With all these talented, young, new ozekis at the top and these stunningly good rookies working their way up, I think we are in for a great sumo year -- probably several!
I'm gonna say 12. I think there are a couple extra wins he can pickup. I wanna see a second match against Takerafuji now that there is more ape on him and now that he has faced him once. There are a lot of interesting matches for May. Hopefully Terunofuji is back and healthy. I'm not sure how many tournaments he has left in him but him healthy makes for a better tournament.
I think he's on the upswing, so I'd predict one or two more wins, too. The field has really gotten a lot tougher for these upper ranked rikishi, though, thanks to the influx of youth over the past few months.
Tim, very good and detailed writeup! I really like the detailed analysis that you provide; that is the reason I am a member.
I think Kotazukura has a very bright future. You highlighted for me his analysis and preparation for each match, and where it occasionally goes pear-shaped.
Being so prepared can be a double-edged sword in all sports, right? But sumo has a level of spontaneity few other sports can match. So while Kotozakura has a great plan a lot of the times, he might not reach the pinnacle of the sport if he can't also roll with the punches.
With all these talented, young, new ozekis at the top and these stunningly good rookies working their way up, I think we are in for a great sumo year -- probably several!
Yeah, I'm excited for this year and seeing who will come out on top among the young guys and among the ozeki.
Thank you Tim, that was a good read. Helps fill the Sumo void.
You're very welcome. Thanks for reading! How many wins do you think Kotozakura gets in May?
How about yourself, how many wins do you think?
I'm gonna say 12. I think there are a couple extra wins he can pickup. I wanna see a second match against Takerafuji now that there is more ape on him and now that he has faced him once. There are a lot of interesting matches for May. Hopefully Terunofuji is back and healthy. I'm not sure how many tournaments he has left in him but him healthy makes for a better tournament.
I think he's on the upswing, so I'd predict one or two more wins, too. The field has really gotten a lot tougher for these upper ranked rikishi, though, thanks to the influx of youth over the past few months.
Congrats on the good news, Tim!
Thanks Dan!
Tim, very good and detailed writeup! I really like the detailed analysis that you provide; that is the reason I am a member.
I think Kotazukura has a very bright future. You highlighted for me his analysis and preparation for each match, and where it occasionally goes pear-shaped.
Being so prepared can be a double-edged sword in all sports, right? But sumo has a level of spontaneity few other sports can match. So while Kotozakura has a great plan a lot of the times, he might not reach the pinnacle of the sport if he can't also roll with the punches.