Following are the quarter-finals contestants and their personal comments made about these events:

Four pairs which opted for quarterfinal advance by two successive victories at a primary

Ms. Izumi Kobayashi: "Without a doubt, it was tough. Somehow we managed to pull through as a team, and this is how we managed to prevail at the end, despite the difficulty we faced." Mr. Yamashita: "Nevertheless, playing 2 games back-to-back was pretty tough. Just as I felt like giving up, I glanced over to my right and found Izumi pushing herself, which gave me the courage to pull through for this victory as a team. If it wasn't for Izumi's determination in wanting to win, I don't think I could have been lured in the way I had."

Ms. Izumi KOBAYASHI Women's Honinbo and Mr. Keigo YAMASHITA Kisei
Ms. Yumiko OKADA Strongest Women Player and Mr. U CHO Honinbo/Oza

Ms.Okada: "Although I just play for time and depend on Honinbo, I am glad to have a game next week also." Mr. Cho: "Yes, I think I could have 2 good games."

Ms.Osawa "Since Mr.Yuki was so kind, and played right next me, I felt so reassured." Mr.Yuki: "Since we're both playing tenacious Go games, we may be the perfect pair."

Ms. Narumi OSAWA Women's Kakusei and Mr. Satoshi YUKI 9-dan Ms. Akiko TSUKUDA 4-dan and Mr. Kaiho RIN Meiyo Tengen

Ms.Tsukuda: "The first game was absolutely terrible, and we never did expect the game to end the way it did. It started out Okay, but towards the end of the game, the favor turned into our opponents favor. This turning point was so devastating, and I felt nothing but regret about this outcome, and I also felt a tremendous amount of guilt for my partner. At some point of the game, I also observed Mr.Rin has taken lightly because he sensed my grief." Mr. Rin: "I was about to give up, looking at the timing, but somehow we managed to pull through and won the game. Some people may thought it as luck, which led us to the second match, but I truly feel as it was Ms.Tsukuda contribution, which led us to this victory."

A primary is one loss per victory. Four pairs which opted for quarterfinal advance in the subsequent game.

Ms. Tomoko Kato: "I cannot deny to the fact that I made lots of bad moves, hence, I truly appreciate Mr.Cho tolerance. " Mr.Sonjin Cho: "Nevertheless, there is no way that I could have won the game by myself. This victory was achieved from team effort, and I could have not pulled through by myself - this championship pair does not come any better than this!"

Ms.Yashiro: "Recently, my game has been in a slump, and I have hardly won a single game. Despite all these bad games, I'm really relieved to have won." Mr. Ryu: "Ms. Yashiro is all fired up. Lately, I have been in a great deal of a slump, but I certainly hope I can find a way to seek results with my single's game as well. "

Ms.Inori: "Once again, I was pleased to pair up with Mr.Cho, as I have for the past consecutive 3 years. So this gave me the determination to WIN, and it had also helped motivate and comfort me as well." Mr.Chikun: "There's NO other alternative but to WIN this championship. Hence, because of our optimistic attitude, we had an advantage from the other teams."

Ms. Aoki: "Mr.Otake told me that he dislikes 9 X 9 line board, but we had to go through it and now we are the winner to go ahead. Mr.Otake is so kind..." Then, Chikun Honinbo the 25th questioned Ms. Aoki "why are you not honest ?" Unfortunately, 9-dan Mr. Otake was absent from the commendation ceremony. Ms. Aoki: " Well, Mr.Otake showed his disappointment often, and I felt it also." Everyone laughed with enthusiasm.

Finally, the best dresser prize was given to Ms. Sugiuchi and Mr.Yoda pair, who wore a traditional Japanese costume, which was stunning. The number of votes is twice as many as the second nominated pair.

Ms. Kazuko SUGIUCHI 8-dan who has prize handed from Mrs. Taki, Director of the Japan Pair Go Association

Ms. Kazuko SUGIUCHI 8-dan and Norimoto YODA Meijin/Gosei which won Best Dresser Award

Best Dresser Award lottery scene

Fortunately, the first and second round has ended peacefully.

Lastly, we hope that you enjoy the semifinal on December 13 (Saturday) also.

(Written by Ms. Taeko Ishii)