It seems being an early-a-holic is a persistent condition! But only arrived an hour early today (despite the weather, the roadS and a broken umbrella's best efforts to keep me from the Congress!!!)
Before the commencement of play Lee Dahye 4p was introduced to the Congress. It's great that she could make it on such short notice :)
I didn't get a very good picture ... so here's one I found on the net :)
Kim Ilhwan 9p and Lee Dahye 4p will also be playing simultaneous games as well as being available for reviews!
I did better today winning two hard fought games. My second opponent in the tourney was also from Japan. She played very solid territorial moves which left me scrambling for territory. It was really only two errors towards the end of the game that really let me back in. My third opponent gave me a real run for my money. It was a complicated game with many groups trying to surround each other. And despite my best efforts to kill all his corner groups I only managed to capture one ... but it was enough. Two exhilarating games today :)
I also was fortunate to arrange an interview with Hyang Hee Kim, Korea University Baduk Confederation Vice President. We arranged to meet after today's games.
K: My name is Hyanghee Kim. I teach Baduk to elementary school and middle school students in Korea.
A: And you’re the University Baduk Association Vice President?
K: Yes.
A: What does KABA stand for?
K: KABA stands for Korean Amateur Baduk Association.
A: Is that different from KBA?
K: KBA is the Korean Baduk Association – they take care of professional baduk players.
A: When did you start playing baduk?
K: I started playing baduk after I got married. My husband would watch baduk TV. At that time I did not know how to play baduk. So he said to me “Why don’t you learn baduk?” So I started to learn baduk.
A: And you liked the game?
K: Yes, it was very interesting. Actually when I started playing baduk I heard there were professional baduk players and I said to my husband, “I would like to become a professional.” He said, “You can't – it’s impossible.” I said, “Why is it impossible – I can play.” I tried to improve my baduk level but it is very difficult to become a professional. If I had started young I maybe could have become a professional. I started too late.
A: What do you like about baduk?
K: I think other hobbies are limited but baduk is not. It is always interesting, interesting. I am “middle level” player but I would like to improve and improve in baduk. I think all baduk players want to improve. And I think that when we learn baduk we improve our whole life.
A: Do you have other hobbies.
K: Yes. Bowling, mountain climbing, and skiing. But I don’t like skiing so much now. Also fishing.
A: What do you think of the Congress so far?
K: It is very interesting, but there are not so many players here. There are more players in the European and other Congresses. Also in Korean competitions the time is shorter – only 20 minutes per player not one hour each.
A: How does KABA promote baduk in Korea?
K: They run competitions. KABA supports the competitions.
A: Do they advertise on television or with posters?
K: There is Baduk TV run by the KBA.
A: So in Korea there is a television channel dedicated to baduk?
K: Yes – in Seoul.
A: Do you have any suggestions on how to spread the game of baduk in Australia?
K: I heard that in Thailand some baduk competitions are held in department stores. Many people are passing by and some stop and ask, “What is that game?” and they become interested. And in Korea some elementary schools teach baduk. They also teach it in computing, drawing, many areas of schooling.
A: Is there a baduk university?
K: Yes, in Myongji University has a baduk department.
A: Is that only for people who want to become professionals or is it open to everyone?
K: There are some students want to become professionals, but some are already professionals who want become better, and some want to learn baduk to get a job.
A: How have you enjoyed Australia so far?
K: Actually I came to Australia in 2006 and travelled to Canberra, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sydney and even New Zealand. This time I have also enjoyed very much and have met an Indonesian friend who I first met at the Korean Prime Minister's Championship when I was a volunteer. I have also met many other friends here. So I am very happy.
A: Thank you very much for the interview. I hope you enjoy the rest of the Congress and your stay in Australia.
K: Thank you.
I'd like to thank Hyang Hee again for agreeing to take time out after playing baduk/go all day to participate in the interview :)
After the interview I hurried down to the lecture room to play in some of the simultaneous games but the tables were full :(
... and so that was Day 2. For tomorrow, it will be crunch time in terms of games. In the Swiss format it is usually these games which decide the top order. Everyone will be eagerly watching the top tables as the players sweat each and every move! Can't wait :^D
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