Key Facts
• July 20, 2025: Xia Bing wins the 19th Asahi Amateur Go Championship.
• Defeated challenger Yoshiki Kurita in a best-of-three series, 2-0.
• Xia Bing, 32, resides in Kyoto; Kurita, 26, is from Chofu, Tokyo.
• Xia Bing previously ended Minoru Ozeki’s five-year winning streak in 2024.
• Kurita earned his challenge spot by winning the national tournament earlier this month.
• Xia Bing capitalized on Kurita’s mistakes to secure victory in both matches.
• Kurita aimed for his second title since 2018 but fell short.
• Xia Bing expressed satisfaction with his performance, highlighting his personal style.
• Kurita acknowledged his errors and vowed to improve in future competitions.
Summary
Xia Bing, 32, successfully defended his title at the 19th Asahi Amateur Go Championship, held on July 20, 2025, in Tokyo. He defeated challenger Yoshiki Kurita, 26, in a best-of-three series, winning both matches. Xia, who resides in Kyoto, had previously claimed the title in 2024 by ending Minoru Ozeki’s five-year reign. Kurita, from Chofu, Tokyo, earned his challenge spot by winning the national tournament earlier this month but was unable to secure his second championship since 2018. Xia attributed his victory to maintaining his unique playing style, while Kurita acknowledged his mistakes and expressed determination to improve. The event, organized by Asahi Shimbun and the Japan Go Association, showcased Xia’s dominance in the amateur Go scene.
