Asashoryu dethroned
Jun 9th, 2007 by dmess0r
My favorite sport to watch, next to snowmobile racing, is sumo wrestling. I try to follow it as best I can, but it can be hard because I don’t speak fluent Japanese. I do understand a good amount so I can follow what is going on somewhat.
In case you didn’t see the Natsu Basho last month, on May 24th (my Birthday) the reigning yokozuna was pushed out of being a contender. Mongolian born, naturalized Japanese “Asashoryu” was basically dethroned. The 64th grand champion had a four year run as an essentially undefeated yokozuna was finally stomped out by Chiyotaikai. Now mind you Chiyotaikai didn’t go on to become yokozuna, he merely kept Asashoryu from his 14-0 streak for that Basho.
Asashoryu is still an ozeki (or champion) just not a grand champion.
Watch this video (another one? jesus dmess0r) to see the action last May 24th where Asashoryu loses. Talk about an upset. Those seat cushions being thrown into the ring is a pretty interesting sight. I can’t recall the last Basho where that happened. Good stuff.