Now that the opening-day bouts have been posted, we can start to get psyched about the upcoming Nagoya basho in earnest!
Some highlights:
- The Shin-Komusubi duo gets the customary trial-by-fire, with Ryuden facing Kakuryu and Abi matched against Hakuho.
- The bouts for the three participating Ozeki are Goeido vs. M1e Asanoyama, Takayasu vs. M1w Hokutofuji, and Tochinoshin vs. M2e Endo. Endo memorably upset Tochinoshin in May, and Asanoyama clinched his title by besting Goeido on Day 14.
- East Sekiwake Mitakeumi battles man-mountain Aoiyama (M2w), while West Sekiwake Tamawashi opens against M3e Shodai.
- A few other bouts I’m circling: M4 Ichinojo vs. M5 Kotoshogiku in what should be a good belt battle, M7 Tomokaze vs. M8 Onosho, and the M14 clash of 168 cm Enho and 169 cm Toyonoshima.
Oh, and Asanoyama’s chance to get that kinboshi from Hakuho will come on Day 2, although he may be less eager after their recent playdate.
By the way, the torikumi is balanced, with no Juryo fill-ins needed at the moment, because in addition to Ozeki Takakeisho, M11 Yoshikaze is also absent for the start of the tournament. I hadn’t seen any news about him, but Bruce points out that apparently it’s a knee injury that is likely to to see the veteran miss the entire tournament, which would mean certain relegation to Juryo for the first time in 12 years, and possible retirement.
Yoshikaze is kyujo from day 1 – so I am guessing he drops to Juryo, and will retire before the end of the year. While he is one of my all time favorites, he has been fading quite a bit, and has a kabu at his disposal. I expect he will make a fantastic Oyakata.
Yes, I just updated the post. I haven’t seen any news—I guess he could come back mid-basho…
Right knee ligament, I liked the Yahoo story on Twitter – https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20190705-00000074-sph-spo
I guess if you see the current Nakamura-oyakata change his name then that would be the sign that retirement is imminent.
Abi does have a winning record against Hakuho… technicially (1-0). Probably gonna see some fire from Hakuho, then.
If he is full healed Hakuho will rock this basho. I don’t think he will get surprised by Abi again, but you never know.
He also got a kinboshi over Kakuryu the very next basho, so the yusho is basically his.
LOL. Love that idea, just award the basho based on prior performance, pour a cold drink, and skip the July heat.
“apparently it’s a knee injury that is likely to to see the veteran miss the entire tournament, which would mean certain relegation to Juryo for the first time in 12 years, and possible retirement.”
Awww. I have become somewhat fond of him. I hope he can heal.
Let’s get ready to rumbllllle!