Mitakeumi

Kyushu Day 2 Highlights

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) , , ,

 

07kakuryu

Sadly, the expected clashes of day two were mostly a disappointment to watch, with the highlight coming from Kakuryu, which is a wonderful an infrequent event.

Both Mitakeumi and Endo won decisively, and Ichinojo was looking more animated than his first bout. Goeido and Takayasu never really got started, and was a complete let down. Okinoumi hung in tough against Yoshikaze, which is never easy.

Meanwhile Hakuho and Harumafuji both one, but neither really showed the kind of exciting sumo the fans are expecting.

Notable highlights

Ishiura defeats Gagamaru – My wife says that Ishiura looks like a guy not to borrow money from, but Gagamaru was no match for the up and coming rikishi.

Ichinojo defeats Chyootori – The big Mongolian looked a bit better today, but still well below his potential in the lower Makuuchi ranks. He tied up Chyootori early, and eventually used his impressive bulk to simply crush him to the dohyo

Ikioi defeats Takanoiwa – Ikioi off to a strong 2-0 start, he completely overpowered Takanoiwa after a few early slaps. Ikioi has some very good moves, but struggles to compete at the higher end of Makuuchi.

Takekaze defeats Nishikigi – Takekaze does the Takekaze, and pulls Nishikigi down on the tachiai. Nishikigi is off to a disappointing start, none of which is from any real battle-sumo.

Takarafuji defeats Tochinoshin – Tochinoshin has been in decline, and I would guess he is still nursing injuries, where Takarafuji is looking comfortable at Maegashira 5.

Okinoumi defeats Yoshikaze – Even though he was clearly in pain, Okinoumi endured a solid Yoshikaze attack, and was able to wrap up Yoshikaze and push him out of the ring. If I had to guess, Okinoumi will kyujo during the tournament.

Goeido defeats Takayasu – This was my most anticipated match, and it was a complete non-event. Takayasu “slipped and fell” seconds after the tachiai. I completely understand, but just wish these two could have battled it out.

Endo defeats Terunofuji – Endo worked very hard for this win, but it’s clear that Terunofuji is a shadow of his former self. He has little to no power, and was out-matched by the smaller rikishi. I dearly wish we could get the un-injured Terunofuji back, he was a lot of fun.

Mitakeumi defeats Kotoshogiku – On day one I suspected that Kotoshogiku was not quite up to the form he showed at Aki. Mitakeumi took him down with a throw, and Kotoshogiku never could get his bear hug in.

Harumafuji defeats Kaisei – Kaisei is really hapless now, another bright rikishi who is a shade of their former self. It’s also rather disappointing to see someone of Harumafuji’s skill and power win using the side-step and push move.

Hakuho defeats Aoiyama – Boss looking a little better on day 2, but I am guessing they are not throwing him any big challenges yet. Aoiyama over-extended, went off balance and Hakuho pushed him to the clay

Kakuryu defeats Tochiozan – Best match of the day from the Yokozuna I tend to overlook. Kakuryu really worked hard for his win, and looked strong and good doing it. I would also note that Tochiozan gave the match everything, and had the Yokozuna in trouble a couple of times, but could not close the deal. I would be delighted to see Kakuryu back in form and fighting well for this tournament.

Kyushu Storyline #5: Mitakeumi Joins Sanyaku

Andy Fukuoka Basho 2016

I decided to split these promotion storylines in two: those making their debuts in makuuchi as one storyline, and this second one about Mitakeumi’s climb into the sanyaku as Komusubi. Last basho was excellent at Maegashira #5. His best bout was likely his win over Takayasu since Takayasu was also on a roll and got a special prize for wins over two yokozuna and two ozeki. But this time Mitakeumi’s going to get blasted again by yokozuna. I call this the YO-YO schedule because he’ll be fighting yokozunas and ozekis to start the tournament. Two tournaments ago he was M1 and lost his first 5 bouts. This time, he may face a hobbled Terunofuji in those first few days and that would likely be his best shot at a win in the first week. Even if he doesn’t win, he can scrap. I just hope he’s more competitive this time against the yokozunas. His fights against Hakuho and Harumafuji were blink-and-you-missed-it affairs.

Aki Day 13 Preview

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

harumafuji

Can Harumafuji Stop Goeido?

At the end of day 12, Goeido is on a drive that includes a possible zenshō, a perfect tournament record victory. He seems unstoppable, with his nearest competitor 2 wins behind him. There are, mathematically, two possible matches left to prevent this outcome, and it starts with Harumafuji on day 13.

Today, we saw the classic Harumafuji “Spin Cycle” against Kotoshogiku, and it was devastatingly effective. Out of all the fantastic attack strategies Harumafuji employs, sumo fans are dreaming of an epic battle to end the day Friday.

Among the sekitori hunting Goeido, Takayasu has already faced him, and lost.

  • Leader (12-0): Goeido
  • Hunt Group (10-2): Harumafuji, Takayasu, Endo
  • 3 Days Remain

Matches of Note

Harumafuji v Goeido – This one likely determines if Goeido takes the cup. There are two people in sumo you can look to for a fierce battle, the sidelined Hakuho, and the defending cup holder, Harumafuji. I don’t expect Goeido on defense at all, and I expect him to move early to get Harumafuji off balance. His victory in the upper ranks have focused on getting his opponent to react to an unexpected move, and then strike in an instant as they are between moves. Normally Harumafuji could send him sailing into the crowd, but this tournament Goeido is in top form.

Advantage Goeido

Kisenosato v Kakuryu – Both these sanyaku are struggling, both of them are under performing, both of them need to take a recovery break after this basho, get healthy and get their head back in the game. Kakuryu is doing well for an Ozeki, but is not up to Yokozuna levels. Kisenosato had one job to do, and the easiest conditions to accomplish it. He failed.

Takayasu v Mitakeumi – Interesting classroom sessions for Mitakeumi. Both rikishi are well into kachi-koshi, and this is really to see how many wins they can rack up. Takayasu is now banking scalps for a possibly Ozeki bid in Kyushu, and Mitakeumi is looking to test himself.

Okinoumi v Aoiyama – The winner achieves kachi-koshi. Okinoumi faded completely from his outstanding first day performance. It would be unsettling if he could not find a way to get the enormous Aoiyama down.

Shohozan v Endo – Endo is racking up a lot of wins down at the bottom of makuuchi. Shohozan is looking for secure a winning record and a likely promotion higher up the banzuke.

Day 12 Preview: Home Stretch

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

mitakeumi

“You can only fight the way you practice” – Book of Five Rings

With 4 days of sumo left, we are down to a handful or rikishi who are viable to win the tournament. Most of the wrestlers are now focusing on surviving with a winning record (kachi-koshi), and even that is quite a struggle for some. As noted earlier, some of them already know they will be demoted, and that list will grow on day 11.

Andy and I went sumo-nerd in the comments on the day 11 results post, so if you want to see some detailed discussion of who did what in key matches, go have a look.

  • Leader (11-0): Goeido
  • Hunt Group (9-2): Harumafuji, Takayasu, Endo
  • 4 Days Remain

Matches of Note

Goeido v Kakuryu – The match to watch where the undefeated, and likely yusho bound Goeido takes on injured and struggling Yokozuna Kakuryu. Given what he did to Kisenosato, do not assume that Goeido will lose to the higher ranked Sekitori. Very few chances are left to put a loss on Goeido’s record. If it’s going to happen, it may be a Yokozuna who does it.

Advantage Goeido

Harumafuji v Kotoshogiku – Kotoshogiku, after a hugely strong start, is now struggling to get his kachi-koshi and remove the lingering funk of kadoban. Even though Takayasu was able to out fox the Horse, the same is not likely true for Kotoshogiku, whose sumo is frequently face to face tests of muscle and force. Harumafuji excels in these conditions.

Advantage Harumafuji

Takayasu v Yoshikaze – This is a sad match, and the condition and record that Yoshikaze brings to day 12 are a story of painful struggle. Takayasu, in contrast, is on an upward arc that started in Nagoya, and shows no sign of slowing down. As with all of the matches this week, my biggest hope is that Yoshikaze does not compound his injuries before he can step back and heal after Sunday.

Advantage Takayasu

Okinoumi v Tochiozan – Like Kotoshogiku, Okinoumi came on strong early and is now hovering 1 win away from promotion. Okinoumi’s sumo is good enough, and Tochiozan is struggling. One more loss, and Tochiozan secures a losing record, and a demotion from the Sanyaku ranks.

Advantage Okinoumi

Endo v Mitakeumi – Someone decided it would be fun to take the Maegashira 14 with a join spot in the leading group, and face him off with a strong, up and coming Maegashira 5 who is looking very good this tournament. This one is a toss up, because on some days this basho, Mitakeumi has looked a bit shaky. Likewise Endo has been higher ranked in the past, so he certainly has the speed, skill and patience to win this.

Advantage Mitakeumi