Hatsubasho 2015: Day 3

Forget what I said yesterday about Kakuryu’s leg drive. Maybe his foot was asleep. He drove Tochinoshin out today, which is no mean feat. However, Hakuho and Harumafuji just look plain dangerous. They destroyed Takarafuji and Ikioi in short order. Also with 3 wins are maegashiras Jokoryu, Okinoumi, and Arawashi. Jokoryu’s been solid. If he keeps it up we’ll see how he does against better competition. Right now, though, Hakuho and Harumafuji look unstoppable.

Two Ozeki went down today, Kotoshogiku and Kisenosato. Kotoshogiku came up a bit lame on his leg. I hope it’s not too serious but it will seriously hinder his chances at staying among the Ozeki. Kisenosato hung on for dear life against Terunofuji who claimed his second ozeki scalp. For his efforts, he gets to face Hakuho tomorrow who beat him in each of their two meetings in September and November last year.

Aoiyama fell today to Ichinojo who met his fellow sekiwake head on with a strong tachiai and perservered for the yorikiri forceout. Endo had an evenly matched, lively bout against Aminishiki and should have won. Review shows Aminishiki touching with his hand before the pair tumbled off the dohyo into the crowd. But in the heat of the moment, Aminishiki was ruled victor and disappointingly there was no monoii conference to review the decision. As further punishment, Endo will face Harumafuji tomorrow. He may want to pull a Chiyoootori and call in sick.

Hatsubasho 2015: Day 2

Kakuryu was the first yokozuna to fall today. His knee seemed to give when he was pushed to the edge of the dohyo. Given yesterday’s stumble, I’m wondering how healthy his knee is. He didn’t seem to get much drive against Takarafuji. He’s scheduled to take on Tochinoshin tomorrow who, despite the past injury, has a lot of power in his legs. For his part, he put up a valiant effort against Hakuho today so I’m going to pick him over a weakened Kakuryu tomorrow.

Harumafuji is looking on top of his game. He quickly dispatched Takayasu, revenge for the out-of-control spill over the summer? Kotoshogiku and Kisenosato both picked up wins but Goeido dropped his bout to Terunofuji. Aminishiki picked up a good throw victory against Ichinojo and Endo lost to Aoiyama. Endo immediately went back to view the replay of his match because I’m sure he thought Aoiyama stepped out. Replays show Aoiyama danced along the straw bails, letting Endo fall to the floor. He was never out.

So far, it’s looking like Harumafuji, Hakuho, Kisenosato, and Aoiyama will be battling for the title. They’re looking pretty fierce.