May 1975
By
Keith Arnold
Posted: 2025-05-04T10:00:00Z
On May 1, eighteen year old Chō Chikun, 6 dan, defeated "elder" Kitani disciple Katō Masao 8d, 28, in a third straight game to win the Pro Best Ten title, becoming the youngest title holder in history. (Game record: Game Three)
Chō Chikun defeats Katō Masao to win the Pro Best Ten tournament.
The younger generation was again in action on May 8 as Takemiya Masaki tied at 6-1 for the lead in the Hon'inbō League. On this date he played veteran Sakata Eio for the right to challenge Ishida Meijin Hon'inbō. However, it was the older generation that prevailed. Moreover, on the 15th and 16th, and the 28th and 29th, Sakata's expertise in shinogi, the art of managing weak groups, was on full display and he defeated Ishida in the first two rounds of the title match. (Game records: Game One, Game Two)
Over 40 players attended the 2nd Maryland Open on May 25. Defending champion Shin Kang 6d repeated as champion. The 49th edition of this event will take place over Memorial Day weekend on May 24 and 25. Details and registration at https://www.baltimoregoclub.org.
Shin Kang wins the 2nd Maryland Open, defending his title from the previous year.
Photos from Go Review and American Go Journal, game records courtesy of SmartGoOne