Sandanme

Wakaichiro Loses Day 8 Match

Bruce H Kyushu Basho 2017, Wakaichiro (若一郎)

Texas sumotori Wakaichiro lost his day 8 match against Daishowaka, falling to 1-3 and getting closer to earning a make-koshi, or majority loss record for the Kyushu tournament. In the video above, which appears thanks to commenter and friend of Tachiai Nista, Wakaichiro puts up a good fight but gets into trouble when he focuses on pulling his opponent down. As a result, Daishowaka takes advantage and controls the match to its conclusion.

If Wakaichiro fails to secure 3 additional wins during his final matches, he will face demotion for the Hatsu basho in January. As Wakaichiro fans, we are all rooting for him to overcome, but we should all keep in mind that with his elevation to Sandanme, the level of competition has increased significantly.

Wakaichiro’s 4th Match: Early Day 8

Bruce H Kyushu Basho 2017, Wakaichiro (若一郎)

Wakichiro4

Tachiai’s favorite American rikishi, Wakaichiro (若一郎), returns to the dohyo on Sunday for his 4th bout of the Kyushu basho. For a change his opponent is not from Sadogatake beya (home of Kotoshogiku), but instead he faces Sandanme 87 Daishowaka.

Like Wakaichiro, Daishowaka enters day 8 with a 1-2 record, looking for a win to pull even. Daishowaka is a 30 year old, long time sumo veteran who has participated in 87 tournaments since he started sumo in 2003, never ranking above Sandanme 16.

As always we will bring you details of his match as soon as they become available.

Wakaichiro Match #3 – A Loss

Bruce H Kyushu Basho 2017, Wakaichiro (若一郎)

Wakaichiro

Day 5 action from Fukuoka, Sandanme 85 rikishi and Tachiai favorite Wakaichiro faced off against Sadogatake beya’s Kotoryusei. Unfortunately the man from Texas did not prevail over his opponent. Winning move is listed as okuridashi, meaning that Kotoryusei was able to get Wakaichiro turned around, and push him out from behind.

With this loss, Wakaichiro drops to 1-2, but is still easily within range of a kachi-koshi for his first basho in in Sandanme. We anticipate that he will return to the doyho on day 7 or 8.

Video Of Wakaichiro’s Day 3 Win

Bruce H Kyushu Basho 2017, Wakaichiro (若一郎)

Thanks again to friend of Tachiai, Nista, who shared this video of Texas sumotori Wakaichiro’s second match. Fighting Sandanme 86 Kotonoshima, Wakaichiro overcame a few tough spots to deliver a solid win. Clearly winning the tachiai, Wakaichiro drove forward, but Kotonoshima attempted to counter with a pull down. It was great to see Wakaichiro read the hatakikomi, drive forward and win.

Well done, and congratulations to Wakaichiro!