News from the infirmary is that Kitanowaka is kyujo. He broke his leg in yesterday’s action and will need two months to recover. He will surely drop back into Juryo for March. With Terunofuji’s retirement and several demotions incoming, Shiden and Kayo are going to kick themselves if they miss this opportunity at promotion. Meanwhile, there are several guys a bit deeper on the banzuke willing to fill in the gaps. We’re obviously skipping over makuuchi veterans Tsurugisho and Shimanoumi, who cannot buy a white star between them.
Today’s NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.
Shishi put his head down and drove into heavyweight Mitoryu, earning his kachi-koshi. Wakaikari threw everything at Kiryuko, even starting with a henka, before finally winning with a nice throw. Both of those matches are in the Juryo Part I videos. Aonishiki, meanwhile, easily forced Kayo out to stay on pace. This might be the yusho race to watch this basho. Wakaikari will take on Shirokuma tomorrow. Shishi will face Oshoumi and Aonishiki will have his hands full against Sadanoumi.
Makuuchi Action
Kagayaki (3-6) defeated Shiden (2-7). Shiden slow rolled Kagayaki into a matta. The tachiai games won him no advantage as Kagayaki drove into him, forced him back to the bales, and out. Shiden had nothing to counter. He tried some ottsuke with his right arm for a few seconds but gave up to get a belt grip. That allowed Kagayaki to get his belt and chug forward. Yorikiri.
Kotoshoho (2-7) defeated Tamashoho (3-6). Kotoshoho charged forward, then pulled but Tamashoho kept his balance and kept up his tsuppari. After trying the same thing twice, Kotoshoho tried Plan B. Kotoshoho grabbed Tamashoho’s left arm at the shoulder and pulled him forward. Kotenage.
Shonannoumi (4-5) defeated Tokihayate (4-5). Shonannoumi completely abandoned his style of sumo and just laid into Tokihayate with powerful tsuppari. His tsuppari forced Tokihayate back to the edge and another, violent shove forced Tokihayate out. Where has this Shonannoumi been? Oshidashi.
Onokatsu (6-3) defeated Nishikifuji (4-5). Nishikifuji and Onokatsu traded tsuppari for a few seconds before switching to yotsu-zumo with left-hand inside grips. Nishikifuji’s fatal mistake was to try to pull. Onokatsu used the momentum shift to charge forward and drive Nishikifuji backward and down to the ground. Yoritaoshi.
Nishikigi (5-4) fusen win over Kitanowaka (4-5-6).
Kinbozan (9-0) defeated Takerufuji (7-2). A bout that lived up to the hype. This was a very entertaining back-and-forth. Takerufuji tried an early pull but Kinbozan forced him to the edge. Takerufuji pressed his way back to the center. Kinbozan pivoted and tried to pull Takerufuji down he then pressed forward, forcing Takerufuji to the edge again. Takerufuji suddenly turned the tables and forced Kinbozan to teeter at the edge by twisting. But Takerufuji could not finish him off. Kinbozan recovered and pulled Takerufuji across the ring. Takerufuji’s legs couldn’t keep up and Kinbozan won by dragging Takerufuji down by his arm. Kotenage.
Hakuoho (6-3) defeated Meisei (2-7). Both men locked in for a yotsu battle. Hakuoho drove forward and forced Meisei to the edge. Meisei pivoted and tried to throw Hakuoho but Hakuoho’s footwork was solid. The pair settled in the middle of the ring to catch their breath. Hakuoho caught his first, suddenly pulled and rotated counter-clockwise, throwing Meisei to the ground. Uwatedashinage.
Midorifuji (2-7) defeated Mitakeumi (2-7). Mitakeumi let Midorifuji have a morozashi, double-inside belt grip. Mitakeumi tried to pick up Midorifuji and charge forward for a kimedashi but Midorifuji resisted. Having failed at Plan A, Mitakeumi caught his breath and tried Plan A again, charging forward to the bales. Midorifuji pivoted and each man tried to topple the other over the bales. Midorifuji won with better leverage from his inside grip and threw Mitakeumi. Shitatenage.
Endo (4-5) defeated Tamawashi (6-3). Tamawashi hit Endo with tsuppari and put his head down to charge forward. Endo timed his pull well, shifted right and slapped Tamawashi down. Hikiotoshi.
Ichiyamamoto (6-3) defeated Oshoma (4-5). Ichiyamamoto plugged forward with his tsuppari. Oshoma tried to pull Ichiyamamoto over the bales but Ichiyamamoto latched onto Oshoma with his left hand outside. The two danced along the bales trying to throw the other. Ichiyamamoto was able to get Oshoma turned and shoved Oshoma over. Oshitaoshi.
Halftime
Takayasu (6-3) defeated Takarafuji (4-5). Takarafuji grabbed Takayasu’s left arm but Takayasu did not like where Takarafuji was going with it. So, Takayasu extracted his arm and thrust into Takarafuji, hard, shoving him out. Tsukidashi.
Chiyoshoma (8-1) defeated Churanoumi (3-6). Quite the brawl. Churanoumi’s tsuppari kept Chiyoshoma off his belt. When Chiyoshoma tried to reach in, Churanoumi would freak out and shove him away, hard. The thing is, Chiyoshoma’s tsuppari game is fierce and he plugged away, driving Chiyoshoma to the edge…but not over. Chiyoshoma pulled and as Churanoumi followed, Chiyoshoma grabbed his arm and pulled him forward over the bales. Tottari.
Shodai (4-5) defeated Gonoyama (5-4). THAT Shodai is still in the house. His footwork was excellent and he resisted Gonoyama’s opening nodowa. Gonoyama kept up with his forceful thrusts but Shodai weathered the torrent. Shodai shifted to the side and Gonoyama nearly toppled over but recovered and reengaged Shodai. Shodai had had enough and drove forward into Gonoyama with all of his might, forcing him to tumble backwards off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.
Oho (7-2) defeated Atamifuji (2-7). Oho grabbed Atamifuji with his left arm under Atamifuji’s right shoulder. Oho rotated clockwise and slammed his right arm down onto Atamifuji’s back while pulling at that shoulder, forcing Atamifuji down. Katasukashi.
Sanyaku
Wakatakakage (4-5) defeated Takanosho (2-7). Takanosho drove forward and had Wakatakakage at the bales but Wakatakakage reached in with both hands on Takanosho’s belt and hoisted up. Wakatakakage let go of Takanosho’s belt but rotated and threw Takanosho over the bales. Sukuinage.
Kirishima (6-3) defeated Abi (5-4). Kirishima pulled as Abi was blasting away with his tsuppari. Abi stumbled forward and Kirishima pursued. Abi turned to resist at the bales but Kirishima shoved him over. Does this Kirishima only come out in Tokyo? Oshidashi.
Wakamotoharu (2-7) defeated Tobizaru (5-4). Wakamotoharu avoided make-koshi by keeping Tobizaru in front of him and hitting him with forceful tsuppari. Tobizaru tried to grab Wakamotoharu’s belt but WMH yanked him off. Wakamotoharu fired off with more tsuppari and drove Tobizaru over the edge. Oshidashi.
Hiradoumi (5-4) defeated Hoshoryu (6-3). Hiradoumi launched into Hoshoryu at the tachiai. He then shifted left and Hoshoryu stumbled forward to the ground. Rope hopes dashed. Tsukiotoshi.
Ura (5-4) defeated Kotozakura (3-6). Ura charged into the Ozeki with both arms inside. Ura then rotated right and pulled Kotozakura down. Why did that look so easy? I think it was because Kotozakura braced himself with his left leg against the bales. Ura twisted in that direction and that is the knee that Kotozakura has taped up and is wearing a supporter. Oshitaoshi.
Onosato (6-3) defeated Daieisho (6-3). Onosato drove his forearm into Daieisho’s chin, forcing him back. As Daieisho attempted to right himself and charge forward, Onosato shifted to his right and slapped Daieisho down. Hatakikomi.
Wrap-up
No Ozeki kachi-koshi for Kotozakura. He can only give up one more loss before he is kadoban in Osaka. If the left knee is really giving him this much trouble, he needs to go kyujo now. He has not faced either of his Ozeki peers. They have their own problems to sort out and will be more than motivated to drop him.
We’re going to have another maegashira yusho. Everyone in sanyaku is just fighting for pride and position at this point. As we take a look at the leader board, only Kinbozan is undefeated and only Chiyoshoma is one back with one loss. Takerufuji and Oho follow with two losses.
As we head into the final furlong, Kinbozan and Chiyoshoma will face their toughest battles yet as the Kyokai tries to stop their advance. Kinbozan will fight Abi and Chiyoshoma will take on Kirishima. Takerufuji will fight Ichiyamamoto and Oho will take on Tamawashi.
Oho might still be a favorite for the yusho, though he has two losses. The Kyokai cannot make his schedule more difficult; He has already faced the top guys. Takerufuji will probably start facing joi-level fights on Day 11.
One positive from Terunofuji’s retirement may be that this will open the door for another wrestler to enter the top division. At this rate, we are looking at an extended period of time with no Yokozuna. Our next Yokozuna is hopefully in Makuuchi right now and we will not need to wait for Wakaikari to establish himself as a sanyaku mainstay.
As was eluded to in the comments, this might impact the Kyokai’s Jungyo plans. For the past couple of years, even if Terunofuji had not been available for tournaments, he would participate in the local tours and events at shrines, performing his dohyo-iri. We just came out of a pandemic, so we know these events do not have to go on. At this time of increased popularity of sumo, his presence will be missed.
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Ah, a search back in tachiai.org tells me it’s purple or dark blue.
https://tachiai.org/2020/08/29/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-mawashi/
Ah, you found it before I could reply. Yeah, one of Herouth’s epic posts has the answer. But practically speaking, white seems to be the verboten.
It’s a sinking feeling to have one’s hopes dashed. My head was telling me not to buy too much into the hype of a possible one or two Yokozuna promotion, but my heart wanted it, especially with the somewhat unexpected day 6 intai announcement of Big Teru. 😔
It was very surprising how quickly he went from 3rd place Ozeki to Yokozuna favorite. He’s improved from the middle of last year and he’s doing great…just not Yokozuna-quality, yet. He might get there later this year.
Onosato is currently working on going from 3rd place ozeki to yokozuna favourite within the same basho. ;)
The swings in this sport are crazy sometimes. In retrospect, it makes Hakuho’s consistency truly phenomenal.
Nice pic without caption:
Daikon cheer leaders supporting the ‘Wall of Daikon’. lol
This day produced 14 different Kimarite (not counting Kitanowaka’s fusen) in the top division. I enjoyed the change from the usual yorikiri/oshidashi dominance that we have been seeing.
Who’s going to stop the Kinbozan bulldozer? He’ll probably get his share of the leaders and Sanyaku in the coming days. Abi is up next for him.
I agree. My big bro is a sandan in judo – he’s gonna LOVE midorifuji’s win today – he’s just been explaining to a new group of kids that it’s always technique over size and he is such a great example!
I don’t believe it. NHK has cancelled/postponed the sumo highlights, without notice, for the inauguration of the 47th (President of the USA). I’d rather watch the sumo thank you NHK. Just as well you posted those links Andy, and your summation. As ever, thank you.
How does one complain, albeit nicely, to NHK?!😠
In their web page the schedule seems to be changed. Sumo highlights are supposed be presented 50 minutes from now. Hopefully you read this before that and have a chance to watch the highlights, and hopefully their web page did not give wrong information which would not be a first time.
Thank you Asokj, much appreciated! 😀. I missed the first ten minutes, but caught the remainder.
I’ve noticed only today that Kotozakura’s mawashi is not blue-green but black. The superstitious change of colour happened on day 7, when his record was 1-5. Unlikely to cure the mind and/or knee. Fundamental reinvention would be required.
Great wins for Kinbozan and Midorifuji.
Aren’t the mawashi, officially anyway, all supposed to be black or dark blue?
No, in the sekitori ranks, you can choose your own color.
“The official rules allow shimekomi to be purple or dark blue. But rikishi have been defying this rule ever since color TV has been introduced. The NSK is looking the other way. One color, though, is taboo – white.”
For virtually everything mawashi-related, I point to this post from Herouth. https://tachiai.org/2020/08/29/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-mawashi/
Thanks Andy, our posts appeared at the same time!!
Do people feel ready for a Chiyoshoma yusho? I don’t
A Chiyoshoma yusho would be great for him but IMHO not useful for present situation in sumo. Looking forward to seeing a worthy challenger stepup,
I am convinced that there are two Shodais, identical twins, this being a closely gaurded secret.
I agree, Kotozakura should bow out now.
What a weird basho. Reminds me of the line spoken by the Lawrence Fishburn character in APACOLYSE NOW, “This sure is some bizarre sht! ‘
God, I love that movie. It’s a good one to watch with my son. I need to do that. The soundtrack is awesome, too.
The very thing I LOVE about sumo is that any given day, ANY rikishi no matter what their rank can walk away with the Yusho! Just one of many fascinating aspects! It would be strange if Chiyoshoma wins! Love the comment on Shodai – now I finally understand!!!
I’ve read a lot of talk about respect yesterday, and yet people not showing the same today because of a schedule change.
Sad as a Hoshoryu fan that a yusho is dashed let alone his chance at Yokozuna but like I had with Ozeki I don’t think it’s a matter of if but a matter of when it happens. He’s too driven and talented to settle for just Ozeki. That doesn’t mean a catastrophic injury won’t happen or something to derail it of course, but as we stand right now, he’s not there currently but he will eventually. I think Hoshoryu’s main weakness is both his ego (which has gotten him in trouble) and his aggressive nature. I think he underestimates people and comes in too aggressive for his own good. He’s going to need to curb that somewhat, so in a way, having his Yokozuna hopes dashed might be a good thing in the long run. I think the same can be said for Onosato. I think this tournament’s early stage was a wakeup call Onosato needed, and he’s been much more on the ball as of late. I think he’s too driven and talented for just be an Ozeki stand out, but he has to keep his mind in the game and keep his ego in check. Kotozakura…time will tell on that one. If he’s mentally broken and his leg is injured who knows what that’ll do for him long term wise.
Kinbozan when he’s healthy is a legitimate threat for a lot of people. He’s being aided by being so far down the rankings but his strength and developing talent is remarkable. He’s morphed into an all-around type who can beat you in any position. IF he can stay healthy, he has a shot at making some moves up the ranks.
But I think you can apply that same logic to guys like Takerufuji, Oho and Hakuoho. IF they can stay healthy AND they keep improving the sky is the limit for them.
Today I was surprised how simple it is to break Atamifuji‘s mawashi grip. Just slap it off. Seems he needs an arm to hold for successful action. Several kotenage in his kimarite history.
No dominance but good competition up and down the banzuke .. Hoshoryu looks to have lost the focus shown in his first matches .. Good for Hiradoumi .. WTK did not try a 400 lb hip throw over the bales .. Last time he tried that (w Koto-z) it cost him two years .. Kirishima is a different wrestler than we have seen in months (health/coaching?).. Abi’s last blast left him grabbing air due to a deft shoulder turn .. All Shodai matches start the same .. the pivot point .. is the second or third exhange/blast .. Then Sho Dai shows up .. or Shodai shrugs off .. Looked to me that Kinbozan got inside Takerufuji’s uber strong hands/arms .. his core/leg strength was then a mismatch .. Atamifuji tried to stay low today .. his footwork did not keep up .. Perhaps Daieisho could try cross training in tab dancing .. His losses all have the same roots(less) .. MIdorifuji’s hip throw of Mitakeumi was a highlight for little guys .. Hakuoho shed the shoulder tape + looked solid .. Going to get some interesting Juryo promo’s for next basho ..
I had a comment here on day 3 that it was a pleasure to watch healthy Kinbozan, and that he was fighting like when he first broke into makuuchi.
Well, 6 days later and I am certainly enjoying the ride. He seemed like he showed multiple tools today. The association is going to throw everything possible in his path, but so far he is meeting the challenge.
No yokozuna is interesting. Those who aren’t looking over their shoulder, but rather moving forward in their quest for that rope, surely will rule the eventual day. We shall see.
Yeah, I feel that without a Yokozuna the sport is back to its roots and someone will need to really rise above to earn the rank.