Some of you may remember periodic discussions about which countries immigrant players can/should represent in international competition. Via John Power, it seems that the rules that govern the Nongshim have been relaxed so that non-citizen professionals may represent the countries in which they live, meaning that Cho U will represent Japan for the first time since 2004.

Perhaps it's a good sign for Japan: the last time Cho played, Japan notched the most wins (6, compared to 5 for champion Korea, and 3 for China), though they still lost the title. Lee Changho beat Rin Kaiho in the final game.

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Occupy Babel!

Despite much ado about the players being sent out, Cho does have an international title under his belt. And he and the other seeded players for Japan do have rather fair records in international competition. So Cho being allowed to play for Japan makes me quite happy. I understand he imigrated when he was 10(?) but as someone who has been living in and play go professionally in Japan for so long it only makes sense in my mind.
I am more shocked at how lax this rule is though because the new pro Cho(Though I thought his name was Yo) Chito who qualified for the last spot on the team. I don't know details about when he came to take the test or how long he has been in Japan but given the age of 15 it's safe to assume not too many years(of course I may be entirely wrong).


So this makes me wonder, what exactly is the current standing on such rules more precise I wonder?