From: Jonathan Tisdall <jtisdall <at> C2I <dot> NET>
Date: 10 dec 1999
Subject: Re: This week in Shukan Shogi (no. 818, December 8th 1999)

I was struck and amused by the disdain for an invitational tournament which
grudgingly earned a bit of respect since it had the 12 strongest pros. In
chess circles, such an event would get the world's absolute attention.

It would be interesting for me to know a bit about the background of this -
if a shogi tournament isn't a vast open, it isn't respectable? Is the JT a
round robin? Are there any strong regular all-play-alls, or is this looked
upon the way chess has traditionally looked at knockouts?

I love a good culture clash.

Also, I would like to learn more about Maruyama - he seems to be everywhere
suddenly.

jt

At 15:06 10.12.99 +0900, you wrote:
>If Shukan Shogi opens with the victory of Maruyama in the JT Series, it
>is clear that there were not many exciting professional games last week.
>Admittedly, the JT Series is a strong tournament with the 12 strongest
>professional, but it is only an invitation tournament. I guess JT needs
>the publicity now the Japanese government has opened its attack on
>tobacco by announcing extra tax that will increase the price of a pack
>of cigarettes with 40 Yen. Still, it was a good win by Maruyama over
>Habu, showing perfect judgement even in quick play. Maruyama ends a
>great year by taking the last tournament victory.
>