Day 7 sees the Ozeki hopefuls continuing to maintain their push to double digits. Mathematically, they won’t all hit their goals, but it would be thrilling to see at least one new Ozeki minted this month. Let’s face it, Terunofuji’s knees left the building some time ago, and we are just counting down the months until he can’t maintain his position. So it’s time to warm up more Ozeki to fill in the top of the banzuke for a change.

Tonight we will take out first look at the yusho race, and we will find that we no longer have a sole leader in Nishikigi. My compliments to Kotonowaka for choosing a great strategy to nullify Nishikigi’s primary attack mode. That does not drop him from serious consideration at a yusho contender, but it has made the race quite interesting.

Highlight Matches

Hakuoho defeats Endo – Endo’s grab attempt at the tachiai misses it’s mark and he finds Hakuoho at his chest with a working hold on Endo’s body. Endo had to choose to counter or to try and break the hold, he chose to try and break via a series of hip twisting moves that Hakuoho completely bracketed (look at his stance), allowing Endo to reduce his forward pressure to zero. With Endo turned to the side, Hakuoho shoved him out. I hope this guy can stay healthy, he has outstanding defensive footwork. Hakuoho takes the win to end the day 5-2.

Takarafuji defeats Shimazuumi – The second first ever match in a row, Shimazuumi got a small taste of Takarafuji’s defensive sumo. I counted at least 4 attempts by Shimazuumi to reach in and get any kind of hand placement, just to find himself blocked. When he did get his hands in some kind of working position, his hips were already too high, with Takarafuji hustling him out. Takarafuji now 5-2.

Ryuden defeats Aoiyama – This was really a fight over the inside pushing lane. As Aoiyama ages out of the top division (he’s 37) we don’t get to see him really swing those enormous arms for the round house blows that would wreck an opponent’s focus. So he and fellow vet Ryuden work to push center mass, mixing in pull attempts as they go. Completely stalemated, Aoiyama tries a leg pick that fails, but leaves him unable to repel Ryuden’s next push. Good endurance and persistence from Ryuden as he advances to 3-4.

Kotoshoho defeats Bushozan – The key to this match was Kotoshoho not letting Bushozan square his hips. A bit at a time, Kotoshoho worked to get Bushozan off angle, which set up the tsukiotoshi that got him his 3rd win, now 3-4.

Shonannoumi defeats Gonoyama – Gonoyama’s tachiai was quite good, and netted him both hands inside against Shonannoumi’s chest, but he broke contact with the left just in time to receive a thrust to the head. With Gonoyama’s balance broken, Shonannoumi pulled him forward and across. I am kind of surprised that Gonoyama fell for this combo, but Shonannoumi played it well. Both end the day 5-2.

Kotoeko defeats Daishoho – There are days when Kotoeko really does some superb sumo, including today. Daishoho supplied the power and moved forward while Kotoeko gave ground and stayed mobile. It did not take long for him to get an opportunity to slip behind Daishoho and move for an okuridashi. Kotoeko now 4-3.

Chiyoshoma defeats Myogiryu – No trickery today from Chiyoshoma, they two exchanged head grab-n-twist moves,b ut setttled in for left hand inside yotsu. Myogiryu’s left hand grip was not strong, and Chiyoshoma took advantage, pulling Myogiryu forward into a katasukashi. Nice combo executed well, Chiyoshoma now 4-3.

Hokutofuji defeats Tsurugisho – Hokutofuji got a working grip at the tachiai and had control of the match from the second step. But for whatever reason he was not happy with his hand placement, allowing Tsurugisho to rally has Hokutofuji tried to change. It seems Hokutofuji realized he had flubbed it, and tried to pull Tsurugisho down. Only Hokutofuji’s impressive lower body skills kept him inside long enough for Tsurugisho to hit the clay, improving to 6-1.

Takanosho defeats Kinbozan – Delighted to see Takanosho pick up his second win. He opened with a nodowa to raise Kinbozan and push him back, and followed with a quick push to center mass to send Kinbozan out. Good combo work for Takanosho, now 2-5 by oshidashi.

Nishikifuji defeats Takayasu – Did anyone else see Takayasu turn his face to the right at the tachiai? That turn of the head was all it took to miss Nishikifuji slipping to the side, taking advantage of the subtle weight shift to Takayasu’s body and hurl him down. Super clever move, as Takayasu likes to look away at the moment of contact. Nishikifuji improves to 4-3.

Tamawashi defeats Hokuseiho – Tamawashi has been around forever, and while his potency has faded a bit with age, his skill and sheer combativeness is not diminished at all. In his time, Tamawashi used to nodowa the crap out of everyone. Neat to see him bring it out today to make sure Hokuseiho’s lug nuts are sufficiently torqued. It prevented Hokuseiho from setting up any kind of grip, and allowed Tamawashi to raise him up (how can you tell?) box him in and walk him back for a yorikiri. Excellent effort for the veteran now at 6-1.

Onosho defeats Sadanoumi – Onosho has now won 2 in a row, and I am starting to have hope that he has gotten rid of his ring rust and is in fighting form. Sadanoumi had no speed, mobility or stability today, and was an easy mark. Kind of tough to watch him struggle. Onosho applies a hatakikomi to improve to 3-4.

Hiradoumi defeats Oho – This match highlights my frustrations with Oho. The guy is clearly capable, and can bring some solid if unexciting sumo to the clay the marjority of the time. But what the hell was that? He let Hiradoumi inside, and had no real counter. I guess I should just chalk it up to status quo as Hiradoumi does tend to dominate him. Fine – both end the day 2-5.

Meisei defeats Midorifuji – A well choreographed Midorifuji step to the side nearly works, but Meisei is able to pivot and go right hand inside. Midorifuji had neither the mass or the muscle to shut down Meisei yotsu, and walked him out for a yorikiri, now 3-4.

Tobizaru defeats Shodai – The Ozeki sumo is still in Shodai. I know there are fans who think he was never worthy, but this guy can fight and is quite potent when his sumo is working. It was not working today. You can see him try to summon his power, but it never lasts for more than 2 steps and he’s on to something else. The net result is a chaotic mess of reaction to Tobizaru’s chaos. A bit of a surprise that Konosuke got tangled up in the scrum, he tends to stay clear. Tobizaru improves to 4-3.

Kotonowaka defeats Nishikigi – We all knew that this day would come, when the inexplicable unbeaten run of Nishikigi would come to an end. I adore that Kotonowaka did it by applying a more potent battle-hug to the master of that move. The key was that Kotonowaka took his second step before Nishikigi could stiffen up his back foot. Superb! Kotonowaka now 5-2.

Wakamotoharu defeats Abi – Only the second time that Wakamotoharu has been able to overcome Abi-zumo in 7 tries. Maybe he’s getting a recipe down to nullify Abi’s attack? The fundamental seems to be enduring the double arm thrusting volleys, wait for Abi to make a lateral move, and slap his wildly unbalanced hide down. Wakamotoharu improves to 5-2.

Daieisho defeats Ura – Pure Daieisho sumo here today. He hit hard at the tachiai, and never gave Ura a chance to set up any kind of defense. You can see Ura try for at least one grab in there, but there is just too much forward power coming from Daieisho’s mega-thrust sumo. He keeps his Ozeki dream happy by advancing to 5-2.

Hoshoryu defeats Asanoyama – You know Asanoyama wants back in the named ranks, and he’s working hard to get back there. But it’s been a few years since he fought the men who are the current san’yaku, and all of them have improved quite a bit. Evidenced today against Hoshoryu as both men execute “their brand of sumo” against each other. Asanoyama did not quite have the power to brute Hoshoryu out, but Hoshoryu had the balance and patience to set up that throw until it connected. Hoshoryu also keeping his Ozeki dream happy at 6-1.

Mitakeumi defeats Kirishima – Mitakeumi is in a crummy portion of his life. His father died, he lost Ozeki and he’s probably in daily pain from his sumo injuries. That’s what make’s today’s match even more enjoyable. Pure Mitakeumi top drawer sumo. For a man that wide and round, it amazes me how narrow a force vector he can produce when all the pieces come together. Unstoppable power into the middle of Kirishima popped the lone Ozeki on his heels and ran him out of the ring. First win for Mitakeumi, and he is 1-6.

Hello again sumo fans! It’s Bruce back on the basho beat after being kyujo for the first week. I salute blog creator Andy for filling in while we welcomed our second child into this big wonderful world of ours. With the baby safely home and in regular rotation, it’s time for me to return to tournament coverage, and give Andy a well earned break.

That’s right – I know some of you are now going to be disappointed that the king of typos and odd terms has made is return. If you find the Bruce commentary too tedious, I would encourage you to check out the amazing sumoforum.net – with information from actual sumo experts rather than some junkyard, half-assed guy in Texas. Trust me, you will be glad you did!

We are starting the middle weekend of the sweltering Nagoya tournament, and I think most sumo fans around the world stare at the sole leader – Nishikigi – in abject amazement. He’s 32 years old, and he has been a journeyman Maegashira since 2016. But that includes him frequently dipping back into Juryo to tinker on his sumo. In fact, his most recent Juryo posting was January of last year. He can’t see squat without his glasses, so he fights via hearty application of a fierce “battle hug” yotsu. Now he has 5 straight wins on the clay, a kinboshi and one fusensho – what the hell?

I think we may be seeing a run similar to Tokushoryu’s magical 14-1 yusho in January of 2020, where everything aligned just right for him and he completely dominated all opponents. If that same kami has a hold of Nishikigi, it could not happen to a nicer fellow, but he has 9 more matches to go.

What We Are Watching Day 7

Endo (5-1) vs Hakuoho (4-2) – Endo is slumming down at M16e for one reason only, injury. Facing the prospect of being ranked in Juryo for the first time in nearly 7 years, the guy found some mojo. He is a high-skill rikishi who has a whopping 7 kinboshi over his 62 tournament career history. But this is his first time fighting Hakuoho, who is nothing short of phenomenal. I look forward to Endo applying some of his razor sharp technique in today’s opener.

Shimazuumi (3-3) vs Takarafuji (4-2) – Shimazuumi is up from Juryo today to fill the banzuke gap against a thankfully resurgent Takarafuji. Like Endo, the years of battling it out in the top division have resulted in a number of performance limiting injuries that have cut back his ability to dominate his matches. This is the first time he has matched against Shimazuumi, thought I am quite certain they will go chest to chest at the tachiai. Could be a strong yotsu battle today.

Ryuden (2-4) vs Aoiyama (2-4) – Both of these veterans are on the path toward a make-koshi as of the middle weekend. Aoiyama has only managed to beat Endo and Bushozan so far this July. Like the other vets, the years and injuries take their toll, and both are at risk of dropping to Juryo for September. Ryuden has won 3 of the last 4.

Bushozan (1-5) vs Kotoshoho (2-4) – After a blistering 10-5 in May, Bushozan has only won a signle match in his second posting to the top division. His prior tour was in March where he finished 5-10, and seems to be on course for something similar. Kotoshoho is not doing much better, and I expect will struggle quite a bit in the second week against the likes of Endo, Aoiyama and Takarafuji.

Gonoyama (5-1) vs Shonannoumi (4-2) – I have been itching to write about Gonoyama. He’s Goeido’s disciple, and living proof that upgrades can happen. It’s been years since anyone has been running a stable version of GoeiDOS, let along using it to win matches. The guy even looks a bit like Goeido with that strong Jomon face. He has won against Shonannoumi in 3 of their 4 prior matches, all of them in the 3 prior tournaments this year.

Kotoeko (3-3) vs Daishoho (2-4) – What? Kotoeko struggling with a middling score going into the weekend of a tournament? I think we will see him on target for a 7-7 a week from today. He once again has “Darwin written all over him”.

Chiyoshoma (3-3) vs Myogiryu (3-3) – To funnel or not to funnel? I am looking at the 2-4 / 3-3 / 4-2 all facing each other, and I get the feeling that the schedulers, after taking a few tournaments off, are trying this pattern over the weekend. Maegashira 10 seems to be a bit of a “sweet spot” for Myogiryu, so he should be right on the 7-7 line through next week.

Tsurugisho (1-5) vs Hokutofuji (5-1) – I had to check and re-check, but yes, this is the first time that Tsurugisho and Hokutofuji have ever fought. Tsurugisho is having a bad tournament, likely due to injury, so he will be donating white stars for the remaining 9 days. Thankfully he is ranked high enough at M11w that with a few more wins he should be safe in the top division.

Takanosho (1-5) vs Kinbozan (4-2) – Takanosho seems to be remarkably lucky. After a 11-4 jun-yusho in May of 2022, he has been fighting hurt for the past year. He managed a pair of 8 win kachi-koshi, but is meandering around his current Maegashira 9 rank. The man has a lot of skill and power, when he’s heathy. But I would say that after a year now, this is possibly something close to his new normal. He should be easy meat for Kinbozan today.

Takayasu (5-1) vs Nishikifuji (3-3) – At 33 and with 3 kyujo in the past year, we can safely say that Takayasu’s body has had just about enough sumo. It’s a shame because he’s had 7 jun-yusho in his career, but never hoisted the cup. Currently at 5-1, he has to be considered a contender at this point. I know his fans would love to see his picture added to the hall of fame in the rafters of the Kokugikan.

Hokuseiho (3-3) vs Tamawashi (5-1) – I adored Ura’s take down of Hokuseiho on day 6. Quite the well considered approach to fighting a man that big and that strong. But I think today we will see Tamawashi go more head on. Tamawashi fights best mobile, moving and striking his opponent with maximum force. This is a great opposite of Hokuseiho’s tendency to treat everyone like a piece of oversized luggage refusing to be loaded into the cargo hold. First ever fight, could be sparks flying.

Sadanoumi (1-5) vs Onosho (2-4) – I really want to see Onosho break out of this losing rut. He seems to have hot and cold streaks in his sumo, and this is certainly part of a cold streak. He tends to blast Sadanoumi away when he can connect with his big frontal power, which happens about ¾ of the time. They have both won one match so far this year against the other.

Hiradoumi (1-5) vs Oho (2-4) – I continue to view Oho’s sumo as pedestrian and lack luster. But he has managed to get himself to Maegashira 6 with that kind of sumo, so it’s working for him. He’s on the “make-koshi” side of the sorting funnel right now, possibly over promoted where his sumo can function well enough to win. I still expect that he has a lot more headroom in his technique and his power, so just another step along the way for him.

Midorifuji (1-5) vs Meisei (2-4) – Another pair on the make-koshi side of the funnel, it’s tough stakes for both of these men, who are not fighting well at all this month. Given how bloody terribly hot it is both in Nagoya and inside the venue, it’s an actual consideration if the environment is causing trouble for the athletes. It’s crummy enough there that I am tempted to start a fund raiser to buy Dolphin’s Arena an industrial cooling unit.

Shodai (2-4) vs Tobizaru (3-3) – Whatever robbed us of the “good” Shodai is certainly in effect this July. It’s a shame as I could really use a good dose of his brand of sumo this week. He has been kachi-koshi at Nagoya the last 3 years, but I think it’s kind of a tall order for 2023. He has beaten Tobizaru in 7 of their prior 9 matches, including all 3 this year.

Kotonowaka (4-2) vs Nishikigi (6-0) – Will the battle-hug sustain Nishikigi for a 6th straight match? I know that Kotonowaka uses a variation of that technique himself at times, so I would hope he has an antidote to it ready to employ. Much as it would delight me to see Nishikigi 8-0 at the end of nakabi, I think the chances of him picking up his first black star this weekend are strong. Kotonowaka holds a minor 3-2 career lead over Nishikigi.

Abi (3-3) vs Wakamotoharu (4-2) – Big thrusting power against one of the best yotsu men in sumo today. A pure classing clash of sumo styles, and it tends to go in Abi’s favor (5-1). Wakamotoharu will need to get inside of the thrusting attack and get some kind of hold to pick up a much needed win.

Ura (4-2) vs Daieisho (4-2) – Daieisho’s hopes for Ozeki are in peril, and he needs to dispatch Ura in the first moments of the match before “Plasticman” cooks up some kind of unlikely and physics defying combo to put him on the clay. History says it’s Daieisho’s match to lose with an 8-2 career lead, but I am certain Ura is powered up after that win against Hokuseiho.

Hoshoryu (5-1) vs Asanoyama (4-2) – They have only fought once before, in May of 2021, and that match went to Hoshoryu. I am eager to see Asanoyama fight his way back into the top ranks, and he’s going to have to tear up Hoshoryu to do it. Bonus motivation – Hoshoryu is working toward a goal of 12 wins to make a big for Ozeki promotion.

Mitakeumi (0-6) vs Kirishima (2-2-2) – The freshly minted but only competing Ozeki is looking solid after returning from kyujo on day 4. He should have an easy match against an utterly moribund Mitakeumi, who has yet to show us any real sumo this July. I don’t blame him. I was completely useless for a few months after my father died, too. Buckets of sympathy to the original tadpole, he must have been a heck of a man to raise someone with that kind of drive and determination.