Basho Talk - Haru Basho 2016 +++ Spoiler Alert! +++

[taresu 38]

It's a little weird to me that if Hakuho doesn't easily dispatch his opponent in a matter of seconds, it gets labeled as "struggling". But rarely is credit given to his opponent.

I guess i was misread there. What i was trying to say was exactly because Aoiyama seemed "prepared" for Hakuho this time that his was struggling.

And yes, is because with Aoiyama at least he used to dispatch him in a matter of seconds.

Aoiyama really wasn't that good today. A decent start but he was completely out of ideas after Hakuho got close to him. He should have been able to win it but he didn't even try for the belt.

He was not great, he was just better than any other time before. He usually don't go that far. Hak tried a few things before finally getting him on the ground. If Aoiyama was a little bit more quick mybe he could have done something.

[lackmaker 428]

Aoiyama really wasn't that good today. A decent start but he was completely out of ideas after Hakuho got close to him. He should have been able to win it but he didn't even try for the belt.

Obvious mukiryoku from Aoiyama, there is a mongolian conspiracy at work. ;))

More likely a Bulgarian masterplan. It would be easier to organise.

[inhashi 2,363]

Lol, that made me picture Aoiyama all alone and huddled next to a 55 gallon drum fire at an abandoned warehouse in the middle of nowhere talking secretly to himself.

[Doitsuyama 1,173]

Some thoughts today:

- Today's loss was probably the end of Koto's Yokozuna run. I'm thinking the winner of this tournament goes 13-2 and he's going to lose at least one when it's Ozek/Yokozuna time.

You lost me here. While I see your general point, what's the logic in this? Kotoshogiku can well be this 13-2 yusho winner by your logic, no? And a 13-2 yusho would of course be good enough for promotion, as this means two consecutive yusho. Even 12-3 would be good to go, he can proudly follow the example of the last Japanese-born yokozuna with this.

[ALAKTORN 346]

Too much credit is being given to Aoiyama. Hakuhō is probably injured, and even if he weren’t, he’s deteriorating anyway. The Hakuhō from not even as far as 2 years ago would’ve quickly disposed of Aoiyama today. Hakuhō must really be hating himself… I wonder if retirement is imminent.

[Jyuunomori 226]

Ura's record is ridiculously impressibe in my opinion considering how high he has climbed so quickly. 35 wins and only 3 defeats. In his whole official career. Excluding playoffs. Also this is his 7th Basho.

Wow. The name has been mentioned here in the forum often enough, but I just wasn't aware that Ura is such a strong rocket starter. In all, but one of his past 5 regular bashos so far he was involved in the yusho decision, i.e in 4 out of 5 he won the yusho (1) or was in the playoff (3). Wow.

Interesting question, where he will hit the wall must fight for 'normal' results..?

I think he is gonna hit the wall for Juryo and will stay in Juryo at least for 10 next bashos. Ura has all the skills a rikishi would ever want. I dare say he is one of the most skillful active rikishi and uses weird techniques and has a great sense of balance and has unorthodox fighting style. He told to press that he will not be able to advance in sekitori ranks with his skills alone and is working towards increasing his weight in both fat and muscle. He said he needs to be able to win by pushing alone to become truly great. This to me indicates that he is really down to earth guy. But he said he must also be careful of what kind and how much of weight he must but on as he doesn't wish to cannabalize his style.

So I'd say about 2 years of Juryo with slowly getting better and stronger while slowly climbing the ranks and getting used to fighting 15 times a basho. But since he is Ura all of my speculation could be hogwash and he will win 10+ times in his first Juryo outing.

[orandashoho 720]

Ura is one of the most talented rikishi I have ever seen, he seems indeed to have everything a rikishi would want. Speed. Timing. Incredible suppleness. Strength. Smarts. Thsat Wow-Factor that will bring in the sponsors.

For now it is going well for him. He is on the way to greatness.

But it could all be spoiled by a bad injury. Or bad decisions about injury treatment, a destructive training regime, the wrong target weight,

So many things can go wrong. He will need a dose of luck as well. And perseverance.

I am watching his matches and cheering him on. I don't think we have to wait long to see him in the paid ranks.

[Asojima 2,870]

So I'd say about 2 years of Juryo with slowly getting better and stronger while slowly climbing the ranks and getting used to fighting 15 times a basho. But since he is Ura all of my speculation could be hogwash and he will win 10+ times in his first Juryo outing.

You are probably right in both statements. Makushita and below rikishi tend to concentrate solely on offensive sumo, and they seldom engage in degeiko. With only 7 matches per basho, they are basically unknown to their opponents. Sekitori work on both offensive and defensive techniques, engage in degeiko, and fight more matches against a much smaller group of opponents. They become familiar with their opponents' strengths and weaknesses.

Rikishi with strong or unusual offensive techniques can rise quickly to Juryo and may do well there for their first few basho. Familiarity then kicks in, and they suddenly start to struggle for their wins. Look at Jokoryu, Endo, Ichinojo, Myogiryu, Satoyama, Mitakeumi, etc.

[Katooshu 3,087]

He's facing 200kg Amakaze (4-1) up in juryo next, so let's see how he handles that.

I think he'll do well as a sekitori, at least in juryo. Opponents will become more familiar with his style, but familiarity only takes you so far against more skilled opposition.

Edited March 17, 2016 by Katooshu

[Jyuunomori 226]

He's facing 200kg Amakaze (4-1) up in juryo next, so let's see how he handles that.

I think he'll do well as a sekitori, at least in juryo. Opponents will become more familiar with his style, but familiarity only takes you so far against more skilled opposition.

Prediction: Ura will immidiadly charge in low and upon impact he will circle Amakaze and try to take his back or leg. I predict Okuridashi or Oshidashi win for Ura. Ura is so quick and had great balance so he can make these stunts happen. I don't think Amakaze has fought Ura like rikishi before. Ura however constantly fights against bigger men. Amakaze may be too slow for Ura.

[hamcornheinz 839]

Kotoyuki vs Goeido/ Interview

[rhyen 1,799]

He's facing 200kg Amakaze (4-1) up in juryo next, so let's see how he handles that.

I think he'll do well as a sekitori, at least in juryo. Opponents will become more familiar with his style, but familiarity only takes you so far against more skilled opposition.

Prediction: Ura will immidiadly charge in low and upon impact he will circle Amakaze and try to take his back or leg. I predict Okuridashi or Oshidashi win for Ura. Ura is so quick and had great balance so he can make these stunts happen. I don't think Amakaze has fought Ura like rikishi before. Ura however constantly fights against bigger men. Amakaze may be too slow for Ura.

Ishiura? Satoyama?

[d_golem 213]

He's facing 200kg Amakaze (4-1) up in juryo next, so let's see how he handles that.

I think he'll do well as a sekitori, at least in juryo. Opponents will become more familiar with his style, but familiarity only takes you so far against more skilled opposition.

Prediction: Ura will immidiadly charge in low and upon impact he will circle Amakaze and try to take his back or leg. I predict Okuridashi or Oshidashi win for Ura. Ura is so quick and had great balance so he can make these stunts happen. I don't think Amakaze has fought Ura like rikishi before. Ura however constantly fights against bigger men. Amakaze may be too slow for Ura.

The only rikishi Ura has faced that has a similar weight and build as Amakaze was Maeta (http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=6483) back in Sandanme, and he won that bout very handily. Amakaze will no doubt be a tougher proposition, should be a good bout and a good reference point for him in the future.

I'm liking Ura more and more as time goes on. He started out much more mature than most (23 years old) so he's well-grounded and knows exactly what he's in for. He has extensive international competition exposure. He knows his strengths and weaknesses and therefore seem to have a solid gameplan since the start and he's sticking to it, gradually adjusting his physique and style to cope with (or even get ahead, as demonstrated) of the difficulty curve. Really looking forward to him mixing it with the big boys and here's hoping none of the currents yoks/ozekis will retire when he reaches makuuchi. Ura vs Harumafuji......yum yummmm.....

Edited March 18, 2016 by d_golem

[Asashosakari 18,670]

Prediction: Ura will immidiadly charge in low and upon impact he will circle Amakaze and try to take his back or leg. I predict Okuridashi or Oshidashi win for Ura. Ura is so quick and had great balance so he can make these stunts happen. I don't think Amakaze has fought Ura like rikishi before. Ura however constantly fights against bigger men. Amakaze may be too slow for Ura.

Ishiura? Satoyama?

Kitaharima arguably, too.

In the long-distant past he also had two bouts against Suzaku.

Edit: Oh, and Kyokutaisei of course. Doesn't get as low as the others, but also lots of sideways shifting.

Edited March 18, 2016 by Asashosakari

[LuckyBax 3]

Nice to see Kyokutenho on security duty in the Kotoyuki video!

[Akinomaki 39,572]

That was the first henka not to the side but to below that I ever saw, from Ura.

Like planned:

Prediction: Ura will immidiadly charge in low and upon impact he will circle Amakaze and try to take his back or leg. I predict Okuridashi or Oshidashi win for Ura. Ura is so quick and had great balance so he can make these stunts happen. I don't think Amakaze has fought Ura like rikishi before. Ura however constantly fights against bigger men. Amakaze may be too slow for Ura.

Edited March 18, 2016 by Akinomaki

[Jyuunomori 226]

Ura is the f**king god. Praise be to him. We Juryo now boys!

It was better than what I predicted. Okuritaoshi.

Edit: I do not think there is anything I can say about him at this point. Him reaching to third playoff and a Yusho or Yusho-Doten seem inevitable.

Edited March 18, 2016 by Jyuunomori

[hamcornheinz 839]

HD video of Ura Match- The Real Deal.

[Jyuunomori 226]

Amakaze's face was priceless. The commentators too were like. ''Look at Amakaze's OH SHIT/DAMMIT face''.

In replay you can see Ura fake attack forward with a tsuppari aimed at face, only to turn into Harumafuji and drive Amakaze out of the dohyo. It worked better than I even predicted, not only did he get the back he grabbed the leg too. Endless bag of tricks and techniques. I currently have the biggest mancrush on this man. There is no doubt anymore that Ura will be a sekitori next basho. I cannot see him losing 3 fights in a row while the other three over him outshine him. He is now 36 and 3 in his pro career and 4-0 this basho.

Other notes:

Dewahayate and Chiyoshoma are having good bashos also in Juryo.

Kotokamatani is 3-0 in Jonidan as expected.

And Juryo still has one leader.

Edited March 18, 2016 by Jyuunomori

[Kintamayama 44,274]

When was the last time a Makushita rikishi got his kacihkoshi on day 6??

[Jyuunomori 226]

When was the last time a Makushita rikishi got his kacihkoshi on day 6??

Not quite sure, I sure someone has a statistics about it somewhere. Someone always does. Will you be doing a video on Ura when he is done with his last bout of the basho? People need to know. Most of your viewers probably don't visit this forum.

Also, you need to find an Owl clip turning its head and hooting and play it when Kotoyuuki shows up. The Hooter has to stick.

Edit: See! Faster than greased lightning. Someone always has the stats. Hidenoumi huh?

Edit 2: NHK coverage is starting. Need to clench my butt because of excitement!

Edited March 18, 2016 by Jyuunomori

[Jakusotsu 5,755]

When was the last time a Makushita rikishi got his kacihkoshi on day 6??

http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=12026&b=201409

[Asashosakari 18,670]

When was the last time a Makushita rikishi got his kacihkoshi on day 6??

http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_basho.aspx?r=12026&b=201409

For completeness, the last one who had the opportunity was Daido just half a year ago.

[Jyuunomori 226]

Going to do some live updates/comments here if you don't mind! SPOILERS AHOY!

1: Mitakeumi vs Kitataiki: Excellent bout ending with Mitakeumi being super agressive and dominating the bout.

2: Satoyama vs Tokushouryu: HOLY SHIT! I doubt there is gonna more delicious bout today than this one. Satoyama proves that skill and perseverance is what matters. Size is helpful sure, but that attitude. Hnnngghh, I love sumo.

3: Hidenoumi vs Daishomaru: Hidenoumi recked Daishomaru. Agressive attitude of not letting Daishomaru rest was the right choice!

4: Ichinojo vs Daieisho: Huge upset! Daieshou wins by severely scaring Ichinojo out of the ring. That was funny.

5: Amuuru vs Akiseyama: The devilish russian uses his mental power and uses the most powerful move in Sumo. The slippiotoshi! Or maybe it was just a hikiotoshi. You decide.

6: Lady Gaga vs Chiyoo000OOOtori: Tremendous bumbety bumb by Kotoshogiku. Winner of this match: Kotooooo...I mean Chiyootori.

7: Sadanoumi vs Takanoiwa: After some slapping and dancing around Takanoiwa manages to catch Sadanoumi by the belt and forces him off the dohyo.

Some replays showing how amazing Ura is. People know.

8: Tamawashi vs Chiyotairyu: Chiyotairyu didn't like slapping and decided to quit at the end of the bout and willingly stepped out himself. Tamawashi almost slipped, twice.

9: Takekaze vs Toyohibiki: Takekaze wins easily. Toyohibiki rushed in blindly and got easily hatakikomi'd. Also some more ballet this basho from Takekaze.

10: Myogiryu vs Kaisei (B): You know the outcome from the initial! Myogiryu used a henka but couldn't beat Kaisei B with it. But as he noticed it was Kaisei B all worries washed away. Kaisei was forced out easily.

11: Shohozan vs Kyokushuho: PUT YOUR HANDS DOWN YOU CRIMINAL SCUM! Gyoji got some vocal practice here. Hatakikomi! Kyokushuho's victory.

12: Shodai vs Wily Old Great One: WOGO decides to take the youngster head on. This turned out to be the wrong move. Shodai wins by tsukiotoshi throwing Aminishiki out of the dohyo.

13: Okinoumi vs Sokokurai: Sokokurai grabs Okinoumi and easily pushes him back. Textbook yorikiri from the chinese rikishi. Am I the only one wondering how much his two year suspension affected him? Such a shame that ordeal was.

14: Takarafuji vs Ikioi: Stream is getting choppier! NO! Ikiyay wins! Don't know how since the stream is getting unwatchable. Might have to stop soon. Apparently winning kimarite was yoritaoshi. Yup, cannot watch anymore live. Stream stopped loading.

Edited March 18, 2016 by Jyuunomori

[rhyen 1,799]

That was the first henka not to the side but to below that I ever saw, from Ura.Like planned:

Prediction: Ura will immidiadly charge in low and upon impact he will circle Amakaze and try to take his back or leg. I predict Okuridashi or Oshidashi win for Ura. Ura is so quick and had great balance so he can make these stunts happen. I don't think Amakaze has fought Ura like rikishi before. Ura however constantly fights against bigger men. Amakaze may be too slow for Ura.

Too bad he is from Kise beya, I wonder how much people would pay to watch Ura fight Gagamaru.