Karolina Styczynska, a 24-year-old Pole, was promoted to C1 level in the world of shogi (Japanese chess) after three wins and one loss in a Tokyo tournament Sunday, placing her one step away from becoming the first foreign female professional player.
Styczynska was granted 3-kyu status, a first for a foreign woman. If she meets the necessary performance requirements within two years, she will be promoted to 2-kyu in the women's section, a rank that confers professional status.
"Finally, I made it. I am very happy," Styczynska tweeted Monday. "From now on I need to keep working on my shogi and Japanese!"