The 5th World Go Open opens in Zhengzhou.

　　On August 3rd, the 5th Dream Lily Cup World Go Open was held in Zhengzhou. Sixty-four top players from China, South Korea, Japan, North America, Europe and other countries and regions gathered in the "heaven and earth" to compete for the "tickets" of the top eight in this tournament.

　　This tournament is hosted by China Weiqi Association and undertaken by Henan Weiqi Association. It is the first world Weiqi tournament held in Henan Province. The 64 top players participating in the competition include 32 players from Chinese mainland, 14 players from Korea, 11 players from Japan, 3 players from Taiwan Province, China, 2 players from North America and 2 players from Europe.

　　Among the players in Chinese mainland are Chi Yuting, who won the championship twice in the first and fourth tournaments, Ke Jie, who defeated South Korean star Li Shishi in the second tournament, Xie Ke, the runner-up in the last tournament, and Gu Zihao, who won the wild card, and Gu Li, the first eight-time champion of China Weiqi.

　　The age span of the participating players ranges from "post-80s" to "post-00s", especially the three generations of China players competing on the same stage, which will present a "interesting and distinctive" Weiqi feast for the majority of Weiqi fans. The four-day competition will decide the top eight.

　　"I am very excited and moved when I come to Henan again." Chang Hao, chairman of China Weiqi Association, expressed the hope that all players will cherish this opportunity, give full play to their level, overcome themselves and surpass themselves.

　　"I hope that all the players will respect their opponents, participate in the competition in a civilized way, and show their level. Let's work together to run a simple, safe and wonderful world Go competition!" Tian Tian, deputy director of Henan Provincial Sports Bureau, said.

　　"The cultural atmosphere of Henan Weiqi is really strong. Thank you very much for the platform provided by China, so that we can communicate with each other." South Korean player Hong Xingzhi Jiu Duan said with excitement, "China's players are very high-level. I hope to learn more from them and make more friends in Henan."

　　"When I was 9 years old, I started to learn Go. At first, I just held the mentality of playing. I didn't expect to be fascinated by Go in the end. I am 16 years old and participated in a world-class Go competition for the first time. For this competition, I have no belief in winning, but I just want to learn from the experience of other players. I hope that both myself and the other party can show their best in the game. " Kelvyn Young, an American professional chess player, told reporters.

　　In recent years, Henan has actively promoted the vigorous development of Weiqi through the media of "chess". Weiqi competitions have mushroomed all over the province, and the participation of the whole people in Weiqi activities is increasing. "In 2023, Henan Weiqi Association has successively held a series of national Weiqi competitions, such as the 35th evening paper cup National Amateur Weiqi Championship and the 2nd China Weiqi National Handicraft Competition in 2023. The event will be settled in Zhengzhou, allowing Henan people to enjoy the world-class Weiqi' feast' at their doorstep." Ma Wang, chairman of Henan Weiqi Association, told reporters.

　　(Photo courtesy of Henan Go Association)