Haru 2026: Day Five

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho ,

Day Five in Osaka. As I mentioned yesterday, Onokatsu returns to action today. No other kyujo announcements, which is a welcome relief as the infirmary had been busy. I’m glad I get to use a different picture for today’s post.

Unfortunately, on Day Seven and Day Eight, I will not be able to watch the action or write. I guess you could say that I’ll be kyujo. Except my kyujo is not injury related. I’m just too busy this weekend. I’m sure you will still enjoy the tournament. I will be here tomorrow for Day Six but after the weekend, I will need to catch up with you all on Day Nine.

On to the action.

Asahifuji threw Kyoda to stay undefeated in Jonidan but Enho picked up his first loss today against Okaryu. He had defeated Shimanoumi (which I neglected to mention yesterday, my apologies). So, he has a 2-1 record heading into the middle weekend, which is not bad. Two more wins and he’ll possibly earn promotion but he’ll be much more likely to lock it down with a 5-2 record. Takakento missed out on promotion with 4-3 from the same rank in January. Okaryu and Himukamaru are ahead of Enho in the promotion race at the moment. But the loss will take him out of the winners’ bracket, maybe making a slightly easier path to 5 wins?

Okaryu is from Tatsunami beya, and is known to Tachiai followers as the guy who can open an apple with his bare hands (and make it look rather easy). I got it but it was a bit more of a challenge. He was a solid Kinki University sumo recruit, earning a sandanme debut. He’s steadily been working his way through Makushita since earning promotion in late 2024. It’s a slog, as Enho can attest.

In Juryo, the group of undefeated has winnowed down to two: Wakanosho and Kazuma. Wakanosho will face Sadanoumi tomorrow and Kazuma will battle Kazekeno.

Your NHK videos for today’s top division action are here.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoeiho (3-2) defeated Mitakeumi (2-3). Kotoeiho tried to use his right hand ottsuke to block Mitakeumi from getting a hold of his mawashi with his left hand. Mitakeumi still landed the grip but didn’t do anything with it. So Kotoeiho reared back to slip his right hand inside. This popped Mitakeumi’s left hand off Kotoeiho’s belt and gave Kotoeiho the leverage he needed to drive the former Ozeki back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (3-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-3). Fujiryoga ignored Chiyoshoma’s tsuppari and shoved him back over the edge. Oshitaoshi.

Kinbozan (3-2) defeated Fujiseiun (3-2). Kinbozan obliterated Fujiseiun with thrusts to the face and shoulders. This drove Fujiseiun back and out. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (4-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-4). Tobizaru got a right hand inside grip and spent a good deal of time trying to keep Asahakuryu’s right hand away. Asahakuryu tried a slapdown but Tobizaru kept his balance. Tobizaru was not able to get enough leverage to pitch Asahakuryu forward and throw him over the edge. The two tussled back and forth for a long time in a bit of a stalemate. Tobizaru tried to trip Asahakuryu but Asahakuryu’s balance was solid. Asahakuryu’s patience and endurance won out. He eventually got his right hand inside, hugged around Tobizaru. He then drove forward and forced Tobizaru out. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (3-2) defeated Nishikifuji (3-2). Nishikifuji lashed out with tsuppari and headbutts. Asanoyama is going to have a bit of a shiner on his left eye as a result. Nevertheless, Asanoyama weathered the attack, corralled Nishikifuji and slapped him down in the middle of the ring. That’s a slapdown I can appreciate. He did it while moving forward. He didn’t pull. He just grabbed Nishikifuji by the back of the shoulders and shoved him down. Hatakikomi.

Asakoryu (4-1) defeated Roga (2-3). Asakoryu seemed to jump early, so the gyoji called a matta. On the second tachiai, Asakoryu leapt to the left with a henka. Roga adjusted well but Asakoryu got his right hand inside. With the left he thrust Roga back and out. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (4-1) defeated Oshoumi (0-5). Gonoyama grabbed Oshoumi’s belt with his left hand inside, right hand outside. He used some gaburi-yotsu hip thrusts to drive forward and overpower Oshoumi. Oshoumi resisted as much as he could but Gonoyama just went through him and crushed him out by forcing all of his weight on him. Oshoumi is trying and fighting hard. Today, he just wasn’t strong enough. Abisetaoshi.

Shishi (3-2) defeated Tokihayate (2-3). Shishi kept up with Tokihayate’s spin and got a solid left hand inside. Tokihayate pulled and tried an armbar on that left arm but Shishi just pressed forward and forced him out. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (1-4) defeated Ura (3-2). Tamawashi drove Ura back and out behind his powerful tsuppari. Tsukidashi.

Shodai (4-1) defeated Oshoma (2-3). Shodai really wanted this one because he weathered Oshoma’s headbutts, tsuppari and arm grab. He eventually pulled Oshoma forward to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Halftime

Takanosho (5-0) defeated Onokatsu (0-3-2). Takanosho thrust Onokatsu back to the bales where Onokatsu used his left foot to brace himself from going out. Takanosho did not relent, however, and shoved Onokatsu, making him fall forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (2-3) defeated Kotoshoho (4-1). Daieisho slipped right and slapped Kotoshoho down. Kotoshoho seemed very disappointed, having fallen for that very quickly and picking up his first loss as a result. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (3-2) defeated Oho (1-4). Ichiyamamoto battered Oho with tsuppari and drove him out. Ichiyamamoto might be headed back up the banzuke. I’ve got to say, he gives his all, like Ikioi. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (4-1) defeated Atamifuji (2-3). Atamifuji charged forward, shoving Hiradoumi back to the edge. Hiradoumi slipped to his left at the bales and shoved Atamifuji forward and out. Okuridashi.

Takayasu (5-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (2-3). Takayasu got his left hand inside, deep on Yoshinofuji’s belt, extending his body to keep Yoshinofuji’s right hand out of reach from his own belt. Takayasu was able to secure a right-hand outside grip. He paused to secure his hold, then pulled up and charged forward to force the youngster over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (4-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-5). Wakamotoharu showed some initiative on offense today, grabbing Kirishima’s left arm. Kirishima backed away and battered Wakamotoharu with a few thrusts of tsuppari as punishment before slapping him down. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (2-3) defeated Kotozakura (3-2). Kotozakura grabbed Wakatakakage’s belt, deep on the knot. He pulled it loose which put us in danger of wardrobe malfunction. The gyoji spotted the issue and retied Wakatakakage’s mawashi. However, the extra leverage did not help Kotozakura. Wakatakakage was able to drive Kotozakura back and over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (3-2) defeated Fujinokawa (2-3). Aonishiki steadily and methodically corralled the hyper-caffeinated Fujinokawa and drove him back and out. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-3). I liked seeing the patience from Hoshoryu today. He endured Churanoumi’s attack and was able to turn the tables, grab Churanoumi and drive him to the edge. When Churanoumi resisted, Hoshoryu used his right hand hold under Chura’s shoulder and threw him down in the middle of the ring. Sukuinage.

Wrap-up

It’s far too early to start talking about a yusho race. So, let’s turn to tomorrow’s matchups. Early in the action, we’ll see Asakoryu take on Kotoeiho and Shishi battle Asanoyama. Ichiyamamoto will fight Ura and moving up a bit, Takanosho will take on Kotoshoho.

In Sanyaku, hapless Wakamotoharu will fight Fujinokawa for the first time. Kirishima will fight Yoshinofuji and Takayasu will need to muster something special to defeat Wakatakakage and remain undefeated. Aonishiki will face danger as he will fight Oho. Kotozakura will be challenged by Atamifuji and Hoshoryu will close the day out against Hiradoumi.

I’ll see you tomorrow…but remember there will be a break in my usual coverage over the weekend.

Haru 2026: Day Four

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , ,

News from the infirmary that Onosato will be kyujo from Day Four. Yoshinofuji will receive the default win. Also, we have news that Onokatsu will return tomorrow, Day Five. Onokatsu will fight Takanosho.

In Juryo, the leadership group with four wins has narrowed to four men, Wakanosho (who might be looking to repeat his yusho from Hatsu), Kyokukaiyu, Kazuma and the newly promoted, shin-nyumaku, Fujitensei.

The NHK videos for Day Four are here. Of course, if you want to bookmark this page it has links to bouts from the previous two tournaments, as well.

Makuuchi action

Asahakuryu (3-1) defeated Fujiryoga (2-2). Just as Fujiryoga began to chug forward, Asahakuryu shifted to his right and hooked his right arm under Fujiryoga’s left shoulder and thrust him forward to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoeiho (2-2) defeated Kinbozan (2-2). Henka! Kotoeiho shifted to his left at the tachiai and slapped Kinbozan down. Hikiotoshi.

Nishikifuji (3-1) defeated Mitakeumi (2-2). Nishikifuji got a left hand inside grip and Mitakeumi fought well with his right-hand overarm grip. Mitakeumi tried to pull and that’s when Nishikifuji was able to charge forward and force Mitakeumi out. Yorikiri.

Fujiseiun (3-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-3). Tobizaru got his right hand inside. Fujiseiun battled to get his left hand overarm grip but couldn’t quite get it. So, Fujiseiun grabbed Tobizaru’s right arm and pivoted, trying a kotenage. This broke Tobizaru’s hold on Fujiseiun’s belt. Fujiseiun followed up by shoving Tobizaru until he pushed him out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-2). Asanoyama wasn’t playing around today. He worked his right arm in under Chiyoshoma’s left shoulder and swung Chiyoshoma down by pulling hard and rotated counter-clockwise, dragging him down. Sukuinage.

Asakoryu (3-1) defeated Oshoumi (0-3). While Oshoumi still struggled to get a sashi, Asakoryu had locked on with his left-hand inside and threw Oshoumi with that left-hand grip. I need to get stats on the length of guys’ arms. Asakoryu had that grip but was able to extend his body and keep Oshoumi off his belt because Oshoumi couldn’t reach that far. Shitatenage.

Tokihayate (2-2) defeated Roga (2-2). Tokihayate got his right-hand inside grip and pulled Roga forward, flipping him over the bales. Shitatenage.

Shishi (2-2) defeated Tamawashi (0-4). Tamawashi owns the record in makuuchi bouts at 1471, breaking Kyokutenho’s record. Tamawashi tried everything. He hit Shishi with fierce tsuppari, tried a slapdown, wrenched Shishi’s arm for a kotenage…but Shishi stood. As Tamawashi did the unthinkable, grabbed Shishi’s belt and heaved toward the bales, Shishi used a last second left-hand belt grip to counter-attack and throw Tamawashi over the edge. I know folks have been talking about Tamawashi as being winless this tournament so far but the old man certainly brought the heat today. He just got beat by better sumo. “Zannen desu”, as they say. Shitatenage.

Shodai (3-1) defeated Gonoyama (3-1). Shodai shifted left then right, knocked Gonoyama off-balance and thrust him to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (1-3) defeated Ura (3-1). Homeboy finally lost. Ura tried to feel his way forward through Daieisho’s tsuppari but Daieisho quickly slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Takanosho (4-0) defeated Oshoma (2-2). Takanosho blasted Oshoma back to the bales. As Oshoma tried to brace against the tawara, he took a knee. Takanosho slapped him down just to be sure but this is one of those, “Oops,” non-winning moves. Tsukihiza.

Hiradoumi (3-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-2). Hiradoumi pressed through Ichiyamamoto’s volleys of tsuppari, charged forward and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (4-0) defeated Oho (1-3). This was a great bout where both men battered each other with headbutts and tsuppari, leaving both men bloodied. An exhausted Oho flopped down onto the bales, rather comedically. Oho knew the slapdown was coming. He’d faced about five attempts and defeated all of them with solid footwork. Rather than resist this final slapdown, he embraced it. “Please, end it. Just, end it. I’m tired.” Well, you’ll never make Ozeki with that attitude. From out of nowhere, Shodai pipes in. “Don’t be so sure.” Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (2-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-4). Wakamotoharu wasn’t even a blocking sled. Wakamotoharu moved back as if he were a blocking sled with thousands of helium balloons tied to it so that it hovered an inch off the ground. A strong fart could have taken him out. WTH, WMH? You hurt, too? Maybe we’ve got one more on kyujo watch. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (3-1) defeated Wakatakakage (1-3). Kirishima forced Wakatakakage to the bales with his initial charge. Wakatakakage resisted so Kirishima grabbed him with his left-hand over-arm grip, right hand up under WTK’s shoulder, and drove forward. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji default win over Onosato. No doubt sad he misses out on a double-fisted payday.

Churanoumi (2-2) defeated Aonishiki (2-2). What a brawl. Both men peppered the other with tsuppari. Churanoumi tried a little misdirection but Aonishiki’s footwork was excellent and he re-engaged. Aonishiki’s tsuppari wouldn’t move Churanoumi back so he pulled and Churanoumi surged forward with both men crashing down along the bales. Gunbai Churanoumi. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi.

News Break?!?!?! You’re literally going to have the news in 23 minutes! “Andy, we’re starved for action…and for oil. There’s barely anyone left to fight and we can’t drag things out forever. Besides, these oil ships are a big deal for us.”

Takayasu (4-0) defeated Kotozakura (3-1). Kotozakura stood his ground and didn’t reverse immediately to the bales. Instead, he stood up Takayasu and tried to shove him back. Both men locked on to each other’s belt. Kotozakura pulled back to get a better inside grip with the left hand and that’s when Takayasu surged forward. Kotozakura freaked out and backed away but Takayasu was not letting go with that left hand. Takayasu chased and forced the Ozeki out. Yorikiri.

Fujinokawa (2-2) defeated Hoshoryu (3-1). The disrupter strikes again. Kinboshi Number Two. Fujinokawa charged ahead as Hoshoryu rotated left. Fujinokawa backed away and slapped the Yokozuna down. This one is totally on the Yokozuna. He needed much better footwork and a plan would have been nice. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Freaking upsets!! Onosato out. Hoshoryu falls. Kotozakura had just started looking solid!!! Now, Aonishiki’s first rope-run is on life support. Takayasu leads Kotoshoho and Takanosho. Well, at least we don’t have Fujiryoga or Kotoeiho on a yusho run. Dig up the squid!!

When the descriptions get long and Andy starts getting silly, it’s time for bed. Not before we take a look at tomorrow’s bouts, though. So, what do we have on tap? Atamifuji will fight Hiradoumi, Takayasu will fight Yoshinofuji, and Kirishima is set to take on Wakamotoharu. Kotozakura will fight Wakatakakage, Aonishiki versus Fujinokawa and Hoshoryu ends the day’s action against Churanoumi.

Haru 2026: Day Three

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho ,

News from the infirmary today that Abi will sit out from Day Three. He was a non-factor against the steady, bureaucratic ways of Ichiyamamoto. Oshoma will receive the default win. An interview with Homasho indicated Abi will likely return to the tournament after resting to heal for a few days. As Herbern pointed out in the comments yesterday, he likely needs at least a win or two to maintain a position in Makuuchi.

Enho did not fight today but he’s scheduled to take on fellow former Makuuchi wrestler, Shimanoumi, tomorrow. It’s not going to be an easy path this tournament, that’s for sure. Gambare, Enho!!

Day Three videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Fujiryoga (2-1) defeated Kotoeiho (1-2). Kotoeiho forced a grapple by getting his left-hand inside belt grip. Fujiryoga quickly switched from tsuppari to acquiring his own belt grip. He grabbed Kotoeiho’s belt with his left-hand inside, hauled him up and rotated, forcing his opponent to the bales. He then shoved him out. Oshitaoshi.

Kinbozan (2-1) defeated Asasuiryu (1-2). Kinbozan’s thrust hard into Asasuiryu, battering him and disrupting Asasuiryu’s yotsu attack. Kinbozan’s first slapdown attempt missed but the second worked. Hatakikomi.

Asahakuryu (2-1) defeated Nishikifuji (2-1). Nishikifuji tried a pushing-thrusting attack, trying to shove Asahakuryu back. But Asahakuryu dug in and wasn’t yielding space. Nishikifuji then retreated and tried to slap Asahakuryu down but Asahakuryu kept his balance and chased Nishikifuji out of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (2-1) defeated Mitakeumi (2-1). Immediately after the tachiai, Chiyoshoma grabbed Mitakeumi’s belt with his right-hand over arm grip, spun and wrangled Mitakeumi to the ground and hogtied him in record time. Rodeo champion. Uwatenage.

Tobizaru (1-2) defeated Asanoyama (1-2). Tobizaru’s lateral movement nearly caught Asanoyama out early, so he grabbed him in a big bear hug and forced him to the edge. Tobizaru dug in, “you’re going to have to crush me out.” So Asanoyama pressed forward and crushed Tobizaru out. Gunbai Tobizaru. Mono-ii. A quick conference checked the replay, Asanoyama’s foot stepped out while Tobizaru was clearly still in bounds. Gunbai-dori. The non-winning technique of Isamiashi. “Dude stepped out.”

Fujiseiun (2-1) defeated Asakoryu (2-1). Fujiseiun wrapped up Asakoryu and forced him out. Yorikiri.

Roga (2-1) defeated Oshoumi (0-3). Roga drove Oshoumi to the edge but Oshoumi dug deep to resist and force Roga back through the dohyo. The two had a great yotsu grapple, trading the advantage. Finally, in the center of the ring Roga used his right-hand inside grip and rotated, dragging Oshoumi to the ground. Great bout. Shitatenage.

Gonoyama (3-0) defeated Shishi (1-2). Gonoyama slammed Shishi and overpowered him, quickly shoving him back and out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (2-1) defeated Tamawashi (0-3). By climbing onto the dohyo today, Tamawashi tied with Kyokutenho for the most Makuuchi bouts at 1470. Shodai rained on Tamawashi’s parade by really dominating, despite Tamawashi’s nodowa. Shodai chugged forward and shoved Tamawashi back and out. Oshidashi.

Ura (3-0) defeated Tokihayate (1-2). Tokihayate tried over and over to get his left hand inside and pull Ura up. Ura would stay low, shove Tokihayate off his belt and re-engage to try to get his own left hand inside. On the third or fourth engagement, Ura knocked Tokihayate off balance and thrust him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Kotoshoho defeated Ichiyamamoto. Kotoshoho met Ichiyamamoto with a firm tachiai, shoving his hands into Ichiyamamoto’s face. But then Kotoshoho pivoted to the side and slapped Ichi down. Ichiyamamoto’s momentum carried him, stumbling to the edge, where he landed in a heap. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (2-1) default win over Abi (0-3).

Oho (1-2) defeated Daieisho (0-3). Since Daieisho’s thrusts seem to be at 60% power, he switched quickly to trying to slap Oho down. Oho chased Daieisho and kept his balance, shoving Daieisho out. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (3-0) defeated Hiradoumi (2-1). Takanosho slammed into Hiradoumi but quickly slapped him down. Quick bout, using Hiradoumi’s hyperactivity against him to devastating effect. Takanosho has never attracted a big fan base, seemingly always getting very few kensho. And today the crowd barely acknowledged the bout happened. Takanosho is one of my faves, but he’s got wild swings lately. There was a stretch where he was always in sanyaku or the joi, but quietly performing under stablemate, Takakeisho. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (3-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-3). Takayasu forced Wakamotoharu to the tawara and then suddenly backed up, letting a rather listless Wakamotoharu fall to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (2-1) defeated Atamifuji (1-2). Kirishima nearly threw Atamifuji with his left-hand overarm grip. It seemed he needed a bit more leverage so he took a big gamble to switch his grip. He quickly released his left hand and immediately Atamifuji began charging forward. Kirishima worked his left hand inside around Atamifuji’s trunk, pivoted and dumped the big man on his face. Sukuinage.

Kotozakura (3-0) defeated Churanoumi (1-2). Kotozakura loves being up against the bales. He immediately reversed himself, backing to the edge, and tried over and over to slap Churanoumi down. Those slapdowns were not working so he wrapped up Churanoumi’s trunk and twisted him to the ground. Sukuinage.

Aonishiki (2-1) defeated Wakatakakage (1-2). Aonishiki slapped Wakatakakage hard. You could hear that land. I’ve got jokes about pimps and hustlers but will keep them to myself. Maybe if we were back in the 90s… Anyway, Wakatakakage then decided to pull. So, Aonishiki chased him out. WTK just noped himself out of there. Hilarious. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (1-2) defeated Onosato (0-3). Hatsu-Kinboshi Fujinokawa! Onosato drove forward into Fujinokawa’s nodowa. Fujinokawa slipped to his left and Onosato fell forward. Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (3-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-2). Yoshinofuji did great to get his hands inside and hold Hoshoryu at bay. He seemed to think he had time to get a better grip and launch an attack. The Yokozuna wasn’t going to wait, wrapped his arms around Yoshinofuji’s head and twisted, dragging Yoshinofuji down. Kubinage.

Wrap-up

The kyujo train might have more passengers after today’s action. Will Onosato tough it out? This Fujinokawa bout was certainly “a must win.” Given the Yokozuna’s size advantage, it was great to see him moving forward and not retreating as he had done the first two days. The fact that he had to sit and wait for Hoshoryu’s bout to end before leaving…oh, that must have been an uncomfortable few minutes.

The komusubi will face each other on Day Four, Wakamotoharu versus Atamifuji. Wakamotoharu owns a 6-1 advantage in this rivalry. Might this give him confidence to turn things around? Atamifuji is fighting well, despite only having one win. As lost as Wakamotoharu has been, I’ve got to favor Atamifuji in tomorrow’s matchup.

Kirishima will fight Wakatakakage, Aonishiki will fight Churanoumi, Kotozakura faces Takayasu in a “Bout of the Unbeatens.” Finally Hoshoryu fights Fujinokawa and Onosato is scheduled to take on Yoshinofuji.

Haru 2026: Day Two

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho ,

Day Two in Osaka. We have new reports from the infirmary. Many fans will be happy to hear that Onokatsu and Hakunofuji will sit out starting today. Onokatsu is kyujo because of his ankle. MaciekSumo noticed that Onokatsu received a concussion. He got knocked out by the clash of heads with Ichiyamamoto. He then suffered an ankle sprain as we saw his leg buckle awkwardly.

Hakunofuji aggravated the toe injury he received in January and will go kyujo, as well. The door is obviously open to both men if they decide to return to action.

NHK videos for today’s action are here. Look for this button to expand the videos:

Makuuchi Action

Fujiryoga (1-1) defeated Sadanoumi (1-1). Sadanoumi got in a good hit at the tachiai but Fujiryoga quickly rushed Sadanoumi out behind powerful tsuppari (thrusts). Fujiryoga picks up his first top division victory and a nice handful of kensho. As with Fujiseiun, I am sure there will be plenty more of those in the future. Fujishima beya is becoming quite the little powerhouse. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (1-1) defeated Kotoeiho (1-1). Asahakuryu launched out after Kotoeiho and attacked with tsuppari. Kotoeiho tried to use a slapdown counter attack as he retreated around the inside of the tawara but Asahakuryu chased him down and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (2-0) defeated Kinbozan (1-1). Like Fujiryoga and Asahakuryu, Kinbozan immediately attacked with strong tsuppari. Mitakeumi attempted to lull Kinbozan into a slapdown or thrust out victory, similar to Kotoeiho. When those attacks failed, he changed strategy, grabbed Kinbozan by his belt and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (1-1) defeated Tobizaru (0-2). Chiyoshoma missed with his slapdown attack so he sprung forward to attack Tobizaru. Tobizaru tried his own slapdown but failed as he flew from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (2-0) defeated Fujiseiun (1-1). Both men locked on with left-hand inside belt grips. Both men tried to dislodge their opponent’s grips, as we saw in the Konishiki technique videos. Nishikifuji decided to latch on with his right-hand over-arm grip. This improved his leverage and allowed him to force Fujiseiun back and out. Our first real yotsu battle of the day was a good one. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (2-0) defeated Shishi (1-1). Asakoryu shifted right and pulled Shishi forward with a slapdown attempt. Shishi tried to recover but Asakoryu followed up with a shove from the side. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (1-1) defeated Oshoumi (0-2). Oshoumi had sold the slapdown the whole way but Asanoyama was able to stay on his feet long enough to shove Oshoumi out first. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (2-0) defeated Tokihayate (1-1). Gonoyama forced Tokihayate out as Tokihayate tried a slapdown. Yorikiri.

Roga (1-1) defeated Tamawashi (0-2). Roga missed with his left hand mawashi grab. But as Tamawashi charged forward, Roga pulled right and pulled Tamawashi down. Gunbai Roga. No mono-ii. On review, Tamawashi clearly touched down before Roga. Hikiotoshi.

Ura (2-0) defeated Oshoma (1-1). Ura shoved Oshoma out with his hazu-oshi attack. Oshoma was unable to time an effective slapdown. Oshidashi.

Shodai (1-1) default win over Hakunofuji (0-2).

Halftime

Ichiyamamoto (2-0) defeated Abi (0-2). Ichiyamamoto quickly thrust Abi out. Abi had no forward power. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (2-0) default win over Onokatsu (0-2).

Hiradoumi (2-0) defeated Daieisho (0-2). Daieisho tried a quick slapdown but Hiradoumi drove him back and out. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (2-0) defeated Oho (0-2). Takanosho will have some awful tournaments. This does not appear to be one. Great fundamentals. Good footwork. He thrust forward into Oho and Oho tried to pull him down. Oho went straight backward and out. You all know how much I love that. We’ve seen a lot of gear boxes stuck in reverse today. Lots of Ls. It’s just basically a forfeit. Throwing in your chips and hoping that splashing the pot somehow takes out your opponent. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Churanoumi (1-1) defeated Kirishima (1-1). Kirishima launched out with tsuppari. He tried to side step with a slapdown but that created the opening Churanoumi needed. Churanoumi pressed forward, corralled the Sekiwake and shoved him out. That was not Ozeki-caliber offense. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (2-0) defeated Fujinokawa (0-2). Takayasu fought hard to get his left hand inside. Once he got it, he pressed forward and forced Fujinokawa close to the edge. Fujinokawa brought his right arm up and tried a kubinage but that allowed Takayasu ducked the attack and threw Fujinokawa with that left hand. Sukuinage.

Yoshinofuji (1-1) defeated Aonishiki (1-1). What a bout! Aonishiki landed his right-hand inside grip to Yoshinofuji’s left-hand outside. As Aonishiki tried to get his left-hand inside, too, Yoshinofuji suddenly and violently twisted backward, clockwise, away from that left hand. He spun like the Tasmanian devil, forcing Aonishiki’s back suddenly up against the edge. Yoshinofuji then forced his weight forward, crushing Aonishiki off the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Kotozakura (2-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-2). Kotozakura retreated and tried to slap Wakamotoharu down. But he shuffled left to stay in bounds. He re-engaged from better position and shoved Wakamotoharu out. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (2-0) defeated Wakatakakage (1-1). Hoshoryu tried a slapdown. Wakatakakage kept his footing but Hoshoryu slipped to the left, like Kotozakura against WMH, allowing him to push Wakatakakage out from behind. Okuridashi.

Atamifuji (1-1) defeated Onosato (0-2). Onosato got his right hand inside. Atamifuji couldn’t dislodge it so he wrapped his left hand over it. He got his right hand inside Onosato’s left shoulder, as well, and began to chug forward. Onosato was in trouble so in desperation he pulled back, freed himself of Atamifuji’s grip…and jumped clear of the dohyo. Gunbai Atamifuji. No mono-ii. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Well, well, well. Yoshinofuji is first to get dirt on Aonishiki in this tsuna-tori, “rope run,” and he did it very early in the tournament. How will Aonishiki react? Will it all fall apart in a string of losses, like an Onami brother on an Ozeki run? Or will he regroup and find himself in title contention next week? I’ll be tuned in tomorrow to watch!

Hoshoryu never looks strong when he pulls but it was effective today. He will need to muster all of his agility and skill tomorrow as he fights Yoshinofuji.

Then, what of Onosato? Two days in and he has two losses already. Will he right this ship? We’ve got a hot list of bouts tomorrow, that’s for sure. Onosato will fight Fujinokawa. If Onosato retreats from the much smaller Day Three opponent Fujinokawa, I would presume he will sit out.

Aonishiki will fight Wakatakakage, Kotozakura will battle Churanoumi, Kirishima will face Atamifuji and Takayasu will take on Wakamotoharu. There’s a lot of fire in that torikumi, that’s for sure.