Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
Great matches this weekend. My favourite was between Takayasu and Shohozan on Saturday. Even for his smaller size Shohozan is a bull. Glad to see Takarafuji finally win a match.
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Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
It seems there is another scandal looming, Takakeisho's brother (recently promoted to juryo) has apparently beaten up one of his tsukebito. Expect this story to develop further.
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Swami
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Haru Day 9: Kakuryu's great escape keeps Spring tourney tied
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 19 March 2018
Hits: 20
The yokozuna was nearly blown out of the ring by a powerful but uncontrolled final charge from No. 4 maegashira Shodai (5-4), but Kakuryu made his escape tip-toeing along the ring's straw-bale border as Shodai thundered out.
The Mongolian could barely control his smile after snatching victory from defeat. He had opened brightly, but Shodai repulsed his charge and seized the initiative. Everything was going the youngster's way until his failed attempt to seal the win.
No. 6 Kaisei, the only other unbeaten wrestler here, was offered an easy victory when No. 9 Ryuden leaned in to his left to try and secure an underarm hold on his opponent's belt, leaving his own exposed to Kaisei's big right hand.
The Brazilian latched onto his opponent and nearly lifted him off the ground before dragging Ryuden hopping on his right leg over the straw to his sixth defeat.
Boos were heard when ringside judges overruled an apparent win by Osaka native Goeido (6-3), who tapped his toe out while trying to balance atop the straw bales before rotund No. 5 maegashira Chiyomaru (4-5) crashed out.
The other ozeki, Takayasu, however, had no trouble earning his seventh win. As Chiyotairyu (1-8) charged forward low, Takayasu stepped to one side and helped the 197-kilogram komusubi plow into the sandy surface.
January champion Tochinoshin (7-2) rocked Shohozan (5-4) back with a left forearm to the throat that stopped the quick No. 4 maegashira from pulling any tricks. Shoved back on his heels, Shohozan was defenseless as the Georgian sekiwake wrapped him up with both arms and easily forced him out.
Komusubi Ichinojo remained two wins back of the lead with an easy win when No. 3 maegashira Takakeisho (3-6) limped backward out of the ring.
No. 15 maegashira Daiamami joined the crowd of wrestlers with two losses, after coming off second best on the initial charge with No. 13 Asanoyama (5-4) and getting shoved out.
Popular former ozeki Kotoshogiku (3-6) turned back the clock to beat Mitakeumi after the sekiwake was slow getting off his mark. The 34-year-old Kotoshogiku, currently a No. 3 maegashira, wrapped up his larger opponent's arms, and shoved Mitakeumi around the ring before twisting him down to a fourth loss.
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 19 March 2018
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The yokozuna was nearly blown out of the ring by a powerful but uncontrolled final charge from No. 4 maegashira Shodai (5-4), but Kakuryu made his escape tip-toeing along the ring's straw-bale border as Shodai thundered out.
The Mongolian could barely control his smile after snatching victory from defeat. He had opened brightly, but Shodai repulsed his charge and seized the initiative. Everything was going the youngster's way until his failed attempt to seal the win.
No. 6 Kaisei, the only other unbeaten wrestler here, was offered an easy victory when No. 9 Ryuden leaned in to his left to try and secure an underarm hold on his opponent's belt, leaving his own exposed to Kaisei's big right hand.
The Brazilian latched onto his opponent and nearly lifted him off the ground before dragging Ryuden hopping on his right leg over the straw to his sixth defeat.
Boos were heard when ringside judges overruled an apparent win by Osaka native Goeido (6-3), who tapped his toe out while trying to balance atop the straw bales before rotund No. 5 maegashira Chiyomaru (4-5) crashed out.
The other ozeki, Takayasu, however, had no trouble earning his seventh win. As Chiyotairyu (1-8) charged forward low, Takayasu stepped to one side and helped the 197-kilogram komusubi plow into the sandy surface.
January champion Tochinoshin (7-2) rocked Shohozan (5-4) back with a left forearm to the throat that stopped the quick No. 4 maegashira from pulling any tricks. Shoved back on his heels, Shohozan was defenseless as the Georgian sekiwake wrapped him up with both arms and easily forced him out.
Komusubi Ichinojo remained two wins back of the lead with an easy win when No. 3 maegashira Takakeisho (3-6) limped backward out of the ring.
No. 15 maegashira Daiamami joined the crowd of wrestlers with two losses, after coming off second best on the initial charge with No. 13 Asanoyama (5-4) and getting shoved out.
Popular former ozeki Kotoshogiku (3-6) turned back the clock to beat Mitakeumi after the sekiwake was slow getting off his mark. The 34-year-old Kotoshogiku, currently a No. 3 maegashira, wrapped up his larger opponent's arms, and shoved Mitakeumi around the ring before twisting him down to a fourth loss.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
Kakuryu has been lucky thus far. I'm eager to see him against Tochinoshin and Ichinojo.
I was glad to see Kotoshogiku get another win.
With the tourney halfway over, any predictions? I have a strong feeling about Takayasu. I can't see Kakuryu or Kaisei staying undefeated for too much longer.
I was glad to see Kotoshogiku get another win.
With the tourney halfway over, any predictions? I have a strong feeling about Takayasu. I can't see Kakuryu or Kaisei staying undefeated for too much longer.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
I'm not all that sure Kakuryu will win, Tochinoshin is doing well despite his knee injury. Kaisei likewise, but will be interesting to see how it pans out.
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Haru Day 10: Kakuryu pushes into sole lead of Spring tourney
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 20 March 2018
Hits: 24
The Mongolian yokozuna needed a few more seconds than usual to dispatch Chiyomaru (4-6) in their first career meeting, but in the end Kakuryu bundled the No. 5 maegashira from the ring for his 10th straight win at Edion Arena Osaka. Chiyomaru, who boasts 38-kilograms over the Mongolian, held his ground for a solid 10 seconds, but it wasn't enough to top the determined Kakuryu.
No. 6 Kaisei, who shared the lead with Kakuryu after Day 9, suffered his first defeat at the hands of Ichinojo.
The Brazilian-born maegashira nearly pushed the komusubi out following the initial charge, but the 215-kilogram Mongolian stayed put and the two wrestlers locked arms for nearly 30 seconds. Kaisei put up one last defense against an advance by the komusubi, but ultimately succumbed when Ichinojo lifted him out to earn his eighth win.
In another of the evening's big contests, Tochinoshin (7-3) nearly flew out of the ring when Goeido (7-3) sidestepped the Georgian on the initial charge. Tochinoshin recovered, but the ozeki immediately bore down on him and pushed the unbalanced sekiwake over the straw bales.
Ozeki Takayasu maintained the possibility for a win here by keeping No. 4 Shodai (5-5) at arm's length for his eighth victory.
Shodai couldn't get a hold of the ozeki as Takayasu persistently pushed the maegashira over the straw bales with a stiff arm to the neck.
Mitakeumi (5-5) put up a spirited fight against Shohozan (6-4), but the No. 4 maegashira's whirlwind of pushes and slaps drained the sekiwake, allowing Shohozan the chance to get a solid belt grab and force him out.
Komusubi Chiyotairyu (2-8) earned a much-needed victory over Tamawashi (5-5), charging the top-ranked maegashira straight from the ring with a flurry of hand thrusts for just his second win.
No. 13 Daishomaru, No. 14 Ikioi, No. 16 Daiamami, and No. 17 Aoiyama, who all went into the day within two wins of the lead, dropped further behind after suffering their third defeats.
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 20 March 2018
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The Mongolian yokozuna needed a few more seconds than usual to dispatch Chiyomaru (4-6) in their first career meeting, but in the end Kakuryu bundled the No. 5 maegashira from the ring for his 10th straight win at Edion Arena Osaka. Chiyomaru, who boasts 38-kilograms over the Mongolian, held his ground for a solid 10 seconds, but it wasn't enough to top the determined Kakuryu.
No. 6 Kaisei, who shared the lead with Kakuryu after Day 9, suffered his first defeat at the hands of Ichinojo.
The Brazilian-born maegashira nearly pushed the komusubi out following the initial charge, but the 215-kilogram Mongolian stayed put and the two wrestlers locked arms for nearly 30 seconds. Kaisei put up one last defense against an advance by the komusubi, but ultimately succumbed when Ichinojo lifted him out to earn his eighth win.
In another of the evening's big contests, Tochinoshin (7-3) nearly flew out of the ring when Goeido (7-3) sidestepped the Georgian on the initial charge. Tochinoshin recovered, but the ozeki immediately bore down on him and pushed the unbalanced sekiwake over the straw bales.
Ozeki Takayasu maintained the possibility for a win here by keeping No. 4 Shodai (5-5) at arm's length for his eighth victory.
Shodai couldn't get a hold of the ozeki as Takayasu persistently pushed the maegashira over the straw bales with a stiff arm to the neck.
Mitakeumi (5-5) put up a spirited fight against Shohozan (6-4), but the No. 4 maegashira's whirlwind of pushes and slaps drained the sekiwake, allowing Shohozan the chance to get a solid belt grab and force him out.
Komusubi Chiyotairyu (2-8) earned a much-needed victory over Tamawashi (5-5), charging the top-ranked maegashira straight from the ring with a flurry of hand thrusts for just his second win.
No. 13 Daishomaru, No. 14 Ikioi, No. 16 Daiamami, and No. 17 Aoiyama, who all went into the day within two wins of the lead, dropped further behind after suffering their third defeats.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
Great battle of the big men with Ichinojo and Kaisei.
Very disappointing sumo by Goeido, Tochinoshin has good reason to be angry. Not something an ozeki should do. Shohozan is still fighting like a beast.
Tomorrows match Kakuryu vs. Ichinojo and Tochinoshin vs. Takayasu will be great I hope.
Very disappointing sumo by Goeido, Tochinoshin has good reason to be angry. Not something an ozeki should do. Shohozan is still fighting like a beast.
Tomorrows match Kakuryu vs. Ichinojo and Tochinoshin vs. Takayasu will be great I hope.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
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Haru Day 11: Kakuryu drives to 11th straight win at Spring tourney
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 21 March 2018
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Unbeaten yokozuna Kakuryu is primed to win his fourth makuuchi division championship after capturing an 11th straight victory with a massive effort Wednesday at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
In one of his more challenging bouts of the 15-day competition so far, Kakuryu held fast against hulking komusubi Ichinojo to keep his perfect record and push his fellow Mongolian further down the ranks.
Ichinojo, whose 215-kilogram frame has helped him garner eight victories here, used his bulk to put the 155-kg yokozuna on the back foot as the two wrestlers quickly slumped together into a standstill. But the lone grand champion at Edion Arena Osaka displayed his Herculean strength, resisting an attempt by Ichinojo to force him from the ring before pushing the colossal komusubi out.
After suffering his first defeat yesterday at the hands of Ichinojo, No. 6 Kaisei caught a lucky break and earned a default victory over Takakeisho (3-8) to stay within one win of Kakuryu. The No. 3 maegashira, one of four wrestlers here to beat January's champion Tochinoshin, withdrew from the tournament after suffering a right foot injury in his bout with No. 6 Hokutofuji (5-6) on Tuesday.
In other matches, Takayasu escaped defeat at the hands of Tochinoshin (7-4) to earn his ninth victory and become the sole wrestler in third position. After driving the Georgian to the edge of the ring with a vigorous charge, Takayasu was pulled down by Tochinoshin as the sekiwake leapt out to avoid defeat. But after a meeting, the judges ruled Tochinoshin to have overstepped the straw bales prior to the ozeki's fall.
Goeido secured a winning record with a quick win against No. 4 Shodai. The Osaka-born ozeki stopped the charging No. 4 maegashira in his tracks and pushed his hopping opponent out for his eighth win.
Mitakeumi (5-6) suffered his fourth straight loss after being plowed out by No. 5 Chiyomaru (5-6). The sekiwake had the 193-kg maegashira on the ropes twice before a 30-second rest gave Chiyomaru enough energy to slide Mitakeumi over the straw.
Chiyotairyu fell to his ninth loss against No. 2 Arawashi (2-9) when the komusubi lost his footing as his slapping charge was deflected by the Mongolian.
Among the rank-and-file wrestlers here, No. 11 Yutakayama, Osaka natives No. 13 Daishomaru and No. 14 Ikioi, and Bulgarian No. 17 Aoiyama are all still in contention after earning their eighth wins.
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 21 March 2018
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Unbeaten yokozuna Kakuryu is primed to win his fourth makuuchi division championship after capturing an 11th straight victory with a massive effort Wednesday at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
In one of his more challenging bouts of the 15-day competition so far, Kakuryu held fast against hulking komusubi Ichinojo to keep his perfect record and push his fellow Mongolian further down the ranks.
Ichinojo, whose 215-kilogram frame has helped him garner eight victories here, used his bulk to put the 155-kg yokozuna on the back foot as the two wrestlers quickly slumped together into a standstill. But the lone grand champion at Edion Arena Osaka displayed his Herculean strength, resisting an attempt by Ichinojo to force him from the ring before pushing the colossal komusubi out.
After suffering his first defeat yesterday at the hands of Ichinojo, No. 6 Kaisei caught a lucky break and earned a default victory over Takakeisho (3-8) to stay within one win of Kakuryu. The No. 3 maegashira, one of four wrestlers here to beat January's champion Tochinoshin, withdrew from the tournament after suffering a right foot injury in his bout with No. 6 Hokutofuji (5-6) on Tuesday.
In other matches, Takayasu escaped defeat at the hands of Tochinoshin (7-4) to earn his ninth victory and become the sole wrestler in third position. After driving the Georgian to the edge of the ring with a vigorous charge, Takayasu was pulled down by Tochinoshin as the sekiwake leapt out to avoid defeat. But after a meeting, the judges ruled Tochinoshin to have overstepped the straw bales prior to the ozeki's fall.
Goeido secured a winning record with a quick win against No. 4 Shodai. The Osaka-born ozeki stopped the charging No. 4 maegashira in his tracks and pushed his hopping opponent out for his eighth win.
Mitakeumi (5-6) suffered his fourth straight loss after being plowed out by No. 5 Chiyomaru (5-6). The sekiwake had the 193-kg maegashira on the ropes twice before a 30-second rest gave Chiyomaru enough energy to slide Mitakeumi over the straw.
Chiyotairyu fell to his ninth loss against No. 2 Arawashi (2-9) when the komusubi lost his footing as his slapping charge was deflected by the Mongolian.
Among the rank-and-file wrestlers here, No. 11 Yutakayama, Osaka natives No. 13 Daishomaru and No. 14 Ikioi, and Bulgarian No. 17 Aoiyama are all still in contention after earning their eighth wins.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
Lots of kachi-koshis today. Impressive work by Kakuryu. He has the tools for every situation.
As much as I am pulling for Takayasu, I did feel originally that Tochinoshin had won, but after seeing all the replays, several times over, I think the judges were correct.
Thursday will be interesting with Kakuryu vs Tochinoshin and Ichinojo vs Goeido.
As much as I am pulling for Takayasu, I did feel originally that Tochinoshin had won, but after seeing all the replays, several times over, I think the judges were correct.
Thursday will be interesting with Kakuryu vs Tochinoshin and Ichinojo vs Goeido.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Agreed, Kakuryu must be haunted by the way in which he threw the lead away back in January.
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Haru Day 12: Tochinoshin stops Kakuryu's unbeaten run in Osaka
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 22 March 2018
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Yokozuna Kakuryu suffered his first loss on Thursday, the 12th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, where he remained in the sole lead.
Facing Georgian sekiwake Tochinoshin (8-4), whom he had beaten 21 times in their 22 career meetings, Kakuryu could do little more than delay his first defeat of the 15-day tournament after getting off to the best start of his career.
In the day's final bout at Edion Arena Osaka, the yokozuna started out well on his charge but Tochinoshin, the winner of January's New Year grand tournament, repulsed the Mongolian's first effort.
The wrestlers then locked onto each other's belts, and it became just a matter of Tochinoshin exhibiting his extraordinary upper-body strength that forced the yokozuna out.
Kakuryu's closest pursuer, Brazilian No. 6 maegashira Kaisei, suffered his second defeat when he was outmaneuvered and pulled down by No. 1 Endo (7-5).
Kaisei opened the tournament with nine straight wins, but his only victory in the past three days came by default after his opponent withdrew due to injury.
Ozeki Takayasu lost a chance to join Kaisei at 10-2 in his botched pursuit of No. 5 Chiyomaru (6-6). As Chiyomaru backpedaled in his retreat along the inside edge of the straw bales, he twisted Takayasu to the outside, forcing the ozeki to step outside the ring.
After a thunderous welcome from his hometown fans, Goeido joined his fellow ozeki at 9-3 by forcing mountainous Mongolian komusubi Ichinojo out to his fourth loss.
Sekiwake Mitakeumi lost to No. 4 Shodai, leaving both wrestlers with 6-6 records.
Looking to wrestle in May as a sekiwake for the sixth straight time, Mitakeumi got the worst of the opening charge but nearly fought his way back. He failed, however, to execute an overarm throw that left him vulnerable and was easily thrown down.
No. 13 Daishomaru and No. 14 Ikioi joined Takayasu and Goeido at 9-3.
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 22 March 2018
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Yokozuna Kakuryu suffered his first loss on Thursday, the 12th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, where he remained in the sole lead.
Facing Georgian sekiwake Tochinoshin (8-4), whom he had beaten 21 times in their 22 career meetings, Kakuryu could do little more than delay his first defeat of the 15-day tournament after getting off to the best start of his career.
In the day's final bout at Edion Arena Osaka, the yokozuna started out well on his charge but Tochinoshin, the winner of January's New Year grand tournament, repulsed the Mongolian's first effort.
The wrestlers then locked onto each other's belts, and it became just a matter of Tochinoshin exhibiting his extraordinary upper-body strength that forced the yokozuna out.
Kakuryu's closest pursuer, Brazilian No. 6 maegashira Kaisei, suffered his second defeat when he was outmaneuvered and pulled down by No. 1 Endo (7-5).
Kaisei opened the tournament with nine straight wins, but his only victory in the past three days came by default after his opponent withdrew due to injury.
Ozeki Takayasu lost a chance to join Kaisei at 10-2 in his botched pursuit of No. 5 Chiyomaru (6-6). As Chiyomaru backpedaled in his retreat along the inside edge of the straw bales, he twisted Takayasu to the outside, forcing the ozeki to step outside the ring.
After a thunderous welcome from his hometown fans, Goeido joined his fellow ozeki at 9-3 by forcing mountainous Mongolian komusubi Ichinojo out to his fourth loss.
Sekiwake Mitakeumi lost to No. 4 Shodai, leaving both wrestlers with 6-6 records.
Looking to wrestle in May as a sekiwake for the sixth straight time, Mitakeumi got the worst of the opening charge but nearly fought his way back. He failed, however, to execute an overarm throw that left him vulnerable and was easily thrown down.
No. 13 Daishomaru and No. 14 Ikioi joined Takayasu and Goeido at 9-3.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
An interesting day. I wasn't too surprised with Tochinoshin's win over Kakuryu. He's just a powerhouse. If Kakuryu had won, I would think he could have gone 15-0. I'm eager to see if he bounces back on Friday.
Friday's matches look good. The ozeki's go at it. Kakaryu vs Kaisei. Even Endo vs. Chiyomaru could be good. I'm looking for some of my other favs to get their kachi-koshi in the remaining days. Shohozan and Hokutofuji.
Friday's matches look good. The ozeki's go at it. Kakaryu vs Kaisei. Even Endo vs. Chiyomaru could be good. I'm looking for some of my other favs to get their kachi-koshi in the remaining days. Shohozan and Hokutofuji.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Chiyomaru has been a surprise because until now he hasn't shown much in the way of belt technique. I'd like to see Kaisei beating Kakuryu.
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Haru Day 13: Kakuryu keeps eye on the prize with easy win over Kaisei
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 23 March 2018
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Yokozuna Kakuryu inched toward his fourth career championship on Friday, the 13th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Kakuryu (12-1) defeated No. 6 maegashira Kaisei, his closest rival in the 15-day competition, opening up a two-win lead over the field with two days of bouts remaining at Edion Arena Osaka.
The yokozuna came in quick and low, aiming for the front of Kaisei's belt. But as the Brazilian slammed into his left shoulder, the Mongolian grand champion pivoted slightly. The 205-kilogram Kaisei then crashed forward to his third defeat here and his 12th in 12 bouts against Kakuryu.
The tournament's ozeki showdown saw Takayasu (10-3) take on the charge of Osaka-native Goeido (9-4), force him on to his heels and then yank his head down in a textbook "hatakikomi" slap down. The win improved Takayasu's career record against his rival to 18-9.
Goeido will face Kakuryu on Saturday, when a loss by the local hero will hand the yokozuna the championship.
The other wrestler with an outside shot at the title is No. 14 Ikioi, who improved to 10-3 by fending off the attacks of No. 10 Chiyonokuni (6-7) and eventually shoving him out with a desperate lunge.
Sekiwaki Tochinoshin (8-5), who threw Kaisei a lifeline on Thursday by beating Kakuryu for just the second time in 23 career bouts against the yokozuna, was taken down by No. 4 maegashira Shodai (7-6).
The other sekiwake wrestler, Mitakeumi, scraped out a vital sixth win in a rambunctious free for all with No. 6 maegashira Hokutofuji (6-7). Mitakeumi repeatedly tried to shove back and pull down his opponent and at one point was inches from being shoved out.
But Mitakeumi, competing for the fifth straight grand tournament at his current rank, got away, avoiding being slapped down while struggling to keep his feet before slapping down his opponent.
Komusubi Ichinojo continued to slide. Since clinching a winning record for the tournament on Tuesday with a win over Kaisei, the Mongolian has now lost three straight, this time getting forced out by Shohozan (7-6). The 140-kg No. 4 maegashira was quicker off the mark, and 215-kg Ichinojo, offering little in the way of defense, was easily shoved back to the straw's edge.
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 23 March 2018
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Yokozuna Kakuryu inched toward his fourth career championship on Friday, the 13th day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
Kakuryu (12-1) defeated No. 6 maegashira Kaisei, his closest rival in the 15-day competition, opening up a two-win lead over the field with two days of bouts remaining at Edion Arena Osaka.
The yokozuna came in quick and low, aiming for the front of Kaisei's belt. But as the Brazilian slammed into his left shoulder, the Mongolian grand champion pivoted slightly. The 205-kilogram Kaisei then crashed forward to his third defeat here and his 12th in 12 bouts against Kakuryu.
The tournament's ozeki showdown saw Takayasu (10-3) take on the charge of Osaka-native Goeido (9-4), force him on to his heels and then yank his head down in a textbook "hatakikomi" slap down. The win improved Takayasu's career record against his rival to 18-9.
Goeido will face Kakuryu on Saturday, when a loss by the local hero will hand the yokozuna the championship.
The other wrestler with an outside shot at the title is No. 14 Ikioi, who improved to 10-3 by fending off the attacks of No. 10 Chiyonokuni (6-7) and eventually shoving him out with a desperate lunge.
Sekiwaki Tochinoshin (8-5), who threw Kaisei a lifeline on Thursday by beating Kakuryu for just the second time in 23 career bouts against the yokozuna, was taken down by No. 4 maegashira Shodai (7-6).
The other sekiwake wrestler, Mitakeumi, scraped out a vital sixth win in a rambunctious free for all with No. 6 maegashira Hokutofuji (6-7). Mitakeumi repeatedly tried to shove back and pull down his opponent and at one point was inches from being shoved out.
But Mitakeumi, competing for the fifth straight grand tournament at his current rank, got away, avoiding being slapped down while struggling to keep his feet before slapping down his opponent.
Komusubi Ichinojo continued to slide. Since clinching a winning record for the tournament on Tuesday with a win over Kaisei, the Mongolian has now lost three straight, this time getting forced out by Shohozan (7-6). The 140-kg No. 4 maegashira was quicker off the mark, and 215-kg Ichinojo, offering little in the way of defense, was easily shoved back to the straw's edge.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
Well it's all Kakuryu's to lose now. All he has to do if beat Goeido on Saturday. I guess if he wins it proves if one takes a few bashos off for recovery one can bounce back.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
All the same, he will be a bit nervous because if Goeido can beat him, it could be a repeat of last time in January where he threw it away.
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Haru Day 14: Kakuryu clinches 4th championship with 1 day to spare
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 24 March 2018
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Yokozuna Kakuryu clinched his fourth career championship on Saturday, the penultimate day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
The 32-year-old Mongolian defeated ozeki and local favorite Goeido (9-5) to clinch the title at Edion Arena Osaka with one day left in the 15-day competition. Kakuryu, whose only loss here came on Thursday to January's champion, sekiwake Tochinoshin, needed only one win over the final two days.
The climactic match ended almost before it started. The ozeki came head-on in his charge but slowly enough for Kakuryu to wrap his right arm around Goeido's neck and yank him down to the ring's sandy surface.
In the penultimate bout, ozeki Takayasu (11-3) handed sekiwake Mitakeumi his eighth loss, a defeat that will likely prevent him from fighting at sumo's third-highest rank in May for a sixth straight grand tournament.
As he so often does, Mitakeumi started well but finished poorly. He got around to the ozeki's left but could not bring him down as Takayasu spun out of danger. After some wild sparring at mid ring, Takayasu got the sekiwake off balance and thrust him down.
But Takayasu's win only served to tie him with two other wrestlers, No. 6 maegashira Kaisei and No. 14 Ikioi, at 11-3 in the bid to finish as the tournament's runner-up.
A day after flubbing his lines in a crucial loss against Kakuryu, Kaisei made short work of No. 13 maegashira Daishomaru. The Brazilian behemoth hooked his arms under Daishomaru's on the charge and pushed him down to his fifth defeat. Kaisei, who is 31 and first wrestled in the upper division in 2011, has never won 12 bouts in his career.
Ikioi blasted diminutive Ishiura (7-7) out of the ring, when the 116-kilogram No. 12 maegashira aborted his charge and was easily shoved out. On Sunday, Ikioi will have a shot at matching his career high of 12 wins in the makuuchi division, when he fights Kaisei.
Komusubi Ichinojo (9-5) cemented his bid for a second promotion to sekiwake by throwing No. 4 maegashira Shodai to his seventh loss. The other komusubi, Chiyotairyu, will be saying good-bye to his time in the elite upper ranks after dropping to his 11th loss, easily forced out by No. 7 maegashira Yoshikaze.
Sekiwake Tochinoshin used his deadly left hand to latch onto roly-poly No. 5 maegashira Chiyomaru (6-8) and force him out. The Georgian has now won nine-plus bouts for three straight tournaments but will have a tougher time manhandling 215-kg Ichinojo on Sunday.
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 24 March 2018
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Yokozuna Kakuryu clinched his fourth career championship on Saturday, the penultimate day of the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.
The 32-year-old Mongolian defeated ozeki and local favorite Goeido (9-5) to clinch the title at Edion Arena Osaka with one day left in the 15-day competition. Kakuryu, whose only loss here came on Thursday to January's champion, sekiwake Tochinoshin, needed only one win over the final two days.
The climactic match ended almost before it started. The ozeki came head-on in his charge but slowly enough for Kakuryu to wrap his right arm around Goeido's neck and yank him down to the ring's sandy surface.
In the penultimate bout, ozeki Takayasu (11-3) handed sekiwake Mitakeumi his eighth loss, a defeat that will likely prevent him from fighting at sumo's third-highest rank in May for a sixth straight grand tournament.
As he so often does, Mitakeumi started well but finished poorly. He got around to the ozeki's left but could not bring him down as Takayasu spun out of danger. After some wild sparring at mid ring, Takayasu got the sekiwake off balance and thrust him down.
But Takayasu's win only served to tie him with two other wrestlers, No. 6 maegashira Kaisei and No. 14 Ikioi, at 11-3 in the bid to finish as the tournament's runner-up.
A day after flubbing his lines in a crucial loss against Kakuryu, Kaisei made short work of No. 13 maegashira Daishomaru. The Brazilian behemoth hooked his arms under Daishomaru's on the charge and pushed him down to his fifth defeat. Kaisei, who is 31 and first wrestled in the upper division in 2011, has never won 12 bouts in his career.
Ikioi blasted diminutive Ishiura (7-7) out of the ring, when the 116-kilogram No. 12 maegashira aborted his charge and was easily shoved out. On Sunday, Ikioi will have a shot at matching his career high of 12 wins in the makuuchi division, when he fights Kaisei.
Komusubi Ichinojo (9-5) cemented his bid for a second promotion to sekiwake by throwing No. 4 maegashira Shodai to his seventh loss. The other komusubi, Chiyotairyu, will be saying good-bye to his time in the elite upper ranks after dropping to his 11th loss, easily forced out by No. 7 maegashira Yoshikaze.
Sekiwake Tochinoshin used his deadly left hand to latch onto roly-poly No. 5 maegashira Chiyomaru (6-8) and force him out. The Georgian has now won nine-plus bouts for three straight tournaments but will have a tougher time manhandling 215-kg Ichinojo on Sunday.
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Haru Day 15: Takayasu finishes strong with win over champion Kakuryu
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 25 March 2018
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Ozeki Takayasu may have finished without a title, but he finished the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in style with a win over yokozuna Kakuryu on Sunday.
Takayasu and Kakuryu were forced to refight the tournament's final bout on the 15th and final day at Edion Arena Osaka, where judges were unable to decide a winner in their first try. In the second try, Takayasu was too fast for the grand champion and easily forced him out. Takayasu has now won 12 bouts in consecutive tournaments.
Kakuryu, who clinched his fourth career championship on Saturday, finished with a 13-2 mark to put a horrible 2017 behind him. Last year, the Mongolian went the distance in only one tournament, but went 11-4 in January, when he was slowed by injury. He also came into this tournament after a last-minute decision to compete despite pain in the fingers of his right hand.
Although he failed to match his dominance from 14-1 January championship effort, Georgian sekiwake Tochinoshin was awarded the outstanding performance prize for the second straight tournament thanks to his 12th-day win over Kakuryu.
Tochinoshin (10-5) ended his tournament by forcing out komusubi Ichinojo (9-6), who will likely join him as a sekiwake at May's tournament in Tokyo.
No. 6 maegashira Kaisei toppled No. 14 Ikioi to earn a career-best 12th win. Defeat for the former sekiwake left Ikioi with an 11-4 record and without the fighting spirit prize that would have been his with a victory.
The 205-kilogram Brazilian seized an overarm hold with his right hand on the charge and used it to upend his opponent in one fluid motion. Kaisei, who was in the hunt for his first championship thanks to a nine-match winning streak to start the tournament, won the third fighting spirit prize of his career.
Top-ranked maegashira Endo, who beat both ozeki and showed great prowess with his left-handed belt grips, was awarded his second career technique prize.
The popular wrestler's technique, however, was no match for the speed of No. 4 Shohozan, who knocked Endo back with his ferocious charge and shoved him from the ring in seconds to clinch a winning record.
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 25 March 2018
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Ozeki Takayasu may have finished without a title, but he finished the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in style with a win over yokozuna Kakuryu on Sunday.
Takayasu and Kakuryu were forced to refight the tournament's final bout on the 15th and final day at Edion Arena Osaka, where judges were unable to decide a winner in their first try. In the second try, Takayasu was too fast for the grand champion and easily forced him out. Takayasu has now won 12 bouts in consecutive tournaments.
Kakuryu, who clinched his fourth career championship on Saturday, finished with a 13-2 mark to put a horrible 2017 behind him. Last year, the Mongolian went the distance in only one tournament, but went 11-4 in January, when he was slowed by injury. He also came into this tournament after a last-minute decision to compete despite pain in the fingers of his right hand.
Although he failed to match his dominance from 14-1 January championship effort, Georgian sekiwake Tochinoshin was awarded the outstanding performance prize for the second straight tournament thanks to his 12th-day win over Kakuryu.
Tochinoshin (10-5) ended his tournament by forcing out komusubi Ichinojo (9-6), who will likely join him as a sekiwake at May's tournament in Tokyo.
No. 6 maegashira Kaisei toppled No. 14 Ikioi to earn a career-best 12th win. Defeat for the former sekiwake left Ikioi with an 11-4 record and without the fighting spirit prize that would have been his with a victory.
The 205-kilogram Brazilian seized an overarm hold with his right hand on the charge and used it to upend his opponent in one fluid motion. Kaisei, who was in the hunt for his first championship thanks to a nine-match winning streak to start the tournament, won the third fighting spirit prize of his career.
Top-ranked maegashira Endo, who beat both ozeki and showed great prowess with his left-handed belt grips, was awarded his second career technique prize.
The popular wrestler's technique, however, was no match for the speed of No. 4 Shohozan, who knocked Endo back with his ferocious charge and shoved him from the ring in seconds to clinch a winning record.
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'The Lovely Michelle'
I'm overall pleased that Kakuryu won. I have no issues with him. He seems all business and a good yokozuna. I really liked Saturday's match between Takayasu and Mitakeumi. Takayasu looked great in this basho. I's glad Shohozan finally got his kachi-koshi on day 15. A great basho too for Kaisei, Endo, and Ikioi.