I might change my name to Nostradamus, because my prediction for Wakaichirō was correct! I predicted that he would finish with a 5-2 record, and he indeed finished with a 5-2 record. I will say, however, that I did not foresee the manner in which he would finish with a 5-2 record. Wakaichirō started the Natsu Basho 2019 with two losses, and things were looking quite grim. Those two losses only started a fire in him, though, and he went on to win the next FIVE matches. Great work from the young rikishi!
Wakaichirō will probably return to the bottom of sananme, which is a great place for him to find solid competition for himself. Earlier this year, Wakaichirō promised his fans that he will get a kachi-koshi this year in the sandanme division. If Wakaichirō doesn’t get it in the Nagoya basho, he might not have another chance to fulfill his promise. I know that everyone reading this will be rooting for Wakaichirō!
So what worked well this time? Well, Wakaichirō’s skills mainly revolve around his thrusting abilities. When he is competing against people around his size, he usually wins. When he competes against people larger than himself, it is a much closer match. In jonidan, Wakaichirō’s opponents are mostly his size. In sandanme, Wakaichirō begins to compete against rikishi larger than hinmself. Next basho, let’s see if Wakaichirō has either grown or developed his abilities further to pick up that kachi-koshi.
Below is a table that summarizes Wakaichirō Ken’s Natsu Basho 2019 performance, followed by gifs of his matches. If you would like to see anything else involving Wakaichirō’s performance in the Natsu Basho 2019, please contact me at NorthAmericanSumo@Gmail.com.
|
Opponent |
Ranking |
Current Record |
Result |
Method |
|
21 East |
4-3 |
Loss |
Uwatenage |
|
|
18 West |
5-2 |
Loss |
Oshidashi |
|
|
23 West |
2-5 |
Win! |
Oshidashi |
|
|
21 West |
3-4 |
Win! |
Oshidashi |
|
|
22 West |
2-5 |
Win! |
Oshidashi |
|
|
24 West |
4-3 |
Win! |
Tsukidashi |
|
|
23 East |
4-3 |
Win! |
Tsukidashi |
Wakaichirō Ken Match 1 Gif – Natsu Basho 2019
I really thought that Wakaichirō was going to grab the very rare mawashi victory for himself, but he was thrown out at the last second. It seemed whoever was in the right position at the end was going to get the victory. So close! Record: 0-1.
Wakaichirō Ken Match 2 Gif – Natsu Basho 2019
Wakaichirō got a great start and went for his typical thrusting strategy. Unfortunately, his opponent did a sly sidestep. Wakaichirō tried to recover, but he was already too off balanced. Record: 0-2.
Wakaichirō Ken Match 3 Gif – Natsu Basho 2019
In maybe the easiest match of his career, Wakaichirō got the victory. He simply pushed straight against and avoided one of the most halfhearted sidesteps ever. Record: 1-2.
Wakaichirō Ken Match 4 Gif – Natsu Basho 2019
Wakaichirō had a great start, to which his opponent tried to sidestep. Wakaichirō fortunately was able to easily regain his composure and use his power to push his opponent out for the victory. Record: 2-2.
Wakaichirō Ken Match 5 Gif – Natsu Basho 2019
The power! Wakaichirō looked very strong again, and he fights best when he is fighting to win. Record: 3-2.
Wakaichirō Ken Match 6 Gif – Natsu Basho 2019
Unfortunately, I did not get to watch this match. I did get to see a picture, though, at Wakaichirō had a fan club in the camera view. So neat to see!
If you can find a video of this match, please email me at NorthAmericanSumo@Gmail.com. I do know that he won, though. Record: 4-2.
Wakaichirō Ken Match 7 Gif – Natsu Basho 2019
Saving the best for last! Once again, Wakaichirō looked amazing. He got the slower start off the tachiai, but it seemed to be on purpose. Starting slower lets him get a lower angle and forces his opponent to stretch out further. Really great work by the young rikishi. Record: 5-2.
As mentioned, those first two losses really light a fire in Wakaichirō. I want to see more of this fire in sandanme! He will need it if he wants to get the kachi-koshi. Either way, we will still be cheering him on, and I am sure that the readers of NorthAmericanSumo.com will be too!
North American Sumo 
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