The 19th Professional-Amateur Go Championship, organized by Asahi Shimbun and supported by the Japan Go Association, took place on November 7 in Tokyo's Tsukiji area. In this match, Master Ryō Ichiriki, age 28, achieved victory over 32-year-old Amateur Master Natsu Hiryu by a white semi-win after 174 moves. The match was structured as a handicap to favor the amateur, providing a six-and-a-half-point advantage. Ichiriki demonstrated formidable skills, particularly by successfully capturing significant stones from Hiryu to secure the win.

This match replicated the previous year's pairing, and Ichiriki was determined to improve his performance. Although Hiryu initially executed an impressive defensive technique to protect one of his significant stones, he ultimately could not defend against Ichiriki's calculated attacks on another stone. Hiryu acknowledged that he was surprised by Ichiriki's unexpected moves, resulting in a comprehensive loss. He reflected on the experience, stating that he felt the gap in skill had closed on him subtly from the start, emphasizing the stark difference in capabilities between an elite professional player and an amateur in high-stakes matches.

The event showcased the high level of competition in the game of Go and highlighted the gap between professional and amateur players. It serves as an important reminder of the ongoing interest in Go in Japan and the continued development needed by amateur players to compete against seasoned professionals. Hiryu's candid remarks about his defeat illustrate the challenges faced by amateurs in this ancient game, and highlight the need for continued growth and learning in the discipline of Go.