Who will win the WAGC 2010

[HermanHiddema]

The World Amateur Championship 2010 will be held at the end of this month (May 24-31). Who do you think will win? Will it be one of the big three again, or can someone else cause an upset, like Hong Kong did in 1986?

I've listed all players 6 dan and 7 dan. A full list of contestant can be found at: http://www.nihonkiin.or.jp/amakisen/wor ... tants.html

I'm hoping to see some upsets from the up and coming younger players, such as Debarre, Mitic and Blomback. Debarre has certainly shown he can do it, defeating both Catalin Taranu and Fan Hui recently.

[SoDesuNe]

Although there are not exactly the same people playing as in the past tournament, the ranks are pretty similiar. So I think, the big three will make it again because they have just the better enviroment to become stronger.

But well, maybe one of the not-asian(-country) 7Ds can surprise, you never know =)


post scriptum: Ah, Debarre, right, I heard quite much about him (compared to other amateurs). We'll see ^^

[Phelan]

I would also like to see some of them get good places.

I'm expecting one of the top three to win it, though. Not knowing the players, I can't really tell which, but the competition to get there seems much fiercer.

[TMark]

I'm glad you're not burdening me with any unrealistic expectations.


Best wishes.

[Solomon]

Sweden - Fredrik Blomback!

[Violence]

... Big Three?

... Guys... North Korea is entering this year. I think we need to change this to Big Four.

Remember how they did at the WMSG?

For those of you who don't, Jo Tae Won took the gold in the ama-only event, with players like Jie Li, Hu Yuqing, and Victor Chow, along with the other Chinese rep, and both South Korean reps, who made it to the top 8.

Yeah. It's going to be a fun tournament to watch.

[Phelan]

Hmm, good point.

[Solomon]

Also, is there just no competition in Hong Kong? It seems Chan Nai San goes every single year -_-.

[Violence]

I think Chan Naisan just wins the qualifier every year. I believe the next strongest in HK would be kghin, but I don't think he's ever won the qualifier.

[Jonas]

I think North Korea will win but of course I'm rooting for Christoph, hope he can get some formidable result as our german representative!

[HermanHiddema]

... Big Three?

... Guys... North Korea is entering this year. I think we need to change this to Big Four.

It takes for than one success to make a "big four". The current "big three" China, Japan and Korea, have been dominating the WAGC for a long time, just as they've been dominating professional go for a long time. If and when North Korea shows consistent long time results internationally, it may be able to lay claim to some kind of "big" status. Maybe ten years from now, but certainly not this year.

[tapir]

... Big Three?

... Guys... North Korea is entering this year. I think we need to change this to Big Four.

It takes for than one success to make a "big four". The current "big three" China, Japan and Korea, have been dominating the WAGC for a long time, just as they've been dominating professional go for a long time. If and when North Korea shows consistent long time results internationally, it may be able to lay claim to some kind of "big" status. Maybe ten years from now, but certainly not this year.

Well, North Korea does not have a professional system, so it basically send its best player (if it sends one at all).

[DrStraw]

I'm glad you're not burdening me with any unrealistic expectations.


Best wishes.

Well, with all the times you been, doesn't experience count for anything? How many times is this now?

[TMark]

ALL the times? I went to the WAGC previously in 1998. Once. Only once. At least I did win half my games, going into the final round with a chance to win 5, but it was not to be. However, as Dirty Harry says, a man has got to know his limitations.

Best wishes.

[hackinger]

Hi,

I am not sure if I should vote for the youngest or the oldest. The player from Taiwan
is an 11 year old student. On the other hand the player from Poland has obviously been around
with his 481 years. Cannot make up my mind.

Cheers

hackinger