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If Kakuryu had won the yusho, it would have eased the pressure on him but if anything it has worsened, because he has thrown this one away.
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If Kakuryu had won the yusho, it would have eased the pressure on him but if anything it has worsened, because he has thrown this one away.
Swami
Swami
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Hatsu Day 14: Tochinoshin wins New Year tourney to earn 1st championship
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 27 January 2018
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Tochinoshin became the first rank-and-file wrester in nearly six years to win a grand sumo tournament on Saturday, the penultimate day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Fighting as a No. 3 maegashira, the 30-year-old from Georgia reeled off his seventh straight win to run his record in the 15-day event at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan to 13-1.
Beginning the day two wins ahead of yokozuna Kakuryu, Tochinoshin, whose real name is Levan Gorgadze, survived a slight misstep against 1.77-meter dynamo Shohozan (9-5), but recovered quickly to force him over the straw.
From the start, each man tried to drive the other back with rapid-fire shoves to the upper body with Tochinoshin forcing his opponent back to the straw. But as the Georgian drew back for another blow, Shohozan ducked out of the way, and Tochinoshin's follow-through carried him toward the straw and perilously close to defeat.
For a second, Tochinoshin's back was turned to his opponent. But the 177-kilogram Georgian pivoted in a flash, locked up the disbelieving Shohozan's right arm and proceeded to usher him struggling from the bout.
He is the third sumo wrestler from Europe to win a 15-day grand tournament in Japan's traditional sport. Before he made his professional sumo debut in March 2006, Gorgadze practiced judo and the Russian martial art, sambo.
In the July 2013 Nagoya tourney when he was fighting as a No. 11 maegashira, Tochinoshin severely damaged his right knee, rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and tearing the medial collateral ligament. He missed three straight grand tournaments before returning to action in the third-tier makushita division.
By winning four straight tournaments upon his return, Tochinoshin returned to the top division in November 2014 and began a gradual rise up the rankings until he was promoted to sekiwake after going 10-5 as a No. 4 maegashira in May 2016.
"This is something I never imagined when I dropped from makuuchi," Tochinoshin said. "There were many times I felt like quitting. But I settled down, got out of the hospital and even though I had dropped way down the rankings, my attitude changed dramatically."
"I wanted to give it one more shot. My stablemaster and his wife encouraged me, and that made me happy."
Long after Tochinoshin had stolen the day's headlines, ozeki Goeido forced out sekiwake Mitakeumi, leaving both with 8-6 records. In the day's final bout, ozeki Takayasu (11-3) put a feather in his cap by sending yokozuna Kakuryu (10-4) to his fourth straight defeat.
As he had the day before against Mitakeumi, Kakuryu was thrown of his game by a couple of blows to his throat early on and could not keep pace with the ozeki's powerful shoving attack.
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Written by Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 27 January 2018
Hits: 21
Tochinoshin became the first rank-and-file wrester in nearly six years to win a grand sumo tournament on Saturday, the penultimate day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Fighting as a No. 3 maegashira, the 30-year-old from Georgia reeled off his seventh straight win to run his record in the 15-day event at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan to 13-1.
Beginning the day two wins ahead of yokozuna Kakuryu, Tochinoshin, whose real name is Levan Gorgadze, survived a slight misstep against 1.77-meter dynamo Shohozan (9-5), but recovered quickly to force him over the straw.
From the start, each man tried to drive the other back with rapid-fire shoves to the upper body with Tochinoshin forcing his opponent back to the straw. But as the Georgian drew back for another blow, Shohozan ducked out of the way, and Tochinoshin's follow-through carried him toward the straw and perilously close to defeat.
For a second, Tochinoshin's back was turned to his opponent. But the 177-kilogram Georgian pivoted in a flash, locked up the disbelieving Shohozan's right arm and proceeded to usher him struggling from the bout.
He is the third sumo wrestler from Europe to win a 15-day grand tournament in Japan's traditional sport. Before he made his professional sumo debut in March 2006, Gorgadze practiced judo and the Russian martial art, sambo.
In the July 2013 Nagoya tourney when he was fighting as a No. 11 maegashira, Tochinoshin severely damaged his right knee, rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and tearing the medial collateral ligament. He missed three straight grand tournaments before returning to action in the third-tier makushita division.
By winning four straight tournaments upon his return, Tochinoshin returned to the top division in November 2014 and began a gradual rise up the rankings until he was promoted to sekiwake after going 10-5 as a No. 4 maegashira in May 2016.
"This is something I never imagined when I dropped from makuuchi," Tochinoshin said. "There were many times I felt like quitting. But I settled down, got out of the hospital and even though I had dropped way down the rankings, my attitude changed dramatically."
"I wanted to give it one more shot. My stablemaster and his wife encouraged me, and that made me happy."
Long after Tochinoshin had stolen the day's headlines, ozeki Goeido forced out sekiwake Mitakeumi, leaving both with 8-6 records. In the day's final bout, ozeki Takayasu (11-3) put a feather in his cap by sending yokozuna Kakuryu (10-4) to his fourth straight defeat.
As he had the day before against Mitakeumi, Kakuryu was thrown of his game by a couple of blows to his throat early on and could not keep pace with the ozeki's powerful shoving attack.
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Hatsu Day 15: New champ Tochinoshin finishes New Year tourney in style
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Written by José Luis Corral / Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 28 January 2018
Hits: 29
A day after clinching his first championship, Tochinoshin finished the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday by dispatching fan-favorite Endo and finishing with a 14-1 record.
Tochinoshin, a third-ranked maegashira, survived a scare when he was pushed towards the edge, but he pulled himself together to force Endo (9-6) out at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
For his achievements, the Kasugano stable's new hero received his first Outstanding Performance prize and his second Technique prize, his first since the May meet in 2016. The 30-year-old became the first wrestler to win two prizes in a single meet since the 2015 Autumn tourney.
Tochinoshin's sole loss came on Day 7 against grand champion Kakuryu, who threw ozeki Goeido (8-7) to snap a four-match losing streak and finish at 11-4.
Kakuryu, whose career was clouded by injuries last year, was able to complete a meet for the first time since March. He was the only grand champion remaining in the tournament after Hakuho and Kisenosato pulled out due to injury.
The final day of the elite makuuchi division opened with an apology by Japan Sumo Association chairman Hakkaku over the scandals that have rocked the ancient sport, including an assault that led to the retirement of grand champion Harumafuji in November. "We apologize to the sumo fans for worrying them since the end of last year," said Hakkaku. "The JSA will make a serious effort to prevent these incidents from happening again."
The chairman had been criticized for failing to include an apology in his greeting to fans on the tournament's first day.
No. 16 Ryuden and No. 14 Abi each earned a Fighting Spirit prize for finishing 10-5 in his top-tier debut, although Ryuden lost to No. 9 Chiyomaru (9-6) on the final day.
After a "matta" false start by No. 9 Shohozan (9-6), the 23-year-old Abi showed his confidence against the 33-year-old former komusubi. Abi shoved his opponent toward the edge, and as Shohozan turned around, the Shikoroyama stable wrestler gave him a final push.
Ozeki Takayasu won his bout against sekiwake Mitakeumi (8-7) and completed the basho with a 12-3 record, his best since he first wrestled at sumo's second-highest rank in July.
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Written by José Luis Corral / Kyodo
Category: News
Published: 28 January 2018
Hits: 29
A day after clinching his first championship, Tochinoshin finished the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday by dispatching fan-favorite Endo and finishing with a 14-1 record.
Tochinoshin, a third-ranked maegashira, survived a scare when he was pushed towards the edge, but he pulled himself together to force Endo (9-6) out at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
For his achievements, the Kasugano stable's new hero received his first Outstanding Performance prize and his second Technique prize, his first since the May meet in 2016. The 30-year-old became the first wrestler to win two prizes in a single meet since the 2015 Autumn tourney.
Tochinoshin's sole loss came on Day 7 against grand champion Kakuryu, who threw ozeki Goeido (8-7) to snap a four-match losing streak and finish at 11-4.
Kakuryu, whose career was clouded by injuries last year, was able to complete a meet for the first time since March. He was the only grand champion remaining in the tournament after Hakuho and Kisenosato pulled out due to injury.
The final day of the elite makuuchi division opened with an apology by Japan Sumo Association chairman Hakkaku over the scandals that have rocked the ancient sport, including an assault that led to the retirement of grand champion Harumafuji in November. "We apologize to the sumo fans for worrying them since the end of last year," said Hakkaku. "The JSA will make a serious effort to prevent these incidents from happening again."
The chairman had been criticized for failing to include an apology in his greeting to fans on the tournament's first day.
No. 16 Ryuden and No. 14 Abi each earned a Fighting Spirit prize for finishing 10-5 in his top-tier debut, although Ryuden lost to No. 9 Chiyomaru (9-6) on the final day.
After a "matta" false start by No. 9 Shohozan (9-6), the 23-year-old Abi showed his confidence against the 33-year-old former komusubi. Abi shoved his opponent toward the edge, and as Shohozan turned around, the Shikoroyama stable wrestler gave him a final push.
Ozeki Takayasu won his bout against sekiwake Mitakeumi (8-7) and completed the basho with a 12-3 record, his best since he first wrestled at sumo's second-highest rank in July.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
Great win for Tochinoshin.
Good to see Kakuryu win in the final day. He looks so strong in the first ten days and then just lost it. I hope all three yokozuna return and finish the March tourney.
I was sad to see Kotoshogiku lose and have a 7-8 record.
A good tourney for the rookies Abe and Ryuden, ozeki Takayasa, and Ichinojo.
Good to see Kakuryu win in the final day. He looks so strong in the first ten days and then just lost it. I hope all three yokozuna return and finish the March tourney.
I was sad to see Kotoshogiku lose and have a 7-8 record.
A good tourney for the rookies Abe and Ryuden, ozeki Takayasa, and Ichinojo.
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Telly Talk Supreme
Very interesting tournament, although weakened a bit by both Hakuho and Kisenosato withdrawing.
Between now and the end of the year, at least one more yokozuna will be gone, if not two.
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Tochinoshin says winning Grand Sumo Tournament feels 'so good'
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Written by Mainichi
Category: News
Published: 29 January 2018
Hits: 50
Tochinoshin © Mainichi
Sumo wrestler Tochinoshin expressed elation at winning the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament as he faced reporters in a news conference at the Kasugano stable in Tokyo's Sumida Ward the day after the end of the competition. "This is the first time I've ever felt so good. I'm so happy I can hardly believe it," he said.
The wrestler, who hails from the country of Georgia, said that he contacted his family after his victory, adding that his wife shed tears of joy.
Tochinoshin is the first wrestler of the maegashira rank, sumo's fifth-highest rank, to capture a tournament since Kyokutenho did so in 2012. After recording six straight wins from the outset of the tournament, Tochinoshin fell to yokozuna Kakuryu on Day 7, but went on to win the rest of his bouts and achieve a 14-1 record. In addition to his tournament victory, Tochinoshin was honored with the Outstanding Performance prize and the Technique prize.
When asked what his most memorable bout of the tournament was, Tochinoshin cited his battle with Shohozan on Day 14, which secured his victory in the tournament. "I'll never forget it," he said.
During the January tournament, a past assault case at the Kasugano stable came to light, but this did not deter Tochinoshin as he surged toward victory.
The grappler said he was confident as he looked toward the spring tournament in March, when there is a large possibility he will be promoted.
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Written by Mainichi
Category: News
Published: 29 January 2018
Hits: 50
Tochinoshin © Mainichi
Sumo wrestler Tochinoshin expressed elation at winning the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament as he faced reporters in a news conference at the Kasugano stable in Tokyo's Sumida Ward the day after the end of the competition. "This is the first time I've ever felt so good. I'm so happy I can hardly believe it," he said.
The wrestler, who hails from the country of Georgia, said that he contacted his family after his victory, adding that his wife shed tears of joy.
Tochinoshin is the first wrestler of the maegashira rank, sumo's fifth-highest rank, to capture a tournament since Kyokutenho did so in 2012. After recording six straight wins from the outset of the tournament, Tochinoshin fell to yokozuna Kakuryu on Day 7, but went on to win the rest of his bouts and achieve a 14-1 record. In addition to his tournament victory, Tochinoshin was honored with the Outstanding Performance prize and the Technique prize.
When asked what his most memorable bout of the tournament was, Tochinoshin cited his battle with Shohozan on Day 14, which secured his victory in the tournament. "I'll never forget it," he said.
During the January tournament, a past assault case at the Kasugano stable came to light, but this did not deter Tochinoshin as he surged toward victory.
The grappler said he was confident as he looked toward the spring tournament in March, when there is a large possibility he will be promoted.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
I'm hoping Kakuryu stays strong and has a good year. He looked so good in the first ten days of this tourney. At least from what I've seen of him, he seems to be a dignified yokozuna.
I still find it amusing how Yoshikaze had a 4-11 record but he beat Hakaho (for the second time), Kisenosato, and Goeido, plus his default win over Onosho who didn't wrestle due to injury. One would think he would have won against at least a few lower ranked wrestlers.
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Telly Talk Supreme
Quite often you get a case like that, largely due to subpar performances by top-rankers. Mitakeumi was a bit of a letdown, apart from his win against Kakuryu.
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Juryo promotions and retirees after Hatsu Basho
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Written by José Luis Corral / Tachiai.org / Sumoforum
Category: News
Published: 31 January 2018
Hits: 48
Shin Juryo Takayoshitoshi
As usual after each basho, the Nihon Sumo Kyokai held the banzuke meeting and announced the names of promotees to Juryo for the upcoming Haru Basho in Osaka. There will be seven new rikishi in the March tournament and two of them will make their debut as new sekitori.
The new Juryo rikishi are Enho and Takayoshitoshi.
Enho has achieved sekitori status within the minimum required six basho (mae-zumo, followed by one each in Jonokuchi, Jonidan, Sandanme, then two in Makushita), and is only the fourth rikishi in modern history to do so. “I couldn’t believe it”, said the shin-Juryo. “A result of 4-3 at Makushita 6 is not usually enough for promotion, though I had a tiny hope and my heart was throbbing. Today as I came out of the bath I was told I made it.”
Another new promotee to Juryo is the “elder” Taka Twin, Takayoshitoshi. His advance to sekitori status marks the first time in history in which there is a pair of active sekitori who are twins.
The other promotees to Juryo are all former sekitori. They include Yago (Oguruma beya), Terutsuyoshi (Isegahama beya), Shimanoumi (Kise beya), Tobizaru (Oitekaze beya) and Akiseyama (Kise beya).
Also, 11 rikishi called it quit, after the pre-basho intais of former maegashira Shotenro, Kitataiki and Sotairyu:
Tochinohama (Kasugano)
Kaigo (Minezaki)
Yutsukasa (Irumagawa)
Hokutogo (Hakkaku)
Daitenpaku (Isegahama)
Isshinryu (Yamahibiki)
Tokkoriki (Arashio)
Ichifuji (Isegahama)
Yokuyusei (Shibatayama)
Ogiryu (Tokitsukaze)
Kuwano (Onomatsu)
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Written by José Luis Corral / Tachiai.org / Sumoforum
Category: News
Published: 31 January 2018
Hits: 48
Shin Juryo Takayoshitoshi
As usual after each basho, the Nihon Sumo Kyokai held the banzuke meeting and announced the names of promotees to Juryo for the upcoming Haru Basho in Osaka. There will be seven new rikishi in the March tournament and two of them will make their debut as new sekitori.
The new Juryo rikishi are Enho and Takayoshitoshi.
Enho has achieved sekitori status within the minimum required six basho (mae-zumo, followed by one each in Jonokuchi, Jonidan, Sandanme, then two in Makushita), and is only the fourth rikishi in modern history to do so. “I couldn’t believe it”, said the shin-Juryo. “A result of 4-3 at Makushita 6 is not usually enough for promotion, though I had a tiny hope and my heart was throbbing. Today as I came out of the bath I was told I made it.”
Another new promotee to Juryo is the “elder” Taka Twin, Takayoshitoshi. His advance to sekitori status marks the first time in history in which there is a pair of active sekitori who are twins.
The other promotees to Juryo are all former sekitori. They include Yago (Oguruma beya), Terutsuyoshi (Isegahama beya), Shimanoumi (Kise beya), Tobizaru (Oitekaze beya) and Akiseyama (Kise beya).
Also, 11 rikishi called it quit, after the pre-basho intais of former maegashira Shotenro, Kitataiki and Sotairyu:
Tochinohama (Kasugano)
Kaigo (Minezaki)
Yutsukasa (Irumagawa)
Hokutogo (Hakkaku)
Daitenpaku (Isegahama)
Isshinryu (Yamahibiki)
Tokkoriki (Arashio)
Ichifuji (Isegahama)
Yokuyusei (Shibatayama)
Ogiryu (Tokitsukaze)
Kuwano (Onomatsu)
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