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

[Katooshu 3,079]

-Kagamio has really fallen hard......M9 in September yet now on the brink of demotion to makushita.

-Let's see who falters first in the juryo yusho race; Chiyonokuni and Sato both looking very good so far.

-Is it fairly normal for a 5-2 J13 to be matched with a 2-2 MS1e, even when the MS1w is also 2-2?

[Gurowake 3,874]

-Is it fairly normal for a 5-2 J13 to be matched with a 2-2 MS1e, even when the MS1w is also 2-2?

I swear that a significant part of the process involved in deciding which matches will happen involve some sort of randomization method. There's a few things that they absolutely stick to, but outside of that, they tend to inject randomness into things, perhaps so that people can't predict exactly who they are going to face well ahead of time. There's nothing particularly unusual about that pairing; they tend to take people in the four closest ranks to the border and pair them somewhat at random as needed, but with a conscious effort to balance things through the first week and a half, so those closest to the border get such matches slightly more often but otherwise are spread somewhat evenly.

[Asashosakari 18,657]

-Is it fairly normal for a 5-2 J13 to be matched with a 2-2 MS1e, even when the MS1w is also 2-2?

I swear that a significant part of the process involved in deciding which matches will happen involve some sort of randomization method. There's a few things that they absolutely stick to, but outside of that, they tend to inject randomness into things, perhaps so that people can't predict exactly who they are going to face well ahead of time. There's nothing particularly unusual about that pairing; they tend to take people in the four closest ranks to the border and pair them somewhat at random as needed, but with a conscious effort to balance things through the first week and a half, so those closest to the border get such matches slightly more often but otherwise are spread somewhat evenly.

Yeah, in this case I think it's simply because Hakuyozan and Ura are both due another bout to keep things spread out well among the candidates on both sides of the border, in part because the J13e isn't really available right now - if Sato wasn't 7-0 he'd probably be put into the rotation. Edited May 14, 2016 by Asashosakari

[Adil 232]

Two more super endings today: Tochiozan vs Myogiryu and the streetfight between Goeido and Yoshikaze. Both endings reminded me of the ending of the George Foreman vs Ken Norton match. Goeido was really angry and gave Yoshikaze that mean look before getting back onto to dohyo. By the way, Yoshikaze has this funny way of jerking his head up suddenly against his opponents' face. A few basho ago, he KO'd Jokoryu with that head-butt to the face, and today I noticed it against Goeido as well on 6:57 in Moti san's second digest for day 7. I guess it just happens because of his wild and furious style.

Tasty match from Harumafuji again.

Good win for Kotoyuki, but poor judgement from the Yokozuna. Kakuryu has two modes: grab the belt with that unshakeable grip and dump the other guy on the clay, or backpedal quickly and try to pull the other guy down. After his first tsukiotoshi attempt failed, he found himslef backpedalling all the way.

In order to get his left hand to push Hakuho by the throat, Aoiyama's right leg had to be planted on the dohyo. Unfortunately, the dohyo was slippery and his right leg slipped. The first time, it was funny as it appeared Aoiyama just dived away from Hakuho for no reason.

[Benevolance 2,459]

At this point, I'd be willing to believe that Hakuho *had* developed some sort of telekinetic winning technique; he's done basically everything else.

[ScreechingOwl 343]

Sato seems an Ozeki in Juryo.

It's pretty easy for someone with mid-maegashire talent to look like an ozeki in Juryo: Osunaarashi 13-2 (Natsu 2015); Shodai 13-2 (Kyushu 2015); Shohozan 13-2 (Aki 2015); Tochinoshin 15-0 (Aki 2014); Ichinojo 13-2 (Nagoya 2014); Homasho, 14-1 (Natsu 2014); Endo 14-1 (Nagoya 2013). Not an ozeki among them, at least not yet. Things aren't so easy in the makuuchi division.

[Kotogouryuu 126]

Thoughts on the day:

- Koto actually looked up today and kept control, getting the win. That's how he should be doing his tachi-ai's. Shocked Ikioi didn't try to henka anyway.

Kotoshogiku seems to have remembered what got him the yusho. Ikioi actually had a very good counter move for the bumpetybump, just didn't quite manage to do it all the way. Maybe next time.

[orandashoho 720]

What is most noticeable about Kotoshogiku (to me, at least) is his increased stamina, doubtlessly the result of his new training regimen... it is giving him extra strength and endurance and it's paying off. He isn't running out of puff like before giving opponents a breather.

Getting the results is giving him extra confidence, but that doesn't mean it is smart to bulldoze blindly off the mark. Hopefully those painful losses are good lessons.

[Yubinhaad 11,500]

Makushita 1e Hakuyozan enjoyed the privilege of having his hair in an oichomage for the first time this basho, when he was brought up to Juryo to fight Tamaasuka on Shonichi. Tamaasuka won that bout, but Hakuyozan is currently 2-2 and is back in action in Juryo tomorrow when he fights Ura.

[bettega 422]

Sato seems an Ozeki in Juryo.

It's pretty easy for someone with mid-maegashire talent to look like an ozeki in Juryo: Osunaarashi 13-2 (Natsu 2015); Shodai 13-2 (Kyushu 2015); Shohozan 13-2 (Aki 2015); Tochinoshin 15-0 (Aki 2014); Ichinojo 13-2 (Nagoya 2014); Homasho, 14-1 (Natsu 2014); Endo 14-1 (Nagoya 2013). Not an ozeki among them, at least not yet. Things aren't so easy in the makuuchi division.

That was exactly what I mean "Ozeki in Juryo" as a outstanding rikishi in a too lower rank for his skill :D

[Fukurou 534]

Makushita 1e Hakuyozan enjoyed the privilege of having his hair in an oichomage for the first time this basho, when he was brought up to Juryo to fight Tamaasuka on Shonichi. Tamaasuka won that bout, but Hakuyozan is currently 2-2 and is back in action in Juryo tomorrow when he fights Ura.

I thought a rikishi had to be ranked in Juryo before he got an oichomage. I didn't realize they did that for a single appearance.

[ScottyJoyJrBebe 97]

I remember reading Jesse's (Takamiyama/Azumazeki) book, and reading of his feeling of excitement when he had his hair done is an oicho-mage for his match in Juryo, being that he was in Makushita at the time. So I do believe that it is a normal practice, in my limited knowledge.

[Andonishiki 165]

Let's bring on a new game next basho:

Guess the aite of J13nishi... (Gajn13)

Then we'll learn about Juryo torikumi making as well...

and GKA finally needs a little brother ;)

[Jyuunomori 226]

Chiyonokuni & Sato circus continues. Both of them getting their KK. Sato is ridiculous, he is never going to win by Yorikiri is he? But whatever magic he is doing it is working. I am still getting these 15-0 vibes from him. What a beast.

Ura also claims another victory and is now 6-2. Hopefully the second week treats him better, losing twice in a single week is a shameful display. Pick up on my sarcasm plz.

But yeah both Shin-Juryo are putting up a show for us. I can't even deny: I am more excited to see who wins Juryo Yusho and what will be the total killcount of Ura and Sato, than seeing Yokozuna-Ozeki mettles.

[d_golem 213]

I just found out yesterday that my dad's pay-tv subscription has NHK Premium, hence right now in this quiet Sunday Indonesian afternoon I'm now sitting excitedly having my eyes glued to the TV looking at the full Kokugikan for the first makuuchi bout! Yeehaa! Prepare for some horrendously bad sumo newbie commentary guys!

Edited May 15, 2016 by d_golem

[d_golem 213]

First three bouts.

Nishikigi lost to Chiyotairyu by hikiotoshi in quickish fashion.

This one is also a quick one as Takekaze dispatched Seiro by oshidashi.

Third one is longer. Chiyootori pushed and thrust Hidenoumi all over the dohyo where eventually was pushed out by yorikiri.

[d_golem 213]

Next one is an exciting one. Endo and Shohozan grabbed each others mawashi one-handed then spun round and round. Shohozan tried a throw but Endo resisted before forcefully yorikiried Shohozan. Huge cheer by the crowd.

Forgot to say one of the commentators is ex-Mainoumi and the ring side commentator is the tall handsome guy who just had his intai ceremony.

Amuuru resisted for a bit but was quickly shoved off the dohyo by Sadanoumi. He's still not well it seems.

Glorious throw by Daishomaru! Tokushoryu tried his best to push him out but some neat footwork and Daishomaru managed hook his left arm under Tokushoryu's right arm for a sublime throw.

[d_golem 213]

Battle of the bulge! Matta by Gaga. Very very hestitant tachiai by both on second try. Why not called for a redo is beyond me. Gaga still on his lifelong ozeki run after pushing Toyonoshima off the dohyo by oshidashi.

Nice long battle this one. Both Takanoiwa and young Daieishou tried pushing, throwing, power struggling, before Takanoiwa got a double inside grip and yorikiried Daieishou.

A short clip showing Sato's bout in juryo.

Tamawashi tried grabbing Soukokurai's throat to no avail as Soukokurai calmly sukuinage-ed him.

[d_golem 213]

Tochiozan's good form was halted by Mitakeumi as he misjudged the width of the dohyo and stepped out when pushed back. Yorikiri.

Halftime intermezzo. Some comments by Mainoumi and the other commentator. Have no idea what they were talking about. Sorry. On to the heavyweights Osunaarashi vs Tochinosin!

Titanic belt power battle! Both were determined to try amd power lift the other clear off the dohyo and Tochi succeeded in doing just that on the second try after Oosuna valiantly dtave off the first attempt. Great stuff!

Myougiryu oshidashi Takayasu in the next bout, where the hairy one seemed to hurt himself on the fall. Hopefully he's ok.

[kuroimori 1,634]

Shodai gets going on now with his second consecutive win today, don't pencil in that makekoshi yet - he can still finish 9-6 now that he gets opponents that are more likely at the same strength level.

[d_golem 213]

Quick one between Shodai and Takarafuji for the young one's second win of the basho. Oshidashi.

Aww Ikioi.... Kaisei A showed up and win this spirited see-saw bout yorikiri. He's definitely sanyaku quality if he keeps this up.

Goeido for tsuna run? A definite possibility seeing how handily he ran rings around Ichinojo today. Starting to look like he's definitely got his troubles behind him for good.

[Tsubame 355]

Either Ichinojo showed us the worst staged match for this year or he is really some kind of naive.

[Akinomaki 39,526]

An extra shove by Hakuho to the inside so no one can get hurt - booing for the half-henka.

Edited May 15, 2016 by Akinomaki

[d_golem 213]

Unbeaten Kisenosato vs my fave veteran pocket rocket Yoshikaze. Yoshikaze twisted an turned but Kise remained resolute and eventually oshidashi Yoshikaze out of the dohyo. Kise KK and still unbeaten. Yoshikaze in 2 more losses to MK.

Good effort by Teru but Okinoumi's leg hook and throw was enough to undone him. He should rest up and come back in July refreshed.

Huge cheer for Hakuho vs Kotoyuki bout! Semi-henka by Hakuho! Semi-boos heard in the crowd as Hakuho oshidashi Kotoyuki! An added extra push too inside the dohyo as if telling Kotoyuki to move his ass off the dohyo quick.

[Atenzan 1,074]

Oh, no. Hakuhou with more than half a henka there. That was about a three-quarter henka. Also, anyone notice the dame-oshi when Kotoyuuki was walking back towards the middle? This is not good at all.