We hope you are enjoying the basho. For those of you wonder, the team at Grand Sumo Breakdown compute the results of the matches, some parameters around the winning move, and some of the longer mechanics of what happened to each rikishi. They pass those over to Tachiai, and we weave them into the narrative we usually produce. We do that using our love and knowledge of rikishi fighting styles, preferred attack and defend strategies, and general feel for the story lines. The result is, we hope, and enjoyable run through a basho that could have been, and a chance to glimpse some of the rikishi using some of their favorite techniques.
On to the preview!
What We Are Watching Day 3
Kotoeko (2-1) vs Chiyomaru (1-2) – Its a question of speed vs size. Chiyomaru tends to use his massive body to blunt anyone’s attack below his ribs. If you can’t distract him with offense, you can expect Chiyomaru to hit you with waves of left-right push combos, backed up by nearly 200 kg of mass behind them. For the smaller Kotoeko, it could be a wild ride. Chiyomaru holds a 5-3 career advantage.
Kotoshoho (0-2) vs Terunofuji (0-2) – I personally want to steal Elon Musk’s private jet and spirit Terunofuji to an orthopedic clinic in Dallas. This would, of course, end his sumo career, but that poor guy needs proper medical attention. While his knees are a concern, the real reason for his flagging performance may be problems with diabetes or cellulitis. It’s clear that he is is struggling each time he mounts the dohyo. Terunofuji has won both prior matches, but he looks to be in terrible shape right now.
Kotoyuki (2-0) vs Wakatakakage (1-1) – Nearly as wide as he is high, Kotoyuki was a bit of a parody rikishi for a time. He started in the sport as a serious opponent, and now it looks like he is back in that form. His first two matches were fierce affairs that saw him win decisively. Wakatakakage has won only a single match against him, so I would give the advantage to “Mr 5 by 5”.
Kotoshogiku (2-0) vs Nishikigi (1-1) – The restrictions on training leading up to the basho have really hampered Nishikigi’s sumo. He has very poor eyesight and only fights effectively when he is close in to his opponent. Thankfully for day 3, he’s against Kotoshogiku, who will battle hug any man who can’t move out of his way. 2-1 career record favors Nishikigi.
Takayasu (2-0) vs Shohozan (1-1) – Takayasu is looking better than I could have hoped for. Neither that left elbow or that injured knee seem to be giving him much trouble, and he is moving quite well. He’s up against brawler Shohozan, who seems to be struggling a bit at the start of the basho. They have a 14 match career record, with Takayasu holding a narrow 8-6 advantage.
Sadanoumi (1-1) vs Kotonowaka (0-2) – First ever match between these two. Sadanoumi has a lot of speed, and I always find myself under appreciting Kotonowaka, possibly because he is just a big, buttery dumpling of a man. I know he has done very well in Juryo, but I just have to wonder. I am looking for Sadanoumi to set up his attack plan early and run the match.
Shimanoumi (2-0) vs Myogiryu (1-1) – Veteran Myogiryu has taken both of the prior matches, but Shimanoumi has looked more focused than most of the rest of the rikishi corps in this unusual basho. True, Osaka had no crowd either, but at least there was normal practice prior to the start of the tournament. Some rikishi are going to fare better than others, and it seems that Shimanoumi’s sumo is less impacted.
Kaisei (1-1) vs Tochinoshin (0-2) – Can we please buy Tochinoshin a win? Or maybe there is an enormous pair of robotic knees some mad scientist or wacky grad student has built somewhere in the enchanted technological wonderland that is Japan. It pains me to watch this guy struggle. We are unlikely to see any attempts at a sky crane given Kaisei’s mass. Tochinoshin leads the series 12-7.
Tamawashi (1-1) vs Chiyotairyu (1-1) – Sumo’s thunder god, Chiyotairyu, takes on arm breaker Tamawashi. I know that some fans really dislike Tamawashi, possibly because he’s been a part of more than a couple of matches that resulted in injuries. But all reports he’s a decent human being off the dohyo. They have met 17 times and it’s a 10-7 advantage for Chiyotairyu.
Ishiura (2-0) vs Ikioi (0-2) – As is too often the case in the past year, Ikioi has resumed being a walking injury case. We know that right arm is more gristle and determination than bone and muscle now. But lord knows what else is hurting in there. At least he’s not sporting the comically large bandage on his head from a few months ago. He’s facing off against red-hot Ishiura, who I am going to guess may find the injured Ikioi easy pickings. Ishiura narrowly leads 4-3 over their career.
Terutsuyoshi (1-1) vs Ryuden (1-1) – Shobushi’s sagari could not save Ryuden from his day 2 loss against Hatsu yusho winner Tokushoryu, but lets see if salt monster Terutsuyoshi is more susceptible. They are evenly matched (3-4) over their career. We are overdue for a Ryuden matta fest, and I can see him trying to throw off Terutsuyoshi’s tachiai to gain an advantage.
Enho (0-2) vs Tokushoryu (2-0) – Maegashira 7 seems to be a good rank for Tokushoryu. He has yet to lose a match, and with the pressure off from his yusho, he really seems to be enjoying himself and winning with “his brand of sumo”. Against him is Enho, who I am certain is nursing some manner of injury. Of course, as is almost always the case, we are never going to hear what it is or how he picked it up. Out of their 6 prior matches, Enho has taken 4 of them.
Abi (1-1) vs Aoiyama (1-1) – Both men have long arms, both men are able to smack you around from across the room, so this looks to be a contest made to order. They both have 1-1 records coming into today, and an evenly tied 3-3 career history. So I am going to say it comes down to who gets the first blow in.
Kagayaki (2-0) vs Hokutofuji (1-1) – Mr Fundamentals is going to have his hands full today. He has only ever taken 1 match form Hokutofuji over their past 8. In spite of his excellent defensive foot work, Kagayaki struggles with Hokutofuji’s wild, chaotic sumo. Will we see the Hokutofuji handshake tachiai today?
Daieisho (1-1) vs Takarafuji (1-1) – This match will come down to patience. I don’t frequently see too much patience from Daieisho, so he may be a toy for Takarafuji to play with for a time on day 3. I am looking for Takarafuji to blunt and deflect everything that Daieisho throws into the mix for at least 30 seconds. Daieisho’s advantage is raw power, and excellent sumo instincts. Takarafuji will need to be on top of his game today.
Onosho (0-2) vs Mitakeumi (1-1) – Onosho is prone to hot / cold streaks, and savage levels of ring rust. I would say he is fairly encrusting with performance limiting oxides right now, and I don’t see him shaking it off against a very focused and aggressive Mitakeumi. As always, Onosho’s balance is going to be the first question as he tries to improve his 2-4 career record against Mitakeumi.
Shodai (1-1) vs Kiribayama (1-1) – I expect Kiribayama to struggle at this level of the banzuke, it’s a rank he will see again, and over time come to dominate in my opinion. Shodai on the other hand, seems to have gotten his mental game together, and I credit Yokozuna Kakuryu for at least some of that. I give Shodai a hard time for some weakness in his sumo, but at the moment it all seems to be working in concept remarkably well. Like Onosho he is prone to hot / cold streaks, so fans of Shodai, hope that he keeps his fighting spirit up.
Endo (0-2) vs Asanoyama (1-1) – Endo is likely steaming from his brutal defeat day 2 by Hakuho, and he can try to recover some of his dignity by putting shin-Ozeki Asanoyama on the clay. Endo is skilled enough to have a series of attack and defense moves for whatever Asanoyama might attempt. While Asanoyama’s sumo is strong, its still fairly narrow, which makes it easier for a master technician like Endo to plan his attacks.
Takakeisho (1-1) vs Okinoumi (0-2) – I worry Okinoumi will continue to struggle, as he does not seem to be moving well. He has a chronic injury that sometimes flairs up during a tournament, and limits his sumo tremendously. More worrisome is the fact that most of the rikishi Takakeisho is facing now seem to have figured out how to shut him down. I think Takakeisho’s nagging pectoral injury has reduced his primary weapon, and that is leaving him a less threatening opponent than last year at this time. Their 6-2 career record favors Takakeisho.
Takanosho (2-0) vs Kakuryu (2-0) – First time match between young rising star Takanosho and the master of reactive sumo, Yokozuna Kakuryu. I expect this is going to be quite the classroom for young Takanosho.
Hakuho (2-0) vs Yutakayama (1-1) – Big Unit Yutakayama has faced Hakuho 3 times, and lost each time in glorious fashion. Hakuho tends to give Yutakayama a bit of air time as he goes hurtling towards either the clay or a nearby zabuton. We hope he enjoys today’s final match, and thank you for flying Hakuho air.
Our contestants shook off some of their ring rust, and brought a solid set of matches to day 2. Today featured a tadpole battle (Takakeisho vs Onosho) and a freshman battle (Yutakayama vs Asanoyama). Both of these rivalries are ones that I think are going to be driving factors for the next stage of sumo, and it was great to seem them on full display today. On to the matches!
Highlight Matches
Kotoyuki (2-0) defeats Nishikigi (1-1) Oshitaoshi – Not sure what kind of chanko they are feeding Kotoyuki, but today was another great example of the “Genki” form of the Penguin. He blasted forward at the tachiai, using his taped hands to plant a painful looking nodowa on Nishikigi, who tried to counter and break Kotoyuki’s grip. While Nishikigi was distracted, Kotoyuki’s left hand found the back of Nishikigi’s mawashi, and a solid tug dropped Nishikigi to the clay. Wow.
Kotoeko (1-1) defeats Terunofuji (0-2) Hatakikomi – It’s disappointing to see Terunofuji struggle. Everyone wants him to do well, have a solid recovery and at least inhabit the lower reaches of the top division for a while. But today’s match was a great example of how his damaged knees have robbed him of some of the technique needed to be effective in Makuuchi. His weight was too far forward at the tachiai, and it was trivial for Kotoeko to just help him fall forward. The most painful thing? The look on Terunofuji’s face as the bowed at the end of the match. I think he’s worried too.
Kotoshogiku (2-0) defeats Chiyomaru (1-1) Yorikiri – Kotoshogiku steps onto the dohyo with so much tape each day – knees, shoulder, lower back, you have to wonder if that’s the only think holding him together. But for the second day in a row he showed he still has Ozeki skill. Chiyomaru opened strong, and got the inside position to begin his preferred thrusting attack. But Kotoshogiku kept up forward pressure and reduced the gap between them to limit how much Chiyomaru could push. Unable to reach around Chiyomaru’s enormous belly to land enough grip to use his gaburi-yori attack, Kotoshogiku focused on a hazu/armpit attack, and got Chiyomaru off balance. Chiyomaru took a small hop to try and re-center himself, and Kotoshogiku charged belly first and took him out.
Wakatakakage (1-1) defeats Kotoshoho (0-2) Oshidashi – Wakatakakage rallied to get his first win of the tournament. He came off the shikiri-sen like a wild man, throwing his body and hands into Kotoshoho’s chest and face, constantly pushing forward and up. Wakatakakage dropped his hips and charged forward while maintaining pressure, dumping Kotoshoho out of the ring in a heap. Solid, textbook sumo today from Wakatakakage.
Takayasu (2-0) defeats Sadanoumi (1-1) Oshidashi – Second time in 2 days we see Takayasu come out strong. I dare say that if he’s even somewhat healthy, this far down the banzuke, he is going to unleash complete hell. Again he led with a shoulder blast, today into Sadanoumi’s lightning tachiai. Sadanoumi tried to keep his elbow tight to his body, but the shoulder blast opened a route for Takayasu’s left hand to come inside and push, standing Sadanoumi up. Switched to defensive, Sadanoumi found it tough to counter volley after volley as the former Ozeki completely dominated this match.
Shohozan (1-1) defeats Kotonowaka (0-2) Yorikiri – Shohozan fans can rest easy, “Big Guns” is back. We saw a soft tachiai go directly into a face slap that rang out in the empty Kokugikan. This seemed to daze Kotonowaka, and once emboldened, Shohozan gave him two more. Rather than respond in kind, Kotonowaka dove for Shohozan’s mawashi, getting a right hand inside grip. But Shohozan was not unprepared, and lowered his hips, landed a grip and drove Kotonowaka out.
Shimanoumi (2-0) defeats Kaisei (1-1) Okuridashi – Kaisei came out strong at the tachiai, and met only token resistance from Shimanoumi who executed a very Hamumafuji style hit and shift mini-henka. With that much Kaisei in forward motion, it takes several city blocks for him to slow and stop, and it was trivial for Shimanoumi to circle behind and push the big man out to start the tournament 2-0.
Myogiryu (1-1) defeats Tochinoshin (0-2) Yorikiri – Nice shoulder blast from Tochinoshin at the tachiai shut down Myogiryu’s attempt at a left hand mawashi grip. Instead Tochinoshin’s left hand went deep and found Myogiryu’s blue silk. I was waiting for the sky-crane to kick in, but it seems Tochinoshin’s knees just could not get ready. After a moment’s pause where Myogiryu seemed to be waiting for the lift, Myogiryu unleashed a brilliant makikae, changing his grip and advancing. Tochinoshin could not return the forward pressure, and found himself forced out.
Ishiura (2-0) defeats Tamawashi (1-1) Sukuinage – In the “what’s in this guy’s chanko?” department comes that ass-kicking throw Ishiura produced today to send Tamawashi to the clay. The match shifted from run-and-gun to Ishiura having a grip, loading the throw and pivoting in a blink of an eye.
Chiyotairyu (1-1) defeats Ikioi (0-2) Hikiotoshi – Sumo’s thunder god found an opponent that would not side step him in Ikioi. But Ikioi had a bandage on that right elbow that Tamawashi’s kotenage took a piece of day 1. Ikioi drove that damaged right arm inside, and endured Chiyotairyu clamping his arm to his chest, squeezing that injured joint. Ikioi seemed oblivious to the pain, and drove forward, but too strongly as Chiyotairyu opened a gap, and using a hand behind Ikioi’s neck, pushed him to the clay.
Terutsuyoshi (1-1) defeats Enho (0-2) Yorikiri – In this all pixie battle, they had a bit of trouble getting started, with a stare down and reset before we saw Enho try to go underneath diminutive Terutsuyoshi. He did manage to get inside, but could not find a grip with his right hand as Terutsuyoshi’s ottsuke shut him down. Enho tried no less than three times to load a throw, but Terutsuyoshi kept his feet and stayed in the match. The final pivot from Enho left him off balance, and Terutsuyoshi squared his shoulders and advanced for a win. Nice sumo from Terutsuyoshi today.
Tokushoryu (2-0) defeats Ryuden (1-1) Yoritaoshi – Tokushoryu made ample use of that huge belly of his to keep Ryuden struggling for grip. Twice Tokushoryu moved to advance, and twice Ryuden was able to shut him down by lowering his hips and returning pressure. But the third time apply some Kotoshogiku hug-n-chug attack, but Ryuden’s heels locked in against the tawara and held firm. Reaching around his belly, Tokushoryu lifted Ryuden and fell on forward, crushing him against the bales. Nice 2-0 start for the Hatsu yusho winner.
Kagayaki (2-0) defeats Abi (1-1) Oshidashi – Abi-zumo started strong and help a punishing rain of thrusts going into Kagayaki, who seemed to absorb it all. Most importantly he maintained his balance and his footing. This guy keeps reminding me of Kisenosato, I swear. Abi seemed to get frustrated, and put a bit too much power into his right hand, which Kagayaki used to brush aside the double arm thrust and grab Abi by the chest and lift him. With most of his weight no longer on his feet, Abi offered little resistance to Kagayaki’s finishing move.
Hokutofuji (1-1) defeats Aoiyama (0-2) Tsukiotoshi – Hokutofuji’s handshake tachiai found its mark, but Aoiyama had the V-Twin throttled up from the start, and one meaty blow to the face sent Hokutofuji reeling back. Again we saw Hokutofuji’s upper body take punishment, but his lower body seems to have its own command and control system. Forward went the hips and up went the right hand, gripping Aoiyama. Another blow from Aoiyama’s left unbalanced Hokutofuji, but did not break his grip, and his lower body was on the march. A follow up left left Big Dan off balance, and Hokutofuji swung him to the clay. Aoiyama starts the tournament with a disappointing 0-2 record.
Kiribayama (1-1) defeats Okinoumi (0-2) Yorikiri – Kiribayama went chest to chest with veteran yotsu-zumo practitioner Okinoumi and came up with a white star. While some may say, well it was just Okinoumi – it’s an important milestone for the young up and coming Mongolian rikishi. He got his preferred right hand outside grip at the tachiai, and controlled the flow of the match from the start. Okinoumi did manage to pivot and load a throw, but Kiribayama rapidly shut it down and prevailed for his first win of the basho.
Takarafuji (1-1) defeats Shodai (1-1) Yorikiri – Textbook Takarafuji defend and extend sumo today against a rikishi who can pull together random movements to constitute surprising sumo, or what I call “Shodai’s Cartoon Sumo”. Shodai got left hand inside but Takarafuji kept Shodai’s right hand tied up. Shodai was so focused on freeing his right hand, he seemed to not notice that Takarafuji was slowly dancing him to the bales. Then it seems Shodai’s heel touched straw, and he realized what had happen. As Shodai shifted to focus on forward pressure, Takarafuji rallied and pushed him out. Lesson here Takarafuji will try to give you a puzzle to solve while he is robbing you of a win. Stay focused.
Takanosho (2-0) defeats Mitakeumi (1-1) Okuridashi – Takanosho takes another high profile match to start the basho 2-0. At the tachiai, Mitakeumi got superior position and what seemed to be a working grip, but Takanosho was able to shift / slide to his left, and Mitakeumi found himself misaligned with his opponent. Rather than moving forward, Mitakeumi put all of his force and focus on trying to square himself with Takanosho, who turned Mitakeumi and pushed him out with less dignity than a bouncer might apply to an irate, drunken salaryman.
Takakeisho (1-1) defeats Onosho (0-2) Tsukidashi – As much as I hate to see my two favorite tadpoles fight it out, this match is all about why I was hoping that Onosho could bounce back and become a mainstay of the joi-jin. Onosho got the inside position at the tachiai, but focused on Takakeisho’s face, which I think he long ago has written off. The answer? Yes, the long awaited return of the wave-action tsuppari attack. Much as I love the wave-action, I would rather it not be used on Onosho. But use it he did, and it was only 3 blasts before Onosho’s arms and legs were moving in different directions and he left the ring in a chaotic jumble.
Asanoyama (1-1) defeats Yutakayama (1-1) Yorikiri – Sure, next have my two favorite Freshmen fight. Asanoyama was taking no chances at starting the basho 2-0, and he evaded Yutakayama’s opening gambit and went straight for the belt. You know what I saw? Remarkable improvement on the part of Yutakayama on his belt sumo. He dug in and gave Asanoyama a real fight for about 30 seconds, before Asanoyama’s ozeki grade sumo kicked in and pushed Yutakayama over the bales. Glad Asanoyama got his first win, but I am absolutely giddy to see Yutakayama reach into the yotsu-zumo bag and pull out some candy.
Hakuho (2-0) defeats Endo (0-2) Uwatenage – Hopefully Endo has fond memories of that Hatsu 2020 win fixed firmly in his mind, because the boss is going to work hard to own him utterly every time they meet from here on out. Hakuho’s face slap hit home, but Endo got that shallow left hand grip he loves. Pivoting, Hakuho unleashed that right elbow to Endo’s face, breaking his grip. With Endo now fully exposed, in went Hakuho’s right hand, but only for an instant as he rolled his shoulders and put Endo in the air. Brutal and humiliating. I am curious to see what Endo does in their next match.
Kakuryu (2-0) defeats Daieisho (1-1) Yorikiri – Daieisho came out strong from the tachiai, and Kakuryu let him think he was doing well, draining his energy. But the master of reactive sumo gave him no opportunity to take control of the match. Daieisho would thrust and move ahead, Kakuryu would deflect and shift, waiting Daieisho out. The Yokozuna found the smallest loss of balance in his opponent, and drove in for the kill, with both men falling over the tawara locked together. The gyoji gave the match to Kakuryu, but the Shimpan wanted to review it, and confirmed the win.
