Musashimaru seeks
sumo’s highest rank
—yokozuna

TOKYO -- Advisers to the head of the Japan Sumo Association today met at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan but did not discuss the possibility of promoting ozeki Musashimaru, or Fiamalu Penitani of Hawaii, to sumo's loftiest rank of yokozuna in the event of his winning the November meet, association sources said.

"We understand that he is a wrestler seeking to become a yokozuna, but this is a matter that should be discussed in the future," said Tomokazu Sakamoto, a former president of Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK), who is a member of the advisory body on grand champion promotions.

Musashimaru finished with a 13-2 record in the fall tourney, which concluded yesterday, but lost to yokozuna Takanohana, also 13-2, in a playoff for the Emperor's Cup.

As one of its guidelines, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council has said a wrestler must win two consecutive grand sumo tournaments or post an "equivalent" record to be considered for promotion to sumo's highest rank. The idea of an "equivalent" record is normally considered to mean tying for the lead at the end of the 15-day tourney and forcing a playoff.

Musashimaru won the Kyushu tournament last November in a five-man playoff, but was not considered for promotion since his victory came after recording an 11-4 record.

Meanwhile, yokozuna Akebono, or Chad Rowan from Hawaii, who was hampered by a strained left knee in the closing days of the tourney, should be able to wrestle in the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in November, doctors said today.

Akebono, who posted a 9-6 record, injured the cartilage in his left knee and will need about one month of medical treatment, said doctors at the Doai Memorial Hospital.

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Results in Scoreboard