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Yesterday, the Osaka Sumo Tournament came to a close with an exciting sudden death match up for the title between Yokozuna, Asashoryu and Sekiwake, Hakuho, who was looking for his first championship ever. Unfortunately it wasn`t his day. Asashoryu was just too powerful and muscled Hakuho out to claim his 16th championship. I only saw this on tv, but 2 weeks ago I did manage to go to the opening day of the Osaka tournament and it was quite the experience.

We arrived pretty early and watched some of the early matches between the lower rank sumo. Maybe a future yokozuna in there,who knows? After watching some matches we went out to check out a bit of the city and get some food and drinks before coming back to watch the higher ranks.

In the second highest rank there is a European who goes by the name Baruto and he is a real up and comer. I wouldn`t be surprised if he`s going toe to toe with the big guys this time next year.

It was also great to see all of my favourites in person like Takamisakari, the fan favourite who while never a real contender, he always manages to maintain a good enough record to stay in the top division. When he won the crowd gave him the hugest pop of the day.

Kotoshuu is a beast. Not the bigest wrestler, but he`s so much taller and fairly muscular. I can`t remember if he won or lost, but he probably won.

Seeing Asashoryu live was also a great thrill. Some people don`t like him because they say he`s too cocky or arrogant, but he is by far the most focused and determined of all the wrestlers. Once he gets to ringside it`s game-time. You can see the passion in his eyes and his complete and udder attention on the matter at hand. I bet he doesn`t even hear anything that`s going on around him he`s that focused. He won as well in his standard impressive manner, no surprises there.

What was surprising was how good the seats were. We bought the second cheapest seats for $35 but we could clearly see everything and were close enough to actualy see the wrestler`s eyes. All and all it was a great day and I`m so gald that I had the opportunity to do something I`ve wanted to for years.