Day Ten in Tokyo. No new kyujo to report. I do have a fascinating tidbit to report, though. I just noticed that the order of wrestlers on the scoreboard at the Kyokai homepage alternates each day, just like the yobidashi alternate between announcing east first on odd days, then west first on even days. Today, the West wrestlers are on top. I can be slow sometimes. I mean, it should be obvious because it says “West” on top of “East”.
Nishinoryu denied Enho his kachi-koshi. At 7-3, Enho falls out of the yusho race as Kazekeno (9-1) and Kazuma (8-2) won their bouts.
NHK videos for today are here.
Makuuchi Action
Dewanoryu (3-7) defeated Roga (5-5). A lengthly right-hand inside grapple. This was full of action with no “leanfest.” Dewanoryu steadily worked Roga to the edge and over the bales. It struck me how rare it’s become to have one of these with so much oshi-tsuki sumo nowadays. Yorikiri.
Kotoeiho (8-2) defeated Ryuden (3-7). Kotoeiho chugged forward which his lefthand inside grip. When he got the right hand inside as well, Ryuden was toast. Yorikiri.
Wakanosho (6-4) defeated Shishi (3-7). Shishi henka! I doubt today’s henka was one of those “polite” henkas. Neither of his were particularly good and today’s was ineffective. Wakanosho adjusted and thrust Shishi quickly from the ring as punishment. Tsukidashi.
Fujiryoga (8-2) defeated Tokihayate (3-7). Fujiryoga overpowered Tokihayate and quickly shoved him out. Oshidashi.
Mitakeumi (5-5) defeated Kinbozan (5-5). Henka! Mitakeumi jumped left, rather slowly, though. Kinbozan rotated to engage Mitakeumi. Unfortunately, Kinbozan pulled and that was a mistake. Mitakeumi shoved him out. Oshidashi.
Tobizaru (8-2) defeated Abi (4-6). No henka. Abi even pivoted and pulled (Yay!), earning great position as he started to drive Tobizaru to the bales. Tobizaru shifted left at the edge and thrust Abi down to the ground from the side. There was a couple with Tobizaru shirts who seemed thrilled. I appreciate how risky it is to walk around with a purple “猿” Tee-shirt. Hubby needs to be nearby with his “翔”. Otherwise, I imagine people think you’re supporting Punch or something. Tsukiotoshi.
Oshoumi (2-8) defeated Nishikifuji (3-7). A rare display of power from Oshoumi as he got a left-hand inside grip and drove Nishikifuji out. Yorikiri.
Ura (7-3) defeated Oshoma (5-5). Ura got his left hand inside and drove Oshoma back and out. Yorikiri.
Tamawashi (1-9) defeated Asahakuryu (3-7). Tamawashi has barely been able to push his own shopping cart but managed to drive Asahakuryu back and out behind a nodowa. Asahakuryu tried to slip away at the edge but stepped out. Tamawashi moves ahead of Harumafuji and one behind Kisenosato for 8th place on the all-time top division wins list with 713 wins. Hakuho’s record of 1093 wins is a touch out of reach. Oshidashi.
Hakunofuji (7-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-6). Hakunofuji and Chiyoshoma got all out-of-sync with two mattas. The first, from Hakunofuji, was really weird. I think I know why. Watch how Hakunofuji keeps bringing his forearm up to his face. I bet his allergies are destroying him and he’s not dealing with sweat but some sinus issues. He seemed really happy to get his black hand towel (tenugui) back. Chiyoshoma charged ahead with his right hand uwate. At the edge, Hakunofuji pivoted and twisted and threw Chiyoshoma (*update*) over the bales. Shitatenage.
Halftime
Asanoyama (7-3) defeated Fujiseiun (5-5). Fujiseiun pulled but Asanoyama reacted well and shoved Fujiseiun out. Oshidashi.
Daieisho (4-6) defeated Churanoumi (6-4). Churanoumi drove blindly into the torrent of Daieisho’s tsuppari. Daieisho cycled backwards along the edge and slapped Churanoumi down. Tsukiotoshi.
Yoshinofuji (7-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-6). Yoshinofuji got inside Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari and bear hugged him. Once he had both hands inside like that, he held Ichi high and forced him back over the edge. Yorikiri.
Fujinokawa (5-5) defeated Hiradoumi (4-6). After trading tsuppari, Fujinokawa jumped left as Hiradoumi charged past. Fujinokawa followed up to shove Hiradoumi out. Oshidashi.
Oho (4-6) defeated Takanosho (4-6). Oho charged into Takanosho. Takanosho put his foot back to resist at the tawara so Oho slapped him down. Tsukiotoshi.
Sanyaku
Wakatakakage (8-2) defeated Atamifuji (5-5). Atamifuji made Wakatakakage work for this one. Atamifuji nearly got the kotenage win. As Atamifuji forced Wakatakakage to the edge, Wakatakakage turned the tables as he pivoted and lifted Atamifuji to the edge. For quite a while he tried to drive Atamifuji over, even putting his right knee into the shove. He finally forced Atamifuji over the tawara. Yorikiri.
Gonoyama (8-2) defeated Kotoshoho (6-4). Kotoshoho tried several shifts and slapdowns, a lot of his usual misdirection. But Gonoyama surprisingly kept his wits about him and did not stumble to his doom as he does so often. This time, Kotoshoho pressured Gonoyama to the edge and Gonoyama shifted and thrust Kotoshoho down. It was tight, though. Kotoshoho wanted a mono-ii. Gonoyama’s heel was perilously close to touching outside the bales as it perched on the edge. But it does look like there’s space there. Hatakikomi.
Kotozakura (3-7) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-8). Kotozakura quickly got his right hand inside, pivoted and dispatched Wakamotoharu. Yorikiri.
Shodai (4-6) defeated Kirishima (8-2). As Kirishima’s legs churned forward, cheeky Shodai slapped him down. Hatakikomi.
Wrap-Up
Shodai’s win opens up the yusho race quite a bit. Suddenly, four new players join a rather crowded race.
- 2-Losses: Kirishima, Wakatakakage, Gonoyama, Kotoeiho, Tobizaru, Fujiryogoa
- 3-Losses: Yoshinofuji, Asanoyama, Hakunofuji, Ura
Frankly, there are a lot of outcomes here that I would enjoy. It would have been nice to have Takayasu up in this race, too. Oh well.
Shodai will try to put dirt on Kotozakura tomorrow. If he succeeds in claiming a second massive stack of kensho, he will be responsible for officially putting Kotozakura on kadoban status. I doubt he minds at all. Kirishima will fight Wakatakakage in a huge match-up. Atamifuji will fight Churanoumi and Kotoshoho will take on Fujiseiun.
Other yusho race bouts include Yoshinofuji versus Hiradoumi, Gonoyama versus Ichiyamamoto, Kotoeiho up against Oshoma, Tobizaru versus Asanoyama, Fujiryoga taking on Hakunofuji, and Ura versus Wakanosho. See you tomorrow!
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Completely different Kotozakura today. Maybe he just wanted his kensho.
He’s given a lot away so far. About time he found a way to win. Kadoban awaits tho’. Don’t see him avoiding it.
Wakamotoharu can’t throw Kotozakura at the edge of the dohyo. He was doomed as soon as Kotozakura got his hands attached to a mawashi.
Shodai only figths for big money.
He should have learned that every bout would be a big money bout if he had stayed Ozeki. I was shocked the other day when he won and there was zero kensho. This basho has so much, even Kotoeiho is getting decent stacks.
Shodai gave a soft and friendly hatakikomi to Kirishima, not aggravating the injury, not inducing a new one, no risky play at the edge. OK for me. I‘m also supporting the banzuke decision to put him at M5w for keeping him busy with high rank opponents.
So many rikishi I like a lot contending here. Don’t like seeing them lose but we’re at the stage where most of them absolutely must lose.
Wakatakage vs Atamifugi was a great match. WTG fought and fought then fought some more before lifting that huge tub of Chanko-nabe over the bales then flexed that injured elbow, then shook it off. So now it’s on to Kirishima. Which WTG will show up? If it’s today’s version, Kirishima will have a fight on his hands. If Kirishima keeps leaning too far forward….
I got hooked on Sumo when I watched young beat Takayasu for the Cup in 2022. Now older and wiser, but dealing with injuries, he looks determined 🤞
In Makushita a rikishi was wheeled away on a stretcher. Does anyone know , what has happened there. I had dosed away so I missed it.
I have located it , it was Makushita 35 Yumenofuji. He was out cold after a yoritaoshi, where his opponent fell with and upon him. No movement whats so ever. It was chaos, they realy should organise that better.
I’ll look for it and for an update on his condition. They’re supposedly getting trained on how to do this. Hopefully it’s not just window dressing.
Regarding Yumenofuji’s condition, stablemaster Tateyama (former Maegashira Homarefuji) stated, ‘He can move his hands and is able to speak with his stablemaster.’
Nikkan Sports, 14:31 Japan Time
I hope he‘s even better meanwhile, but haven’t found newer reports.
That was a terrible fall. Thank you. I’ll try to find and pass along any news but yeah, yours is the latest I’ve seen. We’ll probably get more updates in the coming days. Good to see the press following it.
Kirishima didn’t look worse for wear after yesterday’s hard hit on the head. That’s a relief.
Wakatakakage vs Asahifuji: Wow! Now that was hard fought. I found myself tensed and exerting imaginary sideline support…(and I like both guys so I’m uncertain who I was meant to assist).
Meant ‘Atamifuji’! (Above)
A year from now maybe?
Some awesome matches today. I have a random observation: Does it feel like the match-making is not that great at the moment? I know I’ve only been following the part for a few years, but on my opinion things definitely seem a little off to past basho.
We have 10 guys on the lead or one off, and tomorrow’s matches don’t really sort that out. Half of the 7-3s face dudes not in the running, and those that do face 8-2 guys that may just bunch things more. And Wakatakakage vs Kirishima tomorrow? This will be a great bout, but I really feel like they should have held off with what else is going on in Sanyaku until the weekend.
I feel like in the past they were more willing to thin out the leaderboard and make sure rank and filers still had to face top guys to win. I know there’s a lot of Sanyaku out, but most were out early so it shouldn’t be impacting scheduling that much. Maybe it’s just me?
Having half of sanyaku at home on the couch doesn’t help.
Kirishima vs Wakatakakage should had been a day 14 fight
I think Wakatakakage simply is the last rikishi from the Joi ranks whom Kirishima hasn’ fought yet.
We’re missing all of the Y-Y and Y-O bouts, two O-O bouts. We’re going to have to settle for Kirishima- Kotozakura to close out the tournament. I think they want to make these guys earn it.
the knee support has to get banned
not even one should be allowed , not to mention four ursa has
its ruining my sumo experience
I’ll not understand that position. What did you think of the Maxi-Pad on Kirishima’s forehead today?
That is a very good question. Where should the red line be drawn?
Kirishima could easily have fought without the pad; is that also the case with Ura‘s braces? Are they only protecting him or do they make him stronger?
Or to answer your question with a question: what would U think of a humanoid rikishi?
My position is that as a fan, the fan can draw their line where they want and not watch what they don’t want to watch. Outside of encouraging more safety, I don’t think it’s productive or interesting to whine about whether guys wear braces or sleeves. They’re not weapons and they don’t imbue super human capabilities. I don’t get the gripe beyond the aesthetics if nothing is said about bandages or surgery or supplements/injections, pain killers, whatever.
And what do U think, would Ura be able to fight without the braces?
I have no idea. But I hope we agree that it was correct that Pistorius was only allowed to the paralympics with his dentures.
Yes. LOL. Knee braces are not blades and blades are not the soles of feet. But the Kyokai has bigger accessibility and discrimination issues than folks with physical disabilities — especially since they have explicit physical exams and requirements. But if they outright ban women and continue to shut the door on most foreigners, men with artificial legs are going to be a non-starter.
The knee braces worn by Ura are only there to prevent him from having another catastrophic knee injury that kept him out of action for the better part of 2 full years in the last decade. He had to fight his way back up the ranks from Jonidan after his second group of missed tournaments.
The same idea holds for American football players. They don’t get any advantage by wearing the brace. Its purpose is to prevent an injury from recurring, which sadly, many times isn’t effective in the prevention of further injury.
Terunofuji’s knee injuries had him ready to quit, but he was convinced by his Oyakata to keep on the recovery track and he rose back up the ranks once his health returned and became a great Yokozuna. He was plagued by those bad knees late in his career but still was able to do outstanding sumo when healthy enough to compete.
Did that ruin your sumo experience?
If so, you might want to give it up and find another sport to not enjoy.
If the braces were protection only, as U claim, and not enforcement, they would clearly be okay.
Your last phrase is way off the mark.
One can hate the henka, the head butts or the harite and still love and enjoy sumo.
Or do U only watch sports with no negatives? Then name a few, please!
I asked AI, just for fun! Here are some answers:
Ultimate Frisbee
* Why it is peaceful: This sport relies entirely on the “Spirit of the Game.” It is played without referees, even at World Championship levels.
* The key: Players resolve fouls and boundary calls themselves through direct, respectful on-field communication. Physical contact is strictly forbidden.
Underwater Hockey / Underwater Rugby
* Why it is peaceful: These sports take place entirely underwater.
* The key: There are no roaring crowds shouting at referees, and the global community is very tight-knit and supportive. Aggressive behavior is physically restricted by the water resistance.
Jugger
* Why it is peaceful: Although it looks like a brutal gladiator fight using padded foam weapons, the community is highly progressive and considerate.
* The key: Teams are co-ed by default. Fairness is the top priority, and it is a tradition to celebrate with the opposing team after the match.
Interestingly, there are some aspects that are connected to sumo as well, I think :)
Peaceful rugby, that’s funny.
Apropos AI: I wonder if there are already AI guesses of the banzuke and how they fare at GTB.
Underwater Sumo would be great!
Yeah Ura’s knee supports are damaging my cacti. One Salicornioides is so upset it’s drooping towards the back porch.
Both Shishi and Mitakeumi are desperate for wins. Not surprising, but they both still have five days of matches to go. Their behavior does not inspire confidence for any wins in the near future.
Ura definitely didn’t want to lose today. He was a bit wobbly at the end of the match too.
The top half of the banzuke (at least those who can fight this basho) are really going after each other and it’s great to see. Iron sharpens iron and all that.
Shodai causing chaos for the banzuke, hmm? I will admit I chuckled out loud once his bout was over today.
As for Kirishima/WTG fighting tomorrow, I’d rather have clarity on the leader board heading into the last two days versus six different rikishi with similar records. Let the Cup winner run a gauntlet. Fine by me.
“At the edge, Hakunofuji pivoted and twisted and threw Chiyonofuji over the bales.” Damn, Hakunofuji won’t just beat you, he’ll beat your master’s master.
🤣 I wanna blame autocorrect for that. Probably just a goof though.
…huh. Fujiryoga is in contention now? Definitely a long shot but with these absences at the top he might have a decent chance at the trophy.
It’s been a minute since we had a makujiri yusho. Why not? He had a rough debut in Osaka. Quite the turn around.
Having endured a bad knee for decades + multiple surgeries .. the braces/wraps/etc are no big deal .. As noted above, they help prevent catastrophic injury .. not add super human ability .. that they get back on the dohyo after major injuries is an indication of their commitment and is to be appreciated ..
I am not convinced Kirishima is A-OK + would not be surprised for him to take a few L’s .. All it takes is a little bit of fogginess, hesitation, imbalance + a gentle Hatakikomi .. WTK is going to be a MAJOR test .. thanks to WMH ..
This basho is remarkable for stories of rikishi re-igniting careers that had been heading in the wrong direction .. e.g. Tobizaru, Gonoyama .. or had spent some time trying to regain form .. e.g…Asanoyamao .. or a rising tide of young rikishi .. e.g Kotoheiho & Yoshinofuji .. And then there is a large unknowable .. Fujiryoga .. Gotta love these journeys ..
Thanks for your firsthand information about the braces. Now I‘m finally convinced that they don’t give unfair advantages.
I thought exactly the same as U about Kirishima. Would he really have lost against Shodai in the shape from before the fall?
Gonoyama convinces me as he follows up a 10-4 basho and is now in the joi, but in the case of Tobizaru I wonder whether it’s more than a last gasp before soon falling down to juryo, overwhelmed by the numerous young talents.