Natsu 2026: Day Four

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho , ,

Takayasu kyujo. They’re dropping like flies in sanyaku. At this rate, by Senshuraku, Shodai will be in the musubi-no-ichiban. If you’ll recall, Takayasu took a tumble into the crowd yesterday and is unfortunately another casualty of this Natsu Basho.

Down in Juryo, Enho’s charge continues as he picked up his fourth straight win. He joins Kazekeno, Toshinofuji, and Kyokukaiyu as early leaders in the second division. Way to go, Enho!

I want to highlight that former Makushita “up-and-comer” Yoshii has taken a proper shikona and today picked up his first win against Hanaoka. Rather than fighting under his real name, Yoshii Ko, he is now Tokifudo Ko. Tokifudo is now 1-1.

Anyway, I say former “up-and-comer” because he’s been toiling in Makushita since we were in lockdown. He’s a grizzled vet by now. Can he make a charge for promotion this year?

Top division NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (4-0 Juryo) defeated Ryuden (0-4). Daiseizan got his left-hand inside belt grip and quickly drove Ryuden back and out of the ring. Ryuden is being just plain beat by these youngsters. He feels ready for a seat on the barge. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (3-1) defeated Tobizaru (3-1). Tobizaru pulled and tried to shuffle laterally along the tawara but Fujiryoga gave chase and pushed him down. Oshitaoshi.

Wakanosho (3-1) defeated Mitakeumi (1-3). Mitakeumi charged forward into Wakanosho. Wakanosho hit Mitakeumi with tsuppari to the face as he retreated. As the pair reached the bales, Wakanosho grabbed Mitakeumi’s left arm and pulled him forward, then shoved him from behind to send him out. Okuridashi.

Roga (3-1) defeated Oshoumi (1-3). The two tussled with their left-hand inside belt grips when suddenly Roga yanked Oshoumi over with a spectacular and powerful shitatenage. The crowd liked that one.

Tokihayate (1-3) defeated Tamawashi (0-4). Tamawashi’s struggles continue. Despite a 43-kg size advantage, Tokihayate was able to grab Tamawashi’s belt and steer him toward the edge like a big rig. At the bales, Tamawashi stopped his momentum and began to charge forward but Tokihayate slipped to the side and let Tamawashi rush forward. Tokihayate then came up from behind and pushed Tamawashi out. Okuridashi.

Ura (2-2) defeated Shishi (1-3). Shishi got the best of the tachiai and charged forward to finish Ura off but Ura shifted left, grabbed Shishi’s belt and shoved him out. Shitatenage.

Kotoeiho (4-0) defeated Kinbozan (2-2). Kinbozan pulled Kotoeiho up by his belt and drove him toward the bales. Kotoeiho braced his left foot on the tawara and used the leverage to hoist Kinbozan over. Shitatenage.

Abi (2-2) defeated Asanoyama (2-2). Abi blasted Asanoyama with tsuppari and drove him back over the bales. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (2-2) defeated Nishikifuji (1-3). As Nishikifuji charged forward, Oshoma grabbed Nishikifuji’s left arm and pulled him forward to the bales. Nishikifuji spun away but Oshoma was in hot pursuit and shoved Nishikifuji out. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (3-1) defeated Asahakuryu (2-2). Asahakuryu wrapped his arms around Hakunofuji’s and forced Hakunofuji back to the edge. Hakunofuji dug in at the tawara and would not go over. When Asahakuryu relented, Hakunofuji was able to grab his belt with both hands, turn him around and drive him out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Fujiseiun (3-1) defeated Asakoryu (2-2). Asakoryu blitzed Fujiseiun at the tachiai and drove him back to the bales. At the bales, Fujiseiun shifted to his right and twisted, dragging Asakoryu forward to the edge. He then shoved him over to finish him off. Tsukiotoshi.  

Churanoumi (3-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-3). Churanoumi stayed calm in the face of Wakamotoharu’s fierce attack and steadily pressed Wakamotoharu away from the center of the ring. Churanoumi stayed low and shoved Wakamotoharu back and out. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (2-2) defeated Shodai (1-3). Shodai charged forward but Chiyoshoma slipped to his left and slapped Shodai down. Shodai was completely out of his element as the aggressor, bulldozing through the ring in pursuit of Chiyoshoma. Despite the loss, I really like this development. Katasukashi.

Gonoyama (3-1) defeated Hiradoumi (2-2). Hiradoumi had Gonoyama at the edge but Gonoyama used the bales to brace himself, charged forward to give himself a little room, then pivoted to his right and slapped Hiradoumi down. Notice Gonoyama didn’t need much room for his slapdown since he pivoted instead of backing up. I’m thinking of Asanoyama’s bout with Hakunofuji earlier this basho where Asanoyama backed himself out of the ring. PIVOT!!!! Thank you, Gonoyama. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (4-0) defeated Daieisho (2-2). After taking multiple blows from Daieisho, Wakatakakage shifted right and hit Daieisho from the side. This disrupted Daieisho’s attack. Wakatakakage then drove his hands into Daieisho’s armpits, blasting him toward the edge. He followed up with a nodowa and cast Daieisho into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Oho (2-2) default win over Takayasu (2-2).

Takanosho (2-2) defeated Atamifuji (1-3). Takanosho tried the slapdown, that didn’t work. So he quickly adjusted to throwing a flurry of tsuppari. As Atamifuji resisted, Takanosho grabbed his left arm and pulled him forward. This allowed Takanosho to get in behind and dig out Atamifuji’s thong. Takanosho gave Atamifuji a wedgie and drove him over the bales. Hopefully he washed his hands after soon after. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (3-1) defeated Kotoshoho (1-3). Solid tachiai but Fujinokawa quickly backed away to his left. Kotoshoho charged forward into the void. Fujinokawa finished him off with a shove. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotozakura (2-2) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-3). Kotozakura must have eaten at the same ramen shop as Shodai. Somehow they’re both super aggressive today. Kotozakura steamrolled through Yoshinofuji, blasting him with tsuppari and shoving him out of the ring. More of this Kotozakura, please. Oshidashi.

Kirishima defeated Ichiyamamoto. Kirishima tried for an early sukuinage but Ichiyamamoto continued to charge forward, head first. Kirishima backed up to the bales and slapped Ichi down. “Andy, shut up about the pivoting. I don’t need to.” Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

We’ve only got five sanyaku bouts tomorrow. Wakatakakage will start things off and fight Takanosho, Oho will then take on Kotoshoho, Atamifuji will fight Fujinokawa. Kirishima will then take on Hiradoumi and Kotozakura will close things out against Ichiyamamoto. It will also be worth checking out if Kotoeiho can throw Roga.

Meanwhile, I’m going to dig around here for some chestnuts, sake, salt and squid to see if I can’t get my own dohyo matsuri going. Something must have gone awry with the one in Tokyo. Maybe they mistook sugar for salt or used the wrong variety of chestnut. The kami are picky and vengeful when it’s not as they like it, apparently. We’ll see if we can appease them. I was never quite successful at appeasing the golf gods, though, so this might go sideways. But at least I’ll have some good sake.

Natsu 2026: Day Three

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho , , ,

First thing’s first. I overslept. I forgot to set my alarm and missed the live action. Watching these video clips misses so much of the drama. I feel a bit distant from it today. Oh well, que sera, sera. 仕方がない。

Thankfully no new kyujo and Enho keeps tearing things up in Juryo. Today, he beat Takakento, visiting from Makushita.

On with the descriptions. NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Onokatsu (2-1) defeated Fujiryoga (2-1). Fujiryoga leaned forward to start chugging away with tsuppari but Onokatsu caught him right under the chin with a forearm kachi-age, followed by a slap down. And down Fujiryoga went. Hatakikomi.

Wakanosho (2-1) defeated Ryuden (0-3). Wakanosho used his powerful thrusts to keep Ryuden from getting anywhere near his belt. Ryuden made one good surge forward but Wakanosho charged right back and thrust the veteran off the dohyo. Tsukidashi.

Tobizaru (3-0) defeated Oshoumi (1-2). Tobizaru pulled and slapped Oshoumi down like it was a jungyo training bout with a high-schooler. Tsukiotoshi.

Roga (2-1) defeated Mitakeumi (1-2). Roga overpowered Mitakeumi, plain and simple. Wulftrax may be right about Mitakeumi’s right hand. He got it inside Roga’s arm quickly but never grabbed the belt and really did nothing with it. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (3-0) defeated Tamawashi (0-3). Kotoeiho persevered through Tamawashi’s attack, grabbing Tamawashi’s belt with his left hand. He didn’t quit until he’d driven Tamawashi back over the bales. At this rate, Kaio’s record is safe. Oshidashi.

Shishi (1-2) defeated Tokihayate (0-3). Shishi rested on Tokihayate’s shoulder as if Shishi had a rough night out and Tokihayate was responsible for getting him back home. As Tokihayate turned, to get the big lug off him, Shishi pressed more of his weight onto him and crushed him over the edge. Abisetaoshi.

Hakunofuji (2-1) defeated Kinbozan (2-1). Henka-ish side-step there from Hakunofuji. He stepped left before driving forward with his attack. Coming from Kinbozan’s right side, Kinbozan didn’t get a chance to recover or retaliate before Hakunofuji shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-1) defeated Ura (1-2). Asanoyama just drove hard into Ura and threw him backward off the dohyo like, “why are you here?.” Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (2-1) defeated Nishikifuji (1-2). Asahakuryu got a strong hold of Nishikifuji’s belt with his left hand over-arm grip. Nishikifuji was still struggling to get his hand inside so he put it in reverse and tried a slapdown. Asahakuryu just rode him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (1-2) defeated Abi (1-2). Abi’s thrusting attack is back and Oshoma let Abi shove him to the bales. Oshoma is much more comfortable with his feet supported by the raised tawara. Once there, he just shifted right and shoved Abi to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (1-2) defeated Asakoryu (2-1). This one looked easy. No henka from Chiyoshoma. He just seemed to absorb Asakoryu’s attack in slow motion, shifted to his left and slapped him down. Frankly, it’s been quite a while since we’ve seen a Chiyo-henka. I’m starting to miss them. Hatakikomi.

Fujiseiun (2-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-1). Churanoumi laid into Fujiseiun with a strong shoving attack and drove him backwards. Fujiseiun tried to shove back but it wasn’t getting him much. The slapdown attempt got batted away. So, Fujiseiun reached around for Churanoumi’s belt with his left hand. He missed but Churanoumi backed away as if he’s ticklish on that side. Fujiseiun then drove harder and grabbed Churanoumi’s belt deep with his left hand. Once inside, he drove Churanoumi back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (1-2) defeated Shodai (1-2). Shodai tried to stand Wakamotoharu up in the center of the ring but he was standing way too high. Despite no leverage from the bales to support his attack, Wakamotoharu held Shodai high, drove forward and forced Shodai over the edge. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (2-1) defeated Daieisho (2-1). As Daieisho charged forward, Gonoyama cycled right to the bales, forcing Daieisho to the outside. Then Daieisho gave up and Gonoyama gently eased him over the bales. A disappointing end to someone I was looking to for a yusho run. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (2-1) defeated Takayasu (2-1). Hiradoumi charged forward and Takayasu pulled…right off the dohyo. Goddamn it. There goes another one of my yusho hopes. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (3-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-2). Wakatakakage got inside and bulldozed Yoshinofuji through the ring and over the edge. A little dame-oshi there to finish him off? Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (1-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-2). Ichiyamamoto got his left hand on Kotoshoho’s belt and was determined to win this on the belt. He surged forward, forcing Kotoshoho to the edge where Kotoshoho pivoted, twisted, and used his right hand inside Ichi’s shoulder to sling him – face first – to the clay. Ouch. What a move. Great bout. Sukuinage.

Atamifuji (1-2) defeated Oho (1-2). Atamifuji just drove Oho back like Oho was still asleep. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (3-0) defeated Fujinokawa (2-1). Kirishima got a kimedashi grip with both hands outside Fujinokawa and tried to wrangle the youngster. Fujinokawa tried a trip but Kirishima avoided it and used the leverage to force Fujinokawa backward to the edge and over. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (1-2) defeated Takanosho (1-2). What the hell was Takanosho doing trying to grab Kotozakura’s belt? He got a fistful of sagari instead. When he realized, “oh, I’m a pusher-thruster,” and backed up to do some pusher-thrusting, Kotozakura just followed him and pushed him out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

I don’t know where this yusho race will go but we’ve got Kirishima and Wakatakakage as the only undefeated sanyaku competitors. Only Kotoeiho and Tobizaru join them from the rank-and-file.

Wakatakakage will fight Daieisho tomorrow, followed by Takayasu and Oho. Then Atamifuji will fight Takanosho and Kotoshoho will fight Fujinokawa. Kotozakura will take on Yoshinofuji and then Kirishima will wrap things up against Ichiyamamoto.

It’s really way too early to start thinking about the yusho, yes. But I do like seeing who is still undefeated after the first few days and we don’t have many guys left. Well, let’s see where this goes…

Natsu 2026: Day ツー

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho ,

As expected, Hoshoryu is kyujo. Heal up, Yokozuna.

Enho picked up a second win as he forced Hakuyozan out, over the edge. Enho improves to 2-0. Midorifuji destroyed Kayo to pick up his first win.

Your NHK videos are here. Not to be out-done, Abema offers a few nice videos on Twitter of the fights in the lower divisions, like the one above.

Makuuchi Action

Fujiryoga (2-0) defeated Wakanosho (1-1). Tsuppari-filled brawl here. Wakanosho introduced a little misdirection and nearly caught Fujiryoga. Fujiryoga recovered quickly and reengaged. He hit Wakanosho hard in the left shoulder and thrust him down to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Oshoumi (1-1) defeated Ryuden (0-2). Oshoumi overpowered Ryuden with his left-hand inside grip. He bulldozed Ryuden through the ring and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (2-0) defeated Mitakeumi (1-1). Tobizaru got a left-hand inside grip and began a hug-and-chug, gaburi yotsu, to force Mitakeumi to the edge. Mitakeumi turned to run away but Tobizaru just shoved him out from behind. If Mitakeumi’s right wrist is injured, like Wulftrax called out yesterday, that would explain how easily Tobizaru dispatched him. Okuridashi.

Roga (1-1) defeated Tamawashi (0-2). Roga overpowered Tamawashi; drove him straight back and out with a right hand inside grip. Tamawashi’s ottsuke was unable to dislodge Roga’s hold and his own tsuppari could not force Roga back. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (2-0) defeated Shishi (0-2). Kotoeiho ate his Wheaties this morning. He’d gotten a right hand grip early in the bout but Shishi pulled it off. As the two tussled, Kotoeiho re-established that right-hand overarm hold, rotated, and threw Shishi. Uwatenage.

Kinbozan (2-0) defeated Tokihayate (0-2). Tokihayate drove into Kinbozan and forced him back to the edge. As they neared the edge, Kinbozan pivoted and used his left-hand overarm grip to drag Tokihayate over the bales. Uwatenage.

Hakunofuji (1-1) defeated Asanoyama (1-1). Hakunofuji charged forward at the tachiai. Asanoyama backed up and tried to slap him down. Asanoyama leapt back as he reached the bales and Hakunofuji fell to the ground. Gunbai Asanoyama. Mono-ii. The shimpan review decided Asanoyama’s foot had gone out before Hakunofuji fell, overturning the judges original ruling. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (1-1) defeated Ura (1-1). Nishikifuji battered Ura as if the pink warrior had insulted his mother. Nishikifuji’s powerful tsuppari drove Ura back and out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (1-1) defeated Oshoma (0-2). Oshoma slid back and held Asahakuryu at bay. Then he suddenly pulled and tried to trip Asahakuryu as Asahakuryu charged forward. It didn’t work. Asahakuryu drove forward and forced Oshoma back and out. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (2-0) defeated Abi (1-1). Abi went for the belt to neutralize Asakoryu’s high-octane attack. It didn’t work. Asakoryu established a left-hand inside grip, pivoted, and threw Abi forward to the ground. Takasago-beya can celebrate the Kohaku victories today. Shitatenage.

Roga was the only competitor on the West side to win during the first half of action. Tamawashi could not make it an East-side sweep.

Halftime

Churanoumi (2-0) defeated Chiyoshoma (0-2). Chiyoshoma battered Churanoumi with tsuppari and then tried a poorly executed slapdown. Churanoumi kept his balance and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (1-1) defeated Fujiseiun (1-1). Shodai shifted right along the bales and pulled Fujiseiun down at the edge by his shoulder. Katasukashi.

Daieisho (2-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-2). Daieisho hit Wakamotoharu at the tachiai then shifted right, pulling Wakamotoharu down. Hatakikomi.

Oho (1-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-1). Oho engaged Gonoyama at the tachiai. Gonoyama tried to shove Oho’s left arm down and ended up losing his balance, falling face first to the clay. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (2-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-1). Ichiyamamoto plowed ahead with his head butts and tsuppari. Takayasu shifted left before he reached the bales and pulled Ichiyamamoto down. Hikiotoshi.

Hiradoumi (1-1) defeated Atamifuji (0-2). Hiradoumi got his left-hand uwate early in the bout. But when he was able to get that right-hand inside grip he was finally able to get the leverage needed to pull Atamifuji up, force him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (1-1) defeated Kotoshoho (0-2). Takanosho blew Kotoshoho away. I don’t think anyone in the arena had that on their bingo card because everyone seemed to quietly processing what just happened. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (2-0) default win over Hoshoryu (0-2).

Wakatakakage (2-0) defeated Kotozakura (0-2). Wakatakakage got his right-hand inside and left-hand outside hold of Kotozakura’s belt. Once that hold was firmly established, he bulldozed Kotozakura to the edge. Kotozakura tried to borrow one of Shodai’s tricks at the edge but it didn’t work and Wakatakakage powered him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (2-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-1). Yoshinofuji wanted that early belt grip but Kirishima ripped his hand away and brawled. As Yoshinofuji tried to re-establish an attack, Kirishima shifted to the side and shove him down.

Wrap-up

Tobizaru is looking good so far this tournament. Of the veterans battling at the bottom of the division, he’s looked the strongest, so far.

There’s no yusho race at this point. Thankfully no one seems to have gone and injured themselves today, so hopefully no new kyujo tomorrow in the top division.

Looking at tomorrow’s sanyaku bouts, Takayasu will fight Hiradoumi, Wakatakakage will fight Yoshinofuji, Kotoshoho will try to get his first win this tournament against Ichiyamamoto. Atamifuji faces Oho, Kirishima will fight Fujinokawa and the other winless Koto will battle Takanosho in the musubi-no-ichiban.

Natsu 2026: Shonichi

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho

Welcome back. I tackled a few items in the preview post, like the Onosato/Aonishiki kyujo. I’ll not rehash them here. We can file this item under “miscellaneous.” Ex-Chiyonokuni makes his debut as a shimpan this tournament and will be ringside during the first half of top division action. We also get to see Chiyomaru in his new wakaimonogashira role. Unfortunately, he will make an entrance in the action later today.

Enho won his first bout back in Juryo. He defeated Tochitaikai by oshidashi push out. Down in sandanme, Enho’s phenom stablemate, Asahifuji, easily dispatched Hakuomaru with a yorikiri (force out).

Update: I forgot to add the link to the NHK videos. Consider that fixed. They included a couple of Juryo videos: Enho vs Tochitaikai and Okaryu vs Hakuyozan.

Let’s turn our attention to the top division for a few items of note. First, this tournament marks a milestone for Tamawashi. It’s his 100th basho in the top division. Only Hakuho (103) and Kaio (107) are ahead of him. He can tie Hakuho at 103 this year. He can pass both next year.

Makuuchi Action

Fujiryoga defeated Ryuden. Fujiryoga seemed in control this whole bout. He got his left hand inside and right hand outside grip. Despite Ryuden’s loose mawashi, Fujiryoga got enough leverage to drive Ryuden back and over the bales. Yorikiri. Fujiryoga will fight top division newbie, Wakanosho tomorrow. Ryuden will take on Oshoumi.

Wakanosho defeated Oshoumi. Wakanosho blitzed Oshoumi at the tachiai with a strong, fast tsuppari attack. He forced Oshoumi back and out quickly. Tsukidashi.

Tobizaru defeated Roga. Roga had the early advantage until Tobizaru slipped inside and got a right hand grip. He used his right foot to attempt to trip Roga and though he missed, the move got Roga moving backward. Tobizaru pressed forward and Roga’s momentum drove him out. Oshidashi. Tobizaru will fight Mitakeumi tomorrow; Roga will take on Tamawashi.

Mitakeumi defeated Tamawashi. Tamawashi tried to pull but Mitakeumi countered well, driving the Iron Man backward and out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho defeated Tokihayate. Tokihayate used his speed and inside position to put Kotoeiho on the ropes early and for much of the bout. Kotoeiho barely maintained his balance and stayed inside the ring. He was able to get his left arm grip and pull Tokihayate down at the edge. Uwatenage. Kotoeiho will fight Shishi; Tokihayate will fight Kinbozan.

Kinbozan defeated Shishi. Kinbozan overpowered Shishi, drove him back to the bales and toppled the Ukrainian backwards with his entire weight. Abisetaoshi.

Ura defeated Hakunofuji. Hakunofuji pulled but Ura was ready and drove him straight back and out. Oshidashi. Ura will fight Nishikifuji tomorrow; Hakunofuji will have to regroup against Asanoyama.

Asanoyama defeated Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji lashed out at Asanoyama and drove him back a step at the tachiai. However, he quickly backed up and tried to slap the former Ozeki down. Asanoyama pressed forward and forced Nishikifuji out. Yorikiri.

Abi defeated Asahakuryu. Abi tried his slapdown attack for much of the bout but Asahakuryu maintained his balance and kept the pressure up. Abi switched gears and drove forward behind that tsuppari and shoved Asahakuryu over the bales. Oshidashi. Abi will take on another Takasago boy tomorrow in Asakoryu; Asahakuryu will fight Oshouma. Can I think of a bad Kohaku joke in time for tomorrow? (Kohaku is the term for the alternating red/white colors which are often on display for celebrations in Japan. The shikona of Asakoryu and Asahakuryu feature these characters.)

Asakoryu defeated Oshoma. One, Two, Three matta from Asakoryu. You know what that means, henka! What? No henka? What the hell? Asakoryu hit Oshoma with a solid tachiai. The two squared up in the center of the ring and as Asakoryu charged in again, Oshoma reversed and tried to slap him down but Asakoryu kept his balance and forced Oshoma off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Fujiseiun defeated Chiyoshoma. Fujiseiun brushed off Chiyoshoma’s tsuppari and plowed through the ring, driving him out. Yorikiri. Fujiseiun will fight Shodai tomorrow; Chiyoshoma will take on Churanoumi.

Churanoumi defeated Shodai. Churanoumi kept Shodai centered and drove him out. Shodai appeared to want to try some sort of reversal at the edge but couldn’t execute. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama defeated Wakamotoharu. Gonoyama attacked Wakamotoharu and drove him back over the bales. Wakamotoharu tried to execute a slapdown with both feet on the tawara and that’s just not going to work. Oshidashi. Gonoyama will fight Oho tomorrow; Wakamotoharu will face Daieisho.

Daieisho defeated Oho. Daieisho seemed prepared for Oho to try to slap him down. He still hit Oho with his usual thrusting tsuppari attack but he didn’t get out over his feet. He seemed to hold back, preventing Oho from finding any openings for a slapdown. Befuddled, Oho was easily shoved out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage defeated Hiradoumi. Not a henka but…Wakatakakage shifted to his left at the tachiai and Hiradoumi blasted forward like a jack-in-the-box, into a void. Hiradoumi’s momentum carried him through the ring and down the other side. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoshoho defeated Yoshinofuji. Kotoshoho forced Yoshinofuji to the edge. Yoshinofuji balanced on one foot as he tried to slap Kotoshoho down. Both men tumbled down. Gunbai Kotoshoho. Mono-ii. Replays showed Kotoshoho landing on the dohyo while Yoshinofuji’s foot was still inside the bales. Gunbai overturned Sukuinage.

Ichiyamamoto defeated Atamifuji. Ichiyamamoto leapt to his right and pulled Atamifuji forward. Atamin’s momentum carried him over the bales. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima defeated Takanosho. Now, Takanosho did get out ahead of his feet so when Kirishima shifted left, Takanosho stumbled forward. Kirishima easily slapped him down. Hakakikomi.

Fujinokawa defeated Kotozakura. Kotozakura seemed to have the upper hand at the start but Fujinokawa jumped left and tried a slapdown. Kotozakura recovered but had no counter attack near the edge. Fujinokawa seized the opportunity, charged forward again and blasted Kotozakura back and out. Tsukidashi.

Takayasu defeated Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu tried to get his right hand inside so he reared back and then dove forward to get at Takayasu’s belt. However, Takayasu pulled Hoshoryu forward with his left hand deep at the back of Hoshoryu’s belt and slapped him down with his right hand. Hoshoryu fell backward awkwardly on his butt. He’d been in a half-split and likely pulled a hammy. Hoshoryu was slow to get up and hobbled back down the hanamichi but needed the big wheelchair once he’d gotten to the back. Wakaimonogashira Chiyomaru was among the crew attending to the Yokozuna as he left the dohyo. Kyujo incoming. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Great to be back with you all for the next two weeks but we have lost another of our top guys to injury. We’ll keep an eye out for news of Hoshoryu. Kotozakura will need to dig himself out of this hole he’s dug for himself on Day One but we’re rather used to that. Kirishima is suddenly in the driver’s seat this basho. I’m sure it won’t be that straightforward so we’re surely in for a roller coaster ride.

Let’s take a look at the sanyaku matchups for tomorrow. Takayasu will fight Ichiyamamoto, Atamifuji will battle Hiradoumi, and Kotoshoho fights Takanosho. Kotozakura will face Wakatakakage, Kirishima will take on Yoshinofuji, and Fujinokawa might pick up a fusen default victory from Hoshoryu. Judging by Hoshoryu’s condition after the bout today, he won’t be back soon.