The big news from the infirmary is no surprise. Terunofuji is kyujo after suffering his second loss yesterday on Day Four to Tobizaru. The grimace on his face when he landed below the dohyo.
The NHK videos for today are here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.
Hakuyozan is the lone wrestler in Juryo with an undefeated record. Trailing him with one loss are a whole cast of characters, Ryuden, Shirokuma, Shishi, Aonishiki, Tomokaze, Oshoumi, Wakaikari, Kotoeiho and the entire ensemble of A Streetcar Named Desire. The field will be whittled down by the weekend. Wakaikari takes on Hkuyozan tomorrow.
Makuuchi Action
Sadanoumi (Juryo 3-2) defeated Tokihayate (3-2). Sadanoumi quickly obtained a left-hand inside, right-hand outside grip on Tokihayate’s belt and just overpowered the youngster. Sadanoumi pivoted and drove Tokihayate back and over the bales. Yorikiri.
Kitanowaka (3-2) defeated Tamashoho (1-4). Kitanowaka weathered Tamashoho’s torrent of tsuppari as if it was a gentle summer shower. After a failed slapdown attempt, Kitanowaka traded tsuppari for a while. Kitanowaka reached in with his left hand to grab Tamashoho’s belt, pivoted, and threw Tamashoho to the ground. Uwatenage.
Kagayaki (1-4) defeated Hakuoho (3-2). Kagayaki charged forward and pressed Hakuoho to the edge. Hakuoho countered along the bales and forced the action back toward the center of the ring. After Kagayaki caught his breath he charged forward again. Hakuoho tried to pivot and force Kagayaki down but he could not derail the shinkansen. Kagayaki forced him back to the bales and kept the pressure up until Hakuoho stepped out. Yorikiri.
Kinbozan (5-0) defeated Nishikifuji (2-3). Kinbozan chased Nishikifuji to the bales with his powerful tsuppari. Nishikifuji spun like a whirling dervish to try to escape. Kinbozan had enough of the wascly wabbit, locked onto Nishikifuji’s mawashi and escorted him over the edge. Yorikiri.
Nishikigi (4-1) defeated Onokatsu (2-3). Nishikigi overpowered the young Onokatsu with his left hand belt grip and forced him out, under the white tassel. Yorikiri.
Takerufuji (4-1) defeated Kotoshoho (1-4). After a brief oshi tussle, Takerufuji grabbed Kotoshoho with a strong left-hand outside belt grip and his right arm inside around Kotoshoho’s trunk. He stood Kotoshoho up and drove him back to the bales where Kotoshoho tried to counter. Takerufuji released his grip and shoved Kotoshoho to finish him off. He got enough of Kotoshoho to force him over the bales before he, himself, fell into the lap of Nishonoseki-oyakata. Oshidashi.
Shonannoumi (2-3) defeated Midorifuji (1-4). Midorifuji reached inside with both arms, his right arm snaked up around Shonannoumi’s shoulder. Shonannoumi stayed close and enveloped Midorifuji with both arms. His first attempt to swing Midorifuji out failed. But he collected his thoughts and caught his breath for a second try. This time he was successful as he forced Midorifuji out. Kimedashi.
Tamawashi (5-0) defeated Meisei (1-4). Tamawashi charged forward and Meisei tried to slide back to the bales. Meisei’s legs splayed out a little too far so Tamawashi brought his hand up over Meisei and shoved Meisei down to the ground. Hikiotoshi.
Oshoma (3-2) defeated Churanoumi (2-3). Oshoma kept Churanoumi away from his belt with effective pushing and shoving, never allowing Churanoumi to get inside. Oshoma slammed his left hand into Churanoumi’s head. As Churanoumi pressed his weight forward to resist, Oshoma slipped to the side and released with his left hand. Churanoumi stumbled forward and Oshoma pushed him down. Hikiotoshi.
Takarafuji (1-4) defeated Mitakeumi (2-3). Mitakeumi let Takarafuji drive him back to the edge where he tried to shift right along the bales to topple Takarafuji. Mitakeumi’s choice of a retreating attack was made in order to enrage Andy. “Move forward, man! Gahh!” Predictably, Uncle Takara wasn’t falling for it. He had a solid left-hand hold under Mitakeumi’s shoulder and secured a firm right-hand overarm belt grip. Mitakeumi retreated but Takarafuji forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.
Endo (2-3) defeated Roga (0-1-4). Endo’s left-hand ottsuke was the story here. Roga tried to reach in with his right-hand grip to mirror Endo’s. However, Endo pressed in hard and kept Roga off his belt. Roga let up to start plugging away with tsuppari and Endo reacted by driving forward and forcing Roga out. Yorikiri.
Halftime
Chiyoshoma (5-0) defeated Takayasu (2-3). Takayasu batted Chiyoshoma’s right hand away but Chiyoshoma still locked on with his left. Chiyoshoma spun and followed up by driving into Takayasu from the left side. This got Papa Bear suitably off-balance so Chiyoshoma pressed ahead and forced Takayasu out. Yorikiri.
Cue an ill-timed News Break during the Ichiyamamoto/Hiradoumi bout. I love the JME service but sometimes NHK decisions are just…GAH!
Ichiyamamoto (4-1) defeated Hiradoumi (1-4) On the replay we see that Ichiyamamoto did his thing and battered Hiradoumi, keeping him at bay and away from his belt. After several exchanges of tsuppari, Ichiyamamoto had worked Hiradoumi to the bales. Ichiyamamoto grabbed Hiradoumi and threw him to the ground. Sukuinage.
Tobizaru (4-1) defeated Ura (2-3). What did you expect from Ura and Tobizaru? Well, I figure we got exactly what we expected. Ura drove into Tobizaru and Tobizaru pulled. Tobizaru leapt at the edge, as is his wont, pressing Ura down. Gunbai Tobizaru. On the replay we saw Ura’s hand touching the ground as Tobizaru went flying. Decision upheld. Hatakikomi.
Kirishima (2-3) defeated Takanosho (0-5). Kirishima and Takanosho traded tsuppari. When Takanosho tired, Kishirima was able to press his way inside for a left-hand grip and he droe Takanosho out. Yorikiri.
Sanyaku
Daieisho (4-1) defeated Wakatakakage (2-3). Daieisho did his thing. Wakatakakage wanted to react at the edge, cycling to his left, but Daieisho took his time and gave him no opening. Tsukidashi.
Abi (4-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-4). Abi’s slap down failed so Abi followed up with his tsuppari and forced Wakamotoharu out. Oshidashi.
Shodai (2-3) defeated Kotozakura (1-4). Firm right-hand inside, left-hand outside. Kotozakura’s only attack seems to have been a counter at the edge as he tried to pivot and pull Shodai right. Shodai did not have any of it and drove Kotozakura to the floor. Yoritaoshi.
Gonoyama (4-1) fusen over Terunofuji (2-3-10).
Oho (5-0) defeated Onosato (2-3). Onosato charged forward. At the bales, Oho slipped to his left and Onosato stumbled forward and out. On the replay, you will notice that after a quick exchange of tsuppari, Oho slipped his left hand up behind Onosato’s shoulder, telegraphing a katasukashi attempt. As Onosato neared the edge, Oho executed his katasukashi. This pulled Onosato further forward but did not finish him. Oho only had to shove him out from behind to hand Onosato his third loss. Okuridashi.
Atamifuji (1-4) defeated Hoshoryu (4-1). Hoshoryu locked on with his right-hand inside and with a singlemindedness to use that belt grip, dragged Atamifuji to and fro. Atamifuji is a big boy, though, not so easy to throw. Atamifuji hung on for the ride, doing what he needed to keep his balance and avoid the edge. He also had his own left hand belt grip to counter Hoshoryu’s. He wisely released the belt grip to wrap up Hoshoryu’s right arm. Right arm secured, he rotated and flung Hoshoryu to the floor with a rough kotenage.
Satonofuji yumitorishiki.
Wrap-up
Back to the days of wholesale Ozeki losses and Yokozuna kyujo. 懐かしい。
Now that we have Day Five in the books, I want to look back at Wakamotoharu’s performance in particular. With all of the chatter about the dual-Yokozuna promotion chance, before the basho started Patricia Dobashi raised the topic of possible Ozeki promotion for Wakamotoharu that seemed to be overlooked, over on Blue Sky. His previous two tournaments had been fairly strong performances: 11-4 at M3 and 10-5 at K1. Surely, 11+10+12 = the magic 33, no?
There is a reason no Ozeki-run was ever mentioned. It would have taken a spectacular performance from Wakamotoharu to force such a discussion, something that he has never displayed. Yes, Tochinoshin was promoted with a run that started at M3…but that was a 14-1 yusho and a run that totaled a stonking 37 wins (14-10-13)! Before that, Terunofuji’s first promotion run started with 8-7 at M2…but what followed was 13-2 Jun-yusho and 12-3 yusho – both at the rank of Sekiwake.
In neither case were either wrestler ranked Komusubi in their runs. They both went straight from Maegashira to Sekiwake and had two strong performances at that rank before promotion. That is probably a minor point but thanks to the SumoDB, I did find one promotion case since 1958 which followed an M-K-S-O pattern: Tochihikari in 1962. Meanwhile, there are a number of cases which followed the M-S-S-O pattern: Tochinoshin, Terunofuji, Kitao, Asashio, Kaiketsu, and Yutakayama. Personally, I do not start thinking about Ozeki promotions until the wrestler is in their second Sekiwake tournament — and not if they squeak by with an 8-7 or 9-6.
So, while it is possible that Wakamotoharu was on a shadow Ozeki-run, that would have required something much more impressive than 12-wins. Maybe if those 12-wins came with a yusho attached? Regardless, here we are on Day 5 and he suffered his fourth loss to Abi. He would need to turn things around and basically win out if he wants this tournament to count in an promotion run come even in March or May…forget about this tournament.
Getting my mind back out of the clouds and pipe-dreams of promotion races, we see that Kotozakura’s hopes are dead and buried and after Hoshoryu’s loss today, his own promotion chances are likely dashed…or at least on life support. The way he cradled his arm after that kotenage, I have a feeling that he will be happy to end this tournament with a kachi-koshi. Unfortunately, Onosato and Kotozakura would both be happy with a kachi-koshi on senshuraku, as well.
This tournament is shaping up to be a real wake-up call for Onosato while it’s shaping up to be a breakout tournament for Oho. And today’s loss to Shodai should be a splash of cold water into the face of Kotozakura. Hopefully he will wake up. He has not demonstrated much offense this tournament, at all, seemingly too reliant on counter attacks at the edge which have not materialized.
It’s a bit funny that at the start of this tournament we had such high hopes for our healthy, powerful Ozeki, two of whom were on rope runs…all completely dashed by Day Five.
Oh, yeah, and somehow Sir Oho leads our Monty Python-esque squad with Sir Chiyoshoma, Sir Tamawashi, and Sir Kinbozan as they seek the Holy Grail. I’m having fun and can’t wait to see what Holy Hand Grenade gets thrown on Day Six. (You know Shodai’s the rabbit in my metaphor.) How about y’all?
Sir Kinbozan will face a rusted shinkansen (Kagayaki), Sir Tamawashi will take on the leaky Takarabune, and Sir Chiyoshoma will wade into battle with the Sacred Seas (Mitakeumi). This makes all three heavy favorites to move to 6-0. Sir Oho will have a bigger challenge against the Flying Monkey.
Discover more from Tachiai (立合い)
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Here is a little reminder of what happened to Ozeki runs starting at Maegashira ranks:
https://sumodb.sumogames.de/Query.aspx?show_form=0&columns=4&n_basho=4&sum_wins=33&show_sum=on&group_expand=on&form1_rank=m&form2_rank=k-s&form3_rank=k-s&form4_highlight=on&form4_rank=o&sort_by=sum_wins
36+ wins gets you promoted. Below 36 wins majority of runs do not end up with Ozeki promotion and those runs, where promotion happened, are from long past.
In Terunofuji’s case one should also note that at 13-2 J tournament he also ended Hakuho’s 36 match win streak.
“rope runs…all completely dashed by Day Five”
I’m not sure Hoshoryu’s done with his run. A basho at 14-1 or 13-2 is still within the realm of possible, and likely would be enough. You never know if even 12-3 would be enough with a yokozuna that finishes two basho a year on average.
I would like to agree with you. The problem is, even if he has three possible losses, one of them shouldn’t be to an upper maegashira with an 0-4 record. And the manner of the loss was un-yokozuna-like, allowing Atamifuji to get that kotenage. He really can’t afford one more mistake.
I’m just frustrated because he had that grip from the start and kept trying to use it…but it was not working. He should have pulled away to try something new long before Atamifuji trapped his arm.
Very good thought, Andy. U should have been up there with Atamifuji today and stand in for the Nephew to keep his record unblemished!
LOL. Atamifuji would have had me for asagohan. Maybe that should be my shikona. 朝御飯. I’d have to be at Takasago-beya.
I suspect “pulling away” is the reason Hoshoryu was cradling his arm. Atamifuji would NOT let go and something has to give in that scenario. It wouldn’t surprise me if it was Hoshoryu’s elbow.
LOL, I don’t think that was Hoshoryu pulling away as much as it was Atamifuji “trying to tear off.” If Hoshoryu had gotten out of there earlier and gone to Plan B, his elbow would not be a concern.
I join you with the thought, that if Hoshoryu had done something in another way, there could have been a win for him :)
Yes, and this is really the key to becoming a Yokozuna isn”t it. I used to explain to my grandson why Hakuho was so good. “You can see him cycling through PlanA, PlanB, PlanC, PlanD, PlanE, PlanF…”
Sure. But if Atamifuji goes on a run and finishes 10-5/9-6, and Hoshoryu is impressive vs. the other two ozeki, things will look a lot different. But obviously, the more impressive for him the better.
Kotozakura cannot, for whatever reason, do forward moving sumo. As soon as he latched onto the belt today he just….stopped moving. He was near tears during his bow today, so he’s definitely upset with the situation. But, he seems powerless to change it. Phantom injury (his back, perhaps)?
I want to know what switch flipped for Oho this tournament. Whatever happened I hope his work continues at this level in the future. Excellent stuff from him today and Onosato definitely has to get back to work and push himself to improve his skills.
Whenever any competitor keeps “going back to the well” like Hoshoruy did today, it’s evidence that they mentally panicked. Not surprising, since this is his first shot at a rope, so we’ll see how he deals with this adversity (and his potential injury) over the coming days.
I also hope that Ura is okay. Slamming your shoulder at speed into the bales does not sound like a fun time.
Oho has always tried to use the backwards moving, reactive sumo but he was getting caught. Maybe better planning, execution and ring presence are the key to his recent wins? I want to see him win while moving forward but will take these…for now.
It’s interesting to watch rikishi learn in real time. Onosho had the opposite problem (going forward too much all the time) and Abi started by always going forward, has recently gone backwards or sideways a lot of the time, and now he’s working on combining the two strategies. I’m curious to see what happens with Oho. I do hope he keeps winning, though.
As he‘s won a yusho before, this is obviously Hoshoryu’s second shot at the rope.
His first run looked a lot like that of Kotozakura does…
No, Hoshoryu’s yusho was before he was Ozeki. He was on an Ozeki promotion run but not a Yokozuna promotion run.
He was NOT on an Ozeki run … ?????
I try NOT to laugh but fail to do so.
LOL. Fixed. Sloppy editing of my comment. He was not on a Yokozuna promotion run but was on an Ozeki promotion run.
Oh, of course.
I completely forgot that there were times when Hoshoryu wasn’t an Ozeki yet. Sorry.
Bother. I’m about to get on a flight and thought I would check results. I shall ponder this en route. Hoshoryu losing….to Atamifuji, who has shown all the resilience of a wet lettuce so far this basho. Hoshoryu’s not out though, not yet. Great analysis and summation thank you all. All interesting stuff. Can’t wait to catch the action later! Good to see Kirishima winning a match or two. Since the ‘yeet heard round the world’ it’s been a very poor year for him, and it shows in his face, bless him, sometimes he just looks lost, even bereft.
Kirishima had a 12-3 record at sekiwake. I wouldn‘t call that ‚very‘ poor.
You left out the bit about demotion from Ozeki and dropping into the rank-and-file. To go from Yokozuna chatter to struggling as he is, I would call that a very poor year. He won 43 bouts, total. Yes, there was a kyujo there but you have to include that. I mean, even for Terunofuji I can’t call 2024 a “good” year.
Hi Justme, as Andy said, he fell from an Ozeki that people were talking about in terms of a Yokozuna run, to Maegashira#1. I think that’s a poor year in anyone’s book. He just had nothing in him. No vim, no vigor. His fights were lackluster at best. We all have different views on it though. I am just hoping we see a little of his old spirit returning.
Of course all that happened in Kirishima‘s 2024, and it‘s much about expectations. I‘m making sure not skipping the good things: sucsessful changing of heya, breaking the Takanosho curse, keeping the dominance over Kotozakura, overcoming injuries. At the moment he is quite strong again, though having a hard schedule as Maegashira#1. We should grant him a bonenkai.
What alternate universe have I arrived in? Chiyoshoma is 5-0 in Makuuchi with no henkas? Surely the Sumo Gods are messing with our minds.
1 henka.
Oh, missed that, thx. In that case, order has been restored in the Sumo universe. :)
And a beautiful flying henka at that.
When Oho was retrieving, I thought I heard someone yelling ‘Move forward, man! Gahh!’
But Oho had his plan, two days in a row! Now, may be we can take it easy when Oho put on the R gear.
My voice does get pretty loud. 😊
Tamawashi 15-0
Oh now wouldn’t that be a thing! I would love that to happen!! 💯 %
I’m with Sir Oho and Sir Tamawashi – as far as the rabbit goes – it’s either Shodai or Abi – Love the Monty Python references! LOVE your sense of humor! Still looks like same old same old. Still, I am not surprised.
I’m hearing whispers of a retirement … any confirmation?
Yeah, sounds like a done deal. We do not have any active Yokozuna.
This basho is turning into a free-for-all. We have:
5 Maegashira leading the pack at 5-0 including 40+ year old Tamawashi
8 chasers at 4-1 ranging from Ozeki to Maegashira 12
1 Yokozuna clearly at the end of the line and appears to be retiring
2 Ozeki who’ve lost their mojo
1 rope run over (Kotozakura)
1 rope run on the edge (Hoshoryu)
Lots to keep an eye on. If you like bashos with a touch of chaos, this is a feast.
BTW, looks like Terunofuji is officially bowing out.
Sayonara good Yokozuna. Thank you for the cherished memories and the life lesson on how to over come and attain greatness. We wish you well and will miss you.
My sister and I will miss him.
Watching him fight his way back to where he had been before the injury, and then go the next step, was awesome. Only Ura got louder cheers.
Since I started watching sumo in Nov 2022, poor Terenofuji has barely been able to fight. When he was able to compete fully, he won the Emperor’s Cup, but at what cost to his health? So for me, he’s been primarily an absent Yokozuna, and I can only hope that retirement brings him improved health and continued involvement in the sumo world. Did I read that he was going to be a coach?
I am sorry I saw him so little.
No pressure on Marshmallow Man and The Nephew then!
Can anyone good with stats tell me the longest period there’s been without a Yokozuna please ? Thanks.
@Andy (and any other staff member of Tachiai Blog)
It’s a bit out of topic, but the recently huge amount of entertaining discussion to read on the blog + the dimmer day of winter right now made me thought about this question:
Have you guys ever thought of offering maybe a “Dark mode” option for the blog ?
(i.e: Background dark and text color while.)
To ease the straining of eyes for long reading in a dim lighted environment.
Great idea. I use dark mode all the time on stuff, including the WordPress app. I’ll look into it.
\o/
Keep us informed then on this subject if it’s possible.
I’m not expecting it to be done tommorow or not even during this basho…but in the coming few months, that would be wonderful. Would be kind of a fun and great milestone too for Tachiai blog’s history.
2025: Implementation of it’s “Dark mode” interface. ^_^
Shodai mode
Let‘s say Oho (or anyone else) takes the yusho and Hoshoryu the jun yusho again: would that be enough for the rope? (I found Asashio and Onokuni who got promoted with two jun yusho and 24 or 25 wins, but that was back in 1959 and 1987.)
In a recent interview somebody said, he‘d definetely need a yusho. Was it Hakkaku?
Trying to name the family fighters: the Waka brothers (where is the 3rd?): Tamawashi and brother-in-law Tamashiho; Kotoeko and Kotoeiho.. whom else?
Frankly, never saw Kotozakura as an Ozeki any time soon; Onosata is a work in progress. But Abi, looking pretty good lately. where would he be in a future rope run?
Wakatakamoto. He’s in Makushita.
Kotoeko is not related to Kotoeiho. Kotoshoho is Kotoeiho’s brother.
There are several. It’s a good idea for a post.
This may be the era of sumo comets, meteors, shooting stars, yo-yo’s + various phases of the moon .. but no sun … Hoshoryu may not get the rope, but he has been the most consistent at the top … imho .. Full moons need to be appreciated for consistency (Daiesho) .. Even quarter moons can somedays be fun (Takarafuji) .. Atamifuji looked to make a move a half second before Hoshoryu did .. Speaks to seizing the initiative .. Kotozakura needs that lesson .. His match v Shodai was a stand-up walz .. Shodai was smart to first grab the belt .. then dance .. Shodai has tremendous core strength .. out-twisting him in a clinch would be tough . . As noted above, good to see Kirishima show better form, hand fighting, movement, and aggression .. Hakuoho (comet?) will have a hard time cracking/holding the top ranks if he can get inside on Kagayaki but could not reach the belt .. Can’t wait to see who has peaked vs is prepared for a seige ..
Just read @Sumosoul Terunofuji has retired.
Yup.