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50th Prague Go Tournament, Korean Ambassador Cup
By Tony Claasen | Articles | 13.05.2022 9:53| Views: 4163 | Comments: 1
Before I start my impressions of the 50th Prague Tournament, I need to apologise to all and especially to Vladimir Danek for the delay in publishing this article caused by some health issues.


With 168 players from 20 countries and 30 players younger than 15, this Jubilee tournament in Prague was a big success.

Organiser Vladimir Danek, happy to have so many participants and good sponsors, could be seen smiling almost all day – even though he was busy with the organisation and thus not able to play this time.

From the first round, many hard battles were seen on all boards – from the top to the bottom.
Also, in some cases, even the young players played more slowly and used more time than expected by most.



Stanislaw Frejlak - Vsevolod Ovsiienko

Download Sgf-File

This years sponsors:


"Palírna U Zeleného stromu" or "GreenTree Distillery", purportedly the oldest distillery in Europe (founded in 1518), producer of Old Hunter's Whiskey.

"Sungwoo Hitech", automobile components manufacturer for Hyundai.

IMG_20220424_172217
The winner, Kim Dohyup 7d


The Czech Champion, Lukáš Podpěra 7d

Tournament director Vladimir Danek observing Pavol Lisý 2p at work


Stanisław Frejlak 1p – concentrating or daydreaming?

A K-pop dance group performed during the opening ceremony: their leader is Dita Vasova, a 1-kyu player.

Here is the group in action at the EYC 2022, also held in Prague


Free tea provided by LuYu Tea and Mr. Tomas Bryl.

Tea


More Tea



Benjamin Dréan-Guénaïzia-Pavol Lisy

Download Sgf-File

I had never seen so many young players in one tournament, apart from at the European Youth Championship.

Youth meets experience


Experience meets youth


Javier-Aleksi Savoiainen - Ali Jabarin

Download Sgf-File



All results can be found here.



After the Tournament I was able to have a short interview with the winner, Kim Dohyup 7d.

1. At what age did you start to play go?
At 6 years old, Korean age 8. I was born in 1993.

2. Who introduced you to the game?
My parents.

3. What are your goals with regards to go?
To participate in all the competitions around the world to promote the game. Before Corona, I often brought people from Korea and participated in competitions in Europe, Southeast Asia and so on with the goal of promoting go in the world.

4. Do you have a favourite top player from the past or present?
Lee Changho 9p.

5. Which Baduk player would you most like to talk to, if it were possible?
I don't think anything will change, even if I talk to a professional.

6. What would you like to ask him?
Apart from the sponsor who hosts the tournament, I would like to talk to the Korean Baduk Association Chairman.

7. Is there a player from the past or present you would like to play a game with?
I want to play against everyone in the world. At the request of their Go Association, there have been many times when professionals have played Go for free in Japan and Southeast Asia.

8. How do you like the tournaments in Europe?
I like them very much. Unlike the fierce competition at Korean tournaments, this seems like a tournament where everyone can simply enjoy go.

9. Will you stay longer in Europe, and do you plan to play more tournaments?
I have to travel back and forth from Korea each time, I can't stay long because I don't have enough money and or a place to stay. I want to participate in all the tournaments I can afford to attend. Starting this year, I've been introducing go overseas. I want to take a lot of people to 2022 EGC, but it seems that it is still difficult due to Corona. (testing regualtions etc.)
50th Prague Go Tournament, Korean Ambassador Cup

This article was written by Antonius Claasen

Born 31th of January 1962, in 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands
started playing go 1979
Promotion to 1 Dan in 1981, after the Go Congress in Linz.
Promotion to 4 Dan in 1985 After the Go Congress in Terschelling.
Eurpean Champion 13X13 in 1984
European Team Champion in 1985, together with Frank Janssen and Joost Cremers.
I have 5 children and live at the moment in Hamburg Germany.

Comments:
Elom
#1
25.09.2022 17:49
I wish you the best!
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