I think Onosato is still the favourite, based on the matches coming up.
My prediction, and we'll see how bang on I am, is that Aonishiki beats Hoshoryu, but loses to Onosato. And that Onosato wins both his matches with Aonishiki and Hoshoryu.
I am intrigued by Yoshinofuji, though. He's already fought all those guys, so he will be facing Kotozakura, Oho, Takanosho and then perhaps someone like Kirishima.
“My prediction, and we'll see how bang on I am, is that Aonishiki beats Hoshoryu, but loses to Onosato. And that Onosato wins both his matches with Aonishiki and Hoshoryu.”
Hiya, I removed this comment because it had a spoiler in it. I don't think you'd want to knowingly reveal the ending to folks who are here to talk about Day 11.
This day had some really cool highlights in Don Don Sumo's collection. Incredible to see Yoshinofuji having such strong performances to make the tournament more exciting. And Hiradoumi's henka looked rather slick, so I can't hate on it too much, especially after the henka that Waka pulled on Aonishiki.
There's been plenty to debate when it comes to the henka in this tournament. I'm generally fine with it. The internet will explode if Hoshoryu ever does it to Onosato, though. I think he half tried it in the play-off in September.
This has been a great tournament over the past few days. So many potential storylines! One thing I love about sumo is how all those narratives end up funnelling into a collision course sometimes one epic moment.
I think part of it is organic, since every guy has their own story playing out where they are the hero. But the structure and the matchmaking (especially in the last few days) is definitely geared towards giving us the highest stakes possible.
I said that Onosato had gotten off to 9-0 starts two times before and had won the yusho each time. He also won in juryo after going 9-0. We'll see if he can keep his streak going.
That slip by Onosato was such a pivotal moment in the tournmaent. Hoshoryu's aggresive finishes show he's really hungry for this one now. Yoshinofuji getting that home crowd energy is definately making a difference in his performance. The way things are shapng up with multiple contenders still in play, these final four days could get really interesting. It'll be fascinating to see if Nishikifuji can maintain his moment or if fatigue catches up.
Yoshinofuji might be the most physically dominant guy when he's on, even compared to Onosato, Atamifuji (such strength in slow motion), Kotozakura (a wall), Aonishiki (grip, leverage), Ura (freakish athleticism), et al. (many such cases).
Yeah, if onosato is reminiscent of the athletic baby-like offensive tackle Orlando Pace, then Yoshinofuji is a kind of Warren Sapp style athletic defensive tackle
I'll take your word for it. Every now and then I'll have someone in my inbox asking why don't they recruit these guys for the NFL and my answer is never that satisfying.
I mean the clear answer is they’re trained / specialized in the performance of this sport — and onosato in particular would have a hard time earning more money anywhere else!
Good afternoon all, well what a turn around
Tim is always right and so far he’s been bang on the money
In my despair in my head I had more or less written Hoshoryu off !
I prayed hard in hope that Hoshoryu would pick up.and someone took notice because what a turnaround
My husband, despite not being the least bit interested, said this would be a four way split but he thought Aonishiki would ultimately win
I think it will be Onosato!
Tamawashi is looking tired, can he just keep going ?
Atamifuji is doing very well
I think Onosato is still the favourite, based on the matches coming up.
My prediction, and we'll see how bang on I am, is that Aonishiki beats Hoshoryu, but loses to Onosato. And that Onosato wins both his matches with Aonishiki and Hoshoryu.
I am intrigued by Yoshinofuji, though. He's already fought all those guys, so he will be facing Kotozakura, Oho, Takanosho and then perhaps someone like Kirishima.
“My prediction, and we'll see how bang on I am, is that Aonishiki beats Hoshoryu, but loses to Onosato. And that Onosato wins both his matches with Aonishiki and Hoshoryu.”
HUH!
Certainly that would be a nail biter!
Hiya, I removed this comment because it had a spoiler in it. I don't think you'd want to knowingly reveal the ending to folks who are here to talk about Day 11.
Well here we are Day 13, for me a personal disaster as expected I suppose Hoshoryu went down to Kotozakura
Aonishiki won his bout fairly easily, as did Onosato
Again I would have to say , the pick of opponents was heavily weighed against Hoshoryu!
Yoshinofuji came through his bout no problems there!
So my husband is still convinced Aonishiki will take the title, I say it’s a Onosato win!!!
Atamifuji yay he came through in one piece !!
Hi Tim, I think you have it nailed, sadly short of either Aonishiki or Yoshinofuji breaking a leg [ god forbid]
It will be a four way race with the last two being Aonishiki and Onosato and O’ taking the win.
This day had some really cool highlights in Don Don Sumo's collection. Incredible to see Yoshinofuji having such strong performances to make the tournament more exciting. And Hiradoumi's henka looked rather slick, so I can't hate on it too much, especially after the henka that Waka pulled on Aonishiki.
There's been plenty to debate when it comes to the henka in this tournament. I'm generally fine with it. The internet will explode if Hoshoryu ever does it to Onosato, though. I think he half tried it in the play-off in September.
I'm always a day late, but what a basho! I love it. I have no predictions because there are so many fighters at play, and one slip can cost 'em.
This has been a great tournament over the past few days. So many potential storylines! One thing I love about sumo is how all those narratives end up funnelling into a collision course sometimes one epic moment.
It's structured that way, isn't it? I also love it.
I think part of it is organic, since every guy has their own story playing out where they are the hero. But the structure and the matchmaking (especially in the last few days) is definitely geared towards giving us the highest stakes possible.
I wonder what’s up with Ono and his 9 wins before a loss trend. I think you mentioned that’s happened a handful of times, right Tim?
I said that Onosato had gotten off to 9-0 starts two times before and had won the yusho each time. He also won in juryo after going 9-0. We'll see if he can keep his streak going.
That slip by Onosato was such a pivotal moment in the tournmaent. Hoshoryu's aggresive finishes show he's really hungry for this one now. Yoshinofuji getting that home crowd energy is definately making a difference in his performance. The way things are shapng up with multiple contenders still in play, these final four days could get really interesting. It'll be fascinating to see if Nishikifuji can maintain his moment or if fatigue catches up.
This has been the best second week of sumo I can remember. And yeah, Hoshoryu looks like a man on a mission.
Yoshinofuji might be the most physically dominant guy when he's on, even compared to Onosato, Atamifuji (such strength in slow motion), Kotozakura (a wall), Aonishiki (grip, leverage), Ura (freakish athleticism), et al. (many such cases).
He's a beast and he moves so quick. I don't know much about NFL, but I assume scouts would salivate over him.
Yeah, if onosato is reminiscent of the athletic baby-like offensive tackle Orlando Pace, then Yoshinofuji is a kind of Warren Sapp style athletic defensive tackle
I'll take your word for it. Every now and then I'll have someone in my inbox asking why don't they recruit these guys for the NFL and my answer is never that satisfying.
I mean the clear answer is they’re trained / specialized in the performance of this sport — and onosato in particular would have a hard time earning more money anywhere else!
Thanks again, Tim!!!
No worries, mate!
What a fun day. Good report and a nice gif offering too 😊.
From here I’m calling Hoshoryu as I feel Onosato has seemed just ‘off’ physically the past few days whilst H has become more focused.
I do have the sense that the moment (and momentum) has turned Hosh’s way… I like Tim’s prediction in the comment above too though…