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But I feel that Japan is still walking away with the big victories more often. Jon a. Catalyst: No, but the gap is closer than it has ever been. The half-million dollars in prize money has caused a number of American players to step up their games, and you're starting to see more parity across the board, but I'd still give Japan the edge. John a. Action John: I definitely do. With more players actually traveling internationally to practice and learn, and more United States players having great showings against international competition, I'd say so. Then again, I've felt that the "national rivalry" has been back and forth for some time, but with more star players rising in the U. S., I think a fair case can be made that we've finally caught up on a consistent basis. Ryan a. Tryken: If the U. actually managed to win a premier event, I'd be much more convinced. I don't think the United States has caught up. Catching up? Yes. This I'd agree with Kazunoko on. We're seeing Japanese gods get taken out of tournaments earlier and earlier in the brackets.