Ski Jumping: Okabe wins HTB Cup for back-to-back titles
January 14, 2006Veteran Olympic ski jumper Takanobu Okabe outclassed the field to win the HTB Cup with a pair of mammoth leaps Saturday, claiming his second title in as many days. Okabe posted the day's biggest leap of 136 meters in the first round of jumps and comfortably retained the lead with another impressive jump of 132 on his second attempt for a winning total of 280.4 points at the K-120 Okurayama hill in Hokkaido.
Sumo: Asa one back as Tochi, Hokutoriki share lead at New Year Sumo
January 14, 2006Yokozuna Asashoryu stayed in contention for a record eighth straight Emperor's Cup on Saturday, overpowering countryman Tokitenku to stay one win off the lead at the midway point of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament. Rank-and-filer Hokutoriki (7-0) retained his share of the overnight lead with ozeki Tochiazuma, who moved within one win of preserving his status at sumo's second highest rank, but Hakuho dropped out of the leading trio after a defeat to Tochinohana.
Soccer: Japan striker Oguro set for Grenoble debut vs Laval
January 14, 2006French club Grenoble have completed the signing of Masashi Oguro and could hand the Japan international striker his debut in Saturday's league match against Laval, Grenoble general manager Kazuyoshi Tanabe said Friday. Oguro was unveiled as a Grenoble player on Tuesday but was not expected to make his debut for the second-division outfit until their home game with Guingamp on Jan. 20.