Wakawakawaka 211 Posted July 22 7 hours ago, Octofuji said: Kinbozan is the only Makuuchi wrestler (apart from the absent Daieisho) with a 2-0 record against Aonishiki. Maybe an upset tomorrow? I think it's telling that they are both long range thrusters. I suspect Abi and Tamawashi will give Aonishiki some trouble too... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jakusotsu 6,321 Posted July 22 Hatooka could be starring in a remake of Men in Tights. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jakusotsu 6,321 Posted July 22 Moto-Dejima not looking good, needing assistance to descend from the dohyo. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jakusotsu 6,321 Posted July 22 Would Tamawashi be the oldest Makuuchi Yusho winner? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faustonowaka 150 Posted July 22 (edited) 13 minutes ago, Jakusotsu said: Would Tamawashi be the oldest Makuuchi Yusho winner? He allready is, and the oldest kinboshi winner Edited July 22 by Faustonowaka 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Akinomaki 41,572 Posted July 22 (edited) Tamawashi on NHK was shown interviewed earlier, he wanted to get one of the new kinboshi - those from a new yokozuna maybe sparkle more - and he got it. Edit: Shohozan yesterday on Abema had hoped for it as final comment Edited July 22 by Akinomaki 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jakusotsu 6,321 Posted July 22 3 minutes ago, Faustonowaka said: He already is Was he, at 37? I already forgot... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hypnoowl 23 Posted July 22 And now, by dumping Onosato right into his master's lap for kachikoshi, Tamawashi added another yokozuna to his kinboshi collection and guaranteed himself a shukun-sho all in a neat and stylish package. Well done, Iron Man. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaninoyama 1,877 Posted July 22 Aonishiki feels like the odds-on favorite at this point. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asashosakari 20,137 Posted July 22 5 minutes ago, hypnoowl said: And now, by dumping Onosato right into his master's lap for kachikoshi, Tamawashi added another yokozuna to his kinboshi collection and guaranteed himself a shukun-sho all in a neat and stylish package. Well done, Iron Man. The very fact that Onosato has now given up three kinboshi already makes it less likely than any single one of them will be rewarded with a shukun-sho, though. Just being a yokozuna isn't enough, it has to be one who actually has a credible tournament record for defeating him to be considered as a valuable achievement. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hypnoowl 23 Posted July 22 1 minute ago, Asashosakari said: The very fact that Onosato has now given up three kinboshi already makes it less likely than any single one of them will be rewarded with a shukun-sho, though. Just being a yokozuna isn't enough, it has to be one who actually has a credible tournament record for defeating him to be considered as a valuable achievement. Thank you as always for a valuable insight, indeed it would be strange to just give out multiple prizes for defeating an underperforming yokozuna. I still hope that Tamawashi doing it might be impressive enough all things considered, especially as he was snubbed in May despite double digits. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RabidJohn 2,010 Posted July 22 (edited) 18 minutes ago, hypnoowl said: Thank you as always for a valuable insight, indeed it would be strange to just give out multiple prizes for defeating an underperforming yokozuna. I still hope that Tamawashi doing it might be impressive enough all things considered, especially as he was snubbed in May despite double digits. Tamawashi already has 2 makunouchi yusho, so he is judged by different standards to a rookie coming into the division and scoring double digits on debut. I suspect another yusho is needed for a shukun-sho this time. I'm not ruling him out. His latest kinboshi today was fabulous - and he had to earn it the hard way. At 40yrs old, it's just mind-blowing. Edited July 22 by RabidJohn 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
I am the Yokozuna 218 Posted July 22 Wakatakakage’s win over Kotozakura was seriously impressive. Aonishiki’s versatile arsenal of techniques reminds me of early Asashoryu: not that I’m suggesting he’ll become a 20-yusho yokozuna, but the skill level is definitely there. Hakuoho and St. Hakuho’s solid performances also lend some weight to the idea that they’ve truly been given freedom to thrive under Hakuho’s tutelage. As for Daiseizan, both his style and his rise through Juryo make me think he could become a regular fixture in Makuuchi. Whether he’ll go much higher is hard to say, but the potential is there. Overall, I thought there were some fantastic performances this basho: it’s been really exciting to follow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dingo 1,454 Posted July 22 What a shocking end to the day! Onosato has looked a bit shaky these few days and let Tamawashi take advantage of that fully. Anyway, I'll try a slightly different approach to arranging my thoughts today. List of rikishi doing reasonably well this basho: Midorifuji, who has a good shot at kachikoshi in already 2 days. Today Kotoeiho was not an easy opponent with his bigger frame but just right as he let Midorifuji get an inside grip and take advantage of that with a heavy throw. Takanosho who I was critical about earlier in the basho. Today he sort of warranted that criticism as his win against Shishi was more down to the shimpan goodwill than his own sumo. However, 7-3 is markedly better than I expected based on his basho start. Kotoshosho at 8-2 is having an easy basho in lower makuuchi. I think his level is higher than the opposition so far so that's to be expected. Fujinokawa looked like a Midorifuji and Asakoryu type, but is putting forth sumo that belies his size. Today he got unlucky in a David vs Goliath battle against Atamifuji, but put up a very good fight and wasn't too far from getting a win. Kusano came to makuuchi with big expectations and with a day 10 kachikoshi can definitely be happy about his first stint in the division. With a similar body and pushing power as Onosato, he looks to me more raw than the shin-yokozuna did at the same time and rank. But he's slightly younger so can still catch up. I wonder if ozeki is attainable for him. After a few disappointing basho Hakuoho is gaining confidence and more importanly wins in the second half of the tournament. If he can continue like this then sanyaku will beckon sooner rather than later. Arguably it's what he's been destined for all his career, if not for the injuries. Rikishi who are performing below expectations: Sadanoumi had a decent start but has faced loss after loss. Provided he's able to stay in makuuchi, I'm looking forward to better results next basho when the bottom of makuuchi could be better suited to his current strength. I didn't expect Chiyoshoma to have a stellar basho but no wins after 10 days is really bad for him. Today he actually put up a good fight but most of the basho he's lost in a very underwhelming manner. Can he bounce back or will he join Takarafuji in the juryo veterans club? Tobizaru is finding himself beaten by rikishi he could actually stand a chance against. It's not his basho, but I'm certain next tournament he will come back and dismantle the lower ranks. Wakamotoharu is probably quite disappointed with his results, considering he was a strong sekiwake not too long ago. Similar to Tobizaru, I expect him to come back with a vengeance. Oho is lacking the strength, aggressiveness and staying power he has occasionally shown before. Usually a solid joi rikishi and potential sanyaku competitor, this time he'll have to accept a makekoshi and regroup. Unless he wins all 5 remaining bouts, which doesn't look likely at this point. Kotozakura did not expect to be grasping at wins to scrape together a bare minimum kachikoshi, and to be honest neither did I. What a turnabout for last year's strong ozeki. Also, he's not even pretending to put his hands down at tachiai anymore. I wonder if that's a sign of his injuries? And then there are the exceptional performers: Mitakeumi, Aonishiki, Ichiyamamoto, Tamawashi, Kirishima. I'm not gonna go in detail over them as anyone can see how well they are doing this basho. I'm still overwhelmed by Mitakeumi's sudden challenge though. And I'm thoroughly stumped who could take the yusho, though Kirishima must be the front runner at this point. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jakusotsu 6,321 Posted July 22 13 minutes ago, dingo said: I didn't expect Chiyoshoma to have a stellar basho but no wins after 10 days is really bad for him. Today he actually put up a good fight but most of the basho he's lost in a very underwhelming manner. Can he bounce back or will he join Takarafuji in the juryo veterans club? Blasphemy! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrGrumpyGills 171 Posted July 22 Huge respect for Tamawashi! (no jinx) Still lots of excitement ahead over the coming days. Love it! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Akinomaki 41,572 Posted July 22 (edited) After Hoshoshyu starting with 3 kinboshi (now at 3-2-3 in his 3 basho), Onosato has pulled even, but not yet out, like his sempai yokozuna. He already has a sekiwake opponent for day 11, he would meet him regularly on day 13 (this time day 14, with the east sekiwake out). Only 2 more sanyaku left, so still 2 kinboshi possible. Ichiyamamoto, who had one from Hoshoryu in his first basho to send him to kyujo on day 9, could be the one to fulfill my initial prediction of just 11 yokozuna wins, but maybe Onosato won't get that far. Edited July 22 by Akinomaki Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tigerboy1966 1,615 Posted July 22 Even at 40, Tamawashi at his very best is better than anyone else on the banzuke at their very best. Today he executed a simple technique to perfection. And "simple" does not mean "easy". He may feel that he has proved his point for this basho and go 1-4 on the run-in, but (engage Kevin Keegan rant voice*) I will love it he gets his third Big Cup. *look it up 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gospodin 260 Posted July 22 (edited) 11 hours ago, Jakusotsu said: Moto-Dejima not looking good, needing assistance to descend from the dohyo. Probably the price for fighting on bad legs for a decade Edited July 22 by Gospodin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oskanohana 341 Posted July 22 10 hours ago, dingo said: I didn't expect Chiyoshoma to have a stellar basho but no wins after 10 days is really bad for him. Today he actually put up a good fight but most of the basho he's lost in a very underwhelming manner. Can he bounce back or will he join Takarafuji in the juryo veterans club? 9 hours ago, Jakusotsu said: Blasphemy! Agree with Jakusotsu but I presume that from the opposite side of his complaint. Chiyoshoma has decided to decline a position upwards on the banzuke after showing a couple of basho ago that he could perfectly make it in the jo'i, and he'll look for a placid retirement as a Juryo Janitor, that's why he's making sure of his demotion as soon as possible. Maybe he's seen that Tamashoho is prepared to take his place, nobody knows what goes through His Sharp and Quick Mind. Takarafuji shouldn't be named in the same sentence as His Wackiness. He's the complete opposite of that. Solid passive sumo based on strength and balance, yuk! Regarding Ichiyamamoto, I'm not impressed. He's a liar and a deceiver. Not only did he copy the style and mannerisms of Abi, but he's lying with his mere name. The first and best Yamamoto was Mt. Yamamoto (Jabbamotojabba, as he was known to some, First of his Name, Stepper of Phones). Even his amazing shape inspired a song from one of the most famous troubadours of our days. I hope that his pursuers take care of him...(checks leaderboard).....wait, what, Tamawashi!!?? Mitakeumi!!!????, What's going on? Did my time machine finally work? 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reonito 1,748 Posted July 22 IYM's got Takayasu tomorrow. WTK, Kiri, and Onosato all have multiple openings on their dance cards, so I'm guessing that's on the menu for him next. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaninoyama 1,877 Posted July 22 If Tamawashi yushos again is he the greatest non-Ozeki wrestler of all time? Is he already regardless? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ripe 80 Posted July 22 (edited) 46 minutes ago, Reonito said: IYM's got Takayasu tomorrow. WTK, Kiri, and Onosato all have multiple openings on their dance cards, so I'm guessing that's on the menu for him next. Aonishiki is another potential (probable?) option for him... he got Abi tomorrow but after that is pretty much open since he already faced everyone above him in the rankings. Tamawashi is almost certainly one opponent for him (he might be one for IYM as well) but other three... Edited July 22 by Ripe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reonito 1,748 Posted July 23 56 minutes ago, Ripe said: Aonishiki is another potential (probable?) option for him... he got Abi tomorrow but after that is pretty much open since he already faced everyone above him in the rankings. Tamawashi is almost certainly one opponent for him (he might be one for IYM as well) but other three... Given that he is one win ahead, and has faced minimal opposition so far, I'm guessing they'll throw the kitchen sink at IYM now, and save Aonishiki for later depending on the state of the race. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dingo 1,454 Posted July 23 Is Ichiyamamoto going to fight Abi this basho or will the universe be spared the potential collapse? It's interesting to think that the actual masters of the universe are a bunch of chubby middle-aged Japanese men dressed in ill-fitting blue jackets sitting in a nondescript back office... 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
