Rikishi Talk Day 8 Kyushu Basho 2003

Rikishi Talk Day 8 Kyushu Basho
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Kotomitsuki (vs Asashoryu)
--------------------------
(Went out like a bat out of hell but was outhustled.)
"There was a point of win or loss. If I initiated the
action then after geting more right in...who knows..."


Asashoryu (vs Kotomitsuki)
--------------------------
(Now sporting a supporter/taping around his left
elbow)
"I am not worried about it (his elbow) too much but
it's not that good. I am just going out there just
like always. I am doing the best I can (so not feel
the pressure as the only remaining yokozuna.)" 

Kitanoumi oyakata, chair of Kyokai
---------------------------------
"I believe he is feeling the pressure of Yokozuna
being expected to win the Yusho.  He will have to
overcome it with his youthful zeal."

Takasago oyakata
----------------
"From now on, I want to him to be conscious of being
(the only one remaining yokozuna). He should absorb
all the good quality of the past yokozunas.  And then
he needs to keep building his own style in his own
way."

Tochinonada (vs Tochiazuma)
----------------------------
(Beaten soundly by Tochiazuma)
"I didn't move. I was thinking of moving out fast and
furious but the thought and action were totally out of
sync."

Tochiazuma (vs Tochinonada)
---------------------------
(Alone with no loss and getting kachikoshi)
"You know it has been a while. He pulled me in so I
just needed to push him out. As you know I am
including 'sprinting' to my workout.  It must 
develop different quality of muscless compared to
weight training. From now on,  all that matters are
how I approach the bouts mentally."   

Kaio (vs Tamanoshima)
---------------------
(Winning his fifth with a good form)
"You feel miserable when you display a pitiful sumo
style. Whether I win or now, I want to go all out." 

Hokutoriki (vs Kotonowaka)
--------------------------
(On his frist loss)
"I've been overpowered. I just got overwhelmed. I was
able to move well in the first half so I am hopeful I
can continue in the last half."

Kotonowaka (vs Hokutoriki)
--------------------------- 
(Preserving his one loss record)
"I am just out there desparatly facing my opponents
this basho as my back is against the wall. Now I go to
bed shortly after 9 PM."

Takamisakari (vs Kyokutenho)
----------------
(Got his favorite right in but still losing)
"I was almost there but I could not finish him off. I
just could not push him all the way out."
  
Kaio (vs Tamanoshima)
---------------------
"I was able to quickly move forward from the tachiai.
I think I am getting used to the pain while moving
around.  You know the game has just began." 

Tosanoumi (vs Miyabiyama)
------------------------
(As the last rikishi to face Musashimaru)
"It's almost unbelievable when you think of someone so
strong. Personally he was one opponent I hate to face
against most."  

Kyokushuzan (vs Kinkaiyama)
----------------------------
(Still with only one loss, one more to go for
kachikoshi)
"As they are putting me against higher ranked rikishis
from now on, I am not sure how I will fare against
them.  You never know I might even 
face the Yokozuna."

Chiyotaikai (vs Wakanosato)
---------------
(Still winning despite suffering from injury)
"I can't go head strong, straight line one track sumo
this basho. Sure I don't feel comfortable not being
able to do that but instead I need to be patient
trying to pounce on the opponent's miss."

Wakanosato (vs Chiyotaikai) 
----------------------------
(Now with four losses and no chance of Ozeki promotino
this basho)
"......." (Closing his eyes and mouth.)

Kitanoumi oyakata, chair of Kyokai
----------------------------------
(On Wakanosato)
"Four losses at the midway point looks pretty bad. If
he's beaten Ozekis and Yokozuna, that would be a
different story...I just hope he will leave a good
result in the next seven days at least to lead into
the next basho so he can be considered again after the
next basho."

Musoyama (vs Aminishiki) 
------------------------
(Losing and seeing Musashimaru retiring)
"We all have to do better from now on.  Obviously I
can't keep having a bout like today..."

Takanonami (vs Toki)
--------------------
(On his rival Musashimaru leaving after facing him
58th times, the most number of matches between the two
rikishis in sumo history. Trouble expressing and
putting together words, tears flowing. Appeared to be 
totally devastated by the news.)
"I will deeply miss him...We both came up together,
you know..to Ozeki...He's been..my great rival from
the beginning....I know I've been losing a lot in the
last few years but I felt differently mentally every
time I was able to face him.' 
(On easily pushed out by Toki today)
"Now I have to find myself some new meaningful
goal...."