"Xiaoqiang, here, here! …… Hahaha, I haven't seen you for more than half a year. I feel like you've grown a lot taller...... Well, how? Are you sure you will go to Japan this time? You may not know, but Mr. Sakata has already made a bold statement, saying that he wants to learn your style as a Chinese "celebrity" on the chessboard...... By the way, it's been a while since you've played a competitive game, how are you doing? Do you want to let Qian Da and them help you practice your hands and find a sense of chess......

At the end of 89, Shencheng. After many days, Li Xiaoqiang appeared in the public eye again. Zhang Zhidong saw Li Xiaoqiang from a distance. He waved his hand as he walked this way. After the two people converged, reporter Zhang Da was even more excited like a real child, chattering there along the way.

Indeed, since the beginning of the year, after playing more than 10 trials before April. Li Xiaoqiang didn't play any chess for a long time. Therefore, he basically nests in his hometown. During this period, Li Xiaoqiang of course also participated in competitions such as the "Top Ten Battle". But the number of games in these games is very small, just a few games in total. And Li Xiaoqiang didn't get any good results, so he didn't get much attention.

What really made Li Xiaoqiang attract attention again was when he played in the Sino-Japanese Go Ring Tournament again.

This year, the tournament is in its 5th year. Due to the "Yingshi Cup", "Fujitsu Cup" and other world competitions have been held one after another. The attention of veteran chess fans is more attracted by these world championships. Therefore, the status of the ring competition is no longer as important as in previous sessions. But in any case, the ring competition is still very popular in China. Because there are a considerable number of Go enthusiasts, they have only started to come into contact with Go because of the ring competition. It's like Li Xiaoqiang in his previous life, such a group, they still have deep feelings for the ring competition. What's more, there aren't many World Series at the moment. Most of them are still in the initial stage. So at this stage. The ring match is still very much concerned.

The 5th China-Japan Go Tournament was actually launched in the first half of this year. Later, because of the domestic situation, Western countries clamored for "sanctions" against China. Because of this, the ring was interrupted for several months. By the time Li Xiaoqiang appeared, it was already the end of 89. In just a few days, a new era is about to come.

In the Chinese lineup in the ring match, Li Xiaoqiang came in fourth place. In front of him are Yang Bihai 3rd dan, Zhang Wendong 6th dan and Yu Bin 7th dan 3 chess players. It is precisely because these three chess players played well, and everyone won at least one game or more, which led to Li Xiaoqiang's belated debut.

Speaking of the Japanese lineup of this tournament. It can basically be described as "fame is greater than strength". The lineup on paper is very famous, and it is scary. But its real strength is estimated to be about the same as the lineup of the 4th session, and it cannot be compared with the previous 3.

Because there are several chess players in the Japanese lineup who are very famous, there are times when the media evaluate the Japanese lineup. The phrase "two and a half super first-class chess players" was used. The coach of the Japanese side of this ring match is still Masaki Takemiya 9dan. He competed in Japan, although the title of "Honinbo" was taken away by Cho Ji-hoon. There is no longer a title in the hand. But he is imposing on the international stage. Not only did they defend the Fujitsu Cup, but they also won the first Asian Cup, which had just been established. Therefore, according to his strength and form this year, he is of course a real super-first-class chess player.

And what about the vice-marshal of Japan? He's actually bigger. His status in the Japanese Go world should be much higher than that of Masaki Takemiya. He is the former overlord of the Japanese chess world, the senior of Sakata Einao, who is known as the "razor".

According to the level and strength of his old man, he is said to be a "super-first-class" chess player. That shouldn't be controversial. The problem is his current age, the old-timer is 69 years old this year, his peak has long passed, and his strength should be discounted a little. That's why he represented Japan in the ring. It is not considered to be a complete "super-first-class".

Interestingly, the "three generals" of the Japanese team are still a well-known chess player. He is still the former hegemon of the Japanese Go world. This person is Yoshio Ishida Kudan. However, compared to Sakata, Yoshio Ishida's situation is a bit special.

At this time, Mr. Ishida is not very old. is also a disciple of Mugu's sect, and his age is younger than Dazhu Hero and Lin Haifeng. and Masao Kato, Masaki Takemiya are similar. When he was young, these three chess players were called "three Yuwu under the Kitani Gate". Although Ishida Kudan is not ranked among the "six supers" in Japan. But when he was younger, he was much more fierce than Kato and Takemiya. The results were released much earlier than the other two.

At the age of 22, he won the title of "Honinbo" in Japan and completed the feat of "five consecutive hegemony" in one fell swoop. You know, when he brought together the two titles of "celebrity" and "honinbo" in Japan. He is qualified to assign certain years of Japanese chess to his name.

What many people don't know is that the term "super-first-class chess player" in the Go world is no longer his share. However, the first time this kind of reference appears, it is actually related to Mr. Ishida.

It was supposed to be in the mid-70s, and the 26-year-old Ishida Kudan held the three major titles of "celebrity", "honinbo", and "throne". You know, at that time, Japan's "chess holy war" had not yet been founded. As a result, he became a veritable "No. 1 person" in the Japanese Go world. At the same time, he also gave the Japanese chess academy a problem. Because his rank at that time was only eight dans. At that time, the rank of a professional chess player was still very important. There are already so many nine dan in the Go world, but the actual "first person" in the Go world is only an eight dan. This makes a lot of people feel awkward.

Therefore, some people have suggested that a chess player like Yoshio Ishida, who has "super-first-class" strength, should naturally be promoted to Jiudan. And the Japanese Chess Academy also followed the good flow, and in the same month that he won the three major titles, he was awarded a nine-dan "face".

It was from this time that the term "super-first-class" officially appeared in the Go world. And gradually become familiar with chess fans from all over the world, until they are familiar.

Regrettably, Mr. Ishida is the first person to be called a "super-first-class chess player". However, in the most familiar Japanese "six supers", there is no place for him. This is because after a few years of his brief success in the 70s, his level seems to have dropped suddenly. The two "Bamboo Forest", who are older than him, are still active in major title battles. From time to time, you can grab a few titles. Those who are younger than him are now in full swing. And he entered the 80s later. I can't get particularly decent results anymore. Therefore, when he appeared in the ring lineup, no one regarded him as a complete "super-first".

Takemiya can be regarded as a complete "super first-class", and Mr. Sakata and Mr. Ishida together can be regarded as a semi-"super first-class". This is the origin of the media's reference to "two and a half super-first-class chess players".

In fact, there should be some truth in saying that the Japanese lineup of this ring match is "more famous than powerful". When Li Xiaoqiang played, the Japanese team had already folded 6 generals, and only the last 2 players remained. The Chinese team, including Li Xiaoqiang, still has 5 generals who did not appear.

Prior to this, the Chinese team pioneer Yang Bihai won one victory in the third section. Zhang Liudan won 3 wins. Yu Bin won 2 wins. They have won so many sets and have laid a solid foundation for the Chinese team to win eventually.

Among them, it is worth mentioning Yu Bin's two wins. He defeated Hiroshi Yamashiro Kudan and Yoshio Ishida Kudan in succession. It has rushed to Mr. Sakata's account. In those two games, Yu Bin played at a very high level and also showed good competitive form. Considering that he won against strong middle-aged chess players. Therefore, everyone has a reason that the elderly Mr. Sakata should not be able to stop Yu Bin's progress.

But just when everyone was looking forward to Yu Bin directly "inviting out" the Japanese coach. Mr. Sakata surprisingly succeeded in blocking Yu Bin. Keep the suspense of the ring game alive. And judging from the content of the chess game, Yu Bin lost and had nothing to say. When Mr. Sakata was managing his own lone piece of chess, he made a clever move that decided the outcome of the game. When you see that move. I faintly remembered the style of the old-timers. "The Sakata of Treating Orphans" is indeed worthy of its name.

From this point of view, Yu Bin did not make a mistake and thus lose the whole game. Therefore, he has nothing to say about his loss. But what made Yu Bin even more depressed was that. It may be the words of Sakata in an interview after winning chess. may be precisely because of his words that the collision between Li Xiaoqiang and Bantian has attracted more people's attention.

"Congratulations to Mr. Sakata for winning this match. Your performance on the board is amazing! Let us vaguely see your style back then. I'd like to ask Mr. Sakata, how do you feel after winning now? And also. How old are you and how do you keep yourself in shape? ”

"Hehe, the mood after winning chess. That's certainly pleasant. There's really nothing to say, and I believe that my opponent can understand my feelings right now. Since I'm a professional chess player, I'm going to try my best to win on the board before I officially retire. It's our job, and that's the attitude that people of us should have. But I'm still very happy to win such a game. Because when I played this game, I still had a driving force. Luckily, I've won this game. My initial goal has been achieved. So I'm in a good mood right now. ”

"Oh? What you say makes us curious. You are also a big veteran in the Go world, what other big scenes have you not seen? May I venture to ask? What do you mean by "prime mover"? ”

"Hahaha, when I say motivation, I'm referring to my next opponent. Ever since he appeared in front of the world, I've wanted to play him on the chessboard for a while. So I have to win today's fight, and only by winning today's fight will I have a chance to fight him. You know, at my age, there aren't many people who have such good friends. That's why I cherish this kind of hand-to-hand meeting. Let's hope my opponent doesn't let me down. ”

"This, this...... Are you talking about Li Xiaoqiang, a talented teenager in China? But what do you say? We all know that you have been in the chess world for so many years, even if it was Mr. Wu back then, you have played against him many times. What kind of Go genius haven't you seen? What is it that makes you so eager to fight Li Sang? ”

"Hehe, I'm very old, and I've been immersed in the world of Go for most of my life. You're right, I've seen too many Go geniuses in my life. There are all kinds of types. But I've always thought that China's Li Sang is probably the most unique! His Go has a very strange quality. It is because of this quality that it seems to be very different, it attracts me deeply, it fascinates me! That's why I really wanted to see it on the board for myself. ”

"Ahh I see. I have to say, your attitude towards Go really makes us admire. Then we wish you the best of luck in your next game. And in the fierce collision with the opponent, leave a hand-me-down score......"

"Thank you for your good words and leave a good game in the game. This is the common aspiration of our professional chess players. From now on, there is still 1 month until the next game. During this time, I will try to recharge my batteries. I hope to adjust to a better competitive state. At the same time, I want you to tell my opponents. Tell him so, I've got all the equipment and want to be taught on the chessboard. I hope he doesn't look down on me as an old man, haha......"

This interview, which made Yu Bin feel a little depressed, naturally quickly spread back to China. In his article, Zhang Zhidong used a very stylish title to report on this game.

"It's like a game that has traveled back in time!"

It must be admitted that when Li Xiaoqiang first saw this title. He immediately recalled the bits and pieces of his interaction with reporter Zhang Da. After Li Xiaoqiang's careful analysis, it was repeatedly confirmed. He thinks that according to Zhang Da's usual performance, he should not be a traverser. As for why he was able to come up with such a bizarre title, one that will be flooded in later generations. It's not something that Li Xiaoqiang can explain.

But to be honest, Li Xiaoqiang is also very much looking forward to playing against Mr. Sakata. The age difference between himself and Mr. Sakata is more than 50 years. When Mr. Sakata was still in a certain competitive state, when he still had the desire to win, I was fortunate to meet him in an official competition. It was definitely an amazing experience.

Because the advantage of the Chinese team is relatively large. When facing this opponent, Li Xiaoqiang did not have the mood of "must win". This time he went to Japan with Li Xiaoqiang, as well as Qian Yuping Jiuduan, who appeared behind him. Li Xiaoqiang knows that in real history, it was Qian Yuping who defeated Sakata Eio and then took Masaki Takemiya. Helped the Chinese team win the final victory. Therefore, Li Xiaoqiang was in a very relaxed mood when preparing for this game.

"Actually, I'm in the same mood as yours, I hope you don't let me down......"

After a short rest, Li Xiaoqiang and Qian Yuping boarded a flight to Tokyo together. (To be continued......)

PS: Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, I wish you all a happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Then say 2 things:

First, some time ago, a friend in the IT industry helped build an official group of "Reborn Go Dream". It's a pity that I was abroad some time ago and didn't have much time to pay attention. I went in to take a look, and found that the group was very deserted now. And the people who are currently in it seem to be some friends from the IT industry. Welcome the book friends of this book to join the group, speak more, blow more water, and give more opinions to this book...... Fight to get rid of those who don't do their jobs. Hehe. The group number is (300738145) Welcome everyone!

Second, because I ruined my character some time ago, I don't want to explain anything more here. In the later period, I also decided to cheer up a little and update a little more diligently. It happens to be written at this stage, and there will be a few more chapter transitions, so let's treat Xiaoqiang's first stage as the end. Everyone is like the first volume of this book. Later, I also hope that when I write about the young Li Xiaoqiang, I can write a more exciting story. The reason why I talk about the group is that I hope that book friends will communicate with me more. Make more comments and suggestions. Let me benefit from this and let me write more brilliant bridges.

Thank you!