Hatsu Basho 2019 Discussion [SPOILERS]

[Dwale 419]

Well, that woke me the hell up. Endo and Chiyonokuni both had exciting matches. Chiyoshoma had a cool win, and it was impressive to see Kaisei shove Abi out like a dang shot put.

Tochinoshin made the right move by withdrawing. He came into this basho looking soft, which suggests to me he wasn't able to train as hard as he usually does. If he's not going to win anyway, might as well take the opportunity to heal up.

Hakuho won, but obviously not firing on all cylinders. He's going to eat some losses at some point. Nishikigi has nothing to be ashamed of and has been solid thus far. 

Congratulations to Ichinojo on his kinboshi. It's great to see him fighting like he means it, but if past experience is any guide...but, hey, you never know. As for Kakuryu, ordinarily I would say it might be a good time to withdraw, but with the ozeki how they are, he might have an easier second week. ^.^; We'll see how he does against Hokutofuji tomorrow.

 

[BroadMeadow 43]

It is always difficult to tell with Ichinojō, but it seems like he has flipped the mental switch that frequently undid him. To my still learning eyes, it appears he has the attitude of "I'm 6'4" and 500lbs. I don't have to beat you, you have to beat me..." He's often wrestled with that notion in the past, and it didn't seem to matter much. So I think he has added to it, "...and I'm going to punish you for trying."

Hak's intentional mattas are displeasing to some, but to me it is just another indication of his mastery of all aspects of the sport.

[Rocks 1,809]

15 minutes ago, BroadMeadow said:

Hak's intentional mattas are displeasing to some, but to me it is just another indication of his mastery of all aspects of the sport.

Normally I would agree but it's looking clear now that it's because he does not have a lot in the tank and needs to end it quickly. At first I thought that the Ichinojo match would help him as a good tough match helps him shake off the rust after a layoff but now it looks like it may have taken too much out of him. I still expect him to be right there for the Yusho but I wouldn't say he is just going to walk away with it as I thought  a couple of days ago. 

[Rocks 1,809]

3 hours ago, Morty said:

It's his head more than his body. He took a couple of head shots on day one and has looked bad ever since. I have had a theory for a while that he's really punchy and it doesn't take much to ring his bell. And when you get like that it takes days to recover, rather than going out and fighting again for the next 14 days... I want him to retire purely because he will end up a cabbage otherwise.

Unfortunately this looks true to me too. In the past he was able to shake this off quickly but it's clear that isn't the case anymore. He should quit. It may be too late anyway but he should still quit.

As for Intai I really think Takakaze's may come this basho. He is headed for makushita without a massive turnaround and he does not seem to have the heart in his matches to bother with that IMO.

[Benihana 1,937]

This basho so far is a bloodbath 

- Kisenosato intai, 2 kinboshi given

- Kakuryu struggling, 2 kinboshi given

- Hakuho lucky the shinpan are members of the GOATBC

- Tochinoshin kyujo -> kadoban

- Goeido struggling, might follow him soon

- Takayasu on his heels. I can feel the kadoban caroussel spinning up pretttay fast

- Mitakeumi A, beating 2Y, 1O, 2S, showing everyone how to beat Micro T-Rex

- Kasei A+

- Ichinojo A++, 2 kinboshi, 2 ginboshi, fighting spirit to the max, almost had Hakuho

And it's day 5 only!

[Eikokurai 3,437]

40 minutes ago, Benihana said:

This basho so far is a bloodbath 

- Kisenosato intai, 2 kinboshi given

- Kakuryu struggling, 2 kinboshi given

- Hakuho lucky the shinpan are members of the GOATBC

- Tochinoshin kyujo -> kadoban

- Goeido struggling, might follow him soon

- Takayasu on his heels. I can feel the kadoban caroussel spinning up pretttay fast

- Mitakeumi A, beating 2Y, 1O, 2S, showing everyone how to beat Micro T-Rex

- Kasei A+

- Ichinojo A++, 2 kinboshi, 2 ginboshi, fighting spirit to the max, almost had Hakuho

And it's day 5 only!

Nishikigi A+, 1 kinboshi (might have been 2 if Kise hadn’t retired, almost 3), 2 ginboshi

Hokutofuji A, 3 ginboshi, fractions of a second from a kinboshi

Edited January 17, 2019 by Eikokurai

[Midoriyama 35]

3 minutes ago, Eikokurai said:

Nishikigi A+, 1 kinboshi (might have been 2 if Kise hadn’t retired, almost 3), 2 ginboshi

Hokutofuji A, 3 ginboshi, fractions of a second from a kinboshi

Aoiyama and Kaisei looking impressive as well... Onosho and Yago also worth mentioning in this category

Aoiyama has gone quitely 20-5 in last 25 bouts since day 11 of Aki

Onosho has won 7 straight since Day 14 of Kyushu

Yago won some hard fought bouts which havent gone his way from the start 

[808morgan 814]

2 hours ago, BroadMeadow said:

It is always difficult to tell with Ichinojō, but it seems like he has flipped the mental switch that frequently undid him. To my still learning eyes, it appears he has the attitude of "I'm 6'4" and 500lbs. I don't have to beat you, you have to beat me..." He's often wrestled with that notion in the past, and it didn't seem to matter much. So I think he has added to it, "...and I'm going to punish you for trying."

Hak's intentional mattas are displeasing to some, but to me it is just another indication of his mastery of all aspects of the sport.

I think his back feels good, when it hurts he can't push or lift and they walk him backwards. 

Edited January 17, 2019 by 808morgan

[Dapeng 236]

7 hours ago, Philioyamfugi said:

I thought Niksiki had him...hakahou foot was still although sliding the ground, while Hokotojuji was in the air yesterday. 

 

Actually Nishiki's one foot was already below the level of dohyo (although not touching clay) while Haku's body was horizontal but air-born above the level of dohyo without touching down.

[Gospodin 219]

Incredible. If Hakuho continues to win like that, he should consider to borrow from Lou Gehrig for his yusho speech („Today, I consider myself...). For obvious different reasons, though.

Edited January 17, 2019 by Gospodin
clarification

[Amamaniac 2,079]

Given that NHK was focusing on Top Division gyoji on day 5, it is only fitting to give Shikimori Inosuke his due.  In all honesty, I was under impressed when he got the nod for promotion to tategyoji, but of course replacement was long overdue.  While he has not had the most spectacular of performances as a sanyaku gyoji, I have to admit that he has been doing a damn good job as tategyoji thus far.  Anyone could argue that he has been the defacto tategyoji for a year already, but the weight of his new status (tanto and all) is bringing out the best in him.

These first five days have really been a trial by fire, what with Hakuho-bout-after-Hakuho-bout literally "coming down to the wire".  I thought that his short but spotless record might come to an end when he boldly signalled Nishikigi as the victor against Hakuho the first time around.  Fortunately for him (he didn't have to tender his resignation after only five days as a tategyoji), the judges decided to call a torinaoshi rematch.

The rematch provided yet another "down to the wire" finish.  Shikimori Inosuke had had to flee to the side of the ring, but he was dutifully watching the action from a somewhat precarious perch.  In the end, he backed up falling off the ring simultaneously with Nishikigi and  Hakuho.  But rather than getting embarrassed, he promptly gave his verdict (gumbai) and climbed back up onto the ring.  

While many were focused on the "miracle of flight" that was Nishikigi, some fans in the stadium got a good chuckle out of 59 year-old Shikimori Inosuke's misfortune.  The side spectacle was akin to comic relief, since deciding a winner in the Hakuho v. Nishikigi bout had generated considerable tension, what with three matta and a monoii!  In my mind, it really took the edge off everything that had happened.  And to add to the comic relief, poor old Shikimori Inosuke lost one of his zori in the fall, and had to complete the presentation of kensho prize envelopes with only one zori.  The "extremely good looking bald" bandit strikes again!

I have newfound respect for the former Shikimori Kandaiyu (current Shikimori Inosuke).  He may only be around for four or five more tournaments (esp. if he is be required to retire after turning 60), but I certainly hope he continues to live up to his honourable status.  That sure hasn't been easy with the current state at the top of the banzuke!

Edited January 17, 2019 by Amamaniac

[ryafuji 815]

12 minutes ago, Amamaniac said:

I have newfound respect for the former Shikimori Kandaiyu (current Shikimori Inosuke).  He may only be around for four or five more tournaments (esp. if he is be required to retire after turning 60), but I certainly hope he continues to live up to his honourable status.  That sure hasn't been easy with the current state at the top of the banzuke!

Don't worry - he doesn't have to retire until 65 so he should be around for a few more years yet.

[Shatsume 118]

What's happened to Chiyotairyu's tachiai?? Very weak :(

[robnplunder 976]

10 hours ago, Morty said:

It's his head more than his body. He took a couple of head shots on day one and has looked bad ever since. I have had a theory for a while that he's really punchy and it doesn't take much to ring his bell. And when you get like that it takes days to recover, rather than going out and fighting again for the next 14 days... I want him to retire purely because he will end up a cabbage otherwise.

That thought occurred to me, too.  If that is the case, he needs to quit now.  As a former boxer, I know guys who has weak chin (aka glass jaw).  They get knock down a lot even in sparring sessions.  I.e, they are more susceptible to head injuries and their effects.  Is Yoshikaze like that?  It's hard to tell but he certainly engages in a lot of slap fests, often with bigger guys.    Personally, I'd like to see these old timers retire rather than risking injury while playing below their best.

[Rocks 1,809]

18 minutes ago, robnplunder said:

That thought occurred to me, too.  If that is the case, he needs to quit now.  As a former boxer, I know guys who has weak chin (aka glass jaw).  They get knock down a lot even in sparring sessions.  I.e, they are more susceptible to head injuries and their effects.  Is Yoshikaze like that?  It's hard to tell but he certainly engages in a lot of slap fests, often with bigger guys.    Personally, I'd like to see these old timers retire rather than risking injury while playing below their best.

He never was. Had a head of granite. But like some boxers they don't start out with the glass jaw, they develop it. One day it's one hit too many and they are never the same. For Yoshikaze that was in July last year if you ask me. He was just walking in a fog the whole basho. He shook it off and did well in September but he's been slowly sliding back ever since.

[Kaiomitsuki 408]

Kitanoumi was the first rikishi to win 900 fights. 

Chiyonofuji was the first to win 1000 (1045 was his record... Record breaks by Kaio with 1047 wins) 

Today Hakuho became the first rikishi to win 1100 fights in a career 

Edited January 17, 2019 by Kaiomitsuki

[Treblemaker 254]

That was quite the day of action. 

Chiyoshouma's win over Yutakayama was a perfect demonstration of roping a cow. 

I never fully realized just how round Takekeishou is. 

One bout I was looking forward to was the Ichinojo - Kakuryu dance. This would be the indicator of Ichi's sumo, and probably his best test. With Kak's experience, either he could handle the Fridge, or get pushed out, and he couldn't, so he was. 

Watching Hakuho for years, I found that everything he does has a reason behind it. The mattas seemed planned to some degree. Maybe to throw Nishgiki off his plan? Or maybe it was nerves? I think it was planned. With both being 4-0, this bout this early was significant, and being lucky yesterday meant Hak was not taking chances. The ending today looked very similar to yesterday's synchronized diving, but, where there should have been a mono-ii yesterday, today they got one, and it was only sensible to re-start. Had a chuckle when EVERYBODY flew off the dohyo at the same time. (Reminded me of the bout years ago when the Gyoji tripped during a match, flew off the platform but got back on to finish the match...) I think today they did it right and got it right. 

Yago - Chiyonokuni bout had everything! Pushing, pulling, grabbing, belt work... And Chiyo, sensing the threat of imminent victory, took action and rolled out of it. Watching the two of them flailing arms at each other, I got the image of this:

[since_94 650]

Day 5 the Chiyonokuni vs Yago and Sadanoumi vs Endo bouts were worth the price of admission alone. Takayasu landed hard on his arm / shoulder outside the dohyo and was in obvious pain. Combine that with his weakened state coming off the flu and his abysmal record this tournament, I'd be mightily surprised if he competes on day 6 and beyond 

[Amamaniac 2,079]

11 hours ago, Akōgyokuseki said:

Hoshoryu won his bout,...nice work again.

Are we witnessing the second coming of Asashoryu?  Asashoryu, besides his rebellious nature, was a master technician.  I can only conclude that wrestling is in certain Mongolian families' genes.  I've been watching Hoshoryu's rise up the banzuke, and he is outperforming the great Taiho's grandson, Naya, not to mention a recovering-from-injury Ura.  Anyone think he can make it all the way up to Makuuchi this year despite his lack of body mass?  

[Bumpkin 438]

5 minutes ago, Amamaniac said:

Are we witnessing the second coming of Asashoryu?  Asashoryu, besides his rebellious nature, was a master technician.  I can only conclude that wrestling is in certain Mongolian families' genes.  I've been watching Hoshoryu's rise up the banzuke, and he is outperforming the great Taiho's grandson, Naya, not to mention a recovering-from-injury Ura.  Anyone think he can make it all the way up to Makuuchi this year despite his lack of body mass?  

No. It will be a huge accomplishment if he makes it to Juryo this year.

[Amamaniac 2,079]

4 hours ago, ryafuji said:

Don't worry - he doesn't have to retire until 65 so he should be around for a few more years yet.

I should have known not to trust what Murray Johnson said in his day 5 commentary (mbovo 1:49:55).  You'd think that he would know better!

Edited January 18, 2019 by Amamaniac

[Dwale 419]

Kakuryu's out of the running. That is to say, he's kyujo, we already knew he was out of the running.

[Midoriyama 35]

35 minutes ago, Bumpkin said:

No. It will be a huge accomplishment if he makes it to Juryo this year.

I agree Makuuchi is probably out of the question, but I would be surprised if he is still in Makushita next year. If he goes 5-2 here he will be around Ms11-Ms13 for next tournament 5 wins there and he is Ms5-Ms7 in May, 5 wins in May and he is up to Ms1-Ms2 in July from there he would need 4 wins to get to Juryo 

 

so his path to Juryo is via at least 20-9 record until the end of July basho and we see him in Juryo for Aki 2019. That being said he is already 2-1 so he needs 18-8 record from this point to make it happen 

Not easy by any means but doable if you ask me. He is 12-5 in his Makushita career at the moment which is 70,6% rate and 18-8 record which he needs in my calculations is 69,2% 

All that with having 1 basho to spare to make it to sekitori in Kyushu 2019 

 

Edited January 18, 2019 by Midoriyama

[robnplunder 976]

1 hour ago, Midoriyama said:

I agree Makuuchi is probably out of the question, but I would be surprised if he is still in Makushita next year. If he goes 5-2 here he will be around Ms11-Ms13 for next tournament 5 wins there and he is Ms5-Ms7 in May, 5 wins in May and he is up to Ms1-Ms2 in July from there he would need 4 wins to get to Juryo 

 

so his path to Juryo is via at least 20-9 record until the end of July basho and we see him in Juryo for Aki 2019. That being said he is already 2-1 so he needs 18-8 record from this point to make it happen 

Not easy by any means but doable if you ask me. He is 12-5 in his Makushita career at the moment which is 70,6% rate and 18-8 record which he needs in my calculations is 69,2% 

All that with having 1 basho to spare to make it to sekitori in Kyushu 2019

Went back and saw the most of available videos.  He is definitely someone to keep an eye on. When (not if) he fills out his body, he will be a mainstay in Makuuchi division.   He got speed, technique, and just needs to gain more weight & experience. 

[dingo 1,294]

17 hours ago, robnplunder said:

Hak will get the nod on most monoii just being Hak.  So, if a rikishi needs to beat Hak, he needs to beat him clearly .   

Thank you, this is what I've been saying.