sumojoann 1,154 Posted July 24, 2020 I am so impressed with Kiribayama! He reminds me more and more of Harumafuji with his quickness and explosive tachiai. He overpowered Takakeisho today and gave Asanoyama a run for his money yesterday. Exciting to watch! It's telling that on his Instagram account, he has posted 3 photos of Harumafuji but NONE of any other Yokozuna! I have been following Kiribayama since his debut in Makuuchi this past Jan. He was M17 & ended up with an 11-4 record and the Fighting Spirit prize. He was promoted to M8 in March and achieved a 9-6 record. Now he's M3 & doing very well. Without major injuries, I predict he will go far. 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amamaniac 1,996 Posted July 24, 2020 41 minutes ago, sumojoann said: It's telling that on his Instagram account, he has posted 3 photos of Harumafuji but NONE of any other Yokozuna! Abema TV has posted comments to the effect that Kiribayama is like Kakuryu's adopted son. It must be crushing for the good-willed Kakuryu, that Kiribayama seems to idolise Harumafuji more than he idolises his actual Yokozuna mentor! It must also irk Asashoryu that his nephew, Hoshoryu, also idolises Harumafuji. I just wish that Takanoiwa's girlfriend hadn't texted during the karaoke bar gathering back in late October 2017... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kashunowaka 269 Posted July 24, 2020 I cannot say that I am a big fan of Mitakeumi's rather one-dimensional sumo. But there is definitely room for another ozeki on the banzuke and he is beginning to set him self up again. I would love to see him getting promoted. However, he has been in this situation twice before. In last year's Kyshu there were only two rikishi above him who finished the basho and he still managed to go 6-9. But it looks much better for him this time, don't you think? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Morty 1,426 Posted July 24, 2020 (edited) I'm really looking forward to 14-0 Hakuho vs 14-0 Asanoyama on Sensharaku.... Edited July 24, 2020 by Morty 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gernobono 399 Posted July 24, 2020 (edited) 6 minutes ago, Morty said: I'm really looking forward to 14-0 Hakuho vs 14-0 Asanoyama on Sensharaku.... I guess it will be 13-0 Hakuho vs 13-0 Asanoyama on day 14 Edited July 24, 2020 by Gernobono Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eikokurai 3,418 Posted July 24, 2020 30 minutes ago, Amamaniac said: Abema TV has posted comments to the effect that Kiribayama is like Kakuryu's adopted son. It must be crushing for the good-willed Kakuryu, that Kiribayama seems to idolise Harumafuji more than he idolises his actual Yokozuna mentor! It must also irk Asashoryu that his nephew, Hoshoryu, also idolises Harumafuji. I just wish that Takanoiwa's girlfriend hadn't texted during the karaoke bar gathering back in late October 2017... Maybe it’s just a case of idolizing what is not near. It might be a bit embarrassing for Kakuryu to have his protege posting pictures of him. Likewise Hoshoryu might feel awkward posting pictures of his uncle. They’re too close to be idols. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Genjurooo 6 Posted July 24, 2020 To me the only one that looks in better shape seems to be Asanoyama. Mitakeumi looks like his usual self, just his opponents look in worse shape. Takakeisho looks weaker. Shodai looks strong too, but he makes a lot of mistakes. My Hokutofuji is his usual reckless self and he'll never make ozeki in this fashion. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kashunowaka 269 Posted July 24, 2020 2 minutes ago, Genjurooo said: Mitakeumi looks like his usual self, just his opponents look in worse shape. Of course, the time for Mitakeumi to blow up is next basho, not now. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
since_94 638 Posted July 24, 2020 Yes, Kiribayama showed great sumo dispatching the hapless Takakeisho. Shades of even greater things to come for sure. And once again Hoshoryu utterly amazing in his yorikiri win over Hidenoumi. Are we sumo fans thoroughly entertained yet? I know I am. He's going to be so awesome when he beefs up and gets stronger and gains experience. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kintamayama 41,316 Posted July 24, 2020 2 hours ago, Kashunowaka said: I cannot say that I am a big fan of Mitakeumi's rather one-dimensional sumo. But there is definitely room for another ozeki on the banzuke and he is beginning to set him self up again. I would love to see him getting promoted. However, he has been in this situation twice before. In last year's Kyshu there were only two rikishi above him who finished the basho and he still managed to go 6-9. But it looks much better for him this time, don't you think? Reminder-he started off 6-0 last basho and ended up 10-5.. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RabidJohn 1,274 Posted July 24, 2020 (edited) Laugh out loud moment: Endo helpfully lending his back so Shodai didn't fall over backwards! Even louder cheer moment: Kiribayama getting the better of Takakeisho at his first attempt. Nice one, son! He's learning well the sumo being taught by Michinoku, who was a very handy ozeki in the period dominated by Chiyonofuji. I was a fan of his, so I'm very pleased at this result for both of them. He's still got much more to learn, but I believe he's one to watch. Chris Gould has been banging on about Kotoshoho since he was a high-school amateur, and it looks like he was right. Sadogatake-beya seems to be riding a wave up the banzuke right now, and I believe it could well take this kid very near the top. He looks so assured and calm already, and I always see that as a good sign. I kind of expected him to lose to Terunofuji, but he lost well. Mitakeumi is far from one dimensional. He has his thing, which he nearly always tries to do, but it works for him so it only makes sense. However, he's not as helpless on the belt as, say, Takakeisho. I have a clear memory of Mitakeumi beating Hakuho on the belt a couple of years ago or so - a 500 IQ move if ever there was one, as it was the very last thing the yokozuna expected. I can imagine the YDC collectively squealing with delight at Asanoyama's performance so far... He seems to have discovered the kind of 'boss' sumo Hakuho's had for years. The leaderboard looked very right today! --- By the way, my reason for believing Takakeisho is always at his limits is because he's injured himself twice by going beyond them. He's just got more spirit than his physique can handle; a not-uncommon thing among rikishi. Ura and Terunofuji are the same. I believe Takakeisho will have a Goeido-esque (what some might meanly call ozekiwake) career. Edited July 24, 2020 by RabidJohn 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asapedroryu 183 Posted July 24, 2020 What was wrong with Kotoshogiku today? Was he injured and cannot squat properly? If that was a tactic, then it was a stupid one as his sumo os based in having a powerfull tachiai. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yamanashi 3,054 Posted July 24, 2020 6 hours ago, Kashunowaka said: Even the Japanese commentator and Kyokudozan have problems pronouncing Wakatakakage. Does it mean he's the shadow of the Hanada brothers? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amamaniac 1,996 Posted July 24, 2020 3 hours ago, Eikokurai said: Maybe it’s just a case of idolizing what is not near. It might be a bit embarrassing for Kakuryu to have his protege posting pictures of him. Likewise Hoshoryu might feel awkward posting pictures of his uncle. They’re too close to be idols. Or maybe Harumafuji is a greater inspiration to young wrestlers who find themselves on the short end of the weight stick... Or maybe there was something special about him. After all, I could have idolised Asashoryu or Kakuryu, but ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amamaniac 1,996 Posted July 24, 2020 On several (if not all) days in this tournament, Tochinoshin has appeared in the ring-entering ceremony with a white support wrap on his right ankle (reminiscent of an old injury protective measure). However, when he appears for his bouts, the white support is nowhere to be seen! The only sense I can make of that is that he has reinjured his ankle, but he doesn't want his opponent to have the visual clue of his weak point. But frankly speaking, how much support does he really need to perform the ring-entering ceremony? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hakutorizakura 464 Posted July 24, 2020 7 hours ago, Jakusotsu said: Shodai's sumo is looking more and more like Sakaizawa to me. Kitchen sink sumo? Anyway that was hilarious Asanoyama looking a bit like Kisenosato. Let's hope that he won't develop a choking habit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katooshu 2,476 Posted July 24, 2020 (edited) 8 hours ago, Kashunowaka said: I cannot say that I am a big fan of Mitakeumi's rather one-dimensional sumo. But there is definitely room for another ozeki on the banzuke and he is beginning to set him self up again. I would love to see him getting promoted. However, he has been in this situation twice before. In last year's Kyshu there were only two rikishi above him who finished the basho and he still managed to go 6-9. But it looks much better for him this time, don't you think? I think Mitakeumi is pretty well-rounded: he's one of the most powerful coming straight ahead with thrusts and pushing, but can also counter on the back foot and do some belt work. His balance and stability are impressive too, especially considering how aggressive he can be, and for a guy his size he's got some speed as well. When he's on form I'd say he does almost everything well, though perhaps there is no 1 area where he is great. His big issue seem to be losing steam as the basho goes on... Edited July 24, 2020 by Katooshu Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katooshu 2,476 Posted July 24, 2020 7 hours ago, since_94 said: Yes, Kiribayama showed great sumo dispatching the hapless Takakeisho. Shades of even greater things to come for sure. And once again Hoshoryu utterly amazing in his yorikiri win over Hidenoumi. Are we sumo fans thoroughly entertained yet? I know I am. He's going to be so awesome when he beefs up and gets stronger and gains experience. Do you have a link to the Hosh match by any chance? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tsubame 322 Posted July 24, 2020 5 hours ago, Asapedroryu said: What was wrong with Kotoshogiku today? Was he injured and cannot squat properly? If that was a tactic, then it was a stupid one as his sumo os based in having a powerfull tachiai. He has shown this strange non-squat tachi-ai for a couple of days now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jabbamaru 160 Posted July 24, 2020 Wow! Showdai! Coolest move eveeeeehhh!!! Kiribayama is no joke, Joe. With Mita, Asa and Hak all looking genki as hell the basho race seem promising! Very nice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RabidJohn 1,274 Posted July 24, 2020 @Katooshu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUBolduQXUA SumoNatto has been showing full juryo schedule since day 2 of this basho. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yamanashi 3,054 Posted July 24, 2020 3 hours ago, hakutorizakura said: Kitchen sink sumo? Anyway that was hilarious Asanoyama looking a bit like Kisenosato. Let's hope that he won't develop a choking habit. Exactly what I thought (Asa/Kise). That sideways stance, and the "sticky feet" that can't be moved. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RabidJohn 1,274 Posted July 24, 2020 6 hours ago, Asapedroryu said: What was wrong with Kotoshogiku today? Was he injured and cannot squat properly? Kotoshogiku famously has no knees left. I know what that's like. Squatting isn't really what you want to do... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amamaniac 1,996 Posted July 24, 2020 1 hour ago, Jabbamaru said: Kiribayama is no joke, Joe. Well, he's going up against Hakuho next! At the start of this tournament, he told reporters that his goal is to get a gold star victory over Hakuho (not like he is ever going to get a gold star from stablemate Kakuryu). What are the odds of him upsetting the GOAT and the yusho race? He has Kakuryu to provide guidance on the best way to fight against Hakuho. But I suspect nerves may get in the way, not to mention the vast experience of the opposing Yokozuna. If Kiribayama pulls off the upset, I will be delightfully shocked!!! 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jakusotsu 5,006 Posted July 24, 2020 7 hours ago, Asapedroryu said: What was wrong with Kotoshogiku today? What was wrong with the gyoji today? All these matta calls were absurd. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
