With the middle day of sumo in the books, it’s on to the second half of the basho. The matches will increasingly focus on shaping the yusho race, and sorting everyone into make-koshi and kachi-koshi. So far there has been no sign of a “Darwin Funnel” to pen people into a lane, which I think is the right way to approach things for now.

Today was a day of chaos, and there was plenty to go around, capped with Tobizaru giving a master class of winning by not losing. But San’yaku gyoji Kimura Yodo should probably take a breather and get his wits about him, something was not quite right today. All three Ozeki lost, and the risk of shin-Ozeki Hoshoryu going kadoban on this first tournament grows. Both Kirishima and Takakeisho need 3 wins out of the final 7 days to clear their kadoban, and I have confidence they can.

Highlight Matches

Atamifuji defeats Aoiyama – Aoiyama gets a thrusting attack going against Atamifuji’s face, but there is really no power to it, it’s more of a ¥2500 facial massage, leaving Atamifuji refreshed, ready to fight, and looking fabulous. It’s a quick shove and a push to apply the oshidashi, and Atamifuji maintains his share of the lead at 7-1.

Myogiryu defeats Daishoho – Daishoho moves ever closer to his spot on the Juryo barge with yet another loss. Myogiryu takes him to his chest, and if you are looking at it, it seems Daishoho’s fully into the fight. But Myogiryu taps his back and steps away, resulting in Daishoho casually falling forward. Odd ending to that match, Myogiryu 6-2.

Chiyoshoma defeats Nishikifuji – Chiyoshoma, what took you so long? The long awaited henka was finally delivered, with Nishikifuji finding pushing him from behind. Granted, Nishikifuji did put up a bit of a defense, but there was not too much he could do from that position. Chiyoshoma improves to 2-6.

Tsurugisho defeats Takarafuji – Takarafuji has enough time to set up his hand placement, and get his feet set. As he moves to attack, he finds Tsurugisho easily able to move him about, and places him across the bales. The yorikiri advances Tsurugisho to 6-2.

Kagayaki defeats Sadanoumi – Kagayaki gets his hands into the inside thrusting lane early, and never lets Sadanoumi set up any kind of defense or counter attack. Forced to break his stance, Sadanoumi is moved back and out by tsukidashi for a Kagayaki win. Both end the day 4-4.

Hokuseiho defeats Kotoshoho – Humming the tune “I fought the bridge, and the bridge won”, Hokuseiho shows us just how much power he can generate when he feels like fighting. He man handles Kotoshoho about and tosses him bodily from the ring. A yoritaoshi win for Hokuseiho, and he is now 4-4. Nice opening move from Hokuseiho too.

Takayasu defeats Mitakeumi – Outstanding power to power battle. I really appreciated that Mitakeumi was maniacal about setting up and maintaining that hazu-oshi to keep Takayasu back and too high to be effective. They locked up with Mitakeumi’s left hand in Takayasu’s armpit, and Takayasu’s left arm blocked by Mitakeumi’s ottsuke. After a brief pause, Mitakeumi attacked well from below, but could not maintain his balance when Takayasu turned away at the tawara, and slammed Mitakeumi to the clay. The hatakikomi win maintains Takayasu’s share of the lead at 7-1.

Endo defeats Oho – Oho does a poor job of defending his belt, allowing Endo to establish a grip more than once. That grip finally hauls Oho over and down, with Endo landing first. The gumbai went to Oho, and a monoii was called. The replay shows Oho’s left foot sliding off the tawara and onto the janome, giving the win to Endo by isamiashi. Endo us now 5-3.

Onosho defeats Kinbozan – Classic combo – stand him up and throw him down. Onosho does not even take a moment to dispatch Kinbozan by hatakikomi, and both are now 5-3.

Midorifuji defeats Ryuden – Ryuden continues to suffer, but at least we get to see a Midorifuji katasukashi in the process! Ryuden was too far forward, and ripe for that move. Midorifuji now 3-5.

Gonoyama defeats Kotoeko – Almost looked like Kotoeko attempted some kind of partial henka, leaping to the side at the tachiai. Gonoyama was having none of that. He caught Kotoeko mid flight and rushed him to the exit. Gonoyama improves to 6-2.

Shonannoumi defeats Hiradoumi – Hiradoumi failed to protect his left, allowing Shonannoumi to get a big grip of Hiradoumi’s belt. From there it was lift and tote to the tawara, with Shonannoumi delivering Hiradoumi to the clay like the local UPS driver delivers my fragile parcels. Shonannoumi now 5-3.

Abi defeats Shodai – Abi had a good opening combo, and may have assumed that Shodai would rush forward and try a “Wall of Daikon” against him. Sure enough, Shodai rushes forward, but Abi decided not to wait around and find out. Shodai launches face first into the waiting gyoji, and Abi improves to 4-4.

Asanoyama defeats Meisei – Solid performance by Asanoyama, who maintained contact with Meisei and kept the pressure forward. Meisei did his best to escape, but found himself across the tawara in rapid order. Asanoyama now 4-4.

Daieisho defeats Nishikigi – Daieisho does exactly what is needed, he keeps Nishikigi away from his belt no matter what. Of course Nishikigi dials up his power trying to get inside and get close. All Daieisho needed to do was time one of Nishikigi’s lunges forward, and apply a bit of downward pressure. The chaos ensues, and there’s a monoii with kensho being handed out at the same time. The whole thing devolves into a bit of chaos before the shimpan sort it all out, reviewing the video and figuring out that Daieisho really did win, both are 4-4.

Hokutofuji defeats Kotonowaka – So the question must be asked, did gyoji Kimura Yodo get rattled by what happened in the prior bout, because then this beauty takes place. A half hearted tachiai that probably should have been a matta, but Yodo calls out Hakkeyoi!! So the fight is sort of on? Hokutofuji’s right hand did most of the work, progressively pushing Kotonowaka to the side, disrupting his balance. The resulting oshitaoshi gave Hokutofuji his 5th win, and he is now 5-3.

Wakamotoharu defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi put some energy into this match, but still had no forward power. Wakamotoharu took his time, absorbing Tamawashi’s partially powered thrusts. Wakamotoharu was able to get beside Tamawashi, and thrust him down, winning by hatakikomi. Tamawashi is now 0-8 and make-koshi, while Wakamotoharu improves to 6-2.

Takanosho defeats Kirishima – Takanosho continues his domination over Kirishima, it’s the craziest thing. Takanosho can be having a crummy basho. If he fights Kirishima, suddenly the big sumo comes out and he wins decisively. Takanosho put a lot of power forward with almost no defense by Kirishima, and he was into the front row visiting Tobizaru in a hurry. Takanosho improves to 4-4.

Ura defeats Hoshoryu – Hoshoryu makes a fatal assumption in the tachiai, assuming Ura will be low and off balance. Well, he might have been right, but was not today. It left Hoshoryu wide open for the push-pull combo that dropped him to the clay by the second step. Even Ura was surprised that worked, he is now 5-3.

Tobizaru defeats Takakeisho – One of the reasons I have like Tobizaru for years is that he has enough variations to his sumo that his opponents are always going to struggle trying to contain him. Takakeisho missed with most of his early thrusting and tsuppari attacks, which allowed Tobizaru to start his plan of light power but heavy disruption moves to keep the Ozeki from powering up. Tobizaru’s impressive mobility and sense of just where he is in the ring and how far away his opponent is was on full display. Takakeisho could not land anything, and became increasingly off balance. A final double hand push against Takakeisho’s undefended chest set the Ozeki falling off the dohyo. Hopefully he was not hurt. Both end the day 5-3.

Welcome to nakabi, the middle day of a 15 day sumo tournament. From today, it’s time to start tracking the yusho race as an increasingly narrow group of rikishi battle to take home the emperor’s cup. Our previews will feature our break down of the yusho leader board, and who we think has the best chance at all the trophies on day 15.

Aki Leaderboard

The well earned “Wacky Aki” is once again appropriate, as we have a very jumbled up yusho race to begin the middle day. Our leaders have no top division yusho experience, though Takayasu has been close more than once. Both Ozeki are a win behind that pair, with a large crowd at 4 wins and 3 losses to start the day. Before Takayasu fans get too dreamy, please keep in mind our big hairy “Papyasu” is a bigger choke machine than his sempai Kisenosato ever was. I would love for Takayasu to take home the cup, but it seems like a long shot right now.

Leaders: Takayasu, Atamifuji
Chasers: Kirishima, Takakeisho, Wakamotoharu, Gonoyama, Kinbozan, Mitakeumi, Myogiryu, Tsurugisho
Hunt Group: Too many to list

8 Matches Remain

What We Are Watching Day 8

Aoiyama (2-5) vs Atamifuji (6-1) – I don’t think there is going to be too much of a chance that Aoiyama will beat Atamifuji today. Aoiyama still has the bulk to dominate matches at this end of the banzuke, but his body can no longer support any kind of defense, it seems. As soon as an opponent puts pressure against him, he must move back, I think he’s headed for a fairly deep make-koshi unless he can somehow find some sumo.

Myogiryu (5-2) vs Daishoho (2-5) – Still getting my vote for captain of the Juryo barge is Daishoho, who at the rump end of the banzuke just needs 8 losses to be punted back down to the junior division. He has no wins again Myogiryu in 3 attempts, so this is likely to be ugly.

Chiyoshoma (1-6) vs Nishikifuji (4-3) – Juryo barge first officer Chiyoshoma will likely reach make-koshi before captain Daishoho. That’s just what a good executive officer does, makes sure everything is ready for the boss to come aboard. He has a 2-2 record against Nishikifuji, but like a cadre of rikishi this month, seems hurt and unable to fight very well at all. Nishikifuji won their most recent match, day 11 of Osaka.

Takarafuji (4-3) vs Tsurugisho (5-2) – After three likely beat downs to start the day, some interest. Both rikishi are fighting pretty well, with Tsurugisho picking up only his second loss on day 7 against Myogiryu. He has an even 4-4 record against Takarafuji, with Takarafuji winning 2 of the 3 prior matches this year. It will come down to how well Takarafuji can move laterally, I am going to guess. If he can keep evasive, he is a favorite to pick up his 5th win today.

Kagayaki (3-4) vs Sadanoumi (4-3) – 18 prior matches between these two, with Sadanoumi holding an 11-7 lead. They have only had one match per year for the past two years, with both going to Sadanoumi. I would love to see Kagayaki do better, but I am not sure his body is up to it any more.

Kotoshoho (2-5) vs Hokuseiho (3-4) – We saw actual sumo from Hokuseiho on day 7, and it was a most welcome sight indeed. Maybe Miyagino found some way to motivate him? I do hope so, because the Ichinojo technique was not winning him points on the clay or with the fans. Should he decide to be active and aggressive today, he will likely overpower Kotoshoho, who won their only prior match on day 13 of Nagoya.

Takayasu (6-1) vs Mitakeumi (5-2) – For a long time sumo fan, it’s odd to see these two former Ozeki battle this early in they day. They have 30 prior matches with the score being 21-9 in favor of Takayasu. A Takayasu win, and he keeps his share of the leader board. This means that Mitakeumi will be well motivated to bring the hairy beast down.

Endo (4-3) vs Oho (2-5) – Endo won their only prior match, day 2 of Hatsu this year, using a shitatenage. Oho has not done much to justify his M7 rank this September. This is likely a combination of poor body condition, and slight over promotion. You can look at a big strapping lad like Oho, and he looks a picture of health, But we do cannot know what level of pain or mechanical strain his body is under. I do hope he can bounce back in November.

Onosho (4-3) vs Kinbozan (5-2) – First ever match, we get to see if Kinbozan is going to bounce back after fighting and losing to Hakuho’s civil engineer project on day 7. Onosho, who is famous for winning and losing streaks, has now lost 3 in a row, and I would not be surprised if he keeps on losing for a bit longer.

Midorifuji (2-5) vs Ryuden (2-5) – A pair of 2-5 rikishi battle it out to see which one gets that extra shove toward make-koshi and 8 or more losses. Both men’s sumo is technically quite strong, but their bodies are just not ready to do it at a power level needed to dominate top division matches. They have split their 2 prior matches, so this one is quite the toss up.

Gonoyama (5-2) vs Kotoeko (2-5) – If someone is going to surprise Gonoyama, I would think that Kotoeko might be the person to do it. He is compact, fast and given a chance, able to beat you before you know what happened. I would say his speed is about on part with Gonoyama, who took their only prior match on day 5 of Nagoya.

Hiradoumi (2-5) vs Shonannoumi (4-3) – Shonannoumi needs to take advantage of an “easier” portion of his rotation to pick up wins, like today when he takes on the lower ranked Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi only has 2 wins so far, and I would expect he will be in the make-koshi queue soon enough, too. He won their only prior match day 4 of the November tournament of 2020, when both were ranked in Makushita.

Abi (3-4) vs Shodai (3-4) – This is an excellent match making choice. Two chaos generators can spend their match today disrupting each other’s sumo. Abi – we know what he is going to do. But I am quite curious if Shodai is going to save his big moves for the higher ranked opponents, or if he is going to try and practice them on the likes of Abi first. They have 16 prior matches, with Shodai in the majority 9-7.

Asanoyama (3-4) vs Meisei (3-4) – I am readying stories in the Japanese sumo press about how Asanoyama is critical of his own performance. This worries me, as he takes things so very seriously right now. There was a day not so very long ago where he was just having fun with it, and his sumo was so much better. Yeah, you are 3-4 for Aki on the middle day, and you are not even up to the named ranks yet. Just go beat up Meisei and stop worrying about it.

Daieisho (3-4) vs Nishikigi (4-3) – If Daieisho harbors any notion of being a competent rikishi (which he certainly is), he will have that world view tested by Nishikigi today. We can’t tell right now which version will mount the dohyo, but if he gets a hold of Daieisho, it may be over quickly after that. They have split all of their 14 prior matches, 7-7, with Nishikigi winning the most recent one on day 4 of Nagoya.

Kotonowaka (4-3) vs Hokutofuji (4-3) – Hokutofuji has lost 3 of the last 4, and the heady days of him winning against all 3 Ozeki on consecutive days are just a pleasant memory now. He is evenly matched against Kotonowaka at 2-3, and they have matching 4-3 scores to start the day. I have to wonder if ole’ Stompy is injured right now, and thats why his sumo took such a hit.

Tamawashi (0-7) vs Wakamotoharu (5-2) – A loss today, and Tamawashi is make-koshi, without a single win to start the Aki basho. Whatever is limiting his sumo, its bad enough that we have yet to see him really generate much offense, and we have seen that he cannot withstand an attack. Wakamotoharu has a 3-1 career lead anyhow, so this is likely performative at this point.

Kirishima (5-2) vs Takanosho (3-4) – The stats tell a strange tale. Kirishima and Takanosho have 13 career matches, with a stark majority. For the Ozeki? No, Takanosho by 11-2. Granted Kirishima won only his second bout against Takanosho on day 5 in Nagoya (the prior win was day 11 of Nagoya… 2019 when both were in Juryo). I do wonder about seeing a struggling Takanosho taking a fat nakabi kensho stack from Kirishima.

Ura (4-3) vs Hoshoryu (3-4) – Hoshoryu has a mildly losing record as of nakabi. Is it a crisis? The end of his career? No, not a chance. But it’s fun to think that Ura might be able to make things slightly worse today. He and Hoshoryu share a close to even 2-3 career record, with Ura’s most recent win 1 year ago on day 8 of Aki 2022.

Tobizaru (4-3) vs Takakeisho (5-2) – Takakeisho needs 3 wins over the final 7 days to clear kadoban. Should be able to do it as long as he does not pick up a new performance limiting injury. He’s 4-5 vs Tobizaru, who is too mobile for Takakeisho’s tadpole sumo to work very well.

Brief highlights this Saturday, as I must be out this morning to take care of other matters. If you are feeling up to it, pick your favorite or least favorite match of the day, and do your best Bruce imitation in the comments below – thanks!

Highlight Matches

Atamifuji defeats Kagayaki – Kagayaki puts all of his chips on getting his hands inside, and Atamifuji knows it. The double ottsuke trap leaves Kagayaki without a working offense, and he has to suffer a rapid oshidashi. Atamifuji on fire at 6-1.

Nishikifuji defeats Kotoshoho – Kotoshoho still can’t find a good formula to beat Nishikifuji, and suffers his 5th career loss. Nishikifuji executes a quick stand him up, then pull him down to win by hatakikomi, improving to 4-3.

Myogiryu defeats Tsurugisho – I am not the only one in a hurry this morning! That’s a third match that was over before the 4th step, as Myogiryu never lets Tsurugisho full extend into the tachiai, grabs him by the shoulder and throws Tsurugisho to the clay with an express uwatenage. This knocks Tsurugisho out of the leader group, as both end the day 5-2.

Sadanoumi defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma remains stuck at one loss after Sadanoumi does a masterful job of keeping him from planting both feet and setting up any defense. A quick yorikiri and it’s 4-3 for Sadanoumi.

Takarafuji defeats Daishoho – Ah poor Daishoho. He so wants to get another win that he puts a lot of forward power once he believes he has broken through Takarafuji’s defenses. But sadly all he has done is lean forward into nothing as Takarafuji slips away and pushes him out from behind. Not the most fluid okuridashi, but quite the combo from Takarafuji to improve to 4-3.

Mitakeumi defeats Aoiyama – Big Dan does fire up a version of his favorite V-Twin attack, but it’s not packing enough power to move Mitakeumi back. After enduring a few volleys from Aoiyama, Mitakeumi digs in and gets his hands on Aoiyama’s chest. We one again see Aoiyama unable to hold ground or withstand forward pressure, and he is out by oshidashi. Mitakeumi now 5-2.

Hokuseiho defeats Kinbozan – Big Hokuseiho continues to be Kinbozan’s bane, as Kinbozan goes 0-5 against the Miyagino giant. In contrast to prior days, we actually see some offensive sumo from Hokuseiho, and it pays off with a much needed yorikiri win. Hokuseiho now 3-4.

Endo defeats Hiradoumi – Endo loses the early battle for hand placement, but keeps driving that left inside until it finds that all too familiar frontal grip. Hiradoumi knows he’s in trouble and doubles down on fighting back, just to have Endo walk him to the bales and toss him down. Yoritaoshi for Endo, and he is now 4-3.

Takayasu defeats Midorifuji – Midorifuji attempts a henka, but Takayasu is able to recover his balance before Midorifuji can make contact. Takayasu quickly gets Midorifuji off balance and drops him face first into the clay as Midorifuji presses forward. Takayasu now 6-1.

Shonannoumi defeats Kotoeko – Shonannoumi was yet another rikishi in a hurry, and he quickly gets Kotoeko moving back. Kotoeko tries to throw Shonannoumi, but finds himself out before he can complete the move. Replays show Shonannoumi touching down first, but picked up the win anyhow, he is now 4-3.

Gonoyama defeats Oho – Gonoyama’s reaction time continues to impress me. He attacks first, counters Oho’s rally, and deftly slips behind faster than a man that size should have the right to do. The okuridashi win take Gonoyama to 5-2.

Ura defeats Ryuden – Ryuden starts early as Ura comes in low and gets his hands in both of Ryuden’s armpits. The hazuoshi is an excellent set up for an uwatedashinage, and Ura follows through, tossing both men out of the ring and into the time keeper. Ura now 4-3.

Takanosho defeats Onosho – Color me delighted that Takanosho was able to dominate this match. He really needed the win. He shut down Onosho’s offense by the third step, and quickly bundled him out, improving to 3-4.

Asanoyama defeats Abi – Abi is able to connect with both hands, but he lacks the power to do much more than make Asanoyama a bit uncomfortable. Asanoyama counters by relentlessly driving forward, and Abi is over the bales still trying to break Asanoyama’s head off. Both are 3-4.

Tobizaru defeats Meisei – It’s almost laughable to see both of these fighters keep the other at arms length for the amount of time it went on. A real push-shove-retreat cadence from both, and it might have gone on longer but Meisei forgot where he was in the ring and stepped out. Tobizaru now 4-3.

Wakamotoharu defeats Hokutofuji – Hokutofuji has now lost 3 of the last 4, a far cry from his opening tour through the Ozeki. Once Wakamotoharu got his left hand inside mawashi grip, Hokutofuji new there were few ways to counter Wakamotoharu’s attack, as he was walked back for a yorikiri. Wakamotoharu now 5-2.

Daieisho defeats Kotonowaka – Watching this match, you might think that Kotonowaka was in control, as Daieisho almost takes himself out more than once. But all that is needed is a single moment of sumo, and Daieisho catches Kotonowaka with his feet misaligned, applies a hearty left hand push from behind the shoulder, and it’s tsukiotoshi time. Daieisho improves to 3-4.

Nishikigi defeats Hoshoryu – Oh dear, never underestimate the current form of Nishikigi. Did Hoshoryu think he could out brute him for hand position or grip? Nishikigi closes the gap, but never gets a battle hug, settling to shove the shin-Ozeki out in rapid order to improve to 4-3.

Shodai defeats Takakeisho – Ah, Shodai, the disruptor. Takakeisho lets him get too close and we see just a moment of the “Wall of Daikon” as it takes out Takakeisho. Shodai used to do that a lot, and it was great to see. Please come back “good” Shodai, we miss you. He is now 3-4.

Kirishima defeats Tamawashi – Of course he did. Tamawashi is a basket case right now. At least Kirishima made it quick. The Ozeki improves to 5-2.

Welcome to the middle weekend. We are still waiting to see who will emerge dominant in a cluttered and chaotic field of competitors this September. But with each passing day of the Ozeki struggling to stay above the make-koshi line, the chances of a rank and file rikishi taking the cup grow. At this point we can expect the yusho winner to have 13 or 12 wins, and that means the race is wide open for now. Tachiai will start tracking the yusho race with tomorrow evening’s preview post, so be sure to return for that. Likewise our ace prognosticator, lksumo, will likely begin his coverage of promotion and demotion chances around the start of act 3.

What We Are Watching Day 7

Atamifuji (5-1) vs Kagayaki (3-3) – Baring serious injury, we can look forward to Atamifuji getting his kachi-koshi, and possibly even double digits on his second attempt to stay in the top division. Kagayaki seems to be riding the center line of a make-koshi / kachi-koshi result, so this is about as high as he should be ranked until he can find a way to improve his sumo through the injuries that keep him from fighting better. They have an even 2-2 record, but clearly Atamifuji has the edge today.

Kotoshoho (2-4) vs Nishikifuji (3-3) – Nishikifuji leads their career head to head match ups 4-2. This is their first fight for 2023, but Nishikifuji won both of their fights in 2022. For fans like myself who are waiting for Kotoshoho to return to mid and upper Maegashira ranks, this will not be the time. He has struggled daily, and going into the middle weekend only has won twice: Against the two men who are my favorite early picks for Juryo demotion, Daishoho and Chiyoshoma.

Myogiryu (4-2) vs Tsurugisho (5-1) – The strength of Tsurugisho’s performance so far means he’s likely to be part of the yusho race, at least at the beginning. If he keeps winning they will test him further up the banzuke in act 3, but for now he can take on Myogiryu. He has a narrow 4-3 career advatage over the Sakaigawa man, who has won his last three matches.

Chiyoshoma (1-5) vs Sadanoumi (3-3) – My nominee for the first officer of the Juryo barge of the damned is none other than master henkagrapher, Chiyoshoma. Each fight, he’s moving well, but he seems to only be fighting at 75% power (at best). So it may be the case that he will regroup down in Juryo for a time. He does have an 8-5 career advantage over Sadanoumi, but that may not count for anything today.

Takarafuji (3-3) vs Daishoho (2-4) – My nominee for captain of the Juryo barge of the damned is Daishoho, who at the bottom edge of the banzuke, only needs a simple make-koshi to get punted down to the junior division. While Takarafuji has very much been hit or miss this September, I think he has enough mojo to dispatch the flagging Daishoho.

Mitakeumi (4-2) vs Aoiyama (2-4) – Color me disappointed that Mitakeumi did not get a second rematch on day 6. I certainly thought the situation warranted it, but I am not a sumo elder in any way, and thus cannot make such decisions. Aoiyama has racked up his first two wins of the tournament, after starting 0-4, and I would guess would like to beat a third white star out of Mitakeumi today. They have a 4-4 career record, but have not fought since that bizarre basho in March of 2020, aka the “Silent basho”.

Kinbozan (5-1) vs Hokuseiho (2-4) – Hokuseiho only has 2 wins to his name so far in September, which is really quite a surprised. He looks more moribund than any of his previous top division outings, and I have to wonder if maybe he hurt something in the past few weeks. The good news is, he has never lost to Kinbozan in 4 attempts, so maybe he can find win #3 today.

Endo (3-3) vs Hiradoumi (2-4) – After starting 0-3, Endo has won the last three in a row. I think in this state, he’s got a clear advantage over Hiradoumi, who is moving well but not delivering nearly enough power to dominate his matches at this level. They share a 2-1 career record.

Takayasu (5-1) vs Midorifuji (2-4) – There is a question that Takayasu fans are dying to break out and ask, but let’s not jinx him – ok? With any luck he will be able to dispatch the faltering Midorifuji today without too much trouble. They share an even 2-2 career record.

Kotoeko (2-4) vs Shonannoumi (3-3) – I don’t have much of an opinion on this match. I am surprised that Kotoeko is entering day 7 with only 2 wins, as it seems to not align with the effort he has been putting into his daily fight. I am going to guess that maybe Shonannoumi has an edge, given his higher rank, tougher schedule so far, and better score.

Gonoyama (4-2) vs Oho (2-4) – I think Gonoyama learned a valuable lesson in his day 6 loss to Takayasu, that he will face power levels and attack combinations that he may never have experienced by training in the heya. But hopefully he will console himself with his first ever match against Oho, which I am going to guess he should win. Oho is not fighting well at all right now, and we can just guess what may have sapped his performance.

Ryuden (2-4) vs Ura (3-3) – I was surprised to review the stats, and see that they have only fought twice before. The most recent was day 4 of Hatsu, which went to Ryuden. But if you go back do day 4 of Hatsu… 2016, you get to see Ura win one while both were ranked in Makushita.

Takanosho (2-4) vs Onosho (4-2) – Another battle of the nosho rikishi, this time I think the advantage will be with Onosho. He tends to run in hot streaks or cold streaks. He started the basho 4-0, and has now lost two in a row. But today should be the day he returns to the winning path, as I am not sure Takanosho is in the best of health, and may be an easier mark than his M4 rank would suggest.

Abi (3-3) vs Asanoyama (2-4) – There was an article published in the past day of Asanoyama lamenting that he’s not performing nearly as well as he thinks he should. This gives me hope, as the first step to improvement is recognizing that you have a problem. The bigger question is, will Abi reverse is 2 loss losing run with a double arm orbital launch of a former Ozeki today? Guess we will find out soon enough!

Meisei (3-3) vs Tobizaru (3-3) – Both rikishi come into the match at 3-3, and they have a close to even (6-7) career record behind that. Tobizaru has won 2 of their 3 matches this year, and should benefit by fighting someone in the rank in file today.

Hokutofuji (4-2) vs Wakamotoharu (4-2) – This match should go to whomever gets the first combo in. I expect Hokutofuji to attempt his opening nodowa, but even if he lands it, he tends to leave his right side open for a mawashi grab. We can expect Wakamotoharu to try to bring Hokutofuji chest to chest, and should he succeed, will probably control the match.

Daieisho (2-4) vs Kotonowaka (4-2) – Daieisho harbored dreams of getting to 33 wins over 3 basho at one point, but that is out of the question for now. He will have to settle for making sure that Kotonowaka hits a speed bump in his campaign to do the same. Kotonowaka does hold a 6-3 advantage on the clay, so Daieisho will need to hit hard, early and often.

Nishikigi (3-3) vs Hoshoryu (3-3) – Both start the day with 3-3 records, and Hoshoryu should be cautioned that Nishikigi won both of their prior matches this year. If he battle hugs you, you are probably going down.

Shodai (2-4) vs Takakeisho (5-1) – Shodai has never performed well against Takakeisho. They have 21 career matches, and Takakeisho leads the series 15-6. But Shodai is always a wild card, and should we suddenly see either his cartoon sumo or the “wall of daikon” today, it could put a dent in Takakeisho’s plans to clear kadoban before act 2 is done.

Kirishima (4-2) vs Tamawashi (0-6) – I would love to think that we are going to get one star performance out of injured Tamawashi this September. But in reality, I would assume Tamawashi is too clever to do that, and will instead limp along and work to return in November in better condition. he has only beaten Kirishima 2 times in their 9 match history.