by John Power
Chen Zijian Shines in Agon Kiriyama Cup
Chen Zijian 8-dan of China, just 24 years old, is a new face internationally. He claims
he’s not good at fast go, but he won the Chinese version of this title and then won the international playoff with Japan. The game was played in Xian City in China on December 26 and, taking white, he defeated Ichiriki Ryo by resignation. China now leads Japan 19-6 in this series.
Shibano Reaches Chunlan Cup Semifinal
Shibano Toramaru did well to reach the semifinals of this Chinese-sponsored
international tournament, beating Chinese stars Shin Minjun 9-dan, Yang Dingxin 9-dan and Ding Hao 9-dan, all players who have won international titles. In the semifinal, though, he was unable to get past Park Junghwan, a Korean player who was the world’s top-rated player for a number of years. I do not yet have the results in the final.
Awards and prizes for 2024
58th Kido Prizes
Most outstanding player: Ichiriki Ryo Kisei
Outstanding player: Iyama Yuta Oza
New star: Fukuda Kotaro Ryusei
Women’s prize: Fujisawa Rina
International prize: shared by Ichiriki and Ueno Asami
Most wins: Fujisawa Rina: 53 (27 losses)
Best winning percentage: Miura Taro: 80.39% (41-10)
Most successive wins: 13: Mutsuura Yuta 8-dan and Tsuruta Kazushi 7-dan
Most games played: Fujisawa Rina: 80
Top Prize Money Earners of 2024
1: Ichiriki Ryo – ¥121,815,066 (~$852,882)
2: Iyama Yuta – ¥57,449,414
3: Shibano Toramaru – ¥48,370,316
4: Fujisawa Rina – ¥35,187,216
5: Ueno Asami – ¥20,390,526
6: Kyo Kagen 9-dan – ¥15,562,094
7: Yamashita Keigo 9-dan – ¥13,423,000
8: Seki Kotaro 9-dan – ¥11,952,000
9: Fukuoka Kotaro 7-dan – ¥11,645,000
10: Ueno Risa – ¥9,770,000
Remembering Two Great Teachers
Two respected professionals passed away in December:
•
Nagahara Yoshiaki (1939–2024): Known internationally for classic instructional books and teaching tours in the U.S. and Europe. Promoted to 9-dan posthumously.
•
Tozawa Akinobu (1940–2024): A Kitani Minoru disciple who reached 9-dan in 1981.