Kotooshu

[Kintamayama 47,194]

My take- (it or leave it..). Ever since the injuries came one after the other, he was not only physically disabled, but mentally as well. He hasn't suffered any serious injuries lately (I don't believe his latest kyujo came after any sort of physical injury contrary to the public data..) and this basho, being kadoban and Kaloyan at the same time, he just has no luxury of thinking too much. This guy is no pushover, contrary to what some people may think. He made his way to where he is rather quickly and formidably. All was well as long as he was healthy. With the first serious injury came the serious fear and constant thoughts fogging up all concentrative capabilities. This time, he knows he needs the 8, or else. He is much healthier than he was the last time he needed the 8. A healthy Osh with no time for thoughts breeds 11 wins in 11 days.

Just to remind the veterans here- Musashimaru. He was stuck forever at Ozeki. I even made a poll asking who thought he would make Yokozuna and the results were somewhere around the 10% zone. Suddenly, two good bashos and bam-he was yokozuna and not a bad one at that.

I always thought Osh would eventually make it there. I don't think he has to bulk up or change his technique, although that surely won't hurt him.. He has to put the injury demons behind him and just do the sumo he does best, the type that brought him this far in the first place.

Next-Miyabiyama!!

[Peeter 15]

Next-Miyabiyama!!

Please not tomorrow! (Holiday feeling...) ;-)

[Peterao 3]

I admit I was skeptical about new/old Kotooshu this basho, for all his early losslessness. I fully expected him to slow down after kk. Burned once too many times, I guess.

You haven't been burned yet. I'll still be shocked if Kotooshu makes it to a yusho playoff, let alone actually wins it all.

[Harry 67]

Next-Miyabiyama!!

Please not tomorrow! (Holiday feeling...) ;-)

No, he beat Miyabiyama on day 3. His aite for tomorrow is Hakuhou! Can he beat both yokozuna? That would pretty much assure him of the yusho while things will get complicated if he loses to Hak.

After that? Ama? Toyonoshima? Hokutoriki? Chiyotaikai should be on the list but he won't be any competition in his current state and with a 3-8 score they may not bother. He conveniently cannot meet Kotoshogiku or Kotomitsuki. People say he gets beat by little guys like Takekaze but I can't see them doing that with a 4-7 record.

Asa and Hak could meet on senshuraku to decide the junyusho ;-)

Edited May 21, 2008 by Harry

[Peeter 15]

Please not tomorrow! (Holiday feeling...) ;-)

I mean, tomorrow is Baruto-Miyabiyama bout. After that, please recover & go for Ozeki run etc. ;-)

Edited May 21, 2008 by Peeter

[Harry 67]

Please not tomorrow! (Holiday feeling...) ;-)

I mean, tomorrow is Baruto-Miyabiyama bout. After that, please recover & go for Ozeki run etc. ;-)

A return to Ozeki you mean? Miyabiyama was Ozeki from 2000 July to 2001 September. He almost made it back in 2006 with a 14-1, 10-5, 9-6 run as Sekiwake but then couldn't keep it up. See http://sumodb.sumogames.com/Rikishi.aspx?r=842

I'd like to see him return as well but the last few bashos I don't think that's in the cards.

[salle 11]

Hello Sumoforum,

That's my very first post here after few read-only years and he first thing I am going to do is to disagree with Kintamayama-san. Yes I do realise it's deadly sin ...

With the first serious injury came the serious fear and constant thoughts fogging up all concentrative capabilities.

...

I don't think he has to bulk up or change his technique, although that surely won't hurt him..

It's not the injures that causes him underperforming and it's not the lack of injuries at the moment that provided us with entirely new Kotooshu this basho. He is relatively new to Ozumo, but he has long sport career so he knows how to deal with pain and fear of injuries. He proved it on the dohyo as well. 2003 Haru basho comes to mind first. Sure injuries play important role when you have confidence problems, but that's definitely not the most important factor for Kotooshu.

Back during his Ozeki run he said once in an interview "I knew I am second best at the moment and I wanted to prove it".That says a lot. That's not champion attitude! Ozeki means champion doesn't it? Never so far Kotooshu demonstrated that killer attitude you need for yusho "I can kill them all and came here to do it!" Until now.

Since the first day of Natsu basho we got completely new Kotooshu. For the very first time he looks, talks, fights and most importantly wins as Ozeki should do it. All we need is single word to describe Kotooshu today: Convincing.

Seems he finally managed to adapt to Ozeki demands. Not only he finally understood how he should fight at that rank, but he managed to change his sumo to do it. That's the second thing I disagree with Kintamayama about. He needs this change. He needs to finish it. To polish his Ozeki-sumo so to speak (no more henkas against Kisenosato even if it's really matter of reflex Kotooshu claims). And he needs to change further if he wants to take the next giant step.

It's very pleasant surprise to see that entirely new Kotooshu indeed, but it didn't came just like that. He was trying hard to change for more than a year and thats what makes me optimistic he will be able to keep that momentum. Now he finally managed to do it and we can see it everywhere. Never in makuuchi he had so convincing basho. Just take a look at the kimarite list so far, Yorikiri - 54%, Oshidashi, Oshitaoshi, Okuridashi, Okuritaoshi, Shitatenage. All except the last one are 100% convincing ones. No last ditch efforts at tawara, no room for wondering who the attacker was, no dead-body speculations, no chance for mono-ii. That shows the forward sumo mentality is finally there. Today's win against Asashoryu shows the killer instinct is finally there too. It was coll minded yet overwhelming victory. Yes I know Asashoryu is not in his best form and yes yes yes I remember Kisenosato ...

I am happy to see Ozeki Kottooshu finally arrived.

Will he stay with us? Will he be able to go further? I don't know. First step is done! I do believe not the last one.

Давай Калояне!!!

Edited May 21, 2008 by salle

[Asashosakari 20,225]

After that? Ama? Toyonoshima? Hokutoriki? Chiyotaikai should be on the list but he won't be any competition in his current state and with a 3-8 score they may not bother.

I can't see them skipping Aminishiki; he's 7-4 and would be 15th in line among Kotooshu's potential opponents anyway. Exchanging Chiyotaikai for Toyonoshima is pretty possible, though, in which case I presume that Kotooshu-Ama will become the senshuraku bout...

[Peeter 15]

A return to Ozeki you mean? Miyabiyama was Ozeki from 2000 July to 2001 September. He almost made it back in 2006 with a 14-1, 10-5, 9-6 run as Sekiwake but then couldn't keep it up.

I'd like to see him return as well but the last few bashos I don't think that's in the cards.

Sorry, these were Kintamayamas words "Next-Miyabiyama!!". He was just thinking of another (ex)Ozeki, who is in trouble with injuries!

Salle says: "Since the first day of Natsu basho we got completely new Kotooshu. For the very first time he looks, talks, fights and most importantly wins as Ozeki should do it."

Very good words, even maybe golden! We remember his after win throwings, pushings etc. For now - new Kotooshu! (Holiday feeling...)

Edited May 21, 2008 by Peeter

[Oimeru 0]

I'm just happy to see someone from the Kadoban Krew challenge the Yokozuna again. The first yusho-candidate Ozeki this year, in fact Osh's 9-6 in January was the best Ozeki result this year -- until day 10 of this tournament. That's not exactly Ozeki-worthy, especially since we have four of them. Glad to finally see some movement up there...

Go for the yusho, Osh! (Holiday feeling...)

[hidenohana 0]

So Asa down to third place.... how did he look in that bout? Was Kotooshu just too good for him?

Judge for yourself:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=D_-DyLKm0Og

[Harry 67]

Asa was doing "big man sumo" but Kotooshu is too big for him. He reached around, got a good grip and it was all over but for the flying zabutons... Asa attempted to counter with some throws but Osh's grip was too tight. If there is a playoff Asa will likely approach him VERY differently as his tactics did not work at all today.

I was worried that Osh's matta meant he was having problems with his nerves but he composed himself and did great. Just great sumo.

[HenryK 38]

So what do you think -- can Kotooshu beat Hakuho tomorrow? Hakuho is above Asashoryu in the raw strenght department.

[Randomitsuki 2,898]

While Kotooshu looked quite strong, I was surprised to see such a weak tachi-ai by Asashoryu. He was completely hesitant IMO, there was no discernible forward momentum, it rather looked as if he was sleeping through the tachi-ai. Highly unusual, I'd say. He didn't stand a chance thereafter.

I still don't buy into the re-juvenated Kotooshu hype. Not quite for this basho, and especially not for the next one. However, if I am proven wrong, I'll promise to eat a nice bowl of yoghurt.

Edited May 21, 2008 by Randomitsuki

[HenryK 38]

While Kotooshu looked quite strong, I was surprised to see such a weak tachi-ai by Asashoryu. He was completely hesitant IMO, there was no discernible forward momentum, it rather looked as if he was sleeping through the tachi-ai. Highly unusual, I'd say. He didn't stand a chance thereafter.

I still don't buy into the re-juvenated Kotooshu hype. Not quite for this basho, and especially not for the next one. However, if I am proven wrong, I'll promise to eat a nice bowl of yoghurt.

The reverse conclusion is: no yoghurt until you are proven wrong? (Holiday feeling...)

[Vikanohara 171]

I read a lot of words that are ??? to me in this topic. (Holiday feeling...)

So who can tell me what's :

- Kaloyan

- zensho

- tsunatori

Thanks in advance.

Edited May 21, 2008 by Vikanohara

[Jakusotsu 6,390]

Osh's birth name: Stefanov Mahlyanov Kaloyan

Zensho(-yusho): 15-0

Tsunatori(-basho): Yokozuna promotion on the line

[Vikanohara 171]

Thanks.

So I was thinking right about zensho. And Kaloyan was just a word joke of Kintamayama. (Holiday feeling...)

[maxim 0]

Zensho yusho = tournament without a loss

Tsunatori basho = when an Ozeki aims for Yokozuna after he won the previous tournament

and of course, Kaloyan is Kotooshu's real name, it's actually an ancient Bulgarian version of Ivan/Joan/John.

[Jonosuke 28]

Kotooshu has obviously altered his sumo style for good. He doesn't bend down his head to meet his opponent's and with his added weight he probably feels he can withstand his opponent's hit out of tachiai better. More often than not he is pushing forward and appears to be not bothered by his chronic knee injury.

But is he the brand new Kotooshu? I think not. He still pulled a cheap henka on Kisenosato and he will likely do it again when he feels outmuscled by his opponent. He is not really mentally tested yet this basho, with the exception of today's bout.

Now he is leading the race he will start feeling it more and more pressure and we all know how fragile his psyche can get when he is stressed out. Hakuho has been probably studying Kotooshu's sumo this basho and he won't be easily fooled (Asashoryu had a pretty bad tachiai today). More pressure on Kotooshu tomorrow but if he remembers Hakuho still needs to face Asashoryu, it should take some pressure off of him.

[Coo-cook 0]

Kotooshu has obviously altered his sumo style for good. He doesn't bend down his head to meet his opponent's and with his added weight he probably feels he can withstand his opponent's hit out of tachiai better. More often than not he is pushing forward and appears to be not bothered by his chronic knee injury.

But is he the brand new Kotooshu? I think not. He still pulled a cheap henka on Kisenosato and he will likely do it again when he feels outmuscled by his opponent. He is not really mentally tested yet this basho, with the exception of today's bout.

Now he is leading the race he will start feeling it more and more pressure and we all know how fragile his psyche can get when he is stressed out. Hakuho has been probably studying Kotooshu's sumo this basho and he won't be easily fooled (Asashoryu had a pretty bad tachiai today). More pressure on Kotooshu tomorrow but if he remembers Hakuho still needs to face Asashoryu, it should take some pressure off of him.

1. It's time that Kotooshu makes a yusho as only ozeki with no yusho record (He is an ozeki god's sake).

2. I don't know whether Asa was thinking he can pull the same lifting maneuver he used against Baruto....somehow he readily allowed Kotooshu's grips as bargain for Kotooshu's double frontal mawashi grip.

But, Asa's grip was very shallow, single layered and rubbery this time and was useless for a tall guy like Kotooshu. Combined with Kotooshu's iron grip there was no escape. A big mistake from Asa indeed.

Edited May 21, 2008 by Coo-cook

[mimosa 0]

Hello Sumoforum,

That's my very first post here after few read-only years and he first thing I am going to do is to disagree with Kintamayama-san. Yes I do realise it's deadly sin ...

With the first serious injury came the serious fear and constant thoughts fogging up all concentrative capabilities.

...

I don't think he has to bulk up or change his technique, although that surely won't hurt him..

It's not the injures that causes him underperforming and it's not the lack of injuries at the moment that provided us with entirely new Kotooshu this basho. He is relatively new to Ozumo, but he has long sport career so he knows how to deal with pain and fear of injuries. He proved it on the dohyo as well. 2003 Haru basho comes to mind first. Sure injuries play important role when you have confidence problems, but that's definitely not the most important factor for Kotooshu.

Back during his Ozeki run he said once in an interview "I knew I am second best at the moment and I wanted to prove it".That says a lot. That's not champion attitude! Ozeki means champion doesn't it? Never so far Kotooshu demonstrated that killer attitude you need for yusho "I can kill them all and came here to do it!" Until now.

Since the first day of Natsu basho we got completely new Kotooshu. For the very first time he looks, talks, fights and most importantly wins as Ozeki should do it. All we need is single word to describe Kotooshu today: Convincing.

Seems he finally managed to adapt to Ozeki demands. Not only he finally understood how he should fight at that rank, but he managed to change his sumo to do it. That's the second thing I disagree with Kintamayama about. He needs this change. He needs to finish it. To polish his Ozeki-sumo so to speak (no more henkas against Kisenosato even if it's really matter of reflex Kotooshu claims). And he needs to change further if he wants to take the next giant step.

It's very pleasant surprise to see that entirely new Kotooshu indeed, but it didn't came just like that. He was trying hard to change for more than a year and thats what makes me optimistic he will be able to keep that momentum. Now he finally managed to do it and we can see it everywhere. Never in makuuchi he had so convincing basho. Just take a look at the kimarite list so far, Yorikiri - 54%, Oshidashi, Oshitaoshi, Okuridashi, Okuritaoshi, Shitatenage. All except the last one are 100% convincing ones. No last ditch efforts at tawara, no room for wondering who the attacker was, no dead-body speculations, no chance for mono-ii. That shows the forward sumo mentality is finally there. Today's win against Asashoryu shows the killer instinct is finally there too. It was coll minded yet overwhelming victory. Yes I know Asashoryu is not in his best form and yes yes yes I remember Kisenosato ...

I am happy to see Ozeki Kottooshu finally arrived.

Will he stay with us? Will he be able to go further? I don't know. First step is done! I do believe not the last one.

Давай Калояне!!!

Very well said, Salle!

I am so happy with the wonderful performance of Kotooshu this basho.

and of course, Kaloyan is Kotooshu's real name, it's actually an ancient Bulgarian version of Ivan/Joan/John.

Kaloyan means "handsome Ivan/Joan/John" and also this is a name of a great Bulgarian king.

Давай Калояне!!!

[Kintamayama 47,194]

Hello Sumoforum,

That's my very first post here after few read-only years and he first thing I am going to do is to disagree with Kintamayama-san. Yes I do realise it's deadly sin ...

Welcome to you too.

It's not the injures that causes him underperforming and it's not the lack of injuries at the moment that provided us with entirely new Kotooshu this basho. He is relatively new to Ozumo, but he has long sport career so he knows how to deal with pain and fear of injuries. He proved it on the dohyo as well. 2003 Haru basho comes to mind first. Sure injuries play important role when you have confidence problems, but that's definitely not the most important factor for Kotooshu. etc..

His prior "long sports career" has nothing to do with these injuries and fear thereof. Sumo is a total different ball-game, where the injury opportunities are endless and pretty serious and fear when returning to the dohyo after an injury is a known psyche side effect with even the best of them. His Oyakata has constantly been on Osh's case on this specific matter. Time and again he has been quoted as saying "There is nothing wrong with him physically.. I have no idea what's wrong with him.."etc..etc..

Anyway, although I am in actuality a dai-yokozuna and an all-seeing demi-God, it's just my opinion. And I'm totally right as well, I guess.

[Kintamayama 47,194]

Now he is leading the race he will start feeling it more and more pressure and we all know how fragile his psyche can get when he is stressed out. Hakuho has been probably studying Kotooshu's sumo this basho and he won't be easily fooled (Asashoryu had a pretty bad tachiai today). More pressure on Kotooshu tomorrow but if he remembers Hakuho still needs to face Asashoryu, it should take some pressure off of him.

I doubt Hakuhou studies Osh at all- I don't think there's anything much new there, except maybe a few more kilos and some cheese topping. Osh withstood the pressure today, from someone he is really scared of. He's Hakuhou's senpai-shouldn't be much pressure there, certainly not more than today. No question that presently Hakuhou is a better rikishi all around. But when the nagare is there, watch out for the nageru..

Osh is simply in a zone.

We shall see.

Edited May 21, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Anjoboshi 2]

I would say that I don't believe in miracles, but apparently they do exist. However this basho is not crucial, it is the next (no, not in terms of tsunatori ...). The mizu-oke is half empty, yes, yes.

Edited May 21, 2008 by Anjoboshi