Pro Pair Go Ricoh Cup 2002 Report of the Lot-Drawing Meeting1-4

On behalf of all the pairs, the pair of 3-dan Ms. En Kin and 9-dan Mr. Masao Kato and the pair of 4-dan Ms. Yumiko Okada and 9-dan Mr. Sunao Hasegawa made remarks.

Ms. Kin: I am still a poor player. Please cover me, Mr. Kato.

Mr. Kato: Considering various cases, I have concluded that it would be difficult for us to advance to the quarterfinals if we win one game and lose one game on the first day. We have to win both games.

Ms. Okada: I am the luckiest person of all the players present today because I am here in place of Ms. Kikuyo Aoki. She has got pregnant and given up participating. I have good luck only.

Mr. Hasegawa: Players' skill in Go is not crucial. Good harmony between the paired players is important. Men from the Kansai area are so gentle that we can make our female partners relaxed. That is why Kansai Ki-in players have had very good results in this championship.

Lastly, I interviewed 9-dan Mr. Yoshio Ishida and 9-dan Mr. Masao Kato, who both have considerable experience in pair Go.

Q: What is the knack of playing pair Go?

Mr. Ishida: The key is how well the lower-skilled player can follow the higher-skilled partner. The higher-skilled player must lead his partner, taking account of the way his partner plays and thinks.

Mr. Kato: I feel that I have been progressing with pair Go year by year. Probably, I have been getting accustomed to it.

Mr. Ishida: If the paired players can pass the same judgment on the situation of the game, they would have a chance of winning.

Mr. Kato: Optimistic players seem to be more successful.

Mr. Ishida: Female players may not be able to fully demonstrate their abilities since they are not accustomed to playing games in public.

Q: Do you seriously compete in this tournament?

Mr. Ishida: Of course. It's quite natural for pro players to get serious when we sit before a Go board.

Mr. Kato: Once a game begins, I get serious. But I try to enjoy chatting with other players before and after the games.

Q: What are the pleasant elements of playing pair Go?

Mr. Ishida: There are many… But how well I can lead my partner is a point. When I am successful in leading my partner, I am very pleased. Endurance also may be pleasant…

Mr. Kato: It's interesting that games do not proceed at my own pace.

Q: Can you enjoy pair Go if paired with a male player?

Both players answered at once, "Never! We would be in an uncomfortable mood!"

In the Pro Pair Go Ricoh Cup 2002, serious games will be played by a total of 32 top players in an enjoyable atmosphere. The first and second round games will be held on December 8 at TEPIA Hall in Gaienmae, Tokyo.

--- by Taeko Ishii, Go game reporter


Mr. Kato:	Considering various cases, I have concluded that it would be difficult for us to advance to the quarterfinals if we win one game and lose one game on the first day. We have to win both games.

Ms. Okada:	I am the luckiest person of all the players present today because I am here in place of Ms. Kikuyo Aoki. She has got pregnant and given up participating. I have good luck only.
Mr. Hasegawa:	Players' skill in Go is not crucial. Good harmony between the paired players is important. Men from the Kansai area are so gentle that we can make our female partners relaxed. That is why Kansai Ki-in players have had very good results in this championship.

Lastly, I interviewed 9-dan Mr. Yoshio Ishida and 9-dan Mr. Masao Kato, who both have considerable experience in pair Go.
Q:	What is the knack of playing pair Go?
Mr. Ishida:	The key is how well the lower-skilled player can follow the higher-skilled partner. The higher-skilled player must lead his partner, taking account of the way his partner plays and thinks.
Mr. Kato:	I feel that I have been progressing with pair Go year by year. Probably, I have been getting accustomed to it.
Mr. Ishida:	If the paired players can pass the same judgment on the situation of the game, they would have a chance of winning.
Mr. Kato:	Optimistic players seem to be more successful.
Mr. Ishida:	Female players may not be able to fully demonstrate their abilities since they are not accustomed to playing games in public.
Q:	Do you seriously compete in this tournament?
Mr. Ishida:	Of course. It's quite natural for pro players to get serious when we sit before a Go board.
Mr. Kato:	Once a game begins, I get serious. But I try to enjoy chatting with other players before and after the games.
Q:	What are the pleasant elements of playing pair Go?
Mr. Ishida:	There are many… But how well I can lead my partner is a point. When I am successful in leading my partner, I am very pleased. Endurance also may be pleasant…
Mr. Kato:	It's interesting that games do not proceed at my own pace.
Q:	Can you enjoy pair Go if paired with a male player?
Both players answered at once, "Never! We would be in an uncomfortable mood!"