Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

Only 24 players in the country

[Previously]

will make the grade.

These are not normal wrist bands.

These are our lives.

The National Go Grading Tournament

[National Go Grading Tournament]

starts now! Good luck.

This is your first step towards becoming a professional Go player.

-Good luck. -Even you may not beat

Shi Guang now.

If you don't make the grade this year,

I'll look down on you.

Unlike practice, there's only win or lose in the Go Grading tournament.

This game is very important to us.

I'll do my best.

He is this year's Young Lions Club champion.

I want him to teach me.

To hell with Go!

I agree to offer private lessons

to Yue Zhi.

[Hikaru no Go]

Nice play.

You're one of the best

among the young top players.

So what? I've lost so many points to you.

I thought it's for practice.

But half way through,

you seemed to hope that I could go all out.

That's why I showed no mercy.

Let's replay and review.

I've looked at the ranking.

Those who are on a winning streak

include you, Shen Yi Lang, Hong He and Shi Guang.

Shi Guang lost today.

He did?

To whom?

How would I know?

He said he had five wins in a row?

I did hear that he's improved a lot.

But it's no use.

He has never beaten me in the club.

I don't think he's a threat.

When was the last time

you played with him?

-Last month. -Last month.

If he's made so much progress,

-he's likely... -You seem to care about him a lot.

I just find it hard to believe

he has five wins in a row.

How good is he now?

How about this?

From today onwards,

I'll come over everyday

to help strengthen your skills

for the last few games.

What do you mean?

You mean I can't defeat Shi Guang?

No.

I mean

I can help you maintain

-your all-win record. -I got it.

You want to use me to test his ability.

Right?

You offer to help.

I don't need your help. I can win by myself.

What's wrong?

I'm sorry.

Let's call it a day.

You don't have to come anymore.

You look down on me,

I'll win and prove you wrong!

Yue Zhi.

[The 23rd Round: Hanging by a Thread]

See?

There aren't a lot of options for these two white stones.

Pulling off an ogeima

would be underwhelming.

I thought I'd crush it no matter what.

So I made my move,

and he turned it around brilliantly.

I see.

I also

couldn't think of a way

to take out White.

He's been sleeping for a long time.

I lost a game because I was sick. It's so bad.

I was so unlucky.

You've won five games in a row.

What's the big deal losing one?

That's easy for you to say.

If you lose because of a sickness,

will you get over it?

No.

We're almost done.

I'll buy you medicine later.

Where are we? Whose turn?

-Black. -Black.

Twelve-eleven.

Why don't you

put it above the white piece.

Then use a false ladder move to trap White.

Try it.

That's brilliant.

How did you come up with it?

Did anyone give you secret training?

Nonsense.

Who'll be my opponent tomorrow?

Have you looked at the match schedule?

I think I'm infected.

You lay down. Hurry.

-Okay. -I'll go buy the medicine now.

Drink some hot water. I think I'll

catch a flu too.

Hurry up.

I want to wait after he's gone.

It's round seven tomorrow.

You know he doesn't look at the schedule.

What are you talking about?

I want to know who my opponent is tomorrow.

You'll play against him.

What does it have to do with round seven?

Alright. You get back to sleep.

I'll get some hot water for you.

-Let's check out the schedule. -This way.

Yi Lang, what's wrong? Why don't you go upstairs.

Can you give this to Shi Guang?

Thank you.

Well...

Chu Ying.

Yes.

Have you solved all the problems?

No, I don't have the mood.

You fail as a coach.

You teach me nothing.

Didn't you say you wanted to self-study

and ask me not to disturb you?

When I think about going up against Shen Yi Lang tomorrow,

I get nervous

and my stomach cramps up.

Well...

Drink more hot water.

I don't want to drink now.

He's so good.

I have one less chance than him.

And I'm still sick.

I'm done for tomorrow.

[Do you know?]

[Even you may not beat]

[Shi Guang now.]

[Do you believe the power of faith?]

[If a person lacks faith,]

he'll find the opponent too strong.

But if you have the determination,

you'll find the opponent not as strong as you think.

Competition isn't just about skills,

but more about faith and determination.

You've come so far.

Why don't you trust yourself and go for it?

[Grading Tournament Round Seven Match Schedule, Shi Guang: 10 points]

[National Go Grading Tournament 2005]

It's because it's round seven?

I think everyone

looks a bit different today.

They talk less.

I noticed you forgot to bring your cup.

So I brought it for you.

Thank you.

Aren't you surprised that I'm your opponent?

I'm mentally prepared.

See.

You should learn from him.

By the way,

if you make it through,

which team will you join?

I don't know.

Don't you follow the professional Go scene?

No.

There are many professional teams.

There are three under Team Haomen.

Haomen?

Attention.

I hereby declare

-We'll talk later. -round seven

of the 2005 National Go

Grading Tournament

officially underway!

[National Go Grading Tournament 2005]

Good luck.

Mr Ban.

I see only you for the past two days. Where is Mr Zhu?

He initially wanted to lead the team himself,

unfortunately he fell sick.

He's still in the hospital.

Is it serious?

Not looking well.

It's subarachnoid hemorrhage.

There'll be a sequela

even if he recovers.

Students ask me

when Mr Zhu will be back.

I dare not tell them the truth.

As I worry it'll affect them.

He'll be alright.

Don't worry too much.

By the way, how's your club doing in the tournament?

Not bad. One is eliminated.

The rest are doing okay.

I think the dilemma is when both players are from the same club.

They know each other's styles,

strength and weakness.

If their skills are of similar level,

then it's up to their mindsets.

Mindset is trickier than skills.

Attention!

It's lunch break.

Please pause the game.

Shen Yi Lang, guess what?

My opponent made some bad moves.

Let me tell you.

There's no way I won't win.

Let's go eat.

I... I'm not going.

I don't feel well.

I'm off now.

How are you two doing?

I'm in the lead for now.

He may be under a lot of stress.

I think so.

We can go

and bring him some food later.

I'm not going either.

Bring me some too.

I'm a bit tired.

I want to rest.

Hey, pal.

Am I your babysitter now?

Thank you.

There's no flaw in his move.

I couldn't find his weakness.

I don't know what to do.

I'm finished. I'm done for.

Don't be so anxious.

You usually don't have

the competitive edge in the beginning.

But you'll reserve the game halfway.

I have faith in you.

But it's different this time.

I really don't think I stand a chance to win.

There's no need to continue the game.

I think

you should stop thinking about it.

You need to relax.

Well,

I'll teach you swordplay.

Swordplay?

You know how to wield a sword?

I'm impressed.

Actually,

It's not swordplay.

Just a sequence of dance movements.

It can strengthen your body.

Wouldn't it be great

if you're a kung fu master

instead of a Go master?

Then you can teach me many

formidable kung fu moves.

Six Meridian Divine Sword.

Nine Swords of Dugu.

Evil-resisting Sword...

Forget about that.

Xiao Guang, wielding a sword requires a calm mind.

Using your will to mobilize your Qi,

and your Qi to channel your strength.

Let your mind guide your body,

so that they can become one.

What do you mean?

It means you need to relax.

Be calm and composed.

Your eyes follow the tip of the sword.

Your body moves with the energy of the sword.

And thrust.

There's one more move.

It's okay.

Do you feel relaxed now?

Yes.

So relax.

Even my intestines are relaxed.

I've got to go.

I need to practise Go.

Let's train a little longer.

There you are.

I watched your game with Shi Guang.

You get the upper hand. You'll surely win.

But you're very cautious. Is it necessary?

I've come so far.

Shouldn't I be more cautious?

I thought you're like Yu Liang.

You care too much about Shi Guang.

Yu Liang?

I bet you've heard of him.

He cares about Shi Guang very much.

He once dropped by our club

just to see Shi Guang.

He watched his games only in the Young Lions Cup.

I saw him.

But it doesn't mean anything.

No.

I met him yesterday.

My grandpa asked him to play with me.

When he came, he asked many questions

about Shi Guang.

Clearly, he was there for him.

He even said I couldn't beat him.

Isn't he stupid?

Did he say why?

No.

Does Shi Guang possess

some skills that we don't know?

He asked about him now.

Is he going to sign him?

He is on Wei Da's team.

They like to sign new talents.

And they're short of players now.

Mr Ban.

Mr Zhu is not here yet?

You should have known him.

He must be drinking somewhere

and forget about the tournament.

It's round seven today.

Mr Zhu knows about my situation.

He'll definitely come.

Remember.

Whether Mr Zhu comes or not,

you have to play well.

Just tell me.

What happened to him?

-Shen is also here. -Manager.

Stop thinking too much.

Focus on the game later.

Go.

I've looked at the scoreboard.

Your club is doing well this year,

like always.

No wonder you're so famous.

Thank you. The kids work very hard.

Well...

Can you recommend

some kids with good potential?

The one who just went out.

Shen Yi Lang?

Forget it.

Do you have someone younger?

What's wrong about him?

He has won six games in a row.

Six wins in a row?

He had six wins in a row last year too.

Also two and three years ago.

So what?

He starts losing from round seven onward.

As if he's under a spell.

Even so,

he does have a very strong foundation.

There's a kid named Shi Guang.

I've never heard of him. He's new?

That kid is not bad.

He's only been with us for a year.

And he has five wins in a row?

If he didn't catch the flu,

he would've had six wins.

[That kid is not bad.]

[I'll consider him.]

Regarding the team,

can you please tell me more?

Apart from the team you want to join

and Yu Liang's team, I know none.

Lang.

Lang.

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

Are you not feeling well?

Attention!

The break is over. Let's continue the game.

It's weird.

Shen Yi Lang seems angry.

His moves are aggressive.

Xiao Guang,

you have to take it seriously.

[Do you know?]

[Even you]

[may not beat Shi Guang now.]

[He had six wins in a row last year too.]

[Also two and three years ago.]

[So what?]

[He starts losing from round seven onwards.]

[As if he's under a spell.]

[There's a kid named Shi Guang.]

[I'll consider him.]

[I met with Yu Liang yesterday.]

[When he came, he asked many questions]

[about Shi Guang.]

[Does Shi Guang possess]

[some skills that we don't know?]

[He asked about him now.]

[Is he going to sign him?]

He touched the stone.

and moved away.

It's a touch-move violation.

From the beginning,

he's not been in the zone.

He's absent-minded.

If not,

he's an honest person,

he won't retract the move.

It remains unclear who's the winner.

You still have a shot.

Why don't you fight for it

and give him a chance?

What do you think?

You want to take advantage of his mistake?

Xiao Guang?

Just now...

I've lost.

Mr Ban.

My opponent resigned.

Great.

Keep it up.

[Yijianghu Club, Shi Guang: 16, 12, 16.43, 12, 2]

Why did you call a foul on Shen Yi Lang?

He broke the rules.

It's only reasonable that I call him out.

I don't think it's right.

Don't you hate when someone breaks the rules?

Why are you fine with it now?

Do you think it's an honourable win?

He acted impersonal first.

When I talked to him, he ignored me.

And he said nothing when he broke the rules.

He just wanted to win.

Do you enjoy your victory?

I don't think I'm in the wrong.

I told you that you had a shot.

Why didn't you go for it?

You're scared.

You doubt you can reverse

the game.

Did you feel lucky when he retracted his move?

I didn't.

Can you stop talking?

I'll go see if Shen Yi Lang has come back.

You're back.

Your cup.

Is it for me?

I'm hungry.

Thank you.

Hong He brought it for me.

You can have it.

It's okay.

I randomly ate something just now.

It's awkward.

I'm leaving now.

I heard that

there's a Fujitsu Cup live broadcast.

Let's check it out.

The remote control isn't working.

If you want to watch,

I'll get someone to fix it.

It's okay.

I don't want to watch.

Just a small game.

Nothing much to see.

I'm finished.

I lost one game.

I think I'll be eliminated soon.

Grandpa, I was very sleepy last night

and forgot to pray to you.

It won't happen again.

Don't let me lose again.

Please.

Thank you, Grandpa.

Oh dear.

What happened to you guys?

Who won?

It's a no-brainer.

You win, right?

I'll go out for a while.

Seriously?

-I'll go to the loo. -You...

What's going on?

Either one of them

should feel happy, right?

Mr Yu,

congrats on winning three games in a row in the promotion match.

Thank you.

It's crunch time for you now.

And you're still willing

to spend time teaching Yue Zhi.

Thank you so much.

I have something to attend to.

I won't disturb you.

-Alright. -Okay.

If my grandpa didn't put in a good word for you,

I wouldn't have asked you back.

Shi Guang won and you realised

he's a threat,

so you asked me back.

From now on,

you have to call me Mr Yu

during the lesson.

I don't have the mood to teach

if you're rude to me.

Why are you standing there?

Do you want to learn?

We won't replay your game.

There's a more important game

that you need to know.

How are you going to help me if we don't replay my game?

This game is more important than yours.

White is Korean institute student, Hong Soo Yong.

Black

is Shi Guang.

Shi Guang played against a Korean student before?

Black seemed to have made a few bad moves.

Turns out he's priming for an attack.

White is definitely an ace player.

Surprisingly, Black could think so many moves ahead.

Is Shi Guang really the Black player?

That's why I told you

not to underestimate him.

If Shi Guang is really the Black player,

I may not be able to beat him

in a few days.

Why do you think I'm here?

Let's cut to the chase.

Based on the rules,

you'll definitely meet him.

I'll do my best to teach you before that.

To be honest,

you're the test I set for him.

I'll recognise his ability only if he defeats you,

my student.

[Round Eight]

[Shen Yi Lang, 204, Hong He]

Shen Yi Lang.

Shen Yi Lang.

Focus.

Shen Yi Lang, what's going on?

You didn't give it your best.

I did my best.

I know you were defeated by Shi Guang yesterday

and you're upset.

But we're good friends. Don't take it to heart.

I'm fine.

Play well in the afternoon then.

Don't get distracted.

Okay.

-Okay. -By the way,

where were you last night?

I went to the toilet at midnight but you were still not back.

I beg you.

Can you please stop asking?

Hong He. Hong He.

What's with him?

He was defeated by Shi Guang yesterday.

And he's out all night.

Just now, he played very bad.

He was greatly affected by the game yesterday.

He needs some time to himself.

You know

he's under a lot more pressure than we are.

What happened yesterday already happened.

If you lose again today,

don't you think it's a pity?

I really couldn't focus.

This is exactly what I was worried about.

Is there still hope for this game?

You still care about the game?

-I lost. -What are you doing?

Look, you can still carry on from this cluster.

Keep quiet.

You still have a chance. Why do you give up?

I just can't go on.

I regret it.

Winning by luck is worse than losing.

The game today is my retribution.

I admit I‘m a coward.

I'm scared.

I'm scared of losing.

When he took back a move,

I even felt a bit happy.

Am I despicable?

Not really.

I was a bit too harsh earlier on.

Don't overthink.

I knew

Shen Yi Lang respected the rules.

I also knew he had a bad attitude.

But I didn't spare a thought for him.

Xiao Guang,

it's hard to make a choice

under those circumstances.

It doesn't matter now.

I don't know how to face him.

Alright.

Don't just sit here. Let's go.

To where?

Finish the game you didn't finish.

I'll play as you.

And you as Shen Yi Lang.

Let's go.

Mr Ban,

I've lost four games in a row.

I have no chance, right?

[Yijianghu Club, Bai Xiao Xiao: 28, 10, 12]

It's not easy

to come this far.

Don't be too sad.

Thank you, Mr Ban.

In fact, I think this is good.

It's my last year.

It finally comes to an end.

Even though it didn't end well.

But it's a closure.

Right.

Goodbye, Mr Ban.

Xiao Xiao.

You don't have the chance this year,

but I hope

you still can do your best in round nine.

I'll do my best.

Thank you, sir.

I think I'd better tell you.

Here.

Putting it there will improve the situation,

but if you put it here,

your odds will be even better.

Here?

I never figured this would work.

Xiao Guang.

What have you learned from this game?

I realised that

you, Master Chu Ying,

can easily turn a game around.

You're stupid.

This question is very easy.

I was teasing you.

It's what you told me before.

Faith and determination.

You're not really stupid.

You know what you should do

in the game tomorrow?

Actually, I don't.

But I'm sure of one thing.

I won't play

like I did yesterday and today.

You know something?

Your determination and courage

are more valuable

than winning or losing.

I've been looking for you.

-I... -Quickly come with me.

-Where? -Bai Xiao Xiao will be eliminated.

As friends, we should cheer her up.

Hurry up.

Why don't you do the talking?

I'm not good at comforting people.

You're better at this.

Where is Shen Yi Lang?

I've been calling him, but he didn't answer.

Really?

He's not around when we need him.

You're back.

Don't be too upset.

You don't look good.

Maybe it's because I haven well lately.

I'm fine.

-I actually want... -I know

what you want to say.

Let's wait until tomorrow.

Round nine is very important.

I don't want to affect you.

We all

have to do our best tomorrow.

[2005 National Go Grading Tournament, Round Nine]

Is the result out yet?

If you're asking my result,

I won.

Congrats.

What about him?

[Yijianghu Club, Shi Guang: 15]

Shi Guang, you're in!

Not bad.

I know you'll move on to the next round.

-I'm in. -Congrats.

I'm in.

You're in.

I'm in?

Buddy, I'm in!

-It's incredible. -I'm so surprised.

What about Shen Yi Lang?

[Yijianghu Club, Shen Yi Lang: 17, 12]

He lost again.

He ranks 17th.

A rank higher and he'll be in. What a pity.

Where is Shen Yi Lang?

Where is he?

I'll go look for him.

Don't bother.

I've talked to him. Just leave him alone.

-You... -Relax.

The competition is not over yet.

He has lost two games.

He is in a bad place now.

I'm afraid he'll lose again tomorrow.

Are you saying

he'll be eliminated?

Not really.

The ranking is based not only on win-loss points,

but also the total score.

If his total score is higher than other people's,

he still has a chance

to move on even if he loses.

But...

Miss.

Are you okay?

-I'm fine. -Okay.

[But his total score is very close]

[to his competitors'.]

[He isn't very far ahead.]

[I know it's unfair for me to say this.]

Shen Yi Lang has beaten you,

so your result

will affect his total score.

In other words, your performance tomorrow

[will play a decisive role in his result.]

[If Shen Yi Lang loses,]

he'll be hanging by a thread.

Then you winning

will be his only hope.

I lost.

Referee.

Referee.

Bai Xiao Xiao wins by resignation.

Miss.

Miss.

Bai Xiao Xiao.

Are you alright?

Bai Xiao Biao. Bai Xiao Xiao.

Doctor! Over here!

Someone fainted.