Matthew Macfadyen

Matthew learned to play Go in about 1965 and first became British Go Champion in 1978. He was Champion for a total of 25 years and his European rating confirms he is European 6 dan.

After he became Champion in 1978, he defended the championship against several challengers until he was defeated by Terry Stacey in 1985. He failed to regain it in his challenge against Stacey in 1986. In 1987 Stacey lost the championship to Piers Shepperson.

In 1988 Matthew regained the title by defeating Piers Shepperson. He then again defended the championship against several challengers until 1993, when he was defeated by Shutai Zhang, who had trained in China as a professional Go player. Matthew failed to regain the title from Zhang the next three years. In 1997 Zhang returned to his native China, and Macfadyen was then able once more to regain the title. He has successfully defended it since then, losing only two games in the subsequent eight championship matches. He was unable to beat Bei Ge when he competed in 2006 and 2007, but since then regained his hold on the title until he retired in 2012.

He became European Champion in 1980 and a subsequent three times, the final one in 1989. He has had seven appearances in the World Amateur, best placed 5th in 1992. He partners his wife Kirsty at Pair Go and they have finished second in the European Pair Go twice.

Matthew has two grown up daughters and lives in Barford near to Leamington Spa. He works as an electrician when not playing Go.

January 2011, updated September 2012