The waiting room which had been jammed with 16 pairs of 32 top pro players a week earlier was less crowded. In inverse proportion to the smaller number of players there, however, each player's determination to win seemed to be more obvious. Paired players were earnestly discussing their tactics or whispering to each other.

Seven-dan Ms. Yoshida, paired with Gosei Mr. Kobayashi, was seriously talking to her partner,

"In fact, Mr. Kobayashi, XXXXX."

It seemed that she was explaining 9-dan Mr. Yuki's tendencies in playing as she is a friend of Mr. Yuki and paired with him in a previous championship.

Mr. Kobayashi with a folding fan in his hand was nodding deeply.

"I see. Then, we should use this tactics," he answered.

hey seemed to have decided how to play against Mr. Yuki's pair.

It appeared that Mr. Yuki did not know that his opponent was analyzing his tendencies and considering how to cope with him.

"I've brought my lounge suit but forgot my dress shirt!"

said Mr. Yuki, and he hurriedly ran to the department store next to the hall to buy one.

"Mr. Ishida, please tolerate my poor moves today or I will cry,"

said Ms. Umezawa to her partner.

Ms. Umezawa was to play in the final game of the Women's Saikyo Tournament two days later. She may be one of the female pro players who has made the greatest progress this year.

Her partner Mr. Ishida became well known as a male player very severe toward his female partners. Because he was blamed by other players for being too severe, he seems to have changed his attitude this year. Probably that is why this pair successfully passed the first and second rounds.

This day also, Mr. Ishida just said, half telling himself,

"We will be all right. The most important thing is to enjoy playing."

"Should we make the first move at a star point or komoku (3-4 point)?"

asked 9-dan Mr. Takemiya.His partner Women's Honinbo Ms. Kobayashi hesitated in answering with her index finger to her mouth, "um……"。

After a while, she muttered something.

Although it had been considered that the difference in their playing style would make it hard for them to win, they exhibited a good combination. Based on the previous week's results, this pair is now considered to be a likely winner.

"I will just follow her,"

said Kisei Mr. O.

"I feel easy as I can leave all difficult moves up to my teacher,"

said 7-dan Ms. Konishi, expressing her complete reliance in her partner.Kisei Mr. O is said to be unsuitable for pair games because of his playing style. However, their mood was so good that I felt this pair may be successful this year.

The pair of 5-dan Ms. Koyama and Honinbo Mr. Kato looked calm and confident.

"We are ready. As we are a teacher and a student, we will be all right."

Ms. Ogawa and Mr. Yoda were discussing how to play, referring to game records. This pair also looked relaxed.

The 25th Honinbo Chikun, who had just finished competing in the Oza title match, sighed deeply, looking out of a window alone. Nobody was able to talk to him.

At last Gosei Mr. Kobayashi said to him, "You must be tired."Taking this opportunity, 5-dan Ms. Inori greeted Honinbo Chikun.

"We can easily win if we play as we usually do,"

answered Honinbo Chikun. At his words, 5-dan Ms. Inori cheerfully laughed. This pair is the top favorite.