have long had my doubts about the Sadogatake men and their ability to really dish it out when needed. Numerous Kotonowaka reverse walk-outs when near the center of the dohyo, and Kotooshu’s difficulty with smaller foes are indications of the lack of determination seen far too often from the men of this most prominent of stables. For this reason, just 9-6 in Nagoya and maintaining his rank, but quashing the ‘ozeki run’ debates heard around the Kokugikan.

TOCHIAZUMA
Probably the only ozeki with a shot of ever going further, Tochiazuma is starting to resettle following an awful 2004. Expect a solid if unglamorous 12-3 in Nagoya and talk of a yusho should the yokozuna slip a little – all bets off if his shoulder packs in again.

KAIO
Kaio, Kaio, Kaio??? When it’s good, it’s really good and when it’s bad, it’s downright disastrous. Kaio predictions must surely be one of the most difficult aspects of writing about sumo, but I don’t think I’m venturing too far out on a limb by going with my gut and forecasting a bad start, followed by a couple of classic Kaio victories, kyujo status by nakabi

and an intai announcement soon thereafter (as his kadoban status would drop him back down to sekiwake). That said, I hope to be proven wrong.

AND FINALLY - ?
By his standards he had a bad time in May and suffered a heavy 5-10 makekoshi at M1. In part because of an injury picked up just prior to the tournament, his body should be back in tip-top shape by July. With the tough training he always puts himself through, I predict double figures in Nagoya but only on senshuraku. So, who am I talking about?  Tamanoshima, of course. Nagoya Prediction: 10-5 and a return to form.
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