Taipei, Sept. 29 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Monday that he will support the development of go, an ancient strategy game that has gained popularity in Japan, and will help solve the problem of compulsory military service for Taiwanese players who wish to go to Japan to develop.
The president made the remarks when he received 23-year-old Cho U, a Taiwan-born professional go player based in Japan who won the coveted "Hominbo" title in July this year, and his two mentors, Wu Ching-yuan and Lin Hai-feng. Lin himself held many prestigious titles in Japan's go community, including the Hominbo and Meijin titles, for many years. "For years, Taiwan go players have enjoyed high prestige in Japan and the international go community, " the president said, adding that while some people might not know how to play go, many of them are aware of Cho's two mentors, and "now a new star has arisen."
The president noted that Cho, because of his blooming at a young age and his good looks, has become very popular in Japan and that he felt his charisma upon meeting Cho for the first time.
Chen said he hoped his three guests will help the development of go in Taiwan so that the cream of the country's players can continue to shine internationally.