Pro 8-dan Oya Koichi, who has a track record of supporting minor events, won the first Phoenix Cup at the end of July, pocketing half a million yen in the process. This event, run by an amateur organisation, was open to all pros and amateurs and, fittingly, the first final was between a pro (Oya) and an amateur, Samejima Ichiro, who overcame pro Yamada Takuji 6-dan in the semi-final.

150 players took part. Apart from the two pros just mentioned, the event also attracted Shi Hongyi from China, a former runner-up in the World Amateur Championship. He finished third.

This inaugural event was held over three days, 20, 22 and 24 August, at the Shinjuku and Takadanobaba Schools of the Go Academy in Tokyo.

The event, sponsored by the Nihon Igo Renmei, is open to pros and amateurs of any nationality. The full Japanese title is Phoenix (Hoo) Cup Open Tournament.

It is run as a knockout. The final sixteen all earn yen cash prizes as follows: 1st - 500,000; 2nd - 200,000; 3rd - 100,000; 4th - 50,000; 5th to 8th - 20,000; 9th to 16th - 10,000.