Sumo
TOKYO >> Yokozuna Musashimaru, or Hawaii's Fiamalu Penitani will be looking for a three-peat when the Nagoya Grand Sumo tournament begins today. Musashimaru the man
to beat at bashoStar-Bulletin wire services
The native of Hawaii has won the last two tournaments and will be bidding for his 12th Emperor's Cup. He will benefit from the absence of fellow yokozuna Takanohana, who will miss his seventh straight tournament due to a knee injury.
The record consecutive withdrawal by a yokozuna is eight tournaments set by Nishinoumi during the 1920s, according to the Japan Sumo Association.
Musashimaru has looked sharp in pre-tournament practices and has the potential to go undefeated in the 15-day tournament.
Nagging injuries to several ozeki wrestlers have further brightened his prospects.
Defending champion Kaio is bothered by a sore left arm while Tochiazuma, who won the New Year tourney, has a sore left shoulder. Chiyotaikai went 11-4 in May but the burly ozeki has shown a lack on consistency over the past year and posted a loss in March.
If an upset is in the cards, Mongolian grappler Asashoryu is a likely candidate.
Sekiwake Asashoryu, who has posted 11 wins in his last two tournaments, will also be motivated by the chance to become the first Mongolian to reach ozeki, sumo's second highest rank.
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CyberSumo.net
Kyodo News Service