So fast, it is the competition that I have been training for the entire holiday.

It was a big jump. From B group to A.

I knew I didn't stand a chance to win my usual 4/5 wins in a normal competition.

I set my sights lower and went for 3 points. If you don't know what's with group A and B, I'll elaborate.

Group B: Kyu level group. The level of players where you can not think so much and still win. You probably won't think so much anyway, people usually finish the games in 30 mins. This group is where people do not really understand shape play but try to do their best. To people in this group, Ganbatte! Do more shape problems!

Group A: Dan level group. The level of players where you think so much but still make a mistake that could cost you the game. Where all the scary players in the Weiqi world in Singapore congregate and start slashing each other on the battlefield. 45 mins is barely enough.

Make no mistake, the highest level in Group A is at least 6 dan and the lowest level is 1 dan.

Yes, I am 1 dan. The lowest end of the continuum. 45mins is barely enough, I always fin  myself having to rush through late end game because I was in my last 5 minutes. Trying to aim for 3 wins may already be aiming too high...

1st game - Xue Yi. The game was ok. I made some overplays which I promptly regretted right after. But she wasn't in her best form, she couldn't see many moves that could create problems for my group. The last time we played was in Lanke Cup, but I won her due to sheer luck as both of us did not see the winning move when it was so blatantly obvious to the spectators.

2nd game - Lu Yong. My 2nd time meeting him in a competition, the 1st time I was playing in Wei Qi League, right after lunch. Yes, I tend to play badly after lunch because I cannot really concentrate, or have the will to. I lost badly. This time round I stood more ground. I saw myself improve compared to the last time I played with him. But eventually he was too strong. I lost.

3rd game - Jeremy. Frankly speaking, I thought I was leading the whole time. Until I invaded and failed to live. That was the 2nd time I fell for that death trap! I did my best, attacked as hard as I could, but to no avail. I lost by over 40 moku. I guess that invasion really was too huge.

4th game - Yeh Ke Chen. I was leading the whole game. I made some wonderful attacks that I found myself proud of but made some mistakes in the meantime also. During the end game, he kept reducing my territory. Really, omg, these older generation of players are really good at endgame! That I cannot deny. I lost by 1.5moku.

5th game - Jie Hui's father. Basically, we were playing well in the beginning until he screwed up during mid-game. He got a little too greedy for my taste and I punished. I gave him what he wanted but reaped huge profit, attack and attack and attack until you die or live with 2 eyes, a common theme in all my games. This time he made a moyo but had no real purpose for because of my thickness from attacking his group. I won by 20+ points.

6th game - Shu Bin. Walkover, he already mentioned to the arbiter he wanted to quit but apparently the message wasn't passed across before the pairings were made. I ended up facing a ghost opponent. Here was where I picked my 3rd win. 

7th game - Alvin. I played badly in this game. I was tired and really had no mood to think hard. I couldn't concentrate. It was either due to fatigue or due to the lunch I had an hour ago. I screwed the whole game up very soon. 

I learnt alot in this competition. Group A is fun, you have to put in at least 95% concentration to win the game. Otherwise you are surely to struggle in it. Every game I put in 98% concentration and surprising did better than expected against those regulars. I realised how much the strength difference is between Alvin and me, it'll probably take me a year to catch up provided he stagnates. I also found myself playing more and more like Kato Masao. 

Kato Masao has always been my idol. I'm not sure why but I've felt like I was playing his  style the whole time during the competition. I like it, like seriously, and I'm honoured. Time to read more of his kifus. Lol.

9:26 PM

Not just anyone's plate but my Auntie's plate. I guessed I microwaved it for too long!

I totally forgot to read if it was microwavable despite having reminded myself in the morning. 

I'm such a goondoo! Omg!!! HOoOOOOOOW!?!?!?!

10:57 PM

It's the season to be jolly! Have fun and enjoy!

No matter how difficult life is, this is a time to celebrate and let go!

Find new relevations and new friends! Enlighten oneself!

Wishing you all a jolly season ahead!

(I wish someone would invite me to a christmas party of sorts! :D)

(I changed the music of the blog too! Christmas likely music!)

10:35 PM

I don't know why but things feel as if they are falling into place.

My studies, my CCA, and my life itself.

Everything seems to be working out smoothly. Is it something I did? But I don't really care. 

I'm just glad things are the way they are working out now. 

I need to treasure the time and the way things are right now. 

4:52 PM

all things elegant ...

all things beautiful ...

like a domino effect ...

the thunder gets louder ...

I get closer ...

it doesn't last for eternity ...

to embrace the beauty of it ...

I'm getting old, it's too fast.

Can you see it? Can you feel it?

But please don't taint it, my pure, precious & beautiful world ...

Nothing needs to be painted.

This beautiful canvas of life.

10:28 PM