Kisenosato remains the sole leader of this tournament after escaping a solid challenge from Endo. The two were engaged in a solid belt battle when Endo tried a sudden pull, nearly getting behind the ozeki. Kisenosato recovered quickly, though, and threw Endo for the victory.

Hakuho remains one loss behind with a solid belt battle victory over Terunofuji. It’s been a while since we’ve seen the champ engage on the belt. With Hakuho and Harumafuji at their peaks, these were characteristic of my favorite senshuraku bouts so it was good to see. Hopefully Harumafuji will be back soon.

As mentioned, Kakuryu is kyujo so Kotoshogiku’s ozekihood (ozekiship?) survives another day. I will post more later…