Back On An Ozeki Path
For the second half of 2016, Takayasu was on a march towards a bid to be promoted to Ozeki. At Kyushu, the goal was before him, needing a strong 12 wins to close the deal, and secure his promotion. Sadly, faced with victory, he utterly failed, and finished with a losing record, and demoted back down to Komusubi. Going into Hatsu, we asked if Takayasu could re-focus on his sumo, and return to his winning ways.
For fans of Takayasu, Hatsu was a triumph. With most of the Ozeki and Yokozuna out or hurt, he was able to rack up 11 wins, and a special prize. In the process he defeated 3 Ozeki and 2 Yokozuna. This set him squarely on the path back to Sekiwake, and re-ignited his bid to claim a promotion to Ozeki.
But there is a cloud on Takayasu’s shining path to Ozeki. At the Hatsu basho, we witnessed the ascendency of Mitakeumi, who also turned in an 11-4 record. Mitakeumi was strong, relentless and executed his sumo well. In Takayasu’s past efforts during 2016, he was the sole sekitori who stood any chance of promotion. It appears in 2017 there will be at least two, and possibly three that push towards sumo’s second highest rank.
The criteria for Takayasu’s promotion is 33 wins over 3 tournaments. That continues in Osaka, provided the March banzuke places him, as we expect, at Sekiwake.
I looked at Mitakeumi’s record at Wikipedia, wow this guy is a monster. Such a young and new guy, and yet doing very well. All flags are screaming that he will achieve so much in this sport.
But of course, Takayasu is so much better, because he is my guy. He will be Ozeki this year, and will be Yokozuna before 2020.
By 3, do you mean Takayasu, Mitakeumi, and possibly Shodai?
These are all young guys who have showed their briliance throughout 2016 and I just can’t wait for the rest of the tournaments and see how they progress.
As a big fan of Takayasu, I was disappointed with his November performance because I knew that he could have done the job. Nevertheless, I’m glad he’s back on track.
I know a lot of folks expect big things from Shodai, and I think those will come, but I think he needs another year or two being batted around in the joi-jin first. I would keep my eye on Takanoiwa, who benefited greatly from the score inflation that took place due to the Yokozuna and Ozeki ranks being weak, but showed great potential.
He may pop to Maegashira 3 or 4 in Osaka, and we will see if he can actually handle the competition.
My thoughts are also on what Kotoshogiku is going to do. Such a sad story there. Many sumo fans, myself included, want to see him retire with dignity, but I am sure his pride has talked him into attempting to battle back.