The 54th Kuksu title challenge matches have been started. The current title holder is Lee Changho 9P, and the title challenger is Choi Chulhan 9P.

In the first match of best of five series, Lee Changho defeated Choi Chulhan by resignation after 136 moves.

Choi Chulhan attacked Lee Changho's group on the right side in the opening, but Lee Changho attacked Choi Chulhan's group on the left side in reverse and made a double pae. Choi Chulhan could play more, but he just resigned after making a huge mistake.

Lee Changho and Choi Chulhan have met at Kuksu as the title holder and challenger for 3 times except this year; 2004, 2005, and 2006. So far, Choi Chulhan has held the Kuksu titles for twice against Lee Changho; 2004 and 2005.

In all title cups, they have met and competed in title matches for seven times, and Choi Chulhan has won 5 titles. Some Lee Changho fans say that Choi Chulhan is working on a special study of how to win Lee Changho.

For Lee Changho, this title is desperate because it is the only title he holds currently. If he loses this title, he will not hold a title in 23 years. Fortunately, the start of the best of five series is good for him.

The 54th Kuksu is sponsored by a publishing company, Dong-A Ilbo. The winner prize is 45,000,000 KRW (approx. 40,500 USD), and each player is given 3 hours and 5 periods of 1 minute for the overtime.

The next game will be played on Jan. 14, 10:00 (Korea Standard Time) in the national museum of Korea, and it will be live broadcast on WBaduk server.