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Lee Chang-ho

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Lee Chang-ho is a legendary professional Go player from South Korea. He holds the highest rank in the game, which is 9-dan. Many experts consider him one of the greatest players to ever live. His dominance in the sport was truly remarkable. He held the number one spot in the world ELO rankings for fifteen years. This period of leadership lasted from 1991 until 2006.

Lee's journey into professional Go began at a very young age. He was born in Jeonju, South Korea, on July 29, 1975. He turned professional in 1986 when he was only 11 years old. During his early years, he studied under the teacher Cho Hun-hyun. This mentorship helped Lee master the complex strategies of the game. By the early 1990s, Lee was winning the same titles his teacher once held.

Success in Go requires winning various domestic and international tournaments. Lee has achieved a staggering level of success in both areas. He has won a total of 143 titles throughout his career. Of these, 122 are domestic titles won within Korea. He has also secured 21 international titles. This makes him the number one player in the world for international titles. He is also ranked second in total titles within Korea.

Lee's trophy collection includes many prestigious and difficult competitions. In the domestic circuit, he won the Wangwi title for eleven consecutive years. He also won the Myungin title 13 times. His success in the KBS Cup is notable, with 11 wins. Internationally, he has won almost every major tournament at least twice. These include the Ing Cup, which he won in 2000 and 2008. He also won the LG Cup four times between 1997 and 2004.

One of Lee's first major milestones was his first international title. He won the 3rd Tong Yang Cup in 1992. He later went on to win that same cup three more times. He also found success in the Samsung Cup, winning it three times. Other notable international victories include the Fujitsu Cup and the Asian TV Cup. His ability to win across different eras shows his incredible skill. He even won the World Mingren title in 2010.

As the game of Go evolves, new players challenge the established masters. Some experts, like Cho Chikun, have discussed the changing styles of play. There was debate about whether a new generation would surpass Lee. A player named Lee Sedol emerged as a significant rival. Cho Hun-hyun, Lee's former teacher, defended his student's position. He suggested that Lee Sedol was simply the first true rival to fit a specific description. He believed the two would battle for a long time.

Beyond the Go board, Lee Chang-ho has a personal life outside of competition. He married Lee Do-yoon, a former amateur Go player, on October 28, 2010. The couple welcomed a daughter on March 8, 2012. His career remains a benchmark for excellence in the world of professional Go. He connects the history of his teacher to the modern era of the game. His legacy is defined by his long reign at the top of the world rankings.

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