Aki Basho

Aki 2026: Day Twelve

Andy Aki 2026

Day twelve in Tokyo.

Kotoshoho kyujo. This is not a surprise and is Fujiryoga will pick up the walk-over win. Kotoshoho certainly got his bell rung yesterday and should probably be out the rest of the tournament. This, being sumo, he’s got at least a day. I’ll report when I see anything about tomorrow.

The deciding bout for the Makushita yusho is set for tomorrow. Inami will fight Yumenofuji. Sandanme is similarly set to be decided between Kobayashi and Oho’s brother, Naya. Jonidan is down to three undefeated, which might work out nicely with Joshoyu the lone 6-0 wrestler in Jonokuchi.

At this time, the bout list has yet to be made but I presume Joshoyu will fight Kakuho from Jonidan and Amane will face Suigafuji. If Joshoyu wins, everything will work out nicely with no playoffs. If he loses, Kakuho will fight the winner of Amane/Suigafuji in a senshuraku playoff.

Now, turning to Juryo, Kagayaki defeated Daiseizan to improve to 11-1. Kaiyo beat Tanji to stay one loss back at 10-2. Enho beat Kazuto and is 6-6. Tamawashi is looking good and is certainly putting in a solid case for a return to the top division. We’ll be following the results closely over the next few days to see who will be likely to come up.

NHK videos here.

Makuuchi Action

Kyokukaiyu (6-6) defeated Tobizaru (4-8). Tobizaru pulled to try to throw Kyokukaiyu and Kyokukaiyu countered by charging forward and forcing Tobizaru out. Tobizaru makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Abi (7-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-8). Abi’s tsuppari shoved Chiyoshoma back and out. Chiyoshoma makekoshi. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (7-5) defeated Toshinofuji (7-5). Asahakuryu locked on with a powerful left-hand overarm grip. Note that instead of pulling, like Tobizaru, to execute the throw he was able to pivot and remain in the center of the ring as he threw Toshinofuji. Uwatenage.

Oho (4-8) defeated Shonannoumi (3-9). Oho showed a bit of a spark in this bout as he charged into Shonannoumi behind his forearm, forcing Shonannoumi out. Oshidashi.

Ura (8-4) defeated Tokihayate (7-5). Ura was stronger than Tokihayate and shoved him back and out. Ura kachi-koshi. Oshidashi.

Asasuiryu (5-7) defeated Takerufuji (7-5). Asasuiryu rotated Takerufuji to force him against the edge and then drove him over the tawara. Takerufuji did not get very low at all in this bout and Asasuiryu made him pay. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (7-5) defeated Hiradoumi (7-5). Asakoryu shifted left at the tachiai, hooked his left arm under Hiradoumi’s right, and dragged him down. Kotenage.

Fujiseiun (8-4) defeated Shodai (2-10). Fujiseiun bellied up to Shodai and forced him out. If a fourth seat opens up on the barge, it will be occupied by either Chiyoshoma and Shodai, at this point. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (6-6) defeated Shishi (5-7). Was that a henka from Shishi? He got a hold of Nishikifuji’s belt but yielded terrible position with his back to the edge. Nishikifuji was also able to attack from a low position since Shishi was so high. Nishikifuji rotated and drove into Nishikifuji, forcing him out. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (8-4) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-10). Wakamotoharu’s tsuppari was very powerful as he whaled into Ichi and he did not fall for Ichiyamamoto’s pull attempt. Ichi-zumo needs retooling. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Asanoyama (9-3) defeated Churanoumi (8-4). Churanoumi had a left-hand belt grip early but Asanoyama ripped his grip away and planted his right arm underneath Churanoumi’s shoulder. With Churanoumi’s left arm now flailing in the wind like koi-nobori, Asanoyama was free to charge ahead and force Churanoumi out. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (6-6) defeated Roga. Yoshinofuji locked on with his right hand and drove Roga back and out. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (6-6) default win over Kotoshoho (5-7).

Kotoeiho (3-9) defeated Takanosho (4-8). Kotoeiho henka. Takanosho needed to pivot on his left ankle and I do not think that was a good thing. Takanosho couldn’t put any weight on that left foot. Takanosho had to resort to attempting yotsu-zumo. Kotoeiho forced him back and over the bales. Unfortunately, I think Takanosho’s done and I think he knows it. He seemed to be near tears in the hanamichi, which is rather devastating for those used to Onigiri-kun’s smiling demeanor. Onigiri-kun makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Gonoyama (4-8) defeated Hakunofuji (3-9). Gonoyama obliterated Hakunofuji at the tachiai and drove forward, shoving Hakunofuji out. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (5-7) defeated Daieisho (4-8). Takayasu’s bear thrusts quickly sent Daieisho into pull mode as he “noped” out of there. Takayasu pursued Daieisho to the edge and thrust him out. Daieisho makekoshi. Tsukidashi.

Kotozakura (8-4) defeated Oshoma (6-6). Kotozakura actually moved forward. Oshoma’s tsuppari was incapable of having any effect on Kotozakura as the Ozeki pressed into Oshoma and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (9-3) defeated Kirishima (6-6). For all of Fujinokawa’s power, he’s really a master of mis-direction. He hit Kirishima hard at the tachiai and followed up with tsuppari, then shifted laterally and pulled Kirishima forward. Kirishima stumbled toward the tawara and tried to reengage but Fujinokawa was all over him, blasting him again and again, driving him back through the ring and out the opposite side. Oshitaoshi.

Aonishiki (9-3) defeated Kinbozan (8-4). Aonishiki locked on to Kinbozan’s shimekomi with the left hand, pivoted, and dispatched Kinbozan quickly. Yorikiri.

Onosato (11-1) defeated Atamifuji (8-4). Atamifuji came in hot. Onosato grabbed his belt with the right hand and dragged him forward and down. Shitatedashinage.

Wrap-up

Onosato will turn his attention to the Ozeki for these final three days. First up, Kirishima who needs to pick up two wins in these final three days to avoid kadoban. Kotozakura and Aonishiki are both safe and will face each other tomorrow.

Atamifuji will fight Asanoyama, the Capt. Willard of this tournament. Fujinokawa will fight Churanoumi, Hakunofuji will take on Takanosho if the latter shows up, and Daieisho will fight Fujiryoga.

Title race:

  • 1-Loss: Onosato
  • 2-Losses: Nobody
  • 3-Losses: Aonishiki, Fujinokawa, Asanoyama

There are a number of kyujo candidates for tomorrow. I’ll keep my eyes open for any announcements, or for news about whether Kotoshoho will return or not.

I think Atamifuji’s Ozeki run is toast, which is a little sad but he has been a much more credible Ozeki candidate than I had envisioned earlier this year. It’s far too early to start making any presumptions about Fujinokawa but he is definitely laying the ground work here. With one or two more wins, this might be the first leg of his own run.

I know there had also been some chatter about Yokozuna hopes for Kirishima but those were way overblown. Let’s let the guy get a string of kachi-koshi at Ozeki first. Sumo fandom claammoured for Hoshoryu and now it’s, “he was promoted too early.” There’s no need to rush for all of these promotion stories (he says right after bringing up Fujinokawa). Point taken. I’ll shut up now and see y’all tomorrow.

Aki 2026: Day Eleven

Andy Aki 2026

Day Eleven in Tokyo.

Kagayaki finally lost for the first time this tournament, now 10-1. Hitoshi (8-3) henka’d and drove Kagayaki out, picking up his kachi-koshi. Kayo is the only wrestler at 9-2 in Juryo. Nishikigi looks ready for Makushita. On the flip side, Asahifuji looks ready for Juryo, twisting Meisei down to the ground to improve to 5-1. I am interested to see him take on a full 15-day schedule.

NHK videos are here, with a retrospective feature of retiring tategyoji, Kimura Shonosuke.

Makuuchi action

Dewanoryu (7-4) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-7). Two quick shoves and Chiyoshoma was out. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (7-4) defeated Tobizaru (4-7). Wakamotoharu quickly locked on to Tobizaru’s belt and immediately twisted, dropping Tobizaru down to the ground. Uwatehineri.

Asahakuryu (6-5) defeated Oho (3-8). Oho slipped his right hand inside but he lacked the power to use it. Asahakuryu used his two-handed belt grip to force Oho back to the edge and gaburi hip-thrusts to force him out. Yorikiri.

Shishi (5-6) defeated Shonannoumi (3-8). Shonannoumi tried to get use his forearm at the tachiai to force Shishi back. Shishi countered by shoving Shonannoumi’s arm hard enough to rotate Shonannoumi slightly and then wrap him up from the side. Shishi then charged forward as Shonannoumi shuffled awkwardly trying to stay upright. Yorikiri.

Toshinofuji (7-4) defeated Ura (7-4). Ura grabbed Toshinofuji’s belt with his right arm, then pulled. Toshinofuji used excellent footwork and positioning to maintain his balance and drive Ura backward. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (7-4) defeated Shodai (2-9). Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (7-4) defeated Abi (6-5). Abi thrusted and then tried a slapdown. Takerufuji did not fall for it and charged ahead. Abi had to shuffle, stage left, to stay on the dohyo. Takerufuji pursued and Abi stepped out as he retreated with Takerufuji shoving Abi into the third row. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (5-6) defeated Asasuiryu (4-7). Nishikifuji shifted to the right and slapped Asasuiryu down. Hatakikomi.

Fujiseiun (7-4) defeated Tokihayate (7-4). Hidari-yotsu. Fujiseiun overpowered Tokihayate and drove backwards quickly. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (6-5) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-9). Ichiyamamoto appeared to try to get low to get Asakoryu’s belt but he was extending his weight dangerously far forward. Asakoryu took advantage. He locked up Ichiyamamoto’s right shoulder and pulled him forward by the right arm. Kotenage.

Halftime

Asanoyama (8-3) defeated Kinbozan (8-3). Asanoyama was too powerful. He charged ahead with his migi-yotsu grip and forced Kinbozan out. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (5-6) defeated Oshoma (6-5). Fujiryoga shoved Oshoma back and out. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (5-6) defeated Gonoyama (3-8). Yoshinofuji used his powerful left-hand overarm hold to force Gonoyama to the edge. Gonoyama used ottsuke to keep Yoshinofuji from getting a right hand grip on his belt, so Yoshinofuji hooked his arm under Gonoyama’s shoulder to help him work Gonoyama out. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (8-3) defeated Kotoshoho (5-6). Kotoshoho shifted right as Churanoumi charged forward, hoping Churanoumi’s momentum would carry him over the bales. Churanoumi’s brake pads had just been replaced so he stopped quickly and turned to re-engage. A bit of a scary moment as Churanoumi charged into Kotoshoho, hitting Kotoshoho square in the jaw. Kotoshoho went back as if he’d gotten a Mike Tyson uppercut. I’m sure he was briefly out. Churanoumi immediately went to check on him. Kotoshoho got up, though, and walked back down the hanamichi. Tough day at the office. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (4-7) defeated Kotoeiho (2-9). Daieisho pulled while rotating backward along the tawara and dragged Kotoeiho down. Hatakikomi.

Takayasu (4-7) defeated Hakunofuji (3-8). Takayasu got a right-hand overarm grip and heaved Hakunofuji forward. Uwatenage.

Kirishima (6-5) defeated Atamifuji (8-3). Kirishima got his left hand inside, then the right and began to drive Atamifuji backward. Atamifuji squeezed his right arm inside but nonetheless Kirishima pressured him to the edge and forced him over. The loss puts Atamifuji’s Ozeki promotion hopes on life-support. Yorikiri with a side of dame-oshi.

Aonishiki (8-3) defeated Takanosho (4-7). Aonishiki weathered a torrent of tsuppari from Takanosho, steadily progressing forward and shoving Takanosho out. As he sat ringside for the next bout, Aonishiki looked at his extended left foot as if checking to make sure it was still there. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (7-4) defeated Roga (5-6). It took three pull attempts but Kotozakura finally leveraged his left-hand grip to drag Roga down at the edge. Uwatenage.

Onosato (10-1) defeated Fujinokawa (8-3). No henka. Onosato and Fujinokawa charged at each other and Onosato definitely won the tachiai. He drove Fujinokawa back quickly and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Wouldn’t that be something if this tournament turns into a Yokozuna runaway? To be honest, I’m here for it, especially if it comes with some stability at the Ozeki rank. All of them won today. And speaking of Ozeki, how is Aonishiki in the yusho race? There’s no way he’ll go kyujo tomorrow. But let’s take a look at the leaderboard.

Title Race

  • 1-Loss: Onosato
  • 2-Losses: 誰もいない
  • 3-Losses: Aonishiki, Atamifuji, Fujinokawa, Churanoumi, Asanoyama, Kinbozan

Tomorrow’s bouts bring more heat as Onosato will face Atamifuji in the musubi-no-ichiban. Atamifuji will need to do something spectacular to keep his promotion hopes alive. If he does, he will also invigorate some more drama into this yusho race.

Aonishiki will fight…Kinbozan? Damn, they pulled him up quickly. He just faced Asanoyama, whom I imagine they will need to bring up soon, too? Kirishima will fight Fujinokawa and Kotozakura will fight Oshoma since he can’t fight the other Kotos.

Daieisho will fight Takayasu as both men hope to stave off makekoshi. This could be a highlight battle. Hakunofuji will try to regroup against Gonoyama. Asanoyama will fight Churanoumi in another highlight bout.

Aki 2026: Day Ten

Andy Aki 2026

Day Ten in Tokyo.

Apologies for the abbreviated coverage today. I overslept and only caught the second half of today’s action live.

Today’s NHK videos include a five-minute feature on Aki 1986 which is really worth checking-out. That tournament featured two brothers who both earned special prizes that tournament for their performance, Terao and Sakahoko. With all of the brother-pairs in this tournament, it’s cool to see. The real feature is Chiyonofuji, though. Chiyonofuji won the title and the video has great footage of that historical tournament.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Arashifuji (5-5) defeated Asasuiryu (4-6). Oshitaoshi.

Shonannoumi (3-7) defeated Asakoryu (5-5). Kotenage.

Asahakuryu (5-5) defeated Shodai (2-8). Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (8-2) defeated Toshinofuji (6-4). Shitatenage.

Tokihayate (7-3) defeated Takerufuji (6-4). Uwatenage.

Hiradoumi (6-4) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-6). Hikiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (6-4) defeated Fujiseiun (6-4). Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (4-6) defeated Tobizaru (4-6). Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (7-3) defeated Abi (6-4). Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (2-8) defeated Oho (3-7). Yorikiri.

Halftime

Ura (7-3) defeated Roga (5-5). Ura charged ahead, driving Roga half-way to the bales. Ura wrapped his left arm around Roga’s head, right arm around his shoulder and dragged him down. Ura pivoted and shifted laterally as he dragged Roga down. Katasukashi.

Oshoma (6-4) defeated Shishi (4-6). Oshoma shoved Shishi in the head and got him turned around. Shishi turned back around to face Oshoma but the damage had been done as Oshoma shove him out. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (4-4) defeated Takayasu (3-7). Yoshinofuji got a right-hand outside grip and overpowered Takayasu. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (3-7) defeated Kotoeiho (2-8). Gonoyama hit Kotoeiho with a powerful tachiai and forced Kotoeiho back to the edge. Kotoeiho tried to use his migi-yotsu hold to topple Gonoyama with an uwatenage but he was not able to. Gonoyama kept pressuring Kotoeiho and eventually forced him out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Kotoshoho (5-5) defeated Daieisho (3-7). Daieisho’s weight was too far forward as his feet tried to plant against the tawara. Kotoshoho pulled him down. Hikiotoshi.

Fujinokawa (8-2) defeated Takanosho (4-6). Flying henka! Fujinokawa jumped left and Takanosho charged across the ring, stumbling onto all fours. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (7-3) defeated Churanoumi (7-3). Every time Aonishiki would grab Churanoumi’s belt with his left hand, Churanoumi would pull it off or shift his body to get it away. He didn’t pay as much attention to the right hand as it snaked inside as well. When Aonishiki got his right hand grip, he immediately tried to use it and charged ahead, forcing Churanoumi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (8-2) defeated Kotozakura (6-4). Atamifuji was stronger than Kotozakura and drove him to the edge. Kotozakura grabbed Atamifuji’s belt with his left-hand outside and tried to pull him with a last gasp uwatenage. “As if.” Oshidashi.

Fujiryoga (4-6) defeated Kirishima (5-5). Kirishima tried a really bad pull. It was as if he was hitting Fujiryoga with tsuppari and when his left hand was up at Fujiryoga’s head, the fleeting idea popped into his head, “Oh, I can try to pull him forward.” So, he pulled with that left hand and stepped back to the bales. It did not work. Fujiryoga had no forward momentum and his base was solid. Now that Kirishima was moving backward, however, Fujiryoga was able to press forward and shove Kirishima out. Christmas in September as Kirishima hands Fujiryoga a gift. Oshidashi.

Onosato (9-1) defeated Hakunofuji (3-7). Onosato braced with his left foot as he reached inside for Hakunofuji’s belt. He drove forward and forced Hakunofuji out. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

A rather dominant-looking Onosato today. If he keeps this up, he may run away with the title, leaving the field to fight for rank and special prizes. He will have a challenge tomorrow against Fujinokawa, whom he has yet to beat.

Yusho Race

  • 1-Loss: Onosato
  • 2-Losses: Atamifuji, Fujinokawa, Kinbozan

Kotozakura didn’t look like he wanted to be here. If he shows up tomorrow, he will fight Roga. Aonishiki will battle Takanosho for his kachi-koshi, the only Ozeki with a chance at kachi-koshi at the moment. Kirishima will fight Atamifuji and needs to win because he won’t want to fall behind the count yet to face the meat of his schedule and his strongest competition.

Hakunofuji will fight Takayasu and Daieisho will face Kotoeiho for the first time, ever. Further down the banzuke, Kinbozan will fight Asanoyama. That should be a great bout.

Aki 2026: Day Nine

Andy Aki 2026

Day Nine in Tokyo.

Joshoyu beat Chiyonotaka and remains the only undefeated rikishi in Jonokuchi. Eisei locked up his kachi-koshi against Kotokawabuchi. Congratulations! The Abema footage of his win is below. Makushita has narrowed to a three man race between Tenshoyama, Inami and Yumenofuji.

In Juryo, Kagayaki defeated Kayo and took a two-win lead. Kagayaki is undefeated at 9-0. Kayo falls to 7-2 with Daiseizan and Kitanowaka. The promotion picture is clearing up and there are not many candidates to go up. Daiseizan looks ready to go up but Dewanoryu, Tamawashi and Kazekeno really have work to do this week. So, I think there will be only be three seats on the barge – possibly four. Two seats will be claimed by the kyujo Wakatakakage and Wakanosho. We despair for a number of folks doing poorly on one or two wins but really only Shonannoumi is in real danger of going down, I believe. He might even jump ahead of Wakatakakage in the queue if the barge ends up being a two-man canoe.

NHK videos here.

Makuuchi Action

Tokihayate (6-3) defeated Sadanoumi (2-7). Tokihayate hooked both of his arms under Sadanoumi’s shoulders and charged ahead to the edge. Sadanoumi briefly grabbed Tokihayate’s belt with an overarm grip and tried to tip Tokihayate over. Tokihayate kept his balance and cut Sadanoumi’s grip. Without that grip, Tokihayate forced Sadanoumi back and out. Yorikiri.

Abi (6-3) defeated Shonannoumi (2-7). Abi henka! Shonannoumi reacted well, rotated and engaged Abi directly. However, Abi used his powerful thrusts to lay into Shonannoumi, shoving him back and out. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (4-5) defeated Shodai (2-7). As Shodai moved forward, Tobizaru shifted left and pulled Shodai down. Hikiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (5-4) defeated Toshinofuji (6-3). When Wakamotoharu locked on to Toshinofuji’s belt with both hands in a hidari-yotsu grip, he forced Toshinofuji back through the ring and out. Wakamotoharu seems to be getting his grove back. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (7-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-5). Chiyoshoma could not get a solid grip on Kinbozan. He pulled as Kinbozan shoved with his powerful left arm. This sent Chiyoshoma flying backward and off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Hiradoumi (5-4) defeated Asasuiryu (4-5). Asasuiryu used the edge as leverage to whale into Hiradoumi and charge forward. Hiradoumi shifted slightly left and slapped Asasuiryu down. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (6-3) defeated Asakoryu (5-4). Takerufuji hooked his left arm under Asakoryu’s right and wrapped his right outside. Takerufuji then pressed forward and forced Asakoryu out. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (4-5) defeated (3-6) Asahakuryu. Nishikifuji’s tsuppari wasn’t getting him anywhere. Asahakuryu locked on to his belt so Nishikifuji did the same. Asahakuryu pulled with his hidari-yotsu hold and that was a fatal mistake as Nishikifuji used the momentum to force his way forward and usher Asahakuryu out. Yorikiri.

Fujiseiun (6-3) defeated Oho (3-6). Oho tried to cut Fujiseiun’s left-hand belt grip but failed. Fujiseiun charged forward and forced him out. Oho did not really seem capable of digging in with his legs to stop Fujiseiun’s forward pressure. Yorikiri.

Shishi (4-5) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-8). After a lengthy tussle, Shishi grabbed Ichiyamamoto’s right arm around the shoulder and swung him forward. Kotenage.

Halftime

Oshoma (6-3) defeated Ura (5-4). Oshoma shoved Ura back and stepped forward, hitting Ura with tsuppari. Oshoma then shifted left and slapped Ura down. Hatakikomi.

Takanosho (4-5) defeated Asanoyama (6-3). Takanosho shifted left and caught Asanoyama with his weight too far forward. Hikiotoshi.

Churanoumi (7-2) defeated Roga (5-4). Churanoumi overpowered Roga, forcing him back and out, quickly. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (4-5) defeated Gonoyama (2-7). Kotoshoho shifted to his right after the tachiai, shoving Gonoyama to the edge and then blasting him off. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hakunofuji (3-6) defeated Kotoeiho (2-7). Kotoeiho let Hakunofuji charge into him, sliding back to brace against the straw bales. He tried to shift at the edge but Hakunofuji really wasn’t having it. With solid footwork and an all business manner, Hakunofuji forced Kotoeiho out. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (7-2) defeated Takayasu (3-6). Atamifuji looked every bit the Ozeki candidate as Takayasu struggled to budge the big man. It took all of Takayasu’s strength to pivot and try to throw Atamifuji with his migi-yotsu hold. Atamifuji shuffled to keep his balance and shoved Takayasu back with strong tsuppari. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (7-2) defeated Kotozakura (6-3). Fujinokawa used his right-hand overarm grip to pull Kotozakura forward to the clay. Uwatenage.

Daieisho (3-6) defeated Kirishima (5-4). Daieisho grabbed Kirishima’s extended left hand and pulled him forward, nearly catching him with a tottari. Kirishima pulled away just in time. Freaked out, Kirishima retreated carelessly. Daieisho was in hot pursuit, shoving the Ozeki. As Kirishima braced at the far edge, Daieisho pulled him forward to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Aonishiki (6-3) defeated Yoshinofuji (3-6). Yoshinofuji targeted Aonishiki’s injured left foot for a leg sweep as he tried to lever the Ozeki over the bales. Aonishiki resisted and executed his own beautiful throw in response. But the damage may be significant. Aonishiki could barely stand by the power water and walked gingerly down the hanamichi. Sukuinage.

Onosato (8-1) defeated Fujiryoga (3-6). Onosato shifted left and pulled Fujiryoga down. Hikiotoshi.

Wrap-up

Did Onosato finally figure out that moving laterally works better than backwards? It’s essentially the same, “inashi” strategy, relying on misdirection and the opponent’s poor balance and footwork. But the pivot or shuffle to the side reduces the risk of losing by carelessly stepping out or leaping dangerously into the crowd. It also keeps him in the game to continue the attack from the side, or even from behind. It also means he is well positioned to address any counter attacks, if the opponent is able to adjust and reengage.

Hakunofuji will be a good test tomorrow. The Yokozuna picked up his kachi-koshi. He is in the lead by himself and the field behind him has halved.

Title Race

  • 1-Loss: Onosato
  • 2-Losses: Atamifuji, Fujinokawa, Churanoumi, Kinbozan

My hope for Aonishiki is that he picks up two wins and sits out the rest of the tournament on the couch at Ajigawa-beya. He will face Churanoumi tomorrow. At this point, it looks like Kotonanahachi might be the softest opponent on his card but they will not face each other until the weekend. Speaking of the Stay-Puft Ozeki, he will need all of his wits about him against Atamifuji tomorrow. Kirishima will fight Fujiryoga, who seemed a bit miffed that the Yokozuna didn’t fight him head-on and chose to slap him down.

Fujinokawa will fight Takanosho and Daieisho will fight Kotoshoho. Kinbozan is the lone low-ranker still in this for the moment. He will fight Toshinofuji.