Re: [Spoiler] RE unsatisfactory result

[Stephen Messer <smesser@hiddenmind.com>]

sumo@dichne.com wrote:
> 
> I'd like to post this AGAIN for the blinded with bias to see.. 
>

I doubt it will have any more affect on us the second (or third) time
then it did the first time, but thanks for trying!


>Read it , for a
> change. and weep- so your favorite Taka/Ake /whoever didn't win.. 

I don't see anyone complaining that their favorite rikishi didn't
win.  Can you point to a post?

>I've got to say
> I'm astonished at some of the reasoning I see here... 

Me too.

>It's simple- when you
> accumulate more wins than someone else-you take the yusho.. 

Yes, that is correct.  However, it doesn't always produce the 
fairest result, imo.  I can't think of any other sports tournament
format in which the weakest players or teams are coddled with
"protection" in order to preserve their winning records at
all costs.


>When Kotonishiki won
> the tourney, he won it when the top guys were outta shape- no- one was
> complaining then.. 

I didn't like that one much, either, but it was probably a bit less
egregious with Koto because he had won the tournament before.  Same
reasoning applies in that case, though, as it does with 'Riki this
time.  Who, by the way, I hear is a fantastic guy.  (just to head
off any accusations that I hate 'Riki, or his sumo style, or his
looks, or whatever... ;)


>We
> should be glad that a rank-and filer won it, for a change. 

Why?  Some might prefer it that way, because some are primarily 
interested in the "story" of each basho, and not in producing
a clear winner.  That's fine, for some people.  For me, I do not
like it that the sumo rules allow low-rankers to sneak in and
win an occasional yusho by avoiding top competition until the
final few days.  We obviously each have a different opinion
on this, and both our opinions are perfectly valid.  Just because
you like it one way, doesn't mean that I have to like it that
way too, and vice versa.  Or maybe I'm just "blinded with
bias".  :)


>This doesn't happen
> often, so what's the big deal?? Next Basho he will learn his place ( or not, but
> then the excuses for his wins will come crawling out of the woodworks again..),
> and the Basho will be won by the guy that "should" win it and we will all be
> soooo content.. 
>

Well, it doesn't look like all of us will be content, but at least
I will probably be more content.  ;)

sjm