As we head into Championship Weekend, three of the lower division yusho races were decided tonight with Jonidan undecided and needing a playoff. Osanai won the Makushita yusho with a nice throw. Fujitoshi upset Enho in the Sandanme yusho contest while a youngster from Takekuma-beya, Gonoumi, won in Jonokuchi after coming back from injury. Gonoumi had quite the run when he started and made it into Makushita before going kyujo and falling into the lowest division. Jonidan will be decided in style, on Senshuraku. Nishikikuni and Nakashima will fight in front of a bigger crowd than they’re used to.
Onosho is kyujo. With his dreadful two-win record, Onosho is on his way to either Makushita or the barber. Check out the NHK videos here. Juryo Part I and Part II; Makuuchi Part I and Part II.
Aonishiki had a slick uchimuso to pick up his ninth win. Hakuoho’s win over Tsurugisho means Kinbozan is now tied for the lead and Aonishiki joins Tochitaikai one win behind the leaders with two to play.
Makuuchi Action
Kitanowaka (Juryo 8-5) defeated Shishi (3-10). Kitanowaka had one plan: slapdown. Shishi resisted it well at the tachiai but then Kitanowaka ran backwards for a few laps inside the ring with Shishi’s right arm in tow. Kotenage.
Sadanoumi (4-9) defeated Bushozan (1-8-4). Given the size difference between these two, it’s not a surprise that this is the most offense Bushozan has mounted the entire basho. It’s also not a surprise that Bushozan still lost. Sadanoumi grabbed Bushozan’s right arm and yanked his opponent forward. This brought Bushozan close to the bales where Sadanoumi followed up by grabbing his belt and driving forward, forcing Bushozan out of the ring. Yorikiri.
Nishikifuji (5-8) defeated Meisei (7-6). Meisei pulled and Nishikifuji made him pay for that mistake. Nishikifuji put his head down, wrapped up Meisei and drove forward. Yorikiri.
Tamawashi (8-5) defeated Asakoryu (5-8). Asakoryu tried a terrible pull, bringing him close to the tawara. Tamawashi kept Asakoryu in his sights and chased him out of the ring. Oshidashi.
Tokihayate (6-7) defeated Ichiyamamoto (7-6). Ichiyamamoto did his sumo and forced Tokihayate to the edge. Tokihayate used the bales for leverage, shuffled to the right, and thrust Ichiyamamoto down. Tsukiotoshi.
Chiyoshoma (9-4) defeated Takayasu (8-5). Chiyoshoma pulled and stayed in bounds as Takayasu dove forward, attempting to push Chiyoshoma out. Chiyoshoma with the slapdown win. Hatakikomi.
Midorifuji (6-7) defeated Hokutofuji (5-8). Midorifuji resisted Hokutofuji’s nodowa and wrapped up his opponent’s right shoulder. Midorifuji tried the katasukashi but pivoted at the same time. So, even though the katasukashi failed, it pulled Hokutofuji close to the edge. Midorifuji then grabbed Hokutofuji’s belt and drove forward, forcing Hokutofuji out. Yorikiri.
Roga (6-7) defeated Ryuden (3-10). Roga’s slapdown failed but he kept up the pressure on Ryuden with his left-hand inside belt grip. Roga forced himself inside and was awarded with a morozashi. He then drove Ryuden back and over the edge. Ryuden joins Shishi, Bushozan, and likely Asakoryu in Juryo. Yorikiri.
Mitakeumi (7-6) defeated Shonannoumi (8-5). Mitakeumi pressed forward as Shonannoumi pulled with weak tsuppari. Worst bout of the tournament from an integrity standpoint. Shonannoumi’s tsuppari had the force of wet noodles behind them as he retreated under Mitakeumi’s pressure. Shonannoumi has his kachi-koshi and no desire for more wins. This was butsukari. Boooootsukari. At least apathy is not yaocho? Oshidashi.
Takarafuji (8-5) defeated Endo (6-7). Takarafuji tried a quick slapdown which Endo resisted. The two settled into a bit of a stalemate at the center of the ring. Takarafuji pressed forward and then suddenly pulled Endo forward. Tsukiotoshi.
Abi (10-3) defeated Takerufuji (8-5). Abi henka! Abi slapped the hard-charging Takerufuji down. Even if you hate Abi and even if you hate henka, you have to concede that he wanted to win and this sumo was better than Shonannoumi’s “I don’t need to win,” roll-over-play-dead sumo. Hatakikomi.
Halftime
Ura (5-8) defeated Nishikigi (4-9). Nishikigi tried to go toe-to-toe with Ura. Ura pressed forward and forced Nishikigi to the edge. Nishikigi tried to pull on Ura’s arm but Ura pressured Nishikigi over the bales. Yorikiri.
Wakatakakage (9-4) defeated Onokatsu (8-5). Wakatakakage locked onto Onokatsu with a morozashi and charged forward. Onokatsu freed himself of the morozashi but Wakatakakage’s right hand re-engaged outside Onokatsu’s left arm and forced Onokatsu over the edge. Yorikiri.
Hiradoumi (2-11) defeated Kotoshoho (3-10). This was a great brawl, as expected, but Kotoshoho certainly brought the offense and dove forward to force Hiradoumi off the dohyo. Gunbai Hiradoumi! Kotoshoho lingered as if to try to appeal the ruling but no mono-ii was forth-coming. Video replay showed Kotoshoho’s knee was down before Hiradoumi was forced out of the ring. Good call from the gyoji. Hikiotoshi.
Atamifuji (6-6) defeated Oho (4-8). Oho could not find an opening in Atamifuji’s defense, though he tried to wrap up Atamifuji’s left arm. He might have been looking for a kotenage or katasukashi? Atamifuji continued to press forward and worked Oho over to the edge. Atamifuji then shoved Oho out. Oshidashi.
Sanyaku
Tobizaru (7-6) defeated Shodai (4-9). Shodai gave it the old college try. He snuck his left hand inside and tried his best to contain Tobizaru as he pressured Tobizaru toward the edge. But Tobizaru escaped and brought the action back to center. Slippery Tobizaru shoved Shodai while Shodai was trying to find a handle to grab Tobizaru. Tobizaru worked Shodai to the edge and over. Oshidashi.
Wakamotoharu (8-5) defeated Churanoumi (3-10). Wakamotoharu slammed into Churanoumi and overwhelmed him. Churanoumi tried a slapdown on his way out of the ring but Wakamotoharu’s footwork was solid. Oshidashi.
Daieisho (7-6) defeated Oshoma (3-10). Daieisho blasted Oshoma and forced him out. As Oshoma cycled back to his right, he was putting his weight on his left knee, which is taped. He did not seem entirely fit there as Daieisho shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.
Gonoyama (10-3) defeated Kirishima (6-7). Gonoyama was genki today. He blasted Kirishima, drove him to the edge and forced him over. Oshidashi.
Hoshoryu (12-1) defeated Onosato (8-5). Onosato shoved Hoshoryu hard, forcing him to the edge. As Onosato moved forward to finish The Nephew off, Hoshoryu seized Onosato’s right arm and pulled him forward and out of the ring. How did Hoshoryu escape?!?! Wow! Tottari.
Kotozakura (12-1) defeated Takanosho (10-3). Kotozakura heaved Takanosho over and drove forward. Props to Takanosho as he resisted and took it to the Ozeki. He drove forward and the entire arena held its breath as the Ozeki cycled and pivoted to stay in bounds. As he retreated along the bales, Kotozakura used his left hand to dump Takanosho along the edge. Uwatenage.
Wrap-up
What a performance by both of our leaders! Hoshoryu was vulnerable, seriously in trouble this bout, but somehow discovered a way to win. Kotozakura also faced a great challenge from Takanosho but he settled down and demonstrated his strength and versatility as he found a way to defeat the upstart.
We have an amazing weekend ahead of us. Tomorrow’s schedule has not been finalized yet. One can assume Kotozakura will get his turn to face Onosato. Possibly Kirishima for Hoshoryu, or do you set him against Takanosho…or Gonoyama? This is one of those times the Kyokai needs to pause and think things over.
✶: Hoshoryu, Kotozakura
✶ ✶ ✶: Abi, Gonoyama, Takanosho
Chiyoshoma has quietly put himself in position to pick up double-digit wins this tournament. He will be moving up the banzuke in January, that’s for sure. Meanwhile, several men are lining up to vacate the division for Juryo.
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Was in the crowd today, the place went absolutely bonkers when Hiradoumi won. If Shodai had won the roof might have come off the place entirely. Fukuoka crowds are so enthusiastic, especially for the Kyushu rikishi.
In comparison to with the Hiradoumi bout the crowd (myself included) did not seem to like the Abi henka move to keep himself technically in the yusho race. If he somehow gets the cup I am going to be sorely disappointed.
Heinz Ketchup putting up a kensho on one of the early top division bouts was definitely the surprise of the day.
“If he somehow gets the cup I am going to be sorely disappointed.”
Nothing to worry about. Kotozakura and Hoshoryu will inevitably face each other, meaning one of them is guaranteed to finish on 13-2 or 14-1, where Abi can not catch them.
The only way someone other than them wins is if one of them is kyujo tomorrow so they don’t get scheduled for senshuraku.
I think that Abi‘s nasty henka is not to be compared with Shonannoumi‘s passivity.
We saw in the last few days that every single rikishi who had to fight Mitakeumi was very careful not to throw him or to even have him fall from the dohyo. They are all being nice and thoughtful including Shonannoumi who, like Takarafuji before him, was so much cautious that he lost the bout. Abi on the other hand wasn’t nice at all and I think Mitakeumi isn’t either.
I’ve never been a Mitakeumi fan and agree on the not-so-nice assessment especially on his rise to Ozeki.
He really should have gone kyujo after that fall and not make guys feel poorly for it.
This has been the best basho in some time with potential for a decider between 13-1 Ozeki.
This is how it should be (if only the Yokozuna were here)
I love this debate. The henka debate is always good to get folks talking. Sumo is a contact sport. I take fluffy tsuppari as antithetical to the reason it exists. I’m a big believer in, “you play to win the game.” Follow the rules and don’t fight dirty but fight to win. I think the Kyokai feels the same way as they often seem to make match pairing based on motivation to create matches where both parties will want to win. Add in the kensho system and there’s more reason.
Only this isn’t a henka debate imo. It‘s about Mitakeumi forceing a non-aggressive sumo to the other rikishi and have them look lame when they are only (too) friendly.
Mitakeumi is not forcing anyone to do anything. We see injured guys fight all the time. We see guys who can only manage token resistance, often. From Higohikari and ex-Hattorizakura all the way up to Shodai, Nishikigi, Tamawashi, Takayasu, Terunofuji. Shonannoumi’s whole thing is moving backwards to roll his opponent out. He didn’t even try. Instead, he played patty-cake for a bit and then acted like a blocking sled.
Abi’s henka is a part of the conversation because I know many people don’t like him because he henkas. But someone henkas when they want to win. Wanting to win is the basic reason why any rikishi should show up. Mitakeumi did that. Abi did that. Shonannoumi? Not today.
And I don’t think it was because his opponent was Mitakeumi. It could have been anyone. He’s got his 8. His effort said, “Why try?”
On Nakabi someone also called Andy wrote
„I heard that whoever has a worse record than Mitakeumi at the end of this tournament gets relegated. (Not really, I’m just upset Mitakeumi is still in this. It’s pissing me off almost as much as when Terunofuji was Ozeki the first time and wouldn’t go kyujo.)“
I then fully agreed with that other Andy and I think concerning Mitakeumi nothing has changed. He‘s still a Michelin puppet, depending on the other rikishi not to beat him to the hospital or in other words morally forcing them not to go all out against him. I don’t see what this possible compassion kachi koshi would be worth for him.
And I have no idea why Mitakeumi is still in it. It’s a perenial thing, and not just sumo. I have no idea why Shohei Otani tried to stick it out in the World Series. It was painful to watch him come to the plate and barely be able to swing. And if he got on base, running with his hand grabbing his shirt was such a farce.
That doesn’t change the fact that Shonannoumi gave no effort. He was not “taking it easy on Mitakeumi,” he rolled over for Mitakeumi. It was like a Hattorizakura bout, except having Hattorizakura’s opponent fall first to soften Hattorizakura’s fall. Bushozan is probably a better (less hyperbolic) example. He’s hurt but his opponents have not let up because he is hurt. Then again, he hasn’t faced Shonannoumi, yet.
These guys fight for a living. Shonannoumi’s lacklustre tsuppari was just…ugh. I don’t want to see that on the dohyo ever again. I’d take a henka over that any day, all day, every day.
YES!!!! The Evil Nephew for the win against Onosato.
Bonus 1 – Aonishiki picks up his 9th win.
Bonus 2 – Tamawashi picks up his kachi-koshi.
My Day 10 wish that the basho would come down to a fight between two Ozeki not only for the yusho but the start of a rope run is coming true! Yay! Even if one or both lose tomorrow, the final bout will still decide or lead to a playoff. It definitely feels as if we are almost at the end of the transition period, and heading for a new era of (potentially) classic rivalries. Fingers crossed against injuries.
Kirishima versus Hoshoryu tomorrow and Kotozakura versus Onosato.
I hope your Day 10 wish materialises. Whilst I feel for Kirishima, I want Hoshoryu to meet Kotozakura on Day 15 (and win the Yusho obvs!)
You forgot the links to the replays.
Just updated. My apologies.
Abi‘s henka was beautiful and perfect, and Takerufuji took it with grace!
Kirishima looks to be avoiding collisions .. Gonoyama smoked it out + was not interested in arm wrestling .. I liked Abi’s henka .. as a learning curve for Takerufuji .. T-fuji should have been aware it was a 50:50 proposition .. Next time he will be wary + show sumo versatility .. Thought Hoshoryu’s tachiai was amazing .. his second volley had Onosato realing .. imho .. Hoshoryu then tried a pull + belt throw .. but missed his grab for the belt and somehow salvaged a pull w a bit of arm/hand + ballet move on the rice .. yeow .. playing matador w a freight train ..
While I really don’t root against Onosato, I’m a Hoshoryu fan until the end, and legitimately scared the neighbors with my triumphant screaming today. Beautiful sumo. Hiradoumi’s was pretty epic too.
I have to say, I’m consistently impressed with Takerufuji’s strength of character: not for any particular reason, but he has always seemed very down-to-earth and fairly humble, which I appreciate for such a successful, young, talented rikishi. He took the henka in stride today and seems to help his fellow rikishi up whenever he can, which I always like. I’m not saying that Onosato’s isn’t but Takerufuji’s way of handling losses, henka, and everything in between has been very impressive, and interesting, to me.
Hoshoryu-yusho, PLEASE! Mongolian grudge match tomorrow.
💯% agreement.
Hoshoryu’s real power comes from his heart. He never takes losses easily.
When Onosatos nodowa hit him perfectly, I thought it was over right there. But somehow he hung on to the little opening and made a tottory out of there.
When Atamifuzi pushed him out of dohyo, somehow he resisted the gravity until Atami’s toe touched the sand.
I remember the time when he landed on his face to save a fraction of a second.. and won the bloody match.
I love his heart.
Fantastic wins from both Ozeki today! Amazing stuff!
I don’t like Abi’s henka because a) he’s most likely moving up into San’yaku with his current record, b) he’s not injured and he’s only lost 3 times so far, and c) is using backwards sumo to win when he’s currently able to win moving forward.
Did he “want to win”? Yes. Does it affect his chances to win kensho? Possibly, because sponsors might not want to be associated with him based on his behavior. Does it help his chances for a Cup run? No. Even if both Ozekis lose tomorrow, they’re both going into the last day with 2 losses.
Rarely do I hope that a rikishi loses the rest of their matches in a basho, but I’m really tired of Abi’s antics when he has the ability to win moving forward.
I fully agree. It‘s a pity he fell back to that shameful behavior after his maybe best basho ever until day 12 and when nothing was to win by it, too.
Abi‘s forward moving standard is awful to watch. But if it is more decent and of higher fighting value, so may it be. After all he‘s not on the dohyo to have fun there, it‘s a serious affair! People pay for it! Only the deities don‘t. On the other hand, the best occasion to amuse with a henka is, when nothing really depends on it. Takerufuji was kachikoshi already, the atmosphere was relaxed. Imagine Abi had done it in a Play off…
Hoshoryu pulls Onosato out of the Dohyo with another of his Matrix like moves. The look on Onosato’s face says it all. Looking to the future, I will be saddened to see Teronofuji retire; how much more can his body endure? Of the 3 Ozeki’s Hoshoryu had the most dynamic sumo, Onosato needs at least another year’s experience and all too often Kotozakura gets pushed around by lower rankers. For all the weight he carries, he can be overpowered.