[sumo] Videos at Barbara's, day 7-8 spoilers

[Barbara]

I had no internet access last weekend, so I could not post any videos. 
Hopefully the phone company fixed it properly today.  I
should be able to do day 9 tomorrow.

Day 7:

Futenho-Roho. With his win here, Futenho shows some of the best sumo in 
his career, as he determinedly works Roho to the edge and out. Not only 
that, with Dejima's earlier win, this sets a never-before equaled 
record, in that two hiramaku (ordinary numbered rank) men have both a 7 
win record on day 7.

Kitazakura-Yoshikaze. I enjoy watching Kitazakura. Even though he is in 
Juuryo, he has the mindset of a yokozuna combined with the flamboyance 
of a performer. His enthusiasm is enjoyed by the audience ("We are like 
samurai, doing battle for the people" quoting him loosely) even if his 
gigantic salt throws are perhaps a bit much. At any rate, this encounter 
led to the declaration of one of the new rarely seen kimarite, 
"ushiromotare". Even that didn't fit perfectly.  They had no time for a 
playback because the dohyo-iro was about to start.

Kaio-Homasho. We have to give a lot of credit to Homasho on this one. He 
very nearly humbled Kaio totally. As it is, this will probably be the 
match which is the last one in which Kaio shows his usual power. From 
here on this basho, I expect him to be unable to keep up with younger, 
more fit opponents.

Day 8:

Ama-Kaio. So, here is where I was able to see if Kaio was "worn out" as 
I predicted Saturday. Kaio just squats there letting Ama leap up to two 
false starts. It looks like gamesmanship on the part of Kaio, but his 
performance when the tachiai finally happens seems to imply that this is 
more due to exhaustion than plan. He requires all his energy just to 
stay upright, there is none left for aggression. Ama has his work handed 
to him on a plate. The formerly great ozeki is forced out without even 
being able to mount an offense.

Kotooshu-Tokitenkuu. Finally, Kotooshu gets over his bad habits and 
henka-like impulses, and digs in to do Kotooshu-style sumo - namely, 
handling a shorter opponent by pulling them in and getting the deep 
outside grip, then either doing some kind of thrust-down, or twist-down, 
or nage. It looks good when it happens, as it did today. The crowd 
appreciates it too.

  Go to: http://www.technogirls.org/sumo/S07B3.htm#2007_B3_Day_6

  Barbara Murasakihana