Yes, I noticed that too, I liked how the Sai vs Akari match was illustrated too - as though he was actually playing.

The continuation, I can see they've preempted it here by mentioning a international youth cup when they mention SuYong. I think, give the success of the story it was nice that they could indulge a bit in what followed - I find the pace changes and we see in more detail, theres more discussion and philosophy later, they wouldn't have been allowed to start a series like that, surely.