The first game of 69th Ouza Title series 5 game matches , where Kimura 9-dan was challenging Nagase Ouza was held at Hotel Metropolitan Sendai in Sendai city on September 1th.
Sente was Nagase Ouza. Game form was bishop exchange. Movement was very fast at the opening and middle game. Each thinking time is 5 hours in Ouza Title Series. Before lunch break, Nagase Ouza spent only 1 hour and 4 minutes, Kimura 9-dan spent 1 hour and 44 minutes. Total movements were 79 movements.
Nagase Ouza was better in situation balance. Kimura 9-dan`s king was in danger because his rook blocked King`s escape route and his pieces on board did not work efficiently.
I thought that Nagase Ouza would win, but there was a drama at the end game.
There was a big turnaround in the end game. Nagase Ouza focused on defenses, which was his style. Kimura 9-dan moved rook from 3th file to 9th file to attack enemy camp.
Nagase Ouza took kimura 9-dan`s lance (attacking piece), but it was a doubtful movement.
Kimuara 9-dan put bishop in enemy camp and was better in situation balance. Finally, Kimura 9-dan approached Nagase Ouza`s king.
Kimura 9-dan dramatic came from behind win with 128 moves. This game taught us that shogi is a reversal game. The second game will be held on September 15th. I am looking for next game.
