A lot of folks over on Reddit are poopooing Zak for having given up an easy win, but if you look at Tamawashi’s move at the end you see how he literally pushes Zak right at his shoulder/armpit and spins him away. Tama knew what he was doing (ie it’s clear he wasn’t surprised—Zak in fact was the surprised one, hence his stumbling confused movement from there on out). He instantly jumped in behind Zak and ushered him out. I thought it was brilliant. (On this note, there is an episode on Dosukoi/NHK about pusher-thrusters, in which Tamawashi talks about the importance of his grip strength and the way he has used it in his sumo as the years have gone by. The move he pulled on Zak was right in line with the philosophy he describes. If folks haven’t seen it, it’s highly worth checking out!)
This is a fascinating one. Atamifuji looks physically worse than at any point in his young career — slow, labored — but he seems to be winning by making the right moves he didn’t make in previous tournaments and deploying his Tsurugisho-like bulk. I’m glad you highlighted the Takerufuji-Asanoyama clash because what a pair of derailed careers those are, the first one by a body that keeps breaking (the biceps is bad enough, how much longer on the ankles that generate that already declining speed?) and the other by bad decision making (and eventually injuries). I was very bullish on Takerufuji after his early runs but you were right to sell high on him. Physically he’s deteriorated so much up top too, grappling isn’t there to compensate
Atamifuji might be carrying some sort of injury. He's been way more of a pusher/thruster this tournament than usual, so he could be feeling something in his knees or back.
I always hoped Takerufuji was a legit guy. I just won't get too high on anyone who has had literally one top division tournament, even if they win it. And you pointed out those skinny ankles a long time ago.
You’re right about the possibility of Yoshino beating O by using his own mojo against him. I don’t think Yosh is anywhere near his ceiling yet! We shall see! Thanks as ever for the great dispatch 💪🔥💪
I'm from Germany. It's difficult for me to find and watch Juryo fights at all. Therefore, I appreciate every single match. I especially enjoy watching new and young fighters.
Well, Tim was bang on the money in regard to Onosato improving rapidly! And Hoshoryu lugging along behind
I think we now have to accept that Hoshoryu just isn’t up to the job, and no matter which way we spin this, Hoshoryu saved himself in September by getting at least 13, along with Onosato at the end of July both been given a rocket from the Sumo council I would have to say Onosato got a massive fright and has pulled himself together, he looks extremely comfortable and the more he wins the more confident he has become.
On the other hand, Hoshoryu just isn’t looking like a Yokozuna, I am afraid this might now be a very short road to the end of his career
If this carries on we might well be asking did he fall or was he pushed!!
We have three Fujis doing very well.
Let’s talk about briefly Wakatakekage 1-5
Words are beginning to fail me , I am at a loss to figure out what has gone so drastically wrong with him, he’s gone from two weeks before the September tour heading into Ozeki position, I am almost afraid to look at where he’s going to finish up in the January 26 position list
So now Atamifuji my favourite
He’s doing very well, though it has to be said he has taken quite a hammering from a couple of bouts !
I think history might show that Onosato is one of the best to ever do this (if not 'the' best). But I think Hoshoryu can still have a decent yokozuna career, especially if he's able to do well against Onosato in their matches. I see him being remembered as the thorn and foil for Onosato's historic achievements.
But Tim is it enough to be seen as a thorn & foil ?
The world is changing in Sumo, we are seeing well respected Rikishi getting hammered quite literally by opponents who out of desperation and pressure and poor experience and skill , performing moves that we mostly all agree should be banned !
It’s not just Hoshoryu not taking a title at present, he’s not getting the wins generally, several days [ not all ] but mostly hes had to work really hard to get the win including today’s he looked utterly relieved when he beat Yoshinofuji, then he looked gutted when Onosato beat Oshoma / ? I think Onosato is so confident now, he looks sharp and focused he’s not even breaking into a sweat , this I think is due to a sort of mental attack on his opponents he’s got into their heads!
So what about Kotozakura to me, he looks really unhappy!
Midorifuji pulled a blinder , to be honest I don’t think anybody at all actually thought he would beat Shodai wow were we wrong ! And Shodai looked flabbergasted truly a David and Goliath moment
Wakatakakage well it’s just terrible!!
I feel the final result will be between Aonishiki and Onosato with Onosato taking the win!
I want to hope that Hoshoryu can turn things around, but he’s just not moving or developing
So lastly but definitely not least, my main man Atamifuji !!!! 6-3
He still lacks the finesse but he’s got bags of time all he needs is belief I love him !!
A lot of folks over on Reddit are poopooing Zak for having given up an easy win, but if you look at Tamawashi’s move at the end you see how he literally pushes Zak right at his shoulder/armpit and spins him away. Tama knew what he was doing (ie it’s clear he wasn’t surprised—Zak in fact was the surprised one, hence his stumbling confused movement from there on out). He instantly jumped in behind Zak and ushered him out. I thought it was brilliant. (On this note, there is an episode on Dosukoi/NHK about pusher-thrusters, in which Tamawashi talks about the importance of his grip strength and the way he has used it in his sumo as the years have gone by. The move he pulled on Zak was right in line with the philosophy he describes. If folks haven’t seen it, it’s highly worth checking out!)
I don't think anyone deserves a hard time for losing to Tamawashi. The old man is the toughest out in the business.
And with Kotozakura being walking wounded all damn year, I think the expectations need to be lowered for him.
And yeah, that NHK piece is great!
This is a fascinating one. Atamifuji looks physically worse than at any point in his young career — slow, labored — but he seems to be winning by making the right moves he didn’t make in previous tournaments and deploying his Tsurugisho-like bulk. I’m glad you highlighted the Takerufuji-Asanoyama clash because what a pair of derailed careers those are, the first one by a body that keeps breaking (the biceps is bad enough, how much longer on the ankles that generate that already declining speed?) and the other by bad decision making (and eventually injuries). I was very bullish on Takerufuji after his early runs but you were right to sell high on him. Physically he’s deteriorated so much up top too, grappling isn’t there to compensate
Atamifuji might be carrying some sort of injury. He's been way more of a pusher/thruster this tournament than usual, so he could be feeling something in his knees or back.
I always hoped Takerufuji was a legit guy. I just won't get too high on anyone who has had literally one top division tournament, even if they win it. And you pointed out those skinny ankles a long time ago.
That’s a great update Tim. Thanks. Appreciate it.
You're welcome Ken. Glad you're enjoying this and the tournament.
You’re right about the possibility of Yoshino beating O by using his own mojo against him. I don’t think Yosh is anywhere near his ceiling yet! We shall see! Thanks as ever for the great dispatch 💪🔥💪
No matter what, I think Yoshinofuji has showed he's got skills to take that leap from potential to solid upper maegashira and maybe san'yaku.
Hi Tim,
I enjoyed watching the two juryo matches. Thanks for that.
He Nela! Nice to hear from you here. Do you have a favourite down in juryo this month?
Hi Tim,
I'm from Germany. It's difficult for me to find and watch Juryo fights at all. Therefore, I appreciate every single match. I especially enjoy watching new and young fighters.
Well, Tim was bang on the money in regard to Onosato improving rapidly! And Hoshoryu lugging along behind
I think we now have to accept that Hoshoryu just isn’t up to the job, and no matter which way we spin this, Hoshoryu saved himself in September by getting at least 13, along with Onosato at the end of July both been given a rocket from the Sumo council I would have to say Onosato got a massive fright and has pulled himself together, he looks extremely comfortable and the more he wins the more confident he has become.
On the other hand, Hoshoryu just isn’t looking like a Yokozuna, I am afraid this might now be a very short road to the end of his career
If this carries on we might well be asking did he fall or was he pushed!!
We have three Fujis doing very well.
Let’s talk about briefly Wakatakekage 1-5
Words are beginning to fail me , I am at a loss to figure out what has gone so drastically wrong with him, he’s gone from two weeks before the September tour heading into Ozeki position, I am almost afraid to look at where he’s going to finish up in the January 26 position list
So now Atamifuji my favourite
He’s doing very well, though it has to be said he has taken quite a hammering from a couple of bouts !
I think history might show that Onosato is one of the best to ever do this (if not 'the' best). But I think Hoshoryu can still have a decent yokozuna career, especially if he's able to do well against Onosato in their matches. I see him being remembered as the thorn and foil for Onosato's historic achievements.
But Tim is it enough to be seen as a thorn & foil ?
The world is changing in Sumo, we are seeing well respected Rikishi getting hammered quite literally by opponents who out of desperation and pressure and poor experience and skill , performing moves that we mostly all agree should be banned !
It’s not just Hoshoryu not taking a title at present, he’s not getting the wins generally, several days [ not all ] but mostly hes had to work really hard to get the win including today’s he looked utterly relieved when he beat Yoshinofuji, then he looked gutted when Onosato beat Oshoma / ? I think Onosato is so confident now, he looks sharp and focused he’s not even breaking into a sweat , this I think is due to a sort of mental attack on his opponents he’s got into their heads!
So what about Kotozakura to me, he looks really unhappy!
Midorifuji pulled a blinder , to be honest I don’t think anybody at all actually thought he would beat Shodai wow were we wrong ! And Shodai looked flabbergasted truly a David and Goliath moment
Wakatakakage well it’s just terrible!!
I feel the final result will be between Aonishiki and Onosato with Onosato taking the win!
I want to hope that Hoshoryu can turn things around, but he’s just not moving or developing
So lastly but definitely not least, my main man Atamifuji !!!! 6-3
He still lacks the finesse but he’s got bags of time all he needs is belief I love him !!