By John Power, Japan Correspondent for the E-Journal
Ichiriki and Shibano win Teikei Young Stars leagues
The final section of the Teikei Young Stars tournament consists of two six-player leagues. The winners meet in a play-off to decide the title. In a tournament labeled as for “young stars”, it was a little surprising to find holders big-three titles, namely, Shibano Toramaru Meijin in the A League and Ichiriki Ryo Kisei in the B League. All the games were played from December 17 to 22, and, not surprisingly, each won his league 5-0 (each was two wins clear of the field) and will meet in the best-of-three play-off scheduled for March. Actually, Seki Kotaro Tengen also played in the B League, though he did not do very well, scoring 2-3.
Konishi wins first title
The three Teikei tournaments are now in their second terms. The first to be decided was the Female Legends tournament. In the final, held on December 24, Konishi Kazuko 8-dan (B) beat Kuwahara Yoko 6-dan by resignation. The game was played in the Ryusei Studio at the Nihon Ki-in in Tokyo. In her fifth appearance in a tournament final, Konishi finally scored her first success. First prize is 2,000,000 yen ($15,564 at $1 = ¥128.5).
Women’s Meijin League
With three rounds completed, there are only two undefeated players in the 34th Women’s Meijin League: Ueno Asami on 3-0 and Nakamura Sumire on 2-0.
Below are results since my previous report.
(Nov. 7) Ueno Asami, Women’s Hollyhock title-holder, (B) beat Ueno Risa 2-dan by resignation. This is the first official game between the sisters.
(Dec. 1) Ueno Asami (W) beat Suzuki Ayumi 7-dan by resig.
(Dec. 5) Nyu Eiko (B) beat Xie Yimin 7-dan by resig.
(Dec. 15) Ueno Asami (W) beat Kobayashi Izumi 7-dan by resig.
(Dec. 19) Ueno Risa (W) beat Suzuki by resig.
Tomorrow: Sumire’s progress; Promotions & retirements
