Responding to Nagoya Basho Grades

I read and enjoyed Josh K’s Some Highly Subjective Grades for Nagoya 2026, referring to the Nagoya Basho grand sumo tournament. He gave out four A’s to M7E Kotoeiho, S2W Aoniishki (A+ to the winner), S1E Atamijfuji, and OE Kirishima. I cannot disagree with any. The latter three competed in a playoff for the title, so I will focus on Kotoeiho, who was one win out of the playoff. He was wrestling at what was by far his career high rank at M7E after having made a title run from lower in the standings in May. I dare say he looks like the real deal and he seems to be physically stronger each successive tournament. I am curious to see where he is ranked for September after his 9-6 (MW17), 10-5 (M13E) and 11-4 (M7E) showings in his three tournaments in the top division this year (perhaps very close to his elder brother, who will fall from Sekiewake after a disappointing 6-9 result).

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