on this day: 1988

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

Rather interesting day, lost Chiyonofuji's last loss before his 53 bout 
winning streak and on the same day, 2 future yokozuna had their first face 
to face bout.

Dale has a link to it on for those who are interested.

http://banzuke.com/sumomovies/akebono/natsu1988/taka_ake.rm


Mainichi Daily News, Saturday 14th May 1988

 Chiyonofuji, Asahifuji Upset; Nankairyu Nearly Beats Onokuni

   Yokozuna Chiyonofuji and Ozeki Asahifuji crashed to their first losses 
and Yokozuna Onokuni narrowly avoided a similar fate in a stormy Friday, the 
13th, card in the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo.
   Burly Sekiwake Kotogaume out wrestling Chiyonofuji, got the jump on the 
yokozuna and unleashed a flurry of powerful thrusts on his throat, while 
driving him back, and smashed him out of the ring for a 2-4 record.
   Winless Komusubi Tochinowaka overwhelmed Asahifuji with a series of 
thrusts on his body and throat to drive him out of the ring.
   But the most exciting contest enjoyed by a throng of 11,000 at the 
Ryogoku Kokugikan saw No. 2 Maegashira Nankairyu from West Samoa nearly 
defeating defending champion Onokuni in his first challenge against a 
yokozuna. Nankairyu, weighing 153 kg, uncorked a flurry of powerful thrusts 
on Onokuni's throat and forced the yokozuna to the edge where he toppled him 
for an apparent win, as was declared by the referee.
   But the judges questioned the decision because Nankairyu's foot stepped 
out at the same moment. Because it was so close a mid ring pow-wow among 
them resulted in a rematch.
   In the rematch, Onokuni charged straight ahead, grabbed Nankairyu's 
belt, and smashed him back and out of the ring to become the only undefeated 
wrestler in the six day old tourney.
   Hokutoumi, the other yokozuna, handily charged out No. 3 Maegashira 
Jingaku for a 5-1 record.
   In another upset, Komusubi Daijuyama drove out Ozeki Hokutenyu to his 
fourth setback.
   Ozeki Konishiki evened his record to 3-3 by pushing out No. 3 Maegashira 
Hananoumi.
   Hawaiian born Akebono (Chad Rowan) chalked up his third straight win in 
the jonokuchi (lowest division) by thrusting out Takahanada, younger son of 
former Ozeki Takanohana, handing him his first defeat in three matches.
   In the makushita division, Takamio (John Feleunga) boosted his record to 
2-1 and fellow Hawaiian Takamikuni fell to his second loss against one win.
   Argentinean Hoshitango scored his second win in three bouts in the 
sandanme division.

_________________________________________________________________
MSN Instant Messenger now available on Australian mobile phones. Go to  
http://ninemsn.com.au/mobilecentral/hotmail_messenger.asp