Lee Sedol completed his triumphant return to professional Go with a 3-0 win over Chang Hao in the BC Card Cup final. He also extended his winning streak to a phenomenal 24 consecutive games.

After he won the third game he gave an interview, which I translated.

Q: Congratulations on your 3-0 victory. It seems as though this tournament was made for you. What are your thoughts?
Lee Sedol: After I won the second game I thought I could win the tournament, but I did not think that I would win 3-0. I am extremely pleased. I would like to thank my supporters. I would also like to thank the sponsors, BC Card Company and its head, Zhang Hengde.

Q: Since your return you have won 24 straight games. Which one was the hardest?
Lee Sedol: The games against Kong Jie, etc. were very difficult, but the most difficult was against Park Younghun.

Q: You already had a streak of 32 straight wins. Do you think you could break this record?
Lee Sedol: That would take 8 more consecutive wins; so that would be difficult. Also, I will be playing some faster-paced games, which will put me under pressure. But, I am not too concerned about winning streaks.

Q: Why did you use so much time in the opening?
Lee Sedol: The opening was very difficult. I have not played or even seen that kind of opening. I believe my openings tend to be ver weak, so I spent some extra time.

Q: Previously you had mentioned that you wanted to be satisfied with your moves; were you satisfied with the games in the finals?
Lee Sedol: The first game was not bad, but the second one had mistakes. The third game did not start well, which I still regret.

Q: Now that you have snatched the title, what is your next objective?
Lee Sedol: I will take a short break, but I cannot relax after winning this title. I must keep up my intensity, and continue to strive hard.

Q: How much time do you spend studying Go each day?
Lee Sedol: I am not so diligent, but sometimes when I am watching TV I will suddenly start thinking of Go.

Q: Do you spend time thinking of "flying daggers?"
Lee Sedol: I do not do any special research...

Q: Before the match Chang Hao said that upon your return you have become more passionate about Go. Is this true?
Lee Sedol: Actually, no.

Q: In that case, what creates this strong desire to win?
Lee Sedol: Even in the past I always wanted to win, but it comes down to whether I can win the difficult matches. That is when my wins look imposing.

Q: What Chinese players are the most menacing?
Lee Sedol: Chang Hao, Gu Li, and Kong Jie are all very strong.

Q: Kong Jie's recent results have been quite good. You have had good results against him, though, no?
Lee Sedol: That was before Kong Jie began performing so well in international matches. Now we need to reset the records.

Q: Can anyone in Korea stop you?
Lee Sedol: I have played Lee Changho only in the special match for Haiti; I have not had any official matches against him. Aside from him, I have played my other opponents only once each, so there is no special significance. My games against Lee Changho are extremely intense.

Q: This November will be the first Yayun Cup. You and Lee Changho already made the Korean delegation. Do you have any suggestions for the Go world?
Lee Sedol: Haha, that is difficult to say. However, since I am already chosen to participate, I will strive to the utmost to get the gold medal.

Q: Today you revealed your strength; do you have anyone in particular to thank?
Lee Sedol: I have too many people to thank; it is difficult to make a list. My older brother, Lee Xiangxun 7p; Kingsfield Company, etc. I cannot omit my wife and daughter, of course.

Q: In your spare time do you spend time with your daughter?
Lee Sedol: I try to make some time (laugh). Right now I do not get to sing many children's songs for her.

Q: Are you going to teach your daughter Go?
Lee Sedol: If she shows an interest I could get her instruction, but I would not do it personally. Rather, I would send her to a school.

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I am Tartuffe from GoDiscussions.com

Luckiest daughter ever.

If only my dad was a professional Go player who would send me to a nice Go school.

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KGS: schultz [?].

His bother's name is Lee Sanghun, he is 7p.

Nice interview, anyway, I wanted to translate it myself.

Can I republish it on 9-dan.com? Under your name as "source"

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Sure!

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I am Tartuffe from GoDiscussions.com

Q: This November will be the first Yayun Cup. You and Lee Changho already made the Korean delegation. Do you have any suggestions for the Go world?

Yayun? you mean asian Games? The Asian Games will be held in november and go is one part pf it. it seems the Yayun here is Asian Games.

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My personal go blog. Covering tournaments, tsumegos, and interesting games http://unlimitedgo.blogspot.com

Ahh, that must be it. "Ya" refers to Asia, but I did not know the English equivalent. Thanks!

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I am Tartuffe from GoDiscussions.com

Thank you for the interview it was very pleasant to read it.



That would be extemely awesome, having a professional player as a dad. on my next life i wanto to have that luck

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There´s always more important things than someone´s dreams.

It's a good interview, but I think we're all glossing over the important thing.

Have you SEEN those games?! Holy crap, seriously, Lee Sedol ripped Chang Hao apart! I mean... jeez! It was just utter domination, I don't think I've ever seen Chang Hao that badly beaten before.

What kind of training did Sedol do over his break!?

Yeah, the games were pretty intense - especially watching one of them live with a few thousand watching.

Also, for those with GoGameWorld subscription, good news - all 3 games have been commentated, translated, and uploaded!

You are right, all three wins were pretty decisive. What is crazy is that Chang Hao is not doing so badly (he beat Choi Cheolhan and Park Junghwan to reach the final), but that Lee Sedol is so good.

The third game was very unusual--one pro doing live commentary said that the fuseki was very creative and reminded him of "abstract art." He joked about how he was not correctly predicting any of the moves in the fuseki. He also said that both players were playing as though they had five hours of thinking time instead of just two.

Yu Bin noted that Lee Sedol was reading the fights thoroughly and accurately within the byo-yomi period while Chang Hao could not read as accurately in that time, so Chang Hao did not really have a chance in the fighting.

I wonder if any of Lee Sedol's success has to do with having a lighter travel schedule. Gu Li and Kong Jie complain about how busy they are.

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I am Tartuffe from GoDiscussions.com

The study regimen of arguably the best Go player in the world is a sudden thought while watching TV...sometimes. He's mocking us mere mortals.

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"This is a game that rewards patience and balance. You must think like a man of action and act like a man of thought."
-Jonas Skarssen

Haha, he's clearly watching badukTV.

LOL. sounds logical

seems like he has more energy now

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My personal go blog. Covering tournaments, tsumegos, and interesting games http://unlimitedgo.blogspot.com

hahahaha

My problem is that when I am playing Go, I start thinking of what is on TV.

Best wishes.

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No aji, keshi, kifu or kikashi has been harmed in the compiling of this post.
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oops!