RE: [Still a Spoiler?] Sumo Rules Question Kaio vs. Musashimaru.

["Joshua A. Reyer" <jreyer@grn.mmtr.or.jp>]

> In a message dated 11/19/00 12:58:26 AM Pacific Standard Time,
> ken.crouch@att.net writes:
>
> <<   There's been a lot of hype about Kaio's win over Musashimaru.  The
>  kimarite was ipponzeoi (one-armed shoulder throw).  It was
> unusual, but he
>  did not toss the Yokozuna over his shoulder, in fact, as a throw, it was
>  not that successful.  They went down with Musashimaru riding Kaio's back.
>  Musashimaru put a hand down before they hit.  If he hadn't, he would have
>  won the bout, and Kaio would have become a two-dimensional rikishi
>  (squashed flat). >>
>
> If this is correct, shouldn't this have resulted in a Musashimaru
> victory?
> or is intent a necessary element?
>
> My apologies for being so late with this question.   I am a little behind
> with my sumo e-mail.  [Thanks to those who include headings]  But, it is
> never to late for a recount!

Musashimaru himself indeed thought it was was "kabaite", which would have
meant a win for him.  But the judges saw it as "tsukite", because, in their
opinion, Kaio hadn't completely lost control.  It's only kabaite if Maru
touched the ground after Kaio was incapable of remaining "alive" or
attempting a countermove.  It could've been a judgement call, but I agree
with the ruling.  While it wasn't a clean, judo-like throw, Kaio did
initiate the move.

Josh Reyer