Sumo | Summer Tournament Preview

Welcome to VMTV’s preview of Sumo’s Summer tournament (Natsu Basho) for 2022.

What’s happening?

The third Sumo tournament of 2022 – The Summer Tournament or Natsu Basho.

Where?

The world-famous Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan.

When?

From May 8 to May 22, 2022.

What happened last time?

Last time out, it was the Spring Tournament (Haru Basho) in Osaka in which a new winner was crowned. A relatively small Rikishi but extremely strong and talented, Wakatakakage won the Emperor’s Cup a giant prop macaron after a superb performance over the two-weeks culminating in a play-off victory over Takayasu. He achieved a 12-3 record and a victory over the Yokozuna Terunofuji.

Following the top two came Kiribayama, the only other man to achieve double figures for victories (10-5) in a topsy-turvey tournament which kept viewers guessing until the very last moment. 7 men achieved 9-6 records. Terunofuji left the tournament with an injury after amassing only 3 victories, he finished with a 3-3-9 record.

Favourites?

As usual, the favourite going into the tournament will probably be the Yokozuna, Terunofuji, though his sumo has looked a bit less dominant in the two tournaments we have had so far in 2022. Mitakeumi won the New Year Tournament in January and the Ozeki will have a shot at taking his second tournament in three at the Summer Basho in May. Defending champion Wakatakakage will hope to defend his crown and make a run towards Ozeki promotion in the future.

Other tournament interest

Unfortunately, Ishiura is out of the competition due to a shoulder injury sustained in the March Tournament. After just about saving himself in the last tournament, Ozeki Shodai continues in his rank and will hope to find the form that led to the promotion in the first place and has been lacking since. Abi will be looking to continue his storming form since joining the top division again and has a shot at winning the tournament.

Fan-favourite Midorifuji has earned his spot back in the top division and will hope to stay there longer than last time he was promoted. Look out for Ura who is always good value to watch despite an awful tournament in March. The rest of the Sanyaku ranks – Hoshoryu, Daieisho and Ozeki Takakeisho will hope to hold on to their coveted spots in the ranking with winning records.

Prediction

We seem to have reached a point with the selection of Rikishi in which anyone can be on the receiving end of an unexpected defeat. At the end of 2021, Terunofuji was almost a shoe-in for the tournament win, but that is no longer the case. He has already lost 7 bouts from the two tournaments held in 2022. That said, on his day he is still the toughest Rikishi to beat and that’s why I am picking him to win this tournament, just ahead of two of the Ozekis – Mitakeumi and Takakeisho.

For a refresher of the VMTV Sumo guide, click here.

To see the Sumo rankings ahead of the May Tournament, click here.