Berserker

Aki Day 8 Preview – Can Yoshikaze 嘉風 Equalize?

Bruce H Aki Basho 2016, Harumafuji (日馬富士), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kisenosato (稀勢の里), San'yaku (三役), Sekiwake (関脇), Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tochiozan (栃煌山), Yoshikaze (嘉風) , , , , , , , ,

yoshikaze

Goeido Remains Undefeated – For How Long?

Undefeated: Goeido
Chasers (6-1): Harumafuji, Okinoumi, Endo
Hunt Group (5-2): Kisenosato, Kotoshogiku, Takayasu, Mitakeumi, Ikioi, Kotoyuki, Kyokushuho

Greetings dear sumo fans, followers of the glorious Tachiai web site, and to all the ships at sea. After spending the day returning to the glorious US West Coast, I am ready once more to bring you a peek at what is about to happen in Tokyo. Sadly I missed most of the thrills of today’s amazing day 7, but thanks to Andy who gave us the specifics.

With Okinoumi dealt his first defeat, he will likely continue the chase, now tied with the great Harumafuji (The Horse) for the second tier. Kisenosato is 2 wins behind Goeido, but unless someone stops Goeido, it might as well be 0-7 in terms of The Great Pumpkin’s dream of yusho and ascendancy to Yokozuna, sumo’s highest and most exalted rank.

As many (including myself) have commented, if Okinoumi had won, it was likely he would win the basho, and was quite possible he could do it undefeated, including earning the coveted and exotic zenyusho. But when Goeido twirled him out by the mawashi today, the sumo deities chose a more complex and interesting path.

From here on out, Okinoumi faces primarily lower ranked wrestlers. Goeido faces the bulk of the raging san’yaku battle fleet. But first, Goeido faces the Mad Max of sumo, Yoshikaze. As readers of Tachiai would know, I have my concerns about just how healed up he was able to be (and trained up) given the last basho sent him to the hospital. Clearly he has been capable but less impactful than the Nagoya basho. But tomorrow Yoshikaze can play the role of equalizer. If he can manage to defeat Goeido, it will even his win / loss ratio, but it will toss the entire basho back up in the air.

With a Berserker win, suddenly now your leaders are: Goeido, Harumafuji, Okinoumi, Endo. With Kisenosato, Kotoshogiku, and Takayasu one behind and suddenly in contention. Kisenosato’s yokozuna campaign becomes possibly once more, Harumafuji is in position to capture back-to-back yushos and everyone has to sweat Okinoumi’s easy second half.

Suffice to say, it would be one of the more compelling moves that could take place in this tournament.

Notable Matches, Day 8

Amakaze v Daieisho – I want to see the big “Kaze” at least make kachi-koshi, so I am hoping he wins a few more soon. I will not be surprised if he floats back down to Juryo for another basho or two, but as he has shown with some of his surprising athletics, he will be a full time Makuuchi rikishi soon.

Gagamaru v Chiyoshoma – Gagamaru looking highly upset following his day 7 match with Ikioi, and we hope the Georgia satellite was not injured in the match. I give a slight advantage to Chiyoshoma, who in spite of losing to Shohozan on day 7, is looking very strong.

Kyokushuho v Sadanoumi – 5-2 is a great record at this point of any basho. 5-2 in a basho where you are Maegashira 15 astounding. Day 8 he faces Sadanoumi, who is going to present some challenge, still I think advantage Kyokushuho.

Nishikigi v Tokushoryu – Nishikigi gets a fairly easy bout, I think the Isenoumi beya wrestler will win and even up his record.

Endo v Ikioi – It’s Elvis and Buddy Holly going at it, sumo style. Seriously, I love both these guys, but they had to match at some point. Slight advantage to Endo in my book. But my biggest hope is neither get hurt.

Chiyonokuni v Kotoyuki – Wow, going to be a mad cap war for about 15 seconds. I give a slight advantage to Kotoyuki, if no other reason I have seen him “Hulk smash” twice already this basho. He seems to be getting bigger and greener each day.

Tochinoshin v Daishomaru – I hate to say this, but Tochinoshin – would you consider going kuyjo? Clearly you are at about 80%, and your competitiveness is driving you into the ring. Your fans (like me) want to see you healthy. Think about it, sir.

Shohozan v Shodai – While I am dispensing advice, Shodai – you need a vacation sir. You have been folded, spindled and mutilated. Shohozan won’t provide a face saving win to Shodai, I expect

Takayasu v Takarafuji – YES! Sekiwake throw down coming on Day 8! Pulling for the mighty Takayasu on this one. But what makes this so great is that Takarafuji, who every time I look at him I think of the “muscle” teamster that they use to make sure everyone behaves, is not going to give it up easy.

Goeido v Yoshikaze – Not the final match of the day, but one that everyone will be riveted on. Right now I am just pulling for Yoshikaze to make his kachi-koshi and take a couple of months to train up and heal. But this one has the possibility of being the great equalizer for the entire basho. As every time Yoshikaze steps to the dohyo this tournament, I pray he is not injured. He seems to be taking a lot of blows to the face and eyes.

Kisenosato v Myogiryu – Not a lock, Myogiryu had a great tachiai against The Horse, and for a moment really brought the fight to the champ. If Kisenosato can get his right hand mawashi grip, he wins.

Takanoiwa v Kakuryu – Takanoiwa (Maegashira 3) will likely lose to the Yokozuna, but I hope he gives Kakuryu a good fight. I want to see a stronger, more aggressive Kakuryu soon.

 

September Day 7 Preview – Okinoumi faces Goeido

Bruce H Aki Basho 2016, Harumafuji (日馬富士), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kisenosato (稀勢の里), San'yaku (三役), Sekiwake (関脇), Takayasu (高安), Tochiozan (栃煌山), Yoshikaze (嘉風) , , , , , , ,

oki

There Can Be Only One

These are the days that sumo fans dream of. The Aki basho (September tournament) started off strange, The Boss (Hakuho) was benched with a busted toe, most of the favorites had a cold start, and the first weekend was chaos on the leaderboard. From that emerged two great story lines. First, a pair of undefeated rikishi, one a rank and file Maegashira (Okinoumi) who had fought well, but was not overly remarkable. The second a kadoban Ozeki who looked to be ready for demotion. The second story line – the “always a bridesmaid” Ozeki who dreams of his Tsuna, but never has the mojo to pull it off.

Now at the middle weekend, we see both stories in full display. On Saturday, the 7th day of the tournament, we will see the two unlikely leaders of this basho face off. Two undefeated underdogs, each of which is poised to make sumo history. In the week following, bridesmaid Kisenosato will face his toughest opponents, with only wildly unlikely scenarios able to take him to victory, and his long desired elevation to Yokozuna.

Notable Matches, Day 7

Endo v Kyokushuho – Both men at 5-1, this is the battle for supremacy at the lower echelons of Makuuchi, both have been fighting well, this could be a moment for some great power sumo.

Amakaze v Kotoyuki – Kotoyuki looked strong on day 6, even though he lost Mitakeumi. Meanwhile Amakaze surprised everyone, most especially his opponent Shohozan. I look forward to this match, and the chance that we see more Amakaze maneuvering.

Gagamaru v Ikioi – Well, it had to happen. Planet Gagamaru faces off against the Elvis of sumo, Ikioi. Ikioi looks to possibly have hurt himself at the end of his day 6 match, and he will need to be fast and heavy to contend with The Planet. I predict Planet Gagamaru puts the doom on Ikioi, who I hope is not further injured.

Tamawashi v Shodai – Look, Shodai, they are throwing you an easy match. Please win one, just grab Tamawashi and push him out. Everyone in sumo is feeling kind of bad for you, and we want you to at least save face.

Tochinoshin v Chiyonokuni – You would think this would be an easy victory for the big Georgian. But with Tochinoshin flagging and Chiyonokuni looking very sharp, I would have to give the edge to the smaller, faster Chiyonokuni.

Kaisei v Tochiozan – In the Kokugikan’s scratch and dent bin, we find these two capable Komusubi who are having just a terrible tournament. Komusubi is the worst rank in sumo, and I swear it is a rough translation of some ancient tongue for “punching bag”. Slight advantage to Tochiozan, whose one win was against Kakuryu…

Kisenosato v Takarafuji – We start the tougher part of Kisenosato’s schedule. First up the only Sekiwake he will face (Takayasu is from the same stable). Takarafuji has been fighting better than his 3-3 record would describe, and I expect that the Great Pumpkin will finish him off, but not before a whole lot of man-hugs and pushing.

Yoshikaze v Kotoshogiku – Ouch, ouch, ouch. This could be a brutal slap fest. If Kotoshogiku can tie up the Berserker, it will be over quickly, if not there is likely to be a lot of pain and bruises before one of them hits the clay. While I am a huge Yoshikaze fan, I give an edge to Kotoshogiku, who seems to be in his groove. Yoshikaze seems to be taking additional damage to his face, which I am sure is bad.

Goeido v Okinoumi – The other matches will provide a fair chance of some good sumo. This match, even if it’s over in 5 seconds, will be historic sumo. Only one of these undefeated men will carry the day, and emerge as the clear leader. If Okinoumi prevails, he may well be unstoppable. He will have faced and defeated all Yokozuna, and all Ozeki. The remainder of his schedule are other Maegashira and San’yaku ranks. From this match forward, Okinoumi has the easier path to the end of the basho. Goeido will face the other Ozeki and both Yokozuna in week two, making the likelihood of him remaining undefeated should he win much lower.

Takayasu v Kakuryu – If it were not for the high stakes of the prior match of the undefeated, this would be the one to watch. Takayasu is looking very good thus far, and is clearly warmed up and in his element. He now has a chance to square off against Yokozuna Kakuryu, who also seems to have regained his rhythm. A great technician, he will face a much heavier and more powerful Takayasu. Advantage Kakuryu.

Harumafuji v Myogiryu – Easy bout for the Horse, try not to hurt him, champ!

September Day 6 Preview – Osunaarashi Injured?

Bruce H Aki Basho 2016, Harumafuji (日馬富士), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tochiozan (栃煌山), Yoshikaze (嘉風) , , , ,

day-5

The Undefeated Shall Be Tested

We enter day 6 with two rikishi still undefeated (5-0): Goeido & Okinoumi Following on their heels are 7 rikishi with only one loss (4-1): Harumafuji, Kotoshogiku, Takayasu, Ikioi, Kotoyuki, Endo and Kyokushuho

When the scheduling masters of the Sumo Kyokai looked upon this, they must have thought that heading into the middle weekend of a fairly exciting tournament, it was time to see if the undefeated could be challenged, this brings us to the schedule for day 6. I suspect this may be quite a bit more exciting than either of the weekend days, but time shall tell.

Late news – it seems that Osunaarashi was injured in today’s bout. It’s not sure if he’s going to be able to make day 6: He apparently cannot crouch at all, “I heard a ‘crack’ in my hip joint after beating Sadanofuji. I’m not going to hospital. I don’t have a choice but to be unreasonable..”

Now confirmed in the Japanese press: Osunaarashi Out

Notable Matches, Day 6

Osunaarashi v Kyokushuho – With Kyokushuho on a winning streak, this may be a tough trip to Makuuchi for Osunaarashi. But it will be welcome for the US folks to get to see him on the “highlights only” reel.

Endo v Takekaze – The veteran will possibly school Endo, who is on a bit of a hot streak for the past few days. Endo is in great form, but I would put the advantage on Takekaze for this bout.

Shohozan v Amakaze – After being Okinoumi chew-toy on day 5, Shohozan takes on the lower ranked Amakaze. Experience advantages to Shohozan, size to Amakaze. If Shohozan is not completely demoralized by the Torinaoshi, he should defeats Amakaze with little ceremony.

Chiyoshoma v Ikioi – Ikioi is in much better form this tournament, I really like how he is moving for most of his bouts. He should be able to handle Chiyoshoma.

Chiyonokuni v Yoshikaze – Two speed sumo practitioners will enter the dohyo, while I would expect Yoshikaze to win this one, Chiyonokuni thinks on his feet and improvises well. Advantage Yoshikaze – but this may be one to watch. The Berserker is eager to get back above .500, after a demoralizing start to this basho.

Kisenosato v Shodai – Nothing says softball like putting Shodai up against the Great Pumpkin. Shodai has really struggled this tournament, and this is going to be an easy win for Kisenosato, who still seems off his normal sumo.

Okinoumi v Kotoshogiku – While not the musubi no ichiban (結びの一番) – the final match of the day, it will for many fans hold far more excitement than day 6’s Yokozuna match. Undefeated Okinoumi vs the master of the Hug & Chug. Kadoban Twin Kotoshogiku is storming the gates of redemption, and shall not be denied. Against him is Okinoumi possessed with an undefeatable spirit. I can’t wait to see this one.

Goeido v Takayasu – If you wanted to possibly top the Okinoumi v Kotoshogiku match, this could do it. Takayasu has his rhythm running, and is thinking fast and moving strong in the last 3 bouts. Against him is a tough, strong Ozeki who has defeated all opponents to this day. Can Takayasu once again play giant killer? Is this his first audition for a future Ozeki slot?

Tochinoshin v Terunofuji – Tochinoshin is looking really off stride, this may not be much of a match against a fairly sharp Terunofuji. Tochinoshin seemed to have found new vigor on day 5, maybe he can translate that into a win on day 6.

Harumafuji v Takanoiwa – Easy call, Takanoiwa lands in the gift shop to the surprise of the spectators.

Kakuryu v Kaisei – The Brazilian is not really connecting, in spite of some great action on day 5. With any luck he will add some maneuver warfare to his tactic of being large and difficult to move. Kakuryu is back in focus now, and is dispatching everyone after a very rocky start to this basho.

September Day 5 Preview

Bruce H Aki Basho 2016, Harumafuji (日馬富士), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Takayasu (高安), Tochiozan (栃煌山), Yoshikaze (嘉風) , , , , , ,

kensho

Goeido, Kotoyuki and Okinoumi Enter Day 5 Undefeated

Deeper into the tournament schedule, the higher ranking rikishi are facing lower level opponents, and sekitori on winning streaks are now facing lower ranked opponents. This means it’s getting tougher to derail the undefeated, at least until they return to tougher bouts.

On day 4, Homarefuji withdrew due to torn muscles in his right calf, likely from that fight with Planet Gagamaru, when he received a rather forceful pushdown. In his following matches he was clearly hurt, and I am glad he is not going to risk further damage. As a result, Ura is coming to compete in Makuuchi! Yes, we will see him face Daieisho (Maegashira 16e). Hopefully it will make the NHK highlight reel!

Notable Matches, Day 5

Daieisho v Ura – As Andy pointed out, Ura’s kryptonite has been discovered. He is a wily and cunning sumotori, so I am eager to see if he changes up going up against Daieisho, who has only 1 win. Prediction – Ura via a nice yorikiri that is executed while falling backwards and winning the Nobel prize in chemistry.

Endo v Kotoyuki – Even though Endo is ranked Maegashira 14, he has more than enough skill and strength to defeat the undefeated Kotoyuki. Can we get the good Endo two days in a row?

Amakaze v Daishomaru – How is it that Daishomaru is winless on day 4? I want Amakaze to stay above 500, but I sure hope that Daishomaru is not skunked the first week out.

Chiyonokuni v Sokokurai – Chiyonokuni looked really good on day 4, where he kept fighting even past the point where most would have given up, and he did in fact carry the day. Prediction – win for Chiyonokuni.

Aoiyama v Ikioi – The brutal Bulgaria delivered the “Slap heard round the world” on day 1 against Chiyootori. Both he and Ikioi head into this match at 3-1. Prediction: a great deal of slapping and ugly wobbling of man-boobs, followed by a Bulgarian over the edge of the tarawa.

Mitakeumi v Yoshikaze – I am really starting to worry that Yoshikaze was not healed enough to participate in this tournament. The guy puts it all out there each time in the ring. Mitakeumi is doing much better than Nagoya, but I am going to go with the Berserker again.

Takayasu v Kaisei – Takayasu had a great bout against Tochiozan on day 4, and just kept wearing the Komusubi down until he had nothing left. I predict he will have a similar outcome with Kaisei, who seems to be struggling.

Tochiozan v Kotoshogiku – The Kadoban Twins are really just having a glorious first week, with nothing able to stand in their way. I think Tochiozan is bringing some great sumo this week, but nothing seems to stop these two Ozeki, hell bent to secure their rank.

Goeido v Takarafuji – Takarafuji won against Kaisei day 4, but for whatever reason, Goeido is unstoppable. I will have to go with the Kadoban Twin on this one.

Kisenosato v Takanoiwa – What universe do we live in where this is even a question. The Great Pumpkin has dispatched so many Maegashira 3’s with a push and a snort in the past, you could build a bridge to Miyajima out of them. This tournament, it’s anyone’s guess. I hope Kisenosato can get his grove back. He is better than this.

Tochinoshin v Kakuryu – The big Georgian is clearly hurt. I just hope he comes to a decision where he knows if he is better of taking kyujo rather than making a show and risking greater injury.

Harumafuji v Shodai – I am starting to feel sorry for Shodai. This guy actually is a decent sumotori, with actual skills. None of that will matter with The Horse. Taking wagers on which row Shodai ends up in, and wether Harumafuji gets a spiral on him or not.