Highway

Damn they giving us Terunofuji - Asanoyama tomorrow (today), really giving the fans what they want. Win or lose well done to Asa for getting himself back up to the musubi no ichiban.

Is this true?? That is massive if so. But....please don't tell me we were deprived from seeing Hakuho one last time in the ring because of Covid, or more specifically Covid restrictions? Surely that is not how the most legendary career of all time will go out? If he is injured again I understand, but if not surely he deserves to go out with a bang in November?

Well done indeed. I also cannot think of a wider swing in terms of a comeback, in any other sport that I follow at least. Maybe Tyson Fury in a way.

Wow, what can you say about tomorrow. It is as epic as it gets. If this was pro wrestling this would be our Rock vs Hogan. I think what Hakuho was going for against Shodai was to show how he can win in any way however he pleases. And whether he is 100% healthy or a bit less, it's still remarkable he can do this to Ozeki opponents. Terunofuji has been impeccable this basho, but can he beat Hakuho? I do think that as Hakuho demonstrated today, he has too many tools in the arsenal, he knows how to find a way. I'm still going for the current yokozuna, though whatever happens - obviously very well deserved and welcome to our next yokozuna.

WOW epic bout between Endo and Terunofuji, what an effort by both. Best match of Endo's career? What a terrific finish to the basho this sets up. Terunofuji vs Takakeisho is fast becoming the sumo rivalry of this new decade. Well it already is, isn't it. Once again we have a basho decider between the two of them tomorrow. And the thing is...I don't necessarily have a favorite, and it will be very fun to see a three-way playoff, but you can't blame Terunofuji if he is feeling a bit hard done by...he has dominated all his opponents from beginning to end pretty much, super unlucky to have a win stripped for the hair pull, and today a 50/50 finish that was so close....it's still in his hands tomorrow, but he will be haunted by major what-ifs if it somehow slips away.

I'll be supremely surprised if Terunofuji is not a yokozuna by the end of the year. Mind you I said that about Takakeisho!

Aoiyama once again the top-ranking non-Japanese or Mongolian rikishi. Hakuho is like the Undertaker, we get a special appearance hopefully now and then, but who knows if/when he will be there.

Lol, is that very true? Having lived most my life in western countries, I haven't encountered strict noodle eating etiquettes...unless you are doing something extremely over the top, no one is gonna notice or care how you eat your bowl of ramen.

That's actually a good question, do they give these out for each and every basho winner no matter how many times they've won the past? If so Hakuho must have hired a warehouse...

Big congrats to Terunofuji, well deserved, he is the man to beat in sumo right now. He must feel top of the world with the journey he has had. The three Japanese ozeki have their work cut out for them, but I'm also excited to see where Takanosho will go, I think he has massive potential to go further. I think the sanyaku for May looks super strong. Very proud of Aoiyama, he often struggles big time when facing top ranking opponents, but great win today and he can be super proud with second place and a fighting spirit award.

Absolutely fantastic basho, one of the best in recent memory I can remember. Full of twists and turns. My man Aoiyama has quietly maneuvered himself into playoff contention, though he has it all to do vs Takayasu. And I feel quite bad for the latter, what a great, great bout vs Tobizaru. For my money Terunofuji vs Takakeisho tomorrow is one of the biggest bouts we've had recently. The basho is on the line and it feels it will determine who is the top rikishi in sumo right now. Fuji deserves to be an ozeki again but beating all 3 ozeki and winning the basho will make him the top dog for sure I think. While of Takakeisho pulls out two wins tomorrow I think that despite recent setbacks he will prove he is still the most likely prospect for next yokozuna. All on the line!

Honestly the last year has felt like one drawn-out retirement ceremony for the yokozuna, gracing us with brief special appearances before departing again. The three ozeki are decent sometimes but all to inconsistent at the moment. I still have hope that Takakeisho will take it to the next level. Terunofuji - if he can also keep himself injury free - could obviously challenge for a yokozuna place as well.

What an opening day clash we have for tomorrow, the return of king Hakuho vs the defending champion Daieisho. Given Hakuho's length of absence perhaps it is safe to say Daiesho is the favorite?

Maybe we should celebrate the end of the coronavirus when it comes with a 30 man sumo royal rumble.

My man Aoiyama makekoshi, seemed inevitable. I think he has lost strength. Every bout is the same. He pushes, but increasingly it is ineffective, then tries to pull, but again no strength to pull his opponent down. Is it age starting to knock on the door, or some other issue? If he has another bad tournament next basho he might be dropping out. rooting for Daieisho to take it away. Shodai is doing well (luckily well) but I am more entertained by the former's sumo.