Tachiai’s favorite Texan rikishi is back in action on day 12, with a solid chance to improve his record for Haru. On Thursday, Wakaichiro faces off against Sandanme 86 Hokutohomare, from Hakkaku heya. Hokutohomare is a long term veteran who has been in sumo since 2011, and has gotten as high as Sandanme 80. He has a great deal of experience, and will present a solid challenge to Wakaichro.
As always, we will bring results and video as soon as we have them.
Texas sumotori Wakaichiro returns to action on day 10, facing off against Sandanme 88 Hokuyozan, of Tatsunami heya. Hokuyozan is roughly the same height and weight as Wakakichiro, but is participating in his 54th basho, going all the way back to 2009. He is a seasoned professional and will bring a great deal of experience to the bout.
Wakaichiro needs to win 2 out of his last 3 matches to secure a kachi-koshi, and maintain his berth in Sandanme. We will be watching with great interest tonight. As always we will bring you results and video as soon as they are available.
As Bruce noted, Wakaichiro was in action today on Day 8, taking on Ginseizan of Otake-beya. Fortunately, I was at the EDION Arena taking in the day’s action, so Tachiai can provide the video of this match ourselves (with the usual disclaimer about elderly folks ambling into our camera angle).
Less fortunately, Wakaichiro suffered defeat to his 24 year old opponent by oshidashi in a battle of pushing and thrusting. He is now 2-2 on the tournament and we will continue to cheer him on as he pursues a kachi-koshi and upward momentum in the Sandanme division. As the rikishi walk past the spectators on the way into the arena, I attempted to find our man before the match but unfortunately could not find the entrance point for the east side until after his match had concluded. More on today’s experience at the EDION Arena will be coming soon to Tachiai.
Our favorite Sandanme rikishi returns to the Haru dohyo before noon on day 8, facing off against Sandanme 90 Ginseizan. Ginseizan began sumo in 2013 in Osaka and is from Otake heya. He is the same height as Wakaichiro, but only weights 90kg. His highest rank is Sandanme 41 and has been bouncing between Sandanme and Jonidan for the past few years.
In spite of his weight advantage, Wakaichiro is going up against a seasoned veteran. This match will be an excellent test of his “survival” potential in the Sandanme division. It has been the case that Wakaichiro always fights better in Tokyo, so a kachi-koshi in Osaka would set him up for a significant tournament in May.
As always, we will bring you details and video once we find it.