China's Ma Xiaochun 9-dan took time off from his Transmillennium Game to meet his old nemesis Kobayashi Koichi 9-dan on 12 January 2000 in the first match between the winners of the Agon-Kiriyama Cups in China and Japan. Unfortunately for him, he came up against a rejuvenated Kobayashi and even home advantage in Beijing proved of no avail.
This game was played at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. The compound used to be an imperial dwelling and was a famous garden in Beijing. In 1959, it became China's State Guesthouse for heads of states or governments and other distinguished guests from overseas. Kobayashi was told that it was the first time a go event had been held there. With room rates of $3,500 for top suites, it's not surprising, but it perhaps shows the esteem in which he is held in China. The very top Japanese players are still normally reluctant to focus on international go, so it becomes a special occasion when they do.
HOW DOES THE JAPAN/CHINA AGON MATCH WORK?
The match is mainly sponsored by the Buddhist organisation Agon, based in Kyoto, which has sponsored many other cultural activities, including the Pacific Rim Book Prize. It also sponsors the respective tournaments (the Agon-Kiriyama Cups) in Japan and China.
The two participants are the champions of Japan and China in their respective Agon-Kiriyama Cups. The match is a single game. The prize fund details are awaited. Komi is 5.5 points or 2.75 points depending on the country in which the match is played.
Agon is the Japanese form of the Sanskrit Agama, referring to teachings of the Smaller Vehicle doctrine.
