Today looks like a day where the decided to take folks who have last fought against each other in Osaka, and run them through the mill. Not that I am complaining one bit! Highlight matches for me are going to be Mitakeumi vs Hokuseiho, Onosho vs Takayasu and Kirishima vs Hokutofuji.

What We Are Watching Day 3

Daishoho (0-2) vs Chiyoshoma (1-1) – As the last man on the banzuke, Daishoho needs to find a win or two in short order. With a 0-2 start, I am sure that he feels the pressure. He has an even 4-5 record against Chiyoshoma, who seems to be fighting well enough even though he lost is day 2 match against Kotoshoho. They have had 3 prior matches, two of which went to Chiyoshoma.

Aoiyama (0-2) vs Tsurugisho (1-1) – Yes, its the same story as Nagoya. Giant blobby fellow from Central Europe, whose sumo career is getting long in the tooth, has a cold start and Bruce gets worried. Will Big Dan rally back again this time? He has beaten Tsurugisho in 6 of the 9 prior fights, and won 2 of the 3 fights this year.

Kagayaki (1-1) vs Nishikifuji (1-1) – Both men come into day 3 with 1-1 records, and I would like to see Nishikifuji pick up a white star today. Granted, Kagayaki won their first and only match, Osaka day 8, but Kagayaki’s sumo is looking shabby and poorly focused right now.

Myogiryu (1-1) vs Atamifuji (2-0) – First ever match between a long serving veteran and a new rising star. Fans of Atamifuji seem to really be strong backers, and I am sure he will have a crowd of them in the Kokugikan for Tuesday. He also brings in a 2-0 record that underscores that he may be able to stay in the top division on his second attempt.

Kotoshoho (1-1) vs Sadanoumi (2-0) – At 36, I continue to be impressed and humbled that Sadanoumi not only mounts the dohyo each day, but fights with such power and skill. Getting beat up daily is a young man’s occupation but he manages to stick with it. He has an even 4-3 record against Kotoshoho, but he lost the only prior match against him this year – day 7 of Osaka.

Mitakeumi (2-0) vs Hokuseiho (1-1) – What a fun match. It’s a first time battle between a former Ozeki and the runner up for the tallest building in Japan. Rumors are flying that the on again, off again romance between Hokuseiho and the Tokyo Skytree are hotter than ever, so the big man may be slightly distracted. Has Hokuseiho fought a tadpole before?

Takarafuji (1-1) vs Endo (0-2) – Twenty Five career matches, with a 15-10 advantage to Endo. Mind you, Endo has yet to find his first win of the tournament, and there’s a chance that’s down to an injury that has been sapping his performance. But today may be his first win, as all of their matches since 2021 have gone to Endo (5 in a row).

Kinbozan (2-0) vs Hiradoumi (1-1) – Kinbozan entered the top division with a lot of well earned buzz. In his debut in March of this year, he had 8 consecutive kachi-koshi tournaments, and 2 lower division yusho. Then came 2 make-koshi tournaments, and the blazing new star has possibly settled into the reality of the tough competition he will face for the rest of his top division career. Their only prior match was day 13 of Osaka, which went to Kinbozan.

Kotoeko (1-1) vs Midorifuji (0-2) – I wish Midorifuji was in better health. He’s been a shambles since Osaka, and I am not sure he is clear of whatever injury befell him following March’s tournament. But he’s back to being at least a step too slow and a 50斤 to soft. So I think Kotoeko has a good chance of picking up his second win today, and relegating Midorifuji to a pitiful 0-3.

Oho (0-2) vs Ryuden (0-2) – The good news is – one of these 0-2 guys will get their first win today. Both of them seem to be up to fighting competitively at their rank, but for various reasons have yet to find their first white star. They have an even 2-2 career record, with Oho taking their only prior match this year, Natsu day 10.

Onosho (2-0) vs Takayasu (2-0) – Both start the day with 2-0, and bring an even career 4-4 record to the clay. I sort of want Takayasu to go “wild man” today, and really give Onosho a big blast at the tachiai. I am certain that Onosho is planning something similar, so lets have these two super jumbos just slug it out.

Shonannoumi (1-1) vs Ura (1-1) – A pair of 1-1 rikishi looking for their second win, and I would like to think that Ura may have the mojo to put on a couple of highlight reel worthy matches this basho. Of course I hope they are ones where he wins, but I would be willing to settle for some footage of him flying through the air and landing on the posture lady. Shonannoumi, you have your cue.

Takanosho (1-1) vs Gonoyama (1-1) – A portion of my sumo brain (such as it is) wants to see Gonoyama get to double digits from M5 this September. The 25 year old Goeido disciple came into pro sumo as a SD100 tsukidashi, and proceeded to grind through the ranks. This included picking up a Makushita yusho (no easy feat). He’s been straight kachi-koshi since becoming a sekitori, and blasted into the top division after a 14-1 Juryo yusho from J1E. That being said, I hope Takanosho gives him a good fight today.

Nishikigi (1-1) vs Asanoyama (2-0) – You know they are going chest to chest at the tachiai. You now Nishikigi is going to go for the arm bar, and Asanoyama is going to go for ukiyo-e. They last fought on day 4 of Natsu, 2019, during Nishikigi’s last magical tour through the joi-jin. Now he’s a Komusubi, and I want to see if he can make progress on his 2-6 career deficit to Asanoyama today.

Shodai (0-2) vs Wakamotoharu (0-2) – Well, neither guy has a win. Both are looking quite a bit below their expected performance level. Ring rust? Injury? We may never know. At least one of gets a win today. They share a 3-3 career record, with each winning 2 so far this year.

Daieisho (1-1) vs Abi (1-1) – No matter what else happens, we know its going to be big power forward from both men today. I will likely come down to who connects with power first, with Daieisho having an edge today. Daieisho leads the 10-8 career record, and has won 2 of the last 3.

Kotonowaka (1-1) vs Tamawashi (0-2) – With all of the over 35 rikishi who are struggling, I worry that they are on the sunset ride down the banzuke and into retirement. Tamawashi seldom wins over Kotonowaka, with Kotonowaka having a 7-3 career lead, and Tamawashi coming into day three winless.

Meisei (1-1) vs Takakeisho (1-1) – Takakeisho needs 7 more to clear kadoban, and he’s got a numbers advantage over Meisei with a 9-45 career advantage. My favorite fact on their match ups – on day 10 of Hatsu this year, Takakeisho won against Meisei with a kotenage. I bet you remember the now that I mentioned it, yes? Not everyday you see our Grand Tadpole with with a throw.

Kirishima (2-0) vs Hokutofuji (2-0) – Kirishima needs to be on his guard, as Hokutofuji’s 12-3 jun-yusho / yusho dotten hot streak from Nagoya still seems to be running at full throttle. He has already collected two Ozeki scalps, and I am sure he wants to complete the set. Kirishima has a 3-1 advantage over him on the clay.

Tobizaru (1-1) vs Hoshoryu (1-1) – The big battle at the end of the day has a lot of potential. Tobizaru has demonstrated that his mad cap combo sumo can take down Hoshoryu from time to time (7-10 career record), and he defeated Tamawashi yesterday. But in reality, Hoshoryu has won 4 of their last 5 matches, and will likely pick up his second win today, unless Tobizaru can get a quick slap down or catch Hoshoryu with his feet in the wrong spot.

I would have to say the standout match of the day was Kotonowaka and Asanoyama. I recall when Asanoyama returned to the top division, many fans and readers were skeptical of my boosterism for the guy. As with all things sumo, deeds over words is the order of the day. His win today showed both that he still can execute Ozeki class sumo, and that he is not quite at his level of performance he had in his prime. I think he can get back to that, if he can focus and train hard enough to rebuild his sumo skills. I think the fans in Japan would be happy to see him try to reach 33 wins, even though his prior infraction against the rules may preclude him from ever being considered to be re-promoted to Ozeki.

Highlight Matches

Tsurugisho defeats Kagayaki – Tsurugisho had his hands up early, I think he was trying to guide Kagayaki into trying for a grip rather than thrusting. To me this was a strange match, it was really just the yori, a turn to the right by Tsurugisho, and a Kagayaki step out. I expected more, I guess. Both end the day 1-1.

Atamifuji defeats Daishoho – Daishoho managed to get into a “hold steady” grip with Atamifuji following the tachiai, but then seemed to not have much of an idea of what to do. In spite of multiple bandages and tapings to his upper body, Atamifuji had little trouble consolidating his grip, and then walking Daishoho out, ending the day 2-0.

Kotoshoho defeats Chiyoshoma – That right forearm / elbow to Chiyoshoma’s face at the tachiai may have been the deciding element of this fight. I did like that Chiyoshoma got a right hand mawashi grip and tried to throw Kotoshoho, but I that head snap as the forearm connected – yikes. After a protracted grapple, Chiyoshoma tried to rally, but his forward pressure fed into Kotoshoho’s sukuinage. Both end the day 1-1.

Nishikifuji defeats Myogiryu – Nishikifuji quickly set up hidariyotsu (left hand inside) and from below, and kept Myogiryu too upright to generate much offense. It was a quick walk out for the yorikiri, and Nishikifuji’s first win of Aki as both finish 1-1.

Sadanoumi defeats Aoiyama – I will just say – combined age of… Ahem.. 73 between these two long serving rikishi. Aoiyama tried to deliver some blows to the base of Sadanoumi’s neck, but where was the power? Yeah, Aoiyama is not yet in fighting form. Sadanoumi figures this out by the second exchange. He gets Aoiyama turned and runs him out from behind for an okuridashi, as Sadanoumi improves to 2-0.

Mitakeumi defeats Takarafuji – I admit that Mitakeumi is past his prime, but then he has a match like today where he shows us brilliant form. Look at that body angle! Look at that ottsuke! At first Takarafuji was working to “defend and extend”, but that just seemed to delight Mitakeumi. It did not take long for Takarafuji to decide that was not going to work, but his choice of a pull worked less. Oshidashi win for the original tadpole, and he is 2-0.

Hokuseiho defeats Endo – What a fun match for a sumo fan. Endo put his chips on that right hand grip, and it worked pretty well for a while. Bonus – we got to see Hokuseiho react and defend. No surprise that an integral part of his defense was his enormity, which caused most of Endo’s sumo mechanics to fall to ruin. I mean, how do you practice for that kind of fight? Have one of your tsukebito ride around on another’s shoulders? Endo gets his grip, but then Hokuseiho gets him into an arm bar hold, and just waits for Endo to do something. When nothing comes to pass, Hokuseiho lifts and walks forward for a kimedashi, picking up his first win of Aki to improve to 1-1.

Kinbozan defeats Kotoeko – Really impressive lower body defensive work from Kinbozan. Kotoeko can be a tough opponent, and he certainly brought a lot of action to his sumo today, but Kotoeko simply was unable to disrupt Kinbozan’s stance. Sir, if you insist on employing excellent foot placement, you will be asked to assume higher rank. Kinbozan now 2-0.

Hiradoumi defeats Midorifuji – Hiradoumi really wanted to bounce back from his day 1 loss to Kotoeko. Midorifuji tried a number of combos once the two were chest to chest, but he could not disrupt Hiradoumi’s grip, or break his stance. The yorikiri was inevitable, and gave Hiradoumi his first win of Aki for a score of 1-1.

Onosho defeats Oho – I thought Oho had this one until he decided Onosho was off balance (hey, he frequently is) and tried a slap down far too close to the bales. No, Onosho’s right foot was under his chest and he was going nowhere. Having given up all forward pressure for the slap down, Oho caught a double arm blast to center mass and left the dohyo. Onosho with a 2-0 start to September.

Takayasu defeats Ryuden – I did not have Takayasu trying out Abi-zumo on my bingo card for Aki, but it was fun to watch. It seems to have caught Ryuden by surprise and he took the hikiotoshi with a roll to the clay. Takayasu picks up a second win to advance to 2-0.

Shonannoumi defeats Takanosho – Somewhat of a let down for Takanosho fans. He had this one ready for the oshidashi, but he was 1½ steps from the win. Rather than using 2, he tried to use 1 and found himself off balance enough that Shonannoumi countered with a sukuinage. Tough break sir, both end the day 1-1.

Ura defeats Gonoyama – Probably should have been a matta, as Gonoyama launched early. Gonoyama was clearly not ready for Ura’s angle of attack, and all of his offense landing impotently without disrupting the man in pink’s sumo. Ura pushed forward, and it was three quick steps to the oshidashi win. Both are now 1-1.

Tobizaru defeats Tamawashi – Tobizaru attempts a henka, which initially fails. But Tobizaru’s agility and speed of execution is so high that he recovers, and finishes the onrushing Tamawashi with a hikkake as his second sumo move. Daymm. Tobizaru scores his first win and is 1-1.

Daieisho defeats Shodai – My hoped for “Shodai as destroyer of dreams” shall not come to pas, I would guess. He’s looking moribund again. He’s upright, his feet are aligned, he’s a perfect mark for Daieisho’s big forward power. Yeah, not impressive. Daieisho now 1-1.

Asanoyama defeats Kotonowaka – Bloody hell, what defense! Asanoyama gets surprised by some clever combos from Kotonowaka, and is almost beaten twice. But he manages to recover, set his stance and counter with aggressive forward sumo that culminates with an uwatenage. The crowd loved it, and so did I. Asanoyama 2-0.

Abi defeats Wakamotoharu – Yeah, Wakamotoharu never does well against Abi, and today was no exception. He caught the double arm thrust and did not keep his weight centered over his feet, which made him easy meat for the hikiotoshi that followed. Abi gets his first win and is 1-1.

Kirishima defeats Meisei – Kirishima tried for a pull down at the tachiai, and it nearly cost him the match. Meisei was ready for it, and drove the Ozeki back. I guess a pull down was Kirishima’s plan, as we see him try it two more times, with the final one getting Meisei off balance enough that he fell to the clay. They scored it as an oshitaoshi, which just makes me shrug. Kirishima now 2-0.

Hokutofuji defeats Hoshoryu – I am both surprised and impressed that Ole’ Stompy pulled this one out. I think it came down to Hoshoryu getting too far forward for just a moment, and Hokutofuji catching him out, pivoting to completely disrupt the Ozeki’s balance and slamming him to the clay. Solid hatakikomi win, and Hokutofuji joins the 2-0 club.

Takakeisho defeats Nishikigi – Fans hoping that Takakeisho can clear kadoban can go ahead and take another breath. Takakeisho waited for Nishikigi to reach in to attempt a belt grip, and dropped him to the clay with a tsukiotoshi. Solid plan, solid execution. Both are now 1-1.

Day 2 features 3 high interest first ever match ups, including my favorite: Hokuseiho vs Endo. Does sheer mass bring enough advantage to overcome legendary skill and planning? Can a man who was once sumo’s golden boy of the future actually win against a portion of Tokyo’s famed Shuto Expressway?

As mentioned in my preview, I have worries that we may lose an Ozeki this tournament, and it will become evident at the end of act 1. But I am already concerned that Takakeisho is still too banged up to be much of an opponent this September. So far Kirishima seems to be doing well enough, so let’s take some hope in that.

The match with the most potential in my mind is Gonoyama vs Ura. It may look like a dud on the roster, and there is a good chance it will be. But then again the dimension bending plastic wizard of WTF sumo up against the latest GoeiDOS version just brings so much potential to the clay, that I have to see if some new form of sumo gets created today.

What We Are Watching Day 2

Kagayaki (1-0) vs Tsurugisho (0-1) – Both men are perilously close to the bottom of the banzuke, and are going to be especially focused on reaching 8 wins by the earliest possible date. We saw nothing that would indicate injury in the day 1 matches for either man, so I am going to expect this to be a full on battle of bulk vs fundamentals. Kagayaki holds a 5-3 career lead, but both have won one match against the other this year.

Atamifuji (1-0) vs Daishoho (0-1) – This is the first match the two have had in the top division, with all three priors happening in Juryo this year and last year. Atamifuji took 2 to Daishoho’s 1. I will look for Daishoho to try and set up a throw before Atamifuji can secure a hold for a yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (1-0) vs Kotoshoho (0-1) – I have been waiting for Kotoshoho to bounce back since March. This means I am eagerly seeking any clue that he is past the injury that took him kyujo in May and helped propel him this far down the banzuke. He is fairly evenly matched against Chiyoshoma, who will try to disrupt as much of Kotoshoho’s attacks as he can. They share a 3-4 career record.

Myogiryu (1-0) vs Nishikifuji (0-1) – Nishikifuji has only had one strong showing this year, in Osaka with a 10-5 score. Nothing I have seen so far indicates that he is still fighting hurt, so maybe he can bring his best sumo to bare against Myogiryu, who holds the advantage in their 4-2 career record. Nishikifuji has won 2 of the 3 matches they have fought so far this year.

Aoiyama (0-1) vs Sadanoumi (1-0) – An impressive 23 career matches between the two, with a 12-11 split narrowly favoring Aoiyama. But given his banged up condition, I don’t think Big Dan has much of an advantage today. Sadanoumi has won 3 of their last 4, but notably Aoiyama won their most recent match, day 15 at Nagoya. When Aoiyama wins, it tends to be a pull down or slap down, so I will look for one of those early in the match before Sadanoumi can apply too much pressure.

Mitakeumi (1-0) vs Takarafuji (1-0) – Another long rivalry, with 15 carrier matches favoring Mitakeumi 11-4, with their first match happening in 2015! Takarafuji’s chance to take his 5th win from the Original Tadpole today will come down to him getting a working grip early, and being able to defend and extend against Mitakeumi’s forward pressure.

Hokuseiho (0-1) vs Endo (0-1) – First ever match between these two. For sumo nerds, this is one fascinating match. You have the enormity of Hokuseiho, who so far has shown us very little technique beyond being huge. Endo is a master of technique, and can always be counted on to plan something out, no matter how hurt he is. What will Hokuseiho do in response? I can’t wait to find out. A good size vs skill match.

Kotoeko (1-0) vs Kinbozan (1-0) – Both men won their opening day match, and both of them are looking strong and genki right now. All three of their prior matches were this year, with Kotoeko taking 2 to Kinbozan’s 1. Their matches tend to feature a lot of rapid combos and a fair amount of lateral motion, so I am expecting a nice fight.

Midorifuji (0-1) vs Hiradoumi (0-1) – Midorifuji have been disappointed by his performance this summer, with him having make-koshi results for both Natsu and Nagoya. It did not help at all that he lost his opening day match against Kinbozan. To heap on the gloom, he has yet to win in 2 tries against Hiradoumi. Is it time for a crowd pleasing katasukashi? Please say yes.

Onosho (1-0) vs Oho (0-1) – Oho fights well against Onosho. Possibly because Onosho gets into a rut where he is strictly and east-west fighter, though we can see him use a lot of good lateral motion when the mood hits him. Defeating Onosho can be a simple affair if you have the defensive acumen to endure him ramping up the forward pressure. Simply wait for him to max out his push forward, then get out of the way when he takes a step. It’s resulted in Oho having a 4-1 career record against him.

Takayasu (1-0) vs Ryuden (0-1) – They share an even 3-3 record, so it’s a even match. For Takayasu fans, we have to accept the fact that the big hairy moose has only had 10 wins over the last 2 basho. It was great to see him win day 1, but I am waiting for him to hurt something around the middle weekend.

Takanosho (1-0) vs Shonannoumi (0-1) – First ever match between these two, but in terms of size and skill it is a very even fight. If I had to guess, Shonannoumi will try to shut down Takanosho’s thrusting attack and attempt to set up a kotenage, or just go for an immediate slap down at the tachiai.

Gonoyama (1-0) vs Ura (0-1) – Another first ever match, and I am hoping that Ura is a bit more patient today than his day 1 loss against Takanosho. Ura was clearly on the attack, but was too eager to finish. He allowed Takanosho to side step a lunge forward handing Ura the loss. I am certain Gonoyama will have no trouble with that route as well, so I hope we get to see Ura pull out some magic against Goeido’s finest disciple.

Tamawashi (0-1) vs Tobizaru (0-1) – Tobizaru looked good day 1 against Kirishima, but the Ozeki was able to constrain Tobizaru’s sumo and incrementally shut him down. Tamawashi won’t even try any of that. He will put maximum power forward and try to see if he can get Tobizaru airborne. Tobizaru’s excellent mobility is why he holds a 5-3 lead in their career series.

Daieisho (0-1) vs Shodai (0-1) – Shodai once again shows why he is the heartbreak kid. He’s got oodles of talent, but for whatever reason can’t seem to deliver it when it counts. Today, we are going to see him catch a rocket sled to the chest, I would guess, as Daieisho has a lot of unexpended energy and frustration from his day 1 loss to Meisei. Daieisho leads the career series 18-8.

Kotonowaka (1-0) vs Asanoyama (1-0) – Both won their opening day matches, and Asanoyama won their only prior match – when both were in Sandanme during 2016. What does that imply for this match? Nothing! It’s no secret to readers I want Asanoyama to elbow his way into the current crop occupying the named ranks. But he’s going to have a big match today against Kotonowaka as part of that journey.

Abi (0-1) vs Wakamotoharu (0-1) – Wakamotoharu started the basho with a loss to Asanoyama, but I don’t think thats any kind of indicator that he is not at full fighting power. His fans would love to see him reach double digits and re-start hopes of a 4th Ozeki, but its all down to his health. He has only won twice against Abi in 7 attempts, so perhaps today is the day that Abi-zumo will score a first win for September.

Kirishima (1-0) vs Meisei (1-0) – The thing about Meisei, when he is dialed into his sumo, he can win against most of the current sekitori. he has a narrow 6-5 edge against Kirishima, with most of his wins coming via hatakikomi. So he’s good catching Kirishima off balance, and slamming him to the clay. Should be a fun one to watch.

Hokutofuji (1-0) vs Hoshoryu (1-0) – Hokutofuji has only ever won once against Hoshoryu in six attempts. But I am sure Hokutofuji’s inner honey badger could care less. Reading Hoshoryu’s list of kimarite against Hokutofuji, it’s a broad array of pushes, thrusts and throws, indicating that Hoshoryu’s superior mobility tends to be the deciding factor. The good thing for Hoshoryu is that Hokutofuji is very predictable with that opening nodowa at the tachiai.

Nishikigi (1-0) vs Takakeisho (0-1) – This match is simple. If Nishikigi can get a grip on Takakeisho, he wins. If Takakeisho can keep things on a strike-and-move cadence, he probably will win. The Ozeki has a 6-2 career record against Captain Battle Hug. Stay mobile, tadpole!

Opening day of Aki, and so far nobody looks to have too much ring rust. For some reason there was a huge streak of oshidashi today, and everyone and their deshi decided to shove the other bloke out. Two out of the three Ozeki won their opening day match, with Hoshoryu shutting down Abi-zumo in quick fashion and Kirishima staying steady against flying monkey sumo.

Oh yes, the much revered Satanofuji is back to perform the yumitori-shiki, let there be much rejoicing.

Highlight Matches

Kagayaki defeats Daishoho – This was a race to see who could get hand placement first, and it was Kagayaki by a mile. Leading with his right hand, he was able to get a double inside body grip while Daishoho was applying a few tepid thrusts. Straight walk back yorikiri once Kagayaki got the grip, he starts Aki 1-0.

Chiyoshoma defeats Tsurugisho – Excellent sumo mechanics from Chiyoshoma today. Note his tachiai is low, and strikes upward at the initial merge. He manages to get his left hand on the front of Tsurugisho’s belt and lift while his body is still pressing upward to the tachiai. Given their massive weight difference, this is a perfect attack strategy. It unweights Tsurugisho enough to let Chiyoshoma move him back, into the yorikiri. Chiyoshoma is 1-0.

Atamifuji defeats Kotoshoho – Bold opener from Kotoshoho, who wanted to immediately apply an under shoulder throw against Atamifuji. It nearly worked but Kotoshoho’s right hand could not maintain grip. Unfortunately this opening gambit gave Atamifuji a right hand inside grip, and he was on the attack. While the right hand shut down Kotoshoho’s offense, it was Atamifuji’s right hand outside that did all the work. Solid sumo by Atamifuji, keeping his hips square in spite of Kotoshoho trying to deflect. The yorikiri starts Atamifuji at 1-0.

Myogiryu defeats Aoiyama – Start of another basho, and Bruce gets to worry about Big Dan. It’s not because he’s a fellow extra tall, over weight, pasty white guy, nah! It’s because when you have such an unlikely athlete get this far into his life and still able to compete in the top ranks, you kind of want to see it keep going. But Aoiyama has just a fraction of his former power, and Myogiryu makes quick work of him for a 1-0 start to Aki.

Sadanoumi defeats Nishikifuji – Nishikifuji put all of his hopes on that arm bar hold on Sadanoumi’s left arm. It was a solid hold, but he decided he was going to use it to upend Sadanoumi with some sort of throw. Sadanoumi was able to break the hold, and get Nishikifuji turned around for a quick okuridashi, he is now 1-0.

Takarafuji defeats Hokuseiho – Hokuseiho falls for one of the classic blunders. The most well know of which is “Never get involved in a land war in Asia”. Only slightly less well known is, “Never use a neck attack against Takarafuji”. While mile-high Hokuseiho was getting a 404 trying to wrap an arm around Takarafuji’s neck, Takarafuji was walking him out. A winning start at 1-0.

Mitakeumi defeats Endo – Mitakeumi put a lot of power forward, but like most of Mitakeumi’s sumo in the past year, it seems to only be at about 60% power. Endo has a good counter, but loses his footing to Mitakeumi’s forward pressure. Thus began the festival of oshidashi, with Mitakeumi advancing to 1-0.

Kinbozan defeats Midorifuji – Kinbozan got the first attack move, relegating Midorifuji to trying to counter, and having to settle for reacting to whatever Kinbozan chose to do. What he wanted to do was join the oshidashi club, which he did three steps later, putting his day 1 score to 1-0.

Kotoeko defeats Hiradoumi – Kotoeko has always been his own sort of rikishi. Although he knew it was oshidashi day, he went his own way. Hiradoumi certainly was on board with the overall plan, and delivered a potent hit at the start that could have turned into an oshidashi had Kotoeko not been able to counter, change grip and set up the sukuinage. Excellent rotation gets Kotoeko an opening day win at 1-0.

Takayasu defeats Oho – With the amount of pressure Takayasu was putting on Oho’s upper chest, there was only one way this was going to end. An oshidashi, and 1-0 for Takayasu.

Onosho defeats Ryuden – There are so many different ways this match could have ended. Ryuden fought quite well, and applied several disruptive pulls and moves that nearly brought Onosho down a few times. But Onosho kept his feet, and eventually had a clear route inside to push Ryuden out for a (you guessed it) oshidashi and a 1-0 start.

Gonoyama defeats Shonannoumi – Shonannoumi had better position out of the tachiai, but Gonoyama hit while he was still pushing his body upright. With Shonannoumi holding firm, Gonoyama was able to lift Shonannoumi and attack from underneath. For a minute it looked like Shonannoumi would be able to brute out a win, but Gonoyama broke contact, got his hand center-mass and pushed forward. Points to Gonoyama for being careful to keep his hands from getting a body grip, and thus he preserves the oshidashi streak.

Takanosho defeats Ura – This match came down to Ura trying hard for yet another oshidashi, but getting a bit to eager and lunging past Takanosho into the front row. The little push from Takanosho made it an okuridashi, which was ruled “close enough” for the streak to continue. Takanosho now 1-0.

Nishikigi defeats Tamawashi – I saw that the kimarite was oshidashi yet again, but Tamawashi was not the winner. It’s not every day you get to see Nishikigi eschew his battle-hug sumo for a good old push out. His choice of attack styles may have caught Tamawashi a bit by surprise. Nishikigi get an opening day win on his first basho in san’yaku, and is 1-0.

Kotonowaka defeats Shodai – Kotonowaka put in a good effort to get to oshidashi, but Shodai insisted on a body hold, resulting in Kotonowaka winning by yorikiri. Shodai’s opening move was unable to find enough contact to dial up the forward pressure, as Kotonowaka had already deflected and moved to capitalize on Shodai’s poor foot placement. Yorikiri win, and 1-0 for Kotonowaka. Thus the oshidashi streak was broken.

Asanoyama defeats Wakamotoharu – Wakamotoharu’s opening move was an attack to Asanoyama’s face, which certainly delivered some pain, but Asanoyama was able to get his left hand inside during the tachiai. Wakamotoharu was not again able to make an effective sumo move, as Asanoyama bundled him up and walked him out. 1-0 for the former Ozeki.

Meisei defeats Daieisho – I think Daieisho was eager to put a lot of power forward and rapidly move into his preferred mega-thrust attack. Meisei delivered a henka, and put Daieisho on the clay, for a 1-0 start to Aki.

Hoshoryu defeats Abi – Abi continues to try and make the most of Abi-zumo, in spite of the fact that most of the rikishi in the joi-jin have figured him out, and know where to attack while he is busy trying to work their face over. Hoshoryu gets an opening day win and a first win as Ozeki, and is 1-0.

Hokutofuji defeats Takakeisho – Anyone else worried about our Grand Tadpole? He showed good thrusting attack sumo today, but fell to poor footwork, and well placed thrus from Hokutofuji. The judges decided a monoii was needed, and declared a rematch. In the second fight, Hokutofuji got a hold around Takakeisho’s head and flung him to the clay. No question this time, Hokutofuji starts 1-0.

Kirishima defeats Tobizaru – As expected, Tobizaru tried to throw the kitchen sink into this match. I give credit to Kirishima for setting up a hold, not letting Tobizaru break contact, and progressively containing him to the point he could hurl him across the bales. Brilliant effort by Tobizaru against the Ozeki, with Kirishima now 1-0.