Allegations of software-assisted cheating by top-ranked shogi (Japanese chess) player Hiroyuki Miura led to his suspension from competition earlier this month, but a lack of hard evidence and a dubious investigation process has left more questions than answers about the controversial decision.
The stunning call by the Japan Shogi Association to suspend Miura was issued Oct. 12, just three days before the opening of the seven-game Ryuo championship battle where he would have faced title holder Akira Watanabe.
The play of Miura, a 42-year-old holder of the ninth dan, the highest of the game's current ranking, had been drawing attention from opponents over recent months after what they considered odd behavior, including leaving his seat during matches more often than usual, raising suspicions of cheating.