Sumo

[CONN CHRIS]

Well, here is day five.

My favorite Tochinoshin is out with injury and likely done. Too bad after that great performance yesterday. Nuts.

Mitekiumi is bumming me out too.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEK1hilEHAU

[Magus978]

I've been bad about recaps lately, but that changes today. Hopefully I can keep up and do one every day the rest of the way. Some notes before we get started today...

- Goeido suffered an ankle injury on day 1 and has been ruled out the rest of the way. So much for being the only healthy ozeki, right?

- Tomokaze suffered a dislocated knee & ligament damage on day 2 and will be out for at least a year, according to Oguruma oyakata. Next time we see him may be all the way down in Makush[i]ta or perhaps as low as Sandamne.

That said, let's have at it for day 5.

- Terutsuyoshi (2-2) & Daishomaru (1-3) lead off the Makuuchi action today. Terutsuyoshi is too eager off the tachi-ai and gets himself into a very bad position on the edge of the ring. All Daishomaru has to do is gently push him out, and he does. Both go to 2-3.

- Wakatakakage's withdrawal from the tournament is confirmed now, and thus Kagayaki gets a fusensho win to go to 3-2. Have to feel bad for Wakatakakage, who was making a big impact in his first Makuuchi tournament at 4-0, now he's going back down to Juryo with a 4-1-10 record (essentially 4-11). Hopefully we see him again very soon.

- Moving on from that sadness, we have a pair of 1-3 rikishi looking to stay in Makuuchi as Daishoho faces Takanosho. Evenly matched at the tachi-ai, but Takanosho seizes control and pushes Daishoho out. Takanosho's hopes of staying in the division brighen a bit, while it's not looking good at all for the now 1-4 Daishoho.

- Pair of 2-2's square off next as Nishikigi takes on Chiyotairyu. Chiyotairyu gets right to work with his slaps and it's enough to send Nishikigi backwards and out.

- Ishiura (1-3) needs to step it up, and he'll hope to do it against Chiyomaru (2-2). Ishiura just bounces off Chiyomaru and that pretty much spelled the beginning of the end for him, as Chiyomaru easily slaps him out.

- Now a bout of two rikishi going in opposite directions. Kotoshogiku (0-4) looks like he's on his way out, while Shodai (4-0) has established himself as an early contender. Kotoshogiku shows more fight than he has in the tournament so far, gets the advantage, and pushes Shodai out! Is this the start of a fightback for Kotoshogiku? As for Shodai, he'll be frustrated to lose like he did today and that drops him out of the unbeaten ranks and into the 1-loss pack.

- Shimanoumi (2-2) steps in against Sadanoumi (3-1) next. They jockey for position in the middle in the early going, but Sadanoumi is able to get the upper hand with some good movement and pushes Shimanoumi out.

- Coming off that tongue twister of a bout, we get a pair of 3-1's next as Shohozan battles Yutakayama. Shohozan comes on strong early, but Yutakayama turns him around to eventually take him out.

- Tsurugisho (3-1) gets set to do battle with Kotoeko (0-4) next. Tsurugisho using the long reach to control the action at the start, but he slips and falls! Kotoeko was cunning enough to make Tsurugisho move, and he was rewarded with the victory.

- Aoiyama (3-1) has had a nice start to the tournament, but he's gotta do battle with not just Enho (3-1), but the crowd which favors him by a considerable margin. This is another big size mismatch, but Enho shows no fear by going toe to toe with him! Enho's toughness might have surprised Aoiyama, because the big Bulgarian gets off balance and his hand hits the clay! Enho wins by Hikiotoshi and goes to 4-1.

- Onosho (1-3) vs Kotoyuki (3-1) next. Kotoyuki lands a few good slaps early, but when that doesn't move a rikishi out, what is he to do? Onosho shows him what he can do, and uses a good push attack to send Kotoyuki flying out.

- Tamawashi & Ryuden are both 2-2 and this could be an early crossroads bout for them. Tamawashi was in control throughout, gradually gaining control and pushing Ryuden out.

- Hokutofuji & Asanoyama square off in this battle of 3-1 Komusubi. Asanoyama gets off far better than Hokutofuji, and is in full control, lifting his opponent out. Asanoyama winner by Yorikiri.

- Abi & Endo are both 1-3 and underperforming. Who wants to stay at Komusubi more? Abi goes on the attack and lands a big shove immediately and sends Endo flying out. Good show from Abi who needs to be able to do that more often to get back on track...maybe I spoke too soon, because the judges are calling for a mono-ii! The judges review it, and in the end the decision stands. Abi winner.

- This was gonna be Daieisho vs Tochinoshin next, but instead it's the announcement that Tochinoshin is out with a rib cartilage injury suffered in his day 4 win over Takarafuji. Thus ends Tochinoshin's attempt to try and regain Ozeki status. If he doesn't return to try and post a decent record, it's very likely he will be a maegashira in January. That's if he doesn't retire.

- Mitakeumi (2-2) is sporting a bandage above his right eye as he steps in against Okinoumi (1-3). If Mitakeumi is going to make a run at Ozeki, it has to start now. Okinoumi keeps Mitakeumi on the back foot for the majority of the bout, and is able to lift Mitakeumi out of the ring. Both go to 2-3, and this could easily spell the end of any thoughts of Ozeki for Mitakeumi.

- Meisei (3-1) looks to keep his good start going against Takayasu (2-2). Takayasu was on the front foot for the entire bout, but just could not put Meisei away. He paid for it as Meisei changed Takayasu's momentum and forced him off balance, knocking the ozeki to the clay! Victory for Meisei who goes to 4-1!

- Takakeisho (3-1) moves in to face off with Takarafuji (1-3).Takakeisho gets off okay, but he slips! Takarafuji gets the win, pretty much by default.

- Main Event time! Myogiryu (2-2) looks for the big upset against Hakuho (3-1). Hakuho gets off well, Myogiryu goes off balance and the hands hit the clay. Hakuho wins, but is it just me or did Hakuho favor his left ankle a little bit as Myogiryu hit the clay? Regardless, Hakuho goes to 4-1.

A look at the leaderboard shows us that we have zero unbeaten rikishi left. Instead, we have 8 at the top at 4-1. Unfortunately, one of them (Wakatakakage) is confirmed out...so really we have 7 at the top (Hakuho, Asanoyama, Meisei, Enho, Sadanoumi, Yutakayama, and Shodai). Down at the bottom, while we have no winless non-kyujo rikishi, we have five at 1-4 (Endo, Kotoeko, Kotoshogiku, Ishiura, and Daishoho).

There are still many twists to be had with 10 days of competition still remaining. Who among the pack will establish themselves as the man to beat? Will anyone spring a surprise? Join us tomorrow for Day 6 of the 2019 Kyushu Basho. Hakkeyoi!!!

[CONN CHRIS]

I wonder if Hakuho's body will make it to day 15. We could have a middlin' maegashira win this one with all the injuries and poor starts.

[Magus978]

Day 6 action is here...commentary to come later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guZgdy8zfjQ

[CONN CHRIS]

Day 7 is in. Mitakeumi looks so ininspired even in victory.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sC-Qv2UyA4

[CONN CHRIS]

Day 8 Highlights. Mitekiumi looked about as bad as you can look and still win again


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLkGHLcfB_Y

[CONN CHRIS]

Day 9 in what is looking like it may be another Hakuho run away. Mitekiumi looked more spirited today - he could actually still pull out 10 or 11 wins despite the poor week one performance.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZkvH1Kfmbs

[Magus978]

I've been ill the past few days, so that will explain no consistent commentary this tournament...to make up for it, I'll give my thoughts on the tournament so far.

MAKUUCHI THOUGHTS
- This is Hakuho's to lose. Only Hakuho can stop Hakuho.

- Another cursed basho with multiple injuries. Takayasu being the latest to drop out with back problems. He's kadoban, so unless he comes back, which isn't likely, he will drop to Sekiwake for the start of 2020.

- While Mitakeumi's Ozeki push may have stalled out for now, he should still be able to post a kachi-koshi at the very least.

- Chiyomaru has been very good since coming back to the top division, reeling off a 6-3 record. If he keeps it up, he should be in line for a nice jump up the Maegashira rankings.

- On the flip side of the standings, could Kotoshogiku drop from Maegashira 9 to Juryo? I'm not sure that will be the case, but unless he can reel off 6 straight to salvage an 8-7 mark, he will be in for another drop and will be in that danger zone. Nishikigi & Daishoho also look as good as gone.

JURYO THOUGHTS
- Kizakiumi is your leader at 8-1, with the Aki champion Ikioi hot on his heels at 7-2.

- Gagamaru is 1-8 and probably should retire now before falling into the unsalaried ranks. I've been awake long enough to watch the juryo stuff this tournament, and he looks like he's just going through the motions. Yago has also made make-koshi at 1-8 and will probably drop to the bottom of the Juryo banzuke in 2020.

- Azumaryu & Tochiozan (both 6-3) could be contenders to jump back up to Makuuchi. Both have looked pretty good after dropping from Makuuchi last tournament. Depending on how many drop out, it's possible we could see them back in 2020.

[CONN CHRIS]

Day 10 highlights. Well, no Ozeki rank coming for Mitekiumi.* The big dog rolls on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQkt...qQP6PNuMa1%3A6

[CONN CHRIS]

Day 11 and the Hakuho show rolls on.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KttrfZeaqtk

[Magus978]

Some very quick thoughts about the day's action.

- Ikioi's gonna be back in Makuuchi in January. His 8th win of the tournament, a victory over Terutsuyoshi, should assure that.

- Kotoshogiku, already make-koshi, gets only his 2nd win of the tournament. He still looks utterly finished though, and should consider retirement.

- Enho's back on track after some cunning trickery against Daishoho.

- Who's gonna stop Hakuho? I don't think anyone will, at least in this tournament.

[Magus978]

Welcome to day 12. Thoughts below. Since we have no spoiler tags, I'll put extra spaces before they start.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P-zm1SGiok


















Still here? Okay, here we go. Thoughts on Day 12 action from Kyushu.

- They've figured Enho out. Now might be a good time to stop being such a picky eater and put on about 20-30 pounds.

- Shodai has been impressive. He was in control against Daishomaru, who seems destined to head straight back to Juryo.

- Meisei has seemingly reverted to pre-Aki form, losing 6 of his last 7. Didn't look great against a desperate Hokutofuji trying to keep his Komusubi rank.

- Mitakeumi knocking off Asanoyama was a throwback to his sumo from the last tournament, which he won.

- Unless Hakuho has a monumental collapse, this one is wrapped up. Two win lead with three days to go. The answer to the question "Can anybody stop Hakuho?", appears to be no.

[CONN CHRIS]

Realy a shame to see the way Mitekiumi has performed. The way this tournament has gone, he should have been able to pull out 12 or 13 wins and be on his way to Ozeki status. He is starting the climb all over again now in January. :-(

[CONN CHRIS]

Day 13 - All Hakuho, all the time


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0pxw0_FSbU

[Magus978]

Day 13 thoughts...

- Azumaryu looked good in beating Daishoho. Could be a fruitful run at Makuuchi for him, as the previous ones ended with him going straight back down.

- Terutsuyoshi bouncing back nicely to grab a kachi-koshi after his Aki disaster. Perhaps he heeded my words of needing to put more effort into his sumo as he does his salt throws.

- Tsurugisho gets a taste of reality as he loses to Chiyotairyu today for make-koshi. Looks like endurance may be an issue for him.

- If Enho loses one more bout after today's loss, it'll be his first make-koshi since May 2019. Two more losses would result in his first 9+ loss tournament since a 4-11 effort in March 2018, which saw him go back down to the third division. Regardless, Enho either needs to learn some new tricks, or put on 40-50 pounds.

- If there were any slim hopes of Mitakeumi having an ozeki run, they were snuffed out by Takakeisho. Very disappointed in Mitakeumi's form this tournament.

- Out of all the sekiwake & lower, Asanoyama is the clear cream of the crop and is best positioned to make an ozeki run in 2020. With Mitakeumi dipping in form and all the other sekiwake/komusubi looking unimpressive, Asanoyama is the one you have to watch. We'll see in January if he can build on a 10+ win performance in Kyushu to get to that magical 33 wins in 3 tournaments threshold.

- Hakuho clinches a tie for the yusho, and will lock it up on day 14 with either a win, or losses from Asanoyama and Shodai.

Two more days to go. I will try to provide commentary for either day 14 or 15. All depends on what's on the line. Hakkeyoi!!!

[CONN CHRIS]

Day 14 in what has turned into a runnaway for Hakuho


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgy_iYCUBL0

[Magus978]

Thoughts...

- HENKA ALERT!!! Chiyoshoma really wants to get back to Makuuchi, and was not above using a henka to win his bout against Daishoho.

- Kotoshogiku has really fallen on hard times. I think his body is telling him it's time to retire. He used to overpower opponents like Daishomaru, but now he's the one being overpowered. Time to go, Kotoshogiku.

- Enho used his judo background to cause trouble for Takarafuji. Even though the little big man's been figured out this tournament, Enho has a chance for kachi-koshi on day 15 against Daieisho.

- Asanoyama's power carried the day for him against Ryuden. Asanoyama vs Shodai tomorrow for runner-up spot should be fun.

- Hakuho cements his 43rd yusho with a good performance over Mitakeumi, who ends up with a make-koshi. Hakuho gets a reputation of being disrespectful, but he showed a lot of respect to Mitakeumi today by not attacking the facial injury, and immediately helping his fallen opponent up after securing the victory.

Matters at the top of the standings are sorted, but there's still plenty to watch out for on day 15, including the exciting conclusion of the Juryo tournament, which I will cover in detail. There are six rikishi right now with a record of 10-4, and here are the matchups.

KEY JURYO MATCHUPS
J5 Kaisei (10-4) vs J7 Kotonowaka (10-4)
J5 Kiribayama (10-4) vs J3 Chiyoshoma (8-6)
J3 Ikioi (10-4) vs J12 Akua (8-6)
J2 Tochiozan (10-4) vs J10 Kizakiumi (9-5)
J1 Azumaryu (10-4) vs J9 Mitoryu (9-5)

Those at 9-5 cannot win the tournament due to Kaisei and Kotonowaka facing off with each other. One of those rikishi will be 11-4, and the best the second group can do is 10-5. However, if all the other 10-4 rikishi somehow lose, the winner of Kaisei vs Kotonowaka will take the Juryo yusho.

Hakkeyoi!!!

[CONN CHRIS]

A 3 or 4 way tie breaker for Juryo would be exciting. It's already happened at this time but I can't watch until this afternoon.

[CONN CHRIS]

Final day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcVYaHn2kI0

[Magus978]

The banzuke for the 2020 Hatsu Basho has been released! View the full rankings HERE!