Abi (阿炎)

Abi Masatora

Aki 2023: Day 14 Highlights

Andy Abi (阿炎), Aki 2023, Aki Basho, Atamifuji (熱海富士), Hoshoryu, Takakeishō (貴景勝)

We enter the final weekend to a compelling yusho race featuring many of our favorite names. With talent up-and-down the banzuke and such evenly-matched competition every night has brought more drama and, most importantly, amazing action. Tonight was no different. We didn’t just get excellent action when a winning or losing record was on the line. Many of the bouts which were far removed from the yusho race, or even from kachi-koshi, featured heated contests and great finishing moves. It is really difficult to pick a favorite out of today’s bouts.

That said, we have to start with the yusho race. Atamifuji came into tonight with a share of the lead with Takakeisho. His two consecutive losses, in particular the loss to Takakeisho, had this sumo fan wondering if his charge was over. His confidence always appears shaky. You get the sense that he’s a gentle young guy, just amazed to be here.

When he’s ringside, he seems deferential to everyone around him. Sitting on his cushion, as shimpan and fellow wrestlers squeeze by, he seems to try extra hard to make himself small so he doesn’t bother anyone or get in anyone’s way. In the build-up to his match with Abi, he charged forward early. You could almost read his mind as you saw him back up, take his time, look up at the roof above. “Calm down, man. You deserve to be here.”

That changed in a flash at the tachiai. When Abi pulled a henka and slapped Atamifuji in the face, it just seemed like the big man’s demeanor changed. “Oh, you bastard.” He recovered, composed himself, and took his revenge. Today might have actually been the most pivotal day of the basho. And I hope it’s a turning point in Atamifuji’s rise. He deserves to be here and fight with the best. Will he win his first top division yusho tomorrow? It’s an exciting prospect.

They haven’t posted tomorrow’s torikumi yet. And they probably will do so momentarily. But my bet is that they’ll make him earn it. If he has to face Hoshoryu, that would be brutal. Hoshoryu will be fighting for kachi-koshi. Atamifuji would have to deny an Ozeki kachi-koshi, or beat one in a playoff. I think that’s a fair path. What do you all think?

While you mull it over, let’s take a look at the action.

Highlights

Myogiryu (9-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-12): Chiyoshoma jumped early with a false start, and made contact with Myogiryu before the tachiai. For me, that usually signals that a henka is coming. But no henka. Chiyoshoma attacked head-on but Myogiryu deflected him and forced Chiyoshoma down to his left. Hatakikomi.

Takarafuji (7-7) defeated Kagayaki (4-10): Kagayaki came in too high. Kagayaki drove forward, rather mindlessly, at the tachiai. Takarafuji met Kagayaki head on but was able to shift around and nearly get behind Kagayaki. This allowed him a belt grip that he used to keep the Kagayaki train headed west and over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Hokuseiho (10-4) defeated Tsurugisho (8-6): After a solid initial charge, both men locked in with right-hand inside migi-yotsu grips. Tsurugisho did his best to hang on as Hokuseiho ushered him, gently, over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (9-5) defeated Daishoho (3-11): Midorifuji met Daishoho’s initial charge, wrapped his right arm behind Daishoho’s left shoulder to pull him forward and then shoved him down. Katasukashi. What else?

Aoiyama (5-9) defeated Kotoeko (6-8): Aoiyama’s tsuppari did not seem to be making any headway with Kotoeko. So he escalated with a nodowa. Kotoeko reciprocated and then hit Aoiyama with a powerful slap. This angered the ginat.  A powerful slap staggered Kotoeko, who lunged in for a belt grip. Aoiyama then twisted and forced Kotoeko over the bales with a brutal arm-bar. Kotoeko make-koshi. Kotenage.

Hiradoumi (5-9) defeated Nishikifuji (4-10): This was a wild brawl between the two merlot-mawashi’d combatants. Nishikifuji tried to force Hiradoumi down multiple times but Hiradoumi maintained his balance. Nishikifuji shoved Hiradoumi to the edge and went in for the kill…but whiffed. The last second, deft misdirection gave Hiradoumi the win. Tsukiotoshi.

Ryuden (6-8) defeated Kotoshoho (5-9): Ryuden won this lengthy belt battle, I believe, by using his head. Literally. As a weapon. He had his oichomage embedded in Kotoshoho’s face for most of the bout. When he got up under Kotoshoho’s jaw, he drove forward. Kotoshoho tried to move his head away, and this lifted his body, giving Ryuden an opening to force Kotoshoho out. Yorikiri.

Shonannoumi (7-7) defeated Endo (8-6): Shonannoumi won some real estate at the initial charge, allowing him space for a pull. Endo charged forward, pushing at Shonannoumi’s midsection.  Shonannoumi used his height advantage to reach over Endo, grab his belt, and pull him forward and out. Shonannoumi’s tight rope walk was reviewed by the replay booth. A mono-ii was called but he had not stepped out until Endo went flying into the crowd. Uwatenage.

Sadanoumi (7-7) defeated Takanosho (5-9): Takanosho drove forward, like Endo in the previous bout. Sadanoumi used the tawara to pivot and his belt grip to throw Takanosho over the edge. Uwatenage. Sadanoumi seemed to tweak his lower back. That might be significant as he fights for kachi-koshi tomorrow with a sore koshi.

Oho (5-9) defeated Tamawashi (2-12): A frantic brawl came to an end when Oho wrapped up Tamawashi’s right shoulder, pulled forward, and then forced Tamawashi down. This was a mirror-image of Midorifuji’s winning move from earlier in the day. Katasukashi.

Halftime

Atamifuji (11-3) defeated Abi (8-6): Abi suckered Atamifuji into a false start. Abi HENKA! Atamifuji recovered well. Focused, invigorated, and pissed off, Atamifuji regained his footing and took control. He wrapped up Abi, lifted him twice to bring him close to the tawara and finally shoved him out. Yorikiri. Epic.

Shodai (7-7) defeated Asanoyama (8-6): Shodai powered Asanoyama out, puzzling Wakanohana and the sumo world. Yorikiri.

Ura (8-6) defeated Hokutofuji (8-6): Hokutofuji tried for a hatakikomi at the tachiai but Ura would not fall for it. Ura turned the tables and attacked. As Hokutofuji pulled, Ura locked on and shoved Hokutofuji out. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama defeated Meisei: Pure power. Gonoyama caught Meisei from below at the tachiai, driving him back to the edge. From here, Meisei was done. Gonoyama finished him off with a shove. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Mitakeumi (9-5) defeated Nishikigi (5-9): Nishikigi had the upper hand after the tachiai. He drove Mitakeumi back to the bales but let up and attempted a slapdown. Mitakeumi used the break effectively to push Nishikigi back to the center of the dohyo, giving him space for his own pull. Mitakeumi finished Nishikigi off with a slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Takayasu (10-4) defeated Tobizaru (6-8): Takayasu chased and battered Tobizaru all over the ring. Tobizaru nearly slipped behind Takayasu at one point but Takayasu was alert, pivoted and recovered to batter Tobizaru again. In the end, Tobizaru couldn’t run away quick enough as Takayasu shoved him from behind and into the crowd. Okuridashi. Tobizaru make-koshi.

Kotonowaka (8-6) defeated Kinbozan (9-5): Kinbozan charged forward at the tachiai and forced Kotonowaka back. But it was a feint. Yet another uwatenage at the edge of the ring. Rather than go straight back, Kotonowaka curled back to the left a bit and lunged in for Kinbozan’s belt at the last minute, tugging Kinbozan off the dohyo’s surface first. Beautiful, but risky, gambit. Kotonowaka kachi-koshi. The Sekiwake will maintain their ranks while the Komusubi will fall back into the rank-and-file for November.

Wakamotoharu (9-5) defeated Onosho (8-6): This was a free-wheeling brawl. Onosho tried to end it early with a failed pull. The two finally locked into a grapple. As Onosho tried to keep Wakamotoharu’s right hand away from his belt, Wakamotoharu drove forward. Onosho ran out of space and the pair tumbled into the crowd. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (10-4) defeated Kirishima (8-6): Another bar fight here. Kirishima brought an end to the assault by grabbing and locking up both of Daieisho’s shoulders. Daieisho responded by arching backward and lifting Kirishima clear off the ground, twisting, and throwing the Ozeki. Impressive. Kotenage.

Hoshoryu (7-7) defeated Takakeisho (10-4): Hoshoryu grabbed a massive pile of kensho after this one. Hoshoryu seemed unaffected by Takakeisho’s tsuppari, lobbing powerful volleys of his own, over and over. The shin-Ozeki slid back to the tawara and when Takakeisho went in for the kill, Hoshoryu made his move. Hoshoryu shifted right quicker than Takakeisho could adjust, and with his right hand on T-Rex’s back he brought his left down on Takakeisho’s head, driving him to the clay.

Aki Day 14 Preview

Bruce H Abi (阿炎), Aki 2023, Aoiyama, Asanoyama (朝乃山), Atamifuji (熱海富士), Chiyoshoma, Daieisho (大栄翔), Daishoho, Endo (遠藤), Gonoyama, Hiradoumi (平戸海), Hokuseiho (北青鵬), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Kagayaki (輝), Kinbozan (金峰山), Kirishima, Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshoho, Meisei, Midorifuji, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikifuji (錦富士), Nishikigi, Oho (王鵬), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shonannoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Tobizaru, Tsurugisho, Ura (宇良), Wakamotoharu (若元春), Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

It’s time to look ahead to the final weekend. With two days to go, we are about to decide who gets the Emperor’s Cup and takes home the yusho. Will it be a 4th yusho for Ozeki Takakeisho? A Cinderella story win for Maegashira 15 Atamifuji, taking the cup in his first top division tournament after winning the Juryo yusho in July? Or will we get a surprise on the final day, such as a come from behind victory by perennial runner-up Takayasu? I give credit to the schedulers, most of these possibilities are surprisingly plausible right now, but the final form will be evident by the end of day 14’s action.

It also looks like we could have a brace of Darwin matches loaded up and ready to go, with 11 rikishi having 7-6 / 6-7 scores prior to Saturday’s action on the dohyo.

Aki Leaderboard

Both leaders have difficult matches today, Takayasu having the easiest route of the chasers. We can be certain now that the yusho winning score will be no higher than 12-3, and possibly even 11-4.

Leaders: Atamifuji, Takakeisho
Chasers: Daieisho, Takayasu, Kinbozan, Hokuseiho

2 Matches Remain

What We Are Watching Day 14

Myogiryu (8-5) vs Chiyoshoma (2-11) – I am going to guess this one is to help donate a win to Myogiryu for some reason, as Chiyoshoma is ready for dry dock to have the sumo equivalent of his barnacles scraped off. They have a close 7-8 career record, but Chiyoshoma is in no condition to put up too much of a fight .

Takarafuji (6-7) vs Kagayaki (4-9) – Takarafuji needs to win today in order to see if he can get a final win on Sunday. Should he best the flagging Kagayaki, he will end the day at 7-7 and be eligible for a Darwin match on Sunday. they share a 13-7 career record.

Tsurugisho (8-5) vs Hokuseiho (9-4) – Both are already kachi-koshi, they share an even 1-1 match history, and this is really about seeing who ranks where in November. Tsurugisho has lost the last 2 in a row, Hokuseiho has now won 7 straight.

Midorifuji (8-5) vs Daishoho (3-10) – Two people get to fight Daishoho on his way out the door back to Juryo, and Midorifuji is one of them. This is really not much of a contest today, in spite of their even 3-3 career match record.

Kotoeko (6-7) vs Aoiyama (4-9) – This may look like another low interest match, but I think what we have here is Aoiyama trying to get another win to save his spot somewhere at the bottom of the top division November banzuke. Against that we have Kotoeko who needs 2 more wins on the final 2 days to reach kachi-koshi. They share a 7-7 career record, and I think it will all come down to Aoiyama being able to find enough endurance to work through the pain to deliver power forward.

Nishikifuji (4-9) vs Hiradoumi (4-9) – Both have matching make-koshi 4-9 records, and both are facing substantial demotions for November. They have each won a single match against the other this year.

Kotoshoho (5-8) vs Ryuden (5-8) – Another pair with matching losing records, and another effort to sort them out for the November banzuke. I think for September, Ryuden is fighting better than Kotoshoho, so I give him an edge today.

Endo (8-5) vs Shonannoumi (6-7) – Shonannoumi lost their only prior match, but he needs to find a win today or face make-koshi. Shonannoumi’s ranked high enough he is at no risk of being relegated back to Juryo, but it’s still better to get your 8 wins than not. Their prior match was day 3 of Nagoya, where Endo won by yorikiri.

Takanosho (5-8) vs Sadanoumi (6-7) – Takanosho is already make-koshi, and Sadanoumi needs to win his final 2 to reach 8. They have an 11 match history that favors Sadanoumi 7-4, with Sadanoumi winning the last 4 in a row – going back to Osaka 2022.

Oho (4-9) vs Tamawashi (2-11) – I will defer to lksumo’s prognosis, but I am going to guess that with 2 wins, Tamawashi is out of any consideration for demotion to Juryo. But I would still be quite interested to see if he can summon enough energy to defeat the already make-koshi Oho today. Their only prior match was day 3 of Nagoya, and went to Tamawashi by hatakikomi.

Abi (8-5) vs Atamifuji (10-3) – I would label this a tough match for Atamifuji. I know he fought Ichiyamamoto once, at Kyushu last year, and lost on day 2 by hatakikomi, which is useful if we consider Ichiyamamoto a miniature Abi (which we should). I also worry that his losses facing the “big guys” has dented his fighting spirit, and he’s lost some of the confidence we say up to day 10. Fingers crossed we see something big from Atamifuji today.

Shodai (6-7) vs Asanoyama (8-5) – Asanoyama is safely kachi-koshi, and I am hoping that we get to see some big time cartoon sumo out of Shodai today. They have a 12 match history that favors Asanoyama 8-4, with Asanoyama taking the last 4 in a row. Don’t dismiss this one just because it’s Shodai.

Hokutofuji (8-5) vs Ura (7-6) – Hokutofuji played the expert spoiler on day 13, knocking Takayasu out of immediate contention for the cup. Now a tough match for him. he has faced Ura 12 times, and only won twice. We know Hokutofuji loves his nodowa, maybe we will get to see Ura unleash his “death grip” again today in response? I can only hope. An Ura win today would be kachi-koshi for him.

Gonoyama (7-6) vs Meisei (6-7) – In the day 13 highlights, I mentioned that the should give Gonoyama a “gimmie” match to make sure he does not need to beat san’yaku to make kachi-koshi. Maybe this counts? Meisei is M1W, maybe that’s good enough. A Gonoyama win today would be kachi-koshi for him, and make-koshi for Meisei. A Meisei win and they are both 7-7 and eligible for a Darwin match on Sunday.

Nishikigi (5-8) vs Mitakeumi (8-5) – The two have mirror scores, and we know that with his make-koshi, Nishikigi will be exiting the named ranks. Thus ends his second “magical mystery tour”, and I must say I enjoyed it quite a bit. A late bloomer, but he did indeed bloom well. Mitakeumi holds a 6-3 career lead, and given the quality of his sumo this September, should be able to dispatch Nishikigi today.

Takayasu (9-4) vs Tobizaru (6-7) – My congratulations to the schedulers for putting so many consequences into today’s matches. It gives everyone a lot to cheer for, and the rikishi a lot to fight for. Takayasu needs a win to keep any spark of vying for the cup alive, Tobizaru needs a win to avoid make-koshi. This one could be quite good as there will be a high energy clash of sumo styles for this match.

Kotonowaka (7-6) vs Kinbozan (9-4) – Kotonowaka needs to win over red-hot Kinbozan to try and reach 8 today, or face a final day starting score of 7-7. He won their only prior match, on day 13 of Natsu, by yorikiri. This one is likewise a potentially high energy match.

Onosho (8-5) vs Wakamotoharu (8-5) – Both are already kachi-koshi, and with Daieisho holding on to Sekiwake East, this is really only about Onosho’s rank in November. He’s won two of their 3 prior matches, with an oshidashi on day 10 of Nagoya being their most recent fight.

Kirishima (8-5) vs Daieisho (9-4) – There is not really anything other than a white star and a pile of kensho on the line for this match, but maybe that’s enough. Kirishima has cleared kadoban, and may want to run up the score. They have a 8-6 career record on the clay, with Kirishima taking the last 4 in a row.

Hoshoryu (6-7) vs Takakeisho (10-3) – Some high stakes for the final match of the day, well done schedulers! Hoshoryu needs a win to avoid the loss of face that comes from going kadoban your first tournament as an Ozeki. Takakeisho needs a win to move a step closer to his 4th yusho. He has a 7-2 career record against Hoshoryu, who will likely pin his hopes for a win by getting a hold on Takakeisho’s mawashi. Takakeisho has won the last 2 in a row.

Aki Day 13 Highlights

Bruce H Abi (阿炎), Aki 2023, Aoiyama, Asanoyama (朝乃山), Atamifuji (熱海富士), Chiyoshoma, Daieisho (大栄翔), Daishoho, Endo (遠藤), Gonoyama, Hiradoumi (平戸海), Hokuseiho (北青鵬), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Kagayaki (輝), Kinbozan (金峰山), Kirishima, Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshoho, Meisei, Midorifuji, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikifuji (錦富士), Nishikigi, Oho (王鵬), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shonannoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Tobizaru, Tsurugisho, Ura (宇良), Wakamotoharu (若元春), Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

A huge day in the progression of the basho, 7 rikishi win their kachi-koshi, the sole leader meets his first Ozeki, and the leaderboard evens up. There were consequential matches up and down the torikumi, and the stage is set for the final weekend, and the conclusion of the yusho race.

Highlight Matches

Takarafuji defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma came in early, but in his opening combo it was clear he was brining little if any forward power to his sumo. Takarafuji decided this was the case half a second before Chiyoshoma attempted a pulling move, which triggered a Takarafuji oshidashi that ended the match. Takarafuji now 6-7, and still on course for a Darwin match.

Endo defeats Nishikifuji – Endo gets his 8th win and is kachi-koshi for September. Nishikifuji went for a pulling move quite early, and surrendered the match to Endo by oshidashi. Endo is now 8-5.

Midorifuji defeats Kotoshoho – Excellent early thrusting battle for both men, the match nearly was decided when Kotoshoho grabbed Midorifuji’s arm and swung him Harumafuji style. Kotoshoho was throwing everything he could muster or dream up into this match, but eventually Midorifuji grappled him, and stood him up in the center of the dohyo. Taking his time Midorifuji worked his left hand deeper until he was able to load up a sukuinage that brought Kotoshoho to the clay. The match ended with Midorifuji kachi-koshi at 8-5, and Kotoshoho make-koshi at 5-8.

Aoiyama defeats Hiradoumi – It’s a rare day this September where we get to see Aoiyama win with his traditional V-Twin attack. Hiradoumi absorbed it as best he could, but it left him discombobulated for the resulting hatakikomi that took him out of the match. Both end the day 4-9.

Kotoeko defeats Kagayaki – Kagayaki can only manage a couple of glancing hits on Kotoeko’s face before he is bodily removed from the ring by yorikiri. He sinks deeper into make-koshi with 4-9 as Kotoeko staves off his 8th loss at 6-7.

Sadanoumi defeats Oho – Oho makes a major mistake at the tachiai, attacking Sadanoumi’s face while not putting any effort into defending his belt. Sadanoumi sets up a strong grip and proceeds to bundle Oho out in short order by yorikiri. Sadanoumi improves to 6-7.

Myogiryu defeats Ryuden – Myogiryu does a brilliant job of disrupting and shutting down Ryuden’s opening combo. The results was a Myogiryu right hand outsde hold, and effective control of the match. Ryuden did a masterful job of fighting back, but was too upright, and could not break Myogiryu’ grip. A culminating forward rush by Myogiryu sent Ryuden out by yorikiri, giving Myogiryu his 8th win, and kachi-koshi for Aki. Ryuden suffers his 8th loss and is make-koshi at 5-8.

Kinbozan defeats Shonannoumi – Shonannoumi had zero sumo moves today. He caught Kinbozan’s tachiai at full force, and then decided his only choice was to grab Kinbozan’s neck and pull. No forward power or pressure, he was out three steps later. Kinbozan advances to 9-4.

Hokuseiho defeats Takanosho – Credit to Takanosho, he put a bunch of power up front into Hokuseiho. But how is that going to effect a 2 meter tall piece of Hokkaido concrete? Simply put, it isn’t. Hokuseiho grabs Takanosho and thrusts him to the clay. Hokuseiho improves to 9-4, Takanosho now make-koshi at 5-8.

Tamawashi defeats Daishoho – I have to assume that with 11 losses, Tamawashi’s body is absolute hell right now. But now he has managed to win 2 in a row. Not sure how it makes you feel, but as a guy, I have an overflowing well of respect that he steels himself daily and gives it his all. Tamawashi is now 2-11.

Asanoyama defeats Mitakeumi – Fantastic classic rematch, and a true battle of sumo styles. Mitakeumi gets early advantage, but Asanoyama managed to get his left hand on Mitakeumi’s belt. That was all he needed to turn the tables on our Original Tadpole, and Mitakeumi hits the exit via yorikiri. Both end the day 8-5 as Asanoyama reaches kachi-koshi.

Ura defeats Meisei – Fantastic, textbook tsuki-oshi work from Meisei, and all Ura could do for most of the match was defend. But as always he was looking for a stray finger or wrist to grab and tug. Then something flips, out comes Ura’s left hand, which we know is strong enough to break grip strength meters, and latches onto Meisei’s throat. After about 5 seconds of that, you can see Meisei’s expression read “ok, you can stop that!” as the right hand comes up and delivers a thundering tsukiotoshi. I am not sure I have seen Ura employ a nodowa in quite some time. I bet that leaves a mark, he is now 7-6.

Hokutofuji defeats Takayasu – For long time Takayasu fans, it’s more of the same. With our hairy hero almost in sight of ultimate victory, he stumbles yet again. It’s like that boss level in Final Fantasy that requires some wacky 7 finger button combo to win that you just can’t make happen, Takayasu’s SD card is full of saved games exactly at this encounter. Takayasu starts the match well, but Hokutofuji is able to turn Takayasu, get behind, and run him out by okuridashi. That’s kachi-koshi for Hokutofuji, and he is 8-5.

Tobizaru defeats Onosho – Brilliant defense from Tobizaru, and I must remark that regardless of his score, how much his sumo has progressed. His early form was almost totally offense, but as has been demonstrated in his week 2 matches, he’s improved his sumo when defending as well. He blunts nearly every Onosho volley, and waits for Onosho to get too far over his toes. Given that this is Onosho, it’s just a question of being ready when he does it. Tobizaru is ready, and delivers a tsukiotoshi, but does not miss a chance to go three rows back and mingle with his fans. The win improves improves his score to 6-7.

Shodai defeats Nishikigi – Aww, I sort of wanted to see Nishikigi hold rank in the san’yaku. At the moment Nishikigi got his battle hug started, Shodai gave us a bit of the old “Wall of Daikon” and bodily rammed Nishikigi out. Shodai is now 6-7, and in my opinion headed for a Darwin match on Sunday.

Kotonowaka defeats Abi – Kotonowaka keeps his feet and keeps his balance centered as Abi-zumo fails to disrupt his forward push. That is no easy task. Kotonowaka is now 7-6.

Wakamotoharu defeats Tsurugisho – You see, I am not really good with this “jam the M16 into the san’yaku” arc we just witnessed. Sure, Tsurugisho was having a good run, but this was, in my opinion, gratuitous. Wakamotoharu seldom gets to grapple with someone that large, so I guess it was interesting for him, plus a bonus bloody nose. Wakamotoharu picks up his 8th win and is kachi-koshi at 8-5.

Daieisho defeats Gonoyama – I like that Gonoyama was able to withstand a full power Daieisho facial for a solid 20 seconds. He only really got in trouble during the pulling phase of the combo, with Daieisho really pouring in the power both forward and reverse. To me this speaks highly of Gonoyama’s potential to beat these guys with a bit more time to work on his skills. Daieisho wins, and is headed for double digits at 9-4. I hope they give the G-man a creampuff match in the last 2 days to let him get his 8.

Takakeisho defeats Atamifuji – I have mountains of respect for Atamifuji mounting the dohyo and putting up a bold and vigorous fight in his first match against an Ozeki. This guy is near the bottom of the banzuke, and if he were not a yusho leader, would not have ever been in consideration for this kind of fight. I also have to recognize that Takakeisho opened with a probing attack, and never did get to full power wave action volleys. They simply were not needed. He got his stubby arms around Atamifuji and walked him out for a yorikiri. Both are now tied for the lead at 10-3.

Kirishima defeats Hoshoryu – Top tier evasive work from Kirishima at the tachiai to set up his left hand outside grip. Hoshoryu never really had any offense in this match, and was simply ballast for the resulting uwatenage. Kirishima now kachi-koshi at 8-5, clearing kadoban.

Aki Day 13 Preview

Bruce H Abi (阿炎), Aki 2023, Aoiyama, Asanoyama (朝乃山), Atamifuji (熱海富士), Chiyoshoma, Daieisho (大栄翔), Daishoho, Endo (遠藤), Gonoyama, Hiradoumi (平戸海), Hokuseiho (北青鵬), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Kagayaki (輝), Kinbozan (金峰山), Kirishima, Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshoho, Meisei, Midorifuji, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikifuji (錦富士), Nishikigi, Oho (王鵬), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shonannoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Tobizaru, Tsurugisho, Ura (宇良), Wakamotoharu (若元春), Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

The schedulers gambled, and it paid off. Takakeisho was able to win over Kotonowaka, and Daieisho was able to beat Atamifuji. As a bonus, Takayasu also picked up a 9th win, so we now have a chance that we could get a 3 way tie for the yusho going into the final weekend. This should drive a lot of interest, as we may get to the end of regulation with 3 rikishi with winning scores, forcing a playoff. Fun times indeed!

There are 8 rikishi up for kachi-koshi today, including Kirishima, Wakamotoharu, Hokutofuji, Asanoyama, Gonoyama, Midorifuji, Endo, and Myogiryu. None of them face each other, so this could be a big day for handing out winning records.

Aki Leaderboard

Atamifuji faces Takakeisho today, and I would guess he’s going to have his hands full with the Ozeki. We also have Takayasu up against Hokutofuji earlier in the fight card. Takayasu needs to win this one to stay in the chase. There are several possible outcomes, but both Atamifuji pulling back to a 2 win lead, and a 3 way lead going into Saturday are on the table.

Leader: Atamifuji
Chasers: Takakeisho, Takaysu
Hunt Group: Daieisho, Abi, Onosho, Kinbozan, Mitakeumi, Hokuseiho, Tsurugisho

4 Matches Remain

What We Are Watching Day 13

Takarafuji (5-7) vs Chiyoshoma (2-10) – We can bid Chiyoshoma farewell, as he will likely be in Juryo for November, but he can deal a make-koshi to Takarafuji if he can win his match today. He holds a narrow 10-8 career margin against Takarafuji, with Chiyoshoma winning the most recent match on day 13 of Nagoya.

Nishikifuji (4-8) vs Endo (7-5) – A win today for Endo is kachi-koshi for him, he’s beaten Nishikifuji once in three attempts, so let’s hope Endo’s worked out his match plan.

Midorifuji (7-5) vs Kotoshoho (5-7) – If Midorifuji wins today, it will be kachi-koshi for him while relegating Kotoshoho to make-koshi at the same time. Kotoshoho holds a 5-2 career lead over Midorifuji, with both of those wins being the two most recent fights.

Aoiyama (3-9) vs Hiradoumi (4-8) – Both are already make-koshi, but i think that an Aoiyama loss might seal his fate to join the queue to board the Juryo barge of the damned. He has beaten Hiradoumi in three of their 5 prior matches, but Hiradoumi won their most recent fight on day 7 of Natsu, by oshidashi.

Kotoeko (5-7) vs Kagayaki (4-8) – Kagayaki just returned to the top division after spending the July tournament in Juryo, now he looks certain to return for November, and if he loses today to Kotoeko, the likelihood of that just goes up. Should Kagayaki prevail as his 12-9 career record indicates he should, he would render Kotoeko make-koshi for September, though he is at no risk of demotion.

Sadanoumi (5-7) vs Oho (4-8) – Another match where someone who is already make-koshi has a fair shot at dealing an 5-7 rikishi their 8th loss. Sadanoumi was Maegashira 4W in January, and now he is struggling to stay away from make-koshi at Maegashira 12.

Myogiryu (7-5) vs Ryuden (5-7) – I would guess the intent here is for Myogiryu to pick up his 8th win while delivering Ryuden his 8th loss. Sort of a “mini Darwin” match. This looks to me like the scheduling team “clearing the decks” for whatever is planned for Saturday and Sunday. Ryuden leads the series 6-5.

Kinbozan (8-4) vs Shonannoumi (6-6) – Shonannoumi sill has a fair chance at 8, needing to win 2 of his last 3. But he also has a fair shot at a day 15 Darwin match, with his 6-6 score. Kinbozan has beaten him twice out of the 3 career matches, so Shonannoumi will need to remember the sumo that finally got him here, and fight like he did in Nagoya today.

Takanosho (5-7) vs Hokuseiho (8-4) – Takanosho has won both of their prior fights, and if that was not bias enough, the fact that Takanosho needs to win out to get to 8 may be all you need to know about this match.

Daishoho (3-9) vs Tamawashi (1-11) – Ok, throw Tamawashi a biscuit. Of course they may not be as good as the ones he makes himself, but he has a chance to pick up an important second win over struggling Daishoho, who is already Juryo bound.

Mitakeumi (8-4) vs Asanoyama (7-5) – Oh thank you so much for this match. These two used to beat the stuffing out of each other when they were in San’yaku, and I do miss their battles. Both are fighting pretty well right now, but I would give the edge to Mitakeumi. The record is nearly even at 6-5. I still have faith we can see Asanoyama hit 7-7 by the end of day 14, and nominate himself for a Darwin match.

Ura (6-6) vs Meisei (6-6) – This is one ugly match. It’s the kind of a match where you put a bag over your head because you don’t want to see any part of this. This is a match that you might chew your arm off to escape if it fell asleep on you. Both are 6-6, they have an even 3-3 record, and I don’t know who I want to win. I am certain that the highlight reel needs more footage of Ura upside down in the air, so lets see some air!

Hokutofuji (7-5) vs Takayasu (9-3) – These two have 21 prior matches, and they break for Takayasu 13-8. But this is more than just a 2018 nostalgia battle, this fight will decide if Takayasu may have a chance to compete for the up this weekend. The numbers would indicate the Takayasu is likely to win this one, but we know that Hokutofuji has kachi-koshi on the line today, and may enjoy playing spoiler in helping to run yet another Takayasu cup run into the rocks.

Onosho (8-4) vs Tobizaru (5-7) – Tobizaru needs to win today, and all of his last 3 matches, if he wants to stay in san’yaku. I am going to guess he does, and he’s going to be fighting like mad against Onosho today. They share an even 2-2 record on the clay, and their fights come down to who gets the first offensive sumo move in first. Given that Onosho is already kachi-koshi, I would like to see Tobizaru win this one.

Nishikigi (5-7) vs Shodai (5-7) – The loser of this match is make-koshi, the winner gets to trudge on hoping to get to 7-7 at the end of day 14, and be relegated to a Darwin match to try and squeeze out a kachi-koshi. Frankly, I think Nishikigi may want it, but his sumo is so one dimensional that he may be an easy mark for Shodai.

Kotonowaka (6-6) vs Abi (8-4) – Hopefully Abi does not henka today. Kotonowaka needs to win 2 of his last 3 to hold on to his Sekiwake rank, and I think the odds of him pulling that off are fairly good. He has a 4-2 career record against Abi, and if he can avoid Abi’s early volley to knock him down, he should be able to take the win.

Tsurugisho (8-4) vs Wakamotoharu (7-5) – You may ask yourself, why is a Maegashira 16 fighting a Sekiwake? I think it’s time for Wakamotoharu to score his 8th win, and they wanted to give him a big, round, meaty opponent. In fact I have it on good authority that Tsurugisho is 100% meat, and at nearly 200kg, more than can safely fit in most Japanese cars. Tsurugisho has won 5 of their prior 8 fights. Good luck Wakamotoharu!

Daieisho (8-4) vs Gonoyama (7-5) – Another first ever match for Gonoyama as he continues to struggle to find his 8th win. They certainly are giving him the business, putting him up against some of the top men in sumo. Hopefully they can give him Chiyoshoma or something for day 15 if he has not hit is 8 by then. Pretty sure this one is going to be a Daieisho win.

Atamifuji (10-2) vs Takakeisho (9-3) – The big match of the day, can the Grand Tadpole put wonder rikishi Atamifuji on the clay and even up the yusho race? Chances are pretty good that even though Atamifuji trains with the other Isegahama stars, he’s not been on the receiving end of anything like wave-action tsuppari before. His best chance is to shut it down before Takakeisho can start it.

Kirishima (7-5) vs Hoshoryu (6-6) – The first Ozeki fight of Aki almost seems anti-climatic after that yusho battle, but Hoshoryu needs 2 wins to not go kadoban on his first tournament as Ozeki, and Kirishima needs 1 more win to reach kachi-koshi and remove his kadoban. Lots of tension here, I am hoping for a good fight. Hoshoryu holds a 8-5 career lead.