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November 17, 2005
Kyushu Tournament - Day 5
The sumo tournament is already 1/3 over. So far, it's going as expected.
Today, all of the undefeated wrestlers except one lost, leaving -- of course -- Asashoryu as the tournament leader at 5-0. Asashoryu, looking to win his 7th consecutive tournament and complete the Grand Slam, winning all 6 tournaments in one calendar year (both of which have never been done before), hasn't even been in trouble since day 1 and looks stronger every day. He's currently 75-5 for the year. I don't know what the record if for wins in 1 year, but he must be close.
His competition is looking again like it will be Koto'oshu, the Bulgarian wrestler. After a shocking loss on day 1, he has won all his matches, to stand 1 back at 4-1. If he wins 12 or more this time, he will be promoted to the 2nd-highest rank, Ozeki.
Also at 4-1 is Ozeki Chiyotaikai, who never looks like that good a wrestler, but seems to win anyway.
The other Ozeki, Kaio, is 3-2 and looking awfully inconsistent. He needs 8 wins to remain at Ozeki. (Again. He is tied -- with Chiyotaikai -- for most times in this situation -- i.e. worst Ozeki ever. And they say Asashoryu doesn't have as much competition as other great Yokozunas...)
And in the most interesting match of the day today, Kakizoe had the win over Kyokutenho, then had it taken away by penalty when it was determined he had pulled on Kyokutenho's top-knot (one of the few illegal moves in Sumo).
Standings:
5-0: Asashoryu
4-1: Chiyotaikai, Koto'oshu, Kotomitsuki (also near Ozeki promotion), Roho (Russian wrestler finally back in form)
3-2: Kaio, Kyokutenho, Hakuho (maybe coming back after a couple bad tournaments due to injury), Ama (smallest wrestler, and therefore one of my favorites), Takamisakari (everyone's favorite, looking stronger than I've seen him in several tournaments)
Injured: Ozeki Tochiazuma, personal favorite (for speaking abilities) Futeno
Posted by JoshHornik at November 17, 2005 11:49 AM