Tomoka Nishiyama wins second game in Hakurei-sen series

Tomoka Nishiyama, the Hakurei titleholder, secured her second victory in the sixth Hakurei-sen seven-game match against challenger Kana Fukuma. The third game, held on September 12 in Nara, concluded after 166 moves with Nishiyama winning from a difficult position.

The match featured a mutual opponent-style (ai-furibisha) opening. Although Fukuma established an advantage during the mid-game, Nishiyama utilized her strong endgame skills to stage a comeback. A critical turning point occurred in the final stages when Nishiyama made a decisive defensive move by placing a silver piece in her own camp, which ultimately complicated Fukuma's ability to deliver a checkmate.

This series is particularly significant as Nishiyama is pursuing her fifth Hakurei title. Under a rule established at the Shogi players' meeting last June, winning the title five times grants a player the right to be incorporated as a professional Shogi player. Nishiyama currently leads the series 2-1. The fourth game is scheduled for September 26 in Kyoto.