Yatagarasu 352 Posted March 16, 2018 I also thought Kitanofuji looked pretty gangster in his red leather jacket. Though to be fair, he's always looked like the lead in a Joe Shishido or Seijun Suzuki feature. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
d_golem 213 Posted March 16, 2018 (edited) 15 hours ago, Asashosakari said: Speaking of which, all the unsolicited fondling by Shimanoumi on Day 4 made me afraid we'd be seeing the start of the #Metooryu movement... I believe Shimanoumi was just trying to find an area where he will ge the most assured grip on the upper body. It just happened to be the underside of Mitoryu's left mammae. Speaking of fondling, I wonder where Kagayaki gets fondled more, on the dohyo or in bed.... Edited March 16, 2018 by d_golem Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amamaniac 2,078 Posted March 17, 2018 (edited) The lone Yokozuna, Kakuryu, "should be" viewed as the biggest contender for the Makuuchi championship, but a significant number of Sumo Forum users and sumo fans in general have been focusing their attention on other hopefuls, some promising despite being unlikely. Perhaps the previous Hatsu basho left some doubts about Kakuryu's staying power, and fuelled an excitement about hiramaku champions. Admittedly, I am guilty as charged. Much like in January, Kakuryu has performed well with straight wins right from Day 1. Have his opponents to date been "cupcakes"? Some yes, others not. But today's matchup against Takakeisho may prove pivotal. Takakeisho is a wild card, and fresh off an upset of Mitakeumi. Will Kakuryu rise to the occasion, or will he give up the first gold star of this tournament? All I can say is that I give Kaisei better odds of winning his bout against Kagayaki than I give Kakuryu winning against Takakeisho. Kaisei's three losses and only one win against Kagayaki were in my mind those of Kaisei 1.0. If after Day 7, Kaisei emerges as the frontrunner, this space might just explode! Edited March 17, 2018 by Amamaniac Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robnplunder 974 Posted March 17, 2018 Sure, Kak has the inside track to the yusho anyway one looks at it. Mitakeumi's chance is fading fast after he lost to Takakeisho who now will have a chance to spoil Kak's unbeaten streak. Takakeisho has a style to beat anybody so it is not out of the question. It is still wide open race to the yusho cup, especially Kak loses a match or two along the way. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Benevolance 2,453 Posted March 17, 2018 With so much time off and still battling two serious injuries, I don't think Kakuryu will go the distance this time out. He's basically here because the kyokai nagged him into it, in exchange for a "Get Out Of Jail Free" card or two. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robnplunder 974 Posted March 17, 2018 For me, juryo goings have been more interesting than that of Makuuchi for this basho. On Enho ... he is going to get injured sooner than later, getting squashed like a bug like that against Mitoryu. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chankomafuji 51 Posted March 17, 2018 (edited) Kakuryu deserves more respect and appreciation than he receives being the one defending the yokozuna honor despite the fact that he is not in prime condition. While others are being supported not because of their quality of sumo but their facial expressions, age, background stories. For 6 days Kakuryu shows incredibly smart sumo by predicting opponents and whenever its possible avoids pressuring his right hand. Which, I hope, will have positive effect in healing his hand when the time comes to face Ichinojo, the sekiwake and ozeki. Edited March 17, 2018 by Chankomafuji 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yukiarashi 195 Posted March 17, 2018 10 minutes ago, Benevolance said: With so much time off and still battling two serious injuries, I don't think Kakuryu will go the distance this time out. He's basically here because the kyokai nagged him into it, in exchange for a "Get Out Of Jail Free" card or two. This is what Harumafuji did last Aki, I think he took the get out of jail free part too literally. Kakuryu looks strong. Knowing he's injured makes it even more impressive. He's got to be the favorite right now, but as much as a fan of him I am it would be so disappointing not seeing someone like Shohozan or Kaisei or the craziest Daishomaru or Daiamami take advantage and win a shock yusho. He looked strong at the start of last basho but started hemorrhaging loses as soon as someone figured him out. This time he looks even better, but the injury is still there and could have a repeat of last basho again. It would be nice to see with how much he has been underrated all these years to become the top rikishi in sumo. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhyen 1,798 Posted March 17, 2018 14 hours ago, rhyen said: 13 hours ago, Yukiarashi said: Thanks from the other angle I saw I didn't see this, if his foot was back three inches that could have been win of the year! Good call from the shimpan. and here is the closeness of it. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wakaebala 151 Posted March 17, 2018 Gjoyi hesitated for a bit, but Kaisei got his 7th win on day 7. This is his second best start - the first one happened at his Makuuchi debut basho in 2011 Natsu, that time he started with 9 consecutive wins, and then finished the tournament with 10-5, and a Kanto-sho. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wakaebala 151 Posted March 17, 2018 Abi once again was too eager to win. He should be more careful near the tawara. His opponents have learned this flaw of him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robnplunder 974 Posted March 17, 2018 3 minutes ago, Wakaebala said: Gjoyi hesitated for a bit, but Kaisei got his 7th win on day 7. Kaisei got lucky on his 7th win. Yoshikaze would need some luck. Maybe he will get some going against weakened Chiyoshoma tomorrow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaninoyama 1,649 Posted March 17, 2018 (edited) Kakuryu was just gifted today's win against Takakeisho. His toe clearly touched out first and there was a mark to prove it, but despite a 3-minute monoii the decision stood. Would have liked to have at least seen a torinaoshi there as this could have a significant impact on the outcome of the tourney. Edited March 17, 2018 by Kaninoyama 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robnplunder 974 Posted March 17, 2018 (edited) I felt the monoii decision could have gone either way. But I agree that Kak got lucky. Edited March 17, 2018 by robnplunder Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yutarotanaka 104 Posted March 17, 2018 A very long monoii but they still did not see (at least for me) the clear indication that Kak stepped out first. Takakeshio's gold star was practically stolen from him IMO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
umbriel2 13 Posted March 17, 2018 Was it a "dead body" situation? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chankomafuji 51 Posted March 17, 2018 4 minutes ago, Kaninoyama said: Kakuryu was just gifted today's win against Takakeisho. His toe clearly touched out first and there was a mark to prove it, but despite a 3-minute monoii the decision stood. Would have liked to have at least seen a torinaoshi there as this could have a significant impact on the outcome of the tourney. Oh, was it that clearly? Now, check the replay again and you will see that the sand was actually sand from INSIDE the dohyo. By sliding his foot, Kakuryu threw the sand out. You're welcome. Long, but very precise call. 4 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaninoyama 1,649 Posted March 17, 2018 And the big toe print outside the dohyo? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
inhashi 2,363 Posted March 17, 2018 (edited) Interesting tweet circulating where an explanation is that the force of the foot hitting the tawara caused the sand to be pushed against it without the toe actually touching out. With the above tweet removed, editing in the "original" tweet. This one explaining that the sand from the inner dohyo was pushed out by the sole of the foot. Poor quality visual, single angle view and all. Edited March 17, 2018 by inhashi 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaninoyama 1,649 Posted March 17, 2018 3 minutes ago, inhashi said: Interesting tweet circulating where an explanation is that the force of the foot hitting the tawara caused the sand to be pushed against it without the toe actually touching out. That's one angle and I still see the toe touching down at the end. From a different angle the toe touching is more evident. I would have liked to see a torinaoshi there at least, but in any event, Kakuryu gets the win to remain undefeated through Day 7. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
orandashoho 720 Posted March 17, 2018 Hmm, from that tweet it does seem that the sand was moving before the toe came down. Weird. I never thought stepping on the tawara could have that effect, unless it's a weakness in the dohyo construction. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chankomafuji 51 Posted March 17, 2018 I still believe Kakuryu threw dirt out of the dohyo (look between the big toe and the index toe while it is still high) which makes this sand (very fine one) moving. The print, which is a lot bigger than a toe's also indicates that it was this small force of dirt that formed this exact shape of the print. Shortly before the end you can see both rikishi throwing dirt with their feet while they compete. Same thing happened at the end - most likely he had some dirt stuck between his toes and the impact from hitting the tawara made it separate. And I do not see him touching the sand after that either ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhyen 1,798 Posted March 17, 2018 (edited) Someone better tell Enho about Kitanofuji’s jinx/fickleness when he picks you to be his favourite. http://www.sumoforum.net/forums/topic/37635-cartoon-commetary-for-haru-2018/?do=findComment&comment=359236 Edited March 17, 2018 by rhyen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swami 245 Posted March 17, 2018 14 hours ago, Yatagarasu said: I also thought Kitanofuji looked pretty gangster in his red leather jacket. Though to be fair, he's always looked like the lead in a Joe Shishido or Seijun Suzuki feature. Kitanofuji looks great for 76, it has to be said. Swami 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swami 245 Posted March 17, 2018 Surely Orora must be a candidate for retirement shortly? He has looked nothing short of pathetic this tournament so far. Swami Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
