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13th March 2022 - Day 1 Haru 2022 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The sumo drought has finished and we are back into another Basho. This time we are in Osaka for Haru. Going into the basho, there is not too much gossip. No one has reported as kyujo so we have a full roster. However, there are some who are still suffering from the effects of the mass infection event in January/February. Shodai has reported to be still suffering from his covid infection. We have a few returning favourites of mine too. Nishikigi is a favourite as he isa proud glasses wearer and Kotoshoho is a rather interesting force of nature. He blasted his way to the top division but then suffered an injury. Kotoshoho is certainly a baby faced seikitori but one who can kick your arse! The big story line is having 2 ozeki being kadoban (at risk of demotion, needs to get a winning record) and Mitakeumi fighting for the first time as an ozeki. Tihs makes for some high stakes matches from the ozeki. I suspect Takakeisho will get his 8 with some struggle but may pull out after that. I am expecting an injury to happen but hope not. Shodai is likely to be going down. Unfortunately, it will be due to the body. He has never been the most consistant and I expect some moving in and out of the ozeki rank but would prefer it to be not due to injury. With Mitakeumi, we have someone fresh from a yusho and it will not be surprising if we see a 8-7 record. There are obligations from winning a yusho and from promotion which can distract from training. We shall see what toll that has taken on him. As ever, this will be a thrilling tournament and who knows what will happen. Hakkeyoi to all those fighting!