37th Kisei

[handa711]

Move 109 in game 6. That's something I would never think of.

[Uberdude]

Iyama won game 6, thus taking the Kisei title 4-2 and becoming the first player to hold 6 titles simultaneously. I hope he wins the Meijin for all 7 and then, having conquered Japan, he can turn his attention to conquering the world and give Japan a much needed boost in international Go.

Congratulations Iyama Yuta!

[p2501]

Amazing

[handa711]

I was cheering for Cho U but Iyama is so impressive. I think I just became a fan. Like person above me said, I hope he starts making progress in the international scene.

[ez4u]

English language article on Iyama in the Daily Yomiuri Online (Kisei sponsor).

'...Commenting on Iyama's innovative and flexible moves, Ishii [Kunio, his teacher] said, "His talent blossomed as he played go matches online in which he could act in a free and easy way without facing opponents."...'

Perhaps this is also a good time to reread JF's earlier profile of Iyama.

[Uberdude]

I hope he wins the Meijin for all 7 and then, having conquered Japan, he can turn his attention to conquering the world and give Japan a much needed boost in international Go.

Good signs that Iyama himself thinks the same in the article ez4u linked:

Iyama expressed his hope to hold all seven major titles, saying: "It's my ultimate goal, and the idea of holding all of them simultaneously is very attractive. It's a difficult goal but I want to try."

He also turned his eyes toward international competition, saying, "I want to prove Japanese players can fare better in international tournaments [in which players from China and South Korea have so far done better]."

Anyone know which title match is next? In other words does he need to defend some of his existing titles before the chance to pick up the Meijin?

[Vesa]

Anyone know which title match is next? In other words does he need to defend some of his existing titles before the chance to pick up the Meijin?

He needs to defend only three titles and also win the Meijin league. Judan, Honinbo, Gosei and 4 rounds to go in Meijin league.

Cheers,
Vesa

[Uberdude]

Thanks Vesa. According to Mr Kin's website:

Judan: Iyama is 1-0 up in the Judan title match against Yuki Satoshi, with the remainder of the games mostly in April. He's 11-2 in head-to-head so seems he'll defend that.

Honinbo: Cho U and Takao Shinji are leading the league after 5 rounds with perfect scores.

Gosei: 2nd of 5 rounds of selection tournament in progress.

Meijin: Iyama and Hane Naoki on 3-1 (Iyama lost to Takao, Hane to Cho), Cho U on 3-0.

[gustav]

There's a really nice Japanese TV documentary from this year about Iyama on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtwhLyZzpnE
I think the footage alone makes it worth checking out even if you don't know any Japanese.

[deja]

There's a really nice Japanese TV documentary from this year about Iyama on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtwhLyZzpnE
I think the footage alone makes it worth checking out even if you don't know any Japanese.

Awesome video! The level of strain displayed while playing, especially from Cho U, was something I hadn't seen before. Gotta love Cho's reactions to Iyama's move at 5:04. Thanks for sharing this, Gustav.

[Uberdude]

Uh oh, looks like Yuki Satoshi might spoil Iyama's party as he is now 2-1 up in the Judan title match so Iyama has to win the next 2 games (it's best of 5). Game 4 is on April 19th.