On March 11, Moriuchi won the 4th game of 31st Kio title match with 117 moves and took the title from Habu. The score after the game is 3-1 lead by Moriuchi.
Here is the resignation diagram with Moriuchi's final move of S7h-8g. Moriuchi played Sente(lower side). Moriuchi had a Rook, Gold Lance and two pawns while Habu had three kNights and 7 pawns. It's difficult to say which to win at a glance. Let's examine in details.
At the diagram, there is no mate for both Kings. Sente's King is in danger but no mate such as S*9g+ Kx9g P9f Sx9f N*8e Px8e Lx9f Kx9f P*9e Kx9e +Bx7g K8d. Sente's King cannot be trapped. So, Gote have to take the gold on 7g by +Bx7g to brinkmate Sente's King. But due to the promoted Bishop's move from 6h to 7g, mating Gote' King will be enabled. The mating line is as follows; G*2a(!) Kx2a R*4a K1b P*1c Kx1c Rx1a+ N*1b Lx1e P*1d +B3a(mate). If the promoted bishop stayed on 6h, Gote could take the pawn drop on 1c by +B6h-1c and Gote's King could not be trapped. I think the timing of the resignation has given a beautiful resignation diagram which is rich in afterglow.
Congratulation on Moriuchi. Habu has no time for rest. The play-off match with Tanigawa 9dan to decide the challenger against Meijin Moriuchi is scheduled on Mar. 16 and the 7th(final) game of 55th Osho title match will take place on Mar. 21 & 22. What a busy schedule Habu has!
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