All,
During another lull in my eventful life, I did some research on the
longest and shortest stints as Ozeki prior to being promoted to
Yokozuna. Here is what I found:
Shortest
Kitanoumi - 3 basho
Chiyonofuji - 3
Asashoryu - 3
Longest
Kotozakura - 32
Musashimaru - 32
Wakanohana III - 29
Of the three longest, only Musashimaru was what I would consider
'successful' as a Yokozuna (7 yusho).
Wakanohana III only completed 4 basho after promotion with a winning
record. He had 1 basho at 7-8, 3 he did not finish, and 3 he missed
altogether.
Kotozakura won 1 yusho as a Yokozuna, but appears to have had his career
cut short by an injury of some sort. Perhaps someone much more
knowledgeable that I can elaborate.
On the shortest side, I think we all know the kind of careers these
three had or are having.
Historically, I don't think this bodes well for Chiyotaikai or Kaio if
they ever make Yokozuna.
As always, I am open for correction. These figures were compiled from
hakkeyoi.com.
Torideyama
Emmett Wayne