"Verbal Abuse and Beatings After Every Loss"... China Shocked by Death of 9-Year-Old Go Prodigy

Attracting Attention in the Go Community with an Undefeated National Tournament Record
Registered as the Youngest Professional Go Player in the Fujian Go Association
Testimonies Emerge of Corporal Punishment After Losing Matches

A 9-year-old Chinese boy known as a "Go prodigy" has passed away, amid allegations that he suffered habitual abuse and violence from his father during his lifetime. On May 22, Beijing News and other outlets reported that Go genius Zhu Hongxin died on the evening of May 19. According to some acquaintances, Zhu Hongxin was regularly subjected to verbal abuse and corporal punishment by his father. There are also testimonies that he was physically assaulted when he lost Go matches. After divorcing his wife, Zhu Hongxin's father raised him alone, and some witnesses stated that "the violent discipline went beyond strict education methods."

In particular, there are accounts that even after losing a tournament held in Hangzhou earlier this month, his father assaulted him at the venue, including kicking him. Some have raised the possibility that Zhu Hongxin suffered and was tormented by ongoing domestic violence. A representative of the Fujian Go Association stated, "Zhu Hongxin's death may be related to his family," adding, "There are people who saw his father hit and kick Zhu Hongxin when he lost matches, and there were several reports made for domestic violence."

A 9-year-old Chinese boy known as a "Go prodigy" has passed away, amid allegations that he suffered habitual abuse and violence from his father during his lifetime. On the 22nd, Beijing News and other outlets reported that Go genius boy Zhu Hongxin died on the evening of the 19th. Baidu

Previously, Zhu Hongxin, who was from Quanzhou, Fujian Province, won the national tournament for the preschool division last year with an undefeated record. At the age of seven, he participated in a 6-dan tournament and became the youngest professional Go player registered with the Fujian Go Association, making him a highly regarded figure in the Chinese Go community. Recognized for his talent in Go during his lifetime, he was recently given special admission to the Hangzhou Intelligent Sports Secondary Vocational School.

On some online communities and social media, photos have been posted showing bruises on various parts of his body during Go tournaments. While the police are currently investigating the case, a school official stated, "The specific circumstances (including domestic violence) are still unclear," and added, "Zhu Hongxin was exceptionally talented and got along well with his classmates, so this is very tragic."

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