Defender Gu Li (R) competes with Zhou Heyang during the third game of the 22nd "Tongli Cup" Tianyuan GO Tournament Finals in Tongli Town in eastern China's Jiangsu Province on Tuesday, April 8, 2008. [Photo: Xinhua]

After a pitiful loss in the 2nd game, Gu Li 9 dan defended his sixth continuous Tianyuan title with Zhou Heyang's resignation in the middle of the game on Tuesday.

The 22nd "Tongli Cup" Tianyuan GO Tournament Final was held in Tongli Town in eastern China's Jiangsu Province.

Five-time Champion Gu Li met his rival Zhou Heyang 9 dan again, who is also the champion candidate last year.

Interestingly, Gu and Zhou tied during the first two games, same as last year's finals.

In Tuesday's game 3, the opening was said to be slightly favorable to Gu's white at the time he built a big moyo in the right corner of the board. The mid-game fight was difficult but Gu's white side was considered slightly 'thicker', which was a good factor in the end-game stage.

However, after a break, Zhou's effort made the result unclear.

But veteran Gu played wisely and carefully during the rest of the match.

After realizing winning the game was 'mission impossible', Zhou conceded defeat before the end.

"Tianyuan GO" competetion was launched in 1987 in Beijing as the most significant GO challenge in China. It was renamed to "Tongli Cup" Tianyuan GO since Tongli Town became the sponsor in the year of 2000. In 2006, Tong Li Town was officially appointed as the permanent venue for all future "Tianyuan GO" games.