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Originally Posted by Magus978
Day 1 is underway...we've had all the bouts except Makuuchi, but this is a surreal environment. No fans, stone silence...a bit unsettling for me.
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It was difficult to watch, but was glad there was sumo.
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Originally Posted by Magus978
While I wait for the bouts to begin, gives me a chance to throw some predictions out here. Some are more bold than others.
- Both Hakuho and Kakuryu will finish all 15 days. Hakuho will be a factor for the yusho late, but somehow won't get it done. I say 11-4 for Hakuho, and 10-5 for Kakuryu.
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They both did finish all 15 days and represented as Yokozunas. Very satisfying to see them contending until the final day.
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Originally Posted by Magus978
- Asanoyama continues his Ozeki push with 11 wins. May get promoted only because of the current opening at the Ozeki rank.
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spot on, good call. I understand why he was promoted, but think he should have earned it with the 12 wins rather than being awarded the rank. I mean, he will likely be a good Ozeki, just wasn't a fan of him falling short (albeit by 1 win) and still being promoted.
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Originally Posted by Magus978
- Tokushoryu has a chance to prove that he isn't a one hit wonder, and will do so with a 9-6 record to put himself in the discussion for promotion to Komusubi.
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Nope, he couldn't handle the pressure or better competition. I was pulling for him to do well, thought he could get 8 wins, but it didn't happen.
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Originally Posted by Magus978
- We will once again have at least one low-maegashira in contention in the final days of the tournament. I'm not sure who it'll be though.
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Aoiyama of all people was the one that stayed in contention the longest. I enjoy watching him and Kaisei, especially when they are healthy and competitive.
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Originally Posted by Magus978
- Tochinoshin will complete all 15 days, but with his knees so wrecked he will finish 4-11 and retire as soon as his relegation to juryo is confirmed.
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6-9 isn't too far off. He actually looked good in a couple of matches. I don't think he'll fall to Juryo in May.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magus978
- The yusho race will come down to the final day, and there will be at least three contenders.
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Close, it was the final day, but only two contenders.
Overall, it was a good basho.
I didn't realize Ichinojo was competing in Juryo after his injuries and have gone back to watch the Juryo bouts. Terunofuji should be back in Makuuchi in May. Ichinojo, assuming he stays healthy, is probably at least another basho away before rejoining the top ranks.