Start Of The Middle Act.
The middle part of any basho is where we find out who is going to have a shot at the yusho, and who is going to struggle to stay above 500. Right now its clear that both Hakuho and Harumafuji are fit, strong and in their groove. We also have a very solid performance from Takayasu thus far, and he seems to be well on his way towards hitting the 10 wins needed for consideration for promotion to Ozeki.
Indeed, Takayasu has stated in recent interviews that he is pressing for the yusho, and believes he sumo is up to the task. His tests against Hakuho and Harumafuji are yet to happen, but they are likely to decide if Takayasu’s goal might be within reach. We could reasonably expect those matches this weekend, though the scheduling team may hold them for later next week, as they are certain to be a big draw for fans. Takayasu is a bona fide hit with fans in the Kokugikan, and you can safely assume that carries out to fans watching at home. Right now, most of Japan wants to see Takayasu succeed.
Day 6 is next, though, and while there will likely be some great sumo today, there are no huge earth shattering bouts on the torikumi.
Matches We Are Following
Tokushoryu vs Chiyotairyu – Both rikishi have be fighting well this tournament, and their prior 8 matches are evenly split. I expect Chiyotairyu to try an early hatakikomi, and Tokushoryu working hard to lock up the mawashi.
Onosho vs Kotoyuki – This is their first meeting. Kotoyuki has been looking lack-luster for the past year or so, and may have finally sunk down the banzuke far enough that he is competitive. He certainly has been brining very good sumo this tournament, and was surprisingly fast to react in the first 5 days. Both are pushers so, lots of flailing arms here.
Ichinojo vs Ura – The fans love a big man – little man match, and this is one of the ultimates. I hope that Ura keeps his eyes on Ichinojo, and can stay mobile.
Hokutofuji vs Sokokurai – Sokokurai won both their prior match ups, but don’t assume Hokutofuji is going to lose this one. Hokutofuji is still working to become comfortable in Makuuchi, but from watching the first 5 days, he is starting to get his sumo together at this level.
Takanoiwa vs Shodai – Shodai has been hit or miss, and is night fighting as well this tournament as his 4-1 record would indicate. But he does somehow seem “blessed’ inside and outside the ring. Statistically Takanoiwa has a slight edge.
Tamawashi vs Takayasu – Sekiwake battle today, with most of Japan rooting for Takayasu. Takayasu has found a way to win every match thus far, but he and Tamawashi are a career 6-6. Probably one of the better matches today.
Terunofuji vs Chiyonokuni – Another match with a lot of potential, Chiyonokuni is losing a lot this tournament, but fighting very well. Terunofuji may have rekindled the spark of his sumo again that was so compelling during Osaka, so I would anticipate a brawl. Interestingly, Terunofuji lost their only prior match up.
Mitakeumi vs Goeido – We have seen hints of Goeido 2.0 in the past couple of days, but Mitakeumi is at his career best right now. Mitakeumi did manage to beat Goeido once. It will be down to who shows up, Goeido 1.0 will lose this match, 2.0 will win it with a massive, rapid burst of offense that will overwhelm Mitakeumi.
Endo vs Hakuho – Only interesting because I am curious what kind of maneuver The Boss is going to use to crumple Endo.
I’m looking forward to Harumafuji-Aoiyama, I think the Yokozuna might just be able to scrape a victory here……
To me it seems like it’s going to be very one-sided with Harumafuji at full health. But it would be great if Aoiyama could pull out a kinboshi.
And what a victory. He took the Bulgarian mountain on, straight-up, and forced him out. I was impressed.
I think Teruno’s healthy is back. Giku got a hug and chug, and Teruno was able to resist those powerful legs.
Haruma was dissappointing. Why do a Henka on a low rated rikishi. He trully deserved the lost to Hakuho last year by Henka.
I saw a picture of that infamous henka recently, and Harumafuji was laughing as he fell off the dohyo. It was beautiful, reminiscent of Wile E Coyote going off a cliff.
Will we see Harumafuji vs. Hakuho? Seems to me that would be the ultimate match of the tournament at this point, no?
Unless one of them goes kyujo, we will see that day 13, 14 or 15 most likely. The final days typically feature the Yokozuna fighting each other.
As it stands, it’s a Day 13 bout. If Kise withdraws, it moves to Day 15.
We can also think of the Tamawashi vs Takayasu as the battle of the “Banzuke Mistake”, which refers to the fact that they left Tamawashi as Sekiwake 1e in spite of his inferior record at Osaka.
Tamawashi definitely didn’t want to be thought of as a mistake! :)