The 2024 Championship Finals started with a bang as Philippe Renaut (White) engineered a massive kill to secure an early victory over Lu Xinqun (Black) in the first game of the best-of-three series.
In the review below, Philippe explains his thought processes and decisions during this fascinating fighting game. Veterans will enjoy the appearance of the now rarely seen (and horrendously complex) Magic Sword joseki.
The second (and potentially decisive) game will take place this coming Monday, April 22nd, at 8pm on OGS.
Philippe Renaut (3d)0
LUXINQUN (4d)0
| Komi | 6.50 |
| Rules | Japanese |
| Timing | 5400 |
| Overtime | 5x60 byo-yomi |
| Game Name | Irish Championship - Finale - Game 1 |
| Place | OGS: https://online-go.com/game/63486847 |
| Date | 2024-04-17 |
| Result | W+Resign |
Irish Championship Finale - Game 1
Obviously a lot of pressure in this game. LuXinQun is very very strong and recently defeated a 6d at the Confucius Cup amongst other impressive results. BUT, I have 4 reasons to think I can still win:
1. I just beat a 5dan, Alessandro Pace, in the Pandanet Cup, very good morale boost!
2. I won the finale last year again him so there is a small psychological edge+ it shows that I can do it
3. The game settings are extended for the finale with 90mns per player and 1mn byoyomi. I am a slow thinker so these time settings suit me a lot.
4. I am in a very very positive period of time in my life and stamina is super important for these key decider games to keep good focus and prevetn laziness in reading the variations.
The first game colors are decided on nigiri, when the game starts I realise I have white which I love. I had prepared a funny fuseki move but the configuration didn't allow me to play it, may be next game ;-)