Asashouryuu showing intentions

[Kintamayama 47,188]

In yesterday's Keiko, Asashouryuu was all over the place, opening his own "Supermarket of tricks". Okuritsuridashi

Yaguranage,

and even a Yobimodoshi,the one favored by Wakanohana I were seen. Standing around the dohyo were the Ozeki and lower ranked rikishi, and his moves stirred up an instant commotion among them. He took Hakuhou, and did a strong yobimodoshi against him. Although it wasn't totally successful, the moves were there. He immediately followed with his tsuriotoshi special.

"I was just trying to check out my strength. My body seemed to be moving on its own", he said. The last time a yobimodoshi was officially recorded was when Takanohana beat the deceased Kenko on day 9 of Haru 1997 (that fact is from Rijicho's excellent kimarite database..) This kimarite can be done only if there is an extreme difference in strength between two opponents- this is the ideal technique to show pure power.

There is a reason for Asashouryuu's suddenly turning to these "grandiose" techniques. Lately, he watched Chiyonofuji's career's DVD and was highly impressed by the sheer power displayed there. "The rikishi are Sumo's pros. You've got to give the audience wins that will make them really happy". Just to practice what he preaches, he beat Futenoo by okuritsuriotoshi, then beat Hakuhou by yaguranage. All of his potential challengers were present to see the power. It seems no one at this time can stop his run (the reporter says that, not moi..)

So, it looks like on top of attempting to continue his unbeaten run, he may try to execute the first honbasho yobimodoshi in 7 years as well.

Edited April 11, 2004 by Kintamayama

[Yoavoshimaru 0]

Wow, nice kimarite! When was the last time a Yaguranage was done in a hon-basho?

[Kaikitsune Makoto 210]

When was the last time a Yaguranage was done in a hon-basho

In makuuchi it was last seen between Aobayama-Fukunohana on day 9 at Hatsu basho 1975. I am sure it has been seen since in lower ranks but I don't have any idea when.