on this day: 1949

["Rowan Klein" <rowanchan@hotmail.com>]

Nippon Times Magazine, Thursday 3rd February 1949

WORLD OF SPORTS

   Two hundred and forty pot-bellied and top-knotted giants puffed and 
heaved for 13 days last month in the first January tournament in six years.
   After a half dozen years of declining popularity, sumo showed that it 
can make a come-back, and the packed houses during the entire tourney proved 
that beyond doubt.
   The construction of a temporary stadium, seating more than 10,000 fans, 
at Hamacho Park had much to do with the rush of fans to the matches. Matches 
held at the Meiji Shrine during the past few years were pretty sad affairs 
as far as paid customers were concerned.
   The first appearance of Grand Champion Azumafuji, a native Tokyoite, in 
the local ring after gaining his coveted title last year also helped bring 
out a good crowd.
   Azumafuji didn't disappoint his fans as he won the individual 
championship with 10 wins, two defeats and one tie.
   The last day of the tourney was a sad one for youthful Kuninobori. With 
only one match to win for the individual title, he dropped his match with 
ten wins and three defeats. The latter, incidentally, was ranked the 
wrestler with the greatest skill.
   Fans were disappointed in the failure of Grand Champions Terukuni and 
Haguroyama to participate in the tournament and the absence of Grand 
Champion Maedayama from the ring for five days in the mid-tourney period.
   New Grand Champion Azumafuji, however, gave his home fans a thrill by 
copping the individual crown because it's been years since a Tokyo bred 
wrestler has gained the grand championship.
   They have high hopes in Kuninobori, too, because he is also Tokyo born. 
He is being marked as a coming champ.
   The Japanese version of the grunt and groan artists will be grappling 
again in the summer tournament in May.



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