Shin Min-jun edges closer to historic LG Cup repeat with dramatic Game 1 win

South Korean Go player Shin Min-jun took a significant step towards a second consecutive LG Cup title by defeating China's Wang Xinghao in a thrilling first match of the final. The reigning champion secured a dramatic victory by a mere half-point after a grueling 308-move game.

This narrow win places Shin Min-jun on the cusp of history. Should he win just one more game in the best-of-three final, he will become the first player ever to achieve back-to-back LG Cup championships. While legendary players like Lee Chang-ho and Shin Jin-seo have won the tournament multiple times, none have managed to defend their title in consecutive years.

The match, held in Jeonju, South Korea, was a testament to the intense rivalry between the two players. Shin Min-jun, playing with the black stones, managed to build a strong position in the middle game and then skillfully secured territorial gains, ultimately outmaneuvering his opponent in a finely balanced endgame.

Reflecting on the match, Shin Min-jun acknowledged the difficulty of the game. "Wang Xinghao is a very strong player, and it was difficult throughout," he stated. "I was fortunate to win. I almost made a mistake that could have cost me the game, but I will do my best not to make such errors in the second game."

The second game of the LG Cup final is scheduled for the following day. The LG Cup boasts a significant prize fund, with the winner receiving 300 million Korean won (approximately $215,000 USD) and the runner-up receiving 100 million Korean won (approximately $72,000 USD). Each player has a time limit of three hours per game, with five periods of 40-second byo-yomi.

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Wang Xinghao is a very strong player, and it was difficult throughout. I was fortunate to win. I almost made a mistake that could have cost me the game, but I will do my best not to make such errors in the second game.