Usually I talk about a Grand Sumo Tournament when it's in its early stages. Today is the final day of the November tourney at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo and the Emperor's Cup is a toss-up between two wrestlers who actually meet up in the final bout of the day. I speak of the ozeki Takakeisho (13-1) and the the komusubi, Terunofuji (12-2) whose bout will be critical in deciding the winner. If Terunofuji wins, the two will then have a play-off for the championship. If Takakeisho wins, then everyone gets an early bath.

This has been a tournament of surprises. The two yokuzuna were both absent with injuries and the other ozeki, Shodai pulled out early on with an ankle injury. Not forgetting yet another ozeki, Asanoyama, who is also out. This gave the lower order wrestlers a better chance of progressing towards the title. Other oddities include the poor form of entertaining lightweight Enho, who seems to have lost his confidence and will probably drop a division.

Finally I would like to salute the great Kotoshogiku, a former ozeki who has announced his retirement. I will miss his signature belly-bouncing of his opponent from the dohyo, truly a thing to behold.

Below. Takakeisho thrusts at Shimanoumi on the penultimate day of the November tournament.