Three rounds of lower-division bouts have been completed, and we are left with 14 men with 3-0 records. They’ll be matched up (mostly) in rank order on days 7 and 8 to winnow the race to 7. Since Daiyusho and Ryusho both hail from the Oitekaze beya, they can’t face each other, and presumably will instead fight Mineyaiba and Asonoyama, respectively. Only one bout has been scheduled for day 7—Gyokuozan vs. Hokutenkai—with the rest being saved for nakabi. The quarterfinals should take place on day 9, with the highest-ranked undefeated Sandanme rikishi filling out the bracket.

There are quite a few notable names still in the running. Isegahama prospect Seihakuho, one of Hakuho’s last recruits, will fight former sekitori Tochimusashi. Two of our Ms60TD rikishi, Fukuzaki and Kazuma, will face off after dispatching their former sekitori opponents, Shimanoumi and Enho. These four contenders are ranked in the extended promotion zone, so a 7-0 finish would come with a fast track to Juryo. Ryusho debuted at Ms60TD in July and has a 13-4 career record. Come back after the Sunday bouts to see how round four played out and what’s on tap for round five.