TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2004 6:00pm
The New Otani Hotel & Garden - Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
Photo: Chieko Hayashi
The 2004 US Sumo Open was filled with action and drama, as some of the world's greatest amateur sumo athletes competed. Fierce rivalries among international competitors were highlighted in several semi-final and final matches.
One of sumo's greatest Yokozuna ever, Musashimaru, attended from Japan, and was joined by fellow retired professional Robert Suetsugu, who refereed. Fans went crazy over Musashimaru, who graciously posed for photos and signed autographs.
The flood of 700 fans packed into the New Otani Golden Ballroom had a very intimate view of sumo, as the front row audience members occasionally caught a flailing limb or recoiling head of a 500-pounder! The energy and noise from the audience reached fever pitch in the medal rounds.
As in past years, many foreign competitors and a Hawaiian athlete dominated most divisions, but more Americans have started to show promise in the sport.
MUSASHIMARU HIghtlights
Musashimaru joined California Sumo Association (CSA) and US Sumo Open competitors for a special 150th anniversary commemoration of US-Japan relations in Washington D.C. on April 3-4, 2004. On April 3, Musashimaru and CSA members participated in two sumo demonstrations on the martial arts stage at the National Cherry Blossom Festival.... read more >>
4th Annual Top Athletes
 |
Jondo Dabrundashvili Georgia 6'3" 350 lbs Heavyweight Gold |
 |
Joe Davis US - CA 5'10" 187 lbs Lightweight Gold, Openweight Silver |
 |
Kena Heffernan US - Hawaii 6'0" 252 lbs Middleweight Gold, Openweight Bronze |
 |
Peter Stoyanov Bulgaria 6'6" 330 lbs Heavyweight Broze, Openweight Gold |
 |
Troy Collins US - CA 6'2" 252 lbs Middelweight Silver, Openweight Silver |
sponsors
SUPPORTERS
2004 US SUMO OPEN OVerVIEW
The 4th annual US SUMO OPEN with MUSASHIMARU featured beautiful Japanese dancers in kimono and the traditional "kagamiwari" sake opening ceremony. As part of US-Japan 150 events, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of US-Japan relations, ........ read more >>2004 MEN'S RESULTS
LIGHTWEIGHT
1st:
Joe Davis (USA)
2nd:
Tumur Baatar (Bulgaria)
3rd: Kevin Yonemoto (USA)
MIDDLEWEIGHT
1st: Kena Heffernan (USA)
2nd: Troy Collins (USA)
3rd: Doug Cochran (USA)
HEAVYWEIGHT
1st: Jondo Dabrundashvili (Gerogia)
2nd: Tyler Tuione (USA)
3rd: Petar Stoyanov (Bulgaria)
OPENWEIGHT
1st: Petar Stoyanov (Bulgaria)
2nd: Troy Collins (USA)
3rd: Kena Heffernan (USA)
2004 WOMEN's results
OPENWEIGHT
1st: Amanda Soule (USA)
2nd: Jennipher Heimback (USA)
3rd:
May Chung (Hong Kong)