Kaio in 2006

[Jejima]

I posted a similar poll regarding Kaio's prospects for 2005, back in December 2004.

(here)

This was Kaio's record for 2005

2005 (Jan) Oe 4-6-5 (Mar) Ow 10-5 (May) Oe 5-1-9 (Jun) O2w 10-5 (Jul) Oe 0-4-11 (Nov) O2w 10-5

I think this just about qualifies for the 'He will barely hang on to Ozeki status category. Only 8% of us thought that back in Dec 2004, with most (39%) voting that he would remain a good Ozeki.

In the mid-year repeat poll (here) 42% were voting for barely hanging on to Ozeki status - the most popular choice.

How about in 2006?

edit: The year in the question above should of course be 2006, and not 2007.

Edited December 28, 2005 by Jejima

[Fujisan]

I am sorry to say that this will be Kaio's final year as an active rikishi. :-P

[Jesinofuji]

He's gone. The injuries are just getting worse and worse.

[aderechelsea]

last time i said he would be gone but he is here and no kadoban this time ...

hope i am proven wrong this year too ...

[Sakana]

one of the best

Edited December 28, 2005 by Sakana

[sashimaru]

After watching him on Eurosport, I think/fear he will be retiring soon.

He looks worn out and tired. :'-(

[ikishima]

A healthy KaioU is one of the only real threats to win a yusho other than Asashoryu. I think he knows that as well as we do. If there is any chance of grabbing one more cup he will try to hang around and do it. It might not be pretty but he will hang in as long as possible for that one last chance. A crappy looking ozeki for one more year with a chance of looking good for one or two bashos.

[Sasanishiki]

My pick is that he will win a yusho, become injured during keiko after that and gracefully retire. I can at least hope, can't I?

[Kishinoyama]

Unfortunately I think the end is near... :-(

[Kaiomitsuki]

I am sorry to say that this will be Kaio's final year as an active rikishi. (In jonokuchi...)

But what will be his future in the Sumo World if he retire in 2006 ?

[Asashosakari]

But what will be his future in the Sumo World if he retire in 2006 ?

He'll be Asakayama-oyakata, of course. (In jonokuchi...) Perhaps some time as Kaio-oyakata first, though...the Asakayama share is currently loaned to his stablemate, former Tomonohana, so it's probably not getting recalled right away unless Tomonohana has another kabu lined up already (which is doubtful in the current kabu shortage situation).

[slt]

I am sorry to say that this will be Kaio's final year as an active rikishi. (Nodding yes...)

But what will be his future in the Sumo World if he retire in 2006 ?

If nothing else, he will continue to appear on some of our avatars ;-)

I'm with Sasanishiki - if we can see him unleash some Kaio sumo for a full basho, without an injury, he's shown in many recent bouts that he's still both very skilled and very strong. Maybe if things fall together at the right time, he can retire with a smiling photograph, holding his last yusho... (In jonokuchi...)

Of course, I wonder, in the event that he can do that... would he retire, or make one last attempt at promotion ?

[Cammy]

(In jonokuchi...) I hope that he gets Yusho, that would be great...but I don't really know if it will happen...but I can hope.