TOKYO, Apr 10 (News On Japan) –
The prestigious Meijin title match, the oldest of the eight main shogi titles, has commenced in Tokyo. The reigning champion, 21-year-old Sota Fujii, who final 12 months grew to become the youngest ever Meijin, is being challenged by Yoshiharu Toyoshima (33), who’s in search of to reclaim the title for the primary time in 5 years.
The first sport of the Meijin match passed off at a lodge in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. The challenger, Toyoshima 9-dan, entered the taking part in room first, adopted by Fujii, who took his seat on the board. The end result of the piece toss decided that Fujii would play first. The sport started at 9 a.m., with Fujii taking a sip of tea earlier than pushing a pawn ahead within the rook’s file, whereas Toyoshima, taking part in black, moved a pawn to open up the bishop’s diagonal, advancing the opening section of the sport.
Last 12 months, Fujii achieved the Meijin title on the youngest age in historical past and subsequently grew to become the primary particular person ever to carry all eight main shogi titles concurrently. This 12 months, he has already defended his titles within the Osho and Kio tournaments and is at present within the midst of defending his title within the Eio match.
On the opposite hand, that is Toyoshima’s third problem for the Meijin title since 2020, and he’s aiming to win it for the primary time in 5 years. Both gamers hail from Aichi Prefecture, and their head-to-head file reveals Fujii main with 22 wins to Toyoshima’s 11. This is their fifth encounter in a title match, with Fujii having received all earlier conferences. The Meijin title match is scheduled to run till June, with the primary participant to safe 4 wins claiming the title. The end result of the primary sport is anticipated to be determined within the afternoon of the eleventh.
Source: NHK