The fourth game of the 79th Meijin Title series 7-game match,where Saitou 8-dan was challenging Watanabe Meijin was held at Fujiiso Ryokan in Takayama Village on May 19th and 20th. Score was Watanabe Meijin two win, Saitou 8-dan one-win.
Takamiya village is located in northern part of Nagano prefecture , which took about 3 hours by Hokuriku Shinkansen (Fastest train in Japan) , local train and bus from Tokyo.
There are a lot of valuable sightseeing places in Takayama villages. I can not write all of them, so l introduce one of them ,which is Yamada onsen(hot Spring). It is one of the best and secluded hot springs in Japan, which has been worked for more than 200 years after its opening in 1798 and located in which is surrounded by mountains of Joshinetsu Highlands.
Sente was Watanabe Meijin. Watanabe Meijin chose Yagura, Saitou 8-dan chose central house. Ameba commentator “ Takeshi Fujii 9-dan said “ Central house was not popular about a decade ago because king`s shape is not strong. “ Yagura VS Central house is very unique in Meijin Title Series.
AI sore was equal at opening and middle game. Watanabe Meijin attacked from 5th and 6th file by exchanging bishop for silver. Saitou 8 dan made horse in enemy camp and used knight, joining pawn , opposing pawn and dangling pawn in offence.
Middle game and end game was very headed game. Saitou 8-dan focused on speed instead of losing material and approached Watanabe Mijin`s king by using gold, silver and rook.
On the other hand ,Watanabe Meijin tried to escape king to the right side and to defend Saitou8-dan`s attack to wait for chance. AI evaluation was Saitou 8-dan`s predominant at one time but it was difficult for Saitou-8dan to approach Watanabe Meijin`s king.
Watanabe Meijin had a chance to make a counter check and made a threat mate. Saitou 8-dan let his king escape to 5 th rank and tried to let the king escape up the board. Watanabe Meijin read through.
Watanabe Meijin won with 133 moves. Compared with the second game and third game, It was a long game because game finished at 21;15.
If he wins the fifth game, he will defend Meijin Title for the first time. The fifth game will be held at May 28 th and 29 th. Don`t miss it.
