Yesterday, we set up the quarterfinals among the 4-0 rikishi:
- Ms7e Otsuji vs. Ms11e Fujiseiun
- Ms26e Kotoyusho vs. Ms32 Kazenoumi
- Ms40e Aonishiki vs. Ms51e Shunrai
- Ms60TD Kusano vs. Sd2e Amakaze
Fujiseiun prevailed, and will be the only former sekitori in the semifinals, as well as the only rikishi ranked high enough to earn a promotion by winning out. He started in Ozumo 3 years ago, went 21-0 in his first three basho, and got as high as Juryo 6 before sitting out three tournaments with an injury. His next opponent should be Kazenoumi, another prospect fighting in his 9th basho. And we get the semifinal I was hoping for between two former amateur stars: young Ukrainian Aonishiki, whose professional record so far stands at 25-1 with two yusho, and newcomer Kusano, who joined Ozumo after making quite a name for himself as a university and international wrestler.
In the promotion zone, Ms1w Kayo (4-1) looks set to finally make a sekitori debut. Ms3e Kiryuko (4-1) may also have already done enough, but one more win would make a Juryo debut a lot more likely. Ms1e Akua (2-3) can ensure immediate re-promotion by winning out, but another loss will keep him in the unsalaried ranks. Ms2w Nabatame (3-2) could go up with one more win, and should be a lock with two. And by winning today, Ms4e Kitaharima (3-2) kept his hopes for a record-setting 10th promotion to Juryo alive.
The only relevant Day 10 action will see Kitaharima visiting Juryo to take on J14e Tochitaikai, whom he’s bested in their two prior meetings. The other key bouts will take place on Day 11; come back then to see where things stand.
Discover more from Tachiai (立合い)
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
A few days ago Kiryuko brought his opponent down – I think it was a kakenage – but his own topknot touched at the same time so a torinaoshi was called. First a yobidashi came to tie up his hair, which was slipping out of his topknot. In the rematch, he won decisively and his hair came completely undone, a thick mane that tumbled over his shoulders. The way he tossed his wavy locks afterwards occasioned some comment about career opportunities modeling for covers of romance novels.