Hakuho to break another record?

[Jejima 1,384]

Bumpity-bump.... (after moving into 2nd place for the modern era)

Also to note that Hakuho is the first ever rikishi to win three fifteen-day-zensho yusho in-a-row.... Can he make it four?

Of course, just one bad day at the office..... But surely his odds of getting the undefeated record is getting closer to evens...?

[Gusoyama 103]

I think its all up to Kotooshu and Harumafuji at this point. Baruto doesn't look his best, but Osh looks solid, and Fuji can pull something out of his hat on any given day. Still, I think he'll get the 4th 15-0. I certainly hope does.

[Asojima 2,874]

I am amazed at the ho-hum response Hakuho gets on the forum in comparison with Asashoryu's efforts. Hakuho is quickly eclipsing all of Asa's major marks with little SF or media fanfare. He needs a good press agent.

[Asashosakari 19,319]

I am amazed at the ho-hum response Hakuho gets on the forum in comparison with Asashoryu's efforts. Hakuho is quickly eclipsing all of Asa's major marks with little SF or media fanfare. He needs a good press agent.

He doesn't tickle the anti-establishment bone present in a certain subsection of (non-Japanese) sumo fans, that's all. There's certainly plenty of fanfare in the Japanese press as far as I've seen - or rather, the Japanese press never went quite as gaga about Asashoryu's achievements as the aforementioned subsection of fans did, so their coverage of Hakuho's performances now is pretty comparable.

I do think Hakuho helps this along by consciously nurturing a "just another day at the office, ma'am" attitude about his own achievements. Anytime he does do a little bragging between the lines it's done in terms of a reference to past greats like Yoshibayama, Futabayama or lately Wakanohana I. Asashoryu pretty clearly considered himself sui generis, and so did his fans; Hakuho's attitude is that he's just one link in a long chain. (At least his public attitude. I won't profess to know what he believes deep inside.)

Edited September 18, 2010 by Asashosakari

[Washuyama 641]

I think part of it is the responsibility he might feel. As the only Yokozuna, he must win to show he is "worthy." As the "white hat" guy after the "black hat" guy is gone, he 'must' maintain this dominance until one of the three Ozeki decide they want to challenge him on more han a once a year basis.. IMHO.

[Torabayama 51]

I am amazed at the ho-hum response Hakuho gets on the forum in comparison with Asashoryu's efforts. Hakuho is quickly eclipsing all of Asa's major marks with little SF or media fanfare. He needs a good press agent.

I will admit that Asa was probably the one that brought me to sumo in the first place, I moved to Japan in 2003 with no particular interest in sumo or knowledge whatsoever. His style was exciting and I found later in his career I wanted him to win even more as he seemed to be somewhat of an underdog to Hakuho at that time. I wasn't particularly enamored with Hakuho at first but I can definitely say that he's kept me interested and excited about sumo. I love his dignity, his unshakable confidence, and how he commands respect both on and off the dohyo. He's amazing to watch and I'll be routing for him to take the Futabayama record in Kyushu.

[Chijanofuji 113]

I'll be routing for him to take the Futabayama record in Kyushu.

If Hakuho gets through the crucial next two days I have little doubt he will break Futabayama's record in November. Hope I haven't jinxed him here (Neener, neener...)

[Asashosakari 19,319]

Odds that the Emperor will be there on the middle Sunday to witness #70, if Hak makes it that far?

[Jejima 1,384]

I would be very surprised if already KK friend, and fellow country-man (imagine the disappointment of the Mongolian fans) Harumafuji were to be the one at this stage of the day to stop Hakuho from getting the record.....

So, I would imagine that the last chance of a loss for Hakuho this basho would be tomorrow.....

But just imagine the ticket sales for next basho if Hakuho goes into it with a potential age-old record to be defeated....

Would Osh be swayed/influenced by the potential financial gain?

I hope not!

[Jejima 1,384]

Always consider the kabuki factor....

Hakuho's next defeat will be on day 12 of the November basho against home favourite Kaio - you heard it here first folks (Neener, neener...)

Edited September 24, 2010 by Jejima

[Asashosakari 19,319]

Always consider the kabuki factor....

Hakuho's next defeat will be on day 12 of the November basho against home favourite Kaio - you heard it here first folks (Neener, neener...)

Nope, it's gonna be Japanese Hope Tochiozan on Day 10 or 11. (Hugging...)

(Of course, Oz was pretty much Hakuho's easiest win this basho, so perhaps I'm a bit overly optimistic...)

[yorikiried by fate 2,028]

These are two very educated guesses. I think I will steal them.

Oh and Yeeha! 100.

[Washuyama 641]

Oh and Yeeha! 100.

That kinda makes me wonder... If he does break the record, how far does he take it? I mean it's taken "Tiger Woods-like" (Without the marital issues)focus to get this far. And who will gain instant immortality for stopping him?

[Maguroyama 27]

At this point, there is not one record I can't see Hakuho beating:

Most yusho (he's halfway to Taiho after this basho)

Most zensho yusho (will be beaten very soon)

Most consecutive wins (70 sems totally reachable, the ozeki being the pathetic bunch they are in the second week)

Most consecutive yusho (10? 11?)

If he stays healthy, he could also beat Kaio's record of 150 makunouchi basho sometime in 2020...

What else can he beat?

[Tokyo Tom 0]

I will admit that Asa was probably the one that brought me to sumo in the first place, I moved to Japan in 2003 with no particular interest in sumo or knowledge whatsoever. His style was exciting and I found later in his career I wanted him to win even more as he seemed to be somewhat of an underdog to Hakuho at that time. I wasn't particularly enamored with Hakuho at first but I can definitely say that he's kept me interested and excited about sumo. I love his dignity, his unshakable confidence, and how he commands respect both on and off the dohyo. He's amazing to watch and I'll be routing for him to take the Futabayama record in Kyushu.

My feelings are the same- I thought Hakuho was vanilla compared to Asashoryu when I started following sumo but am now so impressed with how he has dominated the sport. I see Hakuho as playing the "Larry Holmes" role in boxing, always being compared to predecessor Muhammed Ali while quietly setting records for victories, length of reign, etc. The sumo purists appreciate the quiet dignity of Hakuho going about his business of domination.

A fluke loss may spell the end of the consecutive match win streak- but the consecutive yusho streak will stretch on for some time and Taiho's yusho record could certainly fall in the future as well. As for other career records- Are there any career rankings for kensho won?

[Asojima 2,874]

He's not doing too badly for a guy that I once labelled as a perennial Sekiwake. (In a state of confusion...)

[wanderer 159]

I had my first chance to see him fighting when he was in joryo. It was immediately clear that he is a different caliber than Asashoryu. I didn't have slightest doubt that he will be a dai Yokozuna. I was even annoyed by his failure to get ozeki soon enough. Also, it was very very disappointing to see him getting his Yokozuna run during Asashoryu's absence or mishaps. Good thing is that he seems to be redeeming himself lately by showing great results.

He has not peaked yet physically, mentally, and technically. I would say he will easily surpass Asashoryu's records. Inside sources tell a curious difference between Asashoryu and Hakuho:

Current sanyaku always have this feeling that Asashoryu can be beaten when they face him. Nevertheless, they get beaten (well, used to) in no time.

When facing Hakuho though, current sanyaku see almost no hope. He is simply terrifying. Basically most of the bouts with Hakuho end even before they start.

[Asashosakari 19,319]

Also, it was very very disappointing to see him getting his Yokozuna run during Asashoryu's absence or mishaps.

I'm confused. Are you mixing this up with Harumafuji's ozeki run?

Current sanyaku always have this feeling that Asashoryu can be beaten when they face him.

During Asashoryu's run of dominance 2004-2006? Unless tons of rikishi were saying completely different things in private than they did in public, this is almost certainly wrong.

[wanderer 159]

Also, it was very very disappointing to see him getting his Yokozuna run during Asashoryu's absence or mishaps.

I'm confused. Are you mixing this up with Harumafuji's ozeki run?

Perhaps, Mongolians know little more than you know about what happened to make Hakuho Yokozuna. I was disappointed by the things happening at that time. Hakuho could have done it on his own without any favor. Poor Asashoryu was pressured, talked to and sometimes offended by so many things Mongolians were doing.

Current sanyaku always have this feeling that Asashoryu can be beaten when they face him.

During Asashoryu's run of dominance 2004-2006? Unless tons of rikishi were saying completely different things in private than they did in public, this is almost certainly wrong.

I said what I heard from people who are active rikishi. Taking them right or wrong is up to your judgement. FYI, let me clarify things a little bit. During Asashoryu's dominance, the sanyaku said something like this:

Asashoryu is not bigger, or stronger. His fighting style is dynamic and sometimes risky. So, I (we) always have a feeling that he can be beaten. But he ends up beating us all, all the time.

Then the same people reflected on Hakuho. It is very very difficult to see any chance to beat him. It is almost impossible to get motivated fighting him.

[Gusoyama 103]

records I don't see him beating are the longevity ones, simply because he is a yokozuna.

The "record" I would like to see him get is a perfect 90-0 year.

[Asashosakari 19,319]

Also, it was very very disappointing to see him getting his Yokozuna run during Asashoryu's absence or mishaps.

Perhaps, Mongolians know little more than you know about what happened to make Hakuho Yokozuna.

I'm still interested to hear you explain this "Asashoryu was absent" thing. Anyway, given that I've previously stated my belief that most (if not all) yokozuna and ozeki promotions in history got a little behind-the-scenes boost at some point during their run (quite likely without the subjects themselves knowing), I doubt I'd be all that shocked or surprised by anything Mongolians may have been talking about at the time.

And I can't help but have a Conan O'Brien SAT segment flashback right now... wanderer : secret Mongolian knowledge :: Mark Buckton : secret Japanese knowledge?

[Jejima 1,384]

I was wrong - but so nearly correct!

I am hoping that this win (and it was a good win) will give Kise the impetus to make an Ozeki run.

I am wondering how Hakuho will react? Now that the pressure is off, will he win the rest of his bouts easily, or will he lose focus a bit, and end up 13-2 or 12-3 (even)?

[Vikanohara 171]

Someone must have jinxed him.

[Takamizawa 0]

I am hoping that this win (and it was a good win) will give Kise the impetus to make an Ozeki run.

Agreed 100%. Would really love to see Kise confidently build off of this!

[Asashosakari 19,319]

Yeah, that's what I thought after his 13-2 last year.