Sakai Hideyuki's first major title challenge

[hyperpape]

Sakai Hideyuki will challenge Cho U for the Gosei this summer. He previously won the Kansai Kiin First Place title, but this is a lot more competitive. Of course, I wouldn't give him more than a 1 in 4* chance of winning, but this is already a nice achievement for him.

So far the most notable fact about Sakai Hideyuki is that he became pro as a 5-dan at the age of 28, after winning the World Amateur Go Championship.

* This number is really arbitrary--I just mean that he's a substantial underdog. He's 2-2 vs. Cho U, but that's a small sample.

[Peter Hansmeier]

Sakai Hideyuki will challenge Cho U for the Gosei this summer.

I was looking forward to another Yamashita Keigo vs. Cho U matchup, but Yamashita Keigo did not play well against Sakai Hideyuki last night. My money is on Cho U as well. He seems to be back in good form this year (14-6 as of 5/6, including a win against Sakai Hideyuki in the Meijin League), though Sakai is also doing well this year (15-5 as of 5/6).

[Tryphon]

So it's hikaru vs. Kadowaki ?

[Vesa]

I'm happy that Sakai is near a breakthrough. I remember chatting with him at the dinner table after the WAGC, like "Who's your go teacher?" "Fujisawa Shuko." "Ehh."

Cheers,
Vesa