No new kyujo to report today. My secondary dohyo matsuri appears to be holding. But there was a bit of drama as Hakunofuji was summoned by the Kyokai and given a stern warning for neglecting to do the “hand katana” gesture when collecting his kensho. Tempest, meet teacup.
Back on the doyho, Enho defeated Tamashoho to move his winning streak to five bouts. It looks like Tamashoho nearly had it today, though. Enho remains in the leadership group with Daiseizan, Toshinofuji, and Kazekeno. Down in Makushita, the highly touted Tsukedashi debutant picked up his third win of the basho against Goseizan.
Videos of top division action are here.
Makuuchi Action
Fujiryoga (4-1) defeated Oshoumi (1-4). The two men traded shoves and tsuppari until Fujiryoga slammed his right hand into Oshoumi’s left shoulder. This staggered Oshoumi so Fujiryoga followed up quickly and shoved Oshoumi out. Oshidashi.
Tobizaru (4-1) defeated Ryuden (0-5). Tobizaru slammed into Ryuden and drove him back and out of the ring. Oshidashi.
Wakanosho (4-1) defeated Tamawashi (0-5). We got a spark from Tamawashi as he bulldozed Wakanosho, driving him back to the edge of the dohyo. Wakanosho slipped to his right and shoved Tamawashi from the left side to turn the tables. He followed up with a strong shove to force Tamawashi to step back and out. Oshidashi.
Kotoeiho (5-0) defeated Roga (3-2). Roga was a mere blocking sled today as Kotoeiho chugged forward and forced Roga back and out. Yorikiri.
Mitakeumi (2-3) defeated Tokihayate (1-4). Mitakeumi blocked Tokihayate’s attempt to get inside at his belt. He charged forward and thrust Tokihayate out. Tsukidashi.
Shishi (2-3) defeated Hakunofuji (3-2). This time Shishi went for the misdirection and it paid off. He slipped right and tried a slapdown. Hakunofuji stumbled forward. Shishi re-engaged and drove Hakunofuji back around the ring with his left hand inside and a firm right hand outside belt grip. At the bales, Shishi crushed Hakunofuji backwards. Yoritaoshi.
Asanoyama (3-2) defeated Kinbozan (2-3) Asanoyama kept the West Side streak alive as he grabbed Kinbozan with a right hand inside and left hand outside hold. Asanoyama used the leveraged to hold Kinbozan up and drive him back and out. Yorikiri.
Abi (3-2) defeated Nishikifuji (1-4). Abi pulled and pivoted as he neared the edge, slapping Nishikifuji down. Hatakikomi.
Ura (3-2) defeated Asahakuryu (2-3). Asahakuryu appeared to overpower Ura and force him backward. Ura slipped out to the right and grabbed Asahakuryu’s left arm, pulling him forward. Ura got in behind and finished Asahakuryu off with a shove. Okuridashi.
Oshoma (3-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-3). Oshoma finally broke The West Side’s winning streak when he grabbed Chiyoshoma’s belt with a left hand over arm grip, pulled Chiyoshoma forward and used his right hand to shove Chiyoshoma down. Uwatenage.
Halftime
Asakoryu (3-2) defeated Churanoumi (3-2). Asakoryu blitzed Churanoumi and drove him out quickly. Oshidashi.
Fujiseiun (4-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-4). Wakamotoharu drove Fujiseiun toward the bales but Fujiseiun pivoted and used his right arm, which was tucked under WMH’s armpit, to throw Wakamotoharu over the edge. Sukuinage.
Gonoyama (4-1) defeated Shodai (1-4). Gonoyama used his nodowa well and forced Shodai back to the edge. Shodai could not execute an escape. With the looming trial of Acme Corporation, I wonder if Shodai’s had trouble acquiring anything for his own back of tricks. Oshidashi.
Yoshinofuji (2-3) defeated Daieisho (2-3). Yoshinofuji did well to get inside Daieisho’s barrage and put him into a bear hug. He found the back of Daieisho’s belt, pivoted, and shoved Daieisho forward. Yoshinofuji then finished Daieisho off with a shove from behind. Okuridashi.
Sanyaku
Takanosho (3-2) defeated Wakatakakage (4-1). Takanosho pulled and slapped Wakatakakage down. Hatakikomi.
Kotoshoho (2-3) defeated Oho (2-3). Oho did well to move forward during this bout but he got turned by a well-timed shove from Kotoshoho. Kotoshoho seized the opening and drove Oho out. Okuridashi.
Atamifuji (2-3) defeated Fujinokawa (3-2). Atamifuji enveloped the frisky Fujinokawa and gently guided him to the edge of the dohyo and sat him on the salt pile. That pile will not be good for his piles, that’s for sure. Yoritaoshi.
Kirishima (5-0) defeated Hiradoumi (2-3). Who blitzed whom? Kirishima was instantly on offense. He charged forward aggressively, forcing Hiradoumi to retreat along the bales. Kirishima grabbed Hiradoumi’s belt and shoved the off-balance Hiradoumi to the edge before finishing him off. Sukuinage.
Ichiyamamoto defeated Kotozakura. Kotozakura had the early edge, attacking Ichiyamamoto from an angle and shoving him to the bales. But Ichiyamamoto was not intimidated. He came in and stuck with his game plan, counter-attacking with his fierce tsuppari. As he pounded away, the Ozeki slid back to the tawara and then over the edge. Oshidashi.
Wrap-Up
Kirishima still holds, undefeated. He had an impressive win today and will fight Oho tomorrow. Kotozakura is shaken. How long will he be able to hold on to his rank? Forget ever competing for yusho, he’s going to be struggling to meet that 8-wins. He will face Hiradoumi tomorrow.
Sadogatake-beya stablemate, Kotoshoho, will fight Daieisho. Atamifuji will fight Gonoyama and Wakatakakage will fight Fujinokawa. The other Sadogatake-beya stablemate, Kotoeiho, will take on Ura. I’m also watching that Yoshinofuji/Takanosho bout and Wakamotoharu versus Ichiyamamoto.
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Ryuden Better get it together or its back on the barge….
I think that ship has sailed…
If he won the majority of his upcoming bouts, with a 6-9 he‘d still be demoted and even a 7-8 could not be enough to stay.
Wakatakakage vs Fujinokawa could be a fantastic bout. My fingers will be crossed for the smaller man.
And I‘m looking forward to Kotoeiho vs Ura. Kotoshoho‘s younger brother has won 100% of the bouts against the summersaulter so far, or in other words, he was the winner of their only meeting. I‘ll be cheering for Kotoeiho, not because of his impressive shiko, but because he seems to be very sympathetic. I saw him in the NHK preview and liked the interview a lot.