[sumo] Day 1: Possible Injuries? (Possible spoiler??)

[Lon Howard]

On Mar 9, 2008, at 5:15 PM, Jeanne Hedge wrote:

> There are reports that Ichihara and Kokkai showed signs of injury  
> after their day 1 matches, and that Chiyotaikai wasn't appearing  
> especially powerful in a win over Miyabiyama.
>
> Comments from anyone who saw those matches?

Ichihara's already injured right knee was twisted as he fell, and he  
needed much assistance (although not a wheelchair) leaving on the  
hanamichi.  The hanamichi reporter on the English side of the NHK  
telecast said he went to the hospital.  Kokkai seems to have a  
chronic knee injury, and although he won the match by twisting to the  
side (staying on his feet), he looked in pain as he stepped down from  
the dohyo.

As for Chiyo, he did win the match by thrusting and moving around a  
lot, finally pushing Miyabiyama out, but only because Miya was  
pitifully slow.  Chiyo's thrusts didn't appear to have much power,  
but a win is a win.  Miyabiyama said afterwards he succumbed to  
Chiyotaikai's 'sense of desperation.'    Hmm ...  had I known  
desperation was that good a weapon, I'dve been much better at  
baseball and getting dates.

- Shomishuu