Some of the Day 6 matches lived up to their billing (Tochinoshin vs. Ichinojo) while others disappointed (looking at you, Arawashi). Here’s what’s in store on Day 7.
Is there a Japanese equivalent of the AARP? If there is, they should be sponsoring the matchup of the two oldest sekitori, Takekaze and Aminishiki. These two have seen their fair share of each other over their long careers, and their record is dead even at 16-16. While Aminishiki has looked rejuvenated, Takekaze has looked unconvincing this basho, and may be running out of steam. Double henka, anyone?
Tachiai favorite Asanoyama found his sumo today against none other than Aminishiki. Tomorrow he takes on Myogiryu, whose return to Makuuchi may be short-lived. Asanoyama won their only prior meeting.
The resurgent Okinoumi takes on the inconsistent Ikioi in a battle of tall manly men.
Chiyoshoma, who must feel cheated after today, takes on Endo in a battle of contrasting styles. Both men are 3-3.
Ichinojo, who won the battle of strength against Tochinoshin, takes on the hapless Tochiozan, who leads their career series 8-3.
The Chiyotairyu who was such a beast at Aki showed up today against Goeido. He takes on Takakeisho, who has been brilliant. If both men bring their best sumo, this could be the match of the day…
…unless it’s the clash between Mitakeumi and Tamawashi. For the second straight day, the former sekiwake, who appears strongly motivated to rejoin San’yaku, takes on a reigning sekiwake, but Mitakeumi should pose a stiffer challenge than did Yoshikaze.
Who knows what’s going to happen when Kotoshogiku takes on Yoshikaze? Their styles are very different, and neither veteran has fought well this basho. They’re well acquainted with each other, with Kotoshogiku holding a 22-5 career edge.
After two straight losses, Takayasu has a chance to rebound against the always game but frequently overmatched Chiyonokuni. In a sign of attrition among the upper ranks, M4e Chiyonokuni is brought up to fight an Ozeki. Can M4w Ichinojo be far behind, especially if he keeps winning?
Goeido suffered his first loss after reverting to the tentative 1.0 mode. If he stays in that mode, Shohozan is perfectly capable of punishing him for it.
In the Yokozuna bouts, we have two interesting first-time meetings. Hakuho, who cut it a little close today, will have to be careful when he takes on Onosho, who remains dangerous despite his overcommitment issues. Kisenosato won over Onosho by slippiotoshi, faced little resistance from Chiyotairyu and Tochiozan, barely overcame a game Shohozan, and looked overmatched against Tamawashi and Takakeisho. Hokutofuji, who is having a great basho and always gives his all on the dohyo, could spell more trouble for the Yokozuna.
I think Hoktofuji will lack the mass necessary to move Kisenosato around. With his bad wrist, I’d say there’s a good chance the yokozuna takes this one–against my wishes!
Chiyonokuni has been extremely active and really “deserved” to win some of those earlier fights. If he keeps it up the wins will come his way, but I’m not sure he can do much to Takayasu.
I think Tamawashi comes out mean and puts Mitakeumi on his back. He’s hungry and he’s healthy, and as well as Mitakeumi is wrestling I think he’s a little too banged up to handle this one.
I certainly agree Kisenosato is the favorite, and the outcome depends on how effective a pushing attack Hokutofuji can launch at this left side. Chiyonokuni’s style doesn’t seem to pose much danger to Takayasu, against whom he’s 0-3. Mitakeumi will need to secure a mawashi grip early if he’s to survive this one.
Onosho beats hakuho.
Can takakeisho’s wave action tsuppari move supersized sumo elvis back and out?
Kise and hokotofuji shud b a badass blubberous battle..
I’m now much more excited for day seven than I was before reading this! Thank you!
Tochiozan is 0-6 at M2w, Ichinojo is 5-1 at M4w, just outside the Joi. The difference in schedules is pretty telling.
I’m watching Mitakeumi’s match with particular interest. He’s got off to a good start, but he needs more than a good start if he wants to become Ozeki. He still has both Ozeki and both Yokozuna to fight.
Takakeisho-Chiyotairyu could be a beautiful slapfest. Chiyotairyu likes to apply tsuppari to force his opponents to lean in, then slap them down; will it work on Takakeisho?
I don’t view it as likely for Mitakeumi to start his Ozeki run this basho, but he can at least stay at sekiwake and have another shot at it when he’s fully healthy.
Looks like he’ll ground out 8 wins by hook or by crook. Foot injuries suck though.
The longer Mitakeumi stays in the basho, the worse his painful grimaces get at the end of his matches. He had a distinct limp at the end of his last match too. I think his injury will be his doom tomorrow.
Is Onosho turning into Kotoyuki with these spectacular tumble-losses? Difficult for the young fellas to stay composed for consecutive basho I suppose.
Japan is the Japanese equivalent of AARP. The median age is 47. Only Monaco is older, at 50+. The US is median age is 38. It’s too late to do it now, but if this battle ever happens again, I want a kensho banner with the 高齢者マーク. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koreisha_mark
Aoiyamammaries is back day 8, maybe the young injured rikishi can suckle aoiyamommaries moobs and get well