Our favorite Jonidan rikishi holds a 2-2 record going into day 10, needing to win 2 of his last 3 matches to secure a winning record, and promotion to the next highest division. A tough road, but the man from Humble Texas is up for the fight. Facing him on day 10 is the gargantuan Maeta Masaru from the somewhat troubled Shibatayama stable. Maeta is 213 kg. Consider that if you will – that’s just short of 500 pounds by US reckoning.
As Wakaichiro rises in rank, he must have winning strategies for taking care of these truly massive rikishi. Thankfully he has yet to face the planetary Orora, who is at present the largest rikishi in recorded history. Maeta is 35 years old, and has been doing sumo since 2005 – so 12 years or so. He has been as high as Makushita, and has even won the Makushita yusho. So Maeta is quite formidable, albeit fading rikishi.
We are eager to see the outcome of this bout, and we wish good fortunes to Wakaichiro on day 10.
This will really be a tough one. Maeta was 6-1 last tournament and may be skilfully working his way back up. I’d almost prefer a go at Planet Orora, who’s 1-4 at this basho. Slaps and pushes don’t work. Surprisingly, it looks like getting in close for belt work and grappling pays off. It looks terrifying, but those who are beating him get in close and then use his mass against him as he works his way to the edge.
We’ve seen many times though that brains and tactics can beat mass, so let’s hope.
*cheering dance* Go Ichiro, go Ichiro, go go go Ichiro!
The man is moving up in the (Sumo) world!
Holy crap! He did it!
I just saw it too (benefit of being only 1 hour ahead of Japan)!
He can do it!! Just one more win needed!!!!
The really really good sake has been poured in Dallas.
Just remember not too add it to the baby bottle and you are all good!