American Go E-Journal

This month in the world of professional go… April 7: 13-year-old Yang Dingxin 3P is in the news in China after defeating Piao Wenyao 9P to win the 12th Ricoh Cup. Yang, born October 19, 1998, set a new record as the youngest domestic title holder in China. He may well have broken other records too. Any record buffs out there? Write in and let us know! Elsewhere, China’s Wang Chenxing, extended her winning streak in the 2nd Huang Longshi Cup to eight consecutive games and was consequently promoted to 5P. The Huang Longshi Cup is an international win and continue tournament for women and Wang (almost single handedly) knocked out all of the Korean team and most of the Japanese team before Japan’s Xie Yimin 6P finally put a stop to it. Unfortunately for Xie, she was then left in the position of having to take on China’s four remaining players by herself. In the next game she was defeated by another youngster, Yu Zhiying 2P, and China took the Cup for a second year on April 9. Meanwhile in Japan, the Judan (10 dan) title match is underway, with title holder Iyama Yuta 9P leading Cho U 9P 2-1 in the best of five match. Iyama is defending the title after taking it from Cho last year. The next game is on April 18 in Osaka, Japan. On a lighter note, Choi Cheolhan 9P just won Korea’s Sipdan title (equivalent of the Judan). He took the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend, Yun Jihee 3P, on April 10. Choi had planned earlier to formally propose after winning the Maxim Cup in March, but his ambitious plan was foiled by Park Junghwan 9P. More about Choi Cheolhan and Yun Jihee here. Coming up this week, expect some exciting games as the BC Card Cup enters the round of 16 on April 12 and don’t forget about the Judan. See the professional go calendar for more details.
– Compiled by David Ormerod. Photo: 13-year-old Yang Dingxin 3P wins approx $40,000 USD in the Ricoh Cup.