Re: Musashimaru's future

[Riley@hachi.hi-tech.ac.jp]

> Musashimaru is younger than even Onokuni, and seems set to leave a
> greater mark (he's the only rikishi to have gone from entering makuuchi
> to winning a tournament without once doing makekoshi. . .). I have been
> a fan since I first saw him, so I am impossibly biassed; can I get some
> more objective opinions on his prospects, anyone? Looking forward to Aki
>       -Steve Forrest

My own opinions about Musashimaru change about every basho these days.
I would say, though, that he's probably the strongest rikishi today.
That doesn't mean he's better than others, just stronger.  His main
drawback has been his overuse of the oshizumo.  While it works well
enough against most rikishi, it is not likely to get to Yokozuna with
just that, as the better rikishi can combat it effectively by getting
to the mawashi.  Usually, Musashimaru gave up once his mawashi was
in the grip of his opponent, something that really ticked me off.
In Nagoya, though, we saw a new and improved man, and he showed some
signs of real greatness.  I think if he keeps up this more varied 
style of sumo, he'll be the one to beat for some time.  I like Akebono,
but sometimes he's too tall and his legs are too long, though he has
done very well at mastering new waza.  Musashimaru has a more compact
form and could do great things, I guess.  It's up to him, really.  He
does need a lot more study of the language, though.  It would be hard
as hell for people to accept a Yokozuna who can't conduct a press
interview in Japanese yet.  Just a few personal observations...

Mata nee....
 
David
riley@hachi.hi-tech.ac.jp