The moment of truth.
Having served as a member of jury and also as head judge, I can tell you that the judges go through a lot of anxious moments at GC judging time! These are the best of the best in the show and ONE has to be recognized as THE best. Younger judges will tax their nerves going over elements of the fish- which has the best skin, which has the best pattern, which has the best beni--- and so on--.
The answer for the GC however can be found in one simple question- which is the best fish?
Meaning, overall which is the fish that best describes the term Supreme Champion?
I know that many would have bite on the very large sanke, The very nicely patterened and bright kohaku or even been influenced by previous winning fish's reputation. But in the end, the choice was rather easy from my 'far away seating'. The fish that best describes a GC is one with rare conformation and rare quality. I have seen that kohaku grow up so to speak, over the years visiting Isawa. The quality of that fish was always almost unbelievable. In the net or bowl ( and after a while it could no longer fit in a bowl) it did not appear real as the beni was so very delicate yet as thick as a brick! The body was rare- perfectly proportioned with the ability to hold great volume. This is a fish that can hold even more volume. The pattern would be very boring and 'heavy' on a smaller fish , I agree. And when this fish was smaller that was a concern. But now, with that body size, skin and beni, the pattern works and is no longer a handicap. A very rare fish indeed. Congrats Bill! - JR
06-24-2007
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