Wow, this is shaping up to be anybody's match! Though Horshoryu looks like the probable favorite, it's too easy to root for a Yoke, so I'm all for Takayasu or even Takanosho. A couple days ago the NHK Channel announcer pointed out that Takanosho runs so hot/cold, he usually goes either double-digit wins, or else double-digit losses. Seems like he's on a hot streak, though there's a long week ahead of him. Even Shodai seems to be putting some effort in -- I predicted that he's at the right level to wreak some havoc.
Takanosho has gone on a few runs like this, but he's usually lower ranked when he does. I'm surprised he's been so good against this level of competition early on. This is also his first tournament with Takakeisho (now Minatogowa) as his stable master.
Aonishiki, like Takerufuji down in Juryo, is toast. Both guys are too small and too uncreative. Aonishiki might have started racking up some lower body injuries too because he’s moving poorly. Nice story while it lasted. Watching Takerufuji get beaten up in Juryo this time around, his ankle and biceps seeming worse than ever…sad
I dunno. Aonishki made it a lot further up in the ranks than Takerufuji did. And Takerufuji had that horrific biceps rip.
I'll agree Aonishki wins by fighting in that low-down L shape. If you can tip him up like AtomBomb did, he can be beat, and I think other competitors are cottoning onto that. But he's young. I think it's early to say he's hit his ceiling.
I hope he does figure out some decent strategies, rounds out his game. He’s plenty strong — there’s a good video of him benching 405 like nothing, no back arch, in sandals — but maybe he needs a bit more size. Kirishima appears to be wider and it seems to be helping him
Yeah he’s not appeared in any of those. There’s one where a young Ura absolutely mashes a gripper with 262 lb of force and then hits a backflip — truly the craziest thing I’ve seen
Yeah, we haven't mentioned Tim's fave, Kirishima. Dang if he ain't looking like his old self. Would love to see him get back to ozeki, let alone take the Osaka tournament. Both of which I think he might do.
Hoshoryu - "Sorry kid", head nod, "I needed to send a message".
I love his micro-reactions after bouts. He says so much with so little.
Wow, this is shaping up to be anybody's match! Though Horshoryu looks like the probable favorite, it's too easy to root for a Yoke, so I'm all for Takayasu or even Takanosho. A couple days ago the NHK Channel announcer pointed out that Takanosho runs so hot/cold, he usually goes either double-digit wins, or else double-digit losses. Seems like he's on a hot streak, though there's a long week ahead of him. Even Shodai seems to be putting some effort in -- I predicted that he's at the right level to wreak some havoc.
Takanosho has gone on a few runs like this, but he's usually lower ranked when he does. I'm surprised he's been so good against this level of competition early on. This is also his first tournament with Takakeisho (now Minatogowa) as his stable master.
loved how nimble the gyoji was when he got bumped off the ring backwards!
That’s a counter to add for the next basho…
was thinking the same thing after just watching day 8! guess we can still start the gyoji hit counter, tim?
Gyoji bump counter! Love it. We're at two right now.
Yeah, he should have gone for a Ura-style rollover!
LOL can you even imagine
LOL
Aonishiki, like Takerufuji down in Juryo, is toast. Both guys are too small and too uncreative. Aonishiki might have started racking up some lower body injuries too because he’s moving poorly. Nice story while it lasted. Watching Takerufuji get beaten up in Juryo this time around, his ankle and biceps seeming worse than ever…sad
I dunno. Aonishki made it a lot further up in the ranks than Takerufuji did. And Takerufuji had that horrific biceps rip.
I'll agree Aonishki wins by fighting in that low-down L shape. If you can tip him up like AtomBomb did, he can be beat, and I think other competitors are cottoning onto that. But he's young. I think it's early to say he's hit his ceiling.
I'm still high on Aonishiki, too. I think he's young enough and athletic enough to find new ways to win.
yeah, i reckon give him time, he'll figure it out. he's young, he's versatile, he's smart - he'll get there.
I hope he does figure out some decent strategies, rounds out his game. He’s plenty strong — there’s a good video of him benching 405 like nothing, no back arch, in sandals — but maybe he needs a bit more size. Kirishima appears to be wider and it seems to be helping him
I want to see him do a grip strength test!
Yeah he’s not appeared in any of those. There’s one where a young Ura absolutely mashes a gripper with 262 lb of force and then hits a backflip — truly the craziest thing I’ve seen
Yeah, we haven't mentioned Tim's fave, Kirishima. Dang if he ain't looking like his old self. Would love to see him get back to ozeki, let alone take the Osaka tournament. Both of which I think he might do.
Sssshhhhhhhh Don't jinx him!
He’s still a Yokozuna grade guy, deep down. I thought he’d get there before Hoshoryu but for the injuries
Absolutely correct!