2024 Lejule Cup China Go League A Concludes with Calls for Reform and Reflection
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The 2024 Lejule Cup China Go League A came to a close on January 14 in Lingshui, hainan, marking the end of a season filled with triumphs, challenges, and lessons for the future. The event,attended by key figures in the Go community,including Chang Hao,chairman of the Chinese go Association,highlighted both the league’s achievements and areas needing urgent attention.
A Season of Dominance and Reflection
The Supor Hangzhou team emerged as the season’s standout, securing yet another championship title. Since 2009, Hangzhou has dominated the league, a testament to Zhejiang Province’s commitment to fostering Go talent. “As the founding of Weijia, only chongqing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou have won multiple league championships,” Chang Hao noted during his speech. These three teams also ranked in the top six this year, showcasing their sustained excellence.However, the season also raised critical questions about the league’s future. One of the most striking developments was the undefeated streak of foreign aid Shen Zhenzhen, who won all 15 of her matches. While her performance was a testament to the league’s market-oriented management, Chang Hao emphasized that it also highlighted a gap in domestic talent. “for Chinese Go, this is not a record to be proud of,” he said. “I hope all chess players can take this as a warning and a goal, and reflect deeply. Work hard.”
The Vacant ”Best Newcomer” Award
Another concerning trend was the absence of a winner for the “Best Newcomer” award. The award, which recognizes players under 18 with a win rate of over 50%, has been a staple of the league for nearly two decades. However, for the second consecutive year, no young player met the criteria.
Chang Hao expressed his concern, stating, ”The cultivation of China’s Go reserve force has reached a critical point that cannot be delayed.” He urged young players to emulate their seniors and strive for excellence.”I very much hope that next season’s siege will see multiple people competing for the best newcomer award,” he added.
Reforms for a Healthier Future
The 2024 season also saw significant adjustments to the league’s structure, including changes to the salary system and official website. These reforms were implemented in response to feedback from the Go community and aimed at enhancing the league’s appeal and operational efficiency.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, chang hao announced plans for further reforms. “The Chinese Go Association will further increase its efforts to promote the reform of weiqi and increase participation in the league based on in-depth research and solicitation of opinions in the early stage,” he said. These efforts will focus on boosting awareness and ensuring the league’s healthy operation.
Upholding Integrity in the Game
Chang Hao also addressed the importance of maintaining integrity in Go competitions. He referenced a recent cheating incident discovered at a game venue,which is currently under examination. “The competition system is the lifeline and high-voltage line of the industry,” he emphasized. “No matter how many achievements have been achieved or how high the ranking is, no one is exempt. Once discovered, the crackdown and punishment will only be even greater.”
Key Takeaways from the 2024 Season
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Champion Team | Supor Hangzhou team, continuing their dominance since 2009.|
| Foreign Aid Impact | Shen Zhenzhen’s undefeated streak highlights both success and domestic gaps. |
| Best Newcomer Award | Vacant for the second year, signaling a need for youth progress. |
| Reforms | Adjustments to salary systems and official website to improve operations. |
| Integrity | Crackdown on cheating to uphold the league’s credibility. |
A Call to Action
As the Go community reflects on the 2024 season, the focus now shifts to the future. Chang Hao’s remarks underscore the need for continuous betterment, from nurturing young talent to ensuring fair play. For fans and players alike, the message is clear: the journey to excellence is ongoing, and every move counts.
What are your thoughts on the league’s reforms and the challenges ahead? Share your insights and join the conversation about the future of Chinese Go.
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This article is based on information from the original report by People’s Daily Online.
2024 Lejule Cup China Go League A: A Season of Triumphs, Challenges, and calls for Reform
The 2024 Lejule Cup China Go League A concluded on January 14 in Lingshui, Hainan, marking the end of a season filled with remarkable achievements, pressing challenges, and critical reflections on the future of the league. The event,attended by key figures in the Go community,including Chang hao,Chairman of the Chinese Go Association,highlighted both the league’s successes and areas requiring urgent attention.To delve deeper into the season’s outcomes and the road ahead, we sat down with Li Wei, a renowned Go strategist and commentator, to discuss the key themes and implications of the 2024 season.
A Season of Dominance and Reflection
Senior Editor: Li wei, the Supor Hangzhou team once again emerged as the season’s champion, continuing their dominance since 2009. What does this say about the state of the league and the teams competing within it?
Li Wei: Hangzhou’s consistent success is a testament to the strong foundation of go talent in Zhejiang Province. Their ability to maintain such a high level of performance over the years is commendable.Though,it also raises questions about the competitiveness of other teams. While Chongqing and shanghai have also shown sustained excellence, the gap between these top teams and the rest of the league is becoming more pronounced.This dominance, while impressive, underscores the need for other regions to invest more in nurturing talent to create a more balanced competition.
Senior editor: One of the most talked-about developments this season was Shen Zhenzhen’s undefeated streak as a foreign aid player. What are your thoughts on her performance and its implications for domestic talent?
li Wei: Shen Zhenzhen’s achievement is remarkable and speaks volumes about the league’s ability to attract top international talent. However, as Chang Hao pointed out, it also highlights a concerning gap in domestic talent. While foreign aid players bring excitement and a higher level of competition, their dominance can overshadow the development of local players. This is a wake-up call for the Chinese Go community to redouble efforts in cultivating homegrown talent to ensure the league’s long-term health and competitiveness.
The Vacant “Best Newcomer” Award
Senior Editor: For the second consecutive year, the “Best Newcomer” award went unawarded. What does this trend indicate about the state of young talent in the league?
Li Wei: The absence of a winner for this award is deeply concerning. It signals a critical shortage of young, high-performing players in the league. the “Best Newcomer” award has been a cornerstone of the league for nearly two decades, recognizing and encouraging young talent. Its vacancy for two years in a row suggests that the pipeline of emerging players is drying up. This is a red flag for the future of chinese Go, and urgent measures are needed to revitalize youth development programs and inspire the next generation of players.
Reforms for a Healthier Future
Senior Editor: The 2024 season saw notable structural reforms, including changes to the salary system and the league’s official website. How do you view these changes, and what impact do you think they will have?
Li Wei: these reforms are a step in the right direction. Adjusting the salary system can definitely help attract and retain top talent, while improving the official website enhances the league’s accessibility and appeal to fans. However, reforms must go beyond administrative changes. The league needs to focus on grassroots development, creating more opportunities for young players to compete and grow. Additionally, increasing the league’s visibility through media and marketing efforts will be crucial for its long-term success.
Senior Editor: Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Chang Hao announced plans for further reforms. what areas do you think should be prioritized?
Li Wei: The focus should be on three key areas: youth development, competitive balance, and integrity. Strengthening youth programs will ensure a steady pipeline of talent. Addressing competitive balance will make the league more exciting and unpredictable. maintaining the integrity of the game is paramount. Any form of cheating undermines the league’s credibility, and strict enforcement of rules is essential to preserve the sport’s integrity.
Upholding Integrity in the Game
Senior Editor: Chang Hao emphasized the importance of integrity, referencing a recent cheating incident. How critical is this issue for the league’s future?
Li Wei: Integrity is the foundation of any competitive sport.The recent cheating incident is a stark reminder that no one is above the rules.Chang Hao’s strong stance on this issue is commendable. The league must continue to enforce strict measures to prevent such incidents and ensure fair play. This not only protects the integrity of the game but also maintains the trust of fans and players alike.
Key Takeaways from the 2024 Season
Senior Editor: As we wrap up, what would you say are the key takeaways from the 2024 season?
Li Wei: the 2024 season was a mix of triumphs and challenges. Hangzhou’s continued dominance and Shen Zhenzhen’s undefeated streak were highlights, but they also revealed underlying issues in domestic talent development and competitive balance. The vacant “Best Newcomer” award is a clear signal that youth development needs urgent attention. The league’s reforms are promising, but they must be implemented effectively to address these challenges. Ultimately, the future of Chinese Go depends on the collective efforts of the community to nurture talent, ensure fair play, and keep the sport vibrant and exciting for generations to come.
This interview is based on insights from the 2024 Lejule Cup China Go League A season and discussions with Li Wei, a leading expert in Go strategy and commentary.
