A proof of a conjecture for the number of ramified coverings of the sphere by the torus (Q1818213)

Extended abstract: An explicit expression is obtained for the generating series for the number of ramified coverings of the sphere by the torus, with elementary branch points and prescribed ramification type over infinity. This proves a conjecture of Goulden, Jackson, and Vainshtein for the explicit number of such coverings [\textit{I. P. Goulden}, \textit{D. M. Jackson} and \textit{A. Vainshtein}, Ann. Comb. 4, No. 1, 27--46 (2000; Zbl 0957.58011)]. An explicit formula for these numbers is also presented.