ID :
143519
Sat, 09/25/2010 - 13:12
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/143519
The shortlink copeid
FOCUS: Sumo: Hakuho reaches last hurdle toward history+
TOKYO, Sept. 24 Kyodo - Mongolian grand champion Hakuho has reached his last hurdle en route to immortalizing himself in the pantheon of the Japanese national sport as arguably one of the greatest yokozuna of all time.
After extending his winning streak to 60 bouts to move within nine of the
legendary Futabayama, the only thing between Hakuho and sumo superstardom is
the pressure of knowing he might never have as good a chance as he does now.
Futabayama attained his indelible mark when a two-tourney system still existed
-- the spring and summer meets -- from 1936 to 1939. He was still in his prime
at the age of 26 when he achieved his feat.
Although by all accounts, Hakuho would appear to face a truer test of physical
and mental endurance in the current six-meet system, the 25-year-old begs to
differ.
''It is truly amazing that he was able to continue winning for almost three
years. Now, we are able to reach that mark if we fight, giving all our effort
in one year,'' Hakuho said.
Whether the lone yokozuna is being humble or actually believes his own words is
anyone's guess.
Former yokozuna Kitanoumi said Hakuho has about an 80 percent chance of
reaching the mark now, especially because of the huge gap in ability between
him and the other wrestlers.
''There is a possibility of about 80 percent. Next year, if there were about
four or five wrestlers who had the potential to become yokozuna or ozeki, it
would be a different story. There is no one to challenge him at all now.
Whether he reaches it or not is up to him,'' he said.
Hakuho is on the verge of winning his fourth consecutive title (16th overall)
before the final day of the 15-day meet.
His 70th victory this year on the 13th day of the autumn meet also tied him
with former yokozuna and countryman Asashoryu for the fastest pace to secure
the most wins in a year.
If he can avoid injuries and continue to shrug off the pressure, the sky is the
limit.
''The age of 25 is when a wrestler is in his prime. I don't want Hakuho to say
I'll first shoot for 20 titles but instead set his sights on 25. If he goes
that far, who knows?'' said Kitanoumi, who won 24 Emperor's Cups in his day.
Reaching 69 consecutive wins might indeed be the tip of the iceberg. Former
yokozuna great Taiho's record of 32 title wins would be the next logical step
on his historic journey.
==Kyodo
After extending his winning streak to 60 bouts to move within nine of the
legendary Futabayama, the only thing between Hakuho and sumo superstardom is
the pressure of knowing he might never have as good a chance as he does now.
Futabayama attained his indelible mark when a two-tourney system still existed
-- the spring and summer meets -- from 1936 to 1939. He was still in his prime
at the age of 26 when he achieved his feat.
Although by all accounts, Hakuho would appear to face a truer test of physical
and mental endurance in the current six-meet system, the 25-year-old begs to
differ.
''It is truly amazing that he was able to continue winning for almost three
years. Now, we are able to reach that mark if we fight, giving all our effort
in one year,'' Hakuho said.
Whether the lone yokozuna is being humble or actually believes his own words is
anyone's guess.
Former yokozuna Kitanoumi said Hakuho has about an 80 percent chance of
reaching the mark now, especially because of the huge gap in ability between
him and the other wrestlers.
''There is a possibility of about 80 percent. Next year, if there were about
four or five wrestlers who had the potential to become yokozuna or ozeki, it
would be a different story. There is no one to challenge him at all now.
Whether he reaches it or not is up to him,'' he said.
Hakuho is on the verge of winning his fourth consecutive title (16th overall)
before the final day of the 15-day meet.
His 70th victory this year on the 13th day of the autumn meet also tied him
with former yokozuna and countryman Asashoryu for the fastest pace to secure
the most wins in a year.
If he can avoid injuries and continue to shrug off the pressure, the sky is the
limit.
''The age of 25 is when a wrestler is in his prime. I don't want Hakuho to say
I'll first shoot for 20 titles but instead set his sights on 25. If he goes
that far, who knows?'' said Kitanoumi, who won 24 Emperor's Cups in his day.
Reaching 69 consecutive wins might indeed be the tip of the iceberg. Former
yokozuna great Taiho's record of 32 title wins would be the next logical step
on his historic journey.
==Kyodo
