Ishiura

Kyushu Day 12 Preview

Bruce H Gōeidō (豪栄道), Hakuho (白鵬), Harumafuji (日馬富士), Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kyushu Basho 2016, Takayasu (高安), Yoshikaze (嘉風) , , , , , ,

soken-kise

You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain
Book of Five Rings

The Kyushu basho has been a mixed bag, much more so than the other sumo tournaments this year. With day 11, the head has been turned to boil, and 5 rikishi all have solid chances of contending for the championship. Strangest among them is newcomer Ishiura, who has an impressive 10-1 record heading into day 12. His matches are likely to get progressively tougher for the final 4 days of Kyushu, as the Sumo Kyokai test his skill and resilience. At the bottom of Makuuchi, he faced some decent opponents, but he will be tested against upper level wrestlers. It’s quite important they not promote him too quickly, and risk injury, when much of Japan is going Ishiura crazy.

That leaves us with 4 – All 3 Yokozuna and the real wildcard this basho, Kisenosato. I have no idea how much more amazing sumo Kisenosato can produce this tournament. Frankly he has already exceeded expectations. Everything from here on out is just gravy.

Hakuho is still very good, but I continue to think he is nursing his injuries, and we won’t see him at full strength until January in Tokyo. But he is one of the most inventive, wily sumotori in recent history. If given the opportunity, he will find a way to win.

Kakuryu is about to face the real test of his fitness to win the yusho – the other Yokozuna. He has been largely defensive this basho, even against much lower ranked opponents. But up until yesterday, it has worked for him.

Which brings us to Harumafuji. He only has 1 loss, and frankly I think he has been the best of the three Yokozuna this basho, and I like his chances of once again walking away the Emperor’s Cup.

While the yusho race is the headline grabber, most of the rikishi are pushing to try and secure a winning record and stave off demotion. Right now its all about kachi-koshi further down the banzuke.

Notable Matches

Chiyoshoma vs Gagamaru – Chiyoshoma could pick up his kachi-koshi today. Gagamaru is really hit or miss, and slightly more miss than hit. These two have only met twice, with Chiyoshoma winning both times.

Sokokurai vs Arawashi – Sokokurai also striving to overcome the blazing offense of Arawashi to reach his kachi-koshi. Sokokurai has been doing very well this basho, and if he does not overcome Arawashi, I have great confidence that Sokokurai will get this done. On top of that, Sokokurai has won their prior matches 7-4

Ishiura vs Ikioi – First of the headline matches of the day. After day 11, I am sure he is ready for another match. This time its against the new start of sumo, Ishiura. Ishiura has been employing a mini-henka at the tachiai. I am hoping that Ikioi recognizes this is coming, stands his ground and delivers him a solid match. This is the first time these two rikishi have met.

Ichinojo vs Tochinoshin – I am looking for the big Georgian to send the giant sumo robot (Ichinojo) into reboot mode. His next win will put him in positive territory with a kachi-koshi. His record against Inchinojo is 7-2, so Tochinoshin has the leading edge in their series.

Takayasu vs Yoshikaze – Both of these sumotori are really struggling this basho. Both of them are among my favorites. I have tegata from both men on my wall. Takayasu took a nasty header into the tawara on day 10, and I wonder if he was seriously hurt. Yoshikaze’s sumo is all about move and strike, as we saw against Endo. Takayasu is all about strength and power, which he was not able to deploy against Hakuho. Takayasu leads their career match ups 8-6

Goeido vs Endo – This should be an easy pick up for Goeido. The past two days he has reverted back to his “good” mode and has been a real joy to watch. Endo is in danger of going make-koshi if he is not careful, but he won’t likely pick up a win today.

Kotoshogiku vs Kakuryu – Kotoshogiku is already back to kadoban status, and I doubt he will do much to Kakuryu, as Kotoshogiku has been injured the entire tournament. I would really rather that Kotoshogiku just declare himself kyujo, and start recovering now. But I think the Ozeki’s pride won’t allow that, and he will face a formidable Kakuryu.

Harumafuji vs Kisenosato – Most likely the match of the day. Kisenosato has been 2 Yokozuna in the past two days, and he faces Harumafuji on day 12. While I have confidence that Kisenosato is really in fine form this tournament, Harumafuji tends to win their match ups. Harumafuji deployed minimal effort in the first week, but has shown his fantastic Yokozuna chops in the past few days. I expect that it will be a short bout with Harumafuji the winner.

Hakuho vs Terunofuji – Terunofuji needs one more win for kachi-koshi, and to clear his kadoban status. I don’t think he will get it from Hakuho, who while not at full capability, is probably more than enough to defeat Terunofuji. Terunofuji has been fighting well in spite of ongoing knee problems.

Kyushu Day 11 Results

Bruce H Gōeidō (豪栄道), Hakuho (白鵬), Harumafuji (日馬富士), Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Kyushu Basho 2016, Takayasu (高安), Yoshikaze (嘉風) , , , , , , ,

takayasu

They Turned It to 11

As posted earlier, the major news from Day 11 was that the undefeated leader of the basho, Yokozuna Kakuryu, was bested by Kisenosato in a rowdy, running bout that featured the Ozeki throwing Kakuryu at the edge of the ring.

As a result, a broad number of rikishi are now in connection for the tournament championship, including first time Makuuchi sumotori, Ishiura, down at Maegashira 15. Believe it or not, Ishiura is part of the three-way tie for leadership at the end of day 11. On day 11, the schedulers for the basho gave him Myogiryu (Maegashira 9) to play with, but Ishiura once again deployed a Harumafuji brand mini-henka.

Where does this basho go from here? With 4 days left there are 5 rikishi who could conceivable win. The Japan Sumo Kyokai would like nothing better than a 5 way brawl at the end, as their desired drama of a Yokozuna run was dismantled by a bad call, and even their Ozeki hopeful, Takayasu, fizzled out. To drive ratings, they need drama, so drama they will have.

Look for Ishiura to get a couple of really tough matches, may I suggest Takarafuji and Tochinoshin? Or maybe serve that up with a side of Yoshikaze?

Highlights

Daishomaru defeats Ichinojo – The giant sumo robot from the future looked slow and hungover, or maybe his latest software update is not downloading correctly

Sokokurai defeats Chiyoshoma – great, even match from the start. Winning move was a huge power lift from Sokokurai that looked fantastic, and likely hurt as Chiyoshoma ends up in the salt box

Ishiura defeats Myogiryu – Henka-lite again today. I am surprised that Myogiryu fell for it. Do what Chyonofuji would do, stand up, step forward one step, keeping your weight back. If Ishiura jumps to the side, grab his belt and make him pay

Tochinoshin defeats Nishikigi – Significant reversal in Tochinoshin after that monoii that robbed him of a clear win on day 8. He seems to reverted to his very strong, physical style. Sadly Nishikigi now make-koshi

Chiyonokuni defeats Kotoyuki – I am very happy to see Chiyonokuni rally. He had a terrible start to the basho.

Shodai defeats Ikioi – Clumsy extra step at the edge hands Ikioi the loss after a monoii. This one was not even close. Shodai picks up his kachi-koshi

Yoshikaze defeats Endo – Good lord! The Berserker completely dismantled Endo, and looked really solid doing it.

Kaisei defeats Mitakeumi – Kaisei finally gets his first win! Mitakeumi had nothing today, a marked change.

Goeido defeats Terunofuji – Wow, the Goeido we loved from Aki is back indeed. Focused, powerful and committing everything to offense. He overwhelmed Terunofuji. That monoii really agitates me, without it Goeido would be in contention for the yusho, and possibly promotion. Goeido earns his kachi-koshi. Nice stare down to start things off, too!

Harumafuji defeats Kotoshogiku – So very happy that Harumafuji is once again showing us Yokozuna class sumo. Kotoshogiku was no match for him, and is now kadoban again after dropping this match.

Hakuho defeats Takayasu – As predicted, Hakuho did everything to keep Takayasu moving and off balance. Hakuho controlled the bout from the tachiai, and Takayasu never had a chance to do anything other than chase Hakuho around. Sadly the final move may have injured Takayasu, which would be a shame.

Kisenosato defeats Kakuryu – The match of the day, well documented in an earlier thread. This victory is monumental in its impact, and will energize the remaining 4 days of this tournament.

Kyushu Day 11 Preview

Bruce H Gōeidō (豪栄道), Hakuho (白鵬), Harumafuji (日馬富士), Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Kyushu Basho 2016, San'yaku (三役), Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安) , , , , , , , , ,

ishura-day10

Finish Strong.

We now start the last 5 days of sumo for 2016. It’s fascinating that Harumafuji and Kisenosato are stilled tied at the top of total wins for 2016, a tie that will be broken soon, possibly on day 11. After watching Kisenosato dismantle Hakuho on the NHK highlight reel, the accomplishment is ever more impressive. Again, the sumo Kisenosato brought to day 10 was some of the best I have seen in some time, and I think the fans in Fukuoka and watching around the world were amazed.

To be fair, Kisenosato finally laid bare the extent of Hakuho’s recovery from surgery this past September. It is clear that the Boss has been artfully keeping the true extent of the remaining weakness in his foot and knee hidden through outstanding technique and clever tactics. But Kisenosato brought a full power maneuver battle to day 10, and in the end Hakuho lost.

But there are some really ugly questions left to resolve. First and foremost in my mind is how badly will this end for Takayasu. Mathematically, he cannot even reach 10 wins this basho. Had he gotten 10, his Ozeki run would have carried forward to Hatsu in January. But now the best he can hope for is 9, and that requires him defeating at least 2 Yokozuna. Realistically he is going make-koshi, and headed down in rank, at least to Komusubi for January. If he somehow manages 9, he remains Sekiwake – but his Ozeki count to 33 starts over again at zero.

Speaking of which, we can start to see who will advance, and who will be demoted for January. In short, it’s a Makuuchi blood bath:

  • Day 10 Makuuchi Kachi-koshi : Kakuryu, Harumafuji, Ishiura, Hakuho, Kisenosato, Arawashi
  • Day 10 Makuuchi Make-Koshi : Okinoumi, Yoshikaze, Sadanoumi, Hidenoumi, Aoiyama, Kyokushuho, Kaisei

For Juryo – There is a lot more bunched up int he middle, showing that for Kyushu, Juryo is much more balanced than the upper division Makuuchi

  • Day 10 Juryo Kachi-koshi : Osunaarashi, Seiro
  • Day 10 Juryo Make-koshi : Tokushoryu, Asasekiryu, Sadanofuji

There is still time to derail the Osunaarashi Juryo Yusho train, but that mighty Egyptian locomotive shows no sign of slowing down.

Notable Matches

Daishomaru vs Ichinojo – First time match up between these two, both of them in the middle of the pack pushing to exit Kyushu with a winning record. Both rikishi are at risk of demotion back to Juryo if they finish with losing records.

Chiyoshoma vs Sokokurai – Chiyoshoma bringing oshi-zumō vs Sokokurai’s yotsu-zumō. Their only prior meeting went to Chiyoshoma, but this is going to be an even match. I expect Sokokurai will prevail on this one.

Myogiryu vs Ishiura – Ishiura, please no mini-henka today. You are facing someone 6 steps up the banzuke, and everyone wants to see if you can handle the harder matches. The degree of your coming promotion is defined by the next 3 matches. This is the first match between these two.

Shohozan vs Takarafuji – These two are fairly even in Kyushu, but historically Takarafuji has yet to win against Shohozan in any of their prior 6 matches.

Ikioi vs Shodai – Winner is kachi-koshi from this bout. Slight edge to Shodai on this, they have only faced each other 3 times. They will be slapping each other around for a few seconds, grapple and figure out the winner.

Day 11 Battle of the Sanyaku Fleet

Goeido vs Terunofuji – First, a resurgent Terunofuji facing a very inconsistent Goeido. Goeido was back to his winning ways, and in good form on day 10. Terunofuji, though still injured, seems to be in very competitive form. Terunofuji, once he gets set, is very tough to move. He has legs like tree trunks and a back that could lift an ox. To win, Goeido needs to take him off balance in the first few seconds before he can get his stance planted, and his attack underway.

Harumafuji vs Kotoshogiku – Kotoshogiku make-koshi today. I am hoping that Harumafuji uses him to practice the kind of sumo he deployed on day 10. Statistically a slight edge to Kotoshogiku, with history showing a 33-27 lifetime between the two. But let’s get serious, Kotoshogiku is going make-kochi, and will once again be kadoban.

Hakuho vs Takayasu – Chances are very small that Takayasu can rally and defeat Hakuho, in spite of the fact that Kisenosato showed his stable mate Takayasu the recipe. Takayasu is still very capable, but he is likely going back to Komusubi with a 7-8 record.

Kisenosato vs Kakuryu – Likely the highlight match of the day. Career statistics, it’s advantage Kisenosato, 30-17. Kakuryu would love to go Zensho Yusho for the last match of 2016, and everyone is hoping that he can suffer at least one loss to open up the yusho race. Kakuryu will have watched the Hakuho match multiple times, and will be studying this new fearsome, mobile Kisenosato.

Kyushu Day 10 Results

Bruce H Gōeidō (豪栄道), Hakuho (白鵬), Harumafuji (日馬富士), Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Kisenosato (稀勢の里), Kyushu Basho 2016, Sekiwake (関脇), Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安) , , ,

kise-boss

Act 2 Comes To a Close.

The middle ⅓ of the Kyushu basho is now in the books. Yokozuna Kakuryu remains undefeated. Day 10 saw the return of the good Goeido, Takayasu a step closer to make-kochi, and an epic battle between Hakuho and Kisenosato.

Sadly the use of Harumafuji style mini-henka and nodawa Darth-Vader grip seems to be spreading. I would hope that the Nippon Sumo Kyokai will issue some guidelines on these moves, as they have gotten completely boring.

The closing 5 days of Kyushu – a few questions remain:

  • Can Kakuryu survive Harumafuji and Hakuho?
  • Will Ozeki hopeful Takayasu actually go make-koshi instead, as Kitamayama jokingly predicted?
  • Can Goeido settle down, focus on his sumo and return to his dominant approach that won the yusho in Aki?
  • What the hell is Ishiura eating, and where do we get some?

In Juryo, Osunaarashi is the man to beat, with only one loss. The only rikishi close is Seiro, at 8-2. Ura and Satoyama lost day 10, and are now 7-3.

Leaderboard

  • Undefeated: Kakuryu
  • Chasers: Harumafuji, Ishiura
  • Hunt Group: Hakuho, Kisenosato, Arawashi

5 matches remain

Highlights

Ishiura defeats Sokokurai – Again we see the Harumafuji mini-henke move. Today Ishiura looked like he was moving his fridge, but Sokokurai was out all the same.

Toyohibiki defeats Ichinojo – Nice effort from Toyohibiki, who made quick work of the sumo robot from the future.

Ikioi defeats Chiyootori – Fantastic duel, multiple times Ikioi seemed to be ready to finish Chiyootori, but Chiyootori would not surrender. Much respect to Chiyootori, as he really fought this one to the end.

Arawashi defeats Takanoiwa – Dirty henka

Tochinoshin defeats Chiyoshoma – That strong left of Tochinoshin’s came in fast, and he took control of Chiyoshoma.

Endo defeats Nishikigi – Good effort by Nishikigi, but Endo took his time, and walked him out.

Takarafuji defeats Shodai – I really liked this match. Shodai opened strong, and Takarafuji gave ground with a lot of resistance. At no time did Takarafuji look like he was off plan, and he was able to keep mobile, and wait for Shodai to make a mistake. Then it was over to the side of the ring, with a final shove to win. Shodai has a solid future, but experienced sumotori like Takarafuji have much to teach him.

Tamawashi defeats Kaisei – What the hell was that? The Harumafuji nodawa is ugly, but Tamawashi’s blatant choke hold should be reprimanded.

Goeido defeats Kotoshogiku – Yeah, that’s the good version of Goeido! He was in control, on plan and dominated the struggling Kotoshogiku. I predict that Kotoshogiku will once again be kadoban.

Kisenosato defeats Hakuho – My pick for match of the day. Kisenosato must have been thinking as we do here at Tachiai – that Hakuho is still very strong, very cunning, but his mobility is not yet back to form. Kisenosato, who is not the most mobile rikishi, won a roving battle with the Boss, and did it in spectacular style. Multiple times Hakuho tried to wrap him up, but Kisenosato kept moving, slapping and keeping Hakuho off balance. The match finished with Kisenosato pressing Hakhuho to the edge and lifting him out of the ring. Very unlike Kisenosato, and I was really damn impressed.

Kakuryu defeats Terunofuji – The Yokozuna established a double inside grip early on Terunofuji, but Terunofuji’s size and strength prevented Kakuryu from being able to do much with it. Switching gears, Kakuryu spun Terunofuji and launched him eastward from the dohyo. Kakuryu has proven quite effective at improvising as the bout is underway

Harumafuji defeats Takayasu – Thank you Harumafuji for a real Yokozuna level display of sumo. Sadly it’s against a Sekiwake who is in real danger of going make-kochi. Takayasu put up a great fight against Harumafuji.