still having slim chances of victory
Sumo term used when a wrestler is behind but still has a narrow path to win, often by winning remaining bouts and relying on other results.
Before the final day, he still has a slim chance of victory.
Compound of 生き (iki, 'living') and 体 (tai, 'body, state'), literally 'living state', referring to a wrestler's tournament hopes still being alive.