robnplunder

Takakeisho vs Terunofuji playoff will be a dramatic end to the basho.

Happened to Enho a lot in this basho. I fear the little guy may get hurt badly if he continues to lose "spectaculary."

He needs to go at least 6-1 to be sure. 5-2 may not cut it depending on how many juryo rikishi will drop down. Of course, Ura can go 7-0 and make it easy on himself. Lets' go, Ura!

Basho being "hectic" is the norm unless Hak goes zensho-yusho. This basho started out wide open and went crazy after that.

Once Tobizaru loses tomorrow, which one do you want me to favor? Takakeisho or Terunofuji? I sent an apology text to Shodai. He has not responded.

... or to Takakeisho. Of course, I openly predicted Shodai to take the yusho which may have doomed his chance. I am switching my allegiance to Tobizaru. He will take the yusho. The inconsistency of Mitakeumi came early in this basho.

Takanosho is now 7-5 "career" against the 3 sekiwake (Mitakeumi, Daieisho, Shodai). He may join the sanyuku rank as soon as the next basho.

The impressive 21-year-old Kotoshoho is now 4-0 against Hoshoryu and goes to 6-1. The next Japanese Yokozuna hope is in the yusho race while his Mongolian counterpart is fighting for KK. There is much talk about Hoshoryu and his pedigree but I think he may just turn out to be a little stronger version of Chiyoshoma. He just does not seem to have the strength to jump to the next level. Perhaps, increasing his Chanko intake and hitting the weights more will help . Meanwhile, Tobizaru keeps on winning. He, too, goes to 6-1. Enho can't even beat one-legged Kotoshogiku? Hmm.

He has been recovering from his injuries. In this basho, he looks to be 100% healthy. When he is, he has the Ozeki qualities. In that vein, Takayasu appears to be full of his former self as well. Asanoyama started the basho with a few losses but I think he will get his KK. I am sticking with Shodai's yusho prediction. The surprise of the basho is Tobizaru. It is safe to say that an M17 ranked rikishi will not take the yusho in this basho. Enho will get an easy win over the injured Kotoshogiku. But the little dude's MK is certain. It seems all his opponents are standing ground and manhandling Enho before he can do his tricks.

He certainly looks it now. I've always thought if he can improve on his tachihai, he can be a consistent sanyuku. It appears he has improved on his tachihai and more. This is my subjective observation - he seems to be more aggressive and determined.

Nice wins by Endo & Enho. It was an en-en for both. I am betting Shodai will win it all. I said it here.

Takayasu "drops." Going back to the last basho, Enho has now lost 10 of his last 11 bouts.

Wow. Tobizaru has Kotoshoho's number. As I have said before, Hoshoryu will have to work for his KK. He has the skills but seems to be lacking that extra strength/power. 20 pounds of more muscle may transform him to the next level. I knew Kotoshogiku's injury was serious. Well, he will be dropped to juryo. I wonder if he will call it quits rather than toiling the lower division.

Endo and Takanosho are no slouches. Still, who'd thought Asanoyama would start the basho with two losses? All 3 Sekiwake are looking good. Takakeisho appears to be back to himself.

His problem was Mitakeumi.