mazurao

But why? Why Harumafuji would do this to the yokozuna and his senpai? He did not the win that badly, and I see no reason why he wanted to embarass himself and Hakuho in the process.

Too bad some rikishi didn't realize the obligation in time for Dejima, Miyabiyama or Takanonami ... In 2001, Dejima and Miyabiyama were both falling apart physically, there were beyond help. The current crop of deadwoods still can make it to the dohyo every day, and it is enough to continue to clog the rank. I hope that by the end of 2010 we can say thank you to them for their service, and see the last of them. This will certainly improve the banzuke balance, and relieve the promising young rikishi from their obligation to give a win or two to the old geezers.

Many in the Kyokai wanted Asashoryu gone, and for a long time. But without the second Yokozuna, there was no way for them to act on that wish. Now finally they could do something, and also got an excellent pretext. All this talk about Asashoryu rethinking his behaviour is of course bs. He is an egotistical, mean, overachieving sob (and that's why I like him so much), and he could not care less about hinkaku or Kyokai rules. Basically, for him it boils down to 2 alternatives: (a) take his family and bolt to Mongolia. He is admired there, and probably does not care much about how it will be percieved in japan, anyway. Also, for him K1 is an option. He is going to lose, but will be competitive and make some $$$. (b) stick around, and then win another couple of yusho in 2008, before "they" will kick him out for good. I am afraid though that he is going to be too enraged to show good sumo after this ordeal.

I agree that Kotomitsuki is the only one who can make it to ozeki by the end of 2008. Still, his chances are well below 50%. By 2009, all the old ozeki will be gone, leaving only Hakuho (yokozuna by then, I suppose) and Osh. So, the promotion guidelines will be relaxed quite a bit, and this will open the gates for the young guns. I think Homasho will be the first to make it. Tochiozan is still an unknown quantity, but also looks good to make it. If Baruto recovers by 2008 (I hope so!), he will be in the running as well.

Newbie queston - is the size of makuuchi divison always 42 fighters, or can it be less for a basho or two, if it seems more logical, given the circumstances. For example, Roho does not have a particularly strong case for promotion (10-5 at J6 is not that great). Also, why is Wakakosho staying at J14? Isn't he supposed to drop to Ms1? Then Roho takes his rightful position at J1e - and, btw, I think one more Juryo basho will do him good. Kokkai will have a real test next time. After 3 comfortable tournaments at mid-maegashira, he now enters top ranks and will fight all the big boys. I think he is capable of getting his kk at M2, but going 5-10 is also a real possibility.