig.; Kono Rin 9P (B) beat Hane Naoki Gosei by resig.; Ichiriki (B) beat Rin Kanketsu 8P by resig.
Kisei S League
The S League in the 45th Kisei tournament completed its first round with the games below.
(June 18) Kono Rin (W) beat Takao Shinji 9P by resig.
(June 22) Kyo Kagen 8P (W) beat Murakami Daisuke Judan by resig.
Suzuki to challenge for Women’s Hollyhock Cup
Suzuki Ayumi, holder of the Women’s Kisei title, won the play-off to decide the challenger to Fujisawa Rina for the 7th Hollyhock Cup. At the age of 36, she seems to be enjoying a renaissance in her career. Her opponent in the play-off was the 23-year-old Iwata Saeka 1P, who is a new name to me. Though born in Tokyo and a disciple of Ishida Yoshio, she is a member of the Kansai Ki-in. She let slip her first chance at glory.
Semifinals (June 20) Suzuki Ayumi, Women’s Kisei, (B) beat Xie Yimin 6P by half a point; Iwata Saeka 1P (W) beat Nyu Eiko 2P by half a point.
Final (June 21) Suzuki (W) beat Iwata by resig.
Tomorrow: Ichiriki to challenge for Gosei; Tournaments canceled; Retirement: Honda Kunihisa
