In a dramatic turn of events at the 29th LG Cup chosun Ilbo Championship, Chinese baduk star Ke Jie, a 9th dan professional, suffered a controversial foul loss against South Korea’s Byeon Sang-il during the second round of the finals. The match, held at the new building of the Korea Foundation in Seoul on may 22, ended in uproar as Ke Jie was penalized for violating the newly implemented ‘dead stone management’ rule twice, leading to his disqualification. This incident has sparked heated debates across China,with many questioning the fairness of the rules and the decision.
The Controversial Foul Loss
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Ke Jie’s loss was not due to a strategic misstep but rather a technical violation. According to the Korea Baduk Association regulations, players are required to place thier private stones (captured stones) into a designated container. Ke Jie failed to comply with this rule twice, resulting in two warnings and ultimately a foul. The referee declared the match in favor of Byeon Sang-il, marking his first victory against ke Jie after seven consecutive losses.
The China Baduk Association swiftly responded, issuing a statement on WeChat that read, “We raised an objection on the spot, but the decision was upheld.” They argued that the rule lacked clarity, stating, “There is no clear standard for the time of private placement, and we judged the decision to be too excessive.” Despite their protests, the Korean Baduk Association maintained that the decision was in accordance with the rules, which had been communicated to the Chinese delegation prior to the finals.
Public outcry in China
The news of ke Jie’s foul loss ignited a firestorm on Chinese social media platforms,particularly Weibo,where netizens expressed their outrage. Many criticized the Korean organizers for enforcing what they deemed “unfavorable rules,” with some even calling for a boycott of competitions held in South Korea. A Sina Weibo survey revealed that over 80% of the 10,000 participants found the decision “unacceptable.”
however, not all reactions were negative. Some netizens emphasized the importance of adhering to established rules, nonetheless of personal opinions. “No matter what, the established rules must be followed,” one user commented.
A Clash of Baduk Cultures
The controversy highlights a fundamental difference between Korean and chinese baduk rules. In China, private stones hold no importance, and only living stones on the board are counted. This cultural divergence explains why Chinese players, including Ke Jie, frequently enough handle private stones casually, either placing them near the board or holding them in their hands.
The Road to the final
The 29th LG Cup has been a rollercoaster for Ke Jie, who had previously sacrificed participation in the Jincheng Open to focus on this tournament. His foul loss in the second round left the finals tied at 1-1, with the decisive third match scheduled for May 23 at the same venue.
Key Points Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Event | 29th LG Cup Chosun Ilbo Championship |
| Players | Byeon Sang-il (South Korea) vs. Ke jie (China) |
| controversy | Ke Jie’s foul loss due to violation of ‘dead stone management’ rule |
| Chinese Reaction | Over 80% of Weibo survey participants found the decision “unacceptable” |
| Cultural Difference | Chinese rules disregard private stones, unlike Korean rules |
| Final Outcome | Deciding match scheduled for may 23 |
Conclusion
The 29th LG Cup has not only been a battleground for baduk supremacy but also a stage for cultural and regulatory clashes. As the final match approaches, all eyes are on whether Ke Jie can overcome this setback and reclaim his standing, or if Byeon Sang-il will capitalize on this momentum to secure the championship.For more insights into the evolving world of baduk, explore the LG Cup’s history and its impact on the global baduk community.
(Photo = Provided by Korea Times, Yonhap News)
Headline: Baduk’s Big Blunder: A Conversation with Grand Master Lee côté on the 29th LG Cup Controversy
Introduction:
The world of baduk was left reeling after a highly controversial foul loss at the 29th LG Cup Chosun Ilbo Championship. Chinese baduk sensation, Ke Jie, found himself on the losing end of a decision that has sparked heated debates across the globe. We sat down with Grand Master Lee côté,a seasoned baduk expert and former Korean Baduk Association official,to discuss the implications of this unprecedented turn of events.
Understanding the Foul Loss
Word Today News (WTN): Could you walk us through what happened during Ke Jie’s controversial loss?
Lee côté (LC): Ke Jie was penalized twice for not placing his private stones into the designated container, as required by the Korea Baduk Association rules. Despite warnings, he repeated the violation, leading to his disqualification.
WTN: Was this rule change surprising for players?
LC: the rule was communicated to all participating countries prior to the finals. Though, it truly seems some players, like Ke Jie, didn’t adapt to the change as swiftly as others.
The Rule Debate: Clarity vs Hindsight
WTN: The Chinese Baduk Association argued the rule lacked clarity. do you agree?
LC: The rule itself is clear – players must place their private stones in a container.However, I can understand where the Chinese Association is coming from. The standard for when stones should be placed in the container could have been more explicitly defined to prevent such an upset.
WTN: why do you think the Korean Baduk Association maintained their stance?
LC: Rule enforcement is crucial for maintaining fair play. Even if the decision is unpopular, standing firm on rules ensures the integrity of the game and future tournaments.
International Repercussions
WTN: The negative reaction in China has been intense. How dose this impact international baduk relations?
LC: This incident highlights the cultural and regulatory differences between countries. It’s a wake-up call for international organizations to create clearer and more inclusive rule systems that consider these differences.
WTN: As the final match approaches, what do you expect to see?
LC: Nonetheless of the backlash, the game must go on. Ke Jie and Byeon Sang-il will both want to focus on the third match, leaving the controversy behind to prove their mastery on the board.
The Future of Baduk
WTN: How can we avoid similar incidents in the future?
LC: Greater communication and collaboration among baduk associations worldwide are key. We need to work together to create universally accepted rules and regulations that respect each country’s baduk culture while ensuring fairness and consistency.
