Taigiin khuu

I do hope Shunba and Terunofuji can have a drink together tonight.

The key thing for me is that there is a significant improvement 'in how much healthier' Terunofuji looks compared to even 2 months ago. It was painful to see how the injury and disease had taken its visual toll, but I'm encouraged by what I see. If the end result is 3 - 5 years of Juryo or low--Maegashira, then so be it, I'll be happy to watch him yo-yo the banzuke. But who knows, more may come. Reading this quote was also so encouraging. He was extremely competitive in the early years, getting very down on himself when not achieving what he wanted. I think he has much more perspective now, and will appreciate his progress and his success more, even the little successes. Although I'm sure he will still be competitive with himself, and the fact that he has patiently gone through this comeback, which is still several months in the making, gives me massive respect for this young man. Hopefully the likes of Aminishki can guide him with the attitude needed to make things last near the top. Gaana, chi minii baatar

There seemed to be disagreement in the mono-ii. The Shimpan in the back right was quite animated and it seemed to me that he would not let up on what-ever decision he had made. It was on his side of the dohyo, I think he made that call and refused to budge. ...Or I'm completely wrong.

Thank you both I don't get to watch live often, so have completely missed these in the past.

I noticed today that both Shodai and Nishikigi entered with Kesho-mawashi that featured both the Japanese and Mongolian flags. Does anybody know the story behind those and perhaps who sponsored them? I thoughts its interesting that Japanese rikishi wear these. I did not get a screenshot, and cannot find a picture of these online. Sorry.

I would think Kagamio has a decent chance, in addition Satoyama.

Agree with above. But on a lighter note, I just noticed that Nagayama is comfortably last in Juryo game, but comfortably first in Rotosumo. Cool contrast. Hieno Nagayama!

Speaking of which, 35 year old Shunba, Terunofuji's buddy and last remaining Magaki stable mate, has ended Haru 6 - 1 in his Makushita debut basho... 14 years after entering sumo! A nice memory from Terunofuji's 1st yusho ;o) hugging Shunba just as the yusho was confirmed.

Just watched the Hidenoumi - Ishiura fight linked in the database. Go have a look, I assume that was clearly a wrong decision? At the least a rematch should have occurred, given that Ishiura was not in a fighting position? (summary: Hidenoumi lifts Ishiura, walks out the ring and puts Ishiura down shortly AFTER stepping out).

Just watched the Takarafuji interview after his win against Giku. Seemed like a really fun interview... he was speaking about Aminishki. If anyone could post and translate that interview, I'd be very grateful. And want to add, its so wonderful to see Terunofuji is well again.

Its getting to me too. He seems to have no intention to even try.

That is terrible news. But thankfully its been picked up early. I'll await his return. Thanks Inhashi for posting this.

I'll pick: Iida and Makushita 11E Thanks

I thought I'd post on this old thread instead of starting something new. Does anyone have any news on Tokitenkuu's condition leading up to Hatsu? I cannot seem to find anything online (in English). regards,

Yoks 4 (Hakuho 2 Harumafuji 2) Ozeki 2 (Terunofuji 2)

Terunofuji Y Harumafuji Kakuryu Y Kisenosato O Kotoshogiku

Yushos 2 under 45 wins in the year win streak 13 0 zensho yusho

Y1W 6 basho 12-3 or better 71-75 wins in 2016 win streak 14

Four basho, four different winners! Its an exciting time for sumo: 3 competitive Yoks, a competitive Ozeki group, and some real talent coming into Sanyaku. I hope everybody stays (or gets) healthy, and no retirements please. See you all in the new year...

Indeed, I got so excited to make it to Day 10 and have the Ozeki as an option... and of course Kise's match-up looked like a "sure thing". I'll learn. Although I'll probably only see Day 10 action again in 5 year's time again. Congrats to Anjoboshi.

Thanks Kinta. Even with my capped African internet connection, I still enjoyed every second of the exciting half-time show.

Kyokushuho (State Department Store, as I call him) is starting to look the real deal, and finally deliver on his potential. I think (hope) he'll graduate from the yo-yo ranks and become a regular near the top. And great to see Shotenro fighting strongly in Makushita, hopefully he can position himself to be back in Juryo by March. I was somehow surprised that he continued, he obviously feels he can still compete.

The benefits of a 1-6 start.... ? Vastly different schedules for Kitaharima at J2E and Takanoiwa at J2W. Takanoiwa makes his 4th trip to Makuuchi tomorrow, while Kitaharima has made one. In addition, the Juryo opponents faced by Kitaharima were on average lower ranked. After tomorrow both could be on 5 wins....

I think Terunofujii has plenty of technique, and he has developed the right techniques to fully utilize his size/strength. And he often has an effective plan B technique too. As a case of his developed technique: he now seldom gets into poor positions like he did with Yoshikaze earlier in the basho. In the past, he frequently got into really poor positions and lost several bouts he should not have lost. This is not really happening lately. The 'kid' is truly incredible in how quickly he developed all this, and the right mental approach too. I think his concentration prior to bouts and his calmness in the heat of a bout is also learnt from experience. It was not always so easy for him and Fay will tell you of the Wakamisho and early sekitori days when at times things were more of a struggle for him.

Terunofuji - Osuunarashi bouts are usually really great. Their 9 meetings back-to-back on a video would make a decent sumo ad. There was one real epic which I cannot seem to find on youtube any longer (I think from Aki 2013).