Like most, I was upset for all the injured sanyaku. The rest of the field performed wonderfully on the whole, even so—there were some amazing bouts. Midway through I started to think Kirishima was going to take the thing, and I would have liked that (I've been impressed with and rooting for him these last several basho). Then Mr Waka came along—whom I also really like!—with different plans. At first I was disappointed for Kiri.
Then I was super happy for WTK. He really pulled it out, and he's been through so much. It was pretty cool to see the bros in the car together, waving, wouldn't you say?
Basically what you say here: “a very competitive field (with an eclectic range of characters) made the second week of this tournament extremely watchable.”
I was very happy to see Kirishima and Wakatakakage fighting it out. Both of those guys had been overshadowed by the influx of rising youngsters over the last two years. Nice to see those vets show they can still deliver.
I'm so happy for Waka. The fact that both Yukes, two ozekis and even Takayasu were out doesn't diminish the accomplishment. To come back to the top after falling so far just speaks volumes about his strength, courage and determination.
Don't worry, Tim, I'm sure there are other cups in Kirishima's future. For WTK this might never come around again. But the NHK Channel announcer made the point that he's set to start an ozeki run, and I would dearly love to see that!
I thought of you as soon as Wakatakakage clinched the cup!
You're right, so deserved. It doesn't matter who was there and who wasn't, that's all part of the game. His sumo over the last stretch of the tournament was dominating and his adjustment to Kirishima for the play-off was very smart.
I'm glad to see both him and Kirishima getting success in their 30s, while all these 20 somethings are leading the way.
Thanks for all your summaries this basho! Happy I can comment on this last one to say that. And to ask whether anyone else found themselves thinking, huh, Yoshinofuji looks so different... before finally realising he's now got proper hair!
Thank you as always, Tim!!
Thanks for reading! Were you happy with the results?
Of course!
Like most, I was upset for all the injured sanyaku. The rest of the field performed wonderfully on the whole, even so—there were some amazing bouts. Midway through I started to think Kirishima was going to take the thing, and I would have liked that (I've been impressed with and rooting for him these last several basho). Then Mr Waka came along—whom I also really like!—with different plans. At first I was disappointed for Kiri.
Then I was super happy for WTK. He really pulled it out, and he's been through so much. It was pretty cool to see the bros in the car together, waving, wouldn't you say?
Basically what you say here: “a very competitive field (with an eclectic range of characters) made the second week of this tournament extremely watchable.”
I was very happy to see Kirishima and Wakatakakage fighting it out. Both of those guys had been overshadowed by the influx of rising youngsters over the last two years. Nice to see those vets show they can still deliver.
Wakatakakage’s smile looks pained lol
He's a serious man. His brother seems the opposite.
I'm so happy for Waka. The fact that both Yukes, two ozekis and even Takayasu were out doesn't diminish the accomplishment. To come back to the top after falling so far just speaks volumes about his strength, courage and determination.
Don't worry, Tim, I'm sure there are other cups in Kirishima's future. For WTK this might never come around again. But the NHK Channel announcer made the point that he's set to start an ozeki run, and I would dearly love to see that!
I thought of you as soon as Wakatakakage clinched the cup!
You're right, so deserved. It doesn't matter who was there and who wasn't, that's all part of the game. His sumo over the last stretch of the tournament was dominating and his adjustment to Kirishima for the play-off was very smart.
I'm glad to see both him and Kirishima getting success in their 30s, while all these 20 somethings are leading the way.
Thanks for all your summaries this basho! Happy I can comment on this last one to say that. And to ask whether anyone else found themselves thinking, huh, Yoshinofuji looks so different... before finally realising he's now got proper hair!
Hey Elizabeth, good to see you! Yeah, Yoshinofuji and Fujiryoga had new dos this tournament.
haha i didn't even notice fujiryoga's hair! guess he looked the same otherwise, but i felt like yoshinofuji's face just looked rounder or something.
Overall a fun basho but honestly I think that desperate utchari really ended up helping his brother in the end haha
Yeah, it might have. Wakatakakage really was the best wrestler in the tournament over those final five days, though.
Thanks for the analysis Tim. Good luck with your banzuke predictions I think you'll need it!
Thanks Phil! And, yes, I will. Four sekiwake in July???
I think so. I don't see why Wakatakakage shouldn't be there with the two already there and Aonishiki.
Yep. The middle section is hard to figure out, as always. There's going to be some very kind demotions and some very very kind promotions.