"hapless yokozuna"

[Jim Bitgood <jimbit1@starpower.net>]

This description of Musashimaru was printed in the Japan Times online 
edition on July 21, 2002 following his third straight loss on day 14 of the 
Nagoya Basho.
Now to my mind, "hapless" and "yokozuna" are two words that should not be 
in the same paragraph, let alone the same sentence or phrase. With all the 
discussion about what kind of shape Takanohana is in, I think somebody 
should by talking to Musashimaru about "Yokozuna Pride." If he were in 
Kokonoe Beya, I suspect he would have received a lecture or two about "YP."
Granted he still maintains his record of kachikoshi tournaments. A fine 
Ozeki record, but not a Yokozuna record. I still maintain that KK for a 
Yokozuna is at least 12 wins.
If he is going to lose his concentration, or whatever it is he loses, once 
he has either clinched a yuushou or fallen out of contention, he does not 
deserve to be a Yokozuna. Perhaps we, OR better yet, the kyokai should be 
discussing his retirement instead of Takanohana's.


      Jim
    "Chitose Taikai"
         ^Ðç^ÍÎ^Ñå^Éï