KYOTO, Japan, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Gu Zihao, a young Chinese nine-dan go chess player, won the 20th Agon Kiriyama Cup China-Japan Play-off after beating Japanese player Ryo Ichiriki here Saturday.

Ichiriki, taking white, opened well, but 20-year-old Gu managed to capitalize on a mistake by Ichiriki after 43 moves to take dominance, and finally secured a resignation after 185 moves.

"It has been a tough match. We fought hard, especially in the middle game. I feel lucky for being able to win," said Gu after the game.

He thanked the citizens in Kyoto who came to watch the game and said he was honored to be able to play here.

Ichiriki said he was sorry for failing to take the chance and turn the tide in the game.

It was the 15th time as well as the third consecutive time for China to win the play-off which was held between the two champions of the Japanese Agon-Kiriyama Cup Lightning Go Open Tournaments and the tournament's Chinese edition since 2000.

The match was held under Japanese rules, with player taking white given bonus points, or Komi, of 6.5 points.