Futagoyama Oyakata and Musoyama

[Kintamayama 47,182]

Does Futagoyama Oyakata have a new girlfriend? The Oyakata, divorced in August two years ago, seems to have a new girlfriend. This, according to the tabloid "Shuukan Gendai". They say Oyakata has bought a "mansion" and a ring for his 40 year old girlfriend, and is planning to marry her. Asked about this, he said "I have all kinds of acquaintances. I am not getting re-married. I didn't buy anyone any "mansion", acknowledging the acquaintance but denying the marriage. "We're in the middle of a Basho where everyone is doing his best. I don't need this type of report to annoy the Kyokai," he added, flustered.

Mousouyama may become the first "victim" of the proposed new Kosho rule. The Kyokai is planning to abolish the current kosho rules starting January 2004. Mousouyama went kyujo, and will be MK for all intents and purposes. His "injury", which was diagnosed as a two month injury, has not been acknowledged as "kosher". This means that if he doesn't participate in November, he will be demoted. Then he needs ten wins to return. But wait! The current kosho rules regarding Oozekis will be abolished. As of now, the plan is to let the Oozekis have three MKs before demotion, but no ten wins to get back. At this stage, it seems that not even eleven will do. The latest suggestion is that they have to do the whole "33 wins in three basho" shtick again. But Mouso falls between the cracks here. On one side, the "two MKs and you go down" rule will still be in place, and on the other side, the new "no more ten wins and you're back" rule MAY come into place in January, leaving Mousouyama in a bind.

He of course may miraculously recover from that "left elbow fracture, probably caused by losing a lot more than winning so far this basho" injury and come back in November, winning his 8 bouts, thus saving him from demotion and guaranteeing him many more sub par Oozeki performances for years to come, since he would need three straight MK bashos to lose his rank when the new rules kick in in January..

[Manekineko 200]

Ah, Kinta-zeki, king of sumo tabloids! :-S Many thanks from a very appreciative and gossip loving feline for your continuing reports from Sumo world. (Ranting...)

[Jesinofuji 11]

Is Musoyama even injured? I mean it didn't look like he was in his last bout. Or did he just quit for other reasons?

And, is the new kosho rule in effect yet?

[Ryunokaze 0]

I believe musoyama is saying that he fractured his elbow but kosho has not been granted.Seem suspect to me looking at his record,but who really knows?

The kosho rules are still in the descussion stage I believe.

All the best.

[Asashosakari 20,223]

As of now, the plan is to let the Oozekis have three MKs before demotion, but no ten wins to get back. At this stage, it seems that not even eleven will do. The latest suggestion is that they have to do the whole "33 wins in three basho" shtick again.

Wow, now that's quite some turnaround from what was being suggested until now.

It still leaves them with an advantage nobody else has (one more allowed MK instead of kosho), but at least it takes away their "last chance" in return, which would have allowed them to remain Ozeki even after 3 MK in a row...still can't say I like the whole deal, but this seems like a step in the right direction if it happens.

[Hashira 0]

i think the move to expand to three consecutive mks is ridiculous. it will mean, possibly, that an ozeki could win just eight matches of forty-five, and remain an ozeki. over the course of a year, they could have just 2of6 KKs, and stay ozeki. I would like to see, at the very least, an addition to the rule, which would state that if they have two straight mks, they need to get at least two straight kks to stay.

[Asashosakari 20,223]

i think the move to expand to three consecutive mks is ridiculous. it will mean, possibly, that an ozeki could win just eight matches of forty-five, and remain an ozeki. over the course of a year, they could have just 2of6 KKs, and stay ozeki.

That's pretty much the same that has already been happening though, just under the guise of the kosho system.

Actually, now that I've had a few hours to mull over the whole thing, the current proposal actually sounds pretty nice. Rather than have the present "2 MK before demotion, but maybe you'll get kosho in between, and you'll get another chance at Sekiwake", it would be replaced by a nice and clean "3 MK, no exceptions whatsoever". Now if only they'd keep kosho in place for everybody else, I'd be happy. (Ranting...)

Edited September 13, 2003 by Asashosakari

[Ryunokaze 0]

I think any new rules should provide for greater motivation from stranded Ozeki.

Tochiazuma has more than he is giving but its hardly worth his effort.The pay is almost the same for Tochi if he is kadoban every second basho or if he gets a 10-5 mark every basho and he is not in the running for promotion.So why go all out?

The new rules should they come into effect only add to cruising in my humble opinion. ;-)

All the best.