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Zhaonian Chen Wins Gotham Open as Tournament Go Returns to Big Apple

Zhaonian (Michael) Chen 7D (right) won the Gotham Go Tournament January 12, topping a capacity crowd that filled the Soho Room at the historic Hostelling International New York on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Chen's 4-0 sweep earned him the $300 top prize and included a convincing win over Andy Liu 1P (left) in the second round. Liu took second place and Kim Dae Yol was third in the open section.  The field included a healthy mix of new players and "old-timers" who were happy to see tournament go returning to the New York go scene after a multi-year drought. The tournament drew from as far away as Washington, with DC organizer Haskell Small 2D making the journey up to play, and as near as 106th Street, as former AGA President Roy Laird 3K walked over to join the festivities. The American Go E-Journal's Chris Garlock and John Pinkerton  broadcast top-board games (see links below) on KGS with live commentaries by Gansheng Shi 1P -- who also did live audio commentary, which was very well-received by nearly 200 players -- as well as Hugh Zhang. Tournament organizer Peter Armenia -- who even got a round in himself -- pronounced himself "pleasantly surprised and very pleased" at the turnout, which included a half-dozen top-ranked players. "Thanks to everyone for coming out," Armenia added, "we hope to make this a regular event, so stay tuned!" Matthew Hershberger directed the 4-round tournament. Other section winners were: 3D-1D: Willis Huang 3D; 1K-4K: Todd Blatt 1K; 5K-9K: Gino Choung 5K; 10K+: Yuga Suzuki 12K. Look for complete results to be posted soon. Round 1, Board 1: Chen-Kim Round 1, Board 2: Lee-Hong Round 2, Board 1: Liu-Chen Round 3, Board 1: Lee-Chen Round 3, Board 1 (Lee-Chen) Commentary by Gansheng Shi 1P Round 3, Board 2: Liu-CreeksRound 4, Board 1: Chen-LockhartRound 4, Board 2: Liu-Lee  photo by John Pinkerton