Iwayama

I'm very late to the party, but did anyone else notice the moment on senshuraku that it sinks in for Yutakayama that he's scored his first kashi koshi in 5 basho? You can really see the sense of relief on his face.

I really wish he'd start incorporating more grappling into his repertoire, he's got the build for it. Balance is his biggest issue, sometimes it's like he has banana-peel shoes on, but he seems to fare better when he can get a hold of his opponent. I've always seen him as the darkhorse when compared to other similar rikishi like Hoshoryu or WTK. He's rough around the edges, but with a bit of polishing, I could see him going on his own Yusho run one day.

That throw on Enho was so crisp!

Hell of a battle between Oshoryu and Tochikamiyama. It was something to see Tochi fight his way out of such a disadvantageous position to score a close win.

I feel like developing some form of yotsu-zumo could be the factor that gets Abi to Ozeki.

Still early days but I'm really liking Kiribayama's sumo so far. Yutakayama also looks very dialed in. I wonder what it's been like for him watching his Shodai deal with long covid. Perhaps the Ozeki's struggles have inspired him to fight harder, or he feels the pressure of representing Tokitsukaze-beya.

I finally realize what's been missing from my life.

I have really been enjoying the return of Abi. I was a fan when he first entered Makuuchi, but his antics and immaturity started to rub me the wrong way. His suspension seems to have humbled him and given him time to mature into a very respectful rikishi. I look forward to seeing where Abi goes from here!

Especially when you see him moving around stiff as a board because of that lower back injury.

Thanks for the update. Such a shame.

I apologize in advance if this is not the place for this question, but has there been any information on Hakuyozan?

He injured his left femoral bicep and will need 3 weeks rest.

In this case, though, Diaiesho was out before the dame-oshi.

This is incredibly disappointing. I feel gutted that he would do something so irresponsible. What could he have gained from breaking covid rules knowing how serious the consequences would be? It makes no sense...

If he was nervous he certainly wasn't showing it. He looked as calm and confidant as a rikishi can be.