Chinese Weiqi Association Rejects LG Cup Result Amid Controversy Over Player Disqualification

The association's declaration states that they do not accept the result of the third game, citing the unjust nature of the disqualification. Ke Jie's father, Ke Guofan, has also spoken out, expressing his disappointment and frustration with the outcome. He believes that the rule is unfair and that it goes against the spirit of the game. The incident has sparked a heated debate among Weiqi enthusiasts, with many calling for a rethink of the rules and a more nuanced approach to judging. As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the result of the 29th LG Cup will be remembered for a long time, not just for the winner, but for the contentious circumstances surrounding the final match.

The controversy surrounding the 29th LG Cup World Go Championship began on January 22nd, when Chinese Go player Ke Jie was penalized 2 points for failing to place his captured stones in the lid of his stone box, as per the latest Korean Go rules. Ke Jie was subsequently reported by his opponent, Bin Xiangyi, and declared the loser. The following day, January 23rd, during the deciding game, Ke Jie once again failed to place his captured stones in the lid of his stone box, prompting the referee to interrupt the game at a critical point, when it was Bin Xiangyi's turn to play. The Chinese Go Association deemed the timing of the interruption inappropriate, affecting the normal progression of the game and causing undue interference to the players, rendering them unable to continue.

The Chinese Go Association appealed to the tournament organizers, the Korean Go Institute, requesting a rematch, but their appeal was denied. As a result, the Chinese Go Association has announced that it does not accept the outcome of the third game of the 29th LG Cup. The incident sparked heated debate, with Ke Jie's father, Ke Guofan, a renowned Go player himself, expressing his disappointment and frustration, stating that Ke Jie's defeat was unjust and that the rules were not well-considered. He also emphasized that changing habits takes time and that requiring players to place their stones in the lid of the stone box was not a reasonable rule, as it did not cause any disturbance to the opponent and did not affect the outcome of the game. The controversy has highlighted the differences in rules and habits between Chinese and Korean Go players, with many calling for greater understanding and respect between the two communities.

This controversy surrounding the LG Cup has sparked a heated debate that extends far beyond the simple win or loss of a game. At its core, it is about the standardization of rules in Go, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the fairness of competitive sports. The Go community is calling for unified rules to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The cultural significance and spiritual aspects of Go should be respected and protected, rather than being reduced to mere competitive sports. Go is not just a game, but an ancient cultural practice that embodies the spirit of competition, strategy, and intellectual pursuit.

The uniform application of rules is crucial to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the game. However, the implementation of new rules, such as the one introduced in the LG Cup, has raised concerns about its impact on the game. The rule, which requires players to place their stones on the lid of their stone box after making a move, has been criticized for being overly pedantic and interfering with the natural flow of the game. The incident has also highlighted the differences in rules and practices between different countries and regions. The Chinese Go Association has expressed its dissatisfaction with the outcome of the game and has called for a re-examination of the rules.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the LG Cup is a complex issue that involves not only the rules of the game but also the cultural and spiritual aspects of Go. It is essential to strike a balance between preserving the traditions of the game and adapting to the needs of modern competition. The Go community must come together to establish unified rules and practices that promote fairness, respect, and the spirit of competition. The Chinese Weiqi Association's refusal to accept the result of the third game is a testament to their commitment to the principles of fair competition and the integrity of the game. This stance serves as a reminder that the world of Weiqi (also known as Go) is not just about winning or losing, but also about adhering to a set of rules and traditions that have been refined over centuries. The controversy surrounding the LG Cup highlights the need for standardized rules and a consistent approach to arbitration in international competitions.

The association's decision comes after a contentious game where the timing of the judge's intervention was disputed, leading to claims that the judge's actions unduly influenced the outcome of the match. Despite efforts to appeal the result, the Chinese Weiqi Association was left with no choice but to reject the outcome of the third game, citing the unfair conditions under which it was played. This incident should serve as a catalyst for the Weiqi community to engage in a broader discussion about the need for clear, universally accepted rules and fair play. It also underscores the importance of maintaining the cultural heritage and traditional values of the game, while ensuring that it remains vibrant and relevant in the modern era.

By taking a firm stance against what they perceive as an unjust outcome, the Chinese Weiqi Association is not only standing up for the rights of Chinese players but also contributing to the global effort to protect the integrity of Weiqi. As the sport continues to grow in popularity worldwide, it is crucial that all stakeholders work together to address these challenges, promoting a healthier and more inclusive environment for players, judges, and fans alike. Ultimately, the decision by the Chinese Weiqi Association to not accept the result of the third game in the LG Cup is a call to action – a reminder that in the pursuit of excellence and competition, the principles of fairness, respect, and tradition must never be compromised.