Soken- January 8th

[Kintamayama]

The YDC soken was held today under the watchful eyes of the members. Asashouryuu-Hakuhou: 5-2. Asa lost by hatakikomi, but his speed was too much for Hakuhou. The bouts were energetic, and Hakuhou's body became very red.

"Asashuryuu seemed to be over-enthusiastic, but he showed a lot of spirit. Any way you looked at it, it was strong keiko", said Chairman Ebisawa.

"It's great that both yokozuna participated", said former chairman Ishibashi. "I would like Asashouryuu to have a change of heart... The YDC will be closely monitoring the heart part..", he added, alluding to Asa's wanting to return to Mongolia for the New Year.

"I only check out the active rikishi..", said the ever cynical Ms. Uchidate, who has repeatedly said that for her, Asa has already retired. "I felt Hakuhou's opponent

had to win unconditionally..", she added, avoiding calling Asa by name.

It's the first time two Yokozuna were present at the soken since September 2003. All 4 Ozeki were present as well, but Chiyotaikai did not do any sumo, whereas the other three fought Makuuchi regulars.

Edited January 8, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama]

The first three bouts between the two yokozuna were easily won by Asashouryuu who showed a sharp tachi-ai. Then Asa had a bout against Ama. Then a Yokozuna tsuki battle which Hakuhou won. "Man, he was strong. No detectable influence of his two basho absence.." , said Hakuhou. "I think it was good. I didn't have many bouts (8 bouts in all..), but I did good keiko. But, as you know, honbasho is a totally different story..", said Asashouryuu. Not many bouts by both Yokozuna, but a lot of enthusiasm, says the reporter.

Edited January 8, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama]

Chairman Ebisawa on Hakuhou:"I'd like to see more competitiveness from him. I want him to show fighting spirit that can topple Asashouryuu!". His two wins against Asa were pulling wins. The reporters are unanimously reporting that there is no fire in Hakuhou's belly or elsewhere at the moment.

[James H]

Of the competing ozeki , all won the vast majority of their bouts. Kotooshu surprised everyone, including Goeido, with a Chiyotaikai impression in his first bout against the whippersnapper. After that, it was a mix of the usual from the big Bulgarian. He said he is in fine fettle blah blah...

Kaio also looked good. Didn't lose at all, if that means anything (a fair number of his bouts were over before they were over, if you get what I mean) But he looked pretty mobile. Continually gave up a deep belt grip and then turned on the power - but looked much better than last tournament.

Chiyohakuho stayed around to play with makuuchi - didn't disgrace himself at all.

Story:

Asa dominates Hakuho at practice

James Hardy / Daily Yomiuri Sportswriter

It was standing room only in the practice hall of the Ryogoku Kokugikan on Tuesday, as Asashoryu took part in training in front of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council for the first time since coming back from a two-tournament suspension.

The prodigal son returned with a bang, beating fellow yokozuna Hakuho five times against two losses--not a bad way to warm up for the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, which kicks off in Tokyo on Sunday.

"I think it went well," Asashoryu told a heaving throng of reporters afterward. "Although I only took part in a few bouts, I did good sumo. It's been a long time since I took part in YDC training."

Hakuho, who lost his first three bouts to Asashoryu before coming out against his fellow Mongolian as if they were already fighting for the Emperor's Cup, said Asa's performance showed he was back to his best.

"Yep, he was really strong," Hakuho said. "It didn't feel like he's been out [for two tournaments]."

As well as an unusually strong press presence, the top ranks of the makuuchi division also were out in force. All four ozeki--Kaio, Chiyotaikai, Kotomitsuki and Kotooshu--turned up to the event, as did all of the sanyaku ranks, with the exception of komusubi Kotoshogiku.

Other notable absentees included makuuchi rookie Ichihara, Estonian No. 6 maegashira Baruto and No. 2 Miyabiyama.

Asashoryu was forced to miss the final two tournaments of 2007 after he withdrew from the summer tour of northern Japan citing injury, only to be shown on TV playing soccer in Mongolia two days later.

The yokozuna continued to make headlines throughout the summer when he developed psychological problems that eventually forced the Japan Sumo Association to allow him to return to Mongolia for treatment.

Since his public apology on Nov. 30, Asashoryu's behavior has been scrutinized by the mainstream press, the weekly tabloids and TV wide shows.

Some controversy was manufactured over whether he would return to Mongolia for the New Year holiday, and the yokozuna was again in the news earlier this week when he didn't take part in the yokozuna rope-making ceremony at his Takasago stable.

On Tuesday, Asashoryu stuck to business in the ring. As well as his seven bouts with Hakuho, he took down sekiwake Ama, who last week was left vomiting after a particularly strenuous practice against the yokozuna.

Asashoryu tried to do the same to young No. 3 maegashira Goeido, whose meteoric rise coincided with the yokozuna's absence, working the 21-year-old Sakaigawa stable wrestler to the point of exhaustion.

He also worked over returning komusubi Dejima, taking over from Chiyotaikai midway through the two veterans' warmdown to school the former ozeki in the ways of chest-lending.

It was unclear if Dejima, who at 33 has been doing this long enough to know his way around the ring, appreciated the gesture. But Asashoryu had made his point and deflected any potential criticism about not taking the practice seriously enough.

(Jan. 9, 2008)

Edited January 9, 2008 by James H

[Fukurou]

"Asashuryuu seemed to be over-enthusiastic, but he showed a lot of spirit. Any way you looked at it, it was strong keiko", said Chairman Ebisawa.

"It's great that both yokozuna participated", said former chairman Ishibashi. "I would like Asashouryuu to have a change of heart... The YDC will be closely monitoring the heart part..", he added, alluding to Asa's wanting to return to Mongolia for the New Year.

"I only check out the active rikishi..", said the ever cynical Ms. Uchidate, who has repeatedly said that for her, Asa has already retired. "I felt Hakuhou's opponent

had to win unconditionally..", she added, avoiding calling Asa by name.

The current chairman says he's over-enthusiastic, the former chairman is still griping about him wanting to go to home for the holidays, and Ms Uchidate barely admits he exists.

The guy just can't win at all. I take it back - (not that I think he'll do it, but) 15-0 may not be good enough for them either.

[Gusoyama]

I may be lambasted for this, but I think Ms. Uchidate should resign right now. If she can't get past the fact that Asa is indeed still participating, and can't even consider him an active rikishi, perhaps she should not be commenting at all. The YDC is there to comment on the current yokozuna(s) and if she can't do that properly, she isn't doing her job. This is beyond constructive criticism. This is personal, vindictive, and petty.

[ilovesumo]

Yokozuna Yokozuna....what about the interesting guys? (Nodding yes...)

[Blue_Wolf]

Yes, i wanna read about those young guns plus ozeki hopefulls plus newcomers, really enough of Asashoryu and even Hakuho.

[Ikh Mongol Dagvadorj]

I may be lambasted for this, but I think Ms. Uchidate should resign right now. If she can't get past the fact that Asa is indeed still participating, and can't even consider him an active rikishi, perhaps she should not be commenting at all. The YDC is there to comment on the current yokozuna(s) and if she can't do that properly, she isn't doing her job. This is beyond constructive criticism. This is personal, vindictive, and petty.

+1,

She has personal, vindictive mission on Asa quite long time. Ignoring one of Yokozuna is not for Sumo as she claims to be, but for her own personal issue. I am wondering what is the issue between her and Asa

[Ikh Mongol Dagvadorj]

Yes, i wanna read about those young guns plus ozeki hopefulls plus newcomers, really enough of Asashoryu and even Hakuho.

me too, now I more interest in Goeido. He can be Japanese Asashoryu, unless his spirit is discouraged by others like Ms Uchidate. really want to see in him a Japanese Yokozuna. It is kinda boring to see 2 mongol yokozuna

Edited January 8, 2008 by Ikh Mongol Dagvadorj

[Coo-cook]

Yes, i wanna read about those young guns plus ozeki hopefulls plus newcomers, really enough of Asashoryu and even Hakuho.

me too, now I more interest in Goeido. He can be Japanese Asashoryu, unless his spirit is discouraged by others like Ms Uchidate. really want to see in him a Japanese Yokozuna. It is kinda boring to see 2 mongol yokozuna

(I'll never be bored seeing 2 Mongolian Yokozunas ...is that makes me a not truely sumo fan?)

Thanks Kintamayama, making the forum updated with fresh news everyday, even between bashos. How you do that?

I agree that Goeido is most exciting rikishi to follow right now.

Compared to other Japanese hopefuls he has everything (technic, speed and power) except experience to be successful. (I would charaterize him as young Tochiazuma with more technical finess.Certainly ozeki caliber.

[HenryK]

I may be lambasted for this, but I think Ms. Uchidate should resign right now. If she can't get past the fact that Asa is indeed still participating, and can't even consider him an active rikishi, perhaps she should not be commenting at all. The YDC is there to comment on the current yokozuna(s) and if she can't do that properly, she isn't doing her job. This is beyond constructive criticism. This is personal, vindictive, and petty.

+1,

She has personal, vindictive mission on Asa quite long time. Ignoring one of Yokozuna is not for Sumo as she claims to be, but for her own personal issue. I am wondering what is the issue between her and Asa

+2.

[Coo-cook]

I may be lambasted for this, but I think Ms. Uchidate should resign right now. If she can't get past the fact that Asa is indeed still participating, and can't even consider him an active rikishi, perhaps she should not be commenting at all. The YDC is there to comment on the current yokozuna(s) and if she can't do that properly, she isn't doing her job. This is beyond constructive criticism. This is personal, vindictive, and petty.

+1,

She has personal, vindictive mission on Asa quite long time. Ignoring one of Yokozuna is not for Sumo as she claims to be, but for her own personal issue. I am wondering what is the issue between her and Asa

An issue?....Asa ignored her flirting a while ago.

[Kintamayama]

Thanks Kintamayama, making the forum updated with fresh news everyday, even between bashos. How you do that?

I just try my best. And I also have no life.. Oh, and I actually enjoy doing it too. And I enjoy the occasional thanks most of all- it proves at least people are reading..

[HenryK]

"Asashuryuu seemed to be over-enthusiastic, but he showed a lot of spirit. Any way you looked at it, it was strong keiko", said Chairman Ebisawa.

"It's great that both yokozuna participated", said former chairman Ishibashi. "I would like Asashouryuu to have a change of heart... The YDC will be closely monitoring the heart part..", he added, alluding to Asa's wanting to return to Mongolia for the New Year.

"I only check out the active rikishi..", said the ever cynical Ms. Uchidate, who has repeatedly said that for her, Asa has already retired. "I felt Hakuhou's opponent

had to win unconditionally..", she added, avoiding calling Asa by name.

The current chairman says he's over-enthusiastic, the former chairman is still griping about him wanting to go to home for the holidays, and Ms Uchidate barely admits he exists.

The guy just can't win at all. I take it back - (not that I think he'll do it, but) 15-0 may not be good enough for them either.

Do you think 20-0 in all bashos of 2008, plus a personal apology in rhymes and accent free Japanese to every living and dead sumo fan will do? Or does he need to add the -walking-on-water bid?

[HenryK]

Yes, i wanna read about those young guns plus ozeki hopefulls plus newcomers, really enough of Asashoryu and even Hakuho.

me too, now I more interest in Goeido. He can be Japanese Asashoryu, unless his spirit is discouraged by others like Ms Uchidate. really want to see in him a Japanese Yokozuna. It is kinda boring to see 2 mongol yokozuna

Thanks Kintamayama, making the forum updated with fresh news everyday, even between bashos. How you do that?

Let me join in here. Ever since I discovered this forum, your posts have become my primary sorce of information between bashos. If you had your own website and posted this in a sumo blog, you surely would have many readers.

[Bilu]

If you had your own website and posted this in a sumo blog, you surely would have many readers.

+1.

[ilovesumo]

Thanks Kintamayama, making the forum updated with fresh news everyday, even between bashos. How you do that?

Don't get me wrong! I know it's the Yokozuna in the news, no article on Juryo or Sandanme guys to find and Kinta is not there.

Thanks Kinta. (Nodding yes...)

[Jeronimozo]

Thanks Kintamayama, making the forum updated with fresh news everyday, even between bashos. How you do that?

I just try my best. And I also have no life.. Oh, and I actually enjoy doing it too. And I enjoy the occasional thanks most of all- it proves at least people are reading..

As Laurie Anderson put it:

Listen, uh - I just want to say thanks. So... thanks.

And that should be said much more often.

P.S. You are missed on the Sumo ML, though nobody here might care for that.

[Otokonoyama]

Do you think 20-0 in all bashos of 2008, plus a personal apology in rhymes and accent free Japanese to every living and dead sumo fan will do? Or does he need to add the -walking-on-water bid?

That would be an impressive feat! I think most would be satisfied with 15-0 records, especially if he won most torikumi in classical sumo style, a la the most recent Takanohana.

Let me join in here. Ever since I discovered this forum, your posts have become my primary sorce of information between bashos. If you had your own website and posted this in a sumo blog, you surely would have many readers.

Have you checked out the bottom of each and every Sumo Forum page? You'll find a handy link to Kinta's very own homepage...Dichne.com!

[paolo]

Thanks Kintamayama, making the forum updated with fresh news everyday, even between bashos.

(In a state of confusion...) (Applauding...) (Neener, neener...)

.....

P.S. You are missed on the Sumo ML, though nobody here might care for that.

(Laughing...) (Clapping wildly...)

I care !!!!!

[Asashosakari]

I wonder how many disappointed SML members have taken Moti up on his offer of emailed news? Just saying...

(In a state of confusion...)

Edited January 9, 2008 by Asashosakari

[Kintamayama]

I wonder how many disappointed SML members have taken Moti up on his offer of emailed news? Just saying...

29, although I'm not sure they are all from the SML. In any case, I heard the posts are being copied from here and posted there, which is fine by me.

And many thanks to everyone who enjoys my posts. Gambarimasu.

Edited January 9, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Kotononami]

In the name of the french forum , I 'd like to thank very very much Moti for all his posts.

Tony , Asafan , myself & others translate each of them in french for the greatest pleasure of our readers.

All the pre-basho news , keiko reports , pics etc... are really appreciated. (In a state of confusion...)

Edited January 9, 2008 by Kotononami

[Marcomisakari]

Thankyou! (In a state of confusion...)