Tsinghua University admits go world champion Ke Jie

Ke Jie, the world's top go player, has been officially admitted by China's elite Tsinghua University in Beijing.

The seven-time world champion, who will major in business administration, posted photos of his school entrance notice on social media on Friday, which went viral.

"My parents seem to be even more excited than I am," Ke, 21, said. "My dream was to become a world champion while my parents wished that I could be enrolled in Tsinghua."

The world's youngest go champion, Ke is one of 948 high-performers in sports to be admitted to 85 universities across China without the need to take the gaokao, China's college entrance exams. They were offered the gaokao exemption in recognition of their achievements in sports, according to a notice released by the Ministry of Education.

Ke told reporters that he is mentally prepared for the challenge of being a student and a go player simultaneously.

"Now that I'm going to college, I'll study hard for sure," Ke said. "I'm not simply going for a diploma. I hope I can learn something more than just go, fulfill myself and be a better person.

"But I'll continue my go career as well. I must strike a balance."

Xinhua

(China Daily Global 07/29/2019 page4)