http://www.soapchat.net/ Discuss all things sport related. en Fri, 24 May 2013 18:01:58 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.soapchat.net/images/styles/Movara/misc/rss.png http://www.soapchat.net/ http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217648-2013-Monaco-Grand-Prix&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 19:51:39 GMT Monaco this weekend and as tradition dictates first practice takes place on the Thursday unlike every other GP (Fridays). Nowhere like the Monaco GP for glamour and remains a true challenge for the drivers. Swami Monaco this weekend and as tradition dictates first practice takes place on the Thursday unlike every other GP (Fridays). Nowhere like the Monaco GP for glamour and remains a true challenge for the drivers.

Swami ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217648-2013-Monaco-Grand-Prix http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217644-Wrestling-legend-Mick-McManus-dies&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 16:17:55 GMT Wrestling legend, Mick McManus, famed for his jet black hair and cauliflower ears has died at the age of 93.

One of the biggest names in the history of wrestling, he dominated the sport during its 1970s TV heyday on ITV's World of Sport alongside other established stars of the era, including Big Daddy, Jackie Pallo and Giant Haystacks.

He was the wrestler fans loved to hate.

His feud and often bloody wrestling bouts with Jackie Pallo during the 1960s and 70s were legendary.

Frank Rimer, who runs the British Wrestlers Reunion, said: “I am deeply saddened to announce the death of the legend that was Mick McManus, who passed away at 1am.

“Mick never recovered from the loss of his beloved wife Barbara and lost the will to live, despite the loving care of the nurses at the celebrity home for retired actors Brishing House where he lived out his final days.

“Even the arrival of his old friend Lord Richard Attenborough recently failed to lift his spirits, refusing all food and drink until he quietly slipped into a coma three days ago.

“Mick was without doubt, through his own efforts, the greatest wrestling name that the UK has ever seen or will see again, and even 25 years after his retirement, he retained his aura of stardom until the end. He was 93.”

Tributes have been pouring in throughout today from wrestlers and fans on both sides of the Atlantic and from all generations.

WWE star William Regal tweeted: “Very sorry to hear of the passing of one of my childhood heroes, Mick McManus.

“I only got to see him wrestle live once. It was on my 9th birthday and I remember him giving me an autograph. Got to know him in the 1980s and he was always nice. A great man.”

Nick Aldis, better known as Magnus in TNA wrestling, said: “Woke up to the sad news of the passing of one of British Wrestling's true legends: Rest in Peace Mick McManus.”

'Superstar' Mal Sanders, the first man to beat McManus in a televised match, wrote on Facebook: "I wrestled Mick a hundred times or more when I first came into the business and he looked after me every time.

"The wrestling game never has or never will see his like again. God bless Mick

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...s-aged-93.html ]]> Sports General Englishboy http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217644-Wrestling-legend-Mick-McManus-dies http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217631-Knee-surgery-an-option-for-Baruto&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 19:49:20 GMT Baruto: knee surgery an option Tuesday, 21 May 2013 «The injured knee is all swollen up, twice as large as usual. Turning blue,» is how the sumo wrestler Kaido Höövelson aka Baruto described his knee the day after it was hurt during a match with Kisenosato, cutting short the grand... Baruto: knee surgery an option


Tuesday, 21 May 2013




«The injured knee is all swollen up, twice as large as usual. Turning blue,» is how the sumo wrestler Kaido Höövelson aka Baruto described his knee the day after it was hurt during a match with Kisenosato, cutting short the grand Natsu-basho tournament.




These past years, the left knee has been Baruto’s Achilles’ heel. From injury to injury. The knee was indeed taped at this tournament, also. Which was of no help, of course, as Baruto heaved up the 156 kg Kisenosato and let their combined weight fall on that very knee. Down he went to the dohio, holding on to his knee.

«I got a little carried away, the foot went wrong at the move,» Baruto explained. «I try to watch that knee, but things happen, you see.»

The initial diagnosis was far from encouraging, Baruto acknowledged: «The trauma looks worse than the previous ones. Cruciate ligaments also hurt, it seems. On Monday, I go see the doctor, then we’ll know better. I’m afraid we’ll have to have a surgery.»

Still, Baruto hopes to avoid surgery at all costs: «Surgery is surgery. That’s not the best cure.»

With the left knee that bad, why not ponder quitting? Enough of Japan, perhaps? With forest, lands, cattle waiting at home… Estonia needing eager farmers.

«Well, who am I for a farmer… No experience. But then, I do have the will and the strength,» laughs Baruto and explains that, at home farm at Laekvere, no real farming is going on without him there – mere tinkering. «The farm is still small, but I’ll enlarge it in times to come.»

Baruto excludes no scenario, but lets it be known that, for now, he will focus at getting cured: «No planning before it becomes clear with the knee. I will take it one day at a time and won’t worry. Let’s see how it goes. Even cripples have a life.»

However, to add insult to injury – Baruto’s July vacation in Estonia is cancelled. «Alas, I planned to come home but now it is off. The rules are clear: if a tournament is cut short – no vacation, no trip home.»

Swami ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217631-Knee-surgery-an-option-for-Baruto http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217572-Brian-O-Driscoll-to-play-rugby-one-more-season!&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 19:39:12 GMT Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll to play for another year
Ireland and Leinster centre Brian O'Driscoll will play for another season after signing a new one-year contract.

The 34-year-old centre hinted earlier this month that Joe Schmidt's appointment as Ireland coach could persuade him to delay his retirement.

"I want to thank the IRFU and Leinster for allowing me the time to think about my future and discuss my options with my family," said O'Driscoll.

O'Driscoll is the second most-capped player in international rugby.

Continue reading the main story
“He's an inspirational player, not only on the pitch, but also on the training ground”

Joe Schmidt

Ireland coach

The former Lions captain made his senior Ireland and Leinster debuts in 1999 and has since gone on to appear 125 times for Ireland and 172 times for Leinster, scoring 46 international and 59 Leinster tries.

O'Driscoll has won a Grand Slam, four Triple Crowns, three Heineken Cups and two Pro 12 (Celtic League) championships.

He added: "The support my family and the Irish and Leinster fans have shown me over the past few months, and indeed years, has been phenomenal and I am now very much looking forward to one more year playing with Ireland and Leinster."

O'Driscoll was impressed by Schmidt during his time as Leinster coach and reconsidered possible retirement plans when the New Zealander was named as Ireland's new coach last month.

""It's great that Brian has agreed to continue playing," said Schmidt.

"He's an inspirational player, not only on the pitch, but also on the training ground.

"He's played well again this season and other players continue to learn from him. I know that every squad of which he is a part will profit from his qualities both as a rugby player and a person."

Swami:) ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217572-Brian-O-Driscoll-to-play-rugby-one-more-season! http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217571-Honda-to-return-to-F1-with-McLaren&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 19:34:41 GMT Honda to return in 2015 as McLaren engine supplier By Andrew Benson Chief F1 writer Honda will return to Formula 1 in 2015 as engine supplier to McLaren - as revealed by BBC Sport in March. The Japanese company, which quit the sport in 2009 after years of poor results with its own team, is... Honda to return in 2015 as McLaren engine supplier
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer Honda will return to Formula 1 in 2015 as engine supplier to McLaren - as revealed by BBC Sport in March.

The Japanese company, which quit the sport in 2009 after years of poor results with its own team, is reigniting one of the most successful partnerships in F1 history.

The move to feature turbo engines and extensive energy recovery technology from 2014 is behind Honda's re-think.

Play mediaThe height of McLaren-Honda's dominance - Japanese GP 1988
Honda said regulation changes were "central" to its participation.

Honda boss Takanobu Ito explained: "Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world's most prestigious automobile racing series.

"The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies."

Honda and McLaren dominated F1 from 1988-91, winning four consecutive world drivers' titles with Ayrton Senna in 1988, '90 and '91 and Alain Prost in '89.

Between them, they produced the most successful year in F1 history, winning 15 of the 16 races in 1988.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said the partnership was "a new and exciting chapter" in his team's history.

He added: "The names of McLaren and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula 1, and, for everyone who works for both companies, the weight of our past achievements together lies heavily on our shoulders.

Honda: big in the '80s
F1 constructors' titles:

1985 - McLaren-TAG

1986 - Williams-Honda

1987 - Williams-Honda

1988 - McLaren-Honda

1989 - McLaren-Honda

1990 - McLaren-Honda

1991 - McLaren-Honda

1992 - Williams-Renault

"But it's a mark of the ambition and resolve we both share that we want once again to take McLaren-Honda to the very pinnacle of Formula 1 success. Together we have a great legacy - and we're utterly committed to maintaining it."

McLaren will continue with current engine supplier Mercedes in 2014, but, with Honda waiting in the wings, it will undoubtedly be a slightly uncomfortable relationship.

Mercedes will also be keen to ensure that Honda has no access to its engine technology.

McLaren driver Jenson Button raced for Honda's factory team in F1 from 2006-8, winning the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix but enjoying very little other success.

The Englishman, who won the 2009 world championship for the team after it was renamed Brawn following Honda's pull-out at the end of 2008, said he was "thrilled and excited" about Honda's return, describing it as "a great development for Formula 1 fans and the sport as a whole".

McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale said Honda would be prepared to supply other teams if required to do so, as specified in the F1 rules.

F1's new 2014 engine
Engine: 1.6-litre, V6s, with single turbo. Engines can rev to 15,000rpm, five power units per season per driver (each engine does 4,000km). 15% fewer moving parts

Turbo: Size unlimited, maximum revs 125,000rpm

Energy recovery (Ers) system: 161bhp for 33.3 seconds a lap

Fuel limit: No more than 100kg (about 140 litres) of fuel in a race; max fuel-flow rate of 100kg per hour. This is a 30% increase in fuel efficiency

Thermal efficiency: 40% (target)

The new F1 engine regulations have come in for criticism from commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who believes they are unnecessary, and smaller teams are concerned about the up-front costs of the engines.

These are significantly higher next year than they are at the moment, although the manufacturers have all promised to ensure costs come down over a five-year period so that they even out in the end.

Neale said: "Clearly F1 has to be cost-conscious but I think we have to also recognise that F1 cannot sit still.

"If it's going to be a technology showcase and contemporary with its markets, then embracing technology and making sure we are energy efficient is ensuring it stays healthy for the long run.

"So I'm sure there will be short-term pain, but I'm also sure that these technology steps are long-term the right way to go."

The engine rules were changed to make F1 more relevant to the road-car industry, and with the hope of attracting more manufacturers back into the sport.

Honda's return appears to be a vindication, and there are rumours other companies are considering entering the sport as well, with Toyota, Hyundai, VW/Audi and Ford mentioned.

Swami:) ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217571-Honda-to-return-to-F1-with-McLaren http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217474-2013-Natsu-Basho&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 19:09:19 GMT The Natsu Basho kicks off on Sunday with Harumafuji out to save face again after a poor showing last time in Osaka. Hakuho likely the favourite for the yusho again. Swami:hello: The Natsu Basho kicks off on Sunday with Harumafuji out to save face again after a poor showing last time in Osaka. Hakuho likely the favourite for the yusho again.

Swami:hello: ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217474-2013-Natsu-Basho http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217473-2013-Spanish-Grand-Prix&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 19:08:16 GMT F1 resumes this weekend after a three-week break, Barcelona the venue. McLaren need major improvements to work or else the rest of the season is a write-off. Swami:hello: F1 resumes this weekend after a three-week break, Barcelona the venue. McLaren need major improvements to work or else the rest of the season is a write-off.

Swami:hello: ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217473-2013-Spanish-Grand-Prix http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217313-2013-British-and-Irish-Lions-squad-announced&goto=newpost Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:22:31 GMT Lions 2013: Jonny Wilkinson out but Sam Warburton is captain
Comments (1725)
Jonny Wilkinson will not tour with the British and Irish Lions, while Wales' Sam Warburton has been confirmed as captain for the trip to Australia.

Lions boss Warren Gatland has picked Ireland's Jonny Sexton and England's Owen Farrell as his two fly-halves.

Analysis
Ian Robertson
BBC rugby union correspondent "Sam Warburton was always likely to be the choice as captain.

"Experience is massive on a tour like this and Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll have that Lions experience.

"The big surprise is props Matt Stevens and Mako Vunipola both being selected - they are not in the England squad as first choice.

"I would certainly have taken Jonny Wilkinson. They are going with only two fly-halves and that seems a massive risk."

England captain Chris Robshaw also fails to make the 37-man squad.

England front rowers Dylan Hartley, Mako Vunipola and Matt Stevens, Scots duo Stuart Hogg and Sean Maitland, and Ireland's Conor Murray all tour.

In total, there are 15 Welshmen, 10 players from England, nine from Ireland and three Scots for the tour, which culminates in a three-Test series against the Wallabies.

World Cup-winning former England fly-half Wilkinson put himself in the frame with a man of the match performance as Toulon beat Farrell's Saracens side in the Heineken Cup semi-finals on Sunday.

Gatland spoke to the 33-year-old on Monday about making the trip to Australia but Wilkinson said he was committed to Toulon and that he was not sure if his body was up to touring.

However, Gatland said the pair will speak again in a couple of weeks, adding "if we do have an injury later in the tour we can have conversation then" about Wilkinson potentially being called up as injury cover.

On the subject of only choosing two fly-halves, Gatland said: "We just felt we wanted to give both an opportunity to get three or four games under their belt before the first Test.

"We've taken a risk and we admit that. Stuart Hogg can cover us there and if we do pick up injuries, we'll just have to call on a replacement."

Speaking about his captain Warburton, Gatland said he had "huge respect" for the 24-year-old, whom he appointed as Wales captain in 2011.

"For the last two or three years, he has been the most successful captain in the northern hemisphere," added Gatland.

Play mediaCaptaincy an unbelievable honour - Warburton
"It's a fantastically strong squad but if I think about naming the team tomorrow, Sam would be one of the players in there. He leads from the front."

Warburton said he had known he would be captain for "nine or 10 days".

"It's been the hardest secret I've ever had to keep, but I kept it in," added the 24-year-old. "It's unbelievable, it's an accolade which very few people can achieve. To be able to do this is an honour."

Wales supply four back rowers, with Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau and Dan Lydiate joining Warburton and Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip on the plane.

England second row Geoff Parling tours ahead of fellow England lock Joe Launchbury, while there is no third fly-half option.

The likes of Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw, Wales back James Hook and England inside centre Billy Twelvetrees, who could fill in at fly-half if needed, all miss out, with Scotland full-back Hogg viewed as the utility player who can step in at 10 when required.

Gatland added: "We've looked at the last few weeks in terms of performances. We've had a number of players who have come back from injury.

Lions down under 2013
•Sat 1 June v Barbarians, Hong Kong
•Wed 5 June v Western Force, Perth
•Sat 8 June, Queensland Reds, Brisbane
•Tue 11 June, Combined NSW-Queensland, Newcastle
•Sat 15 June, NSW Waratahs, Sydney
•Tue 18 June, ACT Brumbies, Canberra
•Sat 22 June v Australia, Brisbane
•Tue 25 June, v Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne
•Sat 29 June, v Australia, Melbourne
•Sat 6 July, v Australia, Sydney

"The benchmark for a lot of the squad was the Six Nations and then looking at some club form and assessing whether there was the same physical intensity to draw comparison and then finally make the selection of those players.

"If you look at previous tours, there are six to eight players who always get injured. There will be a key group of players who will potentially be called up."

Lydiate and Scotland second row Richie Gray both make the cut, despite injury-hit seasons.

Wales prop Gethin Jenkins is leaving Toulon at the end of the season and it is understood he will be released for the entire trip by the Heineken Cup finalists.

The Lions kick off their tour against the Barbarians in Hong Kong on 1 June, before flying to Australia for a series of warm-up matches against state sides ahead of the Test series against the Wallabies, which takes place on three consecutive Saturdays.

The Lions' last tour of Australia in 2001 ended in a 2-1 series defeat but overall they have won 75% of their games against the Wallabies, with 15 victories in 20 Tests.

Lions squad for 2013 tour
Backs: Leigh Halfpenny (Wales), Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Rob Kearney (Ireland), Tommy Bowe (Ireland), Alex Cuthbert (Wales), Sean Maitland (Scotland), George North (Wales), Jonathan Davies (Wales), Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland), Jamie Roberts (Wales), Manu Tuilagi (England), Owen Farrell (England), Jonathan Sexton (Ireland), Conor Murray (Ireland), Mike Phillips (Wales), Ben Youngs (England).

Forwards: Dan Cole (England), Cian Healy (Ireland), Gethin Jenkins (Wales), Adam Jones (Wales), Matt Stevens (England), Mako Vunipola (England), Dylan Hartley (England), Richard Hibbard (Wales), Tom Youngs (England), Ian Evans (Wales), Richie Gray (Scotland), Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales), Paul O'Connell (Ireland), Geoff Parling (England), Tom Croft (England), Toby Faletau (Wales), Jamie Heaslip (Ireland), Dan Lydiate (Wales), Sean O'Brien (Ireland), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Sam Warburton (Wales).

Swami ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217313-2013-British-and-Irish-Lions-squad-announced http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217286-Joe-Schmidt-appointed-as-Ireland-rugby-coach&goto=newpost Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:24:37 GMT Leinster's Joe Schmidt is appointed new Ireland coach
Leinster's Joe Schmidt is to take over as head coach of Ireland until 2016, the Irish RFU announced on Monday.

The New Zealander has been the favourite to succeed Declan Kidney whose five-year tenure ended after a disappointing Six Nations campaign.

Schmidt was backs coach at Clermont Auvergne before guiding Leinster to Heineken Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2012.

The 48-year-old said he welcomed the "super but intimidating" prospect of leading Ireland.

He added: "When I came to Leinster in 2010 I didn't really want to be a head coach, but I've really enjoyed the experience since.

"I'm really motivated by challenge - if you're going to find out what you can bring to a group, what better way than to take on one of the big jobs in world rugby.

Play mediaSix Nations 2013 Highlights - Ireland v France
"I've had a good look at a lot of Ireland's players and when we get our collective together, we'll try to improve performance and make us as competitive as possible."

Schmidt's three-year deal with the Irish RFU runs until the end of the 2015-16 season.

Leinster are just one game away from clinching a third European title in three seasons following Saturday's Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final win over holders Biarritz.

They have also qualified for the Pro12 play-offs and can make sure of a home semi-final by beating the Ospreys at the RDS Arena on Friday night.

Last October, Schmidt signed a one-year contract extension at Leinster, taking him to the end of the 2013/14 season.

But he will now soon be leaving the province to take on what he says is one of the biggest jobs in world rugby.

The Irish Rugby Football Union has organised a media conference for 16:00 BST on Monday to unveil Schmidt as coach of the international side.

Continue reading the main story
“My family were part of the decision, they're very settled here”

Joe Schmidt

New Ireland coach

Current Ireland defence coach Les Kiss, a former North Sydney Bears winger, is to take charge of the Irish team for the summer tour matches against the United States and Canada.

Ireland then host Samoa, Australia and New Zealand in the 2013 autumn internationals.

Former headmaster Schmidt was in charge of the New Zealand Schools side before coaching Bay of Plenty in 2003, guiding them to the Ranfurly Shield.

He was assistant at the Auckland Blues before his move to French side Clermont.

While admitting the change from day to day rugby management to clearly defined periods of the calendar will be difficult, he insists it will have its benefits.

"The windows are suffocating, but there is also more scope to get back and forth to New Zealand," said Schmidt.

"I have a daughter who is studying there so it would be nice to get backwards and forwards to see family.

"My family were part of the decision, they're very settled here.

"I've spoken out lately about our smaller son and he's looked after superbly at his school. That was a big part of our decision making."

Leinster, meanwhile, appear to be already lining up a successor to Schmidt, with Leicester coach Matt O'Connor emerging as the favourite.

O'Connor was backs coach with Canberra club the Brumbies for four years before taking over at Leicester.

Swami ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217286-Joe-Schmidt-appointed-as-Ireland-rugby-coach http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217224-2013-Natsu-Basho-banzuke-released&goto=newpost Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:07:49 GMT Hakuho stays focused on matching Asashoryu’s win total Kyodo Apr 26, 2013 Article history Hakuho stays focused on matching Asashoryu’s win total

Kyodo



Apr 26, 2013
Article history




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Yokozuna Hakuho has set his sights on joining retired yokozuna Asashoryu in third place on the all- time championship list with 25 career titles by winning the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.

Hakuho, who won the spring title in March with a perfect 15-0 record, is back on the prestigious east side as the Japan Sumo Association on Thursday released the rankings for the May 12-26 Summer Basho at Ryogoku Kokugikan.

“He (Asashoryu) is a wrestler I looked up to and always wanted to wrestle against,” said Hakuho. “Now I am trying to rub shoulders with him.”

Hakuho defeated yokozuna rival Harumafuji on the final day of the Spring Basho for a record ninth perfect championship win, overtaking legends Futabayama and the late Taiho.

The only other mover of note on the “banzuke” rankings list was Okinoumi, who won promotion to komusubi, sumo’s fourth highest rank, after going 11-4 in Osaka.

He is the first wrestler from Shimane Prefecture to break into the sanyaku ranks — the three ranks below yokozuna — in 121 years.

Swami ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217224-2013-Natsu-Basho-banzuke-released http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217211-Jakarta-jungyo-confirmed!&goto=newpost Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:48:53 GMT Jakarta jungyo confirmed Saturday, 20 April 2013 Sumo is coming to Jakarta, as officials plan to host the traditional Japanese martial art’s first-ever tournament in Indonesia. Jakarta jungyo confirmed


Saturday, 20 April 2013




Sumo is coming to Jakarta, as officials plan to host the traditional Japanese martial art’s first-ever tournament in Indonesia.

A Japanese business consulting company, Gotanda Denshi, in cooperation with the Japanese Sumo Association, announced on Thursday that they would hold a two-day sumo tournament at the Senayan Sports Hall from Aug. 24 to 25.

The tournament will be held to mark the 40th anniversary of Japanese-ASEAN relations as well as the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan, its erstwhile colonizer during the World War II.

The tournament, thought to be the first sumo event to be held outside Japan since an event in Mongolia in 2008, is expected to attended by hundreds of professional sumo wrestlers (rikishi) from Japan.

However, according to tournament organizing committee chief Takuji Motooka, who is also chairman of the Jakarta-Japan Club Foundation, the number of participants would depend on the results of a tournament in July.

Information about tickets would be announced later, Motooka added.

Onoe Oyakata from the Japanese Sumo Association said that it would be a honor to introduce the traditional Japanese sport to Indonesia. “We hope that the event will strengthen the relationships between Japan and Indonesia and Japan and ASEAN,” he told reporters on Thursday.

The deputy chief of mission of Japan to ASEAN, Takako Ito, said that event originated with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who said during a visit to Indonesia three months ago that Japan needed a new strategy to strengthen its relations with nations in Southeast Asia.

“The tournament will be broadcast on Japan television stations,” Ito said.

Third-rank rikishi Kaido Höövelson from Estonia said that there were around 800 rikishi in Japan, including around 60 from Europe, Russia and Mongolia, among other places.

Höövelson, who was given the shikona, or fighting name, of Baruto, said that he had been captivated by sumo when as teenager and moved to Japan when he was 18 to pursue his interest professionally.

Indonesia-Japan Friendship Association chairman Rahmat Gobel said that Indonesia should be proud to have a sumo event.

“We have met with Vice President Boediono, and he gave his full support to this event. He urged us to learn from the tradition that has been preserved for centuries.”

For the Japanese, sumo is a tradition that has been part of life for centuries, Oyakata said. The sport develops many values including fighting spirit, patience, endurance, sincerity and courtesy.

Swami ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217211-Jakarta-jungyo-confirmed! http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217065-2013-Bahrain-Grand-Prix&goto=newpost Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:25:54 GMT F1 in Bahrain this weekend - the worst circuit on the calendar, rarely throws up a good race. Swami F1 in Bahrain this weekend - the worst circuit on the calendar, rarely throws up a good race.

Swami ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?217065-2013-Bahrain-Grand-Prix http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?216737-2013-Chinese-Grand-Prix&goto=newpost Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:29:48 GMT F1 resumes this weekend in China, hopefully McLaren have found big improvements to kick-start their season! Swami:sheep: F1 resumes this weekend in China, hopefully McLaren have found big improvements to kick-start their season!

Swami:sheep: ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?216737-2013-Chinese-Grand-Prix http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?216559-2013-John-Smiths-Grand-National&goto=newpost Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:59:26 GMT Grand National 2013: Auroras Encore claims Aintree success By Frank Keogh BBC Sport at Aintree Comments (115) Auroras Encore sprang a 66-1 surprise to win the 166th Grand National by nine lengths at Aintree. The 11-year-old, trained by Sue Smith and ridden by Ryan Mania, jumped superbly... Grand National 2013: Auroras Encore claims Aintree success
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Aintree Comments (115)
Auroras Encore sprang a 66-1 surprise to win the 166th Grand National by nine lengths at Aintree.

The 11-year-old, trained by Sue Smith and ridden by Ryan Mania, jumped superbly as 17 of the 40 runners finished the race.

Cappa Bleu (12-1) was second, Teaforthree (10-1) third and 2011 runner-up Oscar Time (66-1) fourth, ahead of Rare Bob (16-1).

Seabass was sent off the 11-2 favourite, as jockey Katie Walsh sought to become the first female rider to win the famous steeplechase.

Where did your horse finish?
1. Auroras Encore (Ryan Mania) 66-1

2. Cappa Bleu (Paul Moloney) 12-1

3. Teaforthree (Nick Scholfield) 10-1

4. Oscar Time (Sam Waley-Cohen) 66-1

5. Rare Bob (Bryan Cooper) 16-1

6. Swing Bill (Conor O'Farrell) 80-1

See the full list

But her mount faded, eventually finishing 13th.

However, it was Walsh's fellow amateur Sam Waley-Cohen who played a leading role as he sent 2011 runner-up Oscar Time towards the front in the latter stages.

Welsh National runner-up Teaforthree mounted a challenge before Scottish jockey Mania - in his first Grand National ride - appeared at the vanguard with his mount travelling strongly.

They made no mistake at the last and raced away up the run-in for a comprehensive win.

"There are no words to describe it," said the 23-year-old Scot. "I got a dream ride round. I couldn't believe my luck.

"I couldn't fault the horse. I had a choice of two but I thought I better stay loyal to him. He loved every second of it. He was just class."

Mania gave up riding for six months in 2011 when trainer Howard Johnson lost his licence, before deciding to come back to the sport with the encouragement of Sue Smith and her former showjumper husband Harvey.

Auroras Encore went largely ignored by punters after a disappointing sequence of unplaced runs following a fine second, beaten a neck by Merigo, in the Scottish National at Ayr a year ago.

But the drying ground may well have been the key to the gelding's improvement as Smith became the third female trainer to win the race after Jenny Pitman (Corbiere and Royal Athlete) and Venetia Williams (Mon Mome).

The Bingley-based handler said afterwards: "It's unbelievable. He gave him such a good ride.

"I knew the ground was right for him and hoped everything else was. He stayed down the middle and had a bit of luck in running. He didn't have a lot of weight and that helped, too.

"He's such a grand little horse, you can ride him any way you like."

The winner is now owned by Douglas Pryce, Jim Beaumont and David van der Hoeven.

Edinburgh-based Beaumont, 78, was born in Liverpool and worked as a bell boy at the city's Adelphi Hotel at the age of 14 before going on to carve out a career in the catering and hotels business.

After two fatalities in each of the two previous runnings, all 40 horses and jockeys returned safely. Only two horses fell with six jockeys unseated, while it was the first time in the race's history that the entire field were still in contention up to Canal Turn, the eighth fence.

Swami ]]> Sports General Swami http://www.soapchat.net/showthread.php?216559-2013-John-Smiths-Grand-National