Andy is otherwise occupied, and will begin the top-division coverage in a day or two. In the meantime, let’s check in briefly on third-division action. Half of the lower-division rikishi fought today; the rest will start their basho tomorrow. Please see this post for a preview.
Promotion Zone
Former sekitori, kakenage machine, salt thrower, and budding bow twirler Ms1w Akua defeated March champion Ms2e Oshoryu. Asakoryu’s little bro Ms4e Ishizaki lost to former maegashira Ms4w Kotokuzan.
Extended Promotion Zone
Today’s winners, who stay in the race for the yusho and a near-automatic promotion, are headlined by former Ozeki Ms14w Asanoyama. Also picking up wins were Ms7e Satorufuji, Ms8w Asahakuryu, Ms11e Chiyomaru, and Ms13w Narutaki.
Other Yusho Contenders
The first of three Makushita 60 tsukedashi debutants, Gyotoku, was in action today and did not disappoint. One of the two successful Ms60TD March debutants from Fujishima beya, Ms39w Fukuzaki, also got a Day 1 win, along with promising division newcomer Ms46e Goseizan, former maegashira Shimazuumi, lightweight throw artist Oyamada, and prospects Anosho, Matsui, and Okaryu. Let’s see who joins them tomorrow, and which of these rikishi feature in our 32-wrestler 2-0 yusho bracket after the first two rounds of bouts are completed.
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I‘m slightly disappointed for Nobehara. Somehow he came off the tracks in March – but there is some basho left :)
I‘m a bit surprised that the bow twirler is an active rikishi. Isn’t it a disadvantage to have to wait there until the end of the Makuuchi bouts and thus to be diverted from his main purpose?
It’s always an active rikishi, usually from the Yokozuna’s heya, though often lower in rank than Akua is this time (apparently this is the first time it’s someone who’s been in the top division).
Shimazuumi and Chiyomaru are both babies stuck in the bodies of large, large men-happy for them.
I have not been an Akua fan ever since he gave Tsurugisho too many extra slaps back in juryo, but he can twirl a bow. I’m still confused as to why it’s him-who was the kid who did it last time? Was he from Onosato’s stable? He was fine, what happened to him?
I think he was from Onosato’s stable…they need someone from Hoshoryu’s if he’s in the basho and there’s an available option.
Speaking of top Makushita update, i couldn’t not notice that on the sumo website, they have listed Hokutofuji as kyujo already on day 1.
Was there any news citing an injury reason for this ? Or does that mean it could turn out to be an hint at a…….”permanent” kyujo ? (ó﹏ò｡)
I think the smart money is on him calling it quits, but I don’t think there’s been any actual news on that.
Hokutofuji, Wakatakamoto, and Kotoshoho all absent from day 1. Of the three, I worry that only the latter is not a permanent kyujo. Old Stompy and the oldest Waka brother exiting the same basho would suck.
Hot takes after Day 1
– Heart breaker: Takayasu .. stepping backwards on Day 1 is not a good sign for Papa ..
– Pipe dream: Diaiesho stays on his feet for 15 days ..
– Sleeper: Kirishima .. looks healthy + reacting fast + aggressive reactive sumo .
– Don’t sleep on me: Oho .. looks mentally present + ready to wrestle .. most untapped potential …
– Best case: Hoshoryu .. looks healthy + focussed .. puts on a clinic of superb sumo ..
Most impressive move: Hakuoho released like a cocked spring when Tobizaru tried a wate.