All of the lower division yusho have been decided. Oshoryu slapped Kawabuchi down to claim the Makushita title. Asanoyama, the former Ozeki, claimed the Sandanme yusho with a straight forward yorikiri over Chiyooga. Daikisho beat Okinohama in Jonidan and Chiyotenfu returned from knee injury to win in Jonokuchi.
In Juryo, Kusano suffered his first defeat to Kayo. Kayo escaped Kusano’s clutches at the tawara’s edge and shoved the young hot-shot out from behind.
Your NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.
Makuuchi Action
Kotoshoho (7-6) defeated Takarafuji (3-10). Kotoshoho quickly dispatched Takarafuji by shoving him back a couple of times. Oshidashi.
Tokihayate (9-4) defeated Meisei (7-6). Tokihayate grabbed Meisei’s belt with his right hand overarm grip, pivoted, and threw Meisei. Uwatenage.
Midorifuji (7-6) defeated Asakoryu (6-7). Asakoryu tried to power Midorifuji back with a yorikiri. Midorifuji pivoted left, and then right, throwing Asakoryu with his right hand secured in Asakoryu’s armpit. This was a similar position to his usual katasukashi, with his arm locked under his opponent’s shoulder, but rotating rather than pulling. Asakoryu had forced him too close to the bales for a safe pull but the throw was a great option. Sukuinage.
Shonannoumi (3-10) defeated Shirokuma (5-8). If Shirokuma doesn’t have an answer for Shonannoumi’s pulls, he will need to go back to Juryo. Uwatedashinage.
Mitakeumi (6-7) defeated Nishikigi (2-11). If you henka Nishikigi, you are a desperate individual. Mitakeumi is just such a desperate individual. He shifted left, grabbed Nishikigi’s belt and drove him over the bales. Yorikiri.
Sadanoumi (7-6) defeated Endo (7-6). Sadanoumi’s early pull nearly lost this bout as he slipped but barely recovered. Endo did not have the speed to take advantage of the slip so Sadanoumi pressed forward and shoved Endo out. Endo considered taking a nap on some of the vacant zabuton below the dohyo. It’s hard to believe Endo has accumulated seven wins, as banged up as he is. I agree with readers that he might be suffering from another concussion and should probably go kyujo if he picks up that eighth win tomorrow. He’d gotten his bell rung so often early in his career. Oshidashi.
Hakuoho (7-6) defeated Shishi (8-5). Shishi’s henka was too slow but indicative of the fact that folks have spotted Juggernaut’s weakness. Shishi failed to grab his belt and Hakuoho recovered well, drove forward and forced Shishi over the bales with a double-inside belt grip. Yorikiri.
Oshoma (8-5) defeated Onokatsu (8-5). Oshoma shifted right at the tachiai and slapped Onokatsu down, to the groans of the assembled masses. It’s hard to tell if the crowd just doesn’t like Oshoma’s wins because they’re usually crappy wins or if they just don’t like Oshoma because allegedly he’s a jackass who chased several promising Naruto-beya recruits out of the sport. Tsukiotoshi.
Ryuden (5-8) defeated Atamifuji (6-7). Atamifuji tried to slap Ryuden down but failed. Ryuden fought to get low and acquire a belt grip at the front (maemitsu) and drove Atamifuji back and over the bales. Yorikiri.
Churanoumi (9-4) defeated Tamawashi (9-4). Churanoumi’s forceful tsuppari kept Tamawashi at the edge. Tamawashi kept trying to twist and slap Churanoumi down at the edge. Churanoumi finally cornered Tamawashi and forced Tamawashi out while falling forward. Gunbai Tamawashi. Mono-ii. Video replay showed Tamawashi stepped out before Churanoumi landed so the gyoji’s call was reversed. Oshidashi.
Halftime; Shimpan Shuffle
Tobizaru (6-7) defeated Shodai (4-9). Eventually, Tobizaru shoved Shodai over the bales. Shodai nearly stole the victory with his old Acme-brand tricks but Tobizaru recovered from the slapdown attempt and maintained steady pressure on Shodai. Oshidashi.
Hiradoumi (8-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-8). Hiradoumi hit Chiyoshoma hard and forced him over the bales. Hiradoumi kachi-koshi, Chiyoshoma make-koshi. Oshidashi.
Gonoyama (5-8) defeated Kinbozan (5-8). After a good oshi-tsuki bout, Gonoyama shifted right, caught a hold of Kinbozan’s belt and pulled him forward. Tsukiotoshi.
Takayasu (11-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (7-5). Wakamotoharu slow-rolling his tachiai caught Takayasu in a false start. They reset and tried again. This time, they got going for real and Takayasu laid into Wakamotoharu as if he were possessed by the ghost of Prime Aoiyama. Tsukidashi.
Wakatakakage (8-5) defeated Ura (5-8). Wakatakakage tried to force Ura back and over the bales but Ura used the bales to resist and launch his counter attack. Ura’s slapdown failed and Ura tripped himself as he was retreating laterally from Wakatakakage. Oshitaoshi.
Sanyaku
Abi (6-7) defeated Takanosho (3-10). Abi pulled Takanosho down at the edge. Hatakikomi.
Kirishima defeated Ichiyamamoto. After a brief oshi bout, Ichiyamamoto tried to take on Kirishima on the belt and he did a credible job. Kirishima twisted and pulled Ichiyamamoto down with his left-hand belt grip. It looked like a shitatenage to Mainoumi and myself but they called it an overarm throw. We’re new to this but that left arm was planted under Ichiyamamoto’s right arm for a good minute. Maybe in the bizarro world where Ichiyamamoto fights with a yotsu style, up is down and down is up. Uwatenage.
Daieisho (9-4) defeated Aonishiki (9-4). Daieisho introduced Aonishiki to that sanyaku tsuppari, shoving Aonishiki back hard. As Aonishiki charged back at Daieisho, Daieisho slipped to the side and slapped the rookie down. Hatakikomi.
Kotozakura (8-5) defeated Takerufuji (9-4). Takerufuji chugged forward and Kotozakura slapped Takerufuji down, clearing his kadoban and knocking Takerufuji from the yusho race. Kotozakura’s strategy today seemed to boil down to, “I’m big, shove me back as hard as you can. And when you over commit, I’ll bring down the hammer.” It worked today and that’s all that matters. We will have two Ozeki in May. Hatakikomi.
Oho (5-8) defeated Onosato (10-3). Freaking Oho. He does demonstrate the superiority of forward-moving sumo against the back-pedaling Ozeki. Steady tsuppari from Oho. Onosato failed with his first slapdown attempt so he tried rather half-heartedly to get inside and seize Oho’s belt. When that failed, he backed away and tried again, and again for the slapdown, eventually running himself out of the ring — to the sound of many expletives from Andy.
Wrap-up
Senshuraku parties at Isegahama, Oitekaze, Kokonoe, Takasago and Naruto beya will feature yusho celebrations. I really like how Asanoyama’s goal is to shoot for a kinboshi. I am glad to see his second rebound is off to a good start. But congratulations all around. The biggest question remaining is whether Taganoura-beya’s will feature a yusho celebration, as well, or will Nishonoseki steal the limelight? Who will be scouring Osaka’s fish markets for suitable sea bream?
- 11-2: Takayasu
- 10-3: Onosato
The torikumi has not been set for tomorrow but NHK was speculating that Takayasu may face Abi or Takerufuji tomorrow and on Senshuraku. We shall see.
If I have time later tonight, I might run a brief preview post with updates about tomorrow’s schedule. But that could be pretty late. Regardless, sumo fans around the world are knocking on wood, crossing fingers and toes, abstaining from shaving, and praying for Takayasu’s back to hold up for two more days.
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Torikumi commitee going very easy on takayasu, ill be very disappointed if he wins this basho
Takayasu has fought against Yokozuna, both Ozekis, both Sekiwakes, one Komusubi, both M1, M2, both M2.
Tomorrow he is Churanoumi, who was among the leaders and chasers for most part of the basho.
How is it very easy?
We have to bring back Hakuho.
I disagree. He’s already fought the Yokozuna, two ozeki, two sekiwakii, a komosubi and the upper maegashira. The committee has matched him with someone with a 9-4 record, which is the strongest record of people he hasn’t fought yet. Hardly going easy!
I think the reason why Takayasu got Churanoumi M14w is that they want to eliminate the lowest ranking 9-4 rikishi from the yusho race. Takerufuji and Tamawashi got the other two 9-4 rikishi as opponents. They put the opponents in ranking order.
If U are writing this in earnest U should better comment on, let‘s say Artistic Swimming, because U obviously haven’t got a clue about Sumo. (Takayasu had the toughest schedule of them all…)
You‘ve got to go through Abi hell on Senshuraku and survive, or it‘s not a Yusho! Just kidding. Takayasu met and beat him in January on Day 14, that‘s OK for me :)
Takayasu Day 14 opponent:
M14w 9-4 Churanoumi
Welp, there it is. Win that and it’s a playoff at worst for Papa.
But we’ve all been here before…. we know that Papa’s worst enemy, his greatest foe, his nemesis, is not the man on the other side of the dohyo but the man inside his head.
No shaving for me til Monday! Or until papa implodes.
“ Regardless, sumo fans around the world are knocking on wood, crossing fingers and toes, abstaining from shaving, and praying for Takayasu’s back to hold up for two more days.”
Damn right!
Footwork was what won a lot of matches today. I guess that’s why we see rikishi using leg weights while training, yes? We’re also seeing more “hit and shift” tachiai instead of “wild sidestep” henkas which is also interesting.
I hope that Asakoryu stays in the top division. The result is in his hands, obviously, but I have a soft spot for the smaller rikishi.
I agree with you about Mitakeumi, Andy. He’s gotta be injured somehow. Lower back? Neck, maybe?
Shirokuma definitely looks like he’s captaining the Juryo barge, with Mitakeumi doing everything he can to avoid being the First Mate. Ryuden needs one more win to really be safe, but he’s also in danger based on the success of everyone else around him. Takarafuji is teetering on the edge of the dock too. Shonannoumi should be safe if he keeps winning. The big wildcard for the Juryo barge is definitely Nishikigi.
I think the other rikishi have figured out that if you get lower thank Kinbozan then you have an advantage. That’s twice in two days that Kinbozan only had the ability to target his opponent’s head and maybe their shoulders.
Kudos to Kotozakura for getting the wins he needs. I, for one, didn’t think he was going to get there.
The Cup might be decided tomorrow. If Takayasu takes care of business and Onosato can’t win moving forward (which is hugely advantageous for Daiesho), then there’s no more drama. Fingers crossed that’s how things work out.
I’d make Takayasu about a 68% favourite tomorrow and I’d give Daieisho about a 39% chance of beating Onosato in this condition (although the lifetime head to head is 5-1 Ono so…). Multiply those probabilities (0.68 x 0.39 = 0.265) that’s about a little bit better than one chance in four, or 3-1 odds, that tomorrow is the Glorious Day of the Papayusho. But as ever, the Sumo Gods will probably torture us.
If U ignore the numbers U can simply give your expectations without maths.
The numbers say 0.5 x 0.2 = 0.1, which means that only in one of ten parallel universes the basho would be decided already tomorrow.
(But then again the numbers are too low for any serious probability calculation.)
Mitakeumi’s woes began with COVID. He’s a big dude and may have lingering respiratory issues as well as the standard back, neck, knee stuff.
Good point.
He started to go down when his father died. He was never the same after.
I like your scenario, for once I would like the cup to be decided early. Takayasu’s best chance at winning a title decider fight might be if he doesn’t know that it’s a title decider fight, and tomorrow he will be up before Onosato, so a helping hand from Daiesho just might do it. Of course it would feel more satisfying to see Takayasu clinch it on the last day, but we all know the risks of that…
I’m not a fan of Takayasu per se, however I have to admire his efforts this basho, and his staying power! Also, I love it when an upset happens, and someone that the JSA doesn’t expect comes through to win.
I’m a Hosh fan, as you know, and he’s out of the race, (get well soon Hoshoryu), and I haven’t really got behind anyone at other ranks yet. I have favourites, but no-one dominating my support, which remains scattered across Onosato (what WERE you doing today Onosato?), Ura, the Waka bros., Tamawashi, and a couple of others further down the banzuke (didn’t want to bore you with the entire list!).
I am really sorry that Aonishiki lost today, but a huge compliment to him to be fighting Daieisho, and of course, they’re both now on 9-4.
All to play for, and nothing decided, though looking at tomorrow’s matches, particularly Onosato’s, my initial thought was a mild four letter expletive.
Isn’t sumo great?
I don’t think repeating the allegations against Oshoma are helpful. They were not proven and Oshoma has otherwise shown himself to be an upstanding member of the sumo community.
I respectfully disagree. Do you believe he gets big cheers from the assembled crowds when he wins? The term, “golf clap” has come to my mind often after his bouts. There’s certainly his detractors on social media, regarding his style and the allegations. Ryuden and Asanoyama, likewise, have played the villain…even Chiyoshoma. How would you explain the lack of enthusiasm in the audience when he wins? I find these reasons quite logical and helpful for explaining it.
It makes a lot of sense to repeat the allegations against Oshoma if one tries to explain why the spectators don‘t like him. On the contrary it doesn’t make sense to close one’s eyes on the dark sides of the Sumo heya system, unless U want to be an accessory of those bullies.
I can see it now…Takayasu gets Abi day 15 as the last high ranked he hasn’t faced. Abi, setting at 7-7 and needing the win pulls out the pseudo henka and wins. Papa bear, feeling the weight of history, falls the Onosato in the playoffs….
In reality, I expect he will need the win to clinch it. Abi still tried the pseudo-henka or quick push and pull. But I saw the fire in Papa Bear’s eyes today. He is going to put Abi into the 2nd row on the fly and clinch.
I would prefer he fights Takerufuji;
unless Abi is at 7-7 and thus needs the win
Abi is the person who cost Takayasu his last chance at a yusho. I suspect he’ll be motivated to not have that happen again. Especially because it was done with a henka.
I dislike every aspect of Abizumo and always have. I literally fist pump every time he loses any match. I find his sumo so ugly. To see Takayasu send him into the third row as the yusho clincher would be spectacular.
I liked Abi when he began, when he was young and cheerful and goofy, a chaotic whirlwind who did that lovely shiko. After several punishments and demotions (for pretend-bondage pictures on social media, for COVID curfew violations) he seems to have turned completely sour, and squats like a malevolent spider, feeling no joy and wanting no one else to feel it either.
Not Henkabi, please. Takayasu has earned a fair fight, which Takerufuji would guarantee.
Yes. ‘earned a fair fight’ which a henka prevents. I know it’s not cheating as such, it’s a valid kimarite, however, it feels, in a most contrary manner, disrespectful, and yet a back-handed compliment all at the same time. I would certainly lose all respect for anyone that tried it in a yusho decider/playoff.
Personally speaking, a henka feels like a cheat move to me, but it isn’t and them’s the rules.
Takakeisho pulled a henka on Atamifuji in a playoff to win the Basho in September 2023. It was hella weak and everyone was very disappointed in the Grand Tadpole. He must’ve really offended the sumo no kami as well because he never got close to another Basho and had to retire last year on the anniversary of his inglorious henka. I miss the Grand Tadpole nonetheless, I suspect his neck/spinal injury was already an issue when he won last Basho thus the desperation and subsequent heinous act in the playoff.
If Takayasu wins tomorrow, all with 4 losses are eliminated. In that case it is likely Takayasu vs. Abi will happen. However, if Takayasu loses tomorrow, then it would make sense to put him against one of those with 4 losses. Takerufuji is highest ranked among the 4 loss rikishi, so it would likely be him provided that he wins tomorrow.
God damn Oho, why cant you fight like that every day? This tournament has been a real mess from your side. Now kindly show up like that at least two more times and secure your stay in Sanyaku ;)
Dunno what’s wrong with Onosato this basho, but a lot of his bouts have been lacking his usual dominance. He is still 10-3 despite that. Really want to see him do better next basho.
Both komusubi are clinging to their hopes of staying in sanyaku (or even a sekiwake promotion in Kirishima’s case). Both didn’t look convincing. Kirishima could end up witj Takerufuji on Senshuraku und Abi with Takayasu.
Takayasu with a very convincing win today likely putting an end to Wakamotoharu’s hopes of a sanyaku return. Wakatakakage secured his return to sanyaku today. 8-7 at M1e should be enough no matter how the incumbents perform over the last days and create an extra slot if needed.
Tamawashi escaped multiple times today and for a moment i thought he might be able to run tables, but he never regained the momentum.
Down in Juryo Kusano probably lost any makuuchi promotion chance with the loss today. Also some rikishi near the top of Juryo seem to trend towards promotable scores to join Tamashoho.
Takayasu fight churanoumi tomorrow. I hope we dont see a henka. Daieisho could potentially decide the yusho in his match with Onosato and put life into a potential Ozeki run next basho at the same time. Oho takes on Ichiyamamoto trying to defend his sanyaku rank and I hope the same guy as today shows up. Kirishima and Abi will meet already makekoshi rikishi in Kinbozan and Ura in their quest to avoid makekoshi. Wakamotoharu could clinch his kachikoshi with a win over Atamifuji, which would put him 3rd in line of potential sanyaku promotees.
It was fun to see Asakoryu and Midorifuji.
Looked to me like Ichiyamamoto slipped on the sagari underfoot. Konosuke is very prompt at getting sagari off the dohyo but other gyoji not so much.
C’mon Papa Yasu!
OK .. no shaving til Sunday .. Too many henka’s/pulls today .. Mitakeumi’s was a bad look .. Aonishiki was mentally ready for Daieisho heavy handed volleys but got a side step instead .. He did not look overpowered .. Midorifuji-Asakoryu was a good bout .. Everyone knew what MDF wanted to set up .. Amazing he could do it against a fast smaller rikishi .. Churanoumi had a great strategy v Tamaswashi .. kept his head planted under TMW’s chin .. no matter how much TMW jumped around .. Takayasu landed 4 blows on WMH’s sternum for every one WMH managed to land .. TKY is not wasting this opportunity .. Kirishima looks like he is trying to avoid collisions .. dancing around hoping to grab a belt or land a haymaker .. but not putting his head down + ready to take a beating while trying to get inside for the belt .. This Oho looked like a thoroughbred .. Somebody said something ..
This tournament has surely had its share of henkas. Henkaitis perhaps. How long before we get a match in which both rikishi do simultaneous henkas and then straighten up and break into a square dance. Dohyō-do anyone?
I would like to see this double Henka, with one or both rikishi going down on their own momentum, would be very entertaining.
A few years back happened a match where both rikishi stood straight up after putting fists down, so it was a proper start, but nevertheless gyoji restarted the match. The result was that they did the same start AGAIN. This time gyoji let the match continue. I have forgotten when this happened but I think Enho was in the match. Maybe someone else remembers the match in question.