The first game of the ``Kiosen'', one of the eight major shogi titles, was held in Toyama Prefecture, and the match between Sota Fujii (21 years old) and the challenger Takumi Ito (21 years old) was a match between each other. The game ended in a draw due to ``Mochi Shogi'', which eliminated the possibility of getting the ``balls'' stuck.
The first game of the ``Kioh Tournament'' was held in Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture, and started at 9 a.m. with Fujii Hakkan making the first move.
The game was played in the form of ``Kakuwawari,'' where the ``horns'' of the large pieces were exchanged at the beginning, and progressed at a good pace, with about 60 moves made in the first hour.
After that, both Fujii Hakkan and Ito Nanadan, who were on the back foot, continued to tighten their defense while waiting to see what would happen, and both sides' ``balls'' entered the opponent's territory.
Then, at 5:35 p.m., the game became a "mochi shogi" game in which there was no chance of each player's "balls" getting stuck after 129 moves, and the first game was a draw according to the regulations.
It is unusual for a title match to be called "Mochi Shogi," and this is the first time that Fujii Hakkan has been called "Mochi Shogi" in an official match.
In this title match, Fujii Hakkan won his second consecutive title in the Kioh Tournament, and is currently defending his title in the parallel Kiosho Tournament.
On the other hand, the challenger, Ito 7-dan, is the same age as Fujii Hakkan, and this is his second title match after last year's Ryuo match.
Last time, he lost to Fujii Hakkan with 4 consecutive losses, and this time it will be a revenge fight.
The first person to win three games in the fifth game of the Kioh Tournament will win the title, and the second game is scheduled to be held in Kanazawa City on the 24th of this month.
Sota Fujii eight crowns ``I needed a little deeper understanding''
After the match, Sota Fujii Hachikan reflected, ``I think we needed to be a little more aware of the situation because we were able to create a strong formation on the defensive end.''
Regarding the fact that it was his first time playing ``Mochi Shogi'' in an official match, he said, ``I wasn't aware of it at all,'' and added, ``I think I'll be on the back end in the second game, so I'll prepare well for the game.'' I want to go," he said.
Takumi Ito 7th dan “Development with great nerves”
On the other hand, Takumi Ito, 7-dan, said, ``We were aiming for a 'mochi shogi' game, but our 'balls' took more effort to enter the opponent's territory, so we had to be very nervous.The second game I think there will be a little bit of time between games, so I want to be well prepared."