3 way playoffs are rare. Exciting basho, and now with the yokozuna slot empty I suspect we'll see some good fights this year.

• https://www.sumo.or.jp/EnSumoDataRikishi/profile/3990/
• https://www.sumo.or.jp/EnSumoDataRikishi/profile/4230/

Now that Terunofuji has retired, who do you see taking the top spot next? Maybe Onosato or Hoshoryu? Is it Kirishima's time to shine and move back up the ranks?

I guess it wasn't just a grimace of disappointment...

"My right knee went inward and when I woke up in the morning, I couldn't put my foot down.''

What a day it'll be!

Kotonowaka, the tournament leader at 11-1, gets his ultimate test against Terunofuji, who is at 10-2 along with the 2 remaining Ozeki.

KNW has never beaten (0-6) Terunofuji.

If KNW loses, that will likely set up a 3 or 4 way tie for the lead, and a spectacular finish to the tournament!

He has been showing great sumo and technical skill. He has the highest amount of wins this year and will be awarded 17 different awards for this basho. I believe if he is as dominant as he was to win this basho - in the next few basho's he will get the Yokozuna promotion and ol Teru will finally get to retire.

Side notes: I can't wait to see Atamifuji perform in higher ranks, he is definitely Ozeki worthy if he keeps it up, he just needs to work on his nerves.

Takakeisho as well as Hoshoryu are good Ozeki and will challenge anyone trying to make the climb up the ranks but in their current forms I don't think they can hit Yokozuna. Hopefully either one can step it up next basho and give Kirishima a run for his money.

Also, Kotonowaka did absolutely fantastic IMO at his rank this basho and I'm excited to see how he performs going forward.

But for now, the rikishi deserve their rest before training starts again for January.

Hakeoii!

Who else is pumped? What are your predictions? Who are you going to watch out for?

And if anyone needs links to anything to watch Basho, either live or edited down recaps, I can post links here!

Sadly I think Terunofuji is gone after his next appearance and hopefully winning basho. As for up and coming Hakuoho it's sad to see him getting really taped up and possibly undergoing surgery and missing the next basho after he worked up the ranks so fast. Any thoughts on anything or anyone in the sumo world?

"Hakuho! You are, NUMBA ONE, sumo, wrestler, EVAAA!!!" - some guy during Hakuho's retirement ceremony.