The Seattle AGA Chapter hosted the fourth annual Washington State Championship Dec. 13-14
at the Seattle Go Center, bringing together players from across the region for two days of competitive play and reunion. The event drew 16 participants, including several visitors from out of state, and offered a welcome break from the heavy rain affecting western Washington.
This year’s championship was won by Keny Jin (6d), who finished undefeated by winning all five rounds. The title match came down to a dramatic final round, in which Michael Wanek (4d) lost by just one point and Jin secured the state title.
Zhihong Yao (3d) finished in second place, with Michael Wanek (4d) taking third. Notably, the Washington State Championship has now crowned four different champions in its four-year history, with no repeat winners to date.
In the handicap division, Bryan Walsh won all five of his games to take first place. The youth prize for most wins by a player under 18 was awarded to Woody Lai.
The Seattle AGA Chapter thanked the American Go Association for its continued support of state championships, and the American Go Foundation for its support of youth participation and events.
Photo: Washington State Championship winners (left to right): Michael Wanek (3rd place), Keny Jin (1st place), organizer Kyle Burg, and Zhihong Yao (2nd place). Photo courtesy of the Seattle Go Center. Report by Kyle Burg, Seattle Go Center Programs Manager