Kyushu Basho Ramblings

[riley@hachi.hi-tech.ac.jp (Totoro)]

Well, it's that time again, sumoniacs!  I've posted the form and info
for you to enter the hoshitori.  This time I'm pretty sure that I'll
be here for the fun.  Sorry to all for the fiasco last basho, but there
was nothing I could do about it.

You'll note that I've changed the entry deadline to noon on Shonichi,
Japan Time.  This seemed a little more fair and simple.

Gossip:

The latest issue of Sumo World came today.  They indicate that it is
now the Takanohana-jidai, not the Taka-Ake Jidai of last year.  There
is some realism here, as Akebono hasn't made any serious threats to
the throne of Taka in some time now, though he hasn't embarrassed
himself as some Yokozunas in recent memory.  However, they also noted
that the former Chiyonofuji helped to adjust Akebono's shiko which
has apparently beefed up his thighs (and thus his tsuppari).  But they
say it should be 14-15 wins and a 4th straight for Taka.  On a rational
basis, that's about the extent of it, I suppose.  But if the Sekiwake
fellows can get hot, and especially if Musashimaru fires up, Taka could
be toppled once again.  

In other areas, the local newspaper had a story about Kaio today.  They
seem to feel that the key is whether Kaio stays on the offensive and
plays his game or not.  There wasn't any great feeling that he would
stand his ground and churn out 2 more 11+ win bashos and make Ozeki.

Back to S.W., they noted that Kotofuji retired after the 12th day of
the Aki Basho.  He fell to 2-10, which would've sent him down to the
Makushita ranks, so he hung up the mawashi.  Sorry to see him go, as
he was a fun character in the game.  Also, Sentoryu broke his elbow
in his second loss, dropping him from the basho at 0-2-5.  He won't
likely be back til at least Hatsu.

It's going to be interesting to see how Tosanoumi fares in the M1 slot,
where he won't be missing out any of the sanyaku foes this time.  He
did well last basho, but we'll see what he's made of this time around.

Sorry I don't have any more helpful info, but we don't get much around
here, and I don't watch the TV much anyhow.  How about some of you in
the big city lights tossing out some tidbits??

Hakke yoi!

Totoro

[David Riley]
[Hachinohe Institute of Technology]
[88-1, Myo, Ohbiraki]
[Hachinohe-shi  031]