Kotoshu did have one previous good chance to win, in September 2005. He won then first 12 bouts, then lost 2 in a row, finished equal with Asashoryu, then lost to him in the deciding bout.
And what about a yokozuna Kotooshu in July?[*] Would be insane, too, I think: Asashoryu & Hakuho are now forewarned and will set everything on stopping him.
* Basic but not always sufficient requirements: two consecutive tournament wins, beating the runners-up *Traitor*, n. A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.
