Bilu

Well, we agree he wasn't in top shape in the first half. Sure, I agree - he thought it's a matta. That's why I wrote 'mental mistake'.

Actually, I think the first half of the basho was kind of befitting the pre-basho predictions. The 2nd half though... i-m-p-r-e-s-s-i-v-e! Harumafuji, Mickey, Osh, Baruto, Taikai, Kaio and Hakuho* (playoff) - all one-sided matches. * Only blemish - 1st bout with Hakuho - a mental mistake on Asa's part.

kunroku - Cool pics.. Thanx!

Personally, I'm not subscribed to the SML for 2 years or so. I can't seem to recall any yaocho allegations in the SML against Asashoryu back then. In any case, I don't see any basis for these allegations, so no point in discussing them.

I wouldn't imagine any. His sumo speaks for itself - strong, smart and speedy as during his heyday.

To me, the 'Ozeki Back Scratching Club' (OBSC) is a done deal. Three things: 1. I really hope Harumafuji doesn't join the club. Actually I bet he doesn't. He's still young and has his pride and fighting spirit. 2. I wonder why mister 'get-your-act-straight-you'all' Rijicho (of the NSK, not the forum :-P ) doesn't do anything about the OBSC. Talking about 'unspirited sumo'... 3. Kaio should retire. The sooner the better. Yesterday will do.

Which magazine is that? :-)

I was thinking the same.. This Ozeki mutual back-scratching has become so pathetic.. They should start matching Ozekis in the beginning of a basho... Or force Kaio to retire..

Yes he does... For a loooooong time now..

My guess: They may indeed have been framed by the Kiokai - after Wakanoho admitted to smoking with THEM. Regardless, I sure don't miss them. The sumo world is better without them - on or off the dohyo.

What are the signs saying?

Time for a new poll: Will Baruto make it to Ozeki in 2009? I vote YES.

Well, this may not have been a surprise to Asa, if he cared to read Jonosuke's Rikishi Talk - Day 3: Miyabiyama (1-2) losing to Hakuho by yorikiri, 2.8 seconds -------------------------------------------------------------------- ... (On facing Asashoryu tomorrow) "First I hit him so hard he would start rushing himself. It's hoped that the bout would develop while I myself remain perfectly calm."

Watching the feed, it looked like Asa delivered some extra blasts toward Kisenosato's face after he stepped out. I thought I heard some of the crowd booing... Looks like Asa really doesn't like him..

Following this thread, I watched the bout in slo-mo and in full spead - 10 times or so. In my opinion it was fare-and-square. Hakuho switched from inside to outside, etc, partially due to Ama's defense and partially due to Ama's offense. When he goes for Ama's mawashi, he's also aware of Ama's attack and he switches between 'offense' (grabbing the mawashi) and 'defense' (stopping Ama from grabbing his). Since it all happens so quickly, it makes sense that he changes his mind and tries various tactics. Claims of Hakuho not capitalizing on an 'open' this-or-that might have been considered for a much slower bout, where he would have more time for elaborate offense. This bout was just to quick for 'thinking'.

Update: Kaio is currently at 758 wins. Only 50 to go to break the record. He keeps saying he won't retire until he feels "he had given it all" (or similar). Why doesn't he quit? (Holiday feeling...) Well, 50 wins to go! (I am not worthy...)

(Holiday feeling...) (I am not worthy...) (I am not worthy...)

Better late than never... Thanx for the vids! They are great!

Great stuff, thanks!

I don't buy it... Wakanoho's description of his yaocho experience has more 'angles' than what was described by Itai or the Gendai's reporter in court, but it is just stories, pretty much as could be expected if it was to be made up by someone. Apart from the hearsay - "he asked me..", "He nagged me", etc - the only semi-credible reasoning is the Kawaigari threat. However, this doesn't seem reasonable - as pointed out by others. So, where is the hard evidence? Can't Wakanoho bring more than just stories? For example, if he received 2 million yen from Kotooshu can't he show some bank records to prove it? As a sekitory his income is easy to determine - salary, kensho, special prizes, etc. 2 million yen suddenly popping in his bank account unexplained - and near the aforementioned dates - will go a long way toward proving his point.

Sounds a bit strange (to me) that Asashoryu goes by himself to the bank, daily. I just can't imagine him sitting there, waiting for a clerk to get free... (Hugging...) Anybody care to comment?

שנה טובה גם לך!

So that's that. Nothing to do about it...

Well, guess what? bezeqint indeed...

I like it! Thanx a lot.. (Sign of approval...)