China’s Hu Yaoyu Wins 6th Nongfu Spring Cup Go Masters

Hu Yao Yu Triumphs at 6th China-Japan-Korea Nie Weiping Cup Go Masters Tournament

Chengdu, China – The sixthChina-Japan-Korea Nie Weiping Cup Go Masters Tournament concluded in Chengdu on November 17th, 2024, with Hu Yao Yusecuring a dramatic victory. In a nail-biting final, Hu, known as one of the Three Musketeers of China’s junior Goplayers, edged out reigning champion Wang Xinghao by a mere quarter of a point, claiming the coveted title and a 200,000 RMB prize.

The Nie Weiping Cup, established in 2019, holds a unique position in Chinese Go history as the first tournament named after a specific player. This prestigious event brings together top Go masters from China, Japan, and South Korea, serving as a vital platform for sporting and cultural exchange.Now a Chengdu tradition, the tournament significantly contributes to the city’s development as a world-class sporting destination. Its growing influence is evident in its expanding reach since its inception. Legendary Go player Nie Weiping himself, present at the opening ceremony, expressed his pride and hope for the tournament’s continuedsuccess, stating, I hope this tournament can continue for another 60 years.

This year’s tournament featured 16 players from the three nations, divided into senior and junior groups. The competition attracted a stellar lineup, including former world number one Lee Chang-ho, eight-time champion GuLi, former Samsung Cup winner Luo Xi He, Zhou Heyang (a member of the famed Seven Dragons generation), and Japan’s Heisei Emperors Yamashita Keigo and Takao Shinji, alongside South Korea’s former prodigy Mu Jin Seok. The presence of these Go legends injectedfresh energy into the event. Chengdu native Zheng Zaixiang also participated, having qualified through the domestic selection process.

The final saw a clash between two Chinese players: the seasoned Hu Yao Yu (42) and the rising star Wang Xinghao (20), both emerging victorious from their respective group matches. Wang, playing black, initially held a strong position, but Hu’s resilience and a crucial miscalculation by Wang in the mid-game allowed Hu to seize the lead. The final stages were a rollercoaster of strategic exchanges and near misses, culminating in Hu’s narrow but triumphant victory.

Following hiswin, Hu, a frequent visitor to Chengdu for competitions, commented on the city’s vibrant Go community: In my opinion, Chengdu has a wonderful Go atmosphere. Competing here feels like coming home.

The sixth Nie Weiping Cup underscores Chengdu’s growing prominence in the international Go scene and highlights theenduring appeal of this ancient game. The tournament’s success promises a bright future for the competition and for the continued development of Go in China and beyond.

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