The autumn Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo has begun with the same anomalous atmosphere as before, with crowds restricted to 25% capacity. There is no cheering allowed - applause only please! Now, this is all very sensible given the way Covid is transmitted and I suppose we are lucky that there is a tourney at all. But it certainly puts a dampener on what is usually a vigorous display of noise and emotion from the mostly Japanese audience.

This basho is noteworthy for a couple of other reasons too. Both of the yokozuna have withdrawn through injury. That is always a little disappointing for fans. But it does give lower ranking wrestlers a better shot at winning the Emperor's Cup. Another interesting feature of this tournament thus far are the number of matta, or false starts.

A sumo bout begins by mutual consent, with both wrestlers touching the dohyo with their fists prior to clashing at the tachi-ai. Matta have happened repeatedly in the tournament so far, often multiple times in the one bout. It may be that the rikishi are not getting the kind of practice that they would get under normal circumstances. Perhaps its the lack of atmosphere. So, their timing is out.

As to performances in the ring, a number of wrestlers are tied for top position. Takakeisho is looking particularly strong as is Shodai. But there are a bevy of strong contenders and I will surprised if it does not go down to the wire.