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July 20, 2005
Asashoryu -- not the best ever -- loses again!
In a shocker, Kokkai beat Asashoryu today, though I think he kind of got robbed. They battled at the start, then Asashoryu put on a push. Had Kokkai backing up, but he fell as he gave the final push to get Kokkai out of the ring. Kokkai held up the foot, but fell out at the same time Asashoryu fell flat on his stomach. The referee called Asashoryu the winner, but the judges conferred and decided to give it to Kokkai instead. (Personally, I thought they should have had a do-over.)
Anyway, Asashoryu loses his 2nd and falls back into a 3-way tie for the lead, with Koto'oshu and Wakanosato. Other contenders at 8-3 include the Ozekis Chiyotaikai and Kaio, but they go up against each other tomorrow, so one will drop out of the race. Also at 8-3 are Kokkai, back in form after a disappointing tournament last time, and Takamisakari, who lost easily today and may be at the end of his miracle run. Meanwhile, another wrestler, Roho, quit the tournament with an injury. (These guys better all get healthy by October for the Vegas tournament.)
I still expect Asashoryu to win the tournament and I still think he is currently more dominant in his sport than Tiger Woods, and more dominant than Takanohana was in his day. (If he wins this tournament, he's won 9 of the last 10, and 13 out of 18 since his first.) Of course, the competition was better in Takanohana's day. As the only Yokozuna, Asashoryu is supposed to be dominant.
| I think he's amazing, but definitely not the best ever. Takanohana in his prime probably beats him 6 or 7 out of 10 times. Takanohana definitely wasn't as fast as Asashoryu, but he was bigger, stronger, and I think he had a little more skill. I didn't see much of Chiyonofuji (pictured, right) before he retired but, based on videos, I think HE is probably the best ever. He had it all: strength, speed, skill. And he dominated (most career wins, including a 53-match winning streak) against tough competition. |  |
Posted by JoshHornik at July 20, 2005 12:28 PM
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Comments
Chiyonofuji is the best ever! I remember when that young whippersnapper Takanohana came up. One thing he never had was Chiyonofuji's dignity. I liked his brother Wakanohana better, though it soon became apparent who the stronger was. Still, Takanohana made it exciting after Chiyonofuji retired and there were no yokozuna. The race with Akebono to become the sole Yokozuna was intense and enjoyable. It was especially sweet as Akebono won!!
Posted by: Modok at March 20, 2006 06:01 AM