Re: [SPOILER] Takanonami-Toki

["Chubakanonami" <teague-family@worldnet.att.net>]

>> Takanonami just lost to Glow-in-the-dark Toki by Oshitaoshi, is MK
and will be demoted to Sekiwake!
>>
>> I for one am sad to see this happen, but I do believe it was
inevitable...
>> Anyone believe he can make a comeback?
>> My gut feeling says no... :-(

<<I certainly think it's possible.  He'll have time to heal up the leg,
and maybe he'll have a little more fire to push him back up.  Of course,
I'm a romantic and an optimist, so I imagine there are many cynics on
the list who'll gladly say I'm wrong...>>

Takanonami's defensive type of sumo is unique
among the rikishi, I think.  But peddling backwards
and either turning aside or tripping his opponent
at the edge have not worked well for him recently,
perhaps because his injury has thrown off the
timing and reflexes required to make it work.

His other favorite technique of reaching over his
opponent's back to grab the mawashi then steer
the guy out has not been at all reliable lately cuz
he seems to want to try it when it's not appropriate--
like when he is already being powered out!  This
is frustrating to watch...rather like Young Turkey ®
Chiyotaikai and his maddening reliance on hataki-
komi.  (I bet 'Taikai loses as many times with his
knee-jerk attempt to pull his opponent down as
he wins with it--witness last night against 'Maru.)

YES, I'd like to see my namesake make double
digits next basho.  Maybe this is a good topic for
one of Moti's between-basho polls?   ~ChuBAKAnonami