Shin Jinseo, Shin Minjun Reach LG Cup Semifinals

Korean top Go players Shin Jinseo and Shin Minjun have both advanced to the semifinals of the 31st LG Cup, a prestigious international tournament. Shin Jinseo, the world's top-ranked player, defeated China's Ding Hao in a tense quarterfinal match that lasted 167 moves. He will next face another formidable Chinese player, Wang Xinghao, on June 12.

Shin Jinseo secured an early advantage in his match against Ding Hao, maintaining a close game through the middle stages. However, superior tactical play allowed him to seize control and secure the victory. This win extends Shin Jinseo's recent winning streak against Ding Hao to four games, with a total career record of 13 wins and 4 losses.

In his post-match interview, Shin Jinseo acknowledged Wang Xinghao as a difficult opponent, stating, "I will have to do my best. He is a strong player, so I might face good moves, but I will play my own style without panicking." Shin Jinseo holds a 5-2 career advantage over Wang Xinghao.

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Wang Xinghao is a difficult opponent, so I will have to do my best. He is a strong player, so I might face good moves, but I will play my own style without panicking.

Meanwhile, Shin Minjun, the defending champion and third-ranked Korean player, also advanced by defeating China's Gu Zihao in 160 moves. Shin Minjun established a favorable position early in the game, leading to a decisive victory. He is scheduled to play Yang Kaiwen in the semifinals.

Looking ahead to his match against Yang Kaiwen, who has been in strong form since last year's Chunlan Cup, Shin Minjun expressed his determination. "Winning the tournament for a second consecutive year is a difficult feat that even the greatest players haven't achieved, but I will fight with all my might," he stated. Shin Minjun has a 3-1 career record against Yang Kaiwen.

Other Korean players Byun Sangil and Park Hamin were eliminated in the quarterfinals, losing to Wang Xinghao and Yang Kaiwen respectively. The LG Cup offers a championship prize of 300 million Korean won and 100 million won for the runner-up. The tournament features a time control of 3 hours per player, with five instances of 40-second byo-yomi.

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Winning the tournament for a second consecutive year is a difficult feat that even the greatest players haven't achieved, but I will fight with all my might.