Pair Go RICOH CUP 2009 [ Ricoh Cup First and Second Rounds ]

Now, it was getting time to start the games.

When I looked around the waiting room, I found a pair with a lot of confidence. The pair was Imin Shei Women's Honinbo / Women's Meijin and Yuta Iyama 8dan. Both of them are 19 years old and are the youngest pair in this championship. They played in the same pairing in another event. By the way, Shei Women's Honinbo / Women's Meijin participated in the "1st World Mind Sports Games" representing Chinese Taipei in the Pair Go game and received the silver medal.
Iyama said, "We are perfect. We will be all right."
Shei said, "If he says so, it will be all right."
Their comments are the same. It seemed there is no fear for them but...

Then, Yukari Umezawa Women's Kisei walked pass and said, "Oh? Iyama kun, you look nice today. Especially, your glasses and hair style." Then, strong looking Iyama 8dan started to be embarrassed and the color of his face started to turn red.

◆・◆・◆

It was time for the participants to enter the hall. Then, the opening ceremony started.

The MC was Ms. Miyoko Goto.
She said, "To do the ceremony smoothly, I will need your support."

At first, Mr. Shinji Yazaki, the vice-president of the Japan Pair Go Association, went up on the stage to make a speech.
Mr. Yazaki said, "As an organizer, I am happy and thankful to have the 15th championship. The all star championship, at the end of year, is becoming more popular each year. This year, the "1st World Mind Sports Game" was held. The mind games, bridge, chess, checkers, Chinese chess and Go, were gathered together and the games of Pair Go, too, showed excitement. I am happy to see how Pair Go which was born 20 years ago in Japan is spreading all over the world. At this championship, by the result of the lottery, the 19 year old pair is born. Also, splendid professionals have gathered so I hope you all enjoy the exciting games. I would like to thank Ricoh company for their support. I thank Yomiuri Newspaper, Nihon Ki-in, Kansai Ki-in and other people who are involved."

Then, Mr. Hiroshi Hamada, the supreme advisor of Ricoh company and the head of the tournament executive committee, Mr. Hideo Otake the chief judge, Mrs. Hiroko Taki, the trustee of the Japan Pair Go Association, 24th Honinbo Shuho (Yoshio Ishida 9dan) and Tomoko Ogawa 6dan were introduced.

Then, the participants were introduced. When each pair was called, there was big clapping from the over 1,000 fans.

The MC, Ms. Goto explained the rules of this championship.
● 1 move is within 30 seconds, 10 times of 1 minute thinking time
● Mistake turns is 3 stones penalty
● 4 pairs who win 2 games proceed to the quarterfinal
● 8 pairs who win once and lose once will play 9×9 Go board game to decide pairs who will proceed to the quarterfinal. 4 pairs who win the 9×9 Go board game will proceed to the quarterfinal.
● On 9×9 board game, 1 move is within 30 seconds, 3 times of 1 minute thinking time

When the participants sat at their table, Mr. Otake, the chief judge, declared the start of the games. Mr. Otake said, "Thank you very much for coming to this championship. For the participants, the games are very serious so please observe without disturbing the games. If you take a good look at those professionals, I am sure you will be stronger. I hope you follow each move and think. Now, please start the game."