The last two bouts of Day 1 (sorry)

[Roxanne Pierce <r2sys@r2systems.com>]

I have no idea why my missive was cut off, but here are the last two bouts!

Akebono v. Takatoriki:  Takatoriki has always given Akebono problems, beating him two out of the last three times they met.  Akebono came out with his tremendous thrusting techniques, but Takatoriki kept sidestepping over, and over, and over.  Akebono finally, at the edge, gave a last thrust, which Taka sidestepped once again, leaving Akebono unbalanced on the edge of the ring, finally toppling over on his face.  I found it amazing how well Taka withstood those thrusts, although his face, very bruised looking, certainly showed the effects after the match.

Takanohana v. Musoyama:  Takanohana has won the last six basho in Tokyo, and started off like he means to continue.  Musoyama and Taka met in the middle and commenced a spirited fight for the belt.  Taka kept Musoyama off his belt, eventually capturing an arm to throw Musoyama down.

So, Wakanohana, Akebono, Musoyama, and Tosanoumi start off the basho with losses.  Hmmmm.  This could be interesting.

Roxanne & John Pierce