[sumo] [Spoiler] Rikishi Talk Day 4 Hatsu Basho 2007

[Joe Kuroda]

Tosanoumi (2-2) over Hakurozan by oshidashi, 3.0
seconds
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(On his 500th Makuuchi win)
"I was aware of it as I heard about it recently from
an acquaintance of mine. When you start adding it all
up, I realized I have been in this world for quite a
long time."

Asofuji (1-3) over Otsukasa by tsukiotoshi, 14.9
seconds
------------------------------------------------------------------
(On his first win since he got married)
"Even during my losing streak, she kept a cheerful
outlook so I felt more sorry for myself. But today I
can even take home a souvenir (a kensho purse)."

Tamakasuga (4-0) over Jumonji by kubinage, 7.0 seconds
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(Still without a loss, skillfully managing a neck
throw at the dohyo edge, despite being pressed hard by
Jumonji)
"It was like someone was supporting me from
behind...it was unreal. I can't believe it was all my
power. "
(13 years have passed since he made his dohyo debut as
a Makushita Tsukedashi from Chuo University)
"You know you get up every morning and do repeated
sets of shiko and teppo exercises. I know that's so
ordinary but after reaching the age I am at now, I
finally understood the value of keep doing the simple
ordinary things."
"I have this cushion I am sitting on, here in the
dressing room. It's given to me by a supporter for my
Juryo debut 12 years ago. I really feel emotionally
attached to it. I want to keep using it for at least
another year. So I will be taking care of each and
every bout, never giving up till the very end."

Toyonoshima (4-0) over Kakuryu by watashikomi, 2.8
seconds
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Barely preserving his non-loss record after engaging
in throwing matches against Kakuryu today.)
"I feel lucky as I thought I lost today. I tried to
get out of there as soon as the gyoji indicated I won
(laughs). I can't afford to have them change their
mind."
(About being one of the only two non-loss Makuuchi
rikishis, the other being Tamakasuga)
"Well, you know it's only day 4 so I really don't know
what you expect me to say but to be honest I am
happy."

Takamisakari (3-1) over Homasho by yorikiri, 12.8
seconds
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(Still hyperveintilating, coming back to the dressing
room after his third win)
"It doesn't matter who my opponent is, you know, I
always go all out and do the very best I can. Let me
tell you, I won't be an easy push-over yet for some
green kid. I heard he beat an ozeki (Kotooshu)
yesterday and he had so much success last basho so you
bet he really got me going today."
(Still with one loss but hearing about Baruto's kyujo)
"I am going all out all the time. You never know what
happens next. So I am always prepared to take on
whatever may come on my way and not think about any
consequence."

Kotomitsuki (3-1) over Roho by uchimuso, 12.9 seconds
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(Again showing his best self in the first half,
skillfully cooking Roho with an Uchimuso.)
"Yeah, I got into the right position for it. Sure I
was trying to go for it. My condition is OK, no better
or worse than usual."
(Right now it's anyone's basho)
"Well, nothing good comes out when you get too
overanxious. I will just keep going without trying to
think too much of extra stuff."

Hakuho (2-2) losing to Kisenosato by tsukiotoshi, 6.9
seconds
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unexpected second loss, couldn't finish Kisenosato
off with his power throw and rushed himself to go for
a yorikiri but losing his own balance and ended up
self-destructing.)
"I felt like I got tripped up...I mean, my left foot.
I couldn't step forward."
"I guess once I start moving forward, I may get too
comfortable and lose the edge."

Kisenosato (1-3) over Hakuho
-----------------------------------
(Hoping to graduate from having a string of 8 win 7
loss records.)
"I know once I can get Kachikoshi quickly then I can
develop more skills."
(Finally getting a win)
"It felt so long. I was beginning to panic a bit and
started rushing around so much. But I was told by the
shisho to focus on my sumo form rather trying to win
by whatever way."
"Today I wanted to take it in from the front. I went
with an Ottsuke so he wouldn't get my mawashi easily.
So far I am feeling good so I will do my best the rest
of the way."
"I need to build myself up through more experience so
I can change a flow in a flash. I want to develop a
sumo sense that will allow me to respond very quickly
against any opponent's moves."

Kaio (3-1) over Miyabiyama by yorikiri, 39.0 seconds
-------------------------------------------------------------
(Even with his formidable throwing power, it wasn't
enough for 182 kg Miyabiyama and opted to push him out
eventually)
"You must know this is not about power alone, right
(laughs)."
"I couldn't hold onto Kisenosato's mawashi on day 2 so
I decided to move more deliberately. But sure it took
a long time to finish off."

Asashoryu (3-1) over Aminishiki by yorikiri, 7.6
seconds
----------------------------------------------------------------
(Showing no ill effect from the yesterday's loss)
"It would have been a better sumo if I could have got
the mawashi but I guess it's OK as I won. Anyway for
now I am relieved. But right now you never know what's
going to happen so you just have to take care of each
bout, one at a time. Your tension level is totally
different when you win."
"You know, so that I could change my luck last night,
I went out to eat Suppon (snapping turtle said to
revitalize and energize male hormones) with Ama. I
wonder if that helped... "

Tochiazuma (2-2) over Baruto by funsen
------------------------------------------------
(Evening his record after a Fusen win against Baruto)
"I learned of Baruto's kyujo this morning. Since it's
a win due to injury, I really cannot be happy about it
at all. I hope he can recover fully and come back
soon."


Record:
Tosanoumi - 500th Makuuchi win

.....Jonosuke 
  <  Heart  Technique  Physique      &#24515;&#12288;&#25216;&#12288;&#20307;&#12288;>

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com