14th September 2023 - Sumo Aki Day 5
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Whoops! Another basho has started and I havn't managed to type 
anything. So far, we have another Yokozuna-less tournament with 
Terunofuji and Hakuoho being kyujo. Poor Hakuoho, who has smashed into 
the yusho race after some 4 basho, has had to have some shoulder 
surgery. In the cut throat realms of sumo, this means he is likely to 
be out for several basho and drop down as far as Makushita or even 
Sandanme. However, I am sure he will smash his way back up. Hopefully 
all heals correctly! I am glad he is taking the time to heal. 

Our main source of drama comes from the 2 kadoban Ozeki and the 
shin-Ozeki (new Ozeki). Takakeisho and Kirishima were both kyujo 
during the last basho and so have to win 8 times to retain their Ozeki 
rank. We also have Hoshoryu fighting his first tournament as an Ozeki. 
We are back in interesting times for the Ozeki and hopefully we 
maintain all 3 by the end of the basho. 

On a side note, Tokushouryu, surprise winner of the January 2020 
basho, has handed in his papers. He has been fighting injury in the 
unsalaried ranks for a while so it is not too surprising. He gave the 
sweetest speech upon winning the yusho and burst out in tears. He was 
part of a fairly busy race and it was a surprise for everyone seeing 
as he was at the bottom rank in the top division. Best of luck to him 
in his future endeavours as Sendagawa Oyakata. 

The past 5 days have been rather interesting. The Ozeki are posting 
some strong numbers although Hokutofuji defeated all of them in the 
first 3 days. I have been loving Nishkigi, our poor short sighted 
chum who has been performing well at a career high of komosubi. 
Tobizaru has also been catching my attention with more strange sumo 
magic tricks. 

In terms of the yusho race, we have poor Tamawashi who is 0-5. Kotoeko 
continues to cause my heart to break with his usual poor performance 
at 1-4. Former Hakuho's giant, Hokuseiho has not had a great start at 
2-3. Although he is in great company as there are 14 others with the 
same record. Hoshoryu is part of this group. Hmmm hopefully just a 
tough first week for him!

At the other end, we have no one without a loss. However, there are 8 
with a single loss. The likes of Takakeisho, Gonoyama, Takayasu and 
Mitakeumi are leading the way. Although today's bout between 
Takakeisho and Abi was a close call. A case of Abi trying to jump out 
of the way at the tawa for Takakeisho to come tumbling down. 
Unfortunately Abi touched the ground first and so lost. Kirishima is 
in the 3-2 group. 

I am not expecting any wild scores or for any Ozeki runs to start in 
this basho. Asanoyama could possibly consider starting something but I 
think he is past the point of claiming a strong win at 2-3. Daieisho 
and Wakamotorharu are in similar situations. As ever, hakkeyoi!