While we wait to see whether Andy can provide some regular coverage from the road, here’s a brief Makuuchi update. I don’t have time to go bout-by-bout, but please feel free to add your impressions in the comments.
Ichiyamamoto (5-1) lost to Hiradoumi, leaving Mitakeumi (6-0) as the sole leader after his win against Shodai (3-3); their head-to-head now stands at 20-17! Onosato (5-1) had no trouble with his college teammate, Onokatsu (1-5), and stayed in the group of rikishi one win behind Mitakeumi. The 5-1 group also includes Kirishima (easy win over 1-5 Kinbozan), Takayasu (hard-fought uwatenage win over 4-2 Aonishiki, who came within millimeters of getting Takayasu’s hand to touch the dohyo), ageless wonder Tamawashi, who dominated 4-2 Gonoyama, fan favorite Ura, who got the better of nemesis Tobizaru (2-4), and our impressive rookie, Kusano, who crushed out Shishi (3-3). The other notable event was Takerufuji (4-2) grabbing his bicep after pushing out Sadanoumi (3-3); I hate to dwell on injuries, but let’s just say I would be surprised if his scheduled Day 7 opponent, Ichiyamamoto, did not pick up a freebie tomorrow.
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Thank U very much for your report, Iksumo.
It’s like the NHK Highlights: quite short, but everything (important) is there.
That was another great Astonishiki fight. Takayasu was very lucky but also very strong.
Maybe the bear will be Onosato‘s contender this basho? I think Kusano is too shaky against mediocre opponents to be a challenger already.
It’s Takayasu vs. Kirishima tomorrow, and while the loser will still be in the running, the winner should probably be considered Onosato’s top challenger (much as I love Mitakeumi, who’s looked the best he’s looked in years).
Thank you for keeping up here, lksumo!
I was extremely bored by Hakuoho‘s excessive standing around with Meisei. Reminds me that he once was a stablemate of a fighter, who used that method regularly…
Midorifuji seems to widen his USP technique. That kainahineri came as a surprise! The Japanese commentator first called it a zubuneri. These details are still to discover for me… If it hadn’t been against Roga, I would have given passionate applause.
I agree about that stalemate and wouldn’t be angry with NHK if they edited it for their highlights. I disagree about Roga, though…
I am Surprised by Mitakeumi and Shodai head to head record 20-17
It looks like they are almost evenly matched.
As most of the time Shodai’s performance depends on his mood and Mitakeumi performed more consistently for a long period, I thought Mitakeumi would have more dominant record against him.
I have a bad feeling about Takerufuji’s shoulder and I’m worried about Sadanoumi’s knee. Ugh.
There were some GREAT bouts today, though! I always love seeing Ura face off against Tobizaru. I also was impressed with Asakoryu today. He never backs down which is impressive to see. The other impressive thing I’ve noticed is that Chiyoshoma hasn’t performed a henka once this basho even with a poor record. I’m wondering if he saw what Abi has done and decided against it. We’ll never know, but it’s interesting to note.
Given the Chiyoshoma is 0-6 and might require 4 wins to stay in the top division, I don’t see the no-henka trend lasting long 😆
Hi all, thanks Iksumo!
To add my own little thoughts on today on top of other folks:
Fujinokawa looked really strong against a tough match up. The Rookies are looking impressive.
Oh my, I don’t what to jinx anything, so I’ll just go with how it’s a joy to see Mitakeumi, Takayasu, and Tamawashi all going strong still here. I’m holding out hope for Mitakeumi to keep it going somehow. He is just a completely different rikishi compared to the last year at least. Lovely to see him strong and able to move.
Now that we have two sets of brothers in the top division, I am wondering what is the record for number of brothers in the top division?
We’re got three sets of brothers in the top division right now, actually: Wakatakakage & Wakamotoharu, Tobizaru & Hidenoumi and Kotoshoho & Kotoeiho.
Ah, I did not realize Tobizaru & Hidenoumi.
Thank you Iksumo.
Sadly Day 7 wasn’t a freebie for Ichiyamamoto, but he still won.
Still 6 rikishi on 6-1 and Mitakeumi and Ichoyamamoto are two of them!
The others are, not unexpectedly, Onosato, Kirishima, Tamawashi, and Kusano. All to play for, and whilst I like Onosato well enough, the guy has skill, but to my eyes, he mainly overpowers his opponents. I like to see different techniques for different situations, quick thinking, and quick movement.
I know that’s just my opinion, he wins matches and basho; I’d love one of the other rikishi to win this yusho race. Would’ve been nice if Hoshoryu could have managed it 😐
U certainly meant „luckily“ there wasn’t a freebie for Ichiyamamoto, because „sadly“ would be wishing for Takerufuji to be injured.
You’re right, herbern, thank you. How embarrassing, I wouldn’t want any of them injured, and Takerufuji is a quiet favourite of mine. He already suffered that ankle injury that set him back so much. Thanks for the correction, the slight was completely unintended. Reading it back, how did I not see that?
I understand your reservations about Onosato. One gets the feeling that his victories are less of an achievement than Hoshoryu’s because he has the better body for sumo.
That’s exactly the reason for Asashoryu and Takanohana being my favorite two yokozuna.
My great hope is that maybe Aonishiki will join them.
(As to Hoshoryu I expect him rather in the footsteps of Harumafuji and Kakuryu.)