The 32nd World Amateur Go Championship will be held from May 29th to June 1st in Matsue, Shimane prefecture, Japan. The championship is among several events planned to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the completion of Matsue Castle.

Here is a message that Ranka online has received from the organizers explaining why the 32nd WAGC is held in Matsue:

Why the World Amateur Go Tournament is held in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture

Poster of Matsue’s 400th anniversary celebration

A deep connection exists between Shimane and the game of Go, being home to many professional players such as Honinbo Dosaku who is credited with formulating the modern day Dan-ranking system during the Edo period and Honinbo Kunwa who was active in spreading the popularity of Go overseas using his own personal funds. Go is popular in the area even this day with some superb professional players coming from this prefecture along with a whole host of Go aficionados.

In order to host this historical world tournament the Shimane Prefectural Government and Matsue City formed an executive planning committee, working in cooperation with Local Go Associations, International and Cultural exchange organizations.

We hope that through this tournament and the range of events planned, we can introduce the history and culture of Shimane, deepen exchanges and demonstrate some of the wonders that Shimane and Matsue city have to offer to all of the tournament participants who are coming from all around the world.

______________________________________________________________________

Hirata (left) and Kan Ying (right) at the 17th WAGC

This year more than 50 players are expected to take part in the tournament played using the Swiss system with 8 rounds. Among them the youngests are  the thirteen year olds Chi Hin CHAN 6d of Hong Kong and Sebastian MUALIM 3d of Indonesia.

Former world champion Hironori HIRATA, 8d of Japan, with his 84 years is the oldest player who ever played in the championship. In 1995 Hirata won the 17th championship with a score of 7-1.

Starting May 27 Ranka online will provide full coverage of the championship.