Kotomiyama

Tochinoshin's loss was hard to see. He was able to carry Terutsuyoshi like in the old days but he couldn't finish. He has lost his power and I don't see hope in his eyes. I think he will be back in Georgia by Christmas...

I wish they prove me wrong. I really like both

My thoughts on this Basho: We have been waiting for the change of the guard for such a long time and yet we were not prepared when it finally has arrived. Goeido and Takayasu will never be Ozeki again. Tochinoshin is in fast decline. Kotoshogiku is slowly descending to Juryo. Kaisei and Ikioi barely survive in the bottom of Makuuchi. And above all, Hakuho and Kakuryu are profiting from being Yokozuna to extend a little bit their respective careers. And while the old crumble, the young destined to substitute them seem not ready yet. Takakeisho, for instance, is excellent when he is able to pull his oshi-zumo, but if the bout goes to the belt his performance becomes average as best. Asanoyama has everything to become Yokozuna, but he needs time to become consistent enough (let's hope he is able to wait and prosper). Hokutofuji and Abi will be in Sanyaku for long, but certainly not above Sekiwake. There are good prospects among the Maegashira, Meisei, Kiribayama, Onosho, Terutsuyoshi... let's hope they progress and fill the upper ranks in the next years. I leave Enho apart. Step by step he keeps climbing and at the moment he has not yet found his peak. His win against Abi is something to show to non Sumo fans and probably will be in the best moments of the year. Finally, a victory of a M17 is something to celebrate. Watching Tokushoryu clinching the basho after giving it all against Takakeisho (20 ranks above!) is another example of why I love Sumo. I look forward to Osaka...

Imagine you just awake from coma since February last year: Tochinoshin and Takayasu no longer Ozeki. Goeido failing to save his kadoban status. Mitakeumi no longer in sanyaku. Ichinojo stuck in Juryo. Terunofuji climbing the ladder like a rocket. Enho aiming for sanyaku and deserving it. I love Sumo.

No rishiki seems to take it more seriously than Hokutofuji. I think that his sumo relies mostly in his willpower.

Indeed it was. Great bout and a solid basho so far.

Feels good to jump in excitement after a bout. Great match by Endo, a fine technician, maybe the finest of the banzuke.

My thoughts on three rishiki this basho: Ishiura - In his first stints in Makuuchi he was an adept to henka. This basho he chose direct confrontation and earned a well deserved KK. Sumo is better with him, Enho and Terutsuyoshi. Meisei - Makekoshi to learn. I still see him as a future sanyaku mainstay, but he has to be patient and hone his tools. He might achieve what Endo promised and is yet to deliver. Abi - Yes, he is weird, unorthodox and nonchalant (note his salt throw). He seems to have only one trick in the bag, but he still manages to win. We all thought he was not going to stay long in sanyaku and he might be sekiwake in January. I cannot root for him, but he has earned my respect.

Sotogake, what a fine movement to secure the yusho. Hakuho is still the alpha leader, the rest can only hope to snatch a championship when he is injured.

I can't take out of my mind the image of Tomokaze's knee. Sad for the boy, but a stark reminder of how difficult is to have a long and successful career in Sumo.

My money is still on Mitakeumi...

Congratulations to Takakeisho. By no means my favourite rikishi, but I really appreciate his fighting spirit. I hope that his feat serves as an inspiration for other injured rikishi, sometimes is better to lose a rank, rest and come back healthy than fighting injured. His oyakata was right to prevent him to participate in July's basho.

Yusho race still on and wide open. My bet is on Meisei.

Onosho's specialty: losing from an advantageous position. The man is an expert.

It is not surprising that Enho matches are the most sought after: he is a joy to watch. Fast, intelligent and resilient, he is someone that everyone can admire. I wonder where is his limit. Can he reach Sanyaku?