Here follow the solution to Holmes's questions about 88 points hands cannot be made from the start without the help of other players.

Remember the mystery? Dr. Watson was reading an article in “Mahjong News” about the MCR London championship.
“At the last championship something incredible happened. Professor Moriarty has managed to win with a hand containing 88 points fan, just from the start, with no help of the wall or opponents.” 

“You see, not all 7 existing 88 pts. fans hands you can declare just from the very start with no help from the wall or opponents”, said Holmes.
“Surely, you cannot declare “Four Kongs” without replacing four tiles from the wall.”
“There is one more fan”, replied Holmes.
Question 1 (for experts): Which 88-pts. fan (beside “Four Kongs”) East cannot declare without help from the wall?
Question 2 : How can East win then with this 88-pts. fan not giving a move to opponents?

…the answers!

Answer 1. When tiles are dealt from the wall East receives 14 tiles as-a-bundle having no opportunity to separate them. For the fan #4 “Nine Gates” a player in order to show 9-sided wait must have only 13 tiles and the 14th should fit the hand. Since East has 14 tiles no way “Nine Gates” may be declared straight.
Answer 2. To win with “Nine Gates” 14 starting tiles should contain a Flower. After Flower replacement 13+1 tile can declare “Nine Gates”.