The anime isn't actually well made, apart from some animated scenes here and there. Also, they removed way too much and condensed too many things so it isn't as much as Japan has shit taste but the fact that the anime was shit in comparison. There's a reason or two why this "sport" manga managed to even reached 18th volumes, and you can rightfully blame Xebec for the piss poor adaptation and the committee for this anime that gave crappy budget.