ID :
42605
Sun, 01/25/2009 - 20:45
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/42605
The shortlink copeid
Sumo: Asashoryu completes memorable comeback to win New Year title
TOKYO, Jan. 25 Kyodo -
Asashoryu floored his critics with a gratifying body blow Sunday, outmuscling
fellow Mongolian grand champion Hakuho in a dramatic championship playoff to
win the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho had the odds stacked against him after a loss on the 10th day to
Harumafuji left him trailing Asashoryu by one win heading into the final bout
of regulation at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
But he capitalized on a momentary lapse in concentration by Asashoryu and sent
him backpedaling out of the ring to leave both yokozuna with 14-1 marks and
force a playoff.
However, Asashoryu regrouped and came roaring back in the playoff, shaking a
shoving Hakuho out to win his 23rd Emperor's Cup and deny his opponent a fourth
straight title in the process.
''I wanted another crack at him (Hakuho) and in a way I felt a bit more relaxed
after losing the first bout,'' said Asashoryu.
''I stayed really focused and feel like the old Asashoryu is back.''
Victory marked a dramatic revival in fortunes for Asashoryu, who has endured an
injury-plagued six months and missed part or all of the previous three
tournaments with a gammy left elbow.
The 28-year-old came into the New Year meet with his career and reputation on
the line and a dismal showing would have increased pressure on him to bow out
of Japan's centuries-old sport.
''I'm back, Asashoryu has come back,'' the teary-eyed yokozuna said after being
presented with the trophy by Prime Minster Taro Aso, triggering wild cheers
around the arena.
''It's been a long hard journey back. At one point I didn't think I would be on
this stage and I am glad I decided to wrestle. I'll keep trying my best.''
In other bouts, Baruto was all smiles after closing with a ninth win, the
Estonian giant scooping up Harumafuji by the thigh and plopping him outside the
straw bales.
Harumafuji, who dropped five of his first six bouts, finished a rollercoaster
debut at sumo's second rank of ozeki on 8-7.
Bulgarian Kotooshu (10-5) claimed ozeki bragging rights by forcing out Kaio
(8-7) while Chiyotaikai (8-7) deployed a series of trademark slaps to dismantle
third-ranked Goiedo.
Despite the defeat, Goeido's 10-5 showing here earned him his first Technique
Prize, one of three special awards give to makuuchi-division wrestlers on the
final day of a tournament.
Popular maegashira Homasho (11-4) won the Fighting Spirit Prize for the second
time but the Outstanding Performance Prize was without a recipient for the
first time since the 2007 spring basho.
Meanwhile, a relieved smile briefly replaced the permanent scowl worn by
Kisenosato after the komusubi came back from the brink of defeat to see off
crowd pleaser Takamisakari (6-9) and finish up with an 8-7 winning record.
==Kyodo
Asashoryu floored his critics with a gratifying body blow Sunday, outmuscling
fellow Mongolian grand champion Hakuho in a dramatic championship playoff to
win the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Hakuho had the odds stacked against him after a loss on the 10th day to
Harumafuji left him trailing Asashoryu by one win heading into the final bout
of regulation at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
But he capitalized on a momentary lapse in concentration by Asashoryu and sent
him backpedaling out of the ring to leave both yokozuna with 14-1 marks and
force a playoff.
However, Asashoryu regrouped and came roaring back in the playoff, shaking a
shoving Hakuho out to win his 23rd Emperor's Cup and deny his opponent a fourth
straight title in the process.
''I wanted another crack at him (Hakuho) and in a way I felt a bit more relaxed
after losing the first bout,'' said Asashoryu.
''I stayed really focused and feel like the old Asashoryu is back.''
Victory marked a dramatic revival in fortunes for Asashoryu, who has endured an
injury-plagued six months and missed part or all of the previous three
tournaments with a gammy left elbow.
The 28-year-old came into the New Year meet with his career and reputation on
the line and a dismal showing would have increased pressure on him to bow out
of Japan's centuries-old sport.
''I'm back, Asashoryu has come back,'' the teary-eyed yokozuna said after being
presented with the trophy by Prime Minster Taro Aso, triggering wild cheers
around the arena.
''It's been a long hard journey back. At one point I didn't think I would be on
this stage and I am glad I decided to wrestle. I'll keep trying my best.''
In other bouts, Baruto was all smiles after closing with a ninth win, the
Estonian giant scooping up Harumafuji by the thigh and plopping him outside the
straw bales.
Harumafuji, who dropped five of his first six bouts, finished a rollercoaster
debut at sumo's second rank of ozeki on 8-7.
Bulgarian Kotooshu (10-5) claimed ozeki bragging rights by forcing out Kaio
(8-7) while Chiyotaikai (8-7) deployed a series of trademark slaps to dismantle
third-ranked Goiedo.
Despite the defeat, Goeido's 10-5 showing here earned him his first Technique
Prize, one of three special awards give to makuuchi-division wrestlers on the
final day of a tournament.
Popular maegashira Homasho (11-4) won the Fighting Spirit Prize for the second
time but the Outstanding Performance Prize was without a recipient for the
first time since the 2007 spring basho.
Meanwhile, a relieved smile briefly replaced the permanent scowl worn by
Kisenosato after the komusubi came back from the brink of defeat to see off
crowd pleaser Takamisakari (6-9) and finish up with an 8-7 winning record.
==Kyodo
