Year: 2024

Makushita and Promotion/Demotion Updates, Day 10

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

The third division is somewhat lighter on talent and excitement that it has been in recent tournaments, but here’s a quick update on the yusho and promotion races. After 5 rounds of bouts, we have only undefeated 5-0 rikishi: Ms6e Kazekeno, Ms31w Hokutomaru, and Ms48w Osanai. The first two go head-to-head on day 11, while Osanai will fight the highest-ranked undefeated Sandanme man, Sd10e Nobehara.

The main goal of wrestlers in upper Makushita is to earn promotion to the salaried ranks. Kazekeno can return to Juryo following his one basho there back in May if he wins out, but is ranked just below the Ms-Ms5 “promotion zone” and so pretty much must go 7-0. In the promotion zone, we have one absent rikishi (Ms1e Asanoyama), three with losing records, and two Ms5’s who are 2-3, so even winning out is unlikely to earn them promotion. Nobody has a winning record yet, but Ms1w Hatsuyama, who won the division in September and missed out on promotion by half a rank, and Ms2e Kiryuko, both 3-2, can get there and put themselves in very strong position with wins tomorrow. Ms2w Miyagi (2-3) must win out, and Ms4e Kotokuzan (3-2) needs to do so as well or hope for excellent banzuke luck if he finishes 4-3.

At the moment, the only certainty in Juryo is the return to Makushita of His Roundness J11w Chiyomaru (0-10), but J10e Onosho (2-8) and new sekitori J13w Kotoeiho (4-6) need to start piling up wins to avoid joining him. For Onosho, this could be the first fall out of the sekitori ranks since 2016. Also not out of the woods are newcomer J13e Wakaikari, who’s rallied to a 5-5 record after starting with 5 losses sandwiched around a fusensho, J14e Nabatame (6-4) and J12e Daiseizan (5-5), each of whom could use two more wins.

While we are here, Bushozan is dropping out of the top division, Shishi, Asakoryu, and Ryuden (!) are in deep trouble, while Nishikifuji and Tokihayate need more wins than losses in the final five days to avoid having to rely on banzuke luck. Working in favor of the incumbents is the fact that only J1w Kinbozan (8-2) looks set for an immediate return to Makuuchi, while all other contenders need at least two more wins, and all except Tsurugisho need 3 or more, to have a strong promotion case.

Higher up the banzuke, Kirishima and Shodai, both 4-6, are at serious risk of vacating their sanyaku slots; the lead candidates to replace them should that happen are Abi, Wakatakakage, and Takanosho.

Kyushu 2024, Day Ten (Abbreviated Coverage)

Andy Kyushu 2024, Kyushu Basho , ,

Abbreviated coverage today. I overslept and missed the entire first half of action (gasp!). I will have to catch up later this evening.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I and Part II; Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Shonannoumi (7-3) defeated Shishi (3-7). Uwatenage.

Chiyoshoma (6-4) defeated Hokutofuji (3-7). Katasukashi.

Asakoryu (4-6) defeated Sadanoumi (3-7). Kotenage.

Takerufuji (8-2) defeated Meisei (6-4). Oshitaoshi.

Midorifuji (5-5) defeated Tokihayate (4-6). Yorikiri.

Takayasu (6-4) defeated Nishikifuji (3-7). Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (6-4) defeated Roga (4-6). Hikiotoshi.

Gonoyama (7-3) defeated Ryuden (2-8). Tsukidashi.

Tamawashi (5-5) defeated Endo (5-5). Tsukiotoshi.

Mitakeumi (6-4) defeated Takarafuji (7-3). Oshidashi.

Halftime

Takanosho (9-1) defeated Onokatsu (7-3). Onokatsu fell for it! Takanosho came out and blasted Onokatsu, holding him high with his right forearm. Takanosho then yanked him forward to the ground with his left hand. Hatakikomi.

Nishikigi (3-7) defeated Atamifuji (4-6). Atamifuji apparently wanted to grapple with Nishikigi so he let Nishikigi inside with his right hand. That was a mistake and trying to back out only made it worse. Nishikigi took control and drove Atamifuji back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (7-3) defeated Oho (3-7). Oho pulled but stopped short of the bales. He then pivoted to the center of the ring and forced Wakatakakage to the edge. He got those hips pumping and forced Wakatakakage to fall out. Gunbai Oho, but it was very close so the shimpan called a mono-ii. Video review showed both men had their feet touch outside the ring at the same time. So, they were told to fight again! In the rematch, Oho drove forward, forcing WTK back to the bales. Suddenly, at the edge Wakatakakage disappeared. When he reappeared, he was behind Oho and simply pushed him out of the ring. Okuridashi.

Abi (8-2) defeated Hiradoumi (1-9). Hiradoumi took the initiative here and blasted Abi. He drove Abi back to the edge while trapping Abi’s right arm in close to his body, eliminating Abi’s tsuppari. Abi pulled and used that right arm to grip Hiradoumi’s shoulder and pull him down. That was interesting. Katasukashi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (6-4) defeated Oshoma (2-8). Oshoma held Wakamotoharu up and then tried for a pull. The entire world saw that coming, though. Most importantly, Wakamotoharu saw it coming. So, he released Oshoma and chased him out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Shodai (4-6) defeated Ura (2-8). Shodai baited Ura into pressing forward. Once Shodai’s back was to the bales he pivoted and levered Ura’s shoulder over with his right hand to force Ura to the edge. From there, Shodai shoved Ura repeatedly until Ura tumbled into the crowd. Oshitaoshi.

Kirishima (4-6) defeated Churanoumi (2-8). Kirishima shifted at the tachiai, seized Churanoumi’s belt and yanked him forward to the ground. Uwatenage.

Daieisho (6-4) defeated Onosato (7-3). Onosato drove Daieisho to the tawara where Daieisho was imbued with the power of rice. Daieisho abandoned his usual slaps acquired a morozashi, double-inside grip. Daieisho then heaved Onosato to get the Ozeki moving backwards and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (9-1) defeated Kotoshoho (2-8). Kotoshoho started with tsuppari but Hoshoryu forced his way inside, grabbed Kotoshoho’s belt with his right hand and forced the grapple. While Kotoshoho tried to pry Hoshoryu’s hand off and keep the left hand away, Hoshoryu tried a throw. The throw failed but Hoshoryu was able to use the belt to drive Kotoshoho through the ring and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (9-1) defeated Tobizaru (6-4). Kotozakura worked his way inside against Tobizaru. Once he got the left hand grip to accompany his right-hand, Kotozakura yanked Tobizaru forward to the ground. I do not know what Tobizaru had planned there. He just seemed along for the rather unpleasant ride. Hikiotoshi.

Wrap-up.

Kotozakura, Hoshoryu and Takanosho charged forward to 9-1. All three are fighting well. Takanosho has not quite been as dominant in his bouts as the Ozeki so, I fully expect Takanosho to have difficulty keeping pace when pitted against sanyaku competition. He will get a massive test tomorrow as the schedulers suddenly feed him to Onosato.

That chase group is suddenly only two deep: Abi and Takerufuji. Takerufuji will fight Gonoyama tomorrow and Abi will face Onokatsu. The schedulers answered my question from yesterday with this bout. I am a little surprised with the move here, pulling low-rankers into Abi’s schedule so soon. But they probably want to eliminate the low-ranker title hopes, quickly. In that vein, Takarafuji will face Wakatakakage.

Kyushu 2024, Day Nine

Andy Kyushu 2024, Kyushu Basho , ,

Day Nine in the famous Hakata district of Fukuoka. Live NHK coverage and full top division replays on JME.tv in North America featured former Kakuryu and Myogiryu providing commentary. Your NHK video links of the action are here: Juryo Part I and Part II; Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

No news from the infirmary, and still no news on Kawazoe’s kyujo from Day 3. That fact has been giving sumo fans on Japanese Twitter a bit of concern. He won that day’s bout and seemed healthy. There has been no injury announcement. If there is a healthy scratch, that can mean scandal is brewing. So, peoples’ radars are up trying to find any sign of injury news. Tachiai hopes there’s nothing to see here and will bring news if we hear anything.

Down in Juryo, Oshoumi is still lighting people up. He’s the only undefeated sekitori left in this tournament which is remarkable because he owes his position to Takakeisho’s retirement. From this rank, even a yusho will likely not result in promotion to the top division.

So, Kinbozan has the early lead when we look at promotion candidates. Kagayaki and Hakuoho, on 5-4 from J2 but will really need four wins in the final six days to make strong cases. Tamashoho is also lurking but aside from their individual records, we will need to see how many real demotion candidates there are, aside from Bushozan, who’s already staked out a window seat on the barge to Juryo.

Makuuchi Action

Chiyoshoma (5-4) defeated Asakoryu (3-6). Chiyoshoma wrapped up Asakoryu and surged forward. Asakoryu pulled himself right out of the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (4-5) defeated Ryuden (2-7). Both men locked into a grapple immediately after the tachiai. Tokihayate yanked on Ryuden’s right side and pulled him down to the ground. Uwatenage.

Takerufuji (7-2) defeated Sadanoumi (3-6). Takerufuji pulled Sadanoumi down while pivoting to stay in bounds. Hatakikomi.

Shonannoumi (6-3) defeated Hokutofuji (3-6). As Hokutofuji lowered his head to charge forward, Shonannoumi pulled (surprise) and shoved Hokutofuji to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Meisei (6-3) defeated Shishi (3-6). With a quick pull, Meisei pivoted and forced Shishi to the edge. He reengaged and shoved Shishi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (3-6) defeated Tamawashi (4-5). Tamawashi desperately tried to twist Nishikifuji down but Nishikifuji stayed on his feet and pressed Tamawashi to the bales. At the bales, Nishikfuji pressed all of his weight forward and crushed Tamawashi out. Yoritaoshi.

Takarafuji (7-2) defeated Onokatsu (7-2). Takarafuji pulled and slapped Onokatsu down. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (5-4) defeated Mitakeumi (5-4). Ichiyamamoto’s usual brand of oshi-sumo was insufficient to force Mitakeumi into trouble. In a sign of strength, Mitakeumi surged inside to wrap up Ichiyamamoto. Ichiyamamoto locked up Mitakeumi and pressed forward. Mitakeumi tried to twist Ichiyamamoto down as he went over the bales but Ichiyamamoto stayed up. The twist seemed to tweak something in Mitakeumi’s taped left butt cheek as his body rebelled against the twist maneuver. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (5-4) defeated Endo (5-4). Takayasu got his powerful right arm on Endo’s belt spun Endo down. Takayasu’s left hand pressed down on Endo’s head. Takayasu’s hand slipped off Endo’s head and his fingers never got caught in Endo’s hair, so there was no concern over a hair pull. Uwatenage.

Midorifuji (4-5) defeated Nishikigi (2-7). Midorifuji first used his maemitsu grip to press forward and force Nishikigi to the edge. Nishikigi resisted well, using the tawara to brace. Midorifuji yanked hard on Nishikigi’s belt and pulled him down to the ground. Shitatedashinage.

Halftime

Takanosho (8-1) defeated Roga (4-5). Solid tachiai. Roga reached in to engage and pressed his weight forward. Takanosho slipped to his left and thrust Roga down. Takanosho kachi-koshi. Tsukiotoshi.

Gonoyama (6-3) defeated Kotoshoho (2-7). Kotoshoho pulled but Gonoyama did well to pursue and maintain his balance. Gonoyama then pressed forward and shoved Kotoshoho off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Tobizaru (6-3) defeated Ura (2-7). Ura and Tobizaru locked horns after the tachiai. Ura had a firm hold of Tobizaru’s right arm to start. Ura shifted his grip and that allowed Tobizaru use of that right hand. Tobizaru pulled hard with it. This spun Ura to the right and allowed Tobizaru to get in behind where he shoved Ura into the crowd Okuridashi.

Oho (3-6) defeated Hiradoumi (1-8). A confident, forward moving, thrusting attack from Oho sent Hiradoumi to the edge. Oho then blasted Hiradoumi over the bales. Tsukidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (6-3) defeated Shodai (3-6). Two mattas, one from the chief shimpan and one from the gyoji as the authorities crack down on Shodai’s touchless-tachiai. Shodai had a hold of Wakatakakage’s right shoulder and tried to pull him backward. Wakatakakage countered by pressing forward and he forced Shodai out. Yorikiri.  

Abi (7-2) defeated Daieisho (5-4). Abi-zumo > Daieisho-zumo. It is simple math. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (3-6) defeated Atamifuji (4-5). Atamifuji chased Kirishima for a few laps around the ring. Kirishima tried to pull Atamifuji forward over the bales with his right-hand grip. He threw Atamifuji off balance and nearly got in behind the big man. Atamifuji panicked and turned around but was met with powerful shoves forcing him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (8-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-7). Streak breaker! The streak of East wins, starting way back at Midorifuji, ends at eight because Churanoumi let Hoshoryu have a grip of his belt. Jesus, dude. Don’t do that! Hoshoryu’s going to throw you! Everyone in the building knew that. Hoshoryu reached over Churanoumi’s back and latched on to the back of Churanoumi’s mawashi. Hoshoryu pivoted and spun Churanoumi around the dohyo, then bowled him off the edge. Uwatenage.

Kotozakura (8-1) defeated Oshoma (2-7). Kotozakura shoved Oshoma to the bales. Oshoma tried to escape to his left so he could get a better position but tripped over his own feet. How many times have you practiced moving laterally, dude? You have probably done this literally every morning for the past four years. Oshitaoshi.

Onosato (7-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-4). Onosato used his size effectively to force Wakamotoharu to the edge and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Another strong performance from all three Ozeki. This is fantastic! Hoshoryu humbled Churanoumi today and will face Kotoshoho tomorrow. Kotozakura will fight Tobizaru and Onosato will take on Daieisho.

The Kyokai has begun trying to eliminate rank-and-filers from the yusho race by setting them against each other. First was today’s Takarafuji vs Onokatsu bout which Takarafuji won, dropping Onokatsu from the lead group into the chasers. Next, Takanosho earned his kachi-koshi and will fight Onokatsu. Meanwhile, others in the chase group will have tough bouts tomorrow (except Takarafuji). Abi will face Hiradoumi, Takarafuji will square up against Mitakeumi, and Takerufuji has drawn Meisei.

It’s still early but I am sure that the Wakatakakage fans among you are eagerly anticipating his possible return to sanyaku. He’s certainly wracking up the wins he will need. Abi looks to be his main competitor for an open slot and it looks like both men will have an easier schedule this week as they’ve already fought all eligible sanyaku opponents. But both Shodai and Kirishima will need to turn things around to keep their ranks. If they don’t there could be two openings, enough for both WTK and Abi.

What this means, though, is Abi is a real dark horse for the yusho. He has already faced the gauntlet and performed very well. He definitely looks much stronger than he had in the past couple of tournaments. Probably the biggest question here is when do they bring Takanosho and Takerufuji into his fight card?

By the numbers, neither should really fight Abi based on their ranks. Which fight would you replace? Abi has already fought Ura and will take on Hiradoumi tomorrow. Frankly, I would like to see him take on Wakatakakage, Tobizaru and Atamifuji. If he wins those, with Hiradoumi tomorrow, that puts him on 11 wins.

Kyushu 2024, Nakabi

Andy Kyushu 2024, Kyushu Basho , , ,

The middle day is upon us!

No one checked into the infirmary. In fact, Tohakuryu checked out. Mitakeumi cannot go kyujo, apparently. He’s too beat up and battered to sign himself in. Or maybe he’s inspired by baseball’s Otani and plans to have his teammates carry him through to a championship while he gamberizes impotently. Who Mitakeumi’s teammates are, I am not sure.

In Juryo, Oshoumi is doing his best to run away with the title. He is the first sekitori to secure a kachi-koshi. Kinbozan and Tsurugisho are one win back. Debutant Aonishiki picked up Win number 6 today but will have to go through Tsurugisho tomorrow.

Here are your NHK Video links: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II. As always, live Top Division coverage on JME.tv with full replays four times each day.

Makuuchi Action

Onokatsu (7-1) defeated Asakoryu (3-5). Onokatsu was ready to get going. Two mattas. After a brief exchange of slaps and thrusts, Onokatsu ducked and reached inside. Once he acquired a double-inside hold on Asakoryu, the match was decided and he easily walked Asakoryu back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji defeated Ryuden. Sidestep tachiai from Ryuden who attempted a slapdown. It feels like he hasn’t gotten his right hand on anyone’s belt so far this tournament. He didn’t get a grip on Takerufuji’s belt, either. Instead, Takerufuji pursued the retreating Ryuden and wrapped him up. Takerufuji drove Ryuden to the bales. When Ryuden resisted with his back to the tawara, Takerufuji seemed to say, “I’m not messing around, Get Out!” He released Ryuden’s belt and blasted him with strong shoves until Ryuden flew into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Hokutofuji (3-5) defeated Nishikifuji (2-6). Hokutofuji pressed forward into Nishikifuji with a strong nodowa. He suddenly pulled, and tried to thrust Nishikifuji to the side and out of the ring. That did not work well so he plowed forward again and drove Nishikifuji out of the dohyo. Forward moving sumo wins. Oshidashi.

Shishi (3-5) defeated Sadanoumi (3-5). Shishi obliterated Sadanoumi at the tachiai and jettisoned the veteran from the ring. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (3-5) defeated Tamawashi (4-4). Tokihayate faced down Tamawashi’s slaps and thrusts, pressed inside and got a good hold of Tamawashi’s trunk. Once he got the hold, he forced Tamawashi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Meisei (5-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-4). Meisei took the brunt of Chiyoshoma’s slapping attack and withstood the slapdown attempt. He charged forward into Chiyoshoma and overwhelmed him at the edge of the ring, shoving Chiyoshoma down to the ground. Ever the gentleman, he helped Chiyoshoma up. Oshitaoshi.

Takarafuji (6-2) defeated Shonannoumi (5-3). Shonannoumi hit Takarafuji hard at the tachiai but Takarafuji deflected him to the side and Shonannoumi rolled over to his third loss. Hikiotoshi.

Endo (5-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-4). Endo batted Ichiyamamoto’s arms away, and charged forward. Ichiyamamoto retreated and Endo finished him with a shoulder blast. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (4-4) defeated Mitakeumi (5-3). Takayasu locked Mitakeumi up and gently applied more and more pressure until he got Mitakeumi moving in reverse. I have a feeling Mitakeumi’s bouts will be good timing to head to the refrigerator and refill your tea. Maybe make a late-night sandwich. Hold the refrigerator door open in prolonged indecision…sweet potatoes or cake? Why not both? Yorikiri, btw.

Takanosho (7-1) defeated Midorifuji (3-5). Takanosho with another powerful tachiai and Midorifuji played into his hands with a pull attempt. Takanosho kept Midorifuji squarely in his sights and drove him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Nishikigi (2-6) defeated Gonoyama (5-3). Nishikigi weathered Gonoyama’s attack and reached over for a strong left-hand grip. He drove Gonoyama back and then battered him at the edge to force him out for win number two. Good think Goeido was no longer ringside to witness this. Oshidashi.

Roga (4-4) defeated Kotoshoho (2-6) Kotoshoho charged forward at the tachiai and backed Roga to the edge, only to pull, and pull, and pull again. Roga chased and ejected the dejected Kotoshoho. Oshitaoshi.

Abi (6-2) defeated Ura (2-6). Ura did not have a plan for dealing with Abi-zumo, so Abi-zumo dealt with him. Oshitaoshi.

Wakatakakage (5-3) defeated Hiradoumi (1-7) More rhythmic clapping and chanting ahead of the bout in support of Hiradoumi. He’s got to finish this tournament with a better record than Mitakeumi. That’s the goal. It should be everyone’s goal, even Bushozan’s. Even Shodai’s. 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.)

Hiradoumi jumped early for a matta. They reset. At the initial charge, Hiradoumi pressed ahead and Wakatakakage resisted well. WTK then wisely stepped to the side, grabbed Hiradoumi’s left shoulder and pulled him down. Katasukashi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (5-3) defeated Atamifuji (4-4). Atamifuji drove Wakamotoharu back to the bales. But the bales imbued Wakamotoharu with the strength of rice grains. Wakamotoharu reversed course and plowed ahead into the young Atamifuji, forcing him from the ring. Yorikiri.

Shodai (3-5) defeated Oho (2-6). Shodai met Oho head on and pressed forward to get a good hold of Oho. With a firm left-hand grip, Shodai slipped to the side and swung Oho around. Oho did not go down from the throw but he got spun around and Shodai chased Oho out. Okuridashi.

Daieisho (5-3) destroyed Kirishima (2-6). Kirishima brought nothing to the bout but a half-hearted slapdown attempt. Daieisho drove forward smoothly and forced Kirishima out. “How did a chump like you make Ozeki when I can’t?” Little did anyone know, Kiribayama’s power was in his shikona. He gave up horse power for limp Napa cabbage. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (7-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-6). Churanoumi played fierce defense. Kotonowaka was patient and assertive. Stubborn in his attack, he continued to press forward and fight for a hold of Churanoumi’s belt. Churanoumi worked his way back to the center of the ring but with the lone right-hand grip, Kotonowaka backed away and spun him down. Uwatehineri.

Onosato (6-2) defeated Tobizaru (5-3). Onosato did not give Tobizaru an inch. He pressed forward from the tachiai and blasted Tobizaru from the ring. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-1) defeated Oshoma (2-6). Hoshoryu seized Oshoma’s belt with his outside hand, reared back, spun Oshoma around and swung him to the ground. “Welcome to the Jungle, Baby.” Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Onokatsu was the first of the leadership group to collect a win, followed by Takanosho. Takanosho is certainly taking this Heyagashira role seriously. He’s probably getting a big boost in support now. Takerufuji and Takarafuji also picked up wins to stay in this young yusho race. Like Shonannoumi, Gonoyama wanted no part in this yusho race. After seeing the Ozeki in action today, one can understand why. No sensible rank-and-filer aside from Takerufuji, perhaps, would want a date with these Ozeki in Week 2.

The Ozeki really had a great day. Kotozakura had the biggest challenge from Churanoumi but he really dominated that bout. Churanoumi was doing all he could to defend but it was not enough.

Our top division leaderboard going into Week Two looks like this:

✶: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu, Takanosho, Onokatsu

✶✶: Onosato, Abi, Takarafuji, Takerufuji.

Obviously, we’re still very early in this contest but the way these Ozeki are fighting, it will take something extra special to surprise us with a rank-and-file yusho this tournament. Next weekend the Ozeki will take turns fighting each other. Won’t it be something if the yusho is on the line? It feels like it has been quite a while since the top guys were all in the race…even by this point.

Hoshoryu will get his turn against Churanoumi tomorrow while Kotozakura will get the leftovers of what Hoshoryu chewed up today. Onosato will have a tougher time with Wakamotoharu tomorrow in the musubi-no-ichiban.

Further down the banzuke Abi will fight Daieisho, Takanosho will face Roga, Onokatsu will fight Takarafuji, and Takerufuji will take on Sadanoumi. I can’t wait to see what happens! Welp, back to bed after I put away the last sweet potato. I’ll see y’all tomorrow.