Kim Eun-ji and Choi Jeong advance to the quarterfinals of the IBK Industrial Bank of Korea Women's Baduk World Masters

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Cheon Byeong-hyuk = Korean Women's Baduk's 'one-two punch' Kim Eun-ji and Choi Jeong, 9th dan, cruised to the inaugural championship of the 2026 IBK Industrial Bank of Korea Women's Baduk World Masters.

Kim Eun-ji, ranked first in the Korean women's rankings, defeated China's Wu Yiming, 7th dan, in 240 moves on the second day of the round of 16 of the finals held at Korea Kiwon in Majang-ro, Seongdong-gu on the 4th.

Kim Eun-ji, who was dragged until the middle of the game, achieved a comeback victory at the last minute after persistent pursuit.

Choi Jeong, ranked 2nd in the rankings, overturned the baduk game that had been at a disadvantage until the middle of the game against Japan's 7th dan Rina Fujisawa and won a ticket to the quarterfinals.

Oh Jeong-ah, 6th dan, and Kim Da-young, 5th dan, who also competed, were eliminated after losing to China's 7th dan Tang Ja-won and 6th dan Li Xiaoxi, respectively.

In Korea, four players, including 9th dan Kim Chae-young and 6th dan Nakamura Sumire, who won the round of 16 the day before, advanced to the quarterfinals.

As a result of the quarterfinals draw, Choi Jeong faced his long-time rival, Wiziying 8th Dan.

Kim Eun-ji will compete with Japan's Ueno Lisa 4th dan to advance to the semifinals, while Kim Chae-young will face Tang Ja-won and Sumige will face Li Xiaoxi.

The prize money for the winner of the IBK Industrial Bank of Korea Cup is 200 million won, and the prize money for the runner-up is 80 million won.

The time limit is a cumulative time of 30 minutes for each player, with an additional 20 seconds.