Photo/Illutration Ryo Ichiriki speaks to reporters on Oct. 31 after claiming the Meijin go title in Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture. (Ikuro Aiba)

KISARAZU, Chiba Prefecture--Ryo Ichiriki staked his claim to go supremacy in Japan by capturing the prestigious Meijin title here on Oct. 31. 

Ichiriki convincingly defeated reigning champion Toramaru Shibano in the 49th playing of the new Meijin tournament. 

The victory, with four wins and two losses in the best-of-seven format, marks Ichiriki's first Meijin title and cements his position among Japan's top players.

With this win, the 27-year-old now holds both the Meijin and Kisei titles, which are considered the most prestigious in Japanese go circles.

This achievement places Ichiriki in a select group of go masters, including Chikun Cho, Koichi Kobayashi and Yuta Iyama, as the only players to hold these two titles simultaneously.

“The game was difficult throughout and there were many situations where I couldn't decide on a move,” Ichiriki said after the match. “I was lucky to win. I still have room for improvement, so I want to further enhance my skills.”

Shibano, 24, expressed disappointment with his play.

“The situation became difficult from the second day, and it turned into a very tough game. I should have chosen a more complex strategy,” he said. “I'm disappointed with the result but I'll move forward and do my best.”

Ichiriki's triumph brings his total number of major titles to four, including the Tengen and Honinbo titles.

This marks a personal best for the young go star and places him within striking distance of the seven-crown achievement previously accomplished only by Iyama.

The match between Ichiriki and Shibano was seen as a battle for bragging rights for the era following Iyama, as both players have challenged the veteran’s dominance in recent years.

Having lost his Meijin title, Shibano is now without a current major title.

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