The 70th King General Challenger Decision League of Shogi, vying for the right to challenge General Watanabe (master, Kiou = 36), started on the 22nd.

At 10 am, the attention card, Sota Fujii 2 crowns (18) against Zenji Hanyu 9th Dan (49), started at “Shogi Kaikan” in Sendagaya, Tokyo. The first movement and the second movement are decided in advance, and Fujii, the first movement, started with 76 steps for the first movement and 34 steps for the second movement, opening a corner to each other.

The confrontation between the two in the official game has been Fujii’s 4 games and 4 wins since the 18th Asahi Cup semifinal, which was the first meeting. He also won this league last year. Fujii won the youngest title and the first title ever in July this year, and also won the throne in August, aiming for a three-crown challenge this time.

Hanyu, on the other hand, just acquired the right to challenge the Dragon King on the 19th, which was the previous season. She will turn 50 on the 27th, but will advance towards the grand goal of winning a total of 100 titles (7 Ryuo, 9 Masters, 18 Throne, 24 Throne, 13 Kiou, 12 Kings, 16 Kisei). ..

This league is in the hands of 7 people. Besides Fujii and Hanyu, new and old titles such as Akihito Hirose 8th Dan, Masayuki Toyoshima, Takuya Nagase, 9th Dan Kimura and Tenhiko Sato 9th Dan, who won the title on the 21st. He is a magnificent member who has only gained experience. In the decisive short-term battle until the end of this year, the best player will have the right to challenge King Watanabe and will play the seventh game scheduled to start early next year.

Each one has 4 hours. After a lunch break, it is expected to be resolved on the night of the 22nd.