Congratulations to Kirishima on his third yusho and impending Ozeki re-promotion. Let’s take a look at how the Haru results might reshuffle the rankings for Natsu.
Counting Kirishima, we’ll have two Yokozuna and three Ozeki, one of whom, Aonishiki (a shocking 7-8), will need a winning record in May to hold his rank. Sanyaku will expand to 9, and M17w will disappear. Two sanyaku slots will be vacated by Kirishima going up and K1e Wakamotoharu (a disastrous 3-12) going down. K1w Atamifuji (9-6) looks set to follow his Komusubi debut with a Sekiwake debut. The other three spots should be filled by S1w Takayasu (7-8), whose last-day win over Atamifuji should be just enough to stay in the named ranks, M1e Wakatakakage (8-6-1), and M5w Kotoshoho (11-4), although there’s room for debate about how to order them. M2e Fujinokawa (8-7) and M4w Takanosho (9-6) just miss out and should occupy M1. With a 9-man sanyaku, the joi line only goes down to M4e, and I expect these ranks to be filled out by Yoshinofuji, Ichiyamamoto, Hiradoumi, Oho and Daieisho, although M10e Gonoyama (10-5) could also be in the conversation.
Key question marks for the rest of the maegashira ranks are how far Wakamotoharu and M2w Churanoumi (4-11) will drop, as well as how far the rikishi promoted from Juryo will rise. Speaking of which, there are only two clear promotion cases: M1e Ryuden (9-6) and M3w Wakanosho (11-4), who is set to make his top-division debut. It looks like M3e Daiseizan (8-7) will suffer his 5th straight narrow miss. So two rikishi will drop from Makuuchi. The first is absent Midorifuji, though we are more concerned about his health. The second will likely be M6w Onokatsu (1-6-8), whose one win (by hansoku, no less!) probably won’t be enough to save him. The only other candidate is newcomer M17e Fujiryoga (7-8), who will be lucky to hang on to the bottom of the banzuke by the skin of his teeth.
There’s more movement between Juryo and Makushita. Dropping out of the sekitori ranks are J12w Tsurugisho (0-15), whom I fully expect to call it quits, J13e Shimazuumi (2-9-4), J14w Kotokuzan (4-11), and newcomer J13w Fujitensei (5-10), the Ms60TD high-schooler who frequently looked overmatched at this level. Taking their places will be Ms2w Okaryu (6-1), Ms2e Hakuyozan (5-2), Ms1w Tochitaikai (4-3), and, saving the best for last, Ms4e Enho (5-2)! If this is correct, Enho will have reached his longstanding goal of 30 sekitori basho, qualifying him for elder status should he wish to remain in the sumo association after he hangs up his mawashi.
We’ll find out about the Juryo promotions in a couple of days, but the rest of the rankings won’t come out until April 27. In the meantime, let me know what you think in the comments.
Kirishima won the Outstanding Performance prize, unconditionally. All of the other prizes are conditional on wins during today’s action. Atamifuji, Kotoshoho, and Fujiseiun were selected for Fighting Spirit prize nominations while Fujinokawa will be awarded the Technique prize if he wins today.
JME coverage started with the Jonokuchi division playoff. Aron defeated Kojikara and Shosei to win the Jonokuchi division title. Pretty good sumo. Congratulations to all three men. Now, the Jonidan yusho brought the heat: Asahifuji versus Kiryuko. Asahifuji quickly grabbed Kiryuko’s mawashi with a left hand uwate. Kiryuko grabbed the front of Asahifuji’s belt but spent too long waiting for an attack so Asahifuji took the initiative and pulled Kiryuko down with a nice uwatenage.
Third, Nabatame fought Hogasho for the Sandanme title. Nabatame’s tsuppari overpowered Hogasho quickly. Oshidashi. Finally, the Juryo yusho playoff. Neither Wakanosho nor Dewanoryu won their senshuraku bouts so that meant a playoff will decide the 11-4 title winner. Dewanoryu took exception to Wakanosho’s games at the tachiai, grabbed Wakanosho with a bear hug and drove him from the dohyo.
Lower Division Yusho Winners:
Juryo: Dewanoryu
Makushita: Wakanofuji (decided Day 13)
Sandanme: Nabatame
Jonidan: Asahifuji
Jonokuchi: Aron
Kirishima has already won the top division title. We will see the yusho presentation after top division action. But to open the action, we did get to see the Makuuchi Dohyo-iri and Hoshoryu’s Dohyo-iri, which I don’t believe we’ve been able to see so far this tournament.
Oshoumi (5-10) defeated Tobizaru (6-9). Migi-yotsu. Oshoumi drove Tobizaru to the edge and lifted him off the dohyo and dropped him into Takadagawa-oyakata’s lap. Tsuridashi.
Fujiseiun (10-5) defeated Shishi (6-9). Shishi hit Fujiseiun with tsuppari but Fujiseiun stood his ground, shoving Shishi. Fujiseiun suddenly slipped left and Shishi lumbered forward. Fujiseiun attacked Shishi from behind and drove him over the bales, winning the bout AND his first Fighting Spirit prize. Okuridashi.
Kinbozan (9-6) defeated Roga (5-10). Kinbozan drove Roga back and out with strong tsuppari. Tsukidashi.
Tamawashi (5-10) defeated Kotoeiho (9-6). Tamawashi attacked Kotoeiho’s face with tsuppari driving him out and tying Harumafuji for 8th place with 712 top division wins. Oshidashi.
Fujiryoga (7-8) defeated Tokihayate (5-10). Fujiryoga blasted Tokihayate with tsuppari forcing him back to the edge. Tokihayate slipped right, trying to land a migi-uwate grip. Fujiryoga then grabbed Tokihayate and shoved him with his left hand, forcing him off-balance and teetering over the edge. Fujiryoga finished Tokihayate off with a shove from behind. Okuridashi.
Chiyoshoma (10-5) defeated Ura (5-10). Ura went low and tried to force Chiyoshoma back but Chiyoshoma slapped Ura down. Ura will tumble into the bottom third of the banzuke for Natsu where he could be quite dangerous. Hatakikomi.
Hakunofuji (5-6-4) defeated Asahakuryu (10-5). While Asahakuryu fumbled around for a grip, Hakunofuji drove forward and forced him over the edge. There are heavy elipses here as the drama at Isegahama will be settled in the coming days. I’ll bring you the news when I have it. Yorikiri.
Ichiyamamoto (9-6) defeated Mitakeumi (8-7). Mitakeumi pulled and Ichiyamamoto was only too happy to shove Mitakeumi in the face and out. Oshdashi.
Kotoshoho (11-4) defeated Asakoryu (9-6). Kotoshoho charged forward way early. Matta. If I’d been tuned in, I would have been prepared for what was next. Henka! Kotoshoho shifted right at the tachiai and slapped Asakoryu down, claiming his fighting spirit prize and the jun-yusho with a heavy dose of irony. I like it. Tsukiotoshi.
Nishikifuji (9-6) defeated Abi (4-6-5). Abi pivoted and pulled Nishikifuji by the neck to the edge. But he couldn’t finish him off. Nishikifuji wrapped him up and drove him back and over the edge. This was a much more competitive bout than I was anticipating. Good job on Abi but the result emphasizes how banged up he is. Yorikiri.
Halftime
Gonoyama (10-5) defeated Takanosho (9-6). Gonoyama charged forward, Superman-style, while Takanosho tried to slap him down. Kandayu had a second of indecision and pointed his gunbai to Takanosho. Mono-ii. Judges decided Takanosho’s foot landed out first and reversed Kandayu’s call. Oshidashi.
Shodai (8-7) defeated Daieisho (7-8). Shodai slapped down Daieisho. Tsukiotoshi.
Hiradoumi (7-8) defeated Churanoumi (4-11). Hiradoumi launched out at Churanoumi. Churanoumi shifted left and slapped Hiradoumi down as he backed out. Gunbai Hiradoumi. No mono-ii. Oshidashi.
Fujinokawa (8-7) defeated Oho (7-8). NHK cameras scanned the stadium, drawing attention to the fans with Fujinokawa hand towels, drawing one conclusion: Fujinokawa brings all the gyaru to the yard. Oho drove Fujinokawa to the edge but Fujinokawa used his left arm, hooked under Oho’s shoulder, to throw Oho over the tawara. Fujinokawa earned his kachi-koshi and Fighting Spirit prize. Sukuinage.
Yoshinofuji (7-8) defeated Asanoyama (8-7). Migi-yotsu. Yoshinofuji dragged Asanoyama to the edge and nearly threw him with an uwatenage. Somehow Asanoyama managed to teeter at the edge with his right foot in the air but right himself. Yoshinofuji collected his thoughts for a moment and pulled up on Asanoyama’s belt, driving him back and out for a good ole, yorikiri. A sense that a torch is passing from one generation to the next here.
Sanyaku
Oshoma (6-9) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-12). Wakamotoharu slapped the crap out of Oshoma, angering the youngster. As Wakamotoharu charged forward with more tsuppari, Oshoma slipped left and grabbed Wakamotoharu’s belt then flipped Wakamotoharu off the dohyo. Uwatenage.
Takayasu (7-8) defeated Atamifuji (9-6). Migi-yotsu. Takayasu treated Atamifuji like a big-rig steering wheel and took him for a quick drive around the dohyo. With a hard left turn of the big wheel, Takayasu wrecked Atamifuji, dragging him to the ground. No Special Prize for Atamifuji and Takayasu claims the arrows. Uwatehineri.
Kotozakura (10-5) defeated Kirishima (12-3). Kotozakura overpowered Kirishima and drove him back and out with the old hug-and chug. Flashbacks to The Yeet Heard Round the World. Ozeki? Yes. Certainly. But it would have been nice to cap off the run with a win. Oshidashi.
Hoshoryu (11-4) defeated Aonishiki (7-8). Hoshoryu used his right arm, hooked in Aonishiki’s left shoulder, to pull him to the edge and attempt a sukuinage. He could not finish Aonishiki with the throw, alone. So Hoshoryu used his right leg, wrapped around Aonishiki’s left, for additional leverage and dropped Aonishiki over the edge. Aonishiki kadoban. Kakenage.
Wrap-up
This was a rather anti-climactic end to the yusho race. Kirishima won the title but lost his final two bouts. Today’s bout against Kotozakura was not good at all. Kotozakura just used his size advantage to beat Kirishima rather easily. Despite the loss, Kirishima also claimed the Outstanding Performance prize.
Aonishiki’s make-koshi record was a completely unexpected result from this basho. If you’re going to end a dominant streak of tournaments and double-digit wins, do it in style with a make-koshi. Our Ozeki are certainly used to being kadoban so maybe this is just Aonishiki’s initiation to the custom.
There will be quite a bit of news this week, so while tournament coverage is over, I hope to bring updates on a number of stories this week. We’ll have Juryo promotions, obviously, but also an Ozeki promotion and a determination regarding the Isegahama scandal. I will be on the road later this week but I should be able to write brief summaries of the events. And next week, Jungyo starts with a packed schedule of 27 dates carrying us through April in the lead up to the May tournament. See you soon.
Day Fourteen in Osaka. The kyujo banner waves again. We swing by the infirmary and Wakatakakage has checked in. He will be kyujo today and Daieisho will receive the walkover win.
Down in Juryo, Dewanoryu lost to Ryuden, who is looking to come back to Makuuchi. Daiseizan hopes to make a case for promotion by visiting Makuuchi in a possible exchange bout with struggling Oshoumi. Enho lost to Nishikigi. Nishikigi likely saved his skin but did the result close the door on Enho?
It will be a tight call between Takakento and Enho but I would hope Enho would pick up that fourth opening. Tsurugisho, Shimazuumi and Kotokuzan have indisputable demotable records. We’ve seen weird things happen with 6-9 records so things may hinge on the results tomorrow.
In the yusho race, Wakanosho defeated Toshinofuji, improving to 11-3. So Dewanoryu and Wakanosho sit tied at 11-3 with Kazuma behind them at 10-4. The three men have already fought each other so it will be interesting to see who they’re paired against on senshuraku.
Kotoeiho (9-5) defeated Shishi (6-8). Kotoeiho pivoted and quickly drove Shishi out. Shishi missed when he tried to grab Kotoeiho’s belt. Yorikiri.
Oshoumi (4-10) defeated Daiseizan (Juryo 7-7). Henka! Oshoumi jumps to the side and shoves Daiseizan down to the clay. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” With the win, Oshoumi is likely safe from demotion but a win tomorrow can’t hurt. Tsukiotoshi.
Asahakuryu (10-4) defeated Gonoyama (9-5). Asahakuryu quickly grabbed Gonoyama’s belt with a left-handed uwate. He pivoted and pulled, dragging Gonoyama while slapping him down with his right hand. Uwatedashinage.
Roga (5-9) defeated Fujiryoga (6-8). Roga grabbed Fujiryoga’s belt with his left hand. Fujiryoga slipped his right hand inside but he was already perilously positioned along the bales. Roga rotated and dragged Fujiryoga down. Uwatenage.
Chiyoshoma (9-5) defeated Tokihayate (5-9). Chiyoshoma forced Tokihayate to the edge with his nodowa and tsuppari. Tokihayate quickly jumped left to turn the tables and force Chiyoshoma to the edge but Chiyoshoma just grabbed Tokihayate’s belt, drove him to the edge, and tripped him over the bales. Kirikaeshi.
Tobizaru (6-8) defeated Tamawashi (4-10). For a while, Tamawashi kept Tobizaru at bay with tsuppari. But Tobizaru eventually worked his way inside. This got him close enough to execute his trip. Kicking Tamawashi’s right foot forced Tamawashi off-balance and Tobizaru shoved him down as Tamawashi stumbled forward. Tsukiotoshi.
Mitakeumi (8-6) defeated Ura (5-9). Mitakeumi used the leverage from his right arm under Ura’s shoulder to twist Ura down. Sukuinage.
Nishikifuji (8-6) defeated Shodai (7-7). Nishikifuji made Shodai uncomfortable with a nodowa and got the big lug moving backwards. One more shove to the clavicle finished him off. Oshidashi.
Oshoma (5-9) defeated Fujiseiun (9-5). Oshoma stood Fujiseiun up with tsuppari and a nodowa, then pulled and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.
Halftime
If folks wonder what happens at halftime, the shimpan leave and a new team of judges comes in. The yobidashi come up and care for the dohyo, sprinkling water from a pail onto the surface and then brushing the surface, freshening it up. They sweep the free granules of clay from the shikirisen, making the white lines pristine. In the Konishiki videos, Konishiki points out that after a while, the dohyo gets hard and compacted like concrete. This softens it up a tad and distributes the loose clay evenly along the surface.
Abi (4-5-5) defeated Asanoyama (8-6). Abi henka! Abi leapt to the left and grabbed Asanoyama’s belt with his left hand. He then rotated and pulled Asanoyama forward and off the dohyo. Uwatenage.
Fujinokawa (7-7) defeated Hiradoumi (6-8). Hiradoumi blitzed Fujinokawa with a fast tachiai but Fujinokawa twisted back and used his left hand under Hiradoumi’s armpit to heave Hiradoumi over and slam him to the ground at the edge. Sukuinage.
Hakunofuji (4-6-4) defeated Churanoumi (4-10). Hakunofuji charged ahead and got inside. Churanoumi quit about 3 feet from the bales and Hakunofuji ushered him out.
Daieisho (7-7) default win over Wakatakakage (8-6). NHK zoomed in on some fans who’d brought their homemade Wakatakakage signs, rubbing salt into the wounds that they won’t see their man in the arena today. NHK just knows what buttons to press. Their management must be S.
Oho (7-7) defeated Yoshinofuji (6-8). Oho grabbed Yoshinofuji by the head and forced him to the edge. Yoshinofuji freed himself with a shove to Oho’s right hand but when Yoshinofuji re-engaged, Oho pulled AND PIVOTED, thrusting Yoshinofuji down to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.
Sanyaku
Wakamotoharu (3-11) defeated Takanosho (9-5). Takanosho drove Wakamotoharu back to the edge with his nodowa and tsuppari. At the edge, Wakamotoharu shifted left and pulled Takanosho down while balancing on the bales with his best Daniel “crane pose.” Gunbai Wakamotoharu. No mono-ii. Hikiotoshi.
Atamifuji (9-5) defeated Kotoshoho (10-4). Kotoshoho’s initial slapdown attempt failed so he locked on to Atamifuji’s belt. Atamifuji seemed to heavy for him to move, so Atamifuji pressed forward and shoved him out. Oshidashi.
Ichiyamamoto (8-6) defeated Takayasu (6-8). Ichiyamamoto pulled and shifted left to get access to Takayasu’s belt. He pulled him forward for the win. Uwatenage.
Aonishiki (7-7) defeated Kirishima (12-2). Aonishiki does not want to go kadoban. Hoshoryu needs to win to prevent Kirishima claiming the title. Kirishima had the right-hand uwate grip he wanted but when he pulled backward, Aonishiki pulled him down to a knee. Shitatenage.
Kotozakura (9-5) defeated Hoshoryu (10-4). Hoshoryu and Kotozakura locked up at the tachiai. We started with a migi-yotsu battle. What now? Kotozakura demonstrated the initiative by pulling up on Hoshoryu and forcing him toward the edge but couldn’t get him over. Hoshoryu released with his right hand and pulled back to try an uwatenage. Kotozakura managed to get a morozashi, double inside grip. Hoshoryu panicked and reared back but Kotozakura worked his left leg behind Hoshoryu’s right, forced Hoshoryu off-balance and back onto his butt. Kirishima yusho! Sotogake.
Wrap-up
The yusho has been decided, even if tomorrow’s bout lineup has not. It’s appropriate to use the passive voice, rather than the active voice, since the title was claimed by Kirishima despite a loss today. One is left with the feeling that the cup fell to its winner’s lap rather than being seized through a victory.
Kirishima will likely fight Kotozakura tomorrow with Hoshoryu fighting Aonishiki. Add Onosato into the mix and I hope we get these five guys leading the field for quite a while. There are a lot of good rivalries here.
It looks like we’ll have two open Sekiwake slots with Takayasu earning demotion today and Kirishima’s likely promotion. Atamifuji will be a lock for one slot. The other will likely go to Wakatakakage as the next promotable results lie with Takanosho and Kotoshoho. Both men lost today but maybe a senshuraku win will help one leapfrog Wakatakakage?
Well, there’s another day of action, apparently. See you back here tomorrow.
Day Thirteen in Osaka. For those of you in amateur sumo, or interested in amateur sumo, or just interested in walking around in nothing but a loincloth, I posted a quick video of Tooyama demonstrating for folks how to put on the mawashi. This was another little gem from the Konishiki raw footage.
Bucky, aka Wakanofuji, won the Makushita yusho with a slapdown. This kid is going places. I’ll never understand these Twitter embeds. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. I seem to have gotten this one working. Let me know if you can see the videos without a Twitter account. I’m glad Abema seems to have posted this so you don’t need VPN to watch. (At least I didn’t.) The embed was still wonky, though. Anyway, it looks like it works.
This embed was a different story for the Tenshoyama vs Asahifuji bout. Great quality bout in the Jonidan yusho race. Tenshoyama put up a hell of a fight against the man anointed as the next Yokozuna. Asahifuji will need to fight again in a playoff on senshuraku against Kiryuko, who’s recovering from injury and hopes to make it back to Juryo, at least.
In juryo, Dewanoryu defeated Daiseizan to remain in the lead with two losses. Wakanosho beat Kazuma to improve to 10-3 and stay one back of Dewanoryu in the second division yusho race. Tochitaikai fought in Juryo today, possibly an exchange bout with Fujitensei.
Tochitaikai locked in his kachi-koshi and likely sealed Fujitensei’s fate and demotion to Makushita. Meanwhile, Himukamaru, lost his Juryo bout against Nishikigi. Since he is makekoshi, he will not move up. That’s a pivotal opening for Enho. Himukamaru was in the driver’s seat at the top of the division and only needed four wins to move up. In the end, he only managed three.
At least I finally got this embed working. Former Juryo wrestler, Chiyosakae, announced his retirement. He fought for thirteen tournaments in the second division before injury kyujo dropped him into Sandanme, where he fought for much of last year. Four makekoshi records cast him down to Jonidan. He picked up five wins this tournament but decided to call it a career.
Kinbozan (8-5) defeated Asanoyama (8-5). Kinbozan used his size advantage well and drove Asanoyama back to the edge, then persisted with gaburi hip thrusts to force him over the bales. Kinbozan kachi-koshi. Yorikiri.
Chiyoshoma (8-5) defeated Oshoumi (3-10). Chiyoshoma immediately got his left hand inside and right hand outside, forcing Oshoumi back. Oshoumi knocked Chiyoshoma’s right hand away but Chiyoshoma continued to attack. He tried to fight for the right-hand grip and push Oshoumi back, but it wasn’t working without the help from the right-hand belt grip. Chiyoshoma then changed tactics and dragged Oshoumi down by using the left-hand. Chiyoshoma kachi-koshi. Shitatenage.
Tobizaru (5-8) defeated Shishi (6-7). Tobizaru got his right hand inside and drove Shishi to the edge. Shishi tried to use his left-hand uwate to throw Tobizaru but Tobizaru’s footwork and balance were better. Tobizaru pivoted and dragged Shishi away, dropping him with a shitatenage.
Mitakeumi (7-6) defeated Roga (4-9). As soon as Mitakeumi got both hands wrapped around Roga’s trunk for the morozashi, he drove Roga back and over the bales. Yorikiri.
Asahakuryu (9-4) defeated Tokihayate (5-8). Asahakuryu’s hidari-yotsu was too powerful for Tokihayate to defend. Asahakuryu wrapped up Tokihayate, drove him back and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.
Fujiseiun (9-4) defeated Shodai (7-6). Shodai hooked his left hand under Fujiseiun’s shoulder and forced him to the edge. Fuijseiun counter attacked by shoving Shodai with his right and twisting him down to the ground. Both men fell. Gunbai Fujiseiun. Shodai thought he had it and slow-roll walked rather slowly hoping for a mono-ii. None came. Tsukiotoshi.
Kotoeiho (8-5) defeated Ura (5-8). Kotoeiho grabbed Ura’s left arm, pivoted, and threw him to the ground. Kotenage.
Tamawashi (4-9) defeated Hakunofuji (3-6-4). Tamawashi used his tsuppari to Hakunofuji’s face to bulldoze him back to the tawara and crush him down over the edge. Is Hakunofuji M? Oshitaoshi.
Halftime
Churanoumi (4-9) defeated Oshoma (4-9). Oshoma tried the slapdown but Churanoumi knocked Oshoma’s arms away and shoved him back with a torrent of tsuppari. Oshidashi.
Ichiyamamoto (7-6) defeated Fujinokawa (6-7). Ichiyamamoto blasted Fujinokawa back. Fujinokawa tried the old change-of-direction trick, shifting to his left. Ichiyamamoto pursued well and shoved him over the edge. Oshidashi.
Yoshinofuji (6-7) defeated Hiradoumi (6-7). Yoshinofuji’s tsuppari drove Hiradoumi back to the edge but Hiradoumi grabbed Yoshinofuji and bulldozed him through the dohyo. At the edge, Yoshinofuji twisted Hiradoumi down for the sweet twist-down counter-throw. Sukuinage.
Wakatakakage (8-5) defeated Abi (3-5-5). Abi’s tsuppari was a non-factor, instead he focused on pivot, retreat, slapdown. However, he seemed to trip after one pivot, and fell to the dohyo. Wakatakakage cradled his elbow after the bout. Broken men on kyujo watch. At least Wakatakakage has his kachi-koshi. Will he take the weekend off? If his brother isn’t, I imagine it’s not likely. Oshitaoshi.
Sanyaku
Atamifuji (8-5) defeated Gonoyama (9-4). Gonoyama thought he had Atamifuji beat. He shoved and shoved but Atamifuji would not go over the bales. Was Atamifuji intentionally sandbagging to wear Gonoyama out? Atamifuji countered quickly by shoving Gonoyama in the face. Once he got Gonoyama’s momentum going backwards, Atamifuji was running downhill. Oshidashi.
Daieisho (6-7) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-11). Daieisho kept his attack in first gear. Powerful tsuppari forced Wakamotoharu back and over the edge. Tsukidashi.
Takanosho (9-4) defeated Takayasu (6-7). Takayasu chugged forward but Takanosho demonstrated some agility and shifted to his left, then thrust Takayasu down. Tsukiotoshi.
Kirishima (12-1) defeated Oho (6-7). You could hear a pin drop in the arena as Shiro announced this bout. And I’ll give it to Oho. At no point did he give up. He made Kirishima earn this win. In fact, Oho nearly caught Kirishima sleeping at the start with a quick slapdown. Kirishima recovered, though, and went on the attack. He tried tsuppari but won it with yotsu at the end. Kirishima wrapped up an exhausted Oho and drove him over the edge. Yoritaoshi.
Aonishiki (6-7) defeated Kotozakura (8-5). Kotozakura lulled Aonishiki into his trap. Aonishiki plowed forward to the edge and once there, Kotozakura shifted to the side, grabbed Aonishiki’s belt with his left hand and pulled him forward. Somehow, Aonishiki stayed in. He pivoted and turned his back to Kotozakura. Kotozakura gave chase. Aonishiki got himself righted and re-engaged, driving Kotozakura gently over the bales. Sure got the pulse rate up here. Yorikiri.
Hoshoryu (10-3) defeated Kotoshoho (10-3). Hoshoryu pivoted to his left and slapped Kotoshoho down. Hatakikomi.
Wrap-up
Kirishima has separation from the field now. A two-bout lead heading into the final weekend is a great thing. He can seal the deal with a win tomorrow. As of the time of this post, the Kyokai has not announced tomorrow’s lineup. I probably won’t be able to get a quick post out before action begins but I would not be surprised if they set Kirishima against Aonishiki.
Talk about brutal. Aonishiki must win out to avoid kadoban. If they set it up so Kirishima’s fighting for the yusho at the same time, ouch. Since they’ve already had the Ozeki fight, looks like they can pair Kotozakura versus Kirishima on senshuraku. I think they wanted room to have Kotoshoho fight Kirishima but maybe that’s a senshuraku bout if Kirishima loses tomorrow? Well, we’ll see. Anyway, it’s Kirishima’s yusho to lose and it looks like we’ll have three Ozeki when we return to Tokyo in May. Cool.
