Wakaichirō Ken wrapped up his Kyushu Basho 2018 performance on Day 14. Unfortunately, it was his second 2-5 performance in a row. I’m sure that the young rikishi (sumo wrestler) is disappointed in this result. I predicted that he would finish with a 5-2 record, so maybe I jinxed it!
So why did Wakaichirō have a lackluster performance? I believe that it must be due to injuries. Wakaichirō was heavily wrapped in each of his matches. I think, at some point, he wrapped both toes, one ankle, both knees, one shoulder, one elbow, and both hands. . .and I think that I am missing a body part or two! I think a healthy Wakaichirō would have certainly finished with a 5-2 record. At least two of his matches came down to a split second maneuver, and I think a healthy Wakaichirō would have pulled out the victory.
Also, Wakaichirō’s skills seemed much more refined in this basho. He looked quick, strong, and stable. He minimized his movements, and he made more decisive offensive maneuvers. It may be an entirely new story in the new year for a healthy Wakaichirō!
Below is a table that summarizes Wakaichirō Ken’s Kyushu Basho 2018 performance, followed by gifs of his matches. I provide some commentary after the gifs, and I provide links to the matches at the bottom of the page. If you would like to see anything else involving Wakaichirō’s performance in the Kyushu Basho 2018, please contact me at NorthAmericanSumo@Gmail.com.
|
Opponent |
Ranking |
Current Record |
Result |
Method |
|
4 West |
2-5 |
Win! |
Tsukidashi |
|
|
3 West |
4-3 |
Loss |
Yorikiri |
|
|
6 East |
4-3 |
Loss |
Oshidashi |
|
|
5 West |
3-4 |
Loss |
Oshidashi |
|
|
4 East |
2-5 |
Loss |
Tsukiotoshi |
|
|
9 West |
2-5 |
Win! |
Tsukidashi |
|
|
2 West |
3-4 |
Loss |
Sukuinage |
Wakaichirō Ken Match 1 Gif – Kyushu Basho 2018
Wakaichirō had a very strong start to the basho. He looked firm in his opening match and left no questions about his victory. Any fan of Wakaichirō should be happy with this win.
Wakaichirō Ken Match 2 Gif – Kyushu Basho 2018
Wakaichirō got the slower, less-aggressive start, which put him on the defensive for this entire bout. Maybe his injuries limited his explosiveness?
Wakaichirō Ken Match 3 Gif – Kyushu Basho 2018
This match was almost a direct repeat of the prior match. Wakaichirō got the slower start and couldn’t overcome the initial advantage of his opponent.
Wakaichirō Ken Match 4 Gif – Kyushu Basho 2018
This match was quite a bummer. I thought that Wakaichirō would surely get the victory, but he was a little too aggressive at the end. I know that it is better for young rikishi to be too aggressive, because it is easier to learn how to pull back than to develop a killer instinct. . .but I still want Wakaichirō to win!
Wakaichirō Ken Match 5 Gif – Kyushu Basho 2018
Almost the same exact thing happened in this match! Wakaichirō almost got the win but was a little too aggressive in the end.
Wakaichirō Ken Match 6 Gif – Kyushu Basho 2018
This was a repeat of Wakaichirō’s first match. A great aggressive start, a steady base, and a clean victory.
Wakaichirō Ken Match 7 Gif – Kyushu Basho 2018
Wakaichirō’s final match was a solid loss. He looked good, but the final throw by his opponent was the right move at the right time.
That was all for Wakaichirō’s Kyushu Basho 2018! The young rikishi has come a long way in the past year, although his rank doesn’t reflect it. Last year, Wakaichirō was just happy to reach the sandanme division. This year, it has become a disappointment to his fans if he cannot stay in the sandanme division. I think that says a lot regarding the expectations for the young rikishi, and I look forward to what (a hopefully healthy) Wakaichirō can accomplish in 2019!
North American Sumo 