Ep. 53: Hikaru Arranges High-Stakes Internet Go Match Against Toya Meijin
Aired on October 16, 2002
Following news of Toya Meijin’s heart attack, Hikaru visits him in the hospital and discovers he plays Internet Go. Hikaru schedules a match for Sai to face Toya one week later. The players agree to severe consequences for defeat: Sai must reveal his true identity if he loses, while Toya vows to retire from professional Go if he is defeated. This encounter sets the stage for a critical confrontation between the young player and the legendary master, driven by the high stakes agreed upon before the game begins.
Episodes
- Ep. 49 · Toya outsmarts Sai while Hikaru resigns, prompting a future handicap-free rematch request.
- Ep. 50 · Sai reveals his past and rivalry with Akira while fearing he may never play Go again.
- Ep. 51 · Hikaru plays a pro against overpriced boards while Kurata watches
- Ep. 52 · Hikaru faces Akira in his first professional match during a Go ceremony.
- Ep. 53 · Hikaru Arranges High-Stakes Internet Go Match Against Toya Meijin
- Ep. 54 · Online Go players suspect Toya is an impostor until he defeats top rivals.
- Ep. 55 · Sai and Toya Koyo engage in a highly watched Internet Go match.
- Ep. 56 · Ogata deduces Toya's offline arrangement as Sai secures victory before fading away
- Ep. 57 · Hikaru visits Toya to discuss his retirement plans and Sai's mysterious disappearance.