Yan Jin named Colorado Go Champion for 2024
Yan Jin (5d) was named the 2024 Colorado State Go Champion after finishing the Southern Colorado Open Go tournament undefeated. Going into the fourth round both Jin and Nicole Chen (4d) were 3-0 for the day. They faced off in round four to decide the championship.
The tournament was held on September 7th at the Gold Hills police station in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Organized by the Elevation Go Club, the event marked the club's first tournament since its founding two years ago. With 31 participants from across Colorado, players faced off in three divisions: the Open (Dan) division (10 players), Single Digit Kyu (SDK)(10 Players), and Double Digit Kyu (DDK)(11 Players).
Jordan Hagen (3k) won the SDK division with a 3-1 record, while Alicia Mclean (16k) won the DDK division, also with a record of 3-1. Visit the Leago tournament webpage for full tournament results.
Yan Jin, the 2024 Colorado State Go Champion standing with his prizes: bowls, stones and a board!
Joe Robertson, the tournament director and founder of the Elevation Go Club.
Nicole Chen (4d) faces off against Yan Jin in Round 4 of the Southern Colorado Open.
Yan Jin (5d) contemplating his next move against Nicole Chen in Round 4.
The tournament was expertly directed by Joe Robertson, with invaluable support from numerous Elevation Go Club members. Special recognition goes to Eric Wainwright of Boulder, Colorado for providing the Go boards, stones, and clocks that literally made the tournament possible.
The club also extends its gratitude to the Colorado Springs Police Department for the use of their facility and to Fred Walker, a retired police officer and Elevation Go Club member, for coordinating use of the facility.
The tournament was generously sponsored by Go equipment manufacturer Song Yun, Go equipment retailer Yellow Mountain Imports, online Go education source Go Magic, crossfit gym Crossfit Controlled Chaos, and Go club resource Baduk.club.
The 2024 Southern Colorado Open Go tournament showcased the passion and dedication of the state's Go community. The Elevation Go Club's commitment to fostering the game's growth in the region has set a strong foundation for future club events.
Additional event photos
Group photo taken after the completion of the tournament at the Gold Hills police station in Colorado Springs.
Rich Newman (9k) ponders a move.
Xichun Zhou (3d) and Yun-Bo Yi (5d) playing in the first round of the tournament.
Jordan Hagen (3k) and Jack De La Beaujardiere (3k) complete in round 1.
Levi Goncharov (7k) considers his next move.
Yun-Bo-Yi (5d) and Yunjing Ma (6d) face off during round 2.
Yun-Bo- Yi (5d) considering a move.
Yunjing Ma (6d) ponders a move during his round 3 game against Yan Jin (5d).
Robert Lyman (9k) and Jim Seibert (11k) shake hands after scoring their game.
Shunming Sun (8k) discusses a completed game.
Jordan Hagen (3k) looks for his next move.
Jason Thomason (3d) tickles the stones while considering a move.
Yan Jin (5d) ponders a move.
Yunjing Ma (6d) places a stone in his round 3 game against Yan Jin (5d).
Many endgame moves to consider.
Solomon Smilack (3d) looks for his next move.
Rich Newman (9k) pauses to review the board.
Jack De La Beaujardiere (3k) prepares his next move.
The tournament space at the Gold Hills police station was quiet and comfortable.
Yunjing Ma (6d) places a stone in his round 3 game against Yan Jin (5d).
Xichun Zhou (3d) and Eric Wainwright (2d) playing during round 3.
Jason Thomason (3d) slides a stone into place.
Xichun Zhou (3d) deep in thought.
The prize table at the tournament thanks to many generous sponsors.
Morgan Faas (10k) plays Alicia McLean (16k) during round 1.
Robert Lyman (9k) and Jim Seibert (11k) consider their next moves.
Yunjing Ma (6d) ponders a move during his round 1 game with Jason Thomason (3d).
Detailed Results
Final results from the event Leago page.
The event whiteboard showing the pairings, handicaps and results for all four rounds of the tournament. (red box indicates a win.)