[Stones and Stories] Choi Jeong 9-dan Overturns 97.8% AI-Predicted Defeat in Do-or-Die Match

Clash with China's Wei Zhing in the Senko Cup Semifinals
Overcoming Early Disadvantage for a Dramatic Comeback
Choi Jeong Claims Victory in the Final Against Japan's Suzuki Ayumi

97.8% chance of defeat. In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), it is possible to predict the outcome of professional Go matches in real time. Korea's Go queen, Choi Jeong 9-dan, was pushed into a crisis with only a 2.2% chance of victory at a world tournament. This happened during the semifinals of the Japanese Senko Cup 'World Women's Go Championship 2024.' Her opponent was China's pride, Wei Zhing 8-dan, a formidable rival who has historically been evenly matched against Choi Jeong.

When Choi Jeong, playing black, made her 103rd move, the AI predicted Wei Zhing's winning probability at 97.8%. It was practically a decisive moment in the match. Once faced with the wall of reality, if one falters, the result cannot be reversed. The world of competition is ruthless. When a weakness is exposed, the opponent relentlessly exploits it. The Senko Cup also offers a substantial prize. The 10 million yen (approximately 89 million won) prize money is not insignificant in the world of women's professional Go. The importance of this tournament is not only due to the prize money but also because it involves the Go pride of Korea, China, and Japan.

In 2024, Korea gained momentum by winning the 25th Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup World Go Championship. The Senko Cup was an opportunity for women's Go to continue the success of men's Go. On the other hand, China, having experienced a dramatic loss in the Nongshim Cup, saw this as a chance to restore the pride of their damaged Go powerhouse status.

In the fateful semifinals, Choi Jeong and Wei Zhing met. Until the middle of the match, Korean professional players could not hide their anxiety. They were on edge, wondering if Choi Jeong would collapse. Standing at the edge of the cliff, Choi Jeong rose again. She found a way out through superhuman reading of moves. Choi Jeong was, as expected, Choi Jeong.

Wei Zhing was shaken by Choi Jeong's momentum. After the 148th move was placed in the lower left corner, Choi Jeong's winning probability soared vertically from 27.3% to 48.7%. Gaining momentum, Choi Jeong fiercely pressed Wei Zhing after the midgame. Eventually, after 339 moves, she secured a victory by five and a half points as black. Choi Jeong went on to defeat Suzuki Ayumi 7-dan of Japan in the Senko Cup final, becoming the champion. However, instead of the joy of victory, Choi Jeong conveyed a message of reflection.

"The game I played against Wei Zhing was very bad. Personally, it was a match I reflected on a lot."

Whether in Go or in life, those who grow have a characteristic. They do not forget humility even in moments of glory. They acknowledge their shortcomings and strive to fill the gaps. They reflect on the path they have walked. Isn't it the way of life that such people ultimately grow?

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.