Up to day 12 now, and it's very open! Good to see the two Ukrainians with winning records, kotozakura hasn't found his mojo, and takayasu are been impressive. Hopefully I can watch the last couple of days highlights soon
Gutted to hear that my favourite rikishi - head butt first, ask questions later - the inimitable Hokutofuji, is to retire. It was just in July 2023 that he so nearly won a Yusho, losing in a play off. Never to see again his meditative pre-fight ritual, foot-stamping and all guns blazing Tachiai. A sad day indeed. Thanks for the memories Hokuto.
I've seen day 15, superb stuff, but my heart goes out to the runner up.
Caught up now and second tournament in a row where the underdog just missed out, but goes to show the fine margins and levels of skill. Seen three tournaments now and already recognising the rikishi and some of the terminology... The commentary on the highlights is great, and also love the interviews when they somehow managed to say less than the average footballer
Aonishiki performance was remarkable, arriving as a refugee less than 3 years ago. Although he had been training before arriving in Japan and comes from a country with an incredible wrestling pedigree, but to achieve that result in the makuuchi division, wow! The third Rikishi since 1958 to ascend 6 divisions in 9 Bashous and probably performed the best in makuuchi than the other 2? Will be interesting how he does in May as a lot of people will be gunning for him and i expect he'll be facing Sanyakus.
Comments
Enjoy.
It was just in July 2023 that he so nearly won a Yusho, losing in a play off.
Never to see again his meditative pre-fight ritual, foot-stamping and all guns blazing Tachiai.
A sad day indeed.
Thanks for the memories Hokuto.