[sumo] [spoiler] Rikishi Talk Day 12 Natsu Basho 2008

[Barbara]

Quotes from Day 11 (Madorosumaru)
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  Asashoryu: (The matador was el toro for the day) I was surprised by 
the henka, but my initial step-in at tachi-ai was really bad . . . If 
you want to look for a reason, you'll probably find one.

More Ryu: (Asked about his injured lower back) I am sure it had some effect.

Chiyotaikai: (Resorting to henka for a much-needed win) I saw the 
yokozuna lose his balance. I had the opening I needed and went for 
broke. [As you saw] I flipped over on the dohyo, too.

More Taikai: (Chewing over his rare win) When the yokozuna went for the 
hari-zashi at tachi-ai, he led with his hand rather than his feet. I 
think his back is really bothering him.

Hakuho: (Couldn't quite handle Kotooshu's henka) I had that 
[possibility] in mind but his arms are so long . . .

More Hakuho: (Getting his ankle iced and massaged) I suppose you can say 
I'm compensating for it. I do have a funny feeling about it. It's just 
different from usual. There is a bit of pain.

Kotooshu: (Staying on the roll) I am very happy. I am so happy I can't 
find the words.

More Osh: (Asked about the henka tactics) I was thinking today.

Takanohana Oyakata: Kotooshu has been rock steady. He has remained calm 
while showing his strength. You can see that his body is moving fluidly 
and naturally. Is there a chance for him to decide yusho on Day 13? I 
think so. As for that henka, my feeling is that he shifted to grab for 
the mawashi.

Mr. W: (Presenting the voice of the fan) I think he really wants to get 
that yusho. He did a henka, but that's okay. I think it's just his 
desire for yusho showing in his sumo.

Isegahama Oyakata: (Finding Osh to be still lacking) If he is resorting 
to henka to win, he is going to have a tough time in the future.

Aminishiki: (Smiling broadly after his eighth victory) I had forgotten 
the taste of kachi-koshi.

More Ami: (On facing the rikishi du jour Kotooshu) Since I've already 
achieved KK, I am going to be relaxed. Also, this bout is not a big deal 
for me.

Even more Ami: (On his role as a spoiler) I'll try not to get caught up 
in the aura of the bout. I'll just do some good sumo to stir things up 
and make [the yusho race] more interesting. I am going to be the guy 
wearing the black hat.

Kaio: (Coming within one win of kachi-koshi) I'm just going to do my 
best without thinking too much.

Ama: (Managing to win his eighth despite being pressed by Kotomitsuki) 
My opponent set the pace from the tachi-ai. I just happened to win.

Kotomitsuki: (Another rueful defeat) I was so upset I lost by isami-ashi 
yesterday that I couldn't sleep. I thought I came out today with an new 
attitude, but . . .

More Ama: (Asked what he had for breakfast) I want to do the kind of 
sumo that the fans enjoy. I intend to do my very best one bout at a time.

Tochinoshin: (Putting an end to his losing streak with an emphatic 
utchari) I don't even do that in keiko. In any case, I am relieved.

Toyonoshima: (Falling yet another step behind) There are three bouts 
remaining. I am going to try my best to reach double digits. If I told 
you I didn't have yusho in mind, I would be lying.

Kisenosato: (Unable to reach kachi-koshi) I was confused at tachi-ai. I 
was just plain bad. That really hurt.


Miya-Babe Sez...
Miyabiyama: (Defeating Baruto using a tottari arm bar throw) It just so 
happened that my opponent fell on his own. For a spaz like me, that is a 
once-in-a-lifetime kimarite. I am not exactly what one would call a 
"Department Store of Technique."