The third game of the 80th Meijin Title series 7-game match, where Saitou 8-dan was challenging Watanabe Meijin was held at Agora Fukuoka Hilltop Hotel & Spa in Fukuoka city on May7th and May 8th. Fukuoka City is my home town. Score was Watanabe Meijin two-win.
Sente was Watanabe Meijin. Game form was Bishop exchange.
Saitou 8-dan made horse and put horse on the 5 th rank. Watanabe Meijin swung rook from 2rd file to 8rd file. I thought it was a new style.
After 48 moves, Watanabe Meijin were thinking about 49 moves for about 1 hour and 49 minutes, which was the longest thinking time on the first day. He had 2 choice on the 49 moves, but he chose sealed move on 50 moves. The reason why he chose sealed move was that he wanted to think about deployment all day instead of spending long thinking time. Situation balance was almost equal.
Watanabe Meijin were better situation balance on the second day. Saitou 8-dan resisted opponent`s attack persistently . Finally Saitou 8-dan got a chance to counterattack and Watanabe Meijin made a mistake in defense. Saitou 8-dan became better situation balance. Finally Saitou 8-dan approached opponent`s king vividly.
Saitou 8-dan came from behind to win with 134 moves. Next game will be held on May 19th and 20th. I was very surprised at reverse victory. I am looking for next game.
