The Nihon Ozumo Tournament was held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan yesterday, and Yokozuna Asashoryu toppled Tokitenku in the final to pick up his third consecutive victory at the one-day affair. Asashoryu pocketed the 3 million yen prize money and proclaimed, "I wanted to win this. I'm really happy. I had to fight five times, but it's all over in one day, so I'm not tired." Asashoryu returned from Mongolia on the 8th after a short 4-day vacation. "I wished everyone a happy new year according to the old calendar, and I'm really looking forward to the Mongolian Jungyo in August," he added. "I feel great. I'm going to begin my keiko regime tomorrow."
As for Tokitenku, he defeated Hakuho in round two of the tournament via oshi-dashi and walloped Ozeki Kotooshu in the semifinals making it all the way to the finals where he was felled by an Asashoryu uwate-nage. The Mongolian took home the 1.35 million yen runner-up prize money and joked, "I want to buy my father a new car, but this isn't enough, so I think I'll ask for donations." On a more serious note, Tokitenku reflected on the current situation at the Tokitsukaze-beya that saw three rikishi arrested along with the former stablemaster. "Those three have wanted to practice so badly for so long, but they haven't been able to. When I think of them, I can't take a break. I just hope things turn for the better and that we're all able to participate in the Haru basho." In light of the current circumstances surrounding the stable, the 9,049 fans gave Tokitenku the biggest ovation of the night. "I didn't think I'd make it that far."
[tutte le news di Sumo]
Scarica i feed
