by John Power, Japan correspondent for the E-Journal
Kyo to challenge for Judan title
The play-off to decide the challenger for the 59th Judan title, held by Shibano Toramaru, was held at the Nihon Ki-in in Tokyo on Jan. 28. Taking black, Kyo Kagen (Xu Jiayuan) 8P beat Yo Seiki (Yu Chengqi) 8P by resig. after 147 moves. This will be Kyo’s chance to take revenge for his loss in last year’s Oza title match. The match starts on March 2.
Incidentally, this tournament acquired an extra sponsor as of January 1: Daiwa House Manufacturing, based in Osaka. (The main sponsor since the tournament was founded has been the Sankei Newspaper.) The official name of the tournament now is: Daiwa House Cup Judan Tournament. There has been no increase in the prize money of 7,000,000 yen so far (the reason may be that the new sponsor joined halfway through the current term).
Ichiriki shares lead in Honinbo League
As the sole undefeated player, Ichiriki Ryo Tengen held the lead after the midway round of the 76th Honinbo League, but a fifth-round setback suffered at the hands of Shibano Toramaru Oza has thrown the lead into a three-way tie, with Ichiriki, Shibano, and Hane Naoki all on 4-1. Results this year:
(Jan. 7) Kyo Kagen 8P (B) beat Ko Iso 8P by resig.
(Jan. 14) Shibano (B) beat Tsuruyama Atsushi 8P by resig.
(Feb. 4) Shibano (W) beat Ichiriki by resig.; Ko Iso (W) beat Sada Atsushi 7P by resig.
(Feb. 11) Hane (W) beat Tsuruyama by resig.
(Feb. 18) Onishi Ryuhei 7P (B) beat Kyo Kagen by resig.
Next: Meijin League; 32nd Women’s Meijin league; Shin Minjun wins LG Cup
