Day 1 was not a kind in San’yaku land. Not only was there a clear losing streak among the named ranks, but many of the men who really needed to shine looked value and ill-prepared. Many of the up-and-coming rank and file rikishi seem to sense that there is a magic opportunity now, and pounced on the opening day. Some random comments before we preview day 2.

Harumafuji looked a bit stiff, but got the job done. I am very thankful he is going to try to tough it out. He is the man to beat this basho. Takayasu finally decided to wear the black mawashi, and he took the fight to Tochinoshin with gusto. Tochinoshin has a really bad left knee, and he is only one bad fall away from retirement, so it was worrisome to see him sail off the dohyo day 1.

Goeido should have known better, so should have Terunofuji. Hopefully they got that initial choke behind them and they can get down to business. Mitakeumi, sorry bloke! Onosho wanted it more. So up your sumo and let your day 1 loss motivate you for the next 14 days. Yoshikaze got smoked at the tachiai and could never recover. Chiyotairyu really was in outstanding form, and never gave the Berserker any opening to even start any offense.

Poor Shodai, his tachiai is still high and clumsy. Ura read him like some cheap manga and put him away just as Shodai overcommitted to a kimarite. Endo looks like he has a long road to full health. I get that he is competing to try and avoid demotion to Juryo or lower, but he may have a tough time of it.

I am going to be very interested to see if the day 1 problems in the San’yaku are just cobwebs being cleared away, or a further sign that the next generation are coming into their own.

What We Are Watching Day 2

Endo vs Asanoyama – Endo looked vague and fairly disoriented in his day 1 match, where Asanoyama seemed to have a plan and executed it well. it’s an open question on just how well recovered Endo is from his surgery in August. This is their first contest.

Daishomaru vs Kaisei – Kaisei looked strong but lethargic against Nishikigi. He has also never beaten Daishomaru in their prior two matches. Daishomaru, on the other hand, was fast, precise and in control day 1.

Chiyonokuni vs Takarafuji – Chiyonokuni has been struggling to regain his fighting spirit after a brutal outcome from the May tournament. He looked solid day one, but he faces the neckless wonder of Takarafuji, who leads their career series 4-2.

Ikioi vs Kagayaki – Ikioi’s day 1 match was also lack-luster, though he won, he did so in what seemed to be a sloppy and clumsy kimarite. Kagayaki is also one who is struggling for consistency, and has flashes of brilliance. Kagayaki has yet to win a match with Ikioi.

Shodai vs Ichinojo – I cite this because it has the potential to be a real yawner. Ichinojo is once again looking slow and lethargic, and I think he has gained a good amount of mass in the last few months. Shodai is stuck in a bit of a rut, and looked poor in his day 1 match with Ura.

Takakeisho vs Ura – Ura is fighting injured, but it was fun to see him improvise a win over Shodai on day 1. Takakeisho, on the other hand, is the epitome of the Angry Tadpole crew. He was blazingly fast and give his match everything, and came away a winner. Takakeisho leads their series 6-1. My hope is that Ura just comes away without further injury.

Shohozan vs Tochiozan – This has a lot of potential for an excellent bout. They are closely matched, and have similar styles of sumo. I give a slight edge to Tochiozan for this bout, in spite of the fact that Shohozan leads 11-7 over their career.

Mitakeumi vs Chiyotairyu – Mitakeumi was caught half way to his first step on day 1’s tachiai. This is quite unusual for him, and he was dead weight for Onosho to remove from the dohyo. Chiyotairyu’s outing against Yoshikaze was fast, effective and brutal. If Mitakeumi is serious about his Sekiwake rank, it’s time to bring his top-shelf sumo.

Onosho vs Yoshikaze – It’s tough to get the drop on Yoshikaze, but it happened day 1. Onosho has a chance to do it again, as hie is fast, strong and low to the ground. I expect Yoshikaze to be far more aggressive off the line today.

Takayasu vs Tamawashi – Takayasu is finally wearing his black mawashi, and it seems to suite him quite well. Tamawashi’s day 1 loss was more about balance problems than anything, and I am confident his day 2 sumo will be much improved. This could be a really good battle.

Terunofuji vs Kotoshogiku – I am really worried about Terunofuji. I know he is not in good shape, and he gets into a negative mood, and his mood really drives his sumo. When he is down, it seems as if he cannot win no matter what. Kotoshogiku’s day 1 mini henka was executed well, but he needs to use it sparingly.

Hokutofuji vs Goeido – Hokutofuji has something to prove, and it’s something rather spectacular. Goeido really can’t afford to lose bouts to rank-and-file rikishi, as he need to clear his kadoban flag early. Goeido won their only prior match.

Tochinoshin vs Harumafuji – Harumafuji is clearly in a lot of pain, but his sumo on day 1 was excellent. i expect him to not let Tochinoshin get anywhere near his belt, and to attempt his famous nodowa to keep the big Georgain under control.