In previous posts, I've dubbed Michael Zhaonian Chen 8d AGA as the "Master of Sacrifice", due to his exciting style of game play, and his willingness to give up stones for a large-scale global cause.  Today, Michael's skills were put to the test against Professor Lee Kibong 8d KGS of the International Baduk Academy (http://www.baduk-academy.com).  Lee Kibong 8d KGS (7d in Korea) is a strong player from Seoul, Korea, and has even been interviewed recently by breakfast for the Goama baduk newsletter.  Many say that Lee Kibong is close to professional level!

In this fast-paced game, the fighting starts early as black attacks white's group with K6.  Neither players seem to let up, and play moves on to bring about a large ko in the bottom corner at move 116.  Black's threat at C16 isn't enough, says Professor Lee Kibong, capturing a number of stones from the so-called Master of Sacrifice.   Michael seems to get some compensation in the upper left corner, while white makes more territory on the left side.  In a fierce battle for the rest of the board, the two players scramble their attacks, leading to yet another ko at the 197th move!  Black ignores white's threat at M8, only to have it bite him in assisting white's final blow at move 216.

This was truly an exciting battle between the two 8d KGS players!