The Asahi Cup semi-finals took place in Takatsuki City, where Ito Sho secured his place in the finals by defeating Abe Kenjiro, setting up a high-stakes match against reigning champion Sota Fujii.
The 19th Asahi Cup Shogi Open, organized by the Asahi Shimbun, held its semi-final and final matches on November 11 in Takatsuki City, Osaka. In the semi-final match starting in the morning, Ito Sho (23), a two-crown holder, triumphed over Kenjiro Abe (36) in 91 moves, thereby securing a place in the finals. This match marked a significant achievement for Ito, who is now set to face Sota Fujii, the current Meijin and Ryuo, in what promises to be a dramatic championship finale. This competition is especially significant as it is the first time the semi-finals and finals of the Asahi Cup have taken place outside of Tokyo.
The finals will not only showcase two of the top players in the Shogi community, but it also represents a historical moment for Takatsuki City, which is set to become a hub for Shogi with the opening of the Kansai Shogi Association hall scheduled for December 2024. Both players are vying for their first championship title in the Asahi Cup, adding to the intensity of the upcoming match. Ito has a background that includes victories over renowned players like Yoshiharu Habu and the previous champion, Seiya Kondo, to reach this advanced stage of the tournament.
Prior to the semi-finals, both competitors expressed their eagerness for the upcoming matches. Ito emphasized the need to concentrate on each move to secure victory, while Abe, who is managing a back injury, expressed gratitude for the comfort provided by his sponsor's seating. Historically, their only previous encounter resulted in a win for Ito, which adds another layer of intrigue to their final matchup. As both players prepare for this prestigious title, the combination of their skill and determination promises to offer an exceptional display of Shogi.
