Re: Following Nakamura Sumire
Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2019 1:10 am
I was interested to see the latest report and pro opinion on Sumire after her record-breaking exploit of becoming the youngest ever player in Japan to enter the main even of a tournament. She won through both the B and A Preliminaries of the Women's Kisei at age 10 years 5 months. This was a long way ahead of previous record holder Fujisawa Rina (13 years 5 months). And before the Cackling Carrot claims she had an easy ride, I expect Rina had the same rites of passage.
Sumire is off for 2 weeks summer holiday in Korea, playing fast games, and will not appear in the main Women's Kisei until September/October. But we have apparently already seen some significant changes.
Physically she has lost quite a bit more puppy fat and now has a disarmingly confident smile and pose, which I could easily imagine striking dread into the hearts of opponents, but which certainly does no harm to her public popularity. 40 reporters from 20 media organisations turned up for game with Kimu Hyonjon. At the press conference, Kimu said her opponent made some great moves in the middle game and showed she is both fast and accurate in her reading. In fact the most important feature of this game may have been the fact that Sumire did not cave in when she fell behind. She has learned to fight back.
Referee Yamashiro Hiroshi 9-dan was impressed, too. He noted that the content of the recent game was much better than her first official game, and as the next step he was looking forward to seeing how she plays in games with long time limits.
Sumire is also fast learning the language of pro go: "I was happy I was able to win. I will also strive to do my best in the main event." And not yet 11! Reminds me of Honinbo Shusai when he was young, practising his calligraphy to be ready for the day when he signed fans for fans.
The image of Sumire below is from the entrance to the Nihon Ki-in shop in Yurakucho. Beyond that she is not being exploited too overtly for publicity there. Her name was used to sell some flim-flam for kids such as badges. The main publicity focus is still very much on Iyama.
Sumire is off for 2 weeks summer holiday in Korea, playing fast games, and will not appear in the main Women's Kisei until September/October. But we have apparently already seen some significant changes.
Physically she has lost quite a bit more puppy fat and now has a disarmingly confident smile and pose, which I could easily imagine striking dread into the hearts of opponents, but which certainly does no harm to her public popularity. 40 reporters from 20 media organisations turned up for game with Kimu Hyonjon. At the press conference, Kimu said her opponent made some great moves in the middle game and showed she is both fast and accurate in her reading. In fact the most important feature of this game may have been the fact that Sumire did not cave in when she fell behind. She has learned to fight back.
Referee Yamashiro Hiroshi 9-dan was impressed, too. He noted that the content of the recent game was much better than her first official game, and as the next step he was looking forward to seeing how she plays in games with long time limits.
Sumire is also fast learning the language of pro go: "I was happy I was able to win. I will also strive to do my best in the main event." And not yet 11! Reminds me of Honinbo Shusai when he was young, practising his calligraphy to be ready for the day when he signed fans for fans.
The image of Sumire below is from the entrance to the Nihon Ki-in shop in Yurakucho. Beyond that she is not being exploited too overtly for publicity there. Her name was used to sell some flim-flam for kids such as badges. The main publicity focus is still very much on Iyama.
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