Overview

• Fujii defeated challenger Takumi Ito in 99 moves in Hadano to even the 73rd Oza best‑of‑five at two wins each.
• Ito had taken Games 2 and 3 to lead 2–1, putting Fujii one loss from relinquishing the Oza title.
• Reports highlighted Ito’s inventive opening preparation before Fujii gained a decisive edge through a bishop exchange and placement.
• The deciding Game 5 is scheduled for October 28 in Kofu in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun‑sponsored title match.
• Fujii, 23, said he aims to strengthen his play before the finale, while Ito, 22 and the reigning Eio who beat Fujii 3–2 in 2024, vowed to refine his reading.