robnplunder

Another one-hit wonder as far as yusho goes. Add to the list of Tamawashi, Tochinoshin, Takakeisho, Goeido, Kotoshogiku, Asanoyama. Of the list, I can see Takakeisho and Asanoyama winning again. The rest will likely stay on the list for good.

A topsy turvy basho! I can't wait for the next one.

If he wasn't, he'd be a robot. He showed human emotion in his last several bouts. I liked it. Tokushoryu? What can I say? His tears of joy were absolutely understandable.

I second that! He beat Shodai and Takakeisho, the two closest yusho pursuer. Takakeisho has proven again that he needs to improve on the belt game. Or, go with his one-dimensional but effective style.

If anyone, I believed it would be Nishikigi who could beat Terunofuji in the current basho. He had a size and sumo style to give Terunofuji a run for zensho. I was sad for Terunofuji's zensho to end but happy to see Nishikigi back in Makuuchi.

Monoii should have been called when it is that close. Not only the Gyoji made a wrong call, he fell in front of a shimpan which could have distracted him. Is it only me or that gyoji makes more bad calls than the others?

There are too many Sansho candidates in this basho. Once Asanoyama got a hold of Takakeisho, it was over. The anguish on Takakesisho's face afterward was priceless. Tokushoryu's reaction after beating Shodai made me smile.

Every time Endo tried to get at Yuta's mawashi, the latter prevented it. Daiesho never gave Enho a chance to get under. Mitakeumi hasn't looked good since his last yusho.

He did so while pushing with his injured leg. No wincing or hobbling afterward. Amazing. Nice to see Kotoshogiku get his 6th win. That should ensure his stay at Makuuchi.

You got your wish. I like Nishikigi and would like to see him back at Makuuchi. Would 14-1 or 13-2 good enough for Terunofuji to get promoted?

I'd think Tokushoryu and Shodai will grab a majority of sansho awards. Enho's Gino-sho? A long shot, IMO.

It would be a fair result for Takakeisho (or Shodai) to take the yusho. Tokushoryu's winning it all would amount to stealing one, having faced mostly the bottom feeders of Makuuchi. For that reason, I'd be ok to see Takakeisho or Shodai to prevail. OTOH, why not root for an M17 to take it all? It's like Jamaican bobsled team winning the Olympic gold medal. Well, perhaps, it isn't that dramatic but you get the picture. The collapse of Ozeki ranks in the last few basho is a big surprise and a downer. (Where have all the Ozekis gone? Long time passing. Where have all the Ozekis gone. Long time ago. Where have all the Ozekis gone? MKs got them everyone. When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?)

I jumped out of my sofa when it happened.

Shodai vs Tokushoryu ... my money is on Shodai.

... of joy. I still can't believe what is happening with this guy. Shodai better be ready on day 14.