With the middle day behind us, it’s time to launch into the second week. Week 2 is fraught with peril. For starters, its where current yusho race leader Mitakeumi tends to fade out, and long term fans of the sport know not to pin any yusho or Ozeki hopes on that guy just yet. While we all hope that he can elevate his sumo and remain strong all the way to day 15, we understand how draining the fight schedule can be.

But to me, the big news is the 15-18 people who are now caught in Darwin’s funnel. This is a good sized cohort, and I look forward to the scheduling committee’s efforts to deliver as many of them as possible to a score of 7-7 at the end of day 14. If they decide to do this, you will see 3 match groups, a “loser track” where everyone is headed for make-koshi. A “winner track” where everyone is headed for kachi-koshi, and the “funnel”. Funnel members fight each other except if they get a score high enough to escape, then they fight someone from the “Winner track” to push them back in. It’s become a bit of a hobby for the folks who draw up the torikumi, and after initially being annoyed by it, I can now see how it’s another subtle layer of brutality woven into sumo. So Japanese, I love it.

Highlight Matches

Kotoshoho defeats Tsurugisho – Chest to chest at the tachiai, and then a battle of strength. Tsurugisho seems to be moving a bit better, and can actually return power when fighting yotsu, so that may be why we see him prefer fighting chest to chest now. He tries to rotate Kotoshoho out a couple of times, but can’t quite get the timing right, and Kotoshoho lines up a big push center-mass when they are at the bales, taking the match and improving to 7-1. I would guess he’s back in the top division in Osaka.

Kotonowaka defeats Aoiyama – Another high-mass thruster relegated to yotsu due to what we suspect is an injury. Aoiyama kept trying to find a way to execute a pull forward / down, and Kotonowaka was having none of it. I think Aoiyama got frustrated, and tried a leg trip, which only took him perilously off balance and gave Kotonowaka the match. Kotonowaka now 6-2.

Oho defeats Ichiyamamoto – Oho wisely did not let Ichiyamamoto get any kind of thrusting attack going. Rather Oho simply blasted ahead with full power, with his hands in direct contact with Ichiyamamoto’s chest. It’s denshamichi time, and Oho is the Yamanote line, improving to 5-2.

Yutakayama defeats Kaisei – Glad to know Yutakayama has studied this month’s prior matches. He sets up to attack Kaisei from the side, which seems to work every time it’s tried. Yutakayama drives Kaisei out with a yorikiri, and both end the day at 4-4, squarely in the funnel.

Wakamotoharu defeats Ishiura – Ishiura found himself in a tough spot after his opening combo did not quite connect. He was able to set up a right side ottsuke to keep Wakamotoharu from getting a left hand grip, but then it was stalemate at the center of the dohyo. Not really able to evolve his position from there, it was up to Wakamotoharu to make the next move, which was an hitakaikomi, winning the match. Both finish at 4-4 and join the growing crowd in the middle of the funnel.

Kotoeko defeats Sadanoumi – Where has this version of Kotoeko been? This is the one I really like, he’s fast, tenacious and wins more than he loses. Sadanoumi launched out of the tachiai slower than is his custom, and I think he was suspecting something like what happened. Kotoeko pulled Sadanoumi forward, stepped to the side and thrust him down to advance to 6-2, leaving Sadanoumi at 4-4 to join the funnel group.

Tochinoshin defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi immediately latches on to Tochinoshin’s left arm, in a bit to keep Tochinoshin’s primary weapon out of the match. But Terutsuyoshi can’t maintain the hold, and Tochinoshin gets his left hand outside grip. Three steps later Terutsuyoshi is out, and Tochinoshin has improved to 4-4, and joins the funnel.

Chiyotairyu defeats Myogiryu – Off speed tachiai from Chiyotairyu, as I think he suspected some mischief from Myogiryu at the tachiai. Rather than his normal “Win in the first 5 seconds” match plan, Chiyotairyu works to center Myogiryu and takes his time. When he is ready, he drives Myogiryu out for his 3rd win to improve to 3-5. Myogiryu is 4-4, and his ticket is punched to enter the funnel.

Chiyomaru defeats Akua – Chiyomaru with a standup tachiai, he caught Akua and went directly into a thrusting attack combo. The two then proceeded to dial up the power on their blows, with Akua trying for a round-house right hand slap at one point. Not content with bashing each other’s face, these two then took to running each other back and forth across the dohyo. Both kept their footing well enough, but with that much mass in motion, the energy drain was enormous. But Chiyomaru caught a lucky break as Akua attempted to break contact. Finding himself behind Akua, Chiyomaru took him down from behind, picking up the win. He’s now 5-3.

Takarafuji defeats Shimanoumi – I have to say it again, I love how efficient Takarafuji’s sumo is. He keep his body movements to an absolute minimum to reduce opportunities for counter attack. Most days it works. Today, it worked very well indeed. He let Shimanoumi do most of the work, and at one point Shimanoumi rallies and nearly takes the match, but Takarafuji recovers, consolidates his stance, and then slaps Shimanoumi to the clay. Takarafuji improves to 6-2, Shimanoumi joins the funnel.

Hoshoryu defeats Abi – Wow, I guess that’s one way to beat Abi-sumo. Abi opens with his traditional double-arm attack, and Hoshoryu absorbs it, and delivers maximum force center mass. Done with the right timing (as it was today) there is a narrow window where Abi resets his arms to attack again. That attack never came as Hoshoryu already had him tumbling back and one step later he’s in the front row visiting Dr Takasu and the posture princess. Hoshoryu improves to 5-3, and Abi gets blown out of the yusho race for now.

Onosho defeats Chiyonokuni – No, this wasn’t the day that Chiyonokuni won his first match. But he did open quite well, and took control of the match. He threw it out the window with a clumsy pulling attempt that gave Onosho the initiative. At that point it was all Onosho, who ran Chiyonokuni down, got behind him and pancaked him on the east side tawara. Onosho improves to 6-2.

Tobizaru defeats Chiyoshoma – Alas, the double flying henka did not materialize. But we did get a Tobizaru hit and shift, which netted Tobizaru a strong right hand outside grip. Tobizaru rode that right hand grip all the way to the win, putting Chiyoshoma on the “spin” cycle and then muscling him over the bales. Tobizaru improves to 4-4 and adds his name to the funnel.

Tamawashi defeats Hokutofuji – Tamawashi took the early advantage, and kept Hokutofuji from getting either a mawashi grip or a nodowa. With both of his opening gambits blown, Hokutofuji rode the thrust, hoping for a chance to break contact. It came, but Tamawashi immediately re-engaged, though this time Hokutofuji had better lower body configuration. As Tamawashi ran Hokutofuji out, Hokutofuji delivered a massive thrust down, slamming Tamawashi to the clay with a reverberating thud as he had the win knocked out of him. Hokutofuji was already out, so the match went to Tamawashi who improves to 6-2. That mark on the janome where Tamawashi landed was epic.

Wakatakakage defeats Ichinojo – Wakatakakage decided to let Ichinojo use his “Boulder” technique, which was a gutsy move. There they stood, with Ichinojo holding Wakatakakage’s arm in a double arm bar. Where this went wrong for Ichinojo is he did not wait Wakatakakage out nearly long enough. When Ichinojo advanced, Wakatakakage had plenty of stamina left, and he brought Ichinojo down with a step to the side followed by a tsukiotoshi. Wakatakakage improves to 3-5, and Ichinojo joins the funnel with 4-4.

Kiribayama defeats Meisei – Meisei had a fair opening combo, and neither man wanted to take up defensive sumo, so attack vs attack it was. Kiribayama generated slightly more forward pressure, but he was able to catch Meisei off balance, and bring him down with an oshitaoshi. Kiribayama picks up his second win of the basho improving to 2-6.

Mitakeumi defeats Daieisho – Daieisho attacks first, and takes control of the match at the tachiai. He’s hitting well, but Mitakeumi is not moving back even a half step. After adapting to Daieisho’s thrusting rhythm, Mitakeumi picks just the right moment to step back, and re-engage. He lands a right hand grip, and at that point Daieisho’s match has ended. Mitakeumi runs him about for a moment, and then ejects what’s left over the east side bales. Mitakeumi remains perfect at 8=0, is kachi-koshi, and in sole lead for the cup awarded 1 week from today.

Ura defeats Takanosho – Well, thank you for trying Takanosho. As sometimes happen in first ever matches against Ura, the opponent is not quite sure what to do. Ura has a plan, he takes a half step to the side, grabs Takanosho’s right leg and walks Onigiri-kun out for a quick win. Both end the day at 4-4, and muscle their way into the growing crowd in the funnel.

Shodai defeats Endo – Ok, feeling a bit better now, as we got a half assed “wall of daikon” today, which is better than none. Endo took early advantage and had Shodai struggling to respond. Thankfully he remembered his spirit vegetable and invoked the holy radish. The best news? Shodai is now 4-4 and lumbers into that over-sized funnel group.

Terunofuji defeats Okinoumi – Okinoumi did a fair job with this match, he attempted some well considered hand placements at the tachiai, but was shut down by Terunofuji’s double outside grip. Rather than try to out sumo Okinoumi, Terunofuji opted to “lift and carry”, which did the trick and secure his 7th win, now 7-1.

Welcome to Nakabi! The middle day of the basho. This is a wonderful period where it’s finally time to start looking at the yusho race, and start speculating on who is going to go the distance. The leader board is below, but first, some commentary.

I am impressed with Mitakeumi, but I think the chances of him going zensho are quite slim. His best score ever is 13-2 which he racked up in front of his home town crowd in Nagoya for his first yusho. A repeat of that 13-2 would be damn impressive, and likely give him an Ozeki nod. He would need to take 6 of the remaining 8 matches to hit that mark. A tough route indeed.

I expect Yokozuna Terunofuji to continue to be in the hunt. He is one loss behind, and if you share the notion that someone (maybe even Terunofuji) will put dirt on the Original Tadpole, then we have to recognize that the Kaiju is still very much in play for the cup. But what about Abi? I think he’s strong, maybe even 10-5 strong, but the second week is where the Great Sumo Cat of the Kokugikan separates the champions from the contenders. Both Mitakeumi and Terunofuji have multiple prior yusho, and I think that will make all the difference in the world.

Last, where would I be if I don’t mention Darwin’s funnel. It looks to me, the funnel is back on for Hatsu. 24 rikishi with 4-3 or 3-4 records going into day 8. That is a ridiculous number of men who are straddling the make/kachi-koshi line. As long as the scheduler just have them fight each other, they can funnel them toward an 7-7 finish at the end of day 14, and have a roster full of Darwin matches. I am going to watch this unfold over the next week with anticipation.

Hatsu Leaderboard

Leader: Mitakeumi
Hunt Group: Terunofuji, Abi
Chasers: Tamawashi, Onosho, Takarafuji, Kotonowaka, Kotoeko

8 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 8

Kotoshoho vs Tsurugisho – Kotoshoho comes to visit today from Juryo to fill the banzuke gap, and he comes packing a solid 6-1 record. With few of the upper Juryo rikishi looking promotable right now, we may find Kotoshoho back in the top division in Osaka. Tsurugisho is a bit of a mystery, as he has looked pretty crummy in week 1, but seems to have found some way to execute some sumo. He won their only prior match.

Kotonowaka vs Aoiyama – Like Tsurugisho, Aoiyama is not quite ready for the Juryo barge, and may have a spark of sumo left in him after all. In good health, he should send Kotonowaka airborne with a blast from the V-Twin, but Aoiyama does not have that kind of power right now. He has a 1-2 career gap against Kotonowaka, and I am not going to be surprised if Kotonowaka takes this one.

Oho vs Ichiyamamoto – Oho has lost 3 of his last 4, and I would put him squarely in slump territory. Ichiyamamoto is doing only slightly better, and day 8 is where stamina starts to play an increasing role in the daily matches, as the constant grind of high intensity competition start taxing the rikishi. Both of them are 4-3, so this is a funnel match.

Kaisei vs Yutakayama – Another funnel match, I am looking for Yutakayama to win this one. Kaisei has found himself with an opponent to the side or behind him far too many times this basho. Dare we hope for another resounding tushie-o-tochi from the Brazilian?

Ishiura vs Wakamotoharu – Another funnel match as 4-3 Ishiura goes against 3-4 Wakamotoharu. Ishiura has a 2-0 career advantage, and has generally been fighting pretty well for a Maegashira 12. This is their first ever match in the top division, their prior contests were both in Juryo, with the most recent being March of last year.

Sadanoumi vs Kotoeko – Kotoeko showing some fighting form by hitting 5-2, so they put him up against speed rikishi Sadanoumi. It will come down to the second step, and if we see a Sadanoumi hit-and move or a Kotoeko grab and tuck. My money is on Kotoeko this time, and I think I would love to see some his tiny gaburi-yori.

Tochinoshin vs Terutsuyoshi – A pair of 3-4 rikishi compete to see who gets to stay in the funnel, with the winner getting the nod to continue the grind toward Darwin. Terutsuyoshi has been hit or miss this January, and I am not sure if it’s because he is trying to expand his sumo, or if he’s just a hot mess right now. If we get a Tochinoshin left hand outside grip, Terutsuyoshi is small enough at 114kg for what’s left of Tochinoshin’s legs to manage a sky-crane.

Myogiryu vs Chiyotairyu – I would love to hype this match, but Chiyotairyu just does not seem to have it in him. They have a tied 9-9 career record, but that assumes a full power Chiyotairyu, which I am going to assume he won’t be today.

Chiyomaru vs Akua – Speaking of wreckage, we have Akua. Much as I want him to do well, he just can’t put it together this January and he’s getting pantsed evert day. Maybe his sumo just isn’t competitive at Maegashira 10 like it is at Maegashira 15 or Juryo 3. We have not seen superior Chiyomaru agility in a couple of days, so maybe a bit of break dancing today, sir?

Shimanoumi vs Takarafuji – You know what would make me happy? To see Takarafuji get his kachi-koshi early. With 5 wins right now, he is on course to hit his 8 well before day 15, if he does not twist and ankle or some other mishap. Shimanoumi, try as he might, is funnel-fodder to be certain. He was in Darwin matches at least twice in the last year, so he may be comfortable there.

Hoshoryu vs Abi – First ever match, and I am going to guess that Hoshoryu may not quite know what to do with Abi-zumo. So maybe we are going to see a rampaging double arm attack toss young Hoshoryu about before he drops to the clay or rockets over the East side.

Onosho vs Chiyonokuni – One of these days, Chiyonokuni is going to get his first win of the Hatsu basho. Will it be today? Not unless he can match Onosho’s massive forward pressure, which we know is exactly where Chiyonokuni struggles.

Tobizaru vs Chiyoshoma – A pair of high agility, high maneuverability rikishi who may or may not have shenanigans in the tachiai? Dare we pray for the coveted double flying henka? Unlikely, but something that would be magical if it could take place. Tobizaru holds a 5-1 career advantage.

Tamawashi vs Hokutofuji – Both of these guys rely on heavy broadside thrusting as their primary attack mode. Hokutofuji has incredible lower body stability, and Tamawashi has what I can only call “unstoppable drive”. I think advantage will go to whomever gets their hands inside first.

Wakatakakage vs Ichinojo – I think most fans prefer the rampaging, pony tossing Ichinojo. But we are not seeing him this basho. I think we do get the “Boulder” this January, and an enormous Ichinojo is a formidable Ichinojo. Stay patient, stay put, and don’t fall for any of Wakatakakage’s invitations to pull.

Meisei vs Kiribayama – Kiribayama is better than his 1-6 score lets on. But right now he’s going to be hard pressed to limit his make-koshi to 7-8 given that he starts day 8 at 1-6. Meisei is part of the funnel group, and a win today would center him in the funnel at 4-4.

Mitakeumi vs Daieisho – Yusho race leader up against mega-thruster Daieisho. If Daieisho connects and gets an open route, he is more than capable of moving Mitakeumi around at great speed, putting the first 3 rows of fans at significant risk. The Original Tadpole is going to need to think about another denshamichi session to put Daieisho away before he can get started. A win today is kachi-koshi for Mitakeumi.

Ura vs Takanosho – I love watching Ura fight, even when he loses. He runs his own sumo, and it’s distinct from the rest of the top division, and its typically quite entertaining. This is his first match ever against onigiri-kun, and a Takanosho loss today would shove both of them into the middle of the funnel group, which is where they belongs right now.

Endo vs Shodai – Oh why!? Two guys who are fighting like it’s spring break and they are perpetually hung over. Hell if I know which one of them is going to have the edge today. I would love to see Shodai snap out of whatever is limiting him right now, but its probably an injury, and he is probably doing the best he can. Same for Endo, but a Shodai win would keep him in the funnel group.

Terunofuji vs Okinoumi – Terunofuji should be able to dominate this match. The concern being that Okinoumi can, on any given day, beat any rikishi if he gets the right set up. This is always one of the reasons why he’s great to follow, as he can have a crummy basho, but be able to put an Ozeki on the clay in the midst of a make-koshi run. I hope Terunofuji locks in his stance and his balance early before Okinoumi can get on offense.

I would like to call today “Slow motion replay day”. There were enough really good moves on the clay today that it’s worth it to take the time and watch the body mechanics of these athletes. As someone who was never graceful as a younger man, I marvel that these guys can combine strength, agility, ballet like grace and giant mountains of body fat like that.

With day 7 in the record books, we will start to track the yusho race with tonight’s day 8 preview. Much to my surprise, Mitakeumi is in the pole position now, and with a few hours to go before nakabi, I have to wonder what the conditons might be for him to earn an Ozeki promotion coming out of Hatsu. A yusho? A zensho? I personally think they will make him wait until after Osaka, to see if he can string together 2 good tournaments, but maybe with just 2 Ozeki today, they will be happy to create a 3rd.

I saw no evidence of Terunofuji favoring his left leg today, so maybe my fears that he might go kyujo soon are unfounded. I hope that is the case, as I can’t wait to see him take on Mitakeumi in week 2.

Highlight Matches

Kotoeko defeats Nishikigi – Both went for a chest to chest position at the tachiai, but Nishikigi missed his mark and had to settle for a hold around Kotoeko’s arms. This robbed him of any real leverage or anything more than a defensive block. Kotoeko was a bit over enthusiastic and went deep, and then found he could not really raise Nishikigi. With Nishikigi’s loose mawashi threatening to suffer and explosive untying, Kotoeko refreshed his grip, and thankfully got Nishikigi out before the cameras panned to the ceiling. Kotoeko improves to 5-2.

Aoiyama defeats Kaisei – In this battle of the mega-fauna, Aoiyama was able to immediately get to the side of Kaisei, and simply drive him out. 4-3 now for Aoiyama, maybe he can hang on after all.

Kotonowaka defeats Oho – Oho leaned in a bit to far in his contest of forward pressure, and was an easy mark for a step to the side and a hand on the shoulder pulling down. I am starting to worry Oho may not be able to hold rank in the top division yet. Kotonowaka ends the day at 5-2.

Wakamotoharu defeats Yutakayama – One Wakamotoharu got that right hand outside, Yutakayama was in trouble. He reacted to try and break the grip, but that seemed to help Wakamotoharu consolidate his left hand inside, and set up a text book yorikiri. Wakamotoharu picks up his 3rd win and both finish the day 3-4.

Tsurugisho defeats Chiyomaru – Tsurugisho won that match through great efficiency of motion, and it’s kind of a wonder to watch it. I am pretty sure he’s suffering some kind of lower body or lower back problem that has left him without much ability to generate forward pressure. So look at what he does instead. He get Chiyomaru chest to chest, swings him around, closing the distance to the bales, and then lifts rather than pushes forward. I love the adaptive sumo, Tsurugisho advances to 3-4.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Chiyotairyu – If you want to win a match with Chiyotairyu, you have to survive his initial volley, and be ready to counter attack at just the right moment. Ichiyamamoto does this by catching Chiyotairyu, placing him at the bales, and giving him a firm shove to the chest to finish the match. Ichiyamamoto improves to 4-3.

Ishiura defeats Akua – There was a matta prior to the match, and I think Akua assumed the second tachiai was going to be a matta as well, as everything was off tempo. But Shikimori Kandayu did not call it, and the fight was on. Ishiura quickly had Akua in a very odd position, and delivered the seldom seen susoharai leg-sweep combo. Akua hit the clay with a meaty thud, and Ishiura took home his 4th win. I love the look on Terutsuyoshi’s face as Akua crashes to the dohyo.

Tochinoshin defeats Myogiryu – I am sure that is nothing like what Myogiryu was looking for in this match. Even in his diminished condition, you don’t hand Tochinoshin a left hand outside grip, or you are going for a ride. Points to Myogiryu for an attempt to rotate / uchari at the bales and bring Tochinoshin down first, but the gumbai went to Tochinoshin, and he picks up a much needed 3rd win to finish the day 3-4.

Shimanoumi defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi put a lot of focus into trying to get his intended grip, and it looked like Shimanoumi simply reacted to every move, and focused on keeping his feet heavy and moving forward. When Shimanoumi is “on”, as he seemed to be today, he has a pretty solid lower body technique, and it carried this match for him. Shimanoumi was able to get behind Terutsuyoshi, and drive him out from the rear. Shimanoumi advances to 4-3.

Sadanoumi defeats Tobizaru – This whole match was fighting for hand placement, and the moment that Sadanoumi found something that worked for him, look at that acceleration! This is why I think of him as one of the fastest men in sumo. He loaded that uwatenage before you could realize what was up. Points to Tobizaru for the sumo instincts to react to the rotation and try to bring Sadanoumi down first, but the gumbai went to Sadanoumi, and he improves to 4-3.

Hoshoryu defeats Chiyonokuni – I keep thinking Chiyonokuni is going to win a match, and each day he does not. Again we see him hitting with good force, but unable to move forward to press the attack. This make it fairly easy for Hoshoryu find an opening , grab Chiyonokuni’s body and take him down. Chiyonokuni tried to counter the shitatenage, but lost his grip and hit the clay first. Hoshoryu now at 4-3.

Takarafuji defeats Chiyoshoma – Takarafuji went defensive at the tachiai, and that paid off as Chiyoshoma lost his balance on the 3rd step, and Takarafuji slapped him the rest of the way to the clay. Takarafuji now 5-2.

Onosho defeats Abi – Oh, I love that Onosho seems to have studied and practiced how to shut down the Abi-zumo windmill attack. He matches Abi thrust for thrust, but he is striking upward on Abi’s elbows, removing any power that Abi might deliver if he connects. This also works to move him off balance, and set up the tsukiotoshi. That’s how you serve up Kokugikan clay facial! Onosho improves 5-2, handing Abi his first loss, dropping him to 6-1.

Ura defeats Hokutofuji – I thought this match was a mountain of fun. Hokutofuji was cautious, Ura was grabbing and tugging anything Hokutofuji managed to get within Ura’s area of regard. Twice Ura had a good hold and gave a cursory pull, but Hokutofuji’s lower body is just incredibly stable, and he was not going to brake Hokutofuji’s balance that way. So they locked up head to head in the center of the dohyo, where Ura surged forward and drove Hokutofuji from the dohyo. Ura improves to 3-4.

Ichinojo defeats Kiribayama – Ichinojo latched on early, and Kiribayama struggled to deal with 200kg of Boulder from the moment they were chest to chest. Ichinojo blocked every attempt Kiribayama made to engage with his left hand, and effectively shutting down Kiribayama’s offense. That reduced the match to Ichinojo being enormous (which he does very well) and just grinding Kiribayama down. Ichinojo’s first probing move must have come back positive, showing that Kiribayama was already tired, and Ichinojo walked him out for a win. Ichinojo now 4-3.

Daieisho defeats Wakatakakage – Wakatakakage grabbed Daieisho’s left arm in the tachiai, I think in an attempt to shut down Daieisho’s thrusting attack. It worked, but just for a moment. Once Daieisho had his arm free, it was time to apply force center-mass on Wakatakakage. It was a fast walk to the bales, and a 3rd win for Daieisho, improving him to 3-4.

Takanosho defeats Meisei – Meisei came in a bit too strong, and got ahead of his center of gravity. Takanosho is never one to let something like that go, and slapped him to the clay to pick up his 4th win, joining the huge crowd at 4-3.

Mitakeumi defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi had a great opening gambit, landing a hazu-oshi (armpit attack) and driving Mitakeumi back. But then, well, he decided he was going to pull. He was too high, and that release of forward pressure swung the door open for Mitakeumi to rush forward. He carried Tamawashi out in a hurry, clinching his 7th win, and his sole position at the top of the leader board in the emerging yusho race.

Okinoumi defeats Shodai – One of the challenges of fighting Okinoumi when he is “on”, he has such a deep catalog of sumo, both individual moves and combos, that he can really make his opponent look completely impotent. This happened today, as he did not let Shodai have a moment to set his feet, square his hips or unpack any cartoon sumo. This was more of a waltz than a sumo match, with Okinoumi rushing Shodai around the ring, never letting him get his footing or his balance. Brilliant stuff. Okinoumi now 2-5.

Terunofuji defeats Endo – I am sure Endo was thrilled when his right hand found Terunofuji’s mawashi. But it really only served as an anchor for the Yokozuna to bracket Endo in, and walk him out. Shame Endo could not connect that left hand, as this is his primary opening move. But everyone knows that now, and everyone worth 2¥ blocks it at the tachiai. Terunofuji improves to 6-1 and remains 1 behind Mitakeumi.

We enter the middle weekend, and it’s time to start thinking about the yusho race. I will start with my pre-basho favorite, Yokozuna Terunofuji. He increasingly seems to be favoring / keeping pressure away from his left leg, and I have to consider the possibility that he may go kyujo should he lose again today. His entire career now as Yokozuna will be governed by how long he can keep those knees in some level or repair that allows him to win 10 matches every 2 months. I admire his fighting spirit and his almost inhuman drive to get him back to this spot. But fans and those who cheer him on have to know that it’s only going to be for a short while.

But then if we look at the score, we see Mitakeumi and Abi in the 6-0 column. Mitakeumi has 2 prior yusho, and Abi has had a jun-yusho in the top division. Long time sumo fans like to argue if his narrow range of technique is a blessing or a curse. I think that for a rank and file rikishi (where he is right now), its a potent and at times overwhelming weapon.

For Mitakeumi, he is once again trying to rack up 33 wins over 3 tournaments to make a bid to become Ozeki. He would need 13 this tournament, which is a pretty tall order. The only time he reached 13 before was his first yusho at Nagoya 2018. Plausible, but a long shot. In fact, a Terunofuji kyujo combined with Takakeisho already sitting out the rest of Hatsu might be his green light to run up the score. If that will count with the NSK is anyone’s guess.

What We Are Watching Day 7

Kotoeko vs Nishikigi – Dear Nishikigi comes to visit the top division. A Juryo 2, with a 3-3 record, its not beyond reason to think that he might be able to fight his way back into Makuuchi. I for one think if he does, he may find himself a short stay. Kotoeko seems to have found his sumo somewhere. Maybe he left it in a basket by the Sumida river, and that explains why he did not have it in Kyushu. So think that he will likely dominate today.

Aoiyama vs Kaisei – I have a soft, rubbery spot in my heart for these battle of the mega-fauna. Any time the combined weight of the combatants approaches 400kg, I always perk up. Aoiyama was among the bunch that suddenly improved on day 6, and I would like to know if he can keep it rolling. Of course, fans around the world want to see Kaisei defeat another opponent with his butt. Talk about a boutique kimarate!

Kotonowaka vs Oho – Oho, he sounds like a snack cake, fights like a Maegashira. He’s got Kotonowaka today, who I must admit sounds like a laundry detergent. I always take the snack cake over the soap, but what do I know. Both are 4-2, both are fighting well, and I think we are going to see a good match here today.

Wakamotoharu vs Yutakayama – Wakamotoharu had a strong start, but now seems to be sputtering badly. It is indeed tough to hit and hold in the top division, and it’s not too late for Wakamotoharu to turn things around. But 4 losses is a pretty stiff black star load to overcome if you want to hit your 8. Yutakayama won their only prior match, and I think he has a better than equal chance to take the head-to-head today.

Chiyomaru vs Tsurugisho – Oh man, another battle of mega-fauna. This time its going to be, I would guess, some Chiyomaru running-around crazy sumo. The one thing that stops that would be Tsurugisho capturing him early in the match. The problem with that is Tsurugisho is struggling to maintain any kind of forward pressure, or even to be able to consistently put up a solid fight. His one advantage is a 10-6 career advantage over Chiyomaru.

Ichiyamamoto vs Chiyotairyu – Chiyotairyu’s day 6 against Ishiura was a refreshing reminder of what kind of sumo Chiyotairyu like to employ. Fast, decisive, overwhelming. It had been absent for the opening 4 days of Hatsu, but may be back for a limited time. He has never faced Ichiyamamoto, so they may surprise each other with random acts of sumo.

Ishiura vs Akua – Akua got his first win on day 6, and just maybe he can start to turn things around. His day 7 opponent, Ishiura, is no better than median with an unremarkable 3-3 record. Both of them like a good throw, so maybe we can get a mutual pinwheel effect from the two of them trying to toss the other one.

Myogiryu vs Tochinoshin – I look at Tochinoshin’s M15w rank, I look at his 2-4 score, and I worry this may be the exit ramp for him unless he can somehow overcome the limitations of his injuries. He lost Ozeki 2 years ago, and has been knocking around the Maegashira ranks since then. Given how much that knee must hurt most days, it’s a remarkable testament to this guy’s drive that he continues to hold rank in Makuuchi.

Terutsuyoshi vs Shimanoumi – Terutsuyoshi can employ some really nice sumo when he sets aside his ashitori fetish. Sure it’s flashy and it’s fun, but everyone is looking for you to use it, and so it has a lower chance of success. Shimanoumi holds a 9-4 career advantage over Terutsuyoshi, so he may not even get more than 3 steps past his big salt throw.

Sadanoumi vs Tobizaru – Lets stick a high energy, even match right in the middle of the day! Two fast moving, fast hitting, highly maneuverable rikishi, who are both in the middle of the pack at 3-3. Also, the have split their only 2 prior matches. That’s what we have today. Everybody hold on tight…

Hoshoryu vs Chiyonokuni – One of these days, Chiyonokuni is going to win his first match of the tournament. Could happen any time (checks calendar). Any… time (checks DVR set to NHK). Almost… any… time.

Takarafuji vs Chiyoshoma – It must be some kind of special love for the middle weekend, as here we have another high interest match. Chiyoshoma is only at 3-3, but when he is able to execute, his sumo can be a joy to watch. He’s going to take on Takarafuji, who is looking better right now than he has in a few tournaments. I give a light edge to Takarafuji, but its likely to be a see-saw battle.

Onosho vs Abi – Both of them are big thrusters, and both of them can deliver a lot of force. I am going to assume that Abi connects first, and I am eager to see if Onosho attempt to counter, or just does his best weebil mode. I could see Onosho rolling a fair distance if Abi can connect in just the right spot.

Ura vs Hokutofuji – These two have been fighting since their earliest days in sumo. I mean 2015 when they are both in Jonikuchi. For the most part, Ura has always had a way to win over Hokutofuji. I think it’s mostly because Ura loves to grab any unsecured body part and give it a solid tug. Hotutofuji is all about flailing body parts, so its a match made in heaven.

Ichinojo vs Kiribayama – To quote Futurama’s own Lrrr, ruler of Omicron Persei 8, “Why doesn’t Ichinojo just eat the smaller rikishi?” Primitive, violent, but correct. Maybe he can start today.

Wakatakakage vs Daieisho – Both of these guys are 2-4, and seem to maybe bit a bit outside the rank that their current health can support. So I would not be surprised to see both of them make-koshi a week from today. But while we are at day 7, lets enjoy the fight. If Daieisho can connect center mass first, it will likely go his way. Wakatakakage will look to get any kind of hand hold on Daieisho to maintain contact and shut down the thrusting attack.

Meisei vs Takanosho – Another of the 3-3 group, and they are both more or less somewhat stuck riding the middle path toward an even score right now. It’s going to take a significant effort for either of them to get 2 wins ahead of the middle. To my eye, Meisei is fighting better right now. Both have only won one of their last three.

Mitakeumi vs Tamawashi – Coming off a great day where Tamawashi put dirt on the lone Yokozuna, it’s time for him to dismantle another of the unbeaten corps. If he can drop Mitakeumi today (a tall order), it would possibly leave Abi as the sole leader for the yusho going into the middle day of the basho. I should point out that Mitakeumi holds a 25-3 career record against Tamawashi.

Okinoumi vs Shodai – You know its not good for Shodai when you have to think through who might be favored in this match. Normally, it would be Shodai all the way. But for whatever reason, he’s not really able to muster either his cartoon sumo, or his fabled “wall of daikon”. Robbed of both his primary techniques, he is left to flubber around the dohyo and hope for the best. Hell, I will say Okinoumi has the upper hand.

Terunofuji vs Endo – Terunofuji needs a bounce back win here. Endo has a number of way to disrupt someone’s offense when he gets into the mode where rather than trying to win himself, he works to prevent his opponent from winning. If we see that today, it might be a long, frustrating haul for Terunofuji.