I just saw the replay on this and Fuji's foot was out by a mile. The shinpan must've been sleeping. I wonder if they've ever missed something huge like that and what they do. I guess unless someone flags it for a replay it's just a bad call in the end and there's nothing you can do about it.
That does call into question what the distinctions between the roles of the gyoji and the shimpan are.
If the gyoji doesn't see something, is it the duty of the shimpan sitting along the side of the ring to call things like fouls/hansoku, or are they only consulted in instances where the gyoji doesn't have a good view of, close calls such as who touched outside the ring first?
Wakanosho and Ryuden slapping at each other right off the bat, and Waka shoves off all Ryuden's attempts to get a belt grip, continuing to shove until the veteran is over the bales. At 35 I don't think he's got too much sumo left in him.
Tobizaru gets a good read on the tachiai and redirects Oshoumi's fierce charge into a slap down.
Tokihayate is able to stop Shishi's initial charge but then is forced to circle as the bigger wrestler presses on. Tries to set up a throw as he's pushed to the straw and over it but it doesn't amount to much.
Hakunofuji henka's Gonoyama, who recovers enough to spin and face the right way at the edge but it's not enough to prevent getting shoved off the ring.
Ura tries his low tachiai again but Asanoyama is having none of it. We get to see a patented Ura back bend before he's launched off the dohyo and through Abi who's sitting ringside. At least he didn't get flipped this time.
Abi and Oshoma shove each other around the ring, but when Oshoma's foot is driven to the straw he grabs an arm and drags Abi past and to the clay.
Churanoumi in good position and takes Fujiseiun to the edge but Fuji fights back and manages to get double unders he uses to force Chura out.
You can hear the tachiai impact as Wakamotoharu and Shodai meet but neither gets a grip. When they charge again the clash is again audible, and it's enough for WMH to take Shodai to the edge and out.
Big slap fight with Daieisho and Gonoyama, with the latter losing position initially, but when he lowers his stance and circles at the edge Daieisho switches to a pull down that Gono uses to drive out for the win.
Hiradoumi immediately blasts through Takayasu, who flies off the dohyo. Looks like Papa landed with his weight on one leg first and he's limping a little as he gets up and walks off. (sorry Sergio!)
Wakatakakage's initial charge is stopped by Yoshinofuji, but WTK is lower and gets a double inside grip to make short work driving out Yoshi.
Kotoshoho and Ichiyamamoto have a stalemate in the center, and when Ichi makes his drive Koto pivots at the straw and slams Ichi down hard with a beltless throw.
Kirishima and Fujinokawa have a fast and hard tachiai and Kiri ends up with his left hand inside on the belt. When Fuji pummels his right hand back inside Kiri uses the chance to take him to the bales with a double outside grip. Fuji makes a hard pivot for a throw that rotates their positions but it's not enough to shake Kiri from his belt, but Fuji has a loose tie and Kiri can't complete his drive. Fuji finally finds some belt and looks for an inside leg hook as he tries a throw but Kiri unhooks his leg and regains position enough for an overhand throw. Amazing sumo here, match of the day for sure.
Tokihayate is able to stop Shishi’s initial charge but then
Solid basic pushing by Shishi. Not elegant, but a good win.
Hiradoumi immediately blasts through Takayasu, who flies off the dohyo
What it feels like to be a Takayasu fan:
Koto pivots at the straw and slams Ichi down hard
Nice throw. Ichiyamamoto landed on his shoulder/face, I hope he's OK...
Fuji finally finds some belt and looks for an inside leg hook as he tries a throw but Kiri unhooks his leg and regains position enough for an overhand throw.
Kirishima unhooks his leg, and hops forward WHILE keeping up enough pressure to set up the throw. Impressive stuff, especially against Fujinokawa, who defeated both Yokozunas last tourney.
Kirishima post-bout expression: Gee, I hope he's ok... (He did, in fact, check up on him.)
Fujinokawa had an obvious foot out of the ring, but nobody called it.
Kirishima won anyway, but it must have seemed like the FNK had two lifebars...
Astute win by Kotoshoho, but that ankle had to twist round so far. I hope he's okay.
I just saw the replay on this and Fuji's foot was out by a mile. The shinpan must've been sleeping. I wonder if they've ever missed something huge like that and what they do. I guess unless someone flags it for a replay it's just a bad call in the end and there's nothing you can do about it.
That does call into question what the distinctions between the roles of the gyoji and the shimpan are.
If the gyoji doesn't see something, is it the duty of the shimpan sitting along the side of the ring to call things like fouls/hansoku, or are they only consulted in instances where the gyoji doesn't have a good view of, close calls such as who touched outside the ring first?
Wakanosho and Ryuden slapping at each other right off the bat, and Waka shoves off all Ryuden's attempts to get a belt grip, continuing to shove until the veteran is over the bales. At 35 I don't think he's got too much sumo left in him.
Tobizaru gets a good read on the tachiai and redirects Oshoumi's fierce charge into a slap down.
Tokihayate is able to stop Shishi's initial charge but then is forced to circle as the bigger wrestler presses on. Tries to set up a throw as he's pushed to the straw and over it but it doesn't amount to much.
Hakunofuji henka's Gonoyama, who recovers enough to spin and face the right way at the edge but it's not enough to prevent getting shoved off the ring.
Ura tries his low tachiai again but Asanoyama is having none of it. We get to see a patented Ura back bend before he's launched off the dohyo and through Abi who's sitting ringside. At least he didn't get flipped this time.
Abi and Oshoma shove each other around the ring, but when Oshoma's foot is driven to the straw he grabs an arm and drags Abi past and to the clay.
Churanoumi in good position and takes Fujiseiun to the edge but Fuji fights back and manages to get double unders he uses to force Chura out.
You can hear the tachiai impact as Wakamotoharu and Shodai meet but neither gets a grip. When they charge again the clash is again audible, and it's enough for WMH to take Shodai to the edge and out.
Big slap fight with Daieisho and Gonoyama, with the latter losing position initially, but when he lowers his stance and circles at the edge Daieisho switches to a pull down that Gono uses to drive out for the win.
Hiradoumi immediately blasts through Takayasu, who flies off the dohyo. Looks like Papa landed with his weight on one leg first and he's limping a little as he gets up and walks off. (sorry Sergio!)
Wakatakakage's initial charge is stopped by Yoshinofuji, but WTK is lower and gets a double inside grip to make short work driving out Yoshi.
Kotoshoho and Ichiyamamoto have a stalemate in the center, and when Ichi makes his drive Koto pivots at the straw and slams Ichi down hard with a beltless throw.
Kirishima and Fujinokawa have a fast and hard tachiai and Kiri ends up with his left hand inside on the belt. When Fuji pummels his right hand back inside Kiri uses the chance to take him to the bales with a double outside grip. Fuji makes a hard pivot for a throw that rotates their positions but it's not enough to shake Kiri from his belt, but Fuji has a loose tie and Kiri can't complete his drive. Fuji finally finds some belt and looks for an inside leg hook as he tries a throw but Kiri unhooks his leg and regains position enough for an overhand throw. Amazing sumo here, match of the day for sure.
Solid basic pushing by Shishi. Not elegant, but a good win.
What it feels like to be a Takayasu fan:
Nice throw. Ichiyamamoto landed on his shoulder/face, I hope he's OK...
Kirishima unhooks his leg, and hops forward WHILE keeping up enough pressure to set up the throw. Impressive stuff, especially against Fujinokawa, who defeated both Yokozunas last tourney.
Kirishima post-bout expression: Gee, I hope he's ok... (He did, in fact, check up on him.)
Papayasu's out. Bad fall against Hiradoumi injured his knee.
Nooo, Papa! The yokozuna being kyujo was his big chance :(