Who Will Win Natsu Basho?

[madorosumaru]

Yahoo Japan is conducting a poll on who will win yusho for Natsu Basho.

As of 1100 hours Friday Japan Time,

Asashoryu . . . . 36%

Hakuho . . . . . . 26%

Chiyotaikai . . . .13%

Kotooshu . . . . . . 5%

Kaio . . . . . . . . . . 5%

Other . . . . . . . .18%

[rhino]

13% Chiyotaikai? You have got to be kidding. I think Chiyotaikai can't really compete at Asa/Hakuho level anymore, although he has no trouble blitzing through the hiramaku.

For me: 50% Asashoryu, 40% Hakuho, 10% other (and by other I mean Kotomitsuki! I wish, anyway.)

Edited May 11, 2007 by rhino

[aderechelsea]

with these two healthy and Azuma intai it cannot go any other way.

If they both drop out i say Kotooshu :-D.

[Andreas]

When I saw the results, I immediately thought the results would be different here in the forum. But probably the Japanese taking part in the poll were not only hardcore sumo fans, but also some people who just remembered some names to be strong wrestlers (and 13% of them mixed up Chiyotaikai with Chiyonofuji, thinking hes still active ;))

[madorosumaru]

When I saw the results, I immediately thought the results would be different here in the forum. But probably the Japanese taking part in the poll were not only hardcore sumo fans, but also some people who just remembered some names to be strong wrestlers . . .

Yes, this is a poll of the general public. I posted the interim results to show how the average Japanese think.

1. Asashoryu and Hakuho are clear favorites to win yusho.

2. There is a lot of wishful thinking concerning kadoban ozeki Chiyotaikai.

3. Despite all the wishful thinking, Kaio is no longer considered much of a factor.

4. After all the hullabaloo of a couple of years ago, Kotooshu has lost most, if not all, of his reputation as a contender.

5. The rest of makuuchi rikishi don't amout to a hill of beans.

Note: As of the moment, Asashoryu is up to 41%, taking points away mostly from "Other."

[Shomishuu]

Hmmm, the rounding made it come out to 103%, but whatever...38 or so percent thinking that someone other than Asashoryu or Hakuho will win yusho sounds like a lot of wishful thinking going on. But I don't follow polls, so maybe it's not all that unusual...

[madorosumaru]

Most of the ones that didn't vote for Ryu or Hak still believe in their heart that one of those two would win.

Typical of the comments:

For Kotooshu: "Actually, I think it's Asashoryu or Hakuho, but I really hope to see Osh show his presence once and for all."

For "Other": "I just have to cheer for Toyonoshima. I want him to harness his anger and frustration to go all out and win the championship."

For "No vote": "It would piss me off to no end if that Dorj wins after injuring Toyo."

For Chiyotaikai: "The door to yokozunahood is currently wide open. I think he will beat Ryu by using henka."

For "Other": "It'll probably be Asashoryu again this basho, but I want one of the others to do well. In particular, Kotomitsuki. Gambare!"

For "Other": "Honestly, I feel it would be Ryu or Hak but I like Kokkai from the ranks. Also, Miyabi is in a good spot on the banzuke. Maybe a miracle yusho by Iwakiyama or a zensho by Kasugao using his kotenage." Ed.- One can always dream.

For Hakuho: "I just hate the way Asashoryu struts on the dohyo."

For Hakuho: "I want to see a new yokozuna."

For Asashoryu: "There just isn't anyone else."

[Tikozan]

Asashoryu or Hakuho.

At the moment I don't see another which can do it.

I see the chances 60 to 40 for Asa, but it would be nice, when Hakuho could win and we could have a yokozuna promotion.

[madorosumaru]

As of 1000 Japan Time of Shonochi, Asashoryu is up to 44%. The two favorites together are at nearly 70%.