September Basho Preview

 As we approach the rankings announcement on September 2nd, I am very excited. I haven't been involved in writing or posting about Sumo as much as I would like to be lately. Limited internet access has rendered me  useless in that regard. Usually I can only watch one or two bouts from the days action on my phone. Not been fun.

 Anyway the future looks bright for Sumo watching and blogging (and maybes some PODCASTING! STAY TUNED)

 As we approach the Tournament which begins September 15th I can't help but wonder about Harumafuji's wrist that he hurt on the 18th. He claims it's alright. But a wrong move could tweak it again.

 The big question on my mind is will Harumafuji be a threat this tournament? Since becoming Yokozuna in November of 2012 he has not lived up to a lot of expectations. 

  He is 54-21 as a Yokozuna never rising higher than 11 wins in a Tournament save the January Basho. He has two 9-6 records. He is 2-3 against fellow Yokozuna Hakuo since attaining the rank and has struggled against his old friends in the Ozeki ranks. His records against the Rank and file haven't been great.  

 However, all of that said he is still to me one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. A warrior who comes to battle. He doesn't go down without a good scrap. 

 In other news the Egyptian was suffering from and inflamed colon. Still no word on his status. 

 Hakuho looks to be on track to get his 27th Yusho. The question is will he be able to hang on to surpass the great Taiho. 

 All in all this looks to be a great tournament. I'm looking forward to it! 

Something else I wanted to point out too is that Kyokutenho is 7th on the all time wins list, 15 away from 6th place. And Wakanosato isn't far behind. I really enjoy the longevity of some of the career Maegashira wrestlers. Kyok being one of my favorites. 

Heres to a great Basho!