Key Facts
• On August 16, Akira Watanabe (41) defeated Takayuki Yamazaki (44) in 171 moves.
• The match took place in Niigata City during the second round of the JT Cup.
• Watanabe used the Kin Yagura strategy, while Yamazaki employed the Gangi formation.
• Yamazaki initially gained the upper hand, successfully exchanging pieces and attacking Watanabe’s king.
• Watanabe countered with precise moves, including a decisive bishop placement at move 117.
• Yamazaki resigned after Watanabe reversed the game’s momentum.
• Watanabe had recently forfeited an A-Class ranking match due to illness.
• The semifinal match against Sota Fujii (23), a seven-title holder, is scheduled for October 12.
• This will be their first match since the 2024 Oi Title series, where Watanabe challenged Fujii.
• Commentator Osamu Nakamura (62) described the game as “magical” due to its dramatic turns.
Summary
Akira Watanabe secured a dramatic victory over Takayuki Yamazaki in the second round of the JT Cup on August 16, advancing to the semifinals. Despite an initial disadvantage, Watanabe turned the game around with strategic precision, culminating in Yamazaki’s resignation after 171 moves. This win marked a return to form for Watanabe, who had recently forfeited a match due to illness. His next challenge is a highly anticipated semifinal against Sota Fujii, a seven-title holder, on October 12. This will be their first encounter in a year, following the 2024 Oi Title series. Commentator Osamu Nakamura praised the match as “magical,” highlighting its intense and unpredictable nature.
