Unboxing Old Photos: Go Master Wang Li-cheng's Road to Three Consecutive Kisei Titles

Throwback Photos: Go Master Wang Li-cheng's Road to Three Consecutive Kisei Titles. Central News Agency. (CNA Website) April 19, 2002: Japanese-based Go player Wang Li-cheng held his Kisei enshrinement ceremony in Tokyo, posing for a photo with Wu Qingyuan and Lin Haifeng. This rare historical moment captured three generations of Go masters together. Hailed as Lin Haifeng's successor, Wang Li-cheng's Go journey began in childhood. In 1966, at just 8 years old, he showed promise in the "Central Daily News" Youth Go Tournament. In 1970, Japanese Go player Kanō Yoshitarō IX dan visited Taiwan, played against him, and greatly admired his talent, encouraging him to develop in Japan. The following year, Wang Li-cheng moved to Japan and lived with Kanō, embarking on the path of a professional Go player. During his time as an insei (apprentice), Lin Haifeng was very caring towards the young players. Wang Li-cheng, along with Wang Mingwan and others, would gather at their teacher's home monthly. The "Grand Master" Wu Qingyuan also personally attended and provided voluntary guidance. This upbringing led him to enter the Kisei tournament at 17 when he achieved the rank of 3-dan, and he gradually accumulated strength in Japan's most demanding title matches. The Kisei tournament, along with Hon'inbō and Meijin, is one of Japan's three major tournaments, featuring the highest prize money and fiercest competition. In 1986, during the 11th Kisei tournament, Lin Haifeng failed to reach the final decision match for the top Go player for the first time, while Wang Li-cheng advanced for the first time, symbolizing a generational shift for Taiwanese players in top Japanese competitions. After years of refinement, Wang Li-cheng earned the right to challenge for the 24th Kisei title in 1999. In 2000, he defeated Cho Chikun 4-2 to win his first Kisei title, subsequently achieving three consecutive victories. He once said, "The greatest benefit comes from matches because they require intense focus. Every move must be made with care, and after the game, 'reviewing' it from beginning to end to study and ponder means I won't make the same mistake again. That's progress." To see more photos of Wang Li-cheng, visit the Central News Agency Image Space. 1150415. Support with your donations protects the power of press freedom. Download the CNA "Firsthand News" app for real-time updates. Text, images, and audio on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization. Keywords: None.