Month: July 2024

Looking Ahead to the Aki Banzuke

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

Apologies for the lack of mid-basho posts; things got in the way. Well, it was much more of a close-run thing than any of us expected just a couple of days ago, but he did it! Congratulations to our sole Yokozuna Terunofuji on taking the yusho and reaching his long-stated career goal of 10 top-division championships. Now that the Nagoya results are in the books, let’s take our customary preliminary look at how they’re likely to reshuffle the rankings.

Juryo-Makushita Exchanges

Since I wasn’t able to provide my usual Makushita updates, let’s start there. The yusho went to Ms2e Daiseizan (7-0), who will make his sekitori debut at Aki. He will be joined by Ms1w Kiryuko (6-1), who was extremely unlucky to miss out on a Juryo debut after Natsu and made certain this time, as well as by Ms3w Oshoumi (5-2), who won his exchange bout with J11e Tochitaikai (5-10) on the final day. So Oshoumi makes an immediate return to the paid ranks after his May demotion, while Tochitaikai drops out after two basho in the second division. Making room for Daiseizan and Kiryuko will be J12w Tsushimanada (1-14) and J14w Nabatame (4-11), whose Juryo debut … did not go well.

Makuuchi-Juryo Exchanges

Unlike the neat picture above, this is very messy. A combination of absences and poor performances left six Makuuchi rikishi with records that could warrant demotion, while only two Juryo rikishi were able to secure strong promotion claims. The two are J1w Onokatsu (9-6) and Juryo champion J8e Shirokuma (12-3), who should add some youth and excitement to the top division when they debut in September. They will replace injury victim M12e Asanoyama (3-2-10) and M17e Nishikifuji (6-9). M15e Chiyoshoma’s final-day loss to Nishikifuji left him with a 5-10 record and very likely headed back to Juryo. His spot would go to J3e Kitanowaka, whose 8-7 record from that rank doesn’t really warrant promotion, but there isn’t a better alternative. Next, we come to another injury victim, M5e Onosho (0-4-11). All seven winless M5 rikishi this century ended up in Juryo, but who is there to bring up? It would have to be either J10e Shishi (11-4) or J6w Tamashoho (9-6), each of whom would have needed two more wins for a proper promotion claim. This’ll be a tough call for the banzuke committee, and Onosho may be fortunate enough to survive. As for the other two men facing potential demotion, the lack of promotion candidates should keep M13w Takarafuji (5-10) and M3e Takayasu (0-2-13) safely in the top division.

Upper Maegashira

The bad news is that all six rikishi ranked M1-M3, and all nine rikishi not named Tobizaru ranked M1-M5, had losing records. However, enough of them went 7-8 or 6-9, and there were sufficient good performances lower down, that filling out this part of the banzuke isn’t too difficult. Our runner-up, M6e Takanosho (12-3), is a shoo-in for the top maegashira slot, unless the banzuke committee decides to go wild and create an extra Komusubi rank for him (as explained below, there are no openings in san’yaku). M4e Tobizaru (9-6) will move up to M1w, the 7-8 trio (Atamifuji, Mitakumi, Shonannoumi) should see minimal if any demotions, I expect the 6-9 duo of Wakamotoharu and Ura to be treated leniently, and kachi-koshi Oho, Shodai, Kotoshoho, Wakatakakage, and Churanoumi will receive generous bumps in rank.

San’yaku

In a rare feat, all five incumbents finished with winning records. This means that S1e Abi (8-7), S1w Onosato (9-6), S2e Kirishima (8-7), K1e Daieisho (8-7) and K1w Hiradoumi (10-5) should keep their ranks; the only question is whether there’ll be any E-W reshuffling based on record. And we’ll have a fourth Sekiwake after O2w Takakeisho (5-10) came up 3 wins short of the 8 he needed to save his Ozeki rank. Like Kirishima this time, he’ll have one chance at Aki to reclaim his rank with double-digit wins, though this seems like a long shot. After failing to hit double-digits, Kirishima is now just a regular Sekiwake, and would have to re-earn Ozeki the hard way. I don’t think Onosato’s 9-6 ends the Ozeki run he started with his 12-3 Natsu yusho, but he’ll need at least 12 wins in September to stake a promotion claim.

Barring a sudden retirement announcement, Terunofuji will make it 3 straight years as the sole East Yokozuna. East Ozeki Kotozakura (10-5) and West Ozeki Hoshoryu (9-4-2) both posted winning records and will maintain their ranks at Aki; Tachiai hopes that Hoshoryu recovers from his injury and is fully fit to fight for the yusho in September. And with that, I think we’re done. Please let me know what you think in the comments.

Nagoya 2024: Senshuraku Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho , ,

Juryo drama ended without need of a playoff. Hakuoho defeated Shishi with a beautiful utchari reversal on the edge. That meant that if Shirakuma won, he would take the yusho outright. If Tokihayate won, there would be a three-way playoff for the title. Shirakuma overpowered Tokihayate and walked him out. Yorikiri yusho.

So, all lower-division yusho decided in outright fashion. As we turn to the Top Division and the Psycho Yusho race (Andy, your puns are getting worse), we get our reminder that Miyagino-oyakata still exists. He and Otowayama present the sansho winners:

Does it help to post the links to the NHK videos, or y’all know where they are by now? This main page stays the same. Unfortunately, I’m still trying to figure out how to get working links to the individual videos. I want to link to those in the bout summaries but the direct links get blocked for some reason. Anyway, videos are here for the folks who do not want to scroll through Social Media craziness.

Makuuchi Action

Nishikifuji (6-9) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-5-5). Henka! Hisashiburi, ne… It’s been a while since we’ve seen a Chiyoshoma henka but Nishikifuji was prepared. It took a bit of patience but Nishikifuji corralled the bucking bronco, steadily worked him toward the edge and put him in his pen. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (11-4) defeated Hokutofuji (6-9). Hokutofuji pulled and pulled but Wakatakakage kept up the pressure and eventually put an end to Hokutofuji’s retreating ways by wrapping his leg up and driving him over the bales. Watashikomi.

Kagayaki (9-6) defeated Churanoumi (10-5). The Shinkansen glided forward along a circuitous path through the dohyo, guided along by the retreating Churanoumi. Churanoumi ran out of room to maneuver at the edge and Kagayaki brought him to the end of the line. Yorikiri.

Roga (9-6) defeated Nishikigi (5-10).When Nishikigi reached forward with his left hand, Roga rolled with the shift in motion and threw Nishikigi with a slick uwatenage.

Endo (10-5) defeated Midorifuji (8-7). Endo pressed ahead at the tachiai. Midorifuji tried a quick slaptdown at the edge but got run out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (9-6) defeated Bushozan (8-7). defeated Bushozan. Bushozan drove forward with his tsuppari and Shodai reversed to the edge. At the edge, Shodai slipped to his left and the fully extended Bushozan stumbled forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Ichiyamamoto (8-7) defeated Oshoma (7-8). I’m not sure what Oshoma was going to try to do at the edge but instead of moving laterally along the tawara, he turned a bit. Maybe he turned to run instead of just shuffling to the left. But Ichiyamamoto seized on that to get behind Oshoma. He quit his tsuppari and locked in on Oshoma’s belt to walk him out. Ichiyamamoto kachikoshi. Oshoma makekoshi. Okuridashi.

Ura (6-9) defeated Takarafuji (5-10). The pair had reached a bit of a stalemate in the center of the ring. Ura needed to try something. Takarafuji was using his left arm to keep Ura’s right arm away so Ura latched onto the arm with both arms. Takarafuji freaked out and tried to get away. Ura pursued with tsuppari and used Takarafuji’s momentum to drive him out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (7-8) defeated Kinbozan (4-11). Mitakeumi hit Kinbozan high with tsuppari, battering him about the face. Kinbozan pressed forward awkwardly through the tsuppari with his eyes closed. Mitakeumi slipped to the side, grabbed his belt and yanked him forward. Kinbozan fell forward. Uwatenage.

Wakamotoharu (6-9) defeated Ryuden (3-12). However terrible Wakamotoharu’s basho has been, it’s not been as terrible as Ryuden’s. Wakamotoharu locked on to Ryuden’s belt with his right hand. Ryuden tried to squeeze Wakamotoharu’s left arm to keep it away but failed. WMH latched on with both hands and drove Ryuden back and out. Yorikiri.

Halftime.

Atamifuji (7-8) defeated Sadanoumi (5-10). Head-to-head migi-yotsu bout here. Atamifuji was just too powerful and steadily worked Sadanoumi to the edge and then used some gaburi hip-pumping to work him over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (5-10) defeated Meisei (4-11). Solid oshi-zumo from Gonoyama today. He pressed forward and Meisei tried a couple of times to slip away but Gonoyama’s laser-guidance system was fully functional and locked on Meisei. At the bales, Meisei turned to slip away but Gonoyama grabbed him from behind and threw him down and out. Meisei may have tweaked his ankle as he was slow to get up and limped a bit walking down the hanamichi. Okuritaoshi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (10-5) defeated Kotoshoho (8-7). As the two engaged at the center of the ring, Hiradoumi grabbed Kotoshoho’s left arm and yanked it with him as he rotated Kotoshoho clockwise. Hiradoumi won his first Technique Prize and probably bolstered the case with this slick win. Tottari.

Oho (9-6) defeated Daieisho (8-7). Daieisho slammed into Oho and drove him to the edge. Oho tried a slapdown and though it failed, Daieisho stumbled to the side. Oho rotated so that he could attack Daieisho from center and blasted him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (8-7) defeated Tamawashi (7-8). Kirishima kachikoshi, Tamawashi makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (12-3) defeated Onosato (9-5). Takanosho hit Onosato with that nodowa and drove him back. Onosato tried a slapdown but it failed and he fell out of the ring. Another sanyaku opponent down in Takanosho’s surprising run. Both men walk away with special prizes. Takanosho claims his third fighting spirit prize while Onosato was awarded his second Outstanding Performance prize. Takanosho has to win the whole thing to take home one of those.

Tobizaru (9-6) defeated Abi (8-7) and claimed the arrows. Abi tried to pull but Tobizaru rolled with it and drove Abi down and out. Abi fell a bit awkwardly at the edge and was slow to get up but seemed okay. Oshitaoshi.

Shonannoumi (7-8) defeated Takakeisho (5-10) OK, Power Hamster, how banged up are you? Let’s toss a big, makekoshi, beach bum at you and find out. Takakeisho charged straight ahead and Shonannoumi slipped right. Henka! Shonannoumi grabbed the back of the Ozeki’s belt and pulled him forward. Whatever happens in Takanosho’s yusho race, there will be a somber edge to Tokiwayama’s Senshuraku Party. Oof. Uwatenage.

Kotozakura (10-5) defeated Terunofuji (12-3)! We will have a PLAY-OFF! Terunofuji wrapped up Kotozakura’s arms, ready for an authoritative kimedashi. Kotozakura pulled, hard to extract his arms. This pulled the Yokozuna forward a bit. Kotozakura moved laterally and got at the Terunofuji’s belt. This pulled him forward and into the clay. Shocking. Uwatedashinage.

PLAY-OFF!!

Funny, all of the other yusho were decided outright. Only the top division needs Playoff.

Terunofuji defeated Takanosho. Takanosho nodowa. This did not have the same impact as yesterday. The Yokozuna withstood the attack and pressed forward. That gave him room for a pull but Takanosho did not go down. He took it to the Yokozuna. Terunofuji reached deep down into that well of strength to rotate and drive Takanosho to the edge. Yorikiri.

Terunofuji Yusho! Takanosho gave it everything. I wish he could bring home that yusho but he did a great job. His success should bring a bit of celebration to the senshuraku party.

I’m headed to Japan today and I hope to bring a few updates over the next two weeks from Kokugikan! I plan to update on the special prizes and other events come Wednesday or Thursday. But I’ll be seeing y’all soon!

Nagoya 2024: Day 14 Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho , ,

Nothing happened in the world to interrupt sumo today. That is a good thing and from now on that will be my gage on the state of affairs on this planet. If nothing gives NHK reason to interrupt my sumo, it’s a good day. There is also no new kyujo. That’s also another reason to say it’s a good day.

The Juryo race is down to Shishi and Shirakuma, with Hakuoho holding a distant hope of a playoff. Hakuoho, one loss back, will need to defeat Shishi tomorrow and he’ll need help. Shirakuma will face Tokihayate. Tokihayate will be fighting for kachikoshi and an immediate re-promotion to Makuuchi. Talk about incentives. But there’s high drama in Juryo, that’s for sure.

Makuuchi Action

Ichiyamamoto (7-7) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-4-5). Ichiyamamoto kept Chiyoshoma off his belt with tsuppari. When Chiyoshoma lunged forward to try to get inside Ichi slipped to the side, effectively getting behind Chiyoshoma. Ichiyamamoto kept up the tsuppari and shoved Chiyoshoma out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (9-5) defeated Takarafuji (5-9). Shodai got an inside grip with his left hand but Takarafuji kept his left arm tight to his body and did not allow Shodai in with his right. Instead Shodai used his right to shove Takarafuji straight back and out. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (8-6) defeated Kagayaki (8-6). Midorifuji electrified the crowd by defeating Kagayaki head-on. Kagayaki was wary of the katasukashi and did his best to bat Midorifuji away when Midorifuji came inside to get his right arm up on Kagayaki’s shoulder. Kagayaki’s tsuppari forced Midorifuji to the bales but Midorifuji slipped inside one more time, charged forward and forced Kagayaki out. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (7-7) defeated Endo (9-5). Tamawashi got inside Endo’s tsuppari, seized Endo’s belt with his right hand and drove him from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Nishikigi (4-9) defeated Ryuden (3-10). Nishikigi used his lefthand inside grip to pull Ryuden over the bales. Ryuden was a little slow to get up so Nishikigi stepped down to offer help getting up. Ryuden is not healthy. Shitatenage.

Roga (8-6) defeated Kinbozan (4-10). Kinbozan was too high. Roga stayed low and this helped him keep his balance when Kinbozan tried to throw him to the side. Instead Roga continued to charge forward and drove Kinbozan to the edge and over. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (8-6) defeated Hokutofuji (6-8). All of that buildup and Hokutofuji fell to a quick sidestep and slapdown tachiai. Kotoshoho kachikoshi. Hokutofuji makekoshi. Hatakikomi.

Bushozan (8-6) defeated Sadanoumi (5-9). Bushozan got his left paw up on Sadanoumi’s shoulder and blasted him from the dohyo to seal his first kachikoshi in the top division. This is his fourth tournament fighting in makuuchi and the first time he does not earn an immediate demotion and return to Juryo. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (10-4) defeated Oho (8-6). Oho tried to pull Wakatakakage over the bales by wrapping up his arm. But Wakatakakage retaliated by shoving Oho hard. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (8-6) defeated Oshoma (7-7). Oshoma spent his time trying to keep Tobizaru at bay but not advancing. He seemed keen to wait for slapdown attempts. He tried one but Tobizaru stayed away. Both guys had their arms up, playing patty-cake and keeping each other away. It made for a rather boring fight. That is until Tobizaru suddenly lashed out and kicked Oshoma’s lead right foot, bringing Oshoma down. Kekaeshi. Beautiful.

Halftime

Ura (5-9) defeated Nishikifuji (5-9). Nishikifuji pressured Ura backwards but pulled and tried to slap Ura down. Ura maintained his balance and used the opportunity to press forward and drive Nishikifuji from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (5-9) defeated Meisei (4-10). Meisei blasted Wakamotoharu and it looked like WMH was headed for another painful exit but he was able to resist at the bales. Wakamotoharu countered with a firm hold of Meisei’s mawashi and drove him back through the ring. At the edge, Wakamotoharu used his firm right-hand outside grip to throw Meisei roughly to the clay. Uwatenage.

Atamifuji defeated Gonoyama. Atamifuji quickly latched on with a left-hand overarm grip. He needed that to stave off an early exit. A throw was not an easy option. Gonoyama resisted well. Instead it was down to good old gaburi yotsu as Atamifuji worked Gonoyama over the bales.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (8-6) defeated Shonannoumi (6-8) with a quick hit-and-shift at the tachiai. Daieisho kachikoshi, Shonannoumi makekoshi. Tsukiotoshi.

Hiradoumi (9-5) defeated Mitakeumi (6-8). Hiradoumi was too powerful and energetic for Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Abi (8-6) defeated Kirishima (7-7) with Level One Abi-zumo: face-push-to-slapdown. Abi kachikoshi. Kirishima…not yet. Tsukiotoshi.

Onosato (9-5) defeated Churanoumi (10-4). Onosato’s dominance of Churanoumi today just pointed to him being on a different level. Solid footwork keeps that Ozeki run alive. < Thanks his lucky stars for the fusen > Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (9-5) defeated Takakeisho (5-9). Kotozakura employed solid oshi-zumo to force Takakeisho into reverse and drive him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (11-3) defeated Terunofuji (12-2). A rough nodowa from Takanosho forced Terunofuji to rear back. Takanosho kept the pressure up and drove the Yokozuna over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up.

There is a contest for the Top Division yusho, after all. Takanosho has kicked open the door and forced his way into the hunt. If Terunofuji loses again tomorrow, Takanosho will force a play-off with a win. Terunofuji will face Kotozakura tomorrow in the musubi-no-ichiban. There were several sanyaku options available for Takanosho: from Onosato to Abi to Hiradoumi. The Kyokai chose Onosato. Wow.

Onosato probably needs that 10th win to maintain hopes of an Ozeki run at Aki. Looking back at past Ozeki runs, Masayo had three tournaments at Sekiwake and the first tournament of his three tournament “run” included an 8-7. The ultimate deciders of this are working for the Kyokai and not Tachiai, so they can do what they want. So maybe 9 with a win over the Yokozuna will be enough but there’s that little fusen in there, too… Bottom line, he will come into this like Herm Edwards. “You play to win.” Takanosho will have his work cut out, he will need help from Kotozakura AND he will need to beat the Yokozuna again in order to get the all important macarons and the cow.

Come back tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion of the Nagoya Basho 2024.

Nagoya 2024: Lucky Day 13 Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho , , , , ,

First off, news from the infirmary. Hoshoryu kyujo. He was injured yesterday in his bout with Kotozakura. Onosato will receive the fusen win.

Today NHK preempted the first bout to talk about the large scale, coordinated vandalism and arson attacks on France’s TGV. No one killed, no one hurt. Footage of an increased security presence and breathless coverage of people with suitcases loitering around the train station. And again at half-time coverage was interrupted for a second day in a row with a needless interview and footage of bored people huddled around arrival and departure screens. The flood was legit news. Yamagata got hit pretty bad. But this?

Miffed is putting it lightly. At least they showed the replay immediately after the bout ended. I had seen it live, though, because I had fired up the old, illicit sources. I switched over as soon as the coverage came back because I do prefer the NHK coverage but come on, man. They are shooting themselves in the foot here. The breaking news coverage needs to be about Hoshoryu or the lower division yusho races. Speaking of which…

Day 13 action decided all of the lower-division yusho races. Congratulations to Daiseizan. Arashio-oyakata’s nephew won the Makushita yusho. He had likely secured Juryo promotion earlier in the tournament and it is a certainty now. With the undefeated record he will likely climb a bit higher on the banzuke, giving him some important breathing room.

Down in Sandanme, Inami won the Sandanme yusho. Hakuho’s protégé, Seihakuho, claimed the Jonidan yusho. In Jonokuchi, Shimizuumi, who defeated Enho on Day 1, claimed the Jonokuchi yusho. Watch this space because I am sure we will see these names on a more regular basis in the future.

Makuuchi Action

Chiyoshoma (5-3-5) defeated Daiamami (5-8). Yorikiri.

Nishikigi (4-9) defeated Nishikifuji (5-8). Nishikifuji hit Nishikigi hard at the tachiai and drove him back but Nishikigi wrapped up Nishikifuji’s arms and drove him back across the ring and out. Yorikiri.

Bushozan (7-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (6-7). In spite of Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari and shifts of direction, Bushozan did a great job of keeping up with Ichiyamamoto. Then when Ichi pulled, Bushozan put his head down and leveled him. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto will fight Chiyoshoma on Day 14.

Kagayaki (8-5) defeated Shodai (8-5). Shodai was not able to make any forward progress in his battle with Kagayaki. When he pulled, Kakayaki kept him centered and shoved Shodai out. Kagayaki kachikoshi. Oshidashi.

Roga (7-6) defeated Tamawashi (6-7). Tamawashi tried everything he could at the edge, twisting left and right. But Roga remained calm through all of it and pressed forward. Yorikiri.

Hokutofuji (6-7) defeated Oshoma (7-6). Turnabout is fair play. Oshoma shifted at the tachiai and tried to slap Hokutofuji down. But Hokutofuji’s shift at the edge saved him from Oshoma’s follow-up attack as the over-eager Oshoma stumbled past and out of the ring. Hatakikomi.

Kinbozan (4-9) defeated Takarafuji (5-8). Takarafuji could not get any attack started as Kinbozan wrapped him up with a bear hug, both hands inside Takarafuji’s arms and quickly drove him out.

Kinbozan will fight Roga on Day 14. Takarafuji will take on Shodai.

Endo (9-4) defeated Ryuden (3-10). Henka! Well met by Ryuden. But Endo followed up with solid yotsu. First, he had to fight to get Ryuden off his belt. Once that was accomplished, he wrapped up Ryuden, forced him to the edge and over. Endo is doing great! Yorikiri.

Endo will fight Tamawashi. Ryuden will fight Nishikigi.

Sadanoumi (5-8) defeated Midorifuji (7-6). Great battle. In the end, Sadanoumi got a hold of Midorifuji’s belt and threw him forward, out of the ring as he also fell out. Gunbai Sadanoumi, no mono-ii. Uwatenage.

Sadanoumi will fight Bushozan. Midorifuji will take on Kagayaki. But SHHHH! Don’t say Kagayaki too loud. If NHK are reminded of highspeed passenger rail, they might cut back over to the bored travelers in Paris.

Kotoshoho (7-6) defeated Ura (4-9). Kotoshoho’s tsuppari kept Ura at bay and his quick pull drove Ura into the clay. That looked uncomfortable. I hope Ura did not tweak his neck there. Hatakikomi.

Kotoshoho will fight Hokutofuji. Ura will fight Nishikifuji.

Halftime

Oho (8-5) defeated Tobizaru (7-6). Oho kept a laser focus on Tobizaru as the saru flew around the ring. Oho pursued well and when he caught him he blasted him from the ring, catapulting him from the dohyo. Oho kachikoshi. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru will fight Oshoma.

Gonoyama (4-9) defeated Shonannoumi (6-7). Straightforward win here from Gonoyama. He blasted Shonannoumi back and out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (6-7) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-9). Mitakeumi stayed upright through Wakamotoharu’s slapdown attempt. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (5-8) defeated Meisei (4-9). Meisei had the upper-hand here but was not strong enough to force Atamifuji over the bales. When he tired, Atamifuji whipped Meisei around to the bales and drove him back and over. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji will fight Gonoyama. Meisei will fight Wakamotoharu.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (9-4) defeated Hiradoumi (8-5). Wakatakakage’s ottsuke with his left hand kept Hiradoumi from securing a quick belt grip. Hiradoumi got frustrated and pulled. But that was a mistake. Wakatakakage charged forward and forced Hiradoumi out of the ring. Oshidashi. I look forward to seeing more of this rivalry. I get the sense that Wakatakakage wanted to say, “I should be ranked where you are, or higher. So get out of my way.”

Wakatakakage will fight Oho. Hiradoumi will square off against Mitakeumi on Day 14.

Churanoumi (10-3) defeated Daieisho (7-6). Churanoumi did not go quietly into that good night. He did his homework and knew just how to handle Daieisho. Churanoumi went toe-to-toe blast-for-blast. When Daieisho slipped to the side, Churanoumi stayed with him. Churanoumi executed his own shift and when Daieisho stumbled forward, Churanoumi closed to finish him off from behind. Okuridashi.

Daieisho will face Shonannoumi.

Takanosho (10-3) defeated Kirishima (7-6). With that, Kirishima will have to start from scratch if he hopes to regain the rank of Ozeki. As Kirishima charged forward, Takanosho pulled and tried to slap Kirishima down. Kirishima stayed on his feet but Takanosho swiftly transitioned from pull-mode to push-mode. One forceful blast and Kirishima might be gone. Will Kiribayama rise from the ashes?

Onosato (8-5) default win. Hoshoryu (9-4) kyujo. Onosato will face Churanoumi tomorrow.

Abi (7-6) defeated Kotozakura (8-5). Abi’s pull caught Kotozakura completely off-guard. Abi did not let up, either. He pursued and drove Kotozakura out. Someone get Kotozakura some freaking coffee tomorrow and wake his ass up. Yorikiri.

Abi will fight Kirishima.

Terunofuji (12-1) defeated Takakeisho (5-8). Takakeisho shifted left and tried a slapdown but Terunofuji executed his version better. Takakeisho belly-flopped down to sekiwake.

Terunofuji will fight Takanosho. Takakeisho will fight Kotozakura.

Yes, NHK, now you get to go back to talking about trains.

Wrap-up

The Ozeki are in disarray. Hoshoryu is out, injured. He was looking great this tournament, too. Kotozakura had some bright moments during the tournament but looked lethargic today. Takakeisho’s bellyflop was embarrassing and Kirishima got absolutely butchered by…checks notes…Takanosho.

I bet Takanosho wants to be Top Dog at Tokiwayama-beya. I had noticed how some of his bouts go without kensho. Meanwhile, the cash rolls in for Takakeisho. With ‘Keisho’s demotion and shaky performances, there might be some new fire in ‘Nosho’s belly.

I am curious about Kirishima’s shikona. When he was promoted we were heady off the exuberance of his rapid success and ready to anoint him Yokozuna. Not six months later his Ozeki status is gone but so is his Michinoku beya and Michinoku oyakata. He is with Kakuryu now. Will there be a fresh start with a new shikona?

Oh, right, the yusho race. Terunofuji would have to collapse in the final days for anyone else to win this. Hoshoryu, probably the biggest threat, is out injured. As we saw, he will face Takanosho tomorrow. Will they pit him against Churanoumi on senshuraku if Takanosho wins and Churanoumi upsets Onosato? Get your head out of the clouds, Andy. Terunofuji has had a solid tournament and he will put away Takanosho just like he did Takakeisho. Meanwhile, Endo is thankful for the extra loss he picked up before going on his own winning run.