From: "H.L.Hu" <huhl@mail.allover.com>
Newsgroups: rec.games.go
Subject: China News: An interview with Ma Xiaochun
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 1999 01:53:03 -0800

This interview apparently occured before the second and third
Samsung games but after the LG semi-finals.

Q: Now please talk about your games with Lee Changho. Since
   you won in the LG semi-final, Weiqi fans have been talking
   about the 'best-of-ten' games between you and Lee. You have
   won the first one, what do you think of the 9 games left?

A: Not all the 9 games will be played. If anyone does not believe
   me, I can make a bet with him on a 10 to 1 base. :)

Q: You published a paper in 'Weiqi World' titled "Top players
   also have shortcomings", in which you analysed some of
   Lee's weak spots. Do you think you have had a good research
   on him?

A: I am not very clear about his weak spots yet. However, I believe
   if I manage to keep my weak spots fewer, his will be exposed.

Q: You had a good win against him in the first game of Samsung
   finals. What do you think of that game?

A: I played well, he played bad. Our strength is quite close.

Q: Some are saying that Lee is at his low point. What's your opinion?

A: If he had not lost to me, nobody would say so. If he is at his low point,
   I am at mine. I lost to Yang Shihai 8p in LeiBaiShi Cup, to Yoda 9p in
   ChunLan Cup. I am at an even lower point. :)

Q: In this 'best-of-ten' rivalry, will each of you get a Champion
   eventually?

A: If I lost Samsung, then it is more likely I would lose LG too.

Q: Which one in the Samsung games do you think will be the most critical?

A: The third one.

Q: Why the third? Why not the second? If you can win the second, won't it
   be great to have a lead with 2:0?

A: The second is not critical, the third is. If I win the second, that's
   2:0. But if I win the third, that's 3:0. If the first three turn out
   to be 2:1, I would like to win the third, not the second.

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