Day Thirteen in Nagoya, also known as Six-Seven Day. No new kyujo to report.
Two lower division yusho races wrapped up today, Jonokuchi and Jonidan. Ikazuchi-oyakata’s son, Kakizoe. Hakugetsuro won Jonidan, following up on his Jonokuchi yusho back in Tokyo in May. Congratulations to them. As Herbern mentioned in the comments, the Sandanme yusho will be determined in a play-off between undefeated (7-0) Tenshoyama and Tochimusashi.
Nabatame leads the Makushita race. He did not fight yesterday but the 5-1 guys did. Asahifuji leads a field of six hoping for a Nabatame loss so they can have a seven-man play-off on senshuraku. No news on who Nabatame’s opponent will be but I’ll update when this when that’s announced.
In the meantime, Tanji (4-3) visited Juryo and defeated Kayo to earn his spot in the second division. Congratulations on the certain promotion. We’ll get the official word early next week. Arashifuji (10-3) lost his second fight in a row, as did stablemate Toshinofuji (9-4). With Shonannoumi’s win over Shirokuma (9-4), Shonannoumi is suddenly tied for the lead with the great storm…who does not have 4 losses, though he’s getting close. Nishikigi (6-7), Ryuden (2-11), Enho (6-7) lost. Kagayaki (6-7), Meisei (4-9), Tamawashi (7-6) won. Meisei’s win came at the expense of Sadanoumi (4-9). It has been a rough basho for The Old Guard. Tamawashi looks like he’ll be the only one holding down the fort against these whipper-snappers.
Makuuchi Action
Onokatsu (3-10) defeated Asahakuryu (5-8). Hidari-yotsu. Asahakuryu focused on ottsuke, trying to break Onokatsu’s left-hand inside grip. Onokatsu persevered, drove forward, and forced Asahakuryu over the bales. Asahakuryu make-koshi. Yorikiri.
Mitakeumi (2-11) defeated Kazuma (3-10). Mitakeumi’s right hand ottsuke was effective at breaking Kazuma’s left-hand grip. He was able to charge forward and force Kazuma over the edge. Yorikiri.
Kinbozan (8-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-9). Chiyoshoma tried a quick, spinning attack to disorient Kinbozan. While he focused on his left hand overarm grip, Kinbozan locked on with both hands inside (morozashi). That helped him to stablize and resist Chiyoshoma’s spin. After a bit of a pause in the action while the two men caught their breath, Kinbozan twisted Chiyoshoma down to the ground. Kinbozan kachi-koshi. Shitatehineri.
Tobizaru (5-8) defeated Daiseizan (6-7). Tobizaru weathered a torrent of tsuppari from Daiseizan. Daiseizan also tried a few slapdown attempts. His final one was his undoing as Tobizaru rushed forward and forced him out. Oshidashi.
Asakoryu (8-5) defeated Wakamotoharu (6-7). Asakoryu focused on his left-hand ottsuke, trying not to let Wakamotoharu’s right hand inside. He suddenly shifted left and pulled forward with that left hand and thrust Wakamotoharu to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.
Nishikifuji (9-4) defeated Fujiseiun (6-7). Nishikifuji dominated this bout. Hidari-yotsu. Nishikigi used his powerful right hand overarm grip to throw Fujiseiun over the tawara. Uwatenage.
Abi (6-7) defeated Shodai (4-9). More accurately, Shodai beat Shodai. Abi did his best Takanosho impression, blasting Shodai with his right arm. Shodai shoved that right arm so hard that he lost balance and bounced on his butt off the dohyo. You really can’t make this up. Tsukitaoshi.
Asanoyama (9-4) defeated Oshoma (5-8). I thought Asanoyama was done as Oshoma’s tsuppari drove him back to the bales but Asanoyama slipped to his left, reached behind Oshoma and grabbed his belt with his left hand, then dumped him over the edge. Oshoma make-koshi. Uwatenage.
Fujiryoga (9-4) defeated Ura (4-9). Fujiryoga cast Ura from the dohyo, bulldozing forward with a hail of tsuppari. Oshitaoshi.
Roga (7-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-8). The bout started with hidari-yotsu but Ichiyamamoto pressed down hard to break Roga’s hold and then re-connected with migi-yotsu, right hand inside. Ichiyamamoto charged forward and forced Roga to the edge but Roga pulled him down with his inside hand. Ichi make-koshi. Shitatenage.
Halftime
Gonoyama (6-7) defeated Hakunofuji (7-6). Gonoyama used tsuppari to get Hakunofuji moving backwards and a head-butt to finish him off. Oshidashi.
Daieisho (8-5) defeated Takanosho (6-7). The two traded thrusts and parries in a lengthy, entertaining brawl. Takanosho seemed to lose his ring sense and tried to slip leftward along the edge but stepped out. Oshidashi.
Churanoumi (6-7) defeated Fujinokawa (6-7). Churanoumi got a strong grip with his right hand outside, used his forehead to break Fujinokawa’s grip and a sudden yank on the belt to throw Fujinokawa off-balance. Fujinokawa danced along the edge as he tried to regain his footing but Churanoumi blasted him out. Oshitaoshi.
Sanyaku
Hiradoumi (3-10) defeated Oho (1-12). Migi-yotsu. Hiradoumi’s hips thrust until he hopped Oho over the bales. Oho didn’t ever seem to brace or put much weight on his right foot. I wonder if therein lies the reason for his poor performance this basho. With Mitakeumi’s win, Oho now owns the worst record in the division (not counting kyujos). Yorikiri.
Yoshinofuji (6-7) defeated Kotoeiho (9-4). Yoshinofuji kept Kotoeiho off his belt and forced him off balance with his powerful, head-first attack. Kotoeiho never regained his balance and Yoshinofuji shoved him out. Oshidashi.
Kotoshoho (6-7) defeated Takayasu (9-4). Kotoshoho thrust Takayasu’s right side at the edge. Takayasu spun around…but only half-way. Kotoshoho attacked from behind and shoved him out. Okuridashi.
Kotozakura (8-5) defeated Shishi (10-3). While Shishi was fumbling for a belt grip, Kotozakura pulled and used his right hand inside grip to drag Shishi down, while pushing down on Shishi’s head with his left hand. Kotozakura clears his kadoban against a Maegashira 14. Clap, clap. Shitatedashinage.
Aonishiki (11-2) defeated Kirishima (10-3). Aonishiki backed to the edge and slapped Kirishima down. He wasn’t able to get his left-hand onto Kirishima’s belt but he still used it under Kirishima’s right shoulder to pull him forward over the edge. Sukuinage.
Onosato (7-6) defeated Takerufuji (10-3). Onosato looked solid today. He connected with Takerufuji and used his gaburi thrusts to move forward and force Takerufuji out. Yorikiri.
Atamifuji (10-3) defeated Hoshoryu (7-6). Atamifuji would not go quietly into that good night. Migi-yotsu. He wrapped up the Yokozuna, resisted Hoshoryu’s shitatenage, and chugged forward. Yoritaoshi.
Wrap-Up
Aonishiki leads the yusho race and frankly, he has been the best wrestler on the dohyo. The cup is his to lose.
Yusho race
- 2-Losses: Aonishiki
- 3-Losses: Kirishima, Atamifuji, Takerufuji, Shishi
Pairings for Day 14 are still being determined. I’ll try to write an update this afternoon with the news. Aonishiki versus Atamifuji, anyone? Atamifuji has really shone lately. Kotozakura should face Onosato tomorrow so the Yokozuna can fight on senshuraku. What is there to say about Hoshoryu, except, “Oof?” Honestly, I’m on pins and needles about who Nabatame will have to fight.
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I am rooting for both Yokozuna to loose tomorrow.
So that we can have a grand final day, final bout, where two Yokozuna are fighting Darwin bout to get Kachi koshi.
This bout will be more intense than two Yokozuna fighting for a Yusho😆
Atamifuji to face Shishi and Aonishiki to take on Takerufuji. As an Ozeki, Kirishima is locked in to face Hoshoryu.
Still waiting for the Makushita listing. I’m kind of curious to see how a 7-way playoff would work, in case Nabatame loses tomorrow, especially since 3 of them are from the same stable.
They just updated it, Nabatame is going up to Juryo to face Nishikigi.
That’s a gutshot. I’m a Nishikigi fan so the idea of him going down makes me sad.
Yeah, the obvious choice – means the yusho can’t be decided tomorrow. Atamifuji and Shishi in a knockout match – winner to take on Aonishiki on senshuraku.
And Kirishima vs Takerufuji (instead of Kotozakura) if the latter should beat Aonishiki.
Nishikifuji/Nishikigi? Needs a correction, Andy. Nabatame will battle Nishikigi in an exchange match. 7-way playoff if the Makushita man loses.
Aonishiki drew Takerufuji, Atamifuji got Shishi, Kirishima did indeed get Hoshoryu.
A Darwin match on Senshuraku pitting Yokozunas against each other? Sign me up for that.
Yusho for Aonishiki? YES!
ah, the highs and lows of being a supporter. Oof! indeed Andy. Sumo has more drama than Kabuki. Really looking forward to the highlights show later on.
I can hardly believe we’re on Day 13.
At the bottom end of the banzuke, I am glad to see Asakoryu getting his kachi-koshi and being clear of the juryo barge undertow. I have a soft spot for those named for dragons.
I wonder if its Oho’s back – he was stretching it before his bout today? And he was walking like someone with a stuffed back some of the days.
Pure gold from Shodai today!
It is certainly possible and would explain quite a bit.
“While Shishi was fumbling for a belt grip, Kotozakura pulled and used his right hand inside grip to drag Shishi down,”
“Aonishiki backed to the edge and slapped Kirishima down. He wasn’t able to get his left-hand onto Kirishima’s belt but he still used it under Kirishima’s right shoulder to pull him forward over the edge.”
The lesson here is that no one is going to wait for you to set things up. Push (preferably) or pull on what you’ve got.
Day 13 in the books and two, two!, Yokozuna haven’t made kachi-koshi yet. What is going on? And Hoshoryu got whipped.
Asanoyama: he escaped by the skin of his teeth. Was at the point of losing twice and still managed to pull out a win.
Takayasu: no, the ballerina twirl doesn’t work every time.
Aonishiki and Atamifuji….wow!
Asanoyama was today ozeki level, what an escape.
my manners escape me, thank you Andy et al, for keeping me so well appraised, and entertainingly updated, with the nitty-gritty of the bouts, whilst I’m at work! Nipping out for a coffee and a stroopwafel gives me a chance to more slowly enjoy your wordsmithing.
Can hardly wait for Aonishiki to make Yokozuna. With the 2 current Yoks being incapable of getting 10 wins I’m proposing a new sub-Yokozuna rank of Jokozuna. Hoshoryu‘s uncle can’t be pleased with his efforts. First we hear Onsato’s shoulder is “fine” then a week later it’s still bothering him. Which is it? Given who his Oyakata is, why would he make him fight with a rotator cuff injury? Speaking from experience after tearing both of mine, that’s an injury that needs 4 months of physical therapy after surgery. If he chooses not to have surgery, physical therapy will limit his future strength in that shoulder to 70% of normal, max. I know, that’s the route I choose the first time; bad decision
U‘re so right about Onosato and I can’t stop shaking my head about the decisions he and Kisenosato take concerning that injury. They have now given away four basho already!
(That said I‘m happy he all the same made Takerufuji pay for that ugly henka yesterday.)
It seemed to me that Takayasu in a clearly winning position hesitated for a split second to push Kotoshoho in a gyoji’s direction, and payed for it immediately.
Someone should tell Hoshoryu, that it is not a scandal to win ugly. Yorikiri, Oshidashi and Hatakikomi are legitimatie winning kimarite. You do not have to throw every time. Today he would have won if he had gone for yorikiri.
By the way what happens if a yokazuna goes makekoshi. I want to hear, what the chairman has to say then. I am waiting anyway eagerly to hear his remarks after this basho.
Kotozakura once again has been back when it really counted. Neither a yokozuna nor a 10-2 in form maegashira were able stop him. Congratulations.
As to the yusho I‘d put my money on Atamifuji. He‘s a force of nature and getting more and more refined too. Thanks to Teranofuji, I guess, who‘s other rikishi in the title race also remains dangerous. As we all remember Takerufuji knows how to take the yusho from the depths of maegashira… be on your guard tomorrow, Aonishiki!
The sekiwake situation is funny. Though there are four of them right now, it looks lot like only one of them might remain. As per today it would probably be M4 Daieisho taking the other slot!
(Of course, the remaining two days could change everything. For instance Kotoshoho and Yoshinofuji could still get their kachikoshi.)