The first game of the Kisei kadoban [When a player needs only one more game to win the title] was played last Thursday and Friday (March 3-4), as Iyama lost the previous two games the score was now 1-3 in favor of Ichiriki Ryo.
This time, the game was played in Hotal Kagetsuen, located in Hakone, Kanagawa. Which lies 800m above sea level, and on a good day one might even be able to see Mount Fuji. The hotel has a history of hosting important Go (and Shogi) matches. This venue will also be where the next game will be played, in the coming week.
The Game
After the exchanges of 115 to 123 (of which the AI didn’t like a single move), Iyama took the lead and never gave it away. After an exciting fight that would involve the entire lower half of the board, Ichiriki resigned after move 213, being behind by almost 50 points.
Iyama is now only 2-3 behind and still has a chance to win the Kisei for the 10th consecutive time.