Takanohana

[abe@zoom.com (Masumi Abe)]

Yokozuna Takanohana's injury requires him to be away from even light workout
for at least two more weeks. He will stay in Tokyo until the next exam planned
right before shonichi of Kyushu-basho. This means there is a good chance of
him being absent from Kyushu-basho, the first time after entering sumo in
1988. At the first day (shonichi) of Kyushu-basho, he would be in the 694th
consecutive hon-basho match if he could stay healthy, but it's getting likely
to end his record at 693 consecutive matches. At the same time, he won't see
his 5th consecutive yusho this time at Kyushu if he needs to skip this basho.

If Takanohana skips this basho, then no matter what kind of basho Akebono have
in Kyushu, he will return to Higashi Sei Yokozuna rank, the highest rank in
sumo,
the first time in almost two years.

Hoshitori in Kyushu will be very interesting if Yokozuna Takanohana takes a
basho off. Ironically, this will bring some excitement back to sumo for a
change.

-Masumiriki