Topic: Lee Chang

Lee Chang-ho (born July 29, 1975 in Jeonju, North Jeolla) is a South Korean professional Go player of 9-dan rank. He is regarded by many as one of the strongest modern Go players. He was a student of Cho Hun-hyeon 9-dan. He is the only player who has won all eight international competitions at least once.

He turned pro in 1986 at the young age of 11. By the early 1990s, he started winning titles that his teacher, Cho, had won. By 1992 Lee had already won his first international title, which was the 3rd Tong Yang Cup. No other Go player comes close to his international title record. Lee has won all of the international Go tournaments at least twice, excluding the World Oza and Ing Cup, which are held every two and four years respectively. He is only the second player to record a "Grand Slam". The first was Cho Hunhyun. In 2006, Lee won the Wangwi title for the eleventh straight year. His teacher, Cho Hunhyun, holds the record for the most successive domestic titles with sixteen consecutive Paewang titles. Ma Xiaochun has the second-most successive domestic titles with thirteen Mingren titles.

"Stone Buddha" is one of Lee's many nicknames. It derives from the fact that he always keeps a straight face and never smiles or frowns during a match. The nickname reflects his playing style as well. His reading ability is among the best in the world. He does not attack much and never plays "wild Go". He usually wins by making the opponents think they are winning. This is because he never kills large groups or makes a move that decides the match. Lee's ability was underestimated by professionals at the beginning of his career. He is not like Honinbo Shusaku; he never makes big moves or surprises with amazing play.