Eikokurai

Injuries/the body doesn’t work like that though, especially as you age. I’ve pulled muscles in my back just shifting in my seat. Something catches and … that’s it. Just because Takayasu is used to butting heads doesn’t mean the next headbutt won’t be an issue.

If that doesn't count as a henka, the word has lost all meaning.

They're not going to deny an undeniable record like a 14-1 or 15-0. It's only a bit grey if it's 13-2 or less, imo. But let's also see how Takayasu, Wakatakakage and Hoshoryu do next basho as well. The Kyokai can use its discretion to promote TY after 11-4 > 12-3, even though it includes hiramaku records. WTK has less of a case with 11-4 > 8-7, but he has a yusho and if he gets a second with a good record it could be enough to justify the nod. Hoshoryu makes the weakest case of all as this is his first double-digit KK at Sekiwake, so technically only the start of an Ozeki run, but if he somehow managed a zensho, that's a reasonable excuse to promote. If Takakeisho ends 13-2Y, and one of the other three can become Ozeki, it's easier for the Kyokai to give TK the rope I feel.

I simply described what happened at the tachiai. That said, he was clearly physically affected beyond disappointment. He could easily have been crying because he knew was in no shape to fight a second bout if the chance had come.

I don’t see how that disputes what I said.

I feel bad about this but I can’t let my two minutes of effort go to waste.

His head hit Abi's upper arm/armpit and his neck went back.

Well, now I hope Takakeisho smokes Abi into row three. Nothing illegal, and Takayasu's head hit his armpit, but henka is a cheap way to win in these circumstance.

Oh, Abi, you little bugger. What have you done?

Two wins required, but back to back. Edit: I guess you're counting the previous ones.

Tomoesen!

Not content with simply escaping kadoban every second basho, bored Shodai set himself a new challenge: to escape Ozekiwake every third basho.

Shodai can't even manage the minimum KK, ending 6-9 like Mitakeumi. Shodai will need to come back in the new year a different man if he wants a hope at 10 wins.

I'm torn now. I really want the tomoesen, but I also want WTK to get 9-6 to keep the Ozeki bid kindling. True, 9-6 is not a strong middle basho, but if he has a great January, then 11-4 > 9-6 could be enough. 8-7 less likely.

He may have slipped out of the yusho race, but Hoshoryu ends with a very solid 11-4 to launch an Ozeki run.