Year: 2016

Day 6 Results – Unbroken & Undefeated

Bruce H Aki Basho 2016, Harumafuji (日馬富士), injury, Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tochiozan (栃煌山), Yoshikaze (嘉風) , , , ,

day-6

Okinoumi Refuses To Be Lose, Will Face Undefeated Goeido Saturday

As outlined in last night’s preview of the day 6 matches, the schedule took both undefeated Sumotori into matches with opponents with the skill and strength to end their run. But the Great Sumo Cat of the Kokugikan had other plans, both Goeido and Okinoumi emerged from today’s bouts undefeated.

In other news, Osunaarashi did not make it to his Makuuichi match today, an injury suffered on day 5 was enough to have him withdraw, at least for now, from the September tournament. Tachiai wishes him a speedy recovery. As he stated in an interview last night – if he does not try to plow through the tournament, it could be next year before he rejoins Makuuchi, and that would be a devastating blow to his promising career.

Nishikigi defeats Kagayaki – About time ‘kigi got back to winning. Nice Kotenage throw to put Kagayaki out of the ring.

Endo defeats Takekaze – I love me some Takekaze, but it is magical to see Endo back to strength and confidence. This bout was quick, with Endo putting some kind of Superman push-down / tsukiotoshi on Takekaze just a few seconds into the match.

Shohozan defeats Amakaze – Dear Amakaze is probably one of the most gracious men in all of Sumo. Today’s match with Shohozan showed that he loves Sumo, but never takes himself too seriously, and seems to truly enjoy himself each and ever bout. This match should have been over a couple of times, but Amakaze show amazing “think on your feet” reflexes and tactics, escaping a finishing move the first time by a pirouette that could never be expected by a man his size. Shohozan was finally able to chase him around and get him off balance, and down – thought Amakaze took the wrong spot on the dohyo at the end of the match to bow. Ah well! I am sure the “no fun” crowd at the Sumo Association will talk to him about being more stoic.

Chiyoshoma defeats Ikioi – A resurgent Ikioi was stopped, and possibly injured today. As he has been nursing more than a couple mechanical problems. Ikioi tried a throw against Chiyoshoma, who countered with an amazingly athletic move and put Ikioi on the clay. Watch closely at the end of the match – Chiyoshoma has some real skill.

Daishomaru defeats Chiyootori – Daishomaru finally gets a win, I am happy to report.

Yoshikaze defeats Chiyonokuni – I like both these rikishi, but Yoshikaze made quick work of Chiyonokuni. I worry that Yoshikaze took a hit or thumb to his left eye in that bout. After a terrible start, Yoshikaze is 3-3, so kachi-koshi is still within reason for him.

Kisenosato defeats Shodai – Shodai cannot catch a break, and Kisenosato has remembered his sumo skills. Today’s match Kisenosato wrapped up Shodai, then put his right hand outside magic to work on the mawashi. At that point, if your opponent is Kisenosato, you are probably headed out of the ring. He is 2 wins behind the leaders now, but the leaders showed no sign of giving ground today. His Yokozuna hopes for September are well and truly behind him now.

Okinoumi defeats Kotoshogiku – Kotoshogiku opened strong, and stayed heavy. Like some maniacal human bulldozer he relentless grabbed hold of Okinoumi and began to push him around the ring. In a display of skill and acumen I have never seen from Okinoumi before, he stayed calm, and steered himself round and round the ring, wearing the Ozeki down. With a quick weight shift, Okinoumi had Kotoshogiku off balance and threw him to the clay. A great match, and Okinoumi looked every bit a champion in that bout. He has now defeated both Yokozuna, and 3 Ozeki. Truly breath taking performance from a rank and file Maegashira.

Goeido defeats Takayasu – I am a big fan of Takayasu. In this match he was hell bent to get Goeido down, but the Ozeki showed a lot of patience. and waited for his moment to strike. It seldom goes well when a strength rikishi like Takayasu engages in a slapping match, as it’s far to easy to get off balance. The win came when Goeido wrapped up Takayasu at the edge, and gently “escorted” him over the bales. Goeido remains undefeated with Okinoumi. Saturday they face off, and only one will remain.

Terunofuji defeats Tochinoshin – The big Georgian tried once again to wear down his opponent, which he was doing, but lacked the power to finish Terunofuji. One can assume his knee injury is impacting the big man’s performance.

Harumafuji defeats Takanoiwa – Fairly standard beat-down by Harumafuji, but if you can see the replays – watch him grab for Takanoiwa after he is out and the match is over. Takanoiwa was in real danger of going head-first backwards off the dohyo, and it was clear Harumafuji was eager to prevent that. For those out there critical of Harumafuji’s rough and rowdy sumo style, I offer this as evidence of the “Yokozuna Attitude” that he has been displaying with great effect this basho.

Kakuryu defeats Kaisei – Points to Kaisei for trying to take this the endurance route, and play to his superior mass. But it looks like Kakuryu is back in Yokozuna form and waited for his opening, then moved swiftly to end the match. Textbook power sumo from two great practicians, a very satisfying conclusion to day 6

Okinoumi Shimmies and Shines

Andy Aki Basho 2016 ,

Today’s highlight bout has to be Okinoumi over Kotoshogiku. There were several other great matches, including an epic battle between Terunofuji and Tochinoshin. But I thoroughly enjoyed the skill demonstrated by Okinoumi utterly out-classed his ozeki opponent, adding another scalp to his growing collection. Kotoshogiku is sumo’s version of One Direction because he only moves in one direction: straight ahead. Prior to today’s bout, Kotoshogiku had beaten Okinoumi 11 times. Nine of those eleven were yorikiri wins.

Okinoumi demonstrated an effective strategy: continual lateral movement. Five times Kotoshogiku drove forward and five times Okinoumi fended, shuffling to the side. And on the fifth such sidle, Okinoumi was able to use the ozeki’s own momentum to help throw him to the ground. Kotoshogiku really set himself up for the loss, though, as he never even tried to get a hold of Okinoumi’s belt. He seemed content with a bear hug but once broken found himself in the dirt. For Okinoumi it’s on to Goeido tomorrow while Kotoshogiku will face his own big challenge in Yoshikaze.

Goeido had a rough bout today. Takayasu must have wanted to turn his face into burger as he relentlessly rained blow after blow to the head. Goeido persevered and eventually managed to get in close and get a belt grip. From there, Goeido took control and worked Takayasu out of the dohyo. Based on the punishment and effort that bout took, I’d have to handicap tomorrow’s bout in Okinoumi’s favor, in spite of Goeido’s relative dominance over the maegashira. Goeido looked worn out as he picked up his pile of envelopes.  Both sekitori are in a position they’re not used to, leading a tournament going into Day 7.

Harumafuji jumped all over a bewildered Takanoiwa. Kakuryu gave a seat to Kaisei while Kisenosato was too much for Shodai. The Terunofuji/Tochinoshin bout was a great, entertaining belt battle with Terunofuji holding on for an exhausting win. Somehow, I think Chiyonokuni will still not be able to beat a tired Tochinoshin. Interestingly, they haven’t met in over two years when Tochinoshin was in Juryo, in the midst of his remarkable and unprecedented return from injury.

Endo showed excellent balance as he somehow forced Takekaze down while perched on one leg. Chiyoshoma really impressed me against Ikioi. Mitakeumi weathered a nodowa attack from Kotoyuki to force him out. And as Bruce mentioned in his previous post, Osunaarashi is out due to injury. I’ve not heard whether it’s a tournament-long injury or if he’ll be back but I hope he recovers fully.

September Day 6 Preview – Osunaarashi Injured?

Bruce H Aki Basho 2016, Harumafuji (日馬富士), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tochiozan (栃煌山), Yoshikaze (嘉風) , , , ,

day-5

The Undefeated Shall Be Tested

We enter day 6 with two rikishi still undefeated (5-0): Goeido & Okinoumi Following on their heels are 7 rikishi with only one loss (4-1): Harumafuji, Kotoshogiku, Takayasu, Ikioi, Kotoyuki, Endo and Kyokushuho

When the scheduling masters of the Sumo Kyokai looked upon this, they must have thought that heading into the middle weekend of a fairly exciting tournament, it was time to see if the undefeated could be challenged, this brings us to the schedule for day 6. I suspect this may be quite a bit more exciting than either of the weekend days, but time shall tell.

Late news – it seems that Osunaarashi was injured in today’s bout. It’s not sure if he’s going to be able to make day 6: He apparently cannot crouch at all, “I heard a ‘crack’ in my hip joint after beating Sadanofuji. I’m not going to hospital. I don’t have a choice but to be unreasonable..”

Now confirmed in the Japanese press: Osunaarashi Out

Notable Matches, Day 6

Osunaarashi v Kyokushuho – With Kyokushuho on a winning streak, this may be a tough trip to Makuuchi for Osunaarashi. But it will be welcome for the US folks to get to see him on the “highlights only” reel.

Endo v Takekaze – The veteran will possibly school Endo, who is on a bit of a hot streak for the past few days. Endo is in great form, but I would put the advantage on Takekaze for this bout.

Shohozan v Amakaze – After being Okinoumi chew-toy on day 5, Shohozan takes on the lower ranked Amakaze. Experience advantages to Shohozan, size to Amakaze. If Shohozan is not completely demoralized by the Torinaoshi, he should defeats Amakaze with little ceremony.

Chiyoshoma v Ikioi – Ikioi is in much better form this tournament, I really like how he is moving for most of his bouts. He should be able to handle Chiyoshoma.

Chiyonokuni v Yoshikaze – Two speed sumo practitioners will enter the dohyo, while I would expect Yoshikaze to win this one, Chiyonokuni thinks on his feet and improvises well. Advantage Yoshikaze – but this may be one to watch. The Berserker is eager to get back above .500, after a demoralizing start to this basho.

Kisenosato v Shodai – Nothing says softball like putting Shodai up against the Great Pumpkin. Shodai has really struggled this tournament, and this is going to be an easy win for Kisenosato, who still seems off his normal sumo.

Okinoumi v Kotoshogiku – While not the musubi no ichiban (結びの一番) – the final match of the day, it will for many fans hold far more excitement than day 6’s Yokozuna match. Undefeated Okinoumi vs the master of the Hug & Chug. Kadoban Twin Kotoshogiku is storming the gates of redemption, and shall not be denied. Against him is Okinoumi possessed with an undefeatable spirit. I can’t wait to see this one.

Goeido v Takayasu – If you wanted to possibly top the Okinoumi v Kotoshogiku match, this could do it. Takayasu has his rhythm running, and is thinking fast and moving strong in the last 3 bouts. Against him is a tough, strong Ozeki who has defeated all opponents to this day. Can Takayasu once again play giant killer? Is this his first audition for a future Ozeki slot?

Tochinoshin v Terunofuji – Tochinoshin is looking really off stride, this may not be much of a match against a fairly sharp Terunofuji. Tochinoshin seemed to have found new vigor on day 5, maybe he can translate that into a win on day 6.

Harumafuji v Takanoiwa – Easy call, Takanoiwa lands in the gift shop to the surprise of the spectators.

Kakuryu v Kaisei – The Brazilian is not really connecting, in spite of some great action on day 5. With any luck he will add some maneuver warfare to his tactic of being large and difficult to move. Kakuryu is back in focus now, and is dispatching everyone after a very rocky start to this basho.

Torinaoshi / 取り直し Filled Day 5 Results

Bruce H Aki Basho 2016, Harumafuji (日馬富士), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tochiozan (栃煌山), Yoshikaze (嘉風) , , , , ,

ura

Ura and Okinoumi Fight Twice, Nothing is Stopping Goeido & Okinoumi

Wild day of sumo at the Kokugikan while the US was asleep, and Tachiai brings you the highlights to start your day. As yesterday was “Throwing for Kensho”, today would be “Mawashi appreciation day”, everyone was on the belt and power sumo was on full display. It was a mighty show: shimpan parades, monoii galore, re-fights, it was a madhouse!

Daieisho defeats Ura – Good match, typical Ura with lots of action, but both rikishi hit the dohyo more or less the same time, even the Shimpan could not decide, so they made them go again. This time it was very straight-forward, with Daieisho quickly pushing Ura out.

Endo defeats Kotoyuki – Yes sumo fons, the good Endo is in the house. He takes down previously undefeated Kotoyuki. About half way through the bout, Endo latched his right hand on Kotoyuki’s mawashi, and he used his hand hold to win via Yokikiri.

Ikioi defeats Aoiyama – It was not a strong fight, Ikioi went for Aoiyama’s mawashi a few seconds in, and that somehow unbalanced Aoiyama, who collapsed.

Yoshikaze defeats Mitakeumi – Praise to the great and blessed sumo cat of the Kokugikan, Yoshikaze was starting to really worry me. This was a quick bout, with Yoshikaze simply overpowering Mitakeumi early and driving him backwards across the tarawa.

Okinoumi defeats Shohozan – Nothing is stopping Okinoumi, the man is driven by some Yōkai, or he really is a robot being operated by a hospitalized Hakuho. It was a close call, which saw another monoii, so – yet another rematch! Second time it was clearly Okinoumi’s win.

Takayasu defeats Kaisei – Good show of mawashi / strength sumo, with Takayasu having a clear advantage. Kaisei seems to be relying too much on being large and heavy to win. That works to a point until you meet a rikishi like Takayasu, who has strength and patience. Takayasu wore him down and disposed of him. Takayasu looking very good this basho.

Kotoshogiku defeats Tochiozan – When Kotoshogiku is healthy, he is the absolute master of the hug-n-chug style of sumo, and he quickly sent Tochiozan out. Now he only needs 4 more wins to clear his Kadoban status.

Goeido defeats Takarafuji – One of the better bouts today, with some great strength sumo on display once again. Takarafuji was strong, but Goeido will not be defeated any time soon. Three wins now for him to clear kadoban. My earlier prediction that at least one of the kadoban twins was probably going to be demoted is clearly in peril.

Kisenosato defeats Takanoiwa – The Great Pumpkin’s drive to remain in the hunt for a tournament win is all but impossible given Goeido’s dominance, but Kisenosato was in form and won against Takanoiwa easily today.

Kakuryu defeats Tochinoshin – Maybe not defeats, more like he wore Tochinoshin down and threw him to the clay. Great great great power sumo match here. So nice to see Tochinoshin in form today, as he had been trying to keep stress off that right knee. His bout with Kakuryu raged back and forth, with both sekitori backed to the bales multiple times, but somehow pushing back.

Harumafuji defeats Shodai – Shodai put up a very good fight against the Nagoya tournament champion, but there was no way he could take out Harumafujo.

In Juryo,

Osunaarashi defeats Sadanofuji – we get to see Osunaarashi fight in Makuuchi tomorrow! This will be wonderful.

Exit note / comment: Is the summer Jungyo so long and so involved that these sumotori come back rusty, distracted or at less than full power?  Most of them seemed to have required a few days to get back into their good fighting habits.  It would almost seem that there is a clear penalty for joining the tour rather than training.

The tours are very important to maintaining or increasing the popularity of sumo in Japan, but it has never been more clear that the frenzied pace of the sumo calendar can take it’s toll on the sport.