The semifinals ended. The finals will be played between the pair of Ms. Yoshida and Mr. Kobayashi and the pair of Ms. Inori and the 25th Honinbo Chikun. These players expressed their determination to win as follows:

Ms. Yoshida: "Today again, I have made Mr. Kobayashi frustrated much. But we were able to win maybe because I threatened Mr. O." Mr. Kobayashi: "Mr. Cho seems to be focusing all his energies on this championship now. Today, we barely won both games. I can almost realize how Izumi will play but can't foresee what moves Ms. Yoshida will make. But I am very glad that she made the winning move at the decisive point."

Ms. Inori: "I am happy to have advanced to the finals. I am thankful to Mr. Cho for being very tolerant of my mistakes." Mr. Cho: "My sadness over the Oza title match has been healed by today's winning. Now this is the only championship that I could get. I think that this championship should be counted as a title because it is more difficult to win games by two players than by oneself. (laughter)"

The final game is scheduled for the new year. It will be played on Sunday, January 26 at Ebisu The Garden Hall.

by Taeko Ishii (Go game reporter)