Swami

Sumo World ran an excellent feature back in 1988 (Doreen Simmons wrote it) around the time Channel 4 started the UK coverage, and she reviewed some of the local newspapers' comments, which were very stereotypical, and also in relation the London Koen re Konishiki. Though it has to be said she did also highlight those who made positive comments. I still miss the Channel 4 coverage, it was unfortunate that it fell away so badly after the London Koen. The last full series they did was the 1992 Hatsu Basho and on a few episodes they squeezed highlights of two days' bouts into one, and the replacement of Lyall Watson with Brian Blessed. OK, we didn't have any online coverage in those days, but the UK coverage was good back then and Sumo World was in its heyday. I miss it greatly, though I still have every issue from January 1980 until January 2002. Swami

Wouldn't there be a preference to have Terunofuji adopt the Unryu style, given Hakuho does Shiranui? Hakuho was probably the first who broke the supposed jinx with Shiranui (ie short spells at yokozuna), it might be tempting fate to have Terunofuji run with that. Swami

Apologies, my spelling is normally faultless. Swami

That is par for the course for that particular host. In fact the way she described it, totally belittled Terunofuji's achievement. SwamI

The same too with Wajima I believe, he was released from hospital in order to collect the cup. Swami

it also reminds me a bit of the press coverage back in 1991 at the time of the London Koen, admittedly there were a few reports which went into more detail and appreciated the feats of strength and agility, but most of them took pot-shots at the like of Konishiki, the interest was quite superficial from the media side. Swami

The story of Terunofuji's battle back against extreme adversity deserved more mention internationally that it seems to have done. One of the truly great comebacks ever. But for it to be appreciated in context, you need someone far superior to Naga Munchetty to convey the message. Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Yes, plus Lauda won the championship again in 1977, retired in 1979 and came back in 1982, eventually winning a third title in 1984. Swami

Also Bob Champion recovering from cancer to win the 1981 Grand National on Aldaniti. Not forgetting Red Rum himself, being written off suffering from pedalostitis, ending up winning three Grand Nationals. Swami

Perhaps, but the subsequent tarnishing of his career has probably overshadowed that now. Swami

It's very difficult to think of any other sporting comebacks on the same scale, the only one I think that surpasses it - and it made the big screen - was Niki Lauda's return from his horrific 1976 Nurburgring accident. Swami

Just when the Kyokai were probably thinking the dust was settling on the whole Asanoyama debacle, and with Terunofuji set to be promoted to yokozuna, much of the Nagoya Basho was all positive. And now this. Swami

Chiyonofuji's black mawashi was always a favourite, blue is also good, depending on the shade, navy or royal blue especially. Wajima's gold and Mitoizumi's yellow mawashi also stand out, as of course does Takamiyama's orange. Swami

Also Hanakago (former maegashira Onoumi) who raised Wakanohana I and Wajima. Subject to the official confirmation, hearty congratulations to Terunofuji from the Swami! Swami

I have seen much worse harite, I remember a match between Daishoyama and Takatoriki in July 1990, I think it is on YouTube which looks a bit rough. As long as the slaps are delivered by open hands, as opposed to closed fists, they should remain OK. Swami

Hakkaku would be the other option, being a contemporary of Isegahama's. Swami

It's almost as if they have to wait for someone to suffer a bad injury as a result of this before any action will be taken. Look at rugby now, they are trying to enforce tackles being no higher than shoulder/mid-section so that the head is not at risk. Leading elbows to the head needs to be stamped out ASAP. Swami

After Hakuho's antics today, I hope even more that Terunofuji wins tomorrow. Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Yes, I agree. Having got this far - his best unbeaten run in a tournament to date - it would be a shame if Terunofuji took his foot off the throttle. Granted his final two bouts are the trickiest. Here's hoping all goes well for him. Swami

If true it sends out the wrong message, if the promotion is all but guaranteed, and Terunofuji doesn't bother at all in the last two bouts. I used to like some of Chris' videos but as far he is concerned Hakuho is completely incapable of doing any wrong, and there is also something of an anti-Kyokai element to them as well. Swami

The concern I have is that if you look at May, all three of his losses - including the loss by hansoku - resulted in being put off-balance. GIven Terunofuji's knees, which will never be 100% again, he needs to be pretty near-perfect every time and there are several tricky opponents who can put him off-balance. I hope he makes it though. Swami

At the very least I think Terunofuji needs 14 wins either yusho or jun-yusho. To date he has never won more than 13, and if he does get promoted, he can't rely on the yusho being at the 12-3 level indefinitely. Swami

I hope Terunofuji can win the yusho to seal his promotion. His bout with Takayasu is potentially the most crucial, given their head-to-head record. Swami