[sumo] (SPOILER) The final match

[Scott M. Kahn]

I want to reserve comment on Mark's article for a later time, but
since the final match has not been discussed here, I wanted to give
my impressions.



Spoiler space

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I thought the bout between Hakuho and Asashoryu was one for the
ages, a commensurate Yokozuna-Yokozuna matchup.  Starting from the
anticipation as they climbed up the ring.  The unfamiliar scene of
Asashoryu ascending the ring from the West side for the final match
on the final day.  And to some, at least on this day, a pretender
rising from the East.  The piercing glare of Hakuho, as to say "I
missed you but I would have taken you anyway during the last two
basho", and "how dare 75% of you not recognize me as a favored East
Yokozuna".  The unflinching, goosebump-evoking staredowns, as only
opposing Yokozuna are entitled and expected to have.  The
thundering slap of the mawashi by Asashoryu as he shuffled to towel
off for a final time, as if to defiantly announce his return, and to
say to the Kyokai, "Take that!  I'm back and nothing that you could
do over the past four months could keep me away!!"  Then, one final
chilling staredown that seemed an eternity.

The tachi-ai.  Henka, schmenka.  A Yokozuna-like crash that
certainly awoke and stirred all spirits surrounding the dohyo. 
Every move flowing from the combating Yokozuna, as if they were in
slow motion, each thinking five steps ahead.  Muscles bulging from
both, as counters to counters to counters were calculated and
executed.  The larger Hakuho pushing the smaller Asashoryu, but
only so far.  Asashoryu lifting Hakuho, and the weight of his
suspension, above the dohyo.  But unable to turn and twist either
around.  Both Yokozuna displaying the stubborn determination of Dr.
Seuss's North-Going and South-Going Zax.

Until, THE THROW.  In a sweeping motion that seemed to take as long
as the past four months, all muscles on both Yokozuna tensed. 
Hakuho willed Asashoryu with the force of a Yokozuna demanding
respect, to his left.  Slowly.  But surely.  Asashoryu fighting to
counter.  Hakuho, patient and strong, gaining torque.  Asashoryu
mustering up all of his talent, but alas, slipping past the point
of no return.  A perceivable gasp.  Anticipation rising.  Elation
and disbelief.  Vindication and disappointment.  Then, the
inevitable meeting of the clay with Asashoryu.  At that fleeting
moment, a verdict was decided on the dohyo.  With the subheadline
declaring Hakuho the winner.  A verdict on sumo's trials and
tribulations and its future-

Sumo is back.

Sukubidubidu