China's Ma Tianfang 8d scored five straight victories to win the inaugural Nanyang Cup World
Amateur Weiqi Invitational Tournament. US representative Jeremy Chiu 7d finished 9th with a 3-2 record.
Representatives from thirty-two countries and regions were invited to compete at Singapore's historic Ee Hoe Hean Club from February 27th to March 2nd. The tournament took place alongside the finals of the World Weiqi Masters Championship, a competition for top professionals won by Shin Jinseo 9p, and the Distinguished Masters Championship, featuring invited legends Cho Hunhyun 9p, Nie Weiping 9p, and Takemiya Masaki 9p. It was jointly organized by the Singapore Weiqi Association and Chinese Weiqi Association.
“This was an amazing experience!” Chiu reports. “With prize money on the line, many countries sent their best players, so the field was incredibly strong. I also appreciated the opportunity to meet many of the world’s strongest pros.”
Singaporean young star Chen Yihan 5d scored the upset of the tournament by defeating Korea's Jeong Chanho 8d en route to a 5th-place finish. Japan's Ozeki Minoru 7d finished second and Thailand's Wichrich Karuehawanit 6d finished third. Full results are posted here.
photos: top: Jeremy Chiu 7d (US) vs Jeong Chanho 8d (Korea); bottom right: Chiu with world #1 Shin Jinseo 9p; bottom left: Group photo at the award ceremony