11 Comments
User's avatar
Shaggy Snodgrass's avatar

Except for sanyaku and higher, it was one of the worst days of listless sumo I've ever seen; + possibly the worst Day 1.

Hoping folks will wake up over the next 2-3 days, to more normal fighting form.

Tim Edwards's avatar

Good to see you Shaggy, I hope all is well. Any gigs coming up?

Yeah, very lacklustre bouts with the rank-and-filers.

Danny Cullinane's avatar

Happy Birthday!

Elisabeth M's avatar

jeeze i forgot to say that even though that was my first thought when i read it! thanks, danny, for reminding me! happy birthday tim!

Tim Edwards's avatar

Thanks Elisabeth!

mklip2001's avatar

I was really impressed with Hoshoryu's determination, Kotozakura's nimble stepping, and Aonishiki's response to a henka attempt. Also cheering for Fujiseiun beating a former ozeki in his top division debut. Boo goes to Onosato for what looked like poor fight IQ, even if he is still carrying an injury.

Tim Edwards's avatar

Kotozakura's ballet like footwork also wows me. It reminds me of the hippos in Fantasia.

I feel like Onosato's fight IQ falls off a cliff when he's not totally engaged. I often see that at the tail end of tournaments when he knows he's out of it. It seems the injury has him struggling to focus at the moment.

Elisabeth M's avatar

yes to the hippos in fantasia! love that

Elisabeth M's avatar

thanks for the summary! so good to have another basho.

onosato looked to me like he's still not really using his left arm. will keep an eye on that.

Tim Edwards's avatar

Yep, definitely something to keep an eye on. He really needs that left arm to do his best sumo. The right arm inside position is his favourite position, but only because he likes to put his left hand on the opponent's chest and drive them back with it.