Re: [SUMO: records] 1998 Kimboshi

["Chuck & Luisa Finberg" <cfinberg@wco.com>]

To pick up on Abe-san's tabulations:
Kinboshi:
Takanohana - 11     Total 1998 record as yokuzuna: 58-20-12 -- 6 basho
Akebono         - 9     Total 1998 record as yokuzuna: 54-21-15 -- 6 basho
Wakanohana  - 6     Total 1998 record as yokozuna: 21-9        -- 2 basho

What Abe-san's figures reflect is that the yokozuna are averaging about 11
wins per basho, and about 2 kinboshi per basho.  This is close to the bottom
line, isn't it? ("Mathematically, too many yokozuna :-) ?") You can try to
rationalize Takanohana's record by observing that he was ill and weak at the
beginning of the year, but even since then he's been losing bouts to
lower-ranked rikishi.  Akebono has not displayed consistent dominance for a
couple of years, in my opinion.  Sometimes he's fierce, but often his
balance is uncontrolled.  Trouble on and off the dohyo: his record is
roughly equivalent to Musashimaru's, but Musa stays healthy.   I have not
seen recent news, but I'm afraid that Akebono's current injury may compel
retirement.  Wakanohana has marvelous skills, but does his record show
dominance?

I think we'll see some attrition in 1999, and then we'll be discussing
whether Musa or, eventually, Chiyotaikai can move up....

Chuck Finberg