Moriuchi's opening surprise fails
In the A class Junisen two games were played: Sato-Moriuchi and Tanigawa-Senzaki. Moriuchi surprised everyone with playing a new move very early in a well-known opening variation of the Mukaibisha (Opposing rook). He gave up a pawn for a rook promotion, but after the violent opening, things quieted down and the game resulted in a long positional middle game where Moriuchi got the advantage. However, Sato desperately attacked and managed to set a nasty trap at the same time. Moriuchi fell for it, and instead of winning material (as he expected) his king position suddenly was in ruins. From then on, Sato had no trouble winning the game. Moriuchi thus suffers his first loss and both players now have a 3-1 score.
They would be joined by the winner of the game between Tanigawa and Senzaki. Surprisingly, it was only their 6th encounter, with
Tanigawa leading 3-2. Senzaki played Sankenbisha and the game
developed into a tight double Anaguma position. As could be expected, in the end it was Tanigawa who took the risk by attacking with the knight of his anaguma castle. Even though he was not sure himself if this was good, he was rewarded for his positive play as Senzaki only realized that something had gone wrong until it was far too late. "I have never won a double Anaguma game playing with the Furibisha side", a disappointed Senzaki said after the game.
Maruyama and Goda in Kio semifinal
Kiriyama's dream of challenging for a major title after so many years is over. After beating Sato to reach the quarter finals, he could not do the same against Meijin Maruyama. Maruyama decided the R8e Yokofudori after 103 moves in his favour and will now meet Goda in the semi-final.
Goda starts with a win in Osho
In the Osho league Goda showed his great form as he scored his 7th consecutive win by beating Nakahara in only 75 moves. Nakahara refused to drop back a pawn on the rook file that was exchanged, but that turned out to be a positional blunder. Goda attacked strongly and because the king was close to the open rook file, Nakahara could not stop the attack. For both players this was their first game in the Osho league this year.
Shimizu needs one to Ladies Oi
Shimizu is very close to another Ladies Oi title after beating challenger Usui in the second game as well. Like in game 1, Shimizu had to work hard to win the game. She seemed to have the early advantage, but Usui found a strong attack that made the position very complicated. However, Shimizu kept her cool and in the end decided the game with a mate of more than 20 moves. Usui now has to win all three remaining games to take the title from Shimizu.
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