Swami

Monday 1 June would have been Chiyonofuji's 65th birthday, even allowing for the risks we all know that are associated with sumo, I never in my wildest dreams thought he would be dead by this time. It was true he cited lack of support for not going for re-election in 2014 but I'm wondering whether or not health issues were a more significant factor in reaching this decision. Swami

Was this issue ever raised in relation to the likes of Orora, Kenho or Yamamotoyama, I wonder? Swami

Everything indicates that Chiyonofuji and Hokutoumi got on absolutely fine, certainly Hakkaku's tributes to Chiyonofuji at the time of his death seemed to be completely genuine. Swami

I suspect there was a lot of jealousy from some (Asahifuji seems a likely suspect) concerning Chiyonofuji's considerable achevements. The likes of ex-Itai and his cronies stirred up nonsensical stories about yaocho-bouts, It has been pointed out that people like Itai spouted these stories for 2 reasons: 1 - grievances against the Kyokai in general 2 - financial difficulties so selling scandal to the press lifts the pressure. So many memories of Chiyonofuji stand out - his bout with Onokuni in March 1989, he still had so much desire/determination to win that he dislocated his shoulder toppling Onokuni. His nage technique was the best I ever seen, among many brilliant throws was one over Tochinowaka in May 1988 when he lifted him clean off his feet. Tsuridashi wins against Futahaguro and Mitoizumi in 1987 & 1989 respectively, the tsuriotoshi win against Terao in November 1989. For me, he has no equal. Swami

Chiyonofui by a huge margin, his technique was on a vastly superior level. Honourable mentions (including those I never saw): Kitanofuji, Wajima, Kitanoumi, Hokutoumi, Akebono and Musashimaru. Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Very sad news indeed. Swami

Yes, I'm surprised that Musashimaru hasn't built up contacts like Takamiyama did, which resulted in recruiting both Konishiki and Akebono. Swami

For the information of British fans, Konishiki features tonight at 2100 Channel 4 with Paul Hollywood. Swami

Any idea yet who is likely to become his new shisho when Asashio reaches 65 in December? Swami

Kitanofuji performed his after he had left the association (voluntarily), with Chiyonofuji & Hokutoumi as his attendants, so perhaps that would work OK, with Harumafuji participating. Yes, I agree it looks unlikely that Onokuni will be fit enough for his kanreki - although they didn't think Tochinishiki or Taiho would have completed theirs, and both did with relative ease. Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

The OB bouts are a far cry from what they were when they first started, you had Kitanoumi v Wakanohana II, Takanohana I v Asahikuni, Masuiyama II v Kaiketsu, Mienoumi v Takanosato, Hokutenyu v Asashio (1991), then 1992 you had Kitanoumi v Wakanohana II, Chiyonofuji v Hokutenyu. Swami

I reckon Kakuryu will be next to retire and despite what he says about being around for the Olympics, Hakuho won't be far behind. He can't keep on withdrawing indefinitely. Swami

It used to be that ozeki demotions were relatively rare, now it is quite rare for those ozeki who failed to make Yokozuna to end their careers as ozeki. Technically Goeido has ended his career as ozeki, the last ones prior to him were Kaio, Tochiazuma and Musoyama - and further back would be Hokutenyu, Asashio and Wakashimazu. The struggle for kabu is obviously an issue, Kirishima was the first one to really continue after demotion (in fairly recent time) because of that. Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swanu

Presumably he will only get promoted to the top of Juryo for March, had he won 15-0 there might have been a chance of promotion. Swami

Who will be his attendants? His only contemporaries are Hokutoumi and Onokuni. Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

He needs to tailor his attack more according to his opponent, as others have said using the kimedashi style for the vast majority of the time will surely result in more knee trouble. I'll stick my neck out and guess he might win 9 or 10 this time - might! Swami