Yangnomazuma

I for one just shamelessly take advantage of data collected by others, in this case Chiyozakura and Nekonishiki's excellent sites. (Holiday feeling...) Funny you should list those sites...it was me browsing about on one of them that brought me to post the question in the first place. I, too, am shameless (I am not worthy...)

I was alluding to Takanonami. Just found it interesting that with the tourney on the line on both occasions he lost. Obviously, it would take a lot more than two bouts to call it a trend, but it would add credence to the "Taka loses an ounce of greatness because of the strength of his stable" viewpoints so often ballied about. Takanonami was a VERY good Ozeki who never made Yokozuna despite not having to face the top of the banzuke for much of his time at that rank. Sure his bouts against the "Americans" could be expected, but that still left Waka and Taka and the Giant Killer that he avoided. As for the other two mentioned, you guys either have very good stockpiles of data or you have too much time on your hands (I am not worthy...) I put the "ranked beneath him on the banzuke" in there cuz I was too lazy to ensure he hadn't lost to a couple older Yokozuna on his way in... Good job folks

Taka is the clear leader...in his prime he was fast enough to elude the initial charge of Akebono and win with technique and stamina. Ake is an easy second followed my Maru and Asa with Waka taking up the rear (he was in his prime as an Ozeki and really doesn't belong in this list of Yokozuna).

May 11...adding to a growing number of Taurus'

Asashoryu is not particularly big, but he IS particularly athletic and is unrivaled in technique right now.

In regards of Takanonami and his penchant for matta, I used to live for the matches between him and Musashimaru...the pre-bout was always venomous and both made it very clear they held no love for each other on the dohyo. Now that I'm stuck stateside watching clips of bouts only, is there any other brewing rivalries and "love affairs" I should know about?

I didn't send an UNSUBSCRIBE and haven't received any either....seems that they've shut down the sumo newsletter and that was the only source of my numerous emails....

What it all boils down to is be prepared to take what you dish out. If you get personal, others will get personal back. If you send respect, others will respect... As for cynicism and sarcasm, let it flow...but be aware of those who don't appreciate a good zing and let them live in THEIR fantasy world without the benefit of a healthy reality check. :-)

I'm from the USA, but first came in contact with Sumo during my first tour in Korea back in 1992. So, I guess I choose my "home away from home" to be my "point of origin" Yangnome

Thinking Chiyotaikai will be the one to knock him off his perch. One second of lost concentration against a fast starter like Chiyo and he's toast. But...that's assuming he has a lapse due to his large lead.