From: Reijer Grimbergen FU IS SAGA-U AC JP> Date: 21 aug 2001 Subject: Oi match game 4 Habu has turned the Oi match into an exhibition of his superior talent as he just won game 4 to beat challenger Yashiki in straight games for his 9th consecutive Oi title. As the game was played in my home town or Saga, I was able to see right in front of my eyes how Habu's never say die mentality can dig him out of almost any hole. When I arrived at the playing venue at around five in the afternoon, commentator Tanaka feared that the game would be over soon and quickly held a "next move contest" among the audience for fear of not having another chance. Yashiki's position was overwhelming and Habu could only wait and see where the axe would fall. Or so it seemed... However, as time passed it became clear how good Habu really is at creating difficulties for his opponent. A clear win for Yashiki wasn't found and even though he seemed to keep his advantage, Habu built a minefield of threats that were not so strong in themselves, but could suddenly come alive after a Yashiki mistake. At the moment I have no idea where Yashiki went wrong, but he finally stepped on one of Habu's mines in byoyomi and lost after 177 moves. A remarkable display of fighting spirit, rewarded with another title. More on the game next week, Reijer -- Reijer Grimbergen Department of Information Science Saga University Honjo-machi 1, Saga-shi, 840-8502 Japan Tel: +81-(0)952-28-8821 Fax: +81-(0)952-28-8650 E-mail: grimbergen fu is saga-u ac jp URL: http://www.fu.is.saga-u.ac.jp/~grimberg/