We are at day 7 of the Kyushu Basho already. I have had a bit of a
strange response to this one. I have not been feeling it but it is not
for the quality of the sumo. This is the first basho since Hakuho
retired. He is still there but as security. By day 6, we have 3
rikishi who are undefeated. Takakeisho and Terunofuji are expected.
The third is Abi, on his first return to Makuuchi since his
punishment. Well this was until he met Hokutofuji today. Hokutofuji
managed to win with seeming ease. Takayasu has been changing things up
with some very long bouts. He seems to hope to tire out the opponent
constantly. There have been some interesting changes of tactics with
various rikishi as a whole. It is hard to not read this as due to
Hakuho retiring.
By the end of day 7, we have:
7 wins - Terunofuji and Takakeisho
6 wins - Mitakeumi, Tamawashi and Abi
and for the losers...
6 losses - Kiribayama and Shohozan
7 losses - Kotoeko
Tomorrow marks the half way point and rikishi start earning
kachi-koshi or make-koshis. It seems Kotoeko is set for a make-koshi.
Poor Kotoeko. Evidently struggling for some reason. Lets hope there
are some wins to ensure he does not fall too far down the banzuke.
