Samsung Cup

The Samsung Cup first started in 1996 and uses a rather convoluted draw. Though, arguably, it is fairer than a straight knockout format.
 
The 32 players in the main draw are split into 8 groups of 4. Players must win two games in order to proceed from the first stage; two players from each group will advance to the knockout stage.
 
In some ways it’s similar to the group stage of the FIFA World Cup, except that only two wins are necessary to continue.
 
The round of 16 and the quarter finals are played as a straight knockout.
 
The semifinals and the final are played as a best of three matches.
 
Samsung is a well known Korean conglomerate.

Go Commentary: Lee Sedol vs Gu Li – 17th Samsung Cup Final – Game 2

Gu Li 9 dan, slated to play a jubango with Lee Sedol.

This is the second game of three in the final of the 2012 (17th) Samsung Cup, played by Lee Sedol and Gu Li. After the first game, many fans anticipated that Lee would win 2-0, because they expected that Gu Li would be distressed and this game was played on the following day. Let’s have a look at the game…

Go Commentary: Gu Li vs Lee Sedol – 17th Samsung Cup Final – Game 1

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This is the first match of three in the final of the 17th Samsung Cup, played by Lee Sedol and Gu Li. Both Lee Sedol and Gu Li are among the most popular and well known players in the world today. Many Go fans were waiting in anticipation for these exciting matches, and I was also one of them…

Lee Sedol edges out Gu Li to win the 17th Samsung Cup

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On December 13, 2012, Lee Sedol defeated Gu Li 2 games to 1, to win the match and the title, at the 17th Samsung Cup. Lee Sedol won the first game of the match on December 11. It was such a spectacular and thrilling game to watch. Gu Li seemed to be dispirited after losing, but he won the next game on the following day, scoring a one sided victory over Lee…

Go Commentary: Choi Cheolhan vs Lee Sedol – 17th Samsung Cup

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This is the second game of the semifinal match between Lee Sedol and Choi Cheolhan at the 17th Samsung Cup. The semifinals of the Samsung Cup are played as a best of three match. Lee Sedol won the first game, so if he wins this one he’ll proceed to the final. At the time when this game was played, Lee Sedol was ranked #2 in Korea and Choi Cheolhan was ranked #3.

They’re back! Lee Sedol and Gu Li proceed to 17th Samsung Cup final

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On November 12 and 14, 2012, Lee Sedol of Korea and Gu Li of China ensured an early finish to the 17th Samsung Cup semifinals, both defeating their opponents 2-0. Choi Cheolhan looked decidedly uncomfortable during his games against Lee. Park Junghwan, who couldn’t overcome Gu this time, still has the Ing Cup final to look forward to…

Go Commentary: Gu Li vs Lee Sedol – Quadruple ko – 17th Samsung Cup

Lee Sedol 9 dan (foreground) and Gu Li 9 dan (far right).

This game is from the round of 32 (group stage) of the 17th Samsung Cup. It’s between Lee Sedol and Gu Li. This is the 29th game between Lee and Gu, and so far, their record is the tied at 14-14. Their games are always exciting and interesting to watch…

Experience trumps youth at 17th Samsung Cup

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On October 9 and 10, 2012, the knockout stages of the 17th Samsung Cup took place in Taejon, Korea. Perhaps due to the format of the Samsung Cup, this year’s semifinalists are more experienced overall than those we’ve seen in the lineup for other recent international tournaments…

Last 16 in the 17th Samsung Cup

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After all the excitement over the last few days, the group stage of the 17th Samsung Cup finally concluded on September 6, 2012. 16 players progressed to the knockout phase. As you already know, Gu Li (9p) and Lee Sedol (9p) made it through Group F after quite a bit of drama…

Quadruple ko in the group of death: 17th Samsung Cup

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On September 4, 2012, the group stage of the 17th Samsung Cup kicked off with much excitement and fanfare. On September 5, 2012, most of the attention was on Lee Sedol and Gu Li as they faced off in their 29th encounter. Sparks flew as Lee and Gu’s iron wills clashed and a quadruple ko formed…

Go Commentary: Won Seongjin vs Gu Li – 16th Samsung Cup

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This is the last game from the 16th Samsung Cup final. Won Seongjin won the first game of this series, but Gu Li made it a tie in the second game. This third game was the decider. Gu Li is currently number 1 in the world, according to the ranking system by Dr Bai Taeil. On the other hand, Won Seongjin is number 10. Gu Li has won seven international titles so far, but this is Won’s first time in a major international final.