Sumo: I say, Kaisei!

When not drawn into sumo's political battles this week - and there are many - I have caught a moment's breath to observe Kaisei. Yes, this Brazilian-born giant is unbeaten in this tournament. In May last year, he was also unbeaten at this stage - and went 9-0 before ultimately burning out against... Er.. good people.

Back in the days when Hakuho could win every tournament with a flick of the wrist, Kaisei's winning run was greeted with unbridled euphoria. By everyone bar NHK that is who, had they covered that tournament would have got Fujii announcer to quiveringly say "it might be half-considered that this young Brazilian, who obviously learned everything from the venerable Kaio, is having a moderately good tournament. In my humblest of humble style opinions." To which Kitanofuji would reply: "Mah,
ne... well he could have thrown his salt more sharply." You get my point.

Among the fans last year, Kaisei was labelled as the New Pele, the Wizard of the chikara mizu dribble, the greatest next big thing since Matsuko Deluxe. He's got raw strength, I'll give him that, and he's toughened up far more in the last four years than I'd ever have imagined. Back in 2008, he was even being mugged by fourth divisioners, and with a face so sweet it would surely have spent hours pondering the ethics of swatting a cockroach. He's strong, but does he have the agility and the technique? The jury, as in the never ending case of Mr Ozawa, is still regrettably out.