While all attention was on the Honinbo title match in Japan last week (or in my case, on the Tour de France), Jinli Mobile brought together some of the strongest pros in China for a mini tournament.
On July 17 and 19, Jiang Weijie, Kong Jie, Gu Li and Xie He (all 9p) faced each other over two days of intense play.
Xie He 9 dan tops a strong field at the Jinli Mobile Cup.
In the first round, Xie defeated Kong while Gu was too good for Jiang.
Xie He number 1
Two days later, Xie showed why he’s regarded as one of China’s best players, defeating last year’s winner, Gu Li.
At a post game interview, Xie He, ever the modest winner, said that he only won because his opponents gave him the opportunity to.
A renewed sense of purpose for Gu Li
Gu admitted that he didn’t take full advantage of the chances he had during the game. On future plans, Gu said that he will work hard to sharpen his play again and regain his ‘killer instinct’.
Runner up, Gu Li 9 dan, says he will work hard to regain his 'killer instinct'.
Jinli Mobile Cup
The Jinli Mobile Cup is an invitational tournament for a small group of top players in China.
In 2011, it was billed as the ‘Champion of Champions Cup‘ and the format was a three way play off between Kong Jie, Gu Li and Piao Wenyao 9p. In 2012, the draw was expanded to include four players, but remained invitation only.
Jinli Group is a big supporter of Go in China. Some Go fans may recognize the company as the major sponsor of the Chinese A League.
About Jing
Xie he is very strong, he won so many games. Thank you jing for the news.
Glad you enjoyed the games, Frédéric. Unfortunately for the Chinese players, their games were somewhat eclipsed by the Honinobo title matches. But I’m sure the sponsors are working hard to rectify that
http://www.go4go.net/v2/modules/collection/sgfview.php?id=17337
If you like Xie He, look this game. A masterpiece by Xie he.