The show must go on

Despite the shocking news, there will be sumo tomorrow. Some matches to look forward to on Day 4:

Myogiryu vs. Aminishiki: Will Uncle Sumo pull off another elegant throw? These two have faced each other 16 times, with Myogiryu holding a 10-6 edge. Not a big rivalry day tomorrow: their 16 previous encounters is tied for the most among all Day 4 bouts.

Endo vs. Ikioi: Both are slumming it this far down the banzuke, though Endo may be on his way up, while Ikioi may not be ready to arrest his slide.

Arawashi vs. Ichinojo: A battle of undefeated basho leaders! Yes, I did just write that. Will Ichinojo’s size and patience prevail, or can Arawashi pull off another technique-based defeat of a much stronger opponent, like he did today against Tochinoshin?

Terunofuji vs. Kotoshogiku: Both men are 0-3. Terunofuji has put up very little resistance, while Kotoshogiku has faced tough opposition. If Kotoshogiku is to turn it around, tomorrow is the day to start. These two have also faced off 16 times, with Terunofuji holding a narrow 9-7 edge, but neither is his former formidable self.

Onosho vs. Yoshikaze. This has the makings of a great match. Onosho must be frustrated; he should be 3-0 against tough opponents, but is 1-2 after two unforced slips. Bad luck, or not keeping his weight over his feet?

Mitakeumi vs. Chiyonokuni. Chiyonokuni is mobile and frenetic; Mitakeumi is hampered by a bad toe. Can he use his superior size and technique to go to 3-1?

Goeido vs. Tamawashi. Goeido may face his first serious challenge.

Shohozan vs. Takayasu. This should be all Takayasu, though their career record is 5-5.

Kisenosato vs. Takakeisho. Chiyotairyu lost to Kisenosato when he moved backwards while trying to pull and ran out of room. Takakeisho could pose a serious challenge if he moves forward forcefully.

Chiyotairyu vs. Hakuho. Hakuho will want to keep pace with the two Ozeki, and a good yusho race among the upper ranks would help shift the focus away from off-dohyo scandal.

2 thoughts on “The show must go on

  1. Current Ichinojo is a much more threatening big-strong-guy than current Tochinoshin, and a lot more fun to watch, too. That said, if anyone can judo-throw a bridge abutment, it’s Arawashi.

    I see Onosho trying for the hatakikomi. He’s got to be rattled from having lost two consecutive bouts by slipping, and one of those when he was in a very dominant position. My guess, he’ll try to be more defensive.

  2. Since it’s already early Day 4 here in the west, my only question is – what happened to Torakio’s face? Huge bandage on the kid today. He better not be turning into Yoshikaze Jr.

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