East-West Duel at 2013 Amateur Meijin
Annalia Linnan | Published on 8/4/2013
Wu Poyi carried the flag for Taiwan at this year’s Japanese Amateur Meijin. Coming to Tokyo by way of Miaoli County, he represented Hong Mal-geun-saem’s dojo in the final face-off against Korean-born Osaka resident Hong Suk-eui (left). More than an east vs. west grudge match, though, Poyi had everything to gain. This was his first major amateur tournament in Japan and Suk-eui has held the title for the last two years. As if that were not enough, Suk-eui has also enjoyed extreme success in the Agon Kiriyama Cup when he defeated seven pros including a victory over a 9-dan that put him in the top 16, not to mention the half dozen amateur titles he has won in his home country. A tall order for any challenger. “If I lose to him, it will be only natural,” Poyi said. Though Poyi fought hard in the first game and had a decent lead in the second game, Suk-eui won both games by resignation. He is the first player to win the Amateur Meijin three times and hopes next year to make it four. For more about Poyi and the 2013 Amateur Meijin, visit the official IGF website. – Annalia Linnan, based on a report by the International Go Federation