Yaoling Yang New British Champion

On the weekend of 14th and 15th September 2024, Yaoling Yang beat Ho-Yeung (Damen) Woo 2-0 to win his first British Go Championship!

The first game of the best-of-three was a marathon of a game, beginning 11:00 and ending close to 19:00. Colours were determined by nigiri with Yaoling taking white and Damen taking black. The game quickly became exciting for the growing number of spectators, with White opting to start an early-game ko for the life of a black group on move 42. White won the ko by move 54, seeming to take an early advantage, and the next move was sealed for a one-hour lunch break. Returning from lunch, Black went on the offensive where White had ignored his ko threat, and around move 100, Black looked to be in a comfortable spot with a substantial moyo. But the game was far from over and spectators were kept on the edge of their seats as white slowly closed the gap; in the end, Yaoling took the first game by only 0.5 point. The picture above shows the game in progress watched by Brent (left of Yaoling) and Tim (right of Yaoling)

The next day, game two began promptly at 11:00 with the colours switched. The game remained close with no clear advantage well past the lunch break, soon after which we were joined by In-Seong Hwang 8d who live-commented the remainder of the game on the BGA Discord. White (Damen) steadily built up the pressure as the midgame progressed, and with move 164 White played the vital point to begin an attack on a Black group that would lead to a ko. But after the dust settled, Black took the ko and a large white group, then, shortly after, the game by resignation. The picture above shows the second game with the players in colours to match their stones.

Thanks to Tim James for recording and relaying the games on KGS and OGS, Brent Cutts for hosting the game in his home near Nottingham and his wonderful hospitality, and everyone who came to watch and comment on the games – over 100 simultaneous viewers at the highest point. Finally, of course, thanks go to the two players for two beautiful games to conclude this year's Championship.

The game records are available on the British Championship page, and a link to In-Seong's commentary will be available on the BGA YouTube shortly.