Nothing remarkable happened today, except hometown favorite Kotomitsuki lost to Kisenosato, dropping down to 5-1. Kisenosato’s at 5-1 too. Kotooshu, Hakuho and Asashoryu won to stay at 6-0, but Hakuho is still looking the best out of the three. Unless he gets sloppy or someone gets lucky, he’s probably going to win this one. It might be too early to call, but he’s looking really good right now. But for the record I’m supporting Asashoryu! I always like flashy sportsmen.
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Sumo, day 5
Alas, poor Harumafuji is almost certainly out of the running after today’s loss to Aran. To Aran, of all people (no offence to all the fine Aran fans out there). It was a funny match to watch, the way Harumafuji just dove out of the ring like a ballistic missile due to a fine sidestep by Aran. Textbook classic, well done Aran.
That leaves those in the running for championship at four: Kotomitsuki, Kotooshu, Hakuho and Asashoryu. Kotooshu and Hakuho are looking pretty strong, especially Hakuho. Hmm, well, we’ll see how things turn out.
Sumo, day 4
By which point you must be wondering whether my posts for the next two weeks are all going to be about sumo. The answer is Yes. Sumo bashos only happen a few times a year, so I make sure to enjoy them as much as possible for as long as possible.
So far so good. Harumafuji won a tough battle today to stay in the running. Kotooshu and Kotomitsuki, stable mates, are both going strong at 4-0 each. I’m expecting good things from both of them this time round, none of the previous mediocre performances. Hakuho survived an early scare to win against …who was it? Ah crap, I forgot. But Asashoryu beat Tochiozan almost entirely by luck, making it both yokozunas and the two I mentioned before at 4-0. Who will be left standing at the end of the day?
Sumo, day 3
Ahh, crap! Poor Harumafuji! He was hoping to win the natsu basho and possibly advance to yokozuna within the next few tournaments, but today he lost badly to Kotoshogiku and dropped to 2-1. It’s still early so he might stand a chance, but hmm… Asashoryu, Hakuho and Kotomitsuki are still at 3-0 so the competition is tough. Speaking of Asashoryu though, Goeido really gave him a tough time. Maybe he’s not up to competing with the young ‘uns any more? In contrast Hakuho is in really fine form. He’s the clear favorite to win this one, now that Harumafuji’s chances look bleak.
Sumo!
Yes! The summer sumo tournament is under way! I’ve been a sumo fan ever since I accidentally caught a sumo special on ESPN several years ago, and now that I have access to NHK, I make sure I watch every tournament every day. My favorite wrestler? Asashoryu! I tend to like flashy, controversial sportsmen, so long as they can actually deliver the goods. Asa’s been a little short on the delivery part recently, but he’s still more fun to watch than the other stuffy, sour-faced clean-cut kids like Hakuho and Harumafuji. I used to like Kotooshu too, but maybe all the adulation went to his head because he’s been very meh over the past few years.
Anyway, it’s only the second day of the tournament so there’s a long, long way to go. And I’ll be loving every minute!