Day Eleven. No news from the infirmary. The final third of Hatsu Basho begins today with perfect attendance among our top division competitors. In Juryo, Wakanosho defeated Sadanoumi, moving both men to 8-3. Fujiseiun joined them at 8-3 by defeating Asasuiryu. Tomorrow, Sadanoumi will fight Tsurugisho, Wakanosho will take on Kagayaki and Fujiseiun will battle Meisei.
Makuuchi Action
Tobizaru (4-7) defeated Hatsuyama (1-10). Hatsuyama laid into Tobizaru with tsuppari but Tobizaru shifted to the right side and pulled Hatsuyama down to the ground. Hikiotoshi.
Abi (9-2) defeated Shishi (8-3). Henka! Abi leapt to his left at the tachiai. Shishi turned to adjust but Abi shoved him forward and let him run off the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.
Midorifuji (5-6) defeated Ryuden (4-7). Ryuden locked both of Midorifuji’s arms in his armpits and stood there. I’m not sure what he was planning but Midorifuji didn’t wait to find out. Midorifuji twisted to his left and hauled Ryuden down. Katasukashi.
Oshoumi (8-3) defeated Nishikifuji (6-5). Nishikifuji grabbed Oshoumi with his right hand and twisted to throw him down. Oshoumi countered by falling into Nishikifuji. Oshoumi hooked his left leg around Nishikifuji’s right leg and forcing his attacker to the ground first and falling on top of him. Sotogake.
Asakoryu (6-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-7). Henka! Chiyoshoma. Asakoryu adjusted but Chiyoshoma went on the attack with his left hand uwate. He pulled and tried to haul Asakoryu down but again the victim of a throw countered and twisted into Chiyoshoma, forcing Chiyoshoma down and falling on top of his attacker. Sukuinage.
Tokihayate (6-5) defeated Asahakuryu (5-6). While trying to change his left-hand grip, Tokihayate pulled and hauled Asakoryu down with his right hand under arm grip. Shitatenage.
Mitakeumi (5-6) defeated Gonoyama (4-7). Mitakeumi charged forward into Gonoyama, forcing him back to the bales. Then he suddenly pulled, shoving Gonoyama to the ground. Hatakikomi.
Shodai (5-6) defeated Tomokaze (4-7). Shodai powered into Tomokaze and then stopped and backed away, pulling Tomokaze forward to the clay. Hikiotoshi.
Roga (4-7) defeated Oshoma (6-5). Roga grabbed pulled on Oshoma’s arm. As Oshoma stumbled forward, Roga grabbed Oshoma’s belt with his left hand uwate. Roga then twisted Oshoma down to the ground. Oshoma tried to counter with his own underarm throw but Oshoma landed a beat before Roga. Uwatedashinage.
Asanoyama (8-3) defeated Hiradoumi (7-4). Asanoyama charged ahead with his left hand uwate and his right hand inside Hiradoumi’s armpit. Hiradoumi resisted and tried to twist Asanoyama down but Asanoyama continued to push himself forward and forced Hiradoumi over the bales. Yorikiri.
Churanoumi (7-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-5). Kotoshoho pulled and Churanoumi took advantage and charged forward, forcing Kotoshoho back to the tawara and shoving him over the bales. Oshidashi.
Halftime
Kinbozan (4-7) defeated Tamawashi (4-7). Kinbozan wrapped Tamawashi up and charged forward, ushering Tamawashi back and over the edge. Yorikiri.
Atamifuji (9-2) defeated Fujinokawa (7-4). Fujinokawa got his right hand inside and immediately tried to pull Atamifuji down. Atamifuji shuffled with Fujinokawa, keeping his opponent between himself and the bales. Atamifuji broke Fujinokawa’s grip and shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.
Onokatsu (5-6) defeated Daieisho (4-7). Henka! Onokatsu shifted left and deflected Daieisho’s attack to the side, thrusting him down. Tsukiotoshi.
Ichiyamamoto (2-9) defeated Wakatakakage (5-6). What do they say about never meet your idols? Ichiyamamoto gets to battle his. And today, he prevailed. Ichiyamamoto laid into Wakatakakage with tsuppari and then quickly pulled Wakatakakage forward and down to the ground. Hikiotoshi.
Sanyaku
Wakamotoharu (5-6) defeated Ura (1-10). Ura began to pull and Wakamotoharu moved forward with the pull. He kept Ura in front of him and shoved him off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.
Yoshinofuji (6-5) defeated Oho (4-7). Oho hooked his left arm under Yoshinofuji’s shoulder and twisted. Yoshinofuji had his right hand firmly on Oho’s belt and went with Oho’s throw, hauling Oho forward to the ground. Uwatenage.
Aonishiki (9-2) defeated Hakunofuji (5-6). Aonishiki is a bit sick of Hakunofuji’s slow roll tachiai. Two matta. Once they got off to a good start, Aonishiki got his left hand inside and began to pull. Hakunofuji began to charge his way forward with gaburi leg thrusts but his left foot seemed to slip, then his left knee buckled and he went down. Shitatenage.
Takanosho (2-9) defeated Kotozakura (7-4). Kotozakura pulled and Takanosho charged forward, shoving Kotozakura over the edge for an easy upset. On replay, I don’t think Kotozakura put much weight at all on his left leg during that bout. I’ll keep my eye on that. Yorikiri.
Onosato (7-4) defeated Kirishima (8-3). Onosato took the brunt of Kirishima’s tachiai with his right shoulder. After the initial charge, Kirishima couldn’t get any offense going. Onosato moved forward and forced Kirishima to the bales and over the edge. Yorikiri.
Hoshoryu (8-3) defeated Takayasu (7-4). Hoshoryu couldn’t get his right-hand grip but he still pivoted and pulled. Instead of the belt, Hoshoryu wrapped his right arm around Takayasu’s head for a kubinage. But then, he let it go and shifted further to the side along the bales and pulled Takayasu forward by Takayasu’s right arm. Hoshoryu arrested his momentum at the edge and let Takayasu rush out into the crowd. That was kinda funny. Takayasu was perplexed and immediately went to the TV screen in the hanamichi to see what the hell happened. Frankly, it looks like Hoshoryu pivoted and shifted to the side just enough that Takayasu rushed forward with a little help from Hoshoryu’s tug on his right arm. Tottari.
Wrap-up
Kotozakura had worked his way into the yusho conversation and just like that, he’s out of it again. This time he falls to a Takanosho who has been having a dreadful tournament. Is it the knee? Or did he just make a terrible decision to commit to that awful pull? He has actually moved forward well at points during this basho. Not today.
Speaking of left legs, I’ll keep an eye out for news on Hakunofuji. His left ankle, and possibly the knee, turned awkwardly in today’s bout. Well, the Yokozuna are hurt and somehow winning, so it’s not like anyone will go kyujo tomorrow.
- 2-Losses: Aonishiki, Atamifuji, Abi
- 3-Losses: Hoshoryu, Kirishima, Shishi, Asanoyama, Oshoumi
Day Twelve pairings are interesting. The lower-ranked wrestlers in the yusho race are being moved up. Asanoyama will fight Fujinokawa, 9-ranks above him. Oshoumi will fight Churanoumi, 11-ranks above. Shishi will move way up (14-ranks) to fight Komusubi Oho. Kirishima will fight Hoshoryu. Abi will take on Kotozakura while Atamifuji will fight Aonishiki.
The rest of our sanyaku bouts include Wakamotoharu fighting Hiradoumi and Onosato versus Takayasu.
I’m really enjoying this tournament. It’s going in weird places and a bunch of folks are involved in the yusho race. No one has really struck out to claim this one. Everyone has had stumbles. But as we move into the final stretch here, will someone step up? Or will everyone fall to the side and let Takayasu or Fujinokawa back into this thing just to really mess with us?
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Abi has only begun to Abi! You’re right about Onosato using his right shoulder to stop Kirishima. It was like Kirishima hit an oncoming fire truck.
Shame on Abi for preventing the bout I was so much looking forward to.
Luckily that won’t happen in the highlight bout of tomorrow. If I remember correctly neither Aonishiki nor Atamifuji have ever used the „kimarite“ of the scoundrels and cowards.
Until today I thought that if Aonishiki won that one he‘d win the yusho, because the yokozuna were one legged and one armed respectively. But now they have beaten the two in shape sekiwake and I‘m not sure what to think of them anymore.
Going by henka is not ‚preventing‘ a bout. It’s regular fighting. ‚Scoundrels and cowards‘. This is hate speech. No rikishi deserves such ugly and provocative words for their rule based action on the dohyo. They are all dedicated to a life that very few of us spectators would stand for only a week.
Justme, I loved herbern’s turn of phrase! I don’t believe it’s hate speech, either as legally defined or otherwise. It’s passionate and reflects how many people, certainly in the west, rightly or wrongly, view henka. As a technique, yes a henka absolutely legitimate, however, people’s responses to continual use of this option are also valid.
I am sure herbern does not need anyone to back him up, however I just thought that much as you thought his use of “cowards and scoundrels” was inappropriate, perhaps your commentary was somewhat provocative in its turn?
A person’s opinions are just that, opinions. We all have different ones, on every subject under the sun, and finding consensus, or recognising those differences is important. AS someone currently in Greenland, I would ask you to consider how much understanding other points of view matters.
One thing is clear, we all love sumo and can be very passionate about it and all the rikishi.
It’s not an opinion neither a provocation to demand respectfulness in communication.
Thanks Betty, very well said imo.
I only want to add, that there simply was no fight between Abi and Shishi, therefore „preventing“ the bout is even an euphemism. Originally I had written „stealing from Shishi and the audience“.
Cambridge Dictionary: „A scoundrel is an old-fashioned or humorous term for a person who treats others badly and has no moral principles.“
Not really hate speech from my totally objective point of view…
As to the henka: I hope the audience will one day go over from indignant silence to outright booing after that legal foul play.
Honestly, I‘d rather boo for life-threatening solutions at the edge than for a non-violent, clever move. But I won‘t do that, because it is an essential part of sumo culture not to boo. You give applause or you give less or no applause and that‘s it.
You also called him a coward, did you forget?
Oh, and legal foul play is an oxymoron and a personal view is always subjective.
Well, coward is even less hate speech, isn’t it?
But did I call Abi that at all? No, I didn’t.
What I did say, is that the henka was the „kimarite“ of the scoundrels and cowards. That doesn’t mean that the rikishi using it are scoundrels and cowards. So Abi could be a scoundrel or a coward or both or neither!
(Hoshoryu, who is neither a scoundrel nor a coward, has used the henka, too.) Got it?
About the other two things U are right (bravo), but about irony U don’t seem to know very much.
Kimarite of the scoundrels and cowards, that’s funny.
Then there is a big list of such Rikishis who uses Henka!
Abi, Onakatsu, shodai, Waka brothers, Hoshoryu, Kirishima, etc.
And the Henka specialist Chioshoma.
Thank U very much for understanding that it’s funny, not hateful.
As U say there are a lot of rikishi who have used that move.
But if their number grew too much that would be the end of the tachiai as we know it; the opponents would simply stand up then, which would be good for the health of their heads! As this‘d be a positive thing, am I now to wish for more henka?
If all opponents “simply stood up” .. they would all be Shodai ..
To hopefully put an end to the Abi henka discussion let me quote Kyotoguru who after day ten gave his opinion of the henka much more elegant and less provocative than me:
„Somehow crediting a win via henka the same in rankings as a true win does not feel legit.“
These are exactly my feelings and I‘m almost sure that the defenders of the move deep down inside have to admit that there’s some truth in it.
I do wonder if “the Committee” considers henkas used as part of their evaluation when slotting rikishi on the banzuke..
Well, as you say Andy, a fascinating basho. Thanks again for the great daily summation.
Herbern, thank you for making me smile with “the kimarite of scoundrels and cowards”; that quite made my day.
Who lit a rocket behind Atamifuji and Shishi this tournament? (though it’s fun to see Shishi borrowing successful technique from Aonishiki!) Seriously, Atamifuji has been lacklustre for quite some time, so it’s nice to see him getting somewhere. Ditto Shishi.
May I say that I really really do not want Abi to win this basho? I just cannot warm to him at all. As ever, sumo keeps us all guessing, and quite often right until the very end.
Once upon a time, Abi was a wild kid having fun, wide-eyed at his first big stack of kensho, and I enjoyed rooting for him. Then he got punished for goofing around on social media with a “bondage” photo, and then he got demoted for some Covid curfew violation (I think), and now his attitude seems to have completely soured and he squats there like a malevolent spider. I root for his opponent now, almost always. It’s too bad he doesn’t find something else that he enjoys and go do it – life’s too short.
Yes, agree on all accounts.
I brought up the surprising Atamifuji around day 5, it’s been fun to see him keep it up. His attention to his opponents body position seems really heightened. He’s not letting that big body get ahead of itself and seems to be using it as he should, to coral his (almost always) smaller opponents. I feel like I’m seeing Coach Teru in this.
My dislike of Abi is mostly to do with the fact that i find his sumo aesthetically ugly. There is no logic I can apply, it’s like music or a dancer that just doesn’t do it for me.
I think Kotozakura has had some really great bouts this basho that have looked so Ozeki proud/strong, so don’t think it’s his knees. I think he just got stood up and on the back of his heels with no exit other than to back out. Just a bad day at the office and succumbed to a better fighter in Takanosho, one of my top favorites ( I have many!).
Kotohachinana? Or will it be Kotokadoban? The toughest part of his basho lies ahead. He needed to beat Takanosho, but seemingly did a no show.
Buckle down, Ozeki, the ride gets bumpy from here
Well, he’s 7-4 after this day 11, and has 4 more days to get one more win to get a KK. My bets are with him to not go kadoban…. I’m keeping the faith!
I‘m with U, he will beat Abi and the danger of kadoban will be gone tomorrow.
That henka of Abi. I have in the past seen Kyokutenho doing the same thing: jumping in the air and slapping down his opponents. At the time he was praised for his inventiveness. So what are you complaining about a total legal move, that is something you have in your arsenal against sekitori who come in like a blind bull. Just don’t do that and always expect it, just like the underarm in the face or a head butt. It is smart not cowardly or underhanded and make your next opponents think.
Yes, I can see the scene in front of my eyes. U jumping up from the couch and explaining: „What a great fight! What a move! That’s what their hours and hours of hard training is for! I‘d like to see that in every bout!“
Your wording about “cowards and scoundrels” was poorly chosen and this reply to A3’s thoughtful comment is, frankly, immature. Do better.
PS: I’m not a fan of henka-ing but it IS part of sumo and I refrain from insulting rikishi who choose to use this move.
Your problem with irony again, as in your other comment.
I tried in a lighthearted way to make A3 think twice about the henka.
I simply can‘t imagine that anyone would like to see that move on a regular basis.
If you think I like it you are wrong, but I just accept it is there as a legal strategy. I do not fret or have to think about it.
Shishi didn’t get the memo on Abi, apparently.
Asanoyama bundled up Hiradoumi like a fish on a hook. No escaping!
This basho now feels like it’s Aonishiki’s to lose. He has his toughest challenges ahead, to be sure, but he’s definitely in the driver’s seat.
(Nooooooooooooo!!!!!!)
Please ignore my silent scream as my hidden wish takes a big hit in the most cruel way possible, the way it always does.
Wow, what a crazy mess at the top. I’d also give the nod to Aonishiki if not for the Onosato-sized road block likely in the way (and the fact that Hoshoryu is really, really, really going to want to put clay on him). Today proved that even a limited Onosato is tough if you don’t have the power or he’s able to keep that right shoulder in the way. And Atamifuji, at his size, could also prove a handful. He doesn’t have the quick power of Yoshinofujii, but boy has he been wrestling big this tournament. Here’s hoping Aonishiki figures something out and kicks off what should be a 4-day gauntlet with a W.
That was a subtly slick move from Hoshoryu to slip Takayasu to the side.
It’s been a wild tournament but my enjoyment is tempered slightly by watching the injured yokozuna keep going up. Lord only knows how Hoshoryu is still managing his brand of sumo while Onosato has problems finding his.
All very true. For me too, this basho has lost it’s magic a bit since nakabi.
That said there are of course still many fascinating bouts.
Hoshoryu vs Takayasu belongs to them. What I liked most, was Takayasu‘s unbelieving look back to dohyo: „What is he still doing there, fgs, I had him in front of me all the time!“
Hoshoryu looked like a movie hero not looking back at the explosion behind him as he walked away.
Is it my imagination, or have we been seeing a Henka fest this basho?
I swear we’ve seen nearly a dozen.
I know it’s an accepted move but. … yawn.
Don’t get herbern started. 😂 There have been a few. Some more glorious than others. At some point they do get rather yawn-inducing. Aminishiki did them so frequently I used to go make coffee during his bouts. But I haven’t reached my saturation point yet. I don’t mind henka. I mind dull lean-fests more. At least henka are done quickly. A good lean will go on for minutes.
There are henka I boo and henka I cheer. The more henka there are, the harder it is to cheer for them. I will give Abi credit today today though. I myself was curious what would happen if someone henka’d the lumbering ogre.
One aspect of sumo i find fascinating is the anticipation of a match .. i.e. knowing the strengths, weaknesses and tendencies of each rikishi is + if/how they wll counter each other .. For me, that anticipation is best met when there is a solid taichiai + a match unfolds ..
I was looking forward to seeing how the ’26 version of Shishi would handle Abi-sumo .. Abi’s henka was a possibility considered .. still it was dissappointing .. my bet is Abi likes his role .. it messes w the minds of his opponents + his home town folk don’t care ..
Obviously the henka perps are well known .. it is part of the anticipation .. typically followed by a yawn + there he goes again + when small rikishi pull one i am less severe in my judgement.
There should be a Henka Hall of Fame .. for the most memorable ones … Hosh pulled one earlier this year that sticks in my mind ..
Onosato was impressive using one arm to beat Kirishima .. Kiri really screwed up by leading w his left ..
Is there a reason so many rikishi lead w the left? .. it’s a serious question .. I presume most are right handed ..
Is Atamifuji’s ’26 foot work more disciplined ? .. Today he reminded me of Onosato .. When Onosato is on .. the dohyo keeps getting smaller and smaller .. his bulk + feet block off the rest of it .. Atami just needs to figure out how to constructively use his 430+ lbs … maybe Teru has helped ..
Speaking of anticipating … Hosh was very impressive today .. Papa was loaded + tasted victory .. But Hosh had a plan .. If that is not all reflexes, he may one day make a great coach ..
All I’ll say is I knew Abi was going to henka, so Shishi could have figured it out too.