ISLE FILE
Sumo returning to Hawai'i in June
Advertiser Staff and News Services
For the first time since 1993, sumo is returning to Hawai'i, which has produced former yokozuna Akebono and Musashimaru.
The Japan Sumo Association announced yesterday that it will stage a two-day tournament June 9 and 10 at the Blaisdell Arena. More than 40 top wrestlers are expected to participate in the 2007 Grand Sumo Tournament in Hawai'i.
Musashimaru, who was raised in Wai'anae as Fiamalu Penitani, appeared at a press conference announcing the tournament along with Mayor Mufi Hannemann.
"He serves as a tremendous message to our youth on the Leeward Coast that if you work hard, pay the price, sacrifice — good things happen," Hannemann said. "He's a role model in Japan and he's certainly a role model here at home."
Musashimaru retired in 2004 after winning 12 Emperor's Cups during a career that included a string of 55 consecutive tournaments with eight or more wins.
"I just enjoy watching sumo now sitting down on the chair," Musashimaru, 35, said.
The 6-foot-4 giant said he has slimmed down to 485 pounds from his fighting weight of 522 pounds. These days, he lives in Tokyo and is involved in coaching young wrestlers and appearing on several variety TV shows.
Tickets are expected to go on sale in April. Promoter Shigemitsu Inohana said if the event is successful, he hopes to hold tournaments in Hawai'i every two years.
BASKETBALL
HILO MEN LOSE
Ryan Zamroz scored 23 points as The Master's rallied past Hawai'i-Hilo, 63-57, last night in a men's game at Santa Clarita, Calif.
Eric Durso added 14 points and 11 rebounds for The Master's (4-3), which trailed 32-24 at the half.
Rashad Bilal had 17 points and nine rebounds, and Michael Martin added 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Vulcans (2-6).
GOLF
KO'ELE TEAM LEADING
Doug Stephenson, Director of Golf of Ko'ele/Manele and Kevin Bresnahan, assistant pro at Ko'ele shot a 7-under-par 65 yesterday to take a one-stroke lead in the E-Z-Go/Golf Concepts Aloha Section Head Pro-Assistant Pro Championship at the Hualalai Golf Club.
Tied for second entering today's final round are the Oahu Country Club team of Andrew Feldman and Shane Abe, and the Waikoloa Beach Resort duo of Tim Murphy and Alva Wendland.
