Day 3 results, highlights, replays, analysis — all that good stuff — are up on Bloody Elbow now for you to enjoy (link).
We had another great day of match-ups. The bouts at the top of the billing largely delivered, as you’d expect them to. We’re going to be talking about the san’yaku a lot in this tournament, though. So today I want to highlight some bouts further down the banzuke that I really enjoyed.
Tamawashi vs. Tsurugisho was a very fun back and forth match. I also really liked Kotoshoho vs. Tomokaze, Shimazuumi vs. Takarafuji, Meisei vs. Hiradoumi and Tobizaru vs. Ryuden.
Still very early, but not too many surprises in how folks are doing. The leaders are probably who most would have picked heading into this one. Still, there’s a long way to go and a lot of big match-ups left (some good ones tomorrow, too).
Bonus gif of the day is Day 2 hero Wakamotoharu, who we really should start calling The Trap Gawd.
That gif of Wakamotoharu is both hilarious and awesome. So good to see him bounce back from his lackluster matches last year. Unusual to see somebody out-bulldoze Takakeisho.
I was really disappointed to see Takayasu sit this one out. He's the perennial bridesmaid, never a bride.
I feel like Atamifuji and Hakuseiho are in the same boat. They were going gangbusters in their first appearances, but it seems the opposition is figuring them out. It doesn't help Hakuseiho that he really has only two moves -- the right-hand arm throw and, if he can't get that, just leaning on the opponent and wearing him down.