Woohoo! Another tournament begins with 15 days of excitement. I am
watching using NattoSumo's excelent videos. Today seems to invole lots
of ring rust with the lower ranks being over quickly and involving
yorikiri (pushed out of ring) wins.
Kotoeko was the first to give some excitement through beating
Chiyoshoma with something other than yorikiri.
Terutsuyoshi did a cheeky henka which didnt quite happen but
that made one of the many koto-somethings lose their balance and
tumble away. These Koto-somethings confuse me greatly as they are all
young and seem to linger around the half way point. I had to rewind to
check who it was but it was Kotonowaka.
Tamawashi and Kagayaki seemed to have a lively match although it was
mostly pushing and slapping. Kagayaki tried hard but lost.
The sumo heart throb, Endo, seemed to have a good start. Shimanoumi
tried a bit of razzle dazzle spinning to get out of the way but Endo
ensured he pushed at the right moment to send Shimanoumi flying. It
will be interesting how Endo does so low in the banzuke. Hopefully he
makes use of this and becomes a contender for the yusho (winning the
tournament).
Ichinojo and Tochinoshin facing one another has the feel of giants
fighting. However, they both want to lift the other so this clash is
not as exciting as it sounds. Ichinojo won which was nice. Hopefully
he tries this tournament instead of giving up on the rope as usual.
Takayasu (Papa Bear) vs Tobizaru (Flying Monkey) was a good exciting
match... for 10 seconds before the old bear did a boob push and got
the Tobizaru to fly out into the empty crowd space (Covid related).
Terunofuji, the winner of the last tournament, won his first bout with
poor Meisei not really standing a chance. All eyes will be on
Terunofuji with his first basho after regaining Ozeki rank. Hopefully
he can prove that his return to Ozeki was no fluke and be a formidable
opponent. As ever, can the body match the spirit?
Shodai won his first match which is important as he needs to 8 wins to
clear kadoban status.
Wakatakakage, the announcer's worst nightmare, stood no chance against
Mr square, Takakeisho. The wave came out and washed Wakatakakage away.
Daieisho looked like he was going to force Asanoyama out in the last
round of the day. However, Asanoyama held firm and with a push of
Daieisho's armpit, caused Daieisho to lose balance and lose the match.
The day seemed strangely quiet without the crowds. Tokyo is having a
bad time of late with Covid surges and so no crowds. The camera crew
appear to be making use of the empty Kokugikan and doing some swooping
shots around the joint. However, the place feels dead. There has been
no cheering since the Covid life began but the clapping and general
noise adds ambience. It might be why so many bouts today appeared to
lack flair and joie de vivre. Hopefully the ring rust soon knocks off
and fighting spirit is on display.
