Sumo: Kakuryu is poised to take the March Basho (could clinch the title tonight)

Mongolian Kakuryu, who's current and highest rank is Sekitori which is the third highest after Yokozuna and Ozeki, is currently leading the standings with a record of 12-1 with just two days remaining (today and tomorrow). Hakuho is in second with 11-2. Kakuryu went ahead in the standings last night by defeating Ozeki Kotoshugiku which was followed by a defeat suffered by Hakuho to Ozeki Kisenosato (who also defeated Kakuryu earlier in the tournament in Kakuryu's sole defeat).

On his way to the top of the standings Kakuryu has already defeated Hakuho, as well as Ozekis Baruto and Harumafuji in earlier bouts. Tonight he faces Ozeki Kotoshu, who he's defeated in each of their last 4 meetings. Hakuho faces fellow Mongolian Harumafuji, with whom he's gone 3-3 over their previous 6 meetings. Should Kakuryu defeat Kotoshu and should Hakuho lose to Harumafuji tonight a Kakuryu victory will be assured. What's more, regardless of Hakuho's results, if Kakuryu should win his final two bouts he will also assure victory. Alternatively, should Kakuryu lose one of his bouts and Hakuho go 2-0 it would force a playoff to determine the victory.

Regardless of today's result, Hakuho can be expected to face off against a tough Baruto, winner of the previous January tournament, who is currently tied for third in the standings at 10-3 with Harumafuji and Goeida, in what should be expected to be a tough match. One can likely assume that Kakuryu well face the much lower ranked Goeida, who he has yet to face thus far in the tournament.

Should Kakuryu win the crown he will achieve the unique feet of achieving a Grand Championship and Ozeki promotion in the same tournament (or so say the Japanese newspapers).

Btw, Sumo is streaming live right now.

http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/hon_basho/torikumi/eizo_haishin/eizo2.html (windows media stream)

Today's bouts
Makuuchi (highest division):
http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/hon_basho/torikumi/tori_551_1_14_1.html

Juryo (second highest division):
http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/hon_basho/torikumi/tori_551_2_14.html

It's lower division right now. Makuuchi division starts at about 12:00am Pacific time (or 3am EST). Kakuryu and Hakuho's matches are last, they'll be on a little after 1:30/4:30am. You can always get the matches on youtube. For example, this dude posts the matches almost as fast as they happen:
https://www.youtube.com/user/araibira?feature=g-all-u

Kakuryu's 13 matches to tonight (in order):

v Kyokutenho


v Tochinoshin


v Gagamaru


v Baruto


v Aminishiki


v Tochiozan


v Harumafuji


v Kisenosato


v Hakuho


v Tochinowaka


v Shotenro


v Kotoshogiku



For good measure, Hakuho's bout against Kisenosato from last night:

Awesome man! I don´t watch sumo often but it´s really entertaining.

So with one day left it stands at Kakuryu 13-1 and Hakuho 12-2. Furthermore, with the victory Kakuryu effectively assures promotion to Ozeki (having with this win secured 33 victories over 3 consecutive tournaments which is the standard qualifier). Tomorrow Kakuryu takes on Goeido while Hakuho faces Baruto. Kakuryu stands a great chance to seal the championship tomorrow with a win over Goeido.

I don't know anything about sumo but i always enjoy when you post it. Hope you keep doing it. No other forum has Sumo. Post the finals if possible too.

Kakuryu's doing well. Some good wins for him there. BTW how many europeans are doing Sumo? I noticed some of them there.

Kakuryu likely earns his promotion to Ozeki, but he drops a golden opportunity to win the title.