14th January 2023 - Day 7, Hatsu 2023
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Once again we are in the midst of the first osumo tournament of the 
year, Hatsu. Well if the last basho felt a touch phoned in, you can't 
say that about this one. The rikishi seem to have been adding wasabi 
to their chanko with how much pep they seem to have. Each day has had 
magnificent bouts with few seeming to be phoned in. A great example is 
the match between Midorifuji and Takakeisho. Matches with Takakeisho 
tend to be quick and mostly involving pushing/thrusting. Well, this 
match was explosive! The pair try lots of pulls and grabs while being 
brutal with their slaps, punches and thrusts. It is one of those which 
I just can't describe. It lasted far longer than usual for Takakeisho 
and he didn't seem to be hanging out of his arse afterwards. 

The big storylines are really focused on the possibility of new Ozeki. 
They are sorely needed with just Takakeisho being an Ozeki. 
Wakatakakage and Hoshoryu are the possible candidates. However, 
Wakatakakage seems to have blown his chances. Hoshoryu remains in the 
yusho chasing group. He started well and then suffered 2 losses in a 
row. A true test of someone being ready for becoming ozeki is being 
able to take those losses on the chin and producing more wins. Well 
today's bout against Abi showed he can produce wins. Abi did his usual 
pushing/thrusting with his strangely long arms. Hoshoryu ended up at 
the edge of the ring but managed to twist, causing Abi to carry on 
forwards. As Abi realises and spins around, Hoshoryu is ready to rugby 
tackle Abi into the crowd. A great bout showing some great sumo sense. 

The standings today are 5 rikishi with 6-1 records and 4 with 5-2 
records. The yusho race is any ones at this rate! At the lower end, we 
have a fair number of rikishi who are going to get make koshis. 
Okinoumi, Terunofuji, Ichinojo, Takayasu and Tochinoshin are all 
kyujo. Oho and Chiyomaru have 1-6 records and then there are 7 with 
2-5 records. 

We have some great sumo coming up and an exciting race to the yusho! I 
certainly will be having a great time watching this one.