Kotomitsuki's Focus

[nirumaruyama]

Something I've really noticed this basho is Kotomitsuki's focus and determination. I know he has always had it to some degree but I think it's gone up a level this basho. It's great to see because the intensity is all there combined with the knowledge that he can do it. In someways he's reminded me of Hakuho.

I'm just dreading seeing that focus loosen up and he takes a loss and goes to bits.

[Shimpu]

I think this time he is going to make it. No need to beat Asa, Hakuho etc.. Just solid performance. No rush. Indeed he looks calm. He doesn't panic on the dohyo. It's good. He's worth ozekihood for sure. (I am not worthy...)

[Gusoyama]

Unfortuately, there may be a need to beat Hakuho or Asashoryu, though if he manages to beat out Kaio and Chiyotaikai, then he's still got a shot, even if he loses to both of them. Losing 2 to the Yokozuna and 1 to Kaio/Chiyo might not be good enough, even with 34/12.

[Washuyama]

Restating that I have just returned to Japan (and sumo) after a 30 year absence (yes... 30 years) and am not yet familiar with all the rikishi, my first impressions of Kotomitsuki is quite good. Obviously the 5-0 start has helped, but he seems to act "like an Ozeki" on the dohyo. From what I've seen, he looks and acts like he expects to win. I've also been trolling this forum long enough to know that he's had his Ozeki chances before and hasn't cashed in. I am also curious to see how he handles a loss and if he still maintains that outward confidence/arrogance that great/good Ozeki and Yokozuna possess. Hakuho and Asashoryu as well as Kitanoumi from the 70s are perfect examples.

[Asashosakari]

Unfortuately, there may be a need to beat Hakuho or Asashoryu, though if he manages to beat out Kaio and Chiyotaikai, then he's still got a shot, even if he loses to both of them. Losing 2 to the Yokozuna and 1 to Kaio/Chiyo might not be good enough, even with 34/12.

You've got to be joking...

[Kaikitsune Makoto]

Tachi-ai has been strong. Hope he stops that ridiculous pessimism and crap about falling apart under pressure and just does his sumo the way he has done it now, regardless of the foe, he will make it for sure and might even get the yusho. He looks as good as he did when he came up and ate Maru for breakfast. What is especially good is his sharpness now. Be well be well be Kotomitsuki.

[Jejima]

Unfortuately, there may be a need to beat Hakuho or Asashoryu, though if he manages to beat out Kaio and Chiyotaikai, then he's still got a shot, even if he loses to both of them. Losing 2 to the Yokozuna and 1 to Kaio/Chiyo might not be good enough, even with 34/12.

You've got to be joking...

I feel that 33/11 and they will give it to him, (well maybe not, if he henkas from here on out). There are only 3 Ozekis at present, so space for a fourth. All of his 3 counting bashos would have been double digit bashos. He meets the criteria guidelines.

[Jejima]

Maybe I should read all threads first! Looks like 12 is indeed his target.... Has the criteria guidelines to Ozeki promotion been upped to 34 wins over 3 basho for the time-being?

I think that the Miyabiflobmonster case should be considered differently, as at the time there were already 5 active Ozekis, and so the Ozeki-ship was pretty full already.

As for the all-important ozeki-tori, how many wins does he need? To Hanaregoma Oyakata, "it's more a matter of quality than quantity." Kitanoumi had this to say: "There is the case of Miyabiyama [last year]. Unless he wins 12, it's going to be pretty difficult."

[Asashosakari]

Maybe I should read all threads first! Looks like 12 is indeed his target.... Has the criteria guidelines to Ozeki promotion been upped to 34 wins over 3 basho for the time-being?

Personally, I think that's just bluster from the concerned parties. Unless there really has been a fundamental shift in thinking, 11 wins should do it, especially for a veteran like Kotomitsuki. Somebody asserted on the SML the other day that he'd have to deliver 12 wins because of his long time as a quality sekiwake, when the historical record points to nothing of the sort; if anything, it's been the opposite for other rikishi in his position. Kaio was promoted off of 8/14/11, for instance.

I think that the Miyabiflobmonster case should be considered differently, as at the time there were already 5 active Ozekis, and so the Ozeki-ship was pretty full already.

It's just speculation on my part, but what also may have helped doom his re-promotion chance was that he had 11+ wins only once in his (four-basho) run. For better or worse, 33-in-3 does mean "11 wins should be considered the standard", and 10/14/10/9 was always on the lacking side for that. (Possibly illuminating Hakkeyoi S-Ref query here.)

Edited July 13, 2007 by Asashosakari

[Doitsuyama]

I still think Miyabiyama would have been promoted if he weren't a former ozeki. That's different as he always will be a moto-ozeki, promotion or not. It just wasn't that huge a deal for him and didn't redefine his entire career. Denying Kotomitsuki a promotion would be much harder.

Edited July 13, 2007 by Doitsuyama

[Otokonoyama]

It's just speculation on my part, but what also may have helped doom his re-promotion chance was that he had 11+ wins only once in his (four-basho) run. For better or worse, 33-in-3 does mean "11 wins should be considered the standard", and 10/14/10/9 was always on the lacking side for that. (Possibly illuminating Hakkeyoi S-Ref query here.)

Not to mention those last two Miyabiyabadabado after the 14-1 (10/9 wins respectively) basho were pull-fests (In a state of confusion...)

Edited July 13, 2007 by Otokonoyama

[fmjs]

With qualification, Mickey will have an easier time of it than Miyabiyama. Because he is prettier.

[/tongue firmly in cheek]

... with regards to focus I haven't really seen him like this since before his major injuries. And his confidence in those days was the type particular to youthful athletes. Now he's weathered a bit, and I think his 'style' of focus has matured. If my subjective view makes sense.

Edited July 13, 2007 by fmjs

[Kaikitsune Makoto]

... with regards to focus I haven't really seen him like this since before his major injuries. And his confidence in those days was the type particular to youthful athletes. Now he's weathered a bit, and I think his 'style' of focus has matured. If my subjective view makes sense.

I agree. Very similar to best of the best MIckeys of the Maru breakfast days. Nice hip drops and all. Hope he doesn't disintegrate anymore and does his sumo like this.

[Bishonohana]

"Oh, Mickey, you're so fine! Go Mickey, go Mickey!!"

Being serious... I sure do hope that he will make it this time! I guess time will tell, but I'm cheering for him!

[s0101]

There's two things I never hit jackpot & Mickey puzzle. Where's the trend?

[nirumaruyama]

By doing this I jinx Kotomitsuki from ever winning another bout so apologies to him and all his fans in advance. Does anyone else smell a yusho coming his way?

I know, I know, there is still a lot of sumo to do yet and he has to face the two yokozuna. I think he'll take Asashoryu this time. I've got a good feeling about Mickey!

[Shimpu]

Good sumo so far but he is able to screw all this positive flow since day 9... anyway I keep my fingers crossed. Tomorrow is a crucial day for him. (Eh?) Toyonoshima - I hope he will not treat this bout as a freebie.

Edited July 15, 2007 by Shimpu

[Kaikitsune Makoto]

By doing this I jinx Kotomitsuki from ever winning another bout so apologies to him and all his fans in advance. Does anyone else smell a yusho coming his way?

I know, I know, there is still a lot of sumo to do yet and he has to face the two yokozuna. I think he'll take Asashoryu this time. I've got a good feeling about Mickey!

Jinxes don't exist.

Yusho is a possibility for sure. Looks like yusho race will be between Kotomitsuki, Hakuho, Homasho and Asashoryu. Koto's sumo in in the groove firmly and when that happens he is very powerful and able.

[Kaikitsune Makoto]

Good sumo so far but he is able to screw all this positive flow since day 9... anyway I keep my fingers crossed. Tomorrow is a crucial day for him. (Eh?) Toyonoshima - I hope he will not treat this bout as a freebie.

Nobody treats Toyonoshima as a freebie. Toyonoshima is able to beat anyone and all rikishi know that very well. Why would Koto treat this bout as a freebie.....it is like saying someone takes Aminishiki too lightly etc.

[Shimpu]

Nobody treats Toyonoshima as a freebie. Toyonoshima is able to beat anyone and all rikishi know that very well. Why would Koto treat this bout as a freebie.....it is like saying someone takes Aminishiki too lightly etc.

Hmm, it looks like you rate Toyonoshima pretty highly. He didn't draw my attention until this lucky Komusubi promotion. I would say he is rather lacklustre. Maybe I just overlook him. Anyway I think he definitely isn't on the Aminishiki's level. I would even say he isn't on upper maegashira level. Just my two cents. (Eh?)

[nirumaruyama]

Hakuho v Kotomitsuki will be an interesting bout as they are both 9-0. I give it to Hakuho and it might start the nerves jangling in Kotomitsuki.

I think Kotomitsuki will take Asashoryu because I don't think he will feel like he deserves the ozeki rank (should he get it) if he doesn't beat him once or at least put up a real battle. Asashoryu's sumo has been showing cracks these last few basho and that might give Mickey some confidence.

[Asashosakari]

Hakuho v Kotomitsuki will be an interesting bout as they are both 9-0. I give it to Hakuho and it might start the nerves jangling in Kotomitsuki.

I'm more afraid of his nerves if he actually finds himself as the sole yusho leader after tomorrow...

[Zuikakuyama]

I would say Mickey has more than 80% chance of getting 11 wins and getting promotion to Ozeki.

Go mickey!!!, and go the future Kotozakura II.

[Tikozan]

:-D I hope Mickey will get it. Such a lot of basho as Sekiwake now he could become an Ozeki. 2007 could be his year.

[fmjs]

The inexorable force meets the immovable object? :)

Hakuho will be oh-so-tough-to-beat, so I am not going to think about the result and will only think about the great sumo on display. Hakuho's learnt from Toyonoshima, oddly enough, not to treat his yokozuna status too casually, and Mickey's had his share of wins over Hakuho, so I expect to see two very serious, very good rikishi doing their best bouts and taking nothing for granted.

My only worry is that Mickey will overextend himself in an attempt to beat a Yokozuna and injure himself. :( *prays otherwise*

Injury at this stage would leave him vulnerable to Asashoryu in particular...

Go go go Kotomitsuki!