2012 Jan SUMO - Hakuho v Harumafuji - Day 12

[babablowfish]

Boy, this Basho is exciting and surprising. Thanks again Jason for posting these videos with your wonderful commentary.

[kaishaku83]

i really don't like henka that much, but this one was a beauty ^_^

[sbrown7817]

OH MY GAWD, JASON! Lol! Wow! Unreal! I can't believe Hakuho is down 3 matches, this basho. Wow. Thanks for posting!

[ternel]

If Hakuho was like Asashōryū he would have thrown down and started a brawl right there.

[Civsuccess2]

No Asashoryu, it's not really a contest.

[ermaduk]

fuck that

[joriiis]

hmm, i was a little disappointed when this happens. I really hoped for a very strong fight between hakuho and harumafuji... Just like the fights between hakuho and asashoryu.. Ow well.. its a suprising tournament this time!

[odensmeadhorn]

wow that was a really slick move. I'm really impressed. 

[tccandler]

Baruto looks like a lock for the cup this time. However, I have to say that I don't understand the hate for henka. It is not against the rules. It is an intelligent and obviously very effective tactic. I can't see the dishonor in it. Why don't they flat out ban it if is such a bad technique? To me, it feels a lot like kneeling on the ball in football or using the shot clock in basketball or running to the corner flag in soccer. It may not be entertaining... but it is legal and it works.

[LordJudgement1818]

@tccandler all you say is true but its a little dirty i guess in the minds of some people. sumo is a 1v1 match and its a test of how much better you are then the other.

Personally i dont mind that move, its smart but i can see why people find it in bad form.

[JasonsinJapan]

@tccandler yes, the henka is legal, but it "feels" like cheating. I understand it as a desperation move by lower ranked wrestlers, but there was no need for it in today's bout and I expect more from an ozeki.

[Civsuccess2]

@JasonsinJapan It's not like Hakuho is such an honorable hero. Look at his position when he put his hands down. He is staying far away from the line. He is trying to avoid Harumafuji at a frontal assault. In fact, I can say because Hakuho position too far, it allows Harumafuji to henka that fast.

[koisumaz2000]

@Civsuccess2

He always stays like this. Not to avoid, but to gather more inertia for the tachi-ai.

[araibira]

In the land of the gaijin, the henka is king.

[kalmykdude]

I don't approve of Mongol on Mongol crime but harumafuji is gonna get it from Hakuho like he stole something!

[skulduggerous]

It was said at araibira's video several times already - I think Haruma has made a ballsy move here, but also a terrible mistake. Hakuho was PISSED and will remember this. Harumafuji will get the beatings of his life in every coming match against the Yokozuna.

[Techne]

@skulduggerous Hakuho had beaten Ama whatever the way he pleased for a long time. Payback time, baby.

[LordJudgement1818]

@skulduggerous dont anger the Yokozuna