My apologies for the super late update. I had a work event today so I needed to prioritize that and couldn’t finish in time. I have the results but no recap at this time. The event went really well, thanks for asking. It’s a really cool project but unfortunately train-related, not sumo-related.
Back to the matter at hand. The infirmary is filling as two wrestlers have been added to the kyujo roll: Tsurugisho and Kinbozan. Tsurugisho’s injury was most apparent and the kyujo announcement was not only expected but anticipated. I, for one, would have been more upset if he had shown up to fight today. As for Kinbozan, he seemed possibly concussed after his fall from the dohyo on Day Four. We hope both men take the time to rest and come back when they have done so.
Makuuchi Results
Takerufuji (5-0) defeated Tokihayate (Juryo 3-2). Oshidashi.
Daiamami (1-4) defeated Kitanowaka (1-4). Kimedashi.
Nishikifuji (3-2) defeated Endo (2-3). Oshidashi.
Churanoumi (3-2) defeated Roga (3-2). Okuridashi.
Shonannoumi (4-1) defeated Myogiryu (2-3). Yorikiri.
Ryuden (4-1) defeated Sadanoumi (3-2). Uwatenage.
Mitakeumi (3-2) defeated Shodai (3-2). Mitakeumi lifted Shodai and powered him out. Yorikiri.
Ichiyamamoto (2-3) defeated Kotoshoho (2-3). Oshitaoshi.
Takayasu (4-1) defeated Onosho (3-2). Uwatedashinage.
Hokutofuji (1-4) defeated Tamawashi (1-4). Oshidashi.
Gonoyama (3-2) and Onosato (5-0) received default wins over Tsurugisho (2-3) and Kinbozan (1-4).
Hiradoumi (3-2) defeated Tobizaru (2-3). Yorikiri.
Midorifuji (2-3) defeated Takanosho (1-4). Oshidashi.
Abi (5-0) defeated Nishikigi (1-4). Tsukiotoshi.
Daieisho (2-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-2). Hikiotoshi.
Ura (3-2) defeated Kotonowaka (3-2). Katasukashi.
Atamifuji (3-2) defeated Takakeisho (3-2). Oshidashi.
Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Asanoyama (2-3). Shitatenage.
Kirishima (1-4) defeated Meisei (2-3). Hatakikomi.
Oho (2-3) defeated Terunofuji (2-3) and picks up that coveted kinboshi! Yorikiri.
Wrap-up
So, the big story today will be the kyujo list. Terunofuji did not look good in his loss today. Will he join the list today or tough it out for another few days? At this point, he might get kachi-koshi but he does not appear to be contending for a yusho. Oho frankly overpowered him. Abi is looking strong but Hoshoryu has been the most solid of the sanyaku.
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I was second-guessing Terunofuji’s decision to enter this basho in the first place—he clearly wasn’t fully recovered after his Hatsu title, and there was zero pressure on him to participate, so it made more sense to use the time to rebuild, come back strong in May, and pick up that 10th yusho, instead of fighting less than fully fit and aggravating his injuries, as he now appears to have done. There is no reason for him to participate if he isn’t in the yusho race, and I’ll be upset if he shows up tomorrow.
In Juryo, we finally get the Wakatakakage-Hakuoho bout tomorrow, but it’s lost much of its shine. Hakuoho appears to be distracted by the heya turmoil, and lost his second bout, to Akua by kakenage no less, all-but-ending any chance of returning to Makuuchi in May. WTK ran his record to 5-0, remaining on track for a top-division return, and has to be the heavy favorite in this matchup. Asakoryu remains the other undefeated rikishi. And in Makushita, Kayo had no trouble running his record to 3-0 against erstwhile sekitori stalwart Chiyomaru, and looks like a good bet to join his Nishonoseki heya-mates Onosato and Shirokuma in the paid ranks.
My son and I whooped at that kakenage from Akua – usually it is Akua who ends up in a heap on the ground.
Yes Hoshoryu looks the best prospect in the sanyaku. My word, Ura is having a blinder.
This sumo “newbie” has a question… doesn’t Takakeisho have to have his two hands touch the ground at the start of the tachiai? It seems like he hardly ever does that. And wouldn’t that give him a slight advantage? (Just asking to learn!) Thanks!
They’re supposed to. If it’s frequent and egregious, they’ll crack down and start calling more matta, or even reprimand the wrestler.
Takakeisho is a frequent offender, and seems to get away with it a lot. Maybe because of his build?
And thanks to you, Iksumo.
Andy, thanks for the lesson.
Surprise! Surprize!
The Wall of Daikon was lifted open..!?
GSH said that Kinbozan was suffering from whiplash.