The crowd enjoyed Ichinojo’s come-from-behind victory. Tamawashi forced the monster to backpedal with a strong nodowa but couldn’t quite get enough momentum and was stopped at the bales. Ichinojo was able to spin the pair and put Tamawashi into reverse, finishing with an effective yorikiri; at 6-1 he’s the low maegashira on the leader board joined by Takarafuji, and then Hakuho, Harumafuji, Kisenosato and Takayasu from the sanyaku ranks.

Hakuho, Harumafuji and Kisenosato each quickly dispatched their opponents. Takarafuji outlasted Yoshikaze and Takayasu flipped the winless Kotoyuki to remain in the leadership pack. Endo’s sadly still winless after a thrilling back-and-forth with Chiyonokuni. There’s no doubting his effort. His confidence is pretty low, however.

Kotoshogiku joined the long list of kyujo wrestlers. With 1 win to his credit, he will be kadoban next tournament. As sumo’s resident armchair doctor, I question the decision to compete in the first place. If a wrestler is 75%, he’s not going to be effective without yaocho fishiness. It’s best to sit the entire tournament, like Osunaarashi.