Re: [sumo] next...

[<f95-sge@nada.kth.se>]

I do believe in Kaio for the next Ozeki. He might be old and injured and
he will never be completely free of those problems, but he´s still as
strong as they come and as people start to count him out, I suspect he
might actually rise to the task and get there. He´ll have to do it within
a year though or time will start running away for him.

Regarding Chiyotaikai I agree he will probably become Yokozuna eventually.
He´s not really a choker as chokers come but simply has not been strong
and consistent enough yet. He´s starting to be that now and within three
or four years I think he´s there. The old generation dropping like flies
is not bad for his chances...

So what about next Ozeki? Well, Takamisakari seems a good rikishi with the
right kind of view on his sumo, but I want to see more from him before
believing him capable of Ozeki. Maybe in the future, but I think he needs
years before maturing to that level. I still believe more in Kyokutenho
than Takamisakari although I don´t give anyone of them more than say a 30
per cent chance tops. Right now, my bet is on Wakanosato who has been
remarkably consistent for a long time and I think it will eventually pay
off as it does for most rikishi consistent over a long period.

Lower down, I don´t really see Futen´o as Yokozuna or Ozeki. I think
Kotomitsuki has a better chance of getting back into some sort of shape
and becoming Ozeki than Futen´o has. Kokkai though could be an interesting
outside bet. He seems strong enough although not overly technical, but
some seasoning and I think he can become Ozeki. Asasekiryu seems too small
to me and not quite as energetic as his heya-mate, so perennial Sekiwake
seems like the upper barrier for him.

To add something to this debate I´ll open up for another name. How about
Wakatoba as a future Ozeki? He looked very good last basho and his record
over the last year indicates he has found another level in his sumo. I
suppose he might be another dud (Tochinohana...), but I´m thinking Ozeki
might be reachable for him eventually.

/Stefan Gelow


> Personally, I think Kaio will choke...again...He's too hurt and too old
> to  become Yokozuna at this time, and if he did become Yokozuna, he
> would most  likely have less than 20 basho at this rank, due to his back
> being bad.  I  think Chiyotaikai will become Yokozuna, but not for
> another 2 years or so.   I predict Kyushu 2004.  Takamisakari will make
> it to Ozeki, and be a  Musoyama-like presence, being less than
> inspiring, but somehow staying at  the rank.  No one looks quite
> devestating in the lower ranks, with the  possible exception of Kokkai
> and Futenho.  I agree with Jan, we'll have to  see how they do in
> Makuuchi.
>
> Gusoyama



[EndPost by <f95-sge@nada.kth.se>]