Stuttgart tournament was held from 14th to 16th of September. I heard that this is one of the biggest tournaments in Germany, but the number of participants got decreased this year. Last year, there were 54 participants, but this year 35 people joined in. 

  Well, it is not the good news for me to hear. So I decided to take part in the tournament although I do not usually participate in tournaments. Of course I like to play Baduk, but I do not play tournament games when In-seong teaches there. The reason is I want to be with him when he is free; he normally has time when people play tournament games and gets busy after they finish their games. You know, it is still our first year of marriage :)
  Anyway, it was good as usual. Playing games in tournaments always stimulates me regardless of the result. When playing Baduk, time flies fast. Doesn't it?

* First round 

* 3rd:Semi Lee, 2nd: Pascal Muller, Winner: Thomas Kettenring, and Organizer: Thomas Schmid   


  Even though the number of the participants gets smaller, I saw a hope in the Stuttgart tournament. There were some passionate young players who kept playing Baduk whenever and wherever. I saw them playing games after In-seong's workshop finished at night, after the closing ceremony, and even in the restaurant. Wow! They let me look back on my childhood. Was I that much passionate about Baduk? Well, at least my teenage dairy was full of winning and losing stories for 5 years. That can be a proof, right? However, I don't think I played Baduk that much like them. I sincerely admire their passion and thank to them for loving what I love.

* Children in Stuttgart tournament. 

* Listening to the lecture.

* Seminar on 14th of September.

* Playing Baduk in Korean restaurant.

  I went to the Stuttgart tournament with not the good news but came back with a bright hope. Sometimes people say it is the time for computer games, and Baduk is slipping away little by little especially in East Asia. I don't believe it. Baduk is not just a game which can be disappeared; it is something more than a game that makes people go crazy in it. I believe in the attractiveness of Baduk which will last forever.

  Thank you for the hope you give us.

* After the closing ceremony, they stayed more in the tournament place for playing!

Written by Semi Lee