[sumo] (SPOILER) The final match

[Paolo Viel]

Scott, you almost moved me to tears....  Well done !!!
Paolo Viel

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott M. Kahn" <smk1 at columbia.edu>
To: "Sumo Mailing List" <sumo at webtrek.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:17 AM
Subject: Re: [sumo] (SPOILER) The final match


> 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.
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> 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
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