May 2018 Wrap-up

The May basho was an exciting one, with the champion being decided in the final match of the final day. It’s hard to believe we are already done with half of the year in Grand Sumo. This basho included some outstanding performances, a likely ozeki promotion, and a yokozuna lifting the Emperor's Cup.

Yokozuna: Kakuryu finished the basho 14-1, and claimed his fifth yusho in the final bout on day fifteen. This yusho is Kakuryu’s fourth as a yokozuna, and the first time he has won consecutive titles. Hakuho finished the basho 11-4, which would be considered a good performance by almost any other rikishi, but seems a bit out of character for Hakuho. Three of his losses came in the final four days, which may be attributed to his extended abscence. Kisenosato went 0-0-15, as he pulled out of a basho for the seventh consecutive time.

Ozeki: Takayasu joined his yokozuna stablemate in pulling out of the basho, and racking up a 0-0-15 record. Takayasu was injured in training prior to the basho. He will be kadoban for the second time in July. Goeido pulled out of the basho after having only three wins by the end of nakabi, finishing 3-6-6. He will be kadoban for the seventh time in July.

Sekiwake: Tochinoshin finished 13-2, and was runner up. After his 14-1 yusho in January, and his 10-5 in March, it is almost inevitable that Tochinoshin will be promoted to ozeki in July. Ichinojo finished the basho 8-7, securing his kachi-koshi with a day fourteen win over Hakuho.

Komusubi: Mitakeumi finished 9-6, and will earn a return to sekiwake in July. Endo sustained what has been reported as either a strained or torn bicep on day six. He went kyujo for three days, then returned on day ten. He finished 3-10-2.

Maegashira: Maegashira 1 Tamawashi went 8-7, and will likely be promoted to komusubi after being passed over for promotion in March. Maegashira 11 Chiyonokuni went 12-3, finishing the basho behind only Tochinoshin and Kakuryu. Maegashira 15 Kyokutaisei made his makuuchi debut, going 10-5. The 28 year old is notable for starring in the 2013 French documentary A Normal Life: Chronicle of a Sumo Wrestler.

Shukun-Sho: Shohozan (8-7)

Kanto-sho: Tochinoshin (13-2), Chiyonokuni (12-3), Kyokutaisei (10-5)

Gino-sho: Tochinoshin (13-2)

Kinboshi: Shohozan (Def. Kakuryu on day 4), Abi (Def. Hakuho on day 6)