01010101

You are right, nothing to discuss but Asashoryu as usual.

John Kruk, the chubby (ok, portly?) outfielder/first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies in the early '90's was at a sports-related event, where he was introduced as one of that city's prominant sports figures. A lady standing beside him looked him over, and said, "You don't look like an athlete." He replied, "No, ma'am. I'm a baseball player." (I am not worthy...)

Who cares what you care?

I sure hope so. Also, does anyone know how I could get my hands on any of the previous DVDs? Sounds like they'd be an interesting watch. I hope they include all of the many fantastic matches he had with Hakuho. Hope someone posts a link.

yawn

Does anyone really believe that he was really clinically depressed? People were skeptical then what with questionable doctors and all. Scarcely a word has been mentioned by Ryu or the sports media about that condition in the two years since he came back. (Detective...) there are some still believe!

One of his toughest match-ups is the first 2 days, when he's still rusty. Asa with his highly refined fundamental skills, muscle memories and natural instincts easily can shake off rust gradually regaining his form at the expense of mediocre maegashira earlier conserving his energy for later. But brings his "A" game when it matters up against uprising opponents likes of Bart, Kise deliberately subduing them thus sending a message his is still the top dog.

If he sees there's no chance clinching a title in 2010 he would rather retire. With 24 yushos under his belt, he's currently in a tie with Kitanoumi for 3rd place all time. 1 yusho, minimum.

Hak - 3 Asa - 2 Haru - 1

More like Chiyotaikai's OBSC membership card has expired and his submission to renew it has been turned down. Permanently. hahahaha priceless.

Eye does the image! Your galleries are awesome, it's mind boggling the way you choose different angles to take your shots.

And your basis for this assessment is...? Please back me up, wise guy!

one answer yacho

If I'm not mistaken Hakuho had the same amount of keiko as Asashoryu, yet he slips thru her fingers. Any comments on any ozeki?

I'm just a jealous guy.

nothing to fuss about, just a flow.

:-) good one.

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/4119

That point wasn't one, though. A yokozuna doesn't need to be as dominating as Asashoryu was in order to be fitting the rank. In-prime Kaio and Tochiazuma getting promoted to yokozuna and then taking another three or four yusho apiece (with perhaps another one or two by Chiyotaikai thrown in, and a darkhorse winner or two from the lower ranks) would have been plenty sufficient to bridge the gap to Kotooshu's arrival in 2005 and Hakuho's in 2006, and as mentioned before, arguably with more suspenseful yusho races. I presume Wanderer's point is about one's dominance. It's like racing the American quarter horse in endurance racing, ones with stamina would take the lead in turns, unpredictable; hence the interest. Now mix into that crowd an Arabian horse, that would tip the scales so predictable and boring.

It ain't necessarily so. As Ian Malcom said in Jurassic Park "Life finds a way". In the mid 1970's there was a situation much like today only without the dominating Yokozuna. Taiho had recently retired and the ramaining Yokozuna, Kitanofuji, while no Taiho was a powerful Yokozuna in his own right. Beneath him was a cadre of aging, complacent Ozeki with literally no ambition to move forward. As Kitanofuji reached the limits of his ability and was struggling to continue one of the aging Ozekis, Kotozakura, found a resurgence of strength, ability or just plain incentive and won two Yusho and was made Yokozuna. This took a lot of pressure off of Kitanofuji and allowed 2 up and coming rikishi, Wajima and Takanohana I, to move up to Ozeki and Wajima on up to Yokozuna, and Sumo continued. I believe that if Asashoryu had not come along at all or even if he just hadn't developed as quickly as he did, that with the departure of Akebono and with Takanohana II's knee injury one of the three Ozeki you mentioned, possibly two would have made Yokozuna (my guess: Tochiazuma & Kaio). They would not have lasted like Asa has, but they would have filled that gap and in turn would have provided a gap that would have possibly allowed some different faces develop into Ozekis. Yea, they could have filled the gap, but you're missing the point!

What's wrong with that!.. next time use the right elbow.

I've learned a lot from your posts, I wish you'd post more often. Your vast knowledge of Oozuma and well balanced posts are the first thing I look for on this board.

Have your eyes examined!

Agree, if one them out of the equation, I think he'd willing (they're all friends, arent they?) to yield a way to Ama if he's still in yusho race against his rivalry. There's no shame displaying a dodgy sumo against them when in matters. ;-)

The most henkaed? ...not only size but also lack of respect towards him contributes to your ratios.