Changjiang, Hainan Province — In a groundbreaking performance at the 15th Chunlan Cup, China’s Yang Kaiwen has secured his place in the final, marking his first appearance at a major world tournament in the ancient board game of weiqi, also known internationally as “go”.
The 27-year-old Yang showcased exceptional skill and tenacity by defeating South Korea’s defending champion Byun Sang-il in a thrilling semifinal match. Playing with the black stones, Yang overcame Byun in the deciding set, a victory that underscores his rising prominence in the world of weiqi.
Yang’s journey to the final has been marked by a series of impressive victories. Earlier in March, he made headlines by defeating South Korea’s top-ranked player Shin Jin-seo in the round of 16, a match he later described as the most significant of his career. Building on this momentum, Yang advanced through the competition with confidence and precision.
During the second phase of the Chunlan Cup held in Hainan, Yang continued his formidable performance by overcoming his compatriot and world champion Li Xuanhao. His unwavering focus and strategic prowess led him to prevail over Byun Sang-il, securing his spot in the final.
The upcoming final, scheduled for next March, will see Yang face off against South Korea’s Park Jung-hwan, who triumphed over Japan’s Shibano Toramaru in the other semifinal. The anticipated showdown promises to be a captivating clash between two of the game’s leading talents.
Yang’s ascent in the world of weiqi captures the attention of enthusiasts and analysts alike, highlighting the dynamic landscape of Asian competitive go. His achievements reflect the depth of talent emerging from China’s weiqi circles and set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Chunlan Cup.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
