Nagoya Sumo Basho, 2009.

Well Folks,

Any talk of Ozeki Harumafuji taking the July yusho have been silenced by his 3 losses and six wins. Obviously, the former Ama is not ready for the level of consistency it takes, to win 2 bashos in a row and a chance at promotion to Yokozuna. Speaking of Yokozunas, Asashoryu has suffered 2 losses and is not likely to be a contender for this Grand Sumo tournament. Nor Sekiwake Kisenosato with 7-2, as well. However, Yokozuna Hakuho is looking invincible, with a 9-0 record. While Hakuho looks remarkably like the great Yokozuna Taiho, his demeanor and composure. sure remind me of Yokozuna Takanohana. He remains yet unbeaten. So is Ozeki Kotooshu, at 9-0. Boy, I sure hope these two giants make it to a play-off on day 15! Ozeki Kotomitsuki is running a close second place with 8-1. Anyone have any predictions? Say, what about you John?

Be well and practice often, Jon Palombi

Wel...
It's been 14 wonderful days of basho and unless fellow Yokozuna Asashoryu can defeat him on day 15, thus causing a play-off with Ozeki Kotooshu, the Emperor's Cup will go to Yokozuna Hakuho ( 13-1). Since Hakuho already bested Kotooshu on day 13, it's really difficult to expect the Ozeki to rally and reverse the scenario (12-2). Even so, he is fully capable and he would then claim his second Grand Sumo tournament. Still, the yokozuna looks impressive this time out and I find it highly unlikely. :nw:

This, of course, would start the speculation that he might be able to pull-off another yusho victory in the September tourney, in Tokyo and perhaps rise to the esteemed rank of Yokozuna. Sound familiar? Even as the dust settles on Ozeki Harumafuji's run for the coveted rank, enough dust to completely bury any hopes for promotion after the Tokyo basho (9-5) :nono: , a new prospect is being raised in Kotooshu's fine performance.

But... let's not get toooooooo far ahead of ourselves. We still have day 15 action to look forward to and the exciting possibility of a play-off at the end of the last day's competition. At the very least, it is always fantastic to witness both Yokozunas battling each other over the pride of Grand Champions.

See ya from across the Dohyo, Jon Palombi :smilejapa

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jonpalombi

Well...
It's been 14 wonderful days of basho and unless fellow Yokozuna Asashoryu can defeat him on day 15, thus causing a play-off with Ozeki Kotooshu, the Emperor's Cup will go to Yokozuna Hakuho ( 13-1).
See ya from across the Dohyo, Jon Palombi :smilejapa

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Asa couldn't and didn't, so Hakuho is the tournament victor (14-1). One interesting note... Ozeki Kotooshu defeated Ozeki Harumafuji, thus, squelching any and all talk of the former Ama, being promoted to Yokozuna (for quite a stretch, I would imagine). The gigantic Bulgarian Ozeki was second place, overall (13-2) and l was quite impressed with his performance. Will he be the first Caucasian Grand Champion? Not if Hakuho has anything to say about it! See you folks in Tokyo, next September.

Be well and practice often, Jon Palombi

Former Ozeki Dejima has retired, as he cannot drop down into Juryo, being an ex-champion. Now, as we bid him a fond farewell, we can look forward to Juryo winner Wakanosato's return to the top division, Makuuchi. Let us raise a toast for all the years Dejima gave us his very best Ozumo! :toast: