After the first day of The 6th KPMC, we met Oh-Chimin 6 Dan in lobby of the hotel. He used to be Insei and having studied with Kim-Jisuk, Han-sanghun, Yun-Junsang to become a professional player. He came here to meet his loyal friends during his holiday from military service.
Thanks to it, I could talk with Javier from Finland and had a chance to ask several questions.
Oh-Chimin said "I met him when he came to Korea to study baduk in Yoo-Changhuk school three years ago.
At that time, we had three handicap but now only one handicap.
Oh-Chimin said " he has special talent in baduk but on the other hand, he is also fluent in 5 languages at the moment.
Javier seemed to know the word of genius and showed his fluent in Korean saying " I am not genius. He was born in 1991 and currently studying at a university majoring International management.
- Javier, what was your reason to learn Baduk?
" When I was 14 years old, my close friend forced me to learn. In the beginning, I learned it because of his menace, but I couldn't help to learn once I learned it and after I got to know how interesting it is. At that time, I didn't have Baduk board and stone, so we used chess board using black and yellow stones.
- You are 5 Dan. what level are you in Cyberoro?
" There are not many strong players in KGS where many people in Europe enjoy to play. Therefore, I come to Cyberoro very often, and now 7 Dan there.
- You started to learn it when you were 14 years old, and now you became one o f the strong player. How did you study?
I didn't have a teacher. In fact, I was interested in Baduk after Hikaru's Go has been translated in English to Europe. As soon as I read it and study it, I could beat my friend who forced me to learn it.
- How many people are playing in Finland?
About 800 people, but 200 people are active players.
- This tournamnet, only one representative is participating from 69 countries. Then are you the number one player there?
No, I am second in ranking point and there are three friends who are same level with me. Last year's representative came to 9th.
- Who would you like to play with most?
Kim-Younghwan 9 Dan. I like his teaching style. And also Kim-mansoo who was my teacher in school.
- What is your dream?
My dream is that travelling countries to confront a variety of cultures. And I want to reach the level which I can play Baduk without any regrets.
- You are going back 3 days later. What would you like to say to your friends who studied with you in school?
I saw many friends studying Baduk hardly. I hope they become professional players all and have nice results. Few months ago, I heard that Kim-Nuri became a professional player who I studied with. I wish he became a top player so that I can see him on TV. I miss you my friend.