Re: Natsu-basho Result & Nagoya-basho Prediction

[Yugo Yodogawa <yyy@soda.berkeley.edu>]

>> Incidentally, what's the word in Japan regarding Takanohana's chances of 
>> Yokozuna promotion before the Nagoya-basho?  Does it look like the Kyokai's
>> going to do it, or make him wait another tournament?
>
>My colleagues all seem to think he has no chance of getting it before Nagoya....
>but then they are the same who tell us Gaijins are naive thinking the bouts
>are not fixed which is something I *do* refuse to believe!
>
>The general feeling is he has to win 12 at Nagoya to make it, though I think a
>two digit score should do it.
>
>	-Ivar-

I don't think a 10-5 or 11-4 record would be sufficient.  In fact, I would like
to see a Yokozuna-to-be get at least a 13-2 record in the basho prior to
promotion, as at least the last 10 Yokozuna have all done this.  

What I don't get is why the Kyokai would rather wait one more basho than
promote him now.  He has an excellent (39-6) three basho record with two yusho
in this span; why wait another basho, when he will most likely not have as
impressive a three basho showing?

If the Kyokai does not promote him before the Nagoya basho (as seems most
likely, according to Ivar and other sources I've heard), I think it's safe to
say they aren't in a hurry to get a Japanese into the position of Yokozuna;
they just want to make sure that whoever becomes Yokozuna _really_ deserves
it.  Seems they learned their lessons with disappointing Yokozuna Futahaguro,
Onokuni, and Asahifuji...

-yugo