Some thoughts

[RobVerhoeve@aol.com]

Hi,

yesterday I was watching the basho on Eurosport, and saw Takanohana's latest bout. I admit I was sad. It is odd isn't it to see one basho with a yokozuna retiring and a new one being promoted during the same basho. I wonder if this has happened before?

Two things came up to my mind:
1.) If Takanohana would have finished this basho up to the last day, what would have been his result? The list of opponents was known, maybe Takanohana knew that he was not going to make KK, and, in order to save himself the embarrasment of being kicked out by the sumo-council, he decided to stop? Any thoughts? 

2.) On Kyokutenho: have you noticed that since Asashoryu is competing in the makuuchi league, that Kyokutenho is doing much better as well? Even though they are not in the same heya, you think that maybe they meet every now and then and that Asashoryu is giving tips and tricks to Kyokutenho, talking about his weaknesses, etc.? 

3.) Ozeki changes: 
I wonder who is going to be the first to lose his ozeki rank. Tochiazuma? 
Additionally, who do you think will be the next one to get promoted to Ozeki? Kotomitsuki? Dejima? Wakanosato? I have the feeling that with 3 rikishi being kadoban, and probably 3 sekiwakes, it may get quite messy soon. Any thoughts?

Best regards,
Rob