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Cotsen Open Day 1: A surprise player, delays, dignitaries and free tacos

A surprise walk-in Saturday morning may be all that stands between Mark Lee 7d and his fourth consecutive Cotsen Open title. Andy Liu, the East Coast-based 1P, decided to make the trek to Los Angeles with some friends, and, like Lee (right, relaxing between rounds), was 3-0 at the end of a long day that started 90 minutes late due to delays following Friday night's downpour and pairing issues. 

Neither top player had any trouble dispatching their opponents, however, and the clash of titans could occur as soon as Round 4 Sunday morning, set for 10:30, and, failing that, almost certainly the final round, unless one of the other strong players manages to pull off an upset. Despite the delays and overcast skies, the 155-strong field was in good spirits, enjoying casual games and of course the free Korean tacos from the Kogi food truck as well as free shoulder massages throughout the day. Tournament founder Eric Cotsen personally greeted each player as they waited on line to register and explained his mysterious Cotsen Go Tournament poster. Local go fans who are early risers can check out the pro-pro game Sunday morning starting at 8a at the Korean Cultural Center, featuring Yilun Yang 7P. The day began with a visit by visiting Korean dignitaries (left), who welcomed the assembled go players to the Korean Cultural Center, which has hosted the annual Cotsen Open for a number of years now. On hand were Kim Wan-joon, Consul General of Korea in Los Angeles, Kim Nakjung, Director of the KCCLA, Oh Seung Keol, President of the Korean Education Center, Los Angeles, Sen Neung-uk 9P, Na Jong Hoon 8P and Ahn Dal Hoon 9P. - report/photos by Chris Garlock