Satoru Kobayashi (Go player)

Satoru Kobayashi
File:Satoru-Kobayashi.jpg
Full name	Satoru Kobayashi
Kanji	小林覚
Residence	Tokyo, Japan
Teacher	Minoru Kitani
Turned pro	1974
Rank	9 dan
Affiliation	Nihon Ki-in

Satoru Kobayashi (小林覚, Kobayashi Satoru, born April 5, 1959) is a professional Go player.

Biography

Satoru Kobayashi is a professional Go player who plays for the Japanese Nihon Ki-in. His rank is 9 dan, and he is known for his pincer style. He has one brother and sister who are also professionals, Chizu Kobayashi and Kenji Kobayashi.

Suspension

In the beginning of 2001, Kobayashi was suspended by the Nihon Ki-in. He had accidentally injured his Chunlan Cup opponent Ryu Shikun while they were drinking at a bar, by gesturing with his hand while it held a brandy glass, breaking the glass, gashing Ryu Shikun's cheek and his own hand. Kobayashi offered to retire from Go, but the Nihon Ki-in set that offer aside. The Chinese and Koreans both pled for clemency toward him; the suspension was shortened from a year to 8 months, and Kobayashi was allowed to play in September.

Promotion record

Rank	Year	Notes
1 dan	1974
2 dan
3 dan
4 dan
5 dan
6 dan
7 dan
8 dan
9 dan	1987

Titles & runners-up

Title	Years Held
Current	6
Kisei	1995
Gosei	1995
Agon Cup	1998
NEC Cup	1998
NHK Cup	1995
Ryusei	1996
Defunct	4
Shin-Ei	1982
NEC Shun-Ei	1987
Hayago Championship	1999, 2000

Title	Years Lost
Current	13
Kisei	1996, 1997, 2007
Meijin	2005
Gosei	1990 - 1992, 1996
NEC Cup	1985, 1996
Agon Cup	1995
NHK Cup	1989, 1996
Defunct	2
Kakusei	1996
Shin-Ei	1985
Continental	1
Asian TV Cup	1989
International	2
Samsung Cup	1997
Tong Yang Cup	1997