3-Way Ties (fwd)

[kimata@zeppelin.convex.com (Hiroki Kimata)]

   Date: Tue, 27 Jul 1993 13:29:53 +0100 (BST)
   From: "Martin Hughes (Biochem)" <mjgh@mbfs.bio.cam.ac.uk>
   Mime-Version: 1.0
   Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

   > From: Lee Tokuda <tokuda@wiliki.eng.hawaii.edu>
   > 
   >   I read that in the 3-way tie between Akebono, Takanohana, and Wakanohana
   > the order in which the rikshi wrestled was determined by pulling marked
   > sticks.  But I also read that the sticks only determined which of the
   > two brothers would face Akebono first.  In other words, the tie-breaker
   > was set up so that the brothers could not face each other in the first
   > match.  Could someone else confirm this?
   >   If that's true, I would like to know if this procedure was arbitrary
   > or if there is some kind of rule about rikshi from the same stable in
   > 3 or 4 way ties.  Anyone have any info on this?

On TV, I saw Akebono,Waka, and Taka pulling the marked sticks simultaniously.
So I don't think that's true.

   Although I cannot confirm or deny any of this, I seem to remember
   someone doing a very professional mathematical/statistical job
   in s.c.j. when the same subject came up for discussion.  (was
   that anyone who is in this group?)  One of the things I think
   I remembered was that whoever went first, had a much greater
   (statistical) advantage.  Maybe this advantage is given by right
   to the highest ranking rikishi, so as to increase the chance of
   him winning.  The other 2 then being given an equal "chance"
   to get in the 1st match.
   Just a thought?

Recently, the same discussion was going on in fj.rec.sports,
and the concensus was both two rikishis who have the first match
have 5/14 chance of win, while third rikishi has 4/14.
This calculation seems a bit complicated for me who is definitely 
not math expert.
Is there any sumo loving mathematician who can help in this ML?


   > 
   > -Lee
   > 
   > 
   > 

Hiroki