Basho Talk - Nagoya 2015 +++ Spoiler alert! +++

[Gurowake 4,154]

Two observations about lower division torikumi choices for Day 11:

Of the 4 5-0s in Makushita, the lower two ranked are in the same heya. The normal algorithmic procedure would be to pair the top two and send the lower two against even lower ranked rikishi, but they instead went the more sensible route and paired 1-3 and 2-4. If 3 and 4 don't both win, that will give a clear winner for Makushita.

More interesting is the case of the 5-0s near the bottom of the banzuke. There are 6 5-0s in Sandanme, 7 in Jonidan, and 2 in Jonokuchi. Again, the normal procedure from what I understand would be to have the lowest ranked Jonidan guy face the top ranked Jonokuchi guy, and the other Jonokuchi guy would get a 4-1. Instead, they've paired the two Jonokuchi guys on Day 11, and one of the 5-0s in Jonidan whose match is Day 12 will apparently fight a 4-1. After investigation, it looks like Suga, a 4-1 ranked near the bottom of Jonidan (over 100) is going to be paired against someone of a different record, presumably the 5-0 Kawamoto who is also ranked in the triple digits of Jonidan. I suppose they figure the Jonokuchi match is important for the Yusho situation there, while messing up things a little at the very bottom of Jonidan will in no way affect their actual Yusho battle, which is likely to be Ura vs. Daiki on Day 13, the winner of which then might (likely will) be in a playoff if there's another 7-0 from the bottom of the division.

[Asashosakari 20,287]

Kawamoto is 4-1, not 5-0.

[Kasutera 258]

I'm thinking Hak slipping and losing is karmic payback for yesterday's dame-oshi. Nobody slaps everyone's favorite pie-faced kaibutsu when he doesn't deserve it.

[Gurowake 4,154]

Kawamoto is 4-1, not 5-0.

That would explain things. I do recall that you mentioned a match getting initially recorded incorrectly; I guess it's not fully fixed in the DB. Kawamoto's personal page shows him as 4-1 despite 5 apparent shiroboshi, but the banzuke view lists him at 5-0.

[Treblemaker 254]

After I complained yesterday that there was no tsuppari, no pushing, shoving and bitch-slapping, today we got a whole dose of it!

Seirou: Best Henka yet! Hibiki is still looking for his retina...

Amuuruuuuu looks like a newer model Aran, with all parts working correctly.

Sadanofuji vs Gaga: reminded me of an old National Geographics video of two rhinos fighting over a patch of clover. Grunting included.

Tanawashi vs Takekazi: The Bitch-slap of the day, followed by "Oh, you go down? Me go down too.."

Ichinojo, being a bigger and heavier playmate still can't figure out Tochinoshin. Why? Cause Noshin does things right. I still say there's something NOT right with Nojo.

Terunofuji reminding me more and more of a Hak/Asa hybrid, but in a bigger anmeaner body. Great throw!

Karma I: Aminishiki, the Master of all Sleight-of-Foot moves, gets his knees handed to him by Goeido, who essentially is henka-proof.

Takarafuji starts slap-fest. Kakuryu says, I can do that too. But better.

Hakuho comes in low! (Rare.) Tochiozan says, I can play that game too. Pushes Most Exalted Face to clay. Face not happy. Karma II.

Yes, we have us a yusho race!

[torquato 1,075]

@Kyokushuho Kesho-Mawashi

Yes, Yubinhaad explained it allready.

Actually it's written on the mawashi:

白鵬 Hakuhou

名古屋 Nagoya

後援会 Supporter's Club

[Shikona 171]

Just reminding everyone this is Tochiouzan we're talking about. After tomorrow, he will still have 4 days of fierce joi opponents. I am willing to steak that "the bobble head" will finish 11-4. And I am a fan who actually prophesied that he will be promoted to Ozeki a while ago..

Also, he already lost once in a playoff, against Kyokutenhou the mighty. He does choke rather well.

Yes, even if he makes it through Goeido and three megashira, the yusho is very much in doubt, probably requiring a playoff win over Hakuho or Terunofuji. Unlikely, indeed, but IF he does it, there is a case to be made for promotion, given the reaction there will be to ending the going-on-ten-year drought.

Edited July 21, 2015 by Shikona

[Shikona 171]

While Kyokutenho may be putting the brakes on his skid in time to maintain his divisional rank, we may be losing another of our elders, as it looks like Wakanosato is going to have to pull out 3 wins in the the last five to hang on to Juryo.

[Highway 46]

Wow that is the fastest I can remember to have seen Hakuhou lose a bout. Very unusual, and he had a shocked look on his face. But what an entertaining basho......4 way tie, and I'd be very surprised if there isn't some kind of playoff at the end. If I was forced to pick, at this point I would possibly go with Terunofuji. He really displays confidence.

[808morgan 814]

Giku/Kiseno

[808morgan 814]

Wow that is the fastest I can remember to have seen Hakuhou lose a bout. Very unusual, and he had a shocked look on his face. But what an entertaining basho......4 way tie, and I'd be very surprised if there isn't some kind of playoff at the end. If I was forced to pick, at this point I would possibly go with Terunofuji. He really displays confidence.

Seemed like his foot slipped, he reached too far and then Tochiozan was there to make sure he kept going that way. His hand fell so fast, had to be mostly him slipping and overreaching.

[WAKATAKE 2,759]

The real fight for Wakanosato begins now that he is 3-8. There are three people so far who are looking good for promotion from makushita to the juryo.

[sesom 55]

Hakuho's post-bout stare showed he was ready to have at it. I see a face-slap for Tochiozan next basho.

That stare was creepy! I thought he will do the face-slap right after the fight.

[Masumasumasu 902]

Jihad on a shimpan?

[inhashi 2,363]

oooo.... looks like Izutsu oya got a good squash by Osunaarashi thanks to Chiyotairyu. The poor man's feet are lingering all directions in the air again :-(

Edited July 22, 2015 by inhashi

[Gernobono 467]

very disappointed with the sumo today

ichinojo - sadanoumi was first good bout in my eyes

Edited July 22, 2015 by Gernobono

[Masumasumasu 902]

Hakuho didn't even break a sweat. NOT!

[Kotononami 86]

very disappointed with the sumo today

ichinojo - sadanoumi was first good bout in my eyes

The Tokitenku-Satoyama bout was really good too.

[grigorian 10]

What do you think about Takarafuji? I can´t understand what´s happening to him.The first bout against Hakuho, great efford. Second bout , Goeido, win. After this...

I really thik he is better than 1-10.

[CT3* 331]

Ikioi is better than 1-10 as well, but sometimes that's the way it goes. Perhaps the pressure of performing at the new komusubi slot has taken Takarafuji out of his game. Neither guy seems to be injured (although its sumo and hiding injury is the norm), so perhaps they are simply having poor bashos.

[Mongolith 51]

very disappointed with the sumo today

ichinojo - sadanoumi was first good bout in my eyes

I agree as there were lots of henkas, stepping sideways/back, and pulling. Also rather than thrusts saw too many handbag fights for my liking. Then my faves like Geeku, Ichi, and Shin looked like absolute garbage today (Well Geeku did not look that bad today just missing the umph from before and looking bang on for demotion). At least Fuji gave Hak a sweat and battled at the edge. Oh well not every day can be exciting like the last few.

Edited July 22, 2015 by Mongolith

[Mongolith 51]

oooo.... looks like Izutsu oya got a good squash by Osunaarashi thanks to Chiyotairyu. The poor man's feet are lingering all directions in the air again :-(

I feel a lot more for the lady behind. She got the full brunt of the squash while he seemed to get mainly just the legs.

[Benevolance 2,534]

And there is Tochiozan, proving Kintamayama correct...

[Masumasumasu 902]

And there is Tochiozan, proving Kintamayama correct...

The societal pressure put upon any Japanese rikishi who is on the cusp of a yusho victory can only be described as overwhelming.

This is a big, big reason why Mongolians dominate the sport. They're subjected to very little pressure by comparison.

[Jakusotsu 6,401]

very disappointed with the sumo today

ichinojo - sadanoumi was first good bout in my eyes

The Tokitenku-Satoyama bout was really good too.

It was more like Bökh than Sumo.