===============================
July 2021 Basho
Introduction and Previews (including 2 new Fred Pinkerton height x weight scatter plots)--links to all player information (ranking, prefecture or country of origin, date of birth, stable, height, weight)
===============================
Video: Note: NHK videos will be available on demand until 2 weeks after the end of the Basho. After that, they will be removed from the site. They are usually available for on demand viewing about 1 day after the matches. Note that "highlights" means complete full match video of all daily Makuuchi matches.
Day 13 Video highlights (replays of all 20 matches--NHK) (27:00)
Chris Sumo Youtube
This video discusses the Makushita (Division 3--non salary) Yusho (Championship) decider between Hakuho protege Hokuseiho (Ms2w), 19 years old, 6'7" (200 centimeters), 362 pounds (164 kilograms) and ex University Star Ishizaki (Ms56w--fighting in only his 2nd Basho), 22 years old, 5'9" (176 centimeters), 265 pounds.
As with some college stars, Ishizaki began in Sandanme (Division 4--non salaried), winning his first Yusho with a perfect 7-0 record in May. He came into this match with a 6-0 record, handing 5 Rikishi their first loss. Hokuseiho, on the other hand, began his career at Jonokuchi (Division 6--non salaried), winning his first 3 Basho in Division 6, 5 (Jonidan) and 4, each at 7-0. After missing the January 2021 Basho due to Stable Pandemic restrictions, his 21 match winning streak was broken but he has lost only 2 matches since, also carrying a 6-0 record (39-3-7 overall) into this match. By winning, he not only handed Ishizaki his first career loss, but won his 4th Yusho in 4 different Divisions, only the 5th Rikishi to have ever achieved that feat, earning a promotion to Juryo (Division 2--salaried). All of his wins in this Yusho were either Frontal Force Outs (Yorikiri--5) or Frontal Crush Outs (Yoritaoshi). This match was an epic. And it appears that both these Rikishi will be forces to reckon with in the future.
This time last year I said I'd be in Division 2 in six Tournaments. I hold myself to my promises and I'm happy to have also kept my latest one, to join Division 2 as Division 3 Champion. My ultimate goal is Yokozuna but before that, I must reach Division 1. So that's where my sights are now.
Hokuseiho, reflecting on his win.
You've seen enough of him on here to gauge his insane potential. The next Hakuho, it seems, is about to arrive, with the actual Hakuho as his Coach. The possibilities boggle the mind.
Chris Sumo on Hakuseiho
Japanese Sumo Association Youtube
JSA Youtube has offered 2 full matches on its Youtube channel. Hopefully they will do this every day. It is a live feed, no commentary, but it gives another perspective on these matches.
Hakuho punched his ticket to at very least a Championship Final with an easy victory by Arm Bar Throw (Tottari) over Takayasu (S1e). The loss drops Takayasu to 7-4-2. He needs one win in his last two matches against Terunofuji (O1e) and Shodai (O1w) in order to keep his Sekiwake rank. This was Hakuho's 9th different Kimarite (finishing move) in 13 matches.
2. Ichinojo (M2w) v Hoshoryu (M5w). Both matches. See more under quotable below. Hoshoryu is in the red belt.
3. Enho (J5e) v Kotokuzan (J13w). This is a Juryo (2nd Division) match. Enho is in the red belt.
For another Enho match, see Day 1 Blog post. Day 1 was a long time ago for Enho. Last year's fan favorite in Makuuchi (Top Division), was long ago found out by his opponents there and in the 4 Basho from March through November 2020 his record was 20-40, all Make-koshi (losing records). After missing the January 2021 Basho due to Stable Pandemic issues, he was dropped back to Juryo (2nd Division). Unfortunately at his weight (around 100 kilograms--about 220 pounds), he has little room for error. After a successful 9-6 Basho in March 2021, he was elevated to J1e, where another winning Tournament would have promoted him back to the Top Division. Unfortunately, he went 5-10, dropping to J5e for this Basho. Going into today's match he was 3-9, having finally broken a 7 match losing streak yesterday, one of which he had to forfeit due to a possible concussion (the match was too close to call and a rematch was ordered, but the Judges determined that he was not fit to wrestle). He also suffered an ankle injury. His is a story that is all too familiar in Sumo, a small Rikishi being found out, and unable (so far) to adjust. He had a very good win in this match, leaving him at 4-9, but still headed for a deep Make-koshi (losing record) and big demotion (lower Juryo). That means that it will take, most likely, 3 consecutive excellent Basho to get back to Top Rank, while a poor one could land him without a salary.
As for Kotokuzan, this Basho marks his first in Juryo after being in Sumo since November of 2009. He has had a very difficult time, including a 7 match losing streak (and 10 of 11), dooming him to drop back to Makushita (3rd Division--no salary). His too is a story often told in this sport. His Sisyphus like labors for the last 11 years finally came to fruition, but the heady atmosphere of salaried status has been taken away after one Basho. It will be interesting to see how he responds to this setback.
Tachiai.org is following the Jonokuchi Division Basho of this Tournament. Jonokuchi is Division 6, the lowest division, non salaried.
Mogamizakura (Jk4w) (5-1) v Shunrai (Jk23w) (6-0). Shunrai is on the left.
Today was not the last day of competition in Jonokuchi but it was the day the Yusho (Championship) was decided. The match video today was the decider
16 year old Shunrai began his career in the best way possible, with a 7-0 Yusho. If he can keep up that standard, he should rise up the Banzuke (rankings) quickly. On the other side, Shonanazakura (Jk24w), finished his 14th consecutive winless Basho by running his match losing streak to 104. He is now 3-238-1 in 35 Basho.
For more on Shunrai see Day 8 and Day 12 Blog post. For more on Mogamazakura see Day 8 Blog post. For more on Shonanazakura see Day 1, Day 7, and Day 10 Blog posts.
++++
Notable:
And so, after 13 Days, Hakuho (Y1e) and Terunofuji (O1e) remain undefeated. And we are one day closer to a Final match between 2 undefeated Rikishi. The last time that happened was at this very Basho in 2012, when Harumafuji (O2w) (15-0) defeated Hakuho (Y1e) (14-1), for the first of 2 consecutive perfect Ozeki Yusho that promoted him to 70th Yokozuna. The undefeated match up is looking a very likely possibility after today. And Terunofuji's promotion to 73rd Yokozuna is all but official.
Terunofuji won a tough 10 second battle with Shodai (O2e), while Hakuho swatted Takayasu (S1e) like a fly in less than 3 seconds.
For Shodai and Takayasu, the losses were damaging. Shodai now must win one of his last two matches in order to avoid his 3rd Kadoban (losing record for an Ozeki, meaning he must have a winning record in his next Basho [which he has achieved twice] or lose Ozeki rank).
Takayasu must win one of his last two matches or he will be demoted from Sekiwake rank. He lost his final 3 matches (and 4 of his last 5) in the March 2021 Basho to falter after winning 9 of his first 10 and leading by 3 matches with 5 to go. He still finished 10-5, followed by a 10-5 May Basho. He needed 13 wins in this Basho to guarantee promotion to Ozeki, a rank he last held in November 2019. He missed 26 matches from July to November of that year, and had an overall record of 11-8-26 in those Basho. That led to demotion. Further injuries dropped him as low as M13e by July 2020. But six consecutive Kachi-koshi (winning records) with a total match score of 57-33 brought him to the brink of Ozeki promotion going into this Basho. Unfortunately he missed the first two matches due to a lower back injury, but came on strong to get to 7-2-2 before two losses dashed his Ozeki hopes and put him in his present predicament.
Rookie Ichiyamamoto (M17e) continued to struggle, losing his 4th consecutive match, dropping his record to 7-6. He must earn one win from his last two matches for a winning record that would keep him in the Top Division.
Though there were only 3 bouts contested between Maegashira (rank and filers) and san 'yaku (Top Rankers), the top rankers won them all. The overall record of the rank and filers against their betters is now 16-42 (.276), with only 3 Maegashira having winning records. Three are winless, with a combined record of 0-12.
And finally, there was a rare occurrence today, a disqualification due to pulling on the Top Knot that cost Ura (M13w) his 9th victory and staved off (at least for a day) a Make-koshi (losing record) for Kaisei (M11e).
Quotable (Source: Chris Sumo Youtube)
Honestly, I wasn't expecting that to be called a loss. I'm really not sure I took any hair. It's a first for me. but I can still walk away from this one believing I won.
Ura (M13w) on his disqualification (pulling the top knot) loss to Kaisei (M11e)
Oh, he got some hair alright. I was like "Huh?!" But, you know, maybe he just got his fingers caught.
Kaisei, after the judges overturned the Gyogi's (Referee's) call.
---
He's the heaviest man I'v faced in my career. I got really tired grappling with him. But the win was well worth it.
Hoshoryu (M5w) on his exhausting 27.9 second win by Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage) of 440 pound Ichinojo (M2w), who outweighed the smaller man by over 150 pounds. All this after the match was replayed, following the original match, which lasted over 40 seconds, and was too close to call. The matches were fought in over 85 degree (Fahrenheit) heat.
---
I focused on keeping moving on my side and not standing still. I know I have to finish off in situations like that but I'm pleased to have pulled off what I could.
Shodai (O1w) on his loss snatched from the jaws of victory against Terunofuji (O1e). This quote says volumes about Shodai.
I told myself to play it cool. I did, and that was good.
Terunofuji on the calm and thought needed to turn what should have been his first defeat into victory. This quote says volumes about Terunofuji.
---
There's no greater credential than the July Title, of course. But as you know, we promote on titles or comparable results (Terunofuji has won the last two Basho, but only one as an Ozeki). And 13 wins guarantees at least runner-up. Therefore, he is meeting the criteria
Isegahama (Terunofuji's Coach, Chief Judge, and Head of the Rankings Committee, after Terunofuji's win). A rather strange announcement to make while the Tournament is still in play. Chris Sumo surmised that this was designed to "guarantee the integrity of the final two days," perhaps implying that Hakuho, under certain circumstances, might allow Terunofuji to win the final match between the two to guarantee Yokozuna promotion. This line of thought brought quite a bit of blow back in the comments on Chris Sumo's Youtube, from fans who are convinced that Hakuho is giving nothing away to anyone, under any circumstances.
++++
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Wins-Losses-Absences
O1w---Takakeisho (1-2-12) (including 1 forfeit loss)
O2w---Asanoyama (0-0-15)
S1e---Takayasu (2-1-2)
M1e---Endo (1-4-10) (including 1 foreit loss)
Condensed results (20 matches)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
Day 13--Results--times
04.8s M15w Tokushoryu (5-8) yorikiri J2e Kyokutaisei (7-6)
08.3s M12e Tochinoshin (5-8) yorikiri M15e Tsurugisho (7-6)
23.3s M11e Kaisei (6-7) hansoku M13w Ura (8-5)
01.6s M10w Tertsuyoshi (8-5) oshitaoshi M17e Ichiyamamoto (7-6)
12.2s M16w Ishiura (8-5) shitatenage M9w Shimanoumi (7-6)
10.6s M14w Chiyonoo (7-6) yorikiri M9e Hidenoumi (6-7)
17.1s M8w Aoiyama (5-u8) oshidashi M16e Chiyonokuni (7-6)
04.4s M10e Tamawashi (10-3) oshidashi M8e Takarafuji (8-5)
05.6s M11w Kotonowaka (10-3) shitatenage M7w Chiyoshoma (7-6)
26.9s M13e Chiyomaru (5-8) tsukidashi M7e Myogiryu (3-10)
04.1s M4w Chiyotairyu (3-10) oshidashi M14e Daiamami (3-10)
16.5s M12w Kagayaki (6-7) oshidashi M3w Tobizaru (3-10)
27.9s M5w Hoshoryu (9-4) shitatenage M2w Ichinojo (8-5)
09.3s M3e Hokutofuji (8-5) oshidashi M2e Takanosho (6-7)
04.7s M1w Daieisho (4-9) oshidashi M6e Onosho (5-8)
16.0s K1w Meisei (7-6) yorikiri M6w Kiribayama (8-5)
06.5s K1e Wakatakakage (4-9) oshidashi M4e Kotoeko (2-11)
03.3s S1w Mitakeumi (7-6) yorikiri M5e Okinoumi (5-8)
09.7s O1e Terunofuji (13-0) oshidashi O2e Shodai (7-6)
02.4s Y1e Hakuho (13-0) tottari S1e Takayasu (7-4-2)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)
++++
Finishing Moves (20 matches--261 TOTAL) Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique.
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi)............8-56
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri)............5-78
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)...........3--8