In the fourth game of the 75th Osho Championship, challenger Takumi Nagase emerged victorious against reigning champion Sota Fujii, winning with a score of 132 moves. This victory marks a significant milestone for Nagase, who is now just one win away from claiming the title, having taken a series lead of 3-1 against the formidable six-crown holder, Fujii. The match, held at Wakayama Castle, showcased Nagase’s strategic skills as he maintained control over the game and prevented Fujii from establishing a foothold.

Following the match, Nagase expressed his satisfaction with his performance during the endgame, where he carefully managed the balance to limit Fujii’s offensive capabilities. As he prepares for the next game scheduled for March 8 and 9 at Hotel Kagyoku in Otawara City, he emphasized the importance of thorough preparation given the lengthy interval between matches. Historically, Fujii has remained undefeated against Nagase in previous title matches, making this potential title acquisition a historical moment in the shogi community.

Fujii, once a dominant force, now finds himself in an unusual predicament, facing the possibility of losing the title after falling behind 1-3 in a match series for the first time. During his post-game interview, he acknowledged the significant losses in content and expressed understanding of his current situation. Highlighting the rarity of such a comeback in past title matches, both players' performance will be crucial as they head into the decided fifth game, with Fujii needing to win three consecutive matches to defend his title successfully.