Ichinojo in 2020 - on the way back?

[Jejima 1,300]

In Nov/Dec 2014, two-thirds of the people doing this poll thought that Ichinojo would be an Ozeki by January 2016....

Now he is in Juryo...

His first basho of the year was disappointing.... January 2020 - J7E (6-9)
Please include your predictions in the comments below, and state what you think the actual rank of Ichinojo will be on the January 2021 banzuke.

Previous polls....

2019
2018
2017
2016
2015

Edited February 16, 2020 by Jejima

[Kintamayama 44,251]

Komusubi

[Joaoiyama 303]

Ichinojo has to improve his muscles, it doesn't matter if he is bigger than everyone if everyone is stronger than him.

[Oshirokita 173]

M12w

Gonna be a tough rebuilding year for him. Once the back acts up, it isn't likely to get better.

[Athenayama 931]

I'm afraid that at some point of this year he will be injured again, so:

Upper Juryo, 2 KK, 13-2, J3.

 

Edited February 16, 2020 by Athenayama

[Morty 1,479]

Unfortunately (and I hope I'm wrong) injury is going to do him in 

[Rocks 1,804]

He'll come back. Joi in January.

[Katsunorifuji 65]

I voted mid juryo but I’ll admit that that’s heavily based on the fact that he just finished 6-9. I think he’ll start improving but that he’ll have mostly 8-7 and 7-8 results until he gets back to 100% healthy. 

[Jejima 1,300]

M17E

I predict that his remaining five bashos of 2020 will be four 8-7s and one 9-6.

[MumboJumbo 34]

M9

[WAKATAKE 2,614]

J2, 10-5 best record, 3 KK, might get back into the top division but won't hold

[Nantonoyama 239]

11-4 at best, he will succeed to come back to top division but will remain in the lower tier. 4kk though

[Jejima 1,300]

We seem to be all over the place with our predictions for Ichinojo this year!

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

Happy birthday to Ichinojo, who is 27 years old today. 

 

[Stupidface 34]

7 hours ago, Otokonoyama said:

Happy birthday to Ichinojo, who is 27 years old today. 

 

Happy Birthday big guy! 

I am new to sumo so I am hoping to see him in the top division soon as I haven't seen much of him and his sumo due to his injuries.

I can see why he is a fan favourite!

 

 

[hakutorizakura 582]

Any idea why the cake says 26? And 15??

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

59 minutes ago, hakutorizakura said:

Any idea why the cake says 26? And 15??

Probably used last year's photo as this year people are being encouraged to stay at home due to the pandemic.

[hakutorizakura 582]

Oh, that makes sense. 

Anyway, hope he'll come back strong and slapped the soul out of everyone like last time!

[Jejima 1,300]

This is the final poll for 2020 to report back on.

Question 1:
Based on research at Sumo Reference, the last ten times that an M13W had 8-7, he has been promoted to somewhere in the region described as 'Lower Makunouchi' 9 times, and once to Mid-Makunouchi. So, for the purpose of this poll, I am going to presume that he will be ranked in lower Makunouchi for January 2021 (and will come back to correct, if necessary). Four players predicted this range:- Oshirokita (M12W), Gaijingai, Jejima (M17E) and Nantonoyama.

Based on making a comment with the actual prediction is worth more than not making a comment, Oshirokita is currently in poll position, with Jejima in second place.

Question 2:
Ichinojo ended up with four KKs (robbed of his potential fifth?). This was predicted by eight players, including Gaijingai and Nantonoyama. These two are now tied for the lead.

Question 3:
Ichinojo's best result (twice) in 2020 was 9-6. Oshirokita and Jejima both predicted this.

Okay, let's examine the other bits and pieces...

Jejima (five KK) and Oshirokita (three KK) were both one out with question two.

Nantonoyama (11-4) was two out with question 3 - so out of the running. Gaijingai (8-7) was one out with question 2. However, Gaijingai did not leave any comments below, so is rules out on the tie-breaker.

Oshirokita will be closest with his prediction of Ichinojo's rank on the new banzuke, so he can claim the yusho , and Jejima will have to be content with the jun-yusho .

NB: If Ichinojo's rank is M10 or higher on the new banzuke, I will have to re-examine this poll.