[sumo] Asashoryu Retirement?

[Joshua Maciel]

On today's 6 o'clock news, they were discussing the possibility that
Asashoryu may retire (or be asked to retire) if he can't get a victory or be
in the chase next tournament. They cited the rule changes (about putting
both hands down) and how it's negatively impacted his speed, as well as a
discussion of his elbow injury which he was told before the basho would
require 3 weeks of total rest to heal. Since he's now pulled out of two
tournaments in the middle, it doesn't bode well for his chances in the eyes
of normal fans according to the broadcast.

Additionally, they had a comment by Ama after his last win saying that it
didn't seem like Asashoryu had the same fighting spirit as always, and that
he just didn't seem motivated to win.

Will he rest the elbow, come back stronger and pass Takanohana, or will he
disappear into the night?

- Joshua Maciel