On April 24, the first round of the second “Quzhou Ranko Cup World Go Open” ended at the Hilton Yilin Hotel in Quzhou, Zhejiang province. Taiwan’s top Go player, Hsü Hao-hung, faced a defeat against Japanese Go master Yuta Iyama, thus failing to advance to the round of 32.
Yuta Iyama, born in Osaka, Japan in 1989, is known for his bold and aggressive style of play. Despite his decreasing dominance with age, he still holds the titles of “Go Saint” and “Throne” in the Japanese Go world. In contrast, Hsü Hao-hung, born in 2001, has been dominating the Go scene in Taiwan, winning multiple championships in prestigious tournaments.
Their encounter in the Ranko Cup can be seen as a battle between the new and old generation of Go leaders from Taiwan and Japan. The match was intense, with both players showcasing their strategic skills and determination.
In the game, Hsü made a crucial move that was initially seen as advantageous, but Iyama’s strategic gameplay and deep analysis turned the tables, leading to a reversal of the situation on the board. Despite Hsü’s efforts to regain control, a series of decisive moves by Iyama ultimately sealed his victory.
The competitive spirit continued with other players from Taiwan and Japan facing off in the tournament. Notably, Japanese female Go player Aisaki Ueno demonstrated impressive skills by narrowly defeating a Korean opponent and advancing to the round of 32.
After a day of intense battles, the organizers conducted a draw for the round of 32 matches to ensure fair matchups. Players from China, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan advanced to the next stage, setting the stage for more exciting showdowns.
The upcoming matches in the round of 32 promise to be thrilling, with players from different countries competing for the coveted title in the “Quzhou Ranko Cup.” The tournament, organized by the Chinese Go Association, follows traditional Chinese Go rules and offers substantial prize money for the champions and runners-up.
The world of Go continues to witness fierce competition and strategic brilliance, as players from different nations showcase their skills and determination on the board. The next round of matches will unfold on April 25, further intensifying the competition and showcasing the diversity and talent within the global Go community.