Greetings All,
Well, after 9 days, Yokozuna Hakuho, Sekiwake Ama and Maegashira #5 Goedo, are all tied for the lead at 8-1. "BRAVO ON THIER KACHIKOSHIS!" Ama sure is turning heads with his impressive power, fighting-spirit and technical skills. Is a new Ozeki on the rise, in Ama? If so, he certainly deserves it. Goeido will definitely take home one of the the prizes, on day #15. The Banzuke has filled-in just fine without those naughty Russian Boys, so it has turned out to be a pretty darn good Aki Basho in Tokyo. Komusubi Baruto is a definite improvement to the rude Mr. Roho (ex-rikishi).
My money's on Yokozuna Hakuho, as far as the Yusho winner, this go around. I know, that's the safest choice, yes? Hey, ya can't blame me, he sure has blossomed into the very picture of a Yokozuna. I like his style! Hey, what's the once invincible, Yokozuna Asashoryu's problem? 5-4 is REALLY AWFUL!!! Is it the injury issue, again? I hope he heals-up sometime soon. While I'm glad the days of Asa's complete domination are gone, I still get such a thrill when two Yokozuna's battle it out on day #15. You do want it to be something special. Hmmmm... maybe it will be?
Say, John McCulloch, what's your two cents worth on this Aki Basho? Who do you see taking the Emperor's Cup? Maybe a Dark Horse like Goeido? One thing's for certain, ex-Komusubi Roho will never be a contender again. You almost have to feel sorry for him. Or do you? I guess you don't, do you? I never did like his poor disposition, lack of etiquette and rude behavior, anyway. Still, you've got to have a villain in the mix sometimes, for a little drama. Even so, who needs unsportsmanlike behavior in Grand Sumo? ...Pride Fighting, UFC and K2 are all welcome to him.
Later, Jon Palombi