13th March 2022 - Day 1 Haru 2022
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The sumo drought has finished and we are back into another Basho. This
time we are in Osaka for Haru. Going into the basho, there is not too
much gossip. No one has reported as kyujo so we have a full roster.
However, there are some who are still suffering from the effects of
the mass infection event in January/February. Shodai has reported to
be still suffering from his covid infection. We have a few returning
favourites of mine too. Nishikigi is a favourite as he isa proud
glasses wearer and Kotoshoho is a rather interesting force of nature.
He blasted his way to the top division but then suffered an injury.
Kotoshoho is certainly a baby faced seikitori but one who can kick
your arse! The big story line is having 2 ozeki being kadoban
(at risk of demotion, needs to get a winning record) and Mitakeumi
fighting for the first time as an ozeki. Tihs makes for some high
stakes matches from the ozeki. I suspect Takakeisho will get his 8
with some struggle but may pull out after that. I am expecting an
injury to happen but hope not. Shodai is likely to be going down.
Unfortunately, it will be due to the body. He has never been the most
consistant and I expect some moving in and out of the ozeki rank but
would prefer it to be not due to injury. With Mitakeumi, we have
someone fresh from a yusho and it will not be surprising if we see a
8-7 record. There are obligations from winning a yusho and from
promotion which can distract from training. We shall see what toll
that has taken on him. As ever, this will be a thrilling tournament
and who knows what will happen. Hakkeyoi to all those fighting!
