In a remarkably similar fashion to his win over Harumafuji, Mitakeumi defeated Kakuryu, convincingly. Gotta run to work…more to come.
In a remarkably similar fashion to his win over Harumafuji, Mitakeumi defeated Kakuryu, convincingly. Gotta run to work…more to come.
Finally got to watch that Mitakeumi bout. He has really improved quite a bit, even over his form in Kyushu. Rikishi tend to have hot streaks that can last for a couple of basho, but if this is his new normal, he’s going to be a contender.
Any thoughts on the YDC intai threat to Harumafuji? I think that it’s quite a bit over the top, given how Harumafuji is clearly nursing some injuries.
It’s unfortunate but not unexpected. Harumafuji’s been nursing injuries for a while and he’s not been able to consistently perform in a way to compete with Hakuho. He also bleeds kinboshi. That reminds me, I need to update my tally. It’s funny that the next day Kakuryu fell to Mitakeumi, too. But honestly, I think there’s a bit of pressure to get a new crop of top rikishi. Hakuho and Kisenosato are the only strong constants there. However, it’s clear Harumafuji can still compete at an elite level whereas Kotoshogiku, Goeido, and Terunofuji are barely clinging to their “champion” statuses…despite each actually having yusho now.