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At 1:15 pm, the opening ceremony started.
First, Mr. Masatake Matsuda, the head of this championship
and the chairman of Japan Pair Go Association, went up on
the stage and gave a speech.
Mr. Matsuda said, “I am very pleased that many people came
here. I am hoping that Pair Go which is different from any
other games will help more in the development of the Go world.
Now, the final will start soon. I hope you all enjoy as you
think you are playing with the professionals. “ |
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Mr. Matsuda was followed by Mr. Hideo
Otake Honorary Gosei, the chief judge, who went up on the
stage.
Mr. Otake said, “I am surprised to see so many people here
today. Also, the game will be broadcast live on the internet
which people in 120 countries are observing. For the professionals,
they must be happy. At the same time, we are thinking that
we have to live in a dignified manner since many people are
supporting. I hope it will be a great time for you all. Please
enjoy and try to gain something to become stronger, today.” |
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| Then, Mr. Ichiro Yoshikuni (the honorary chairman
of the Japan Pair Go Association), Mr. Hiroshi Hamada (a supreme
advisor of Ricoh Co. Ltd, a head of the tournament committee) and
Mrs. Hiroko Taki (the trustee of the Japan Pair Go Association)
were introduced and then Yoshio Ishida 9dan who will do the commentary
and Tomoko Ogawa 6dan, the listener, went up on the stage. As an
interviewer, Akino Izawa 3dan turned a microphone to them. |
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Izawa 3dan said, “In today’s game, what
is the good focal point?”
Ogawa 6dan said, “Actually, Okada and Yamada pair lost against
Suzuki and Cho pair at the first round. I think it is a drama
for them to play again at the final. Okada and Yamada pair
must be excited to wipe out the shame. But both pairs seemed
relaxed and they were saying that they are looking forward
to the game. I am hoping to see a great game.” |
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| Ishida 9dan said, “At the lottery, we
were guessing that the winner will be Suzuki and Cho pair
or Imin Shei 3dan and Satoru Kobayashi 9dan pair. None of
us paid much attention to Okada and Yamada pair (audience
laughed). But at the semi final, they won against Shei and
Kobayashi pair and I think they started to be in sync with
each other playing through the games. Both pairs are in sync
with each other, so it will be an interesting Go. |
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| And then, now, the 2 pairs, 4 professionals,
came up on the stage. They received flowers from Mrs. Hiroko Taki
and they proceeded to their seats. |
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