Shogi Player Tetsuro Itaya Promoted to 9th Dan After Ryuo Tournament Victory
Japanese professional Shogi player Tetsuro Itaya, aged 37, has been promoted to the prestigious 9th dan rank after defeating Kudai Suzuki in the third-round ranking match of the 39th Ryuo Tournament. Held at the Shogi Hall in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, the victory secured Itaya's 250th official win since his promotion to 8th dan in December 2014, fulfilling the requirement for the highest rank. Itaya spent over eleven years as an 8th dan player, comprising more than half of his twenty-year career. Following this milestone, he expressed joy and a humorous resolve to avoid writing his old rank on autographs. Currently serving as an executive director of the Japan Shogi Association, Itaya is also preparing for the second game of the Meijin title match against Souta Fujii, scheduled to begin in Aomori City. His recent success includes winning the Class A Ranking League, marking a significant resurgence in his career as he aims to perform strongly in both the Meijin title defense and the Ryuo Tournament semifinals.
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Shogi Player Tetsuro Itaya Promoted to 9th Dan After Ryuo Tournament Victory
Japanese professional Shogi player Tetsuro Itaya, aged 37, has been promoted to the prestigious 9th dan rank after defeating Kudai Suzuki in the third-round ranking match of the 39th Ryuo Tournament. Held at the Shogi Hall in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, the victory secured Itaya's 250th official win since his promotion to 8th dan in December 2014, fulfilling the requirement for the highest rank. Itaya spent over eleven years as an 8th dan player, comprising more than half of his twenty-year career. Following this milestone, he expressed joy and a humorous resolve to avoid writing his old rank on autographs. Currently serving as an executive director of the Japan Shogi Association, Itaya is also preparing for the second game of the Meijin title match against Souta Fujii, scheduled to begin in Aomori City. His recent success includes winning the Class A Ranking League, marking a significant resurgence in his career as he aims to perform strongly in both the Meijin title defense and the Ryuo Tournament semifinals.
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