2017 Kyushu Basho.

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

Hakuho dominates. My favourite bout was the Goeido vs. Shohozan on day 7.

Kinsensato still looks rusty and uneven. He looked frustrated with his results after losing to Ichinojo. Ichinojo is having a good Basho thus far.

 

[Swami]

Hakuho dominates. My favourite bout was the Goeido vs. Shohozan on day 7.

Kinsensato still looks rusty and uneven. He looked frustrated with his results after losing to Ichinojo. Ichinojo is having a good Basho thus far.

Kisenosato is in trouble, he can't keep on withdrawing, if he withdraws this time - which seems likely - he'll only have one last chance to come back successful or he will be expected to retire.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Kyushu Day 9: Hakuho stays perfect, moves step closer to 40th title
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 20 November 2017
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Hakuho (9-0) faced fourth-ranked maegashira Chiyonokuni (1-8) and he wrapped up their second career encounter in a heartbeat at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

The yokozuna held Chiyonokuni's mawashi belt and pulled him forward before the maegashira had the chance to extend his arms.

Hakuho won the Nagoya tourney in July when he topped the all-time wins list by surpassing former ozeki Kaio's record of 1,047. However, the yokozuna missed the entire Autumn meet in September due to knee pain.

In the day's final bout, No. 5 maegashira Takarafuji (4-5) sentenced yokozuna Kisenosato (4-5) to his third straight loss when he beat him with an underarm throw.

Three wrestlers -- No. 5 maegashira Arawashi, No. 12 Okinoumi, and No. 4 Ichinojo -- started the day one win behind Hakuho but they all lost and dropped into a group of six wrestlers with 7-2 records.

Arawashi lost to No. 2 maegashira Tochiozan (1-8) in a redo of their initial bout after the two wrestlers stepped out of the ring at the same time. On their second try, Arawashi seemed to have the advantage when he charged Tochiozan toward the edge, but Tochiozan turned around and slapped him down.

Okinoumi was robbed of his chance of an eighth straight win by No. 14 maegashira Kotoyuki (4-5) when the lower-ranked Kotoyuki held onto his arm and pulled him forward. Ichinojo, who defeated Kisenosato on Sunday, was forced out of the ring by seventh-ranked Daishomaru (3-6).

The two ozeki in the tournament improved their records while fighting sekiwake wrestlers.

Goeido (7-2) almost lost balance and stepped out of the dohyo when Yoshikaze (4-5) charged with force. However, he pulled himself together and pushed the sekiwake from behind to claim back-to-back victories.

Takayasu (6-3), who is fighting as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, defeated Mitakeumi (5-4) when he slapped down the fan favorite sekiwake to the dohyo. Takayasu needs two more wins to secure a winning record and his status.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

Hakuho looks as if he's going for a 15-0 basho.

Another hard loss for Kisenosato. His sumo is really off. Is it due to his earlier injuries? A shame.

I was glad Tochiozan finally won a match even after a rematch.

 

[Swami]

Hakuho looks as if he's going for a 15-0 basho.

Another hard loss for Kisenosato. His sumo is really off. Is it due to his earlier injuries? A shame.

I was glad Tochiozan finally won a match even after a rematch.

All the other fighters are targeting Kisenosato's side, it really will be a shame if he has to retire so soon after promotion.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Kyushu Day 10: Hakuho stays 2 wins clear in Fukuoka
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Written by José Luis Corral / Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 21 November 2017
Hits: 28

The only grand champion left in the 15-day tournament following Kisenosato's withdrawal earlier in the day, Hakuho (10-0) broke up a mid-ring stalemate and kicked Ichinojo (7-3) in the knee before flooring the fourth-ranked maegashira with a textbook "uwatenage" overarm throw.

Hakuho, who is seeking a record-extending 40th career championship title, is two wins clear of rank-and-filers Okinoumi and Hokutofuji.

Twelfth-ranked maegashira Okinoumi (8-2) bounced back from defeat to shove out seventh-ranked Daishomaru (3-7) and secure a majority of wins.

No. 3 Hokutofuji (8-2) pulled out a hard-earned eighth win, surviving three vicious attacks from Chiyotairyu (4-6) before barging out the second-ranked grappler.

But Goeido's (7-3) title hopes took another hit when the ozeki was slapped down to a third defeat at the hands of sekiwake Mitakeumi, who improved to 6-4.

Ozeki Takayasu (7-3) yanked down komusubi Kotoshogiku, sentencing the former ozeki to a losing 2-8 record in the process.

Kisenosato pulled out meet due to pain in his left ankle and lower back, his stablemaster Tagonoura said earlier Tuesday.

Kisenosato, 31, suffered a third straight loss Monday that left his record at 4-5 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, equaling Musashimaru's all-time record by giving up five "kinboshi," or losses to rank-and-file wrestlers, in a single tournament.

It is the fourth consecutive meet from which the Japan-born yokozuna has withdrawn and fifth time in his career. He lost by default Tuesday's scheduled bout against fourth-ranked maegashira Chiyonokuni (2-8).

Since his yokozuna promotion following victory at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in January, there has only been one tournament in which Kisenosato competed all 15 days.

Of the two other yokozuna, Kakuryu withdrew before the start of the tournament because of injury while Harumafuji pulled out on the third day after admitting he had assaulted another sumo wrestler.

It is the second time in as many meets that three yokozuna ended up on the casualty list. Harumafuji, who won the autumn basho in September, was the sole yokozuna competing at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan after the other three pulled out due to injuries.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Grand champion Kisenosato withdraws from Kyushu meet
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 21 November 2017
Hits: 30

Grand champion Kisenosato has pulled out of the ongoing Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament due to pain in his left ankle and lower back, his stablemaster Tagonoura said Tuesday.

Kisenosato, 31, suffered a third straight loss Monday that left his record at 4-5 in the 15-day meet at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, equaling Musashimaru's all-time record by giving up five "kinboshi," or losses to rank-and-file wrestlers, in a single tournament.

It is the fourth consecutive tournament from which the Japan-born yokozuna has withdrawn and fifth time in his career. He forfeits Tuesday's scheduled bout against fourth-ranked maegashira Chiyonokuni.

Since his yokozuna promotion following victory at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in January, there has only been one tournament in which Kisenosato competed all 15 days.

"He doesn't have the strength he needs. He was trying to deliver good results but it's not turning out the way he had hoped," Tagonoura said.

"I'm very sorry but we decided there was no option but to withdraw. I hope to find a way to pull through this together," he said.

The Japan Sumo Association received a medical statement saying Kisenosato's injury, which includes ligament damage in his left foot, requires a recovery period of one month.

Kisenosato's withdrawal leaves only one of the four grand champions, Hakuho, competing in the meet in Fukuoka, the last of six sumo tournaments in the year. Hakuho, who is bidding for a record 40th career championship, is undefeated at 9-0.

Of the two other yokozuna, Kakuryu withdrew before the start of the tournament because of injury while Harumafuji pulled out on the third day after admitting he had assaulted another sumo wrestler.

It is the second time in as many meets that three yokozuna ended up on the absentee list. Harumafuji, who won the autumn basho in September, was the sole yokozuna competing at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan after the other three pulled out due to injuries.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

It's so sad to see Kisenosato leave this tournament. A few of his early bouts this time around he seemed in form but I guess the injuries took their toll with the string of losses. I just hope he recovers for January. I guess his career is over if he can't recover fully.

Good matches. I was so hoping Ichinojo would have defeated Hakuho but the big man went down.

Sad to see Kotoshōgiku on a losing streak. His sumo has been off. I'm glad Onosho is starting to win again.

 

[Swami]

It's so sad to see Kisenosato leave this tournament. A few of his early bouts this time around he seemed in form but I guess the injuries took their toll with the string of losses. I just hope he recovers for January. I guess his career is over if he can't recover fully.

Good matches. I was so hoping Ichinojo would have defeated Hakuho but the big man went down.

Sad to see Kotoshōgiku on a losing streak. His sumo has been off. I'm glad Onosho is starting to win again.

If Hakuho loses this one he really will have made a total mess of it.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Kyushu Day 11: Hakuho crashes to 1st loss in Fukuoka
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 22 November 2017
Hits: 49

Hakuho got quickly rammed out by sekiwake Yoshikaze in the day's final bout at Fukuoka Kokusai Center but in a rare act unfitting of a yokozuna, raised his arm in protest at the referee's decision.

Hakuho took his foot off the pedal after the charge, suggesting he thought Yoshikaze (6-5) had made a "matta" false start. He left the ring shaking his head in disbelief after dropping to 10-1.

"The yokozuna thought it was a matta and eased up but I heard even more clearly than usual the referee say "nokotta" (you're still in it)," said Yoshikaze.

"I got the okay so just had to keep charging forward. I will try and wrestle well for the remaining four days."

Despite the loss, Hakuho, the only yokozuna left in the tournament, is one win ahead of rank-and-filers Hokutofuji and Okinoumi and remains the odds-on favorite to secure what would be the 40th championship title of his career.

Third-ranked maegashira Hokutofuji (9-2) outmuscled ozeki Goeido (7-4) and put him on his backside to keep his title hopes alive, while No. 12 maegashira Okinoumi stayed in contention after forcing out same-ranked Kagayaki (6-5) in the day's second makuuchi bout.

Ozeki Takayasu (8-3) secured a winning record after comfortably dispatching towering Mongolian No. 4 maegashira Ichinojo (7-4). Sekiwake Mitakeumi improved to 7-4 thanks to an oshidashi frontal push out win against second-ranked Chiyotairu (4-7).

Wrestling for pride after suffering a majority of losses, struggling komusubi Kotoshogiku (3-8) huffed and puffed his way past top-ranked maegashira Takakeisho for a third win. Takakeisho dropped to 7-4.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Truly reprehensible conduct by Hakuho, another example why he can never be mentioned in the same breath as Futabayama, Taiho, Kitanoumi and Chiyonofuji.

This Mongolian yokozuna era needs to come to an end as soon as possible.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Kyushu Day 12: Hakuho bounces back from defeat by beating Mitakeumi
Details
Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 23 November 2017
Hits: 37

Hakuho (11-1), the only yokozuna remaining in the 15-day meet, ushered sekiwake Mitakeumi (7-5) out of the ring in 2.1 seconds, the day's shortest match at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

A day after suffering his lone defeat, to sekiwake Yoshikaze, Hakuho maintained his one-win lead over No. 12 maegashira Okinoumi and No. 3 Hokutofuji. Hakuho is aiming for a record-extending 40th career championship in a grand tournament where the other three yokozuna, Kisenosato, Kakuryu and Harumafuji, have all pulled out.

Okinoumi (10-2) overpowered 39-year-old No. 13 maegashira Aminishiki (7-5) in the day's first bout. Aminishiki, the oldest wrestler to fight his way back into the elite makuuchi division, was forced back to the edge of the ring. He attempted to throw Okinoumi, but the 32-year-old held on tight and pushed his opponent out.

Meanwhile, Hokutofuji (10-2) defeated ozeki Takayasu (8-4) when he pulled his opponent forward in their third career encounter.

"I was able to win the way I imagined," Hokutofuji said. "I'm in a really good shape this meet, so I will do my best in my remaining bouts."

Fourth-ranked maegashira Ichinojo (8-4) secured his winning record by beating ozeki Goeido (7-5). The two wrestlers held each other's belts in the center of the raised ring, but the Mongolian earned the victory with an overarm throw.

Fan-favorite No. 9 maegashira Endo won his sixth straight bout, defeating No. 15 Myogiryu (6-6) with a textbook "oshidashi" frontal push and is the only wrestler with a 9-3 record.

Fifth-ranked maegashira Arawashi (8-4) and top-ranked Takakeisho (8-4) secured winning records as they beat No. 10 Kaisei (7-5) and No. 1 Tamawashi (8-4), respectively.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

Truly reprehensible conduct by Hakuho, another example why he can never be mentioned in the same breath as Futabayama, Taiho, Kitanoumi and Chiyonofuji.

This Mongolian yokozuna era needs to come to an end as soon as possible.

Swami

Hakuho's conduct on day 11 seemed arrogant, especially from a yokozuna. Not in the spirit of Sumo. I'm surprised there isn't a penalty for that kind of behavior.

Hokutofuji is on fire. I hoping for the best for him. I really enjoyed the Goeido matched with Hokutofuji and Ichinojo these past two days. Ichinojo is so hot and cold in his sumo but an impressive win over Goeido.

 

[Swami]

Hakuho's conduct on day 11 seemed arrogant, especially from a yokozuna. Not in the spirit of Sumo. I'm surprised there isn't a penalty for that kind of behavior.

Hokutofuji is on fire. I hoping for the best for him. I really enjoyed the Goeido matched with Hokutofuji and Ichinojo these past two days. Ichinojo is so hot and cold in his sumo but an impressive win over Goeido.

I really hope Hakuho somehow throws this one away and either Hokutofuji or Okinoumi beats him to the yusho.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Kyushu Day 13: Hakuho remains in lead after narrow escape
Details
Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 24 November 2017
Hits: 29

Hakuho (12-1), the lone yokozuna competing at the 15-day meet, twice came close to tasting defeat. After the initial charge, Hakuho tried to shove his opponent out of the ring, but Takarafuji dodged and the yokozuna was barely able to put on the brakes before stepping out at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

The yokozuna spun around in the nick of time to face his opponent, but the No. 5 maegashira was able to get a hand on the back of Hakuho's belt and thrust him across the ring. But the Mongolian somehow kept his feet and Takarafuji failed to pursue quickly enough to shove him out. Sensing the urgency, Takarafuji sacrificed balance for speed, but as he rushed forward Hakuho easily slapped him down to his sixth loss.

The yokozuna walked away with a wry smile, acknowledging his close shave. Hakuho is gunning for his record-extending 40th championship, and his first since the July tourney in Nagoya. He missed the entire Autumn meet due to pain in his ankle.

No. 12 maegashira Okinoumi and his Hakkaku stablemate Hokutofuji maintained their winning ways to stay one win back of the yokozuna with 11-2 records.

Okinoumi drew a huge cheer from the crowd with his win over No. 6 Tochinoshin (7-6). Tochinoshin was in command, with both hands on his opponent's belt and steering him toward the edge. But the Georgian failed to finish as well as he started, and Okinoumi calmly staved off defeat with a slick underarm throw at ring's edge.

Meanwhile, No. 3 Hokutofuji charged Yoshikaze (6-7) out of the ring in their sixth career encounter, earning his fifth straight win and improving his career record against the sekiwake to 4-2.

Goeido (8-5) secured a winning record by default after fellow ozeki Takayasu (8-5) pulled out of the tournament due to thigh injury. The gift win saw the ozeki snap a three-match losing streak.

Takayasu, who was fighting as a demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, picked up his eighth win on Wednesday to ensure his place in sumo's second-highest rank.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

I so hoped Takarafuji would have gotten the upset against Hakuho on day 13. He came close.

 

[Swami]

I so hoped Takarafuji would have gotten the upset against Hakuho on day 13. He came close.

We have to hope that Endo can somehow upset the odds today against Hakuho.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Kyushu Day 14: Hakuho clinches 40th grand sumo championship
Details
Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 25 November 2017
Hits: 25

Hakuho began the penultimate day of the 15-day event at Fukuoka Kokusai Center one win ahead of No. 3 maegashira Hokutofuji and No. 12 Okinoumi but neither could maintain the pressure on the Mongolian master, who triumphed in the day's final bout.

With everything on his shoulders, the yokozuna, who sat out September's grand tournament with ankle pain, plowed out No. 9 maegashira Endo (9-5) to improve to 13-1 and clinch his championship with one day remaining.

Hakuho overpowered Endo on the initial charge so completely that the yokozuna nearly lost his balance on the sandy surface before he could complete his victory.

"I was motivated (after my two challengers' defeats), and I was able to execute my techniques," Hakuho said. "In March, at a meeting of my support group much was made of winning a 40th championship this year. I was able to make it in my final chance and I'm happy with the accomplishment."

"When you come back from a break (in September) you are concerned about losing. I was anxious about that. But I did my rehab properly so I could put on a good show for the fans."

In a clash of up-and-coming youngsters the 25-year-old Hokutofuji (11-3) lost to 21-year-old Onosho (7-7), fighting at sumo's fourth highest rank, komusubi, for the first time.

Onosho was forced back to the straw on the charge. A full-blooded shove nearly pushed him out. But while the komusubi slipped off to one side and teetered on the brink, Hokutofuji's momentum carried him to the edge of the straw. Onosho recovered first and supplied the shove needed to end it.

Okinoumi (11-3) lost a clash of veterans with top-ranked maegashira Tamawashi (10-4). Okinoumi, however, looked tight on the initial charge, and was forced back to the straw. He fought back from the edge but plowed forward out of control. Tamawashi stayed one step ahead of him in his retreat and was able to slap the onrushing Okinoumi to the sandy surface.

The victory leveled the 33-year-old Tamawashi's record against the 32-year-old Okinoumi at 9-9.

Aminishiki, who made history in this tournament at the age of 39 as the oldest wrestler ever to fight his way back into the elite makuuchi division after demotion, failed to earn a crucial eighth win.

The No. 13 maegashira tried to outflank the much-larger, 26-year-old Chiyomaru (6-8), who kept his opponent squarely to his front and gradually forced him back. Aminishiki tried to slap and shove at his 191-kilogram opponent but could neither budge him nor get around him and eventually was shoved out.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Kyushu Day 15: Aminishiki brings the house down on final day in Fukuoka
Details
Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 26 November 2017
Hits: 59

A day after yokozuna Hakuho wreapped up the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament championship, 13th-ranked Aminshiki provided the final day's drama on Sunday.

Back in the elite makuuchi division for the first time in a year since he ruptured his left Achilles tendon on May 9, 2016, the 39-year-old secured a winning 8-7 mark by throwing down No. 6 Chiyoshoma (7-8) at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

The oldest wrestler to re-earn admission to the makuuchi division, Aminishiki latched onto Chiyoshoma's belt as the two game to grips at mid-ring. Using his right overarm hold, Aminishiki spun the Mongolian around by the upper body until his legs could no longer keep him upright.

After first 10 days of the tournament, Aminishiki held a 7-3 record, one win from locking up a place for himself in the upper division for the next tournament in January. But he lost four straight.

"There was nothing to do but keep plugging away," he said as tears flowed in his postmatch interview. "My family battling by my side made this possible, but (those losses) showed my numerous weaknesses). I was plagued with doubt. But in the end was able to perform good sumo and this was the final result."

Aminishiki's epic comeback was recognized with a Fighting Spirit prize, his first since he made his makuuchi debut in July, 2000 at the age of 21.

"I never imagined this would come my way," he said. "I'm grateful."

Joining Aminishiki as winners of the three special prizes were the two rank-and-file maegashira wrestlers who took the championship race down to the penultimate day: 27-year-old No. 3 Hokutofuji and 32-year-old No. 12 Okinoumi, his Hakkaku stablemate. Both finished the tournament with two straight losses to finish at 11-4.

Okinoumi received his third career Fighting Spirit prize, while Hokutofuji, who claimed the scalps of one yokozuna and two ozeki, won a Technique prize, the first special prize of his career.

Top-ranked maegashira Takakeisho, who vanquished one ozeki and a pair of yokozuna, won the Outstanding Performance prize for the second straight tournament.

In other results, Onosho defeated No. 5 maegashira Takarafuji (7-8) to secure a winning record in his debut at komusubi, sumo's fourth-highest rank. In the year's finale, Hakuho (14-1) outlasted ozeki Goeido (9-6) in an intense battle and finished him with an overarm throw.

"I came to this country as a 62-kilogram, 15-year-old boy that nobody would have predicted would be where I am now," said Hakuho after receiving his trophy.

"The sumo gods and this country made me into a 40-time champion."

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

It would have been nice if someone upset Hakuho but his skills won the day. His behavior on Day 11 was very unbecoming of a yokozuna.

Glad to see Onosho earned his kachi-koshi on Day 15. His performance the first half of this tourney was lackluster, errors of youth.

Also glad Aminishiki earned the Fighting Spirit prize and his kachi-koshi as well as Takakeicho receiving the Outstanding Performance prize.

I hope Kotoshogiku and Shohozan do better in January. I also hope Kisenosato gets healthy and finally has a good tourney.