[sumo] Day 2 Quotes

[Jeanne Hedge]

Quotes from various sources, translated by Madorosumaru:

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Asashoryu: (Winning his 27th straight against first-time opponents) I wanted to blitz him from the tachi-ai but he managed to grab the mawashi. I had to break him down before forcing him out. 

More Ryu: (On whether the last push was necessary) I felt he was pretty tenacious at dohyo edge. He just wouldn't give up to the very end. It’s also our first meeting.

Even more Ryu: (On his good physical shape) My appetite has been really good since I arrived in Osaka. I also have been doing weight training almost everyday.

Ryu's personal trainer: As far as his muscles are concerned, he is even more buff than before his suspension. He even amazes me sometimes. 

Kakuryu: (Still not quite good enough for the yokozuna) My plan was to take the initiative and attack. I couldn't get into position to put my head against his chest. We got into a gappuri yotsu stance that I needed to avoid getting into. 

More Kaku: (Stewing in the juices of rue and frustration) It was a learning experience. I am going to pay him back for the frustration and anger next time.

Hakuho: (Disposing of troublesome Asasekiryu with apparent ease) I am seeing my opponents' moves really well. I can go either way [with yotsu] so that must be giving me confidence. Do I have "yoyuu?" (uniquely Japanese term for the extra margin that comes with confidence and/or superiority) Well, you could get into trouble with too much, but you can't be without it either. It's really difficult to get it just right.

More Hakuho: (March 11 is his birthday) I already celebrated before the basho. A win for both my last day as 22 and my first day as 23? I lost on my birthday last year. I better win this year. 

Kaio: (Getting his first win by overwhelming Miyabiyama) I was able to press forward the way I wanted. I hadn't been able to do that in the recent past. 

More Kaio: (Asked about his overall physical shape) It's not going to get that much better. I just 
want to get to the point where I can exert some force. 

Kotooshu: (All smiles after defeating Takekaze to whom he had lost last basho) I was able to watch his moves well and I kept my cool throughout. 

Chiyotaikai: (Using his chronically injured right arm in a forceful nodawa attack) That's a favorite move of mine. I suppose [the arm] has recovered to the extent that I can use it effectively. I'll just have to compensate for what's missing with gumption. 

More Taikai: (Asked to be more specific about his elbow) It has about half the effectiveness [of when it was healthy]. It's getting better, but it still has a ways to go. 

Aminishiki: (Losing once again to Chiyotaikai) I thought he would try a slap down so I raised my head. I dug my own grave in this one. 

Kotomitsuki: (Acting the part of his stablemate Osh after losing to Kisenosato) [. . .]

Kisenosato: (Pleased with his one-sided win over an ozeki) I just blasted my way forward with all I had.

More Kise: (Asked about his hari-zashi at tachi-ai) It's not a commendable move but I came up with it at the spur of the moment [after the matta].

Ama: (A victory to celebrate his 300th appearance in makuuchi) It feels really good to reach 300. In any case, I would like to keep doing my own sumo.

Goeido: (The Osaka Boy wins again) I attacked cautiously. I wanted to hold me elbows tight against my side--as if I am praying. [The cheers of the home crowd] was very encouraging. 

Ichihara: (Kyujo due to right knee injured in Homasho bout) The condition is like a pulled ligament. I'll rest it for two or three days and then do my best to return to the dohyo.

Takanohana Oyakata: (First time he was head shimpan for musubi-no-ichiban) There were so many spectators and the lights were so bright that I got a bit nervous. 

More Taka: (Not too pleased with the popularity of hari-zashi used by both yokozuna and other sekitori) I suppose it is a [legal] technique. It would be interesting if there were someone who could counter that move. It seems the yokozuna are the ones who are "attacking with abandon." I just wish there were some young guys who could "attack with abandon." 

Even more Taka: (Regarding Ryu's questionable tachi-ai) I have no plans of giving him a warning. If necessary, Hanaregoma Oyakata (the head of the department) will do that. I think it will be corrected [in the future]. 

Riki Suzuki, the pint-sized son of Arashio Oyakata: (Losing his mae-zumo debut as Rikiyama) I was really nervous. I am eating a lot more than before. At this point, I just need to get bigger.

Arashio Oyakata: (A reluctant shisho to his son) He is physically small, so he needs to work especially hard on the fundamentals. 

　

Quote of the Day


Kokkai: (Winning his second straight on his birthday) They are planning to throw a party for me, so I am glad I won. Now, they can treat me to lots of that very expensive vodka.