American Go E-Journal » Europe

With an early U.S. Go Congress this year at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, there are just two days of overlap with the European Go Congress in Pisa, Italy.  “For the hard-core go enthusiast, what better way to celebrate than a full three weeks of high quality go across two continents!” says USGC Co-Director Diego Pierrottet. This year, the 34th USGC is sponsored by the National Go Center July 21-28 while the 62nd EGC is hosted July 27-August 12 by the Italian Go Association.

Here’s a message from Francesco Potortì, the main organizer of the 2018 EGC:

“The Italian Go Association and its community welcome you to the 62nd annual European Go Congress in the historic city of Pisa! From July 27th until August 12th over 1100 players from 45 countries will be our guests, breaking all records for EGC attendance up to this point. Here is what you can expect from our congress:

The European Go Championship is of course our main event where the very best of Europe will be competing for fame and fortune. Alongside however, everyone can take part in the Open European Championship (ten rounds MacMahon over the course of ten days), as well as lots and lots of side tournaments and lectures by accomplished teachers. Aside from the professional players attending as official EGC teachers though, a large amount of high-ranking professionals will also visit as attendees. This continues the trend from last year’s EGC in Oberhof, Germany, when Zhang Tao 6p gave our strongest players a run for their money and won the Open Championship. We look forward to a congress with top quality gameplay in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Outside of playing game itself, we offer afternoon and full-day excursions (on Wednesdays) to the many neighbouring cities in the Tuscany province (e.g. Florence, Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena, Volterra). Of course if you don’t mind spending time on a longer trip, you can catch a flight to any of the nearby cultural hotspots of central Europe. Or if you just want to relax after a hard-fought game, the Mediterranean sea and Pisa’s beaches are within arm’s reach.

Click here for further details, news, results, and more.

The prize pool for winners in all the EGC tournaments combined (incl. vouchers and non-cash prizes) exceeds 35.000 EUR (~40.500 USD). This is made possible by proud sponsorship from the European Go Federation and other generous sponsors. See you in Pisa!”

Traditionally Orsay is the first (in all senses of the word) tournament of the new year in France. It allows players to meet up again and to break their New Year’s resolutions – I’m going to make 5 dan by Wednesday. As usual it took place in Bouvêche, a unique building in the grounds of the Orsay castle. 59 players took part, 18 of whom were dan level, most where from locals Île de France, but others came from Brittany, Rhone Alpes, Alsace, and elsewhere. As befitting France, the food available was also an important element, and special mention must also be made for Anne-Claire who prepared around 15 Galette des Rois (a traditional cake) for the players to enjoy. Inseong Hwang (8-dan) was on hand to give commentaries to the tournament participants.

At the top of the table, the big winner with five victories, there was Gao Jiaxin (7-dan), who had helped many of the young players at the local Orsay club progress. In second place with 4 victories was Benjamin Blanchard (4-dan). After this several players trailed in with 3 victories apiece.

Other notable performances: Guillaume Ougier (1-kyu) with 4 victories and a loss to his sister (we expect a good atmosphere at their house) ; Li Liyun (13-kyu) 5 victories ; Robin Rouillon (17-kyu) 4 victories. Remember their names for the future.

– Ian Davis, based on original article by Benjamin Hellouin
 photos: Anne-Claire and Julien preparing the food; Ariane Ougier – Jiaxin Gao; photos by Ralf Wurzinger