1. Early Life and Career
Chen Shiyuan's early life and the beginning of his professional Go career were marked by a strong passion for the game and dedicated training both in Taiwan and South Korea.
1.1. Childhood and Education
Born on October 28, 1985, in Taipei, Taiwan, Chen Shiyuan developed an early interest in Go. His talent became evident at a young age, leading him to achieve the runner-up position in the junior division of the World Youth Go Championship in 1996. At the age of 12, he traveled to South Korea to further his Go studies, becoming a disciple of Kwon Kab-Ryong 6-dan. He spent five formative years training in Korea, an experience that significantly shaped his playing style and professional development.
1.2. Professional Debut and Early Career
Chen Shiyuan officially debuted as a professional player in the Korea Baduk Association in 2000. He quickly ascended the ranks, being promoted to 2-dan in 2002. In 2004, he showcased his potential by securing 8th place in the 8th SK Gas Cup New Pro 10 Best Players Tournament. In 2005, he was promoted to 3-dan. That same year, he returned to Taiwan to fulfill his mandatory military service and subsequently transferred his professional affiliation to the Taiwan Go Association. Following his return, Chen achieved immediate success, winning the Zhonghuan Cup Go Open and the Donggang Cup. These victories contributed to his rapid promotion to 5-dan, based on win count regulations. He also made his first appearance in an international championship, participating in the Zhonghuan Cup World Go Championship, where he was defeated by Yoda Norimoto. In 2006, his victory in the Guoshou title led to his promotion to 7-dan. By 2007, Chen Shiyuan had become a four-crown holder, winning the Donggang Cup, Guoshou, CMC TV Cup, and Tianyuan titles. In 2008, he was a runner-up in the Tianyuan title, losing to Lin Zhihan, but claimed victories in the 15th Zhonghuan Cup and the 4th Wangzuo title. His consistent performance continued into 2009, when he was promoted to 8-dan in March, simultaneously winning the Qiwang, 3rd Aixin Cup, 5th Wangzuo, and 9th Donggang Cup.
2. Major Career Achievements
Chen Shiyuan's professional career is marked by numerous significant victories and consistent high-level performance in both domestic and international Go competitions, along with steady progression through the dan ranks.
2.1. Domestic Tournament Titles
Chen Shiyuan has accumulated a remarkable record of wins and runner-up finishes in major Taiwanese Go tournaments. His consistent performance in these events underscores his status as a leading player in Taiwan.
| Title | Wins (Years) | Runners-up (Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Qiwang | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 | 2008 |
| Tianyuan | 2007, 2011, 2012 | 2008, 2009, 2013 |
| Wangzuo | 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 | 2006, 2007 |
| Guoshou | 2006, 2007, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 | 2008 |
| Haifong Cup | 2012, 2015, 2017 | 2009 |
| Go Sejong | 2010, 2014, 2015 | 2008 |
| Zhonghuan Cup | 2005, 2008, 2011, 2012 | 2007, 2009, 2012 |
| Aixin Cup | 2009 | |
| Donggang Cup | 2005, 2007, 2009 | 2010 |
| CMC TV Cup | 2007 | |
| Chinese 10-dan | 2012 |
2.2. International Tournament Participation
Chen Shiyuan has also represented Taiwan in various international Go competitions, achieving notable results and facing top players from around the world.
In the LG Cup World Go Championship, he reached the Round of 16 in 2009, defeating Wang Xi before losing to Qiu Jun. In 2011, he advanced to the quarterfinals (Best 8), with victories over Han Ung-gyu and Park Seung-hwa, before being eliminated by Lee Chang-ho.
He also won the Japan-Taiwan Jingying in 2011 and was a runner-up in the same event in 2009.
He competed in the CSK Cup Asian Team Go Championship in 2006, where he recorded 0 wins and 3 losses, falling to Xie He, Gao Gen-tai, and Yuki Satoshi.
Chen Shiyuan has participated in several multi-sport events featuring Go, including the World Mind Sports Games (2008, Men's Team 4th), SportAccord World Mind Games (2011 and 2014, Men's Team 4th in both), Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (2013, Men's Team 3rd, Men's Individual 6th), and IMSA Elite Mind Games (2017, Men's Team 3rd).
In team and pair events, he placed 3rd in the Guksu Mountains International Baduk Championship team event in 2016, and was a runner-up in the mixed pair event in 2017, partnered with Hei Jiajia. He also achieved a runner-up finish in the Pair Go World Cup in 2016 and 3rd place in 2017, both times playing with Hei Jiajia. He secured 3rd place in the Okage Cup International New Talent Match in 2014.
He also participated in the International New Talent Go Match from 2004 to 2007, and the Qiandeng Cup Cross-Strait Urban Go Match in 2009, 2010, and 2013, where he notably defeated Nie Weiping in 2009, but lost to Chang Hao in 2010 and Mi Yuting in 2013.
2.3. Team Competitions and Other Records
Chen Shiyuan has also been an active participant in team-based Go leagues, particularly the China Go League.
- 2008: Played in the B League with the Taiwan Go Association team, finishing with 3 wins and 4 losses, resulting in relegation.
- 2010: Competed in the C League with the Taiwan Go Association team, achieving a record of 5 wins and 2 losses.
- 2012: Participated in the C League with the Taiwan Zhonghuan team, where his 6 wins and 1 loss contributed to the team's promotion.
- 2013: Played in the B League for the Taiwan Zhonghuan team, recording 2 wins and 5 losses.
- 2014: Member of the Taiwan Zhonghuan team in the C League, with a record of 5 wins and 2 losses.
- 2015: Played for the Taiwan Zhonghuan team in the B League, finishing with 3 wins and 4 losses.
- 2016: Represented the Haifong Go Academy team in the C League, with a record of 2 wins and 5 losses.
2.4. Promotion Record
Chen Shiyuan's ascent through the professional Go ranks reflects his steady improvement and numerous achievements throughout his career.
- 1-dan: 2000 (promoted by the Korea Baduk Association)
- 2-dan: 2002
- 3-dan: 2005
- 5-dan: 2005 (promoted due to winning the Donggang Cup)
- 7-dan: 2006 (promoted due to winning the Guoshou title)
- 8-dan: March 2009
- 9-dan: 2011
2.5. Annual Performance Records
Chen Shiyuan's annual win-loss records demonstrate his consistent high level of play and his ability to maintain a strong performance over multiple years.
- 2006: 43 wins, 20 losses
- 2007: 44 wins, 15 losses
- 2008: 40 wins, 21 losses
- 2009: 55 wins, 11 losses
- 2010: 46 wins, 15 losses
- 2011: 21 wins, 3 losses
3. Personal Life
Chen Shiyuan is married to fellow professional Go player Chang Cheng-ping (2-dan). The couple tied the knot in 2010.
4. Evaluation and Legacy
Chen Shiyuan is widely regarded as one of the most prominent and influential figures in Taiwanese Go. His sustained success and numerous titles have left a significant mark on the sport. In 2014, he was bestowed the title of "名誉王座Honorary WangzuoJapanese" in recognition of his exceptional achievement of winning the Wangzuo title for five consecutive years.
His achievements include reaching the "five crowns" status in 2011, a rare feat in Taiwanese Go, by simultaneously holding the Qiwang, Go Sejong, Wangzuo, Zhonghuan Cup, and Tianyuan titles. He further cemented his legacy by extending this record to an unprecedented "six crowns" in 2012, adding the Haifong Cup to his collection of titles alongside the Qiwang, Tianyuan, Wangzuo, Guoshou, and Zhonghuan Cup.
As part of "Taiwan's Big Three" alongside Zhou Junxun and Lin Zhihan, Chen Shiyuan's consistent presence at the pinnacle of Taiwanese Go for over a decade highlights his enduring skill and dedication. His record-breaking achievements and continuous performance have significantly contributed to the development and visibility of professional Go in Taiwan, inspiring a new generation of players. Overall, Chen Shiyuan has secured 19 titles and been a runner-up 12 times throughout his career.