“The Great Middling”

This basho should be called “The Great Middling”, and it has me crabby. Almost all of the rikishi corps is at 4-3 or 3-4. Only 9 rikishi out of 40 are in any position to try for a reasonable winning record, and everyone else is straddling the make-koshi / kachi-koshi line. Even kanban rikishi like Wakatakakage and Tobizaru are right there at 4-3. Current and former Ozeki? 4-3. Is it the water in Fukuoka? The food? Are we just phoning it in, lads?

To be certain, there is great sumo every day to enjoy, but few of the competitors is looking like they want to win it all. This is not the case for Takayasu and Hoshoryu, who continue to turn in excellent matches each and every day. Both of them are tack sharp and fighting well. Before you ask, yes, Takayasu won their head to head on day 4.

Highlight Matches

Azumaryu defeats Atamifuji – Poor tachiai from Atamifuji, you can see that he has his head down, is almost wincing in anticipation of the first hit. Atamifuji resisted well, but just seemed a bit soft, and Azumaryu was able to dance him around the ring and work Atamifuji out. Both end the day 3-4.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi jumps in low at the tachiai, but has no attack power, and is an easy mark for Ichiyamamoto to lift and drop by uwatehineri. Terutsuyoshi still winless at 0-7 while Ichiyamamoto improves to 5-2.

Oho defeats Hidenoumi – Today’s Juryo visitor, Hidenoumi, really had nothing to bring to the dohyo today. A bit of a hit at the tachiai, but Oho quickly wrapped him up, and a few moves later, had Hidenoumi on the clay. Oho improves to 6-1, Hidenoumi returns to Juryo 1-6.

Hiradoumi defeats Okinoumi – Hiradoumi establishes a double inside grip at the tachiai, then quickly converts that to a yorikiri win. Okinoumi continues to fade while Hiradoumi improves to 4-3.

Kagayaki defeats Onosho – I love the mechanics of this tachiai. Note that Kagayaki did not move his feet, choosing to let Onosho come to him. By not stepping forward, he puts Onosho too far in front of his toes, and as Onosho makes contact, his feet are aligned, and he has no stability. It’s simple for Kagayaki to switch forward pressure from below to above, dropping Onosho to the clay. Excellent fundamental sumo today, Both are now 4-3.

Chiyoshoma defeats Kotoeko – Kotoeko once again brings a lot of fighting spirit to the dohyo, and attacks Chiyoshoma from the first step. After Kotoeko gets a left hand grip, Chiyoshoma stalemates him in the center of the dohyo. Chiyoshoma takes his time, sets up the uwatenage, and drops Kotoeko to pick up his third win, he is now 3-4.

Aoiyama defeats Chiyotairyu – This battle was between two super-heavies who are fighting with limited mobility. But it seems Chiyotairyu’s more limited that Aoiyama. A single big combo at the tachiai was all it took to stand Chiyotairyu up and thrust him back, sending him out three steps later. Aoiyama improves to 3-4.

Kotoshoho defeats Takanosho – Takanosho continues to struggle with balance, I have to wonder just how bad his injury in July was, and if it really reduced his ability to compete in sumo. Kotoshoho plays with him for a bit, then slaps him to the clay, advancing to 4-3.

Abi defeats Takarafuji – Takarafuji continues to have no defense, and for a rikishi whose whole sumo style revolves around defense, it’s terrible to watch. Abi looks to take it a bit easy on the poor guy, and just gives him enough to the face and shoulders (note, he still has no neck) to send him out. Abi remains in the leader group at 6-1.

Myogiryu defeats Nishikigi – Excellent speed from Myogiryu, he took a quick step back just as Nishikigi was reaching in to get a grip, and dropped him to one knee for the win. Nishikigi was a bit surprised by the defensive move, but it was all over except for the kensho. Myogiryu up to 5-2.

Nishikifuji defeats Tochinoshin – Nishikifuji stopped Tochinoshin’s first two attempts to set up a left hand outside, and the continued focus by Tochinoshin on getting his hands set, robbed him of efforts to defend against Nishikifuji setting up a double inside grip. Tochinoshin eventually got his left hand outside hold, but Nishikifuji was on to lifting and shifting Tochinoshin over the bales. Brilliant strategy from Nishikifuji, and he’s now 5-2.

Hokutofuji defeats Ryuden – Excellent example of Hokutofuji’s “Handshake Tachiai” today, his right hand is up as he charges forward, landing first ton Ryuden’s shoulder, and swiftly moving to his neck for a nodowa. It moves Ryuden back for a moment, but he breaks Hokutofuji’s grip and recovers to counter attack. For yet another day, while their upper bodies are fighting for control, Hokutofuji seems to independently working to win the match. In spite of Ryuden having somewhat more favorable body position, Hokutofuji never lets him set is feet, keeps him moving, and nibbles away at the distance to the tawara. Excellent mobility from both, with Hokutofuji’s eventual yorikiri bringing both to 4-3 at the end of the match.

Endo defeats Sadanoumi – Endo finally gets his second win, thought yet again he can’t hold forward pressure for more than just a moment. He was able to channel Sadanoumi’s forward rush to power the throw, and pivoted at the bales with a shitatenage. Endo gets a much needed white star to improve to 2-5.

Meisei defeats Ichinojo – Meisei continues his dominance over the much larger Ichinojo, picking up his 9th career win. In hindsight it seems pretty clear, get Ichinojo distracted (face slapping), and his defense falls apart almost at once. Keep him distracted with ineffective slapping attacks while you slowly walk him out. Meisei up to 3-4. Ichinojo hopefully understands he was played for a fool.

Kotonowaka defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi continues to struggle with just a single win for the tournament following his yusho. Kotonowaka’s tachiai netted him a double inside grip, which shut down most of Tamawashi’s offensive options. Kotonowaka did not give Tamawashi a moment to regroup, and bundled him over the tawara for an oshidashi win. Kotonowaka now 4-3.

Takayasu defeats Daieisho – Takayasu puts yet another dent in someone’s Kyusho tournament score. Knowing that Daieisho is going to try to apply massive thrusts to the head and neck, Takayasu uses his longer reach to keep Daieisho back far enough that it does not matter. With his main attack blunted, Daieisho gets disrupted then slapped to the clay in short order as Takayasu stays in the leader group at 6-1.

Kiribayama defeats Mitakeumi – Mitakeumi drops another bout, as his hopes of returning to Ozeki fade quite a bit by picking up his third loss before the middle day of the basho. You can see the moment the blows this match. With Kiribayama in tight, he decided he wants to pull, with no room to bring Kiribayama forward or to the side. All this does is release forward pressure, and bring Kiribayama into somewhat better attack position. It’s three steps to the bales, and Mitakeumi is out while Kiribayama improves to 5-2.

Hoshoryu defeats Wakamotoharu – I am enjoying Hoshoryu’s sumo right now. He thwarts Wakamotoharu’s attempt to establish a grip straight away, and only opens up the yori once he himself has a double inside grip. Wakamotoharu works to counter, and the response from Hoshoryu is a lift and trip combo that Wakamotoharu won’t soon forget. Brilliant stuff, Hoshoryu is 6-1.

Tobizaru defeats Wakatakakage – Another Sekiwake with their eyes on double digits takes a hit, as monkey sumo takes another win. Tobizaru throws together rapid, almost frantic combos, and Wakatakakage can’t really get any sumo going under the rain of attacks. Completely disrupted, Wakatakakage gets put in motion, and a step later, shoved out. Both end the day 4-3.

Shodai defeats Ura – Nice to see some level of offense from Ura today, he’s been fairly passive thus far. But it’s clear he’s hurt and not really his normal level of threat. Shodai handles the attacks well, give him a big shove and sends Ura into the front row. Shodai improves to 4-3 to keep hopes of clearing kadoban alive.

Takakeisho defeats Midorifuji – In a classic “what the hell was that?” moment, Midorifuji appears to attempt some kind of flying henka, but instead arrives at the point of contact airborne. Surprisingly able to convert from sumo to rugby on the fly, Takakeisho catches Midorifuji in flight, and runs him across the line for a goal.. or a win.. or a white star… or a try. Hey, a point was added somewhere, and Takakeisho is now 5-2.

The middle weekend of the Kyushu basho has arrived. It’s a magical time on the sumo calendar when some of the big matches take place, and we usually get our first look at the yusho race for all the divisions. I note with some interest that former Ozeki Asanoyama had a Juryo visitor match on day 6 against dear old Tokushoryu. He won, to go 4-0 and reach his Makushita kachi-koshi. I expect him to vie for the Makushita yusho in the coming week, and with a bit of luck a return to the paid ranks for January.

In the top division, we have 4 rikishi with leading 5-1 records, though for the most part I am not sure any of them have what it takes to win the cup. None of them have prior top division yusho races, and may choke into week 2. That would open the door to the cadre at 4-2, which includes 3 time yusho winner Mitakeumi and one time winner Wakatakakage, and Ozeki Takakeisho. With the lack of a dominant rikishi, this could be a wild race for the cup a week from now.

What We Are Watching Day 7

Atamifuji vs Azumaryu – Atamifuji and his nose bleeds, maybe it’s like Michael Jordan and the tongue hanging out. You knew that once the tongue was flapping in the breeze, the amazing basketball was about to be served. So, should we sumo fans start looking for hints of blood from his face at the tachiai? He has an even 1-1 with Azumaryu, so expect a big battle today.

Ichiyamamoto vs Terutsuyoshi – I hate to raise this, but might Terutsuyoshi go for a perfect (?) 0-7 for Nakabe? A loss today to Ichiyamamoto would bring that to reality, and it would be grim tidings indeed. They are fairly even when both are healthy (3-2, favoring Ichiyamamoto), but Terutsuyoshi is in dire need of a rebuild.

Hidenoumi vs Oho – After winning his day 1 match, Juryo visitor Hidenoumi has lost 5 consecutive bouts. He faces Oho today, who seems to have remembered why he came to Kyushu to begin with. It’s not for the sea food, it’s to hit people really hard and knock them out of the ring. I think that Oho will be 6-1 at the end of the day.

Okinoumi vs Hiradoumi – First ever match for these two, and I would love to see Okinoumi fight with the same vigor he was able to muster for his day 6 win against Azumaryu.

Onosho vs Kagayaki – I was disappointed that Onosho let Tochinoshin put him on the clay on day 6, but when you fight like Onosho does, you are always a hair’s breadth away from toppling over into a loss no matter where you are or what you are doing. I am sure Kagayaki knows this, and is ready to disrupt Onosho as much as he can get away with. They are evenly matched, with Kagayaki having a narrow 7-6 career lead.

Kotoeko vs Chiyoshoma – Kotoeko have earned new appreciation from fans after his day 6 win over Aoiyama, who was trying his hardest to stress tests any dental work Kotoeko may have had. Today he has Chiyoshoma, who could use a win right now to not be too close to the make-koshi score. Kotoeko leads the series 11-5.

Aoiyama vs Chiyotairyu – These two long serving top division rikishi share a 14-11 score across their 25 career matches. Both of them are suffering reductions to their already tenuous mobility, and I think this match will devolve into Aoiyama raining blows on Chiyotairyu from above, while Chiyotairyu desperately tries to pull Aoiyama down.

Takanosho vs Kotoshoho – Kotoshoho comes into day 7 with a three match losing streak, and he seems to be fighting with about 15% reduced power output. Takanosho continues to struggle to dominate his matches, in spite of being ranked far below his prior normal rank in the san’yaku. He does have a 2-1 career advantage over Kotoshoho.

Takarafuji vs Abi – If everyone were healthy, Takarafuji would have a narrow advantage over Abi, as demonstrated by his 6-5 career lead. But Takarafuji is not in fighting form, and will likely be bounced around like a cork on an angry sea, and tossed out of the ring in short order. I look for Abi to figure in the week 2 yusho race.

Nishikigi vs Myogiryu – I am sort of impressed that Nishikigi is hanging in there with a 3-3 ranked this high up the banzuke. He actually had a narrow 7-6 career advantage over Myogiryu on the clay, but Myogiryu has taken 2 of their 3 prior matches this year. Nishikigi tends to be a patient and measured, where Myogiryu likes his sumo on fast forward.

Tochinoshin vs Nishikifuji – These two have only fought twice before, once each in the two prior basho, and their score is 1-1. Tochinoshin’s gamey knee looks a bit less capable this tournament, it may be Nishikifuji’s turn to win one. He is small enough that Tochinoshin is capable of his sky-crane, if he knees can comply.

Hokutofuji vs Ryuden – I dearly want to see Hokutofuji do well this basho. I like his sumo technique when he is “on”, which sadly is a day to day thing. If he were consistent, he would be Ozeki Hokutofuji. Maybe in some parallel universe where Hakuho never went into sumo but became a bumblebee rancher instead. But back in this universe, I think he stands a fair chance of giving Ryuden the business today, based on his 8-5 career record against him.

Endo vs Sadanoumi – I am not sure what is broken in Endo, but something is not right when you get to the middle weekend and his score is a lowly 1-5. If he goes on to his 8th loss, it will be his fifth make-koshi this year. So I am expecting Sadanoumi to pick up his 4th win today.

Meisei vs Ichinojo – Both men have matching 2-4 records for the start of day 6, and in spite of Meisei’s 8-4 career record against Ichinojo, I think “The Boulder” has the edge today. Simply because he has been fighting well, and has a 50kg weight advantage.

Tamawashi vs Kotonowaka – After a cold start, Kotonowaka has won his last three in a row. He is fighting Tamawashi today, who seems unable to repeat the same intensity of sumo that gave him the yusho in September. But we can count on Tamawashi to deliver big hits and a lot of forward power today.

Takayasu vs Daieisho – Takayasu, as the top man in the rank and file, is quickly running out of rikishi in the named ranks to beat up and take their lunch money. Today it’s Daieisho who needs to tend to his defenses, as his normal mega-thrust attack may be worthless against Takayasu, if Takayasu continues to keep his feet firmly planted, and his hips square to his opponents. Takayasu holds a 10-5 career advantage.

Kiribayama vs Mitakeumi – Things are starting to get serious for Mitakeumi. He can only lose 3 more matches if he wants to return to Ozeki for 2023, and he will need to over come a rather genki Kiribayama today to keep that campaign on track. Both have 4-2 records, and have an even 6-6 career record. But to my eye, Kiribayama is fighting a bit better than Mitakeumi this November.

Wakamotoharu vs Hoshoryu – One of the big matches for this middle weekend served up fresh here. Wakamotoharu has only ever beaten Hoshoryu once in five attempts. Layered above that is the clash of styles, with Wakamotoharu being happy to grapple his opponent and wait him out, up against Hoshoryu’s sumo pattern of direct and violent action. A Wakamotoharu win would knock Hoshoryu out of the leader group. Sparks shall fly!

Wakatakakage vs Tobizaru – Two Onami brothers fighting in consecutive matchs, sign me up! Tobizaru is part of a group of rikishi that started 3-0, then turned around and lost three in a row. Now sitting at a lack-luster 3-3 score, he’s got Ozeki hopeful Wakatakakage for day 7. Wakatakakage is looking for double digits to stoke his Ozeki run, so he must win 6 of his remaining 9 matches, starting with today. Can monkey sumo score an upset? Bonus points if we get to see Tobizaru jog out into the crowd for some long overdue fan service.

Ura vs Shodai – The only good that can come out of this match would be Shodai getting a win and inching closer to clearing kadoban. Sure, Ura has a 4-2 career advantage, but he’s hurt or homesick or his sumo co-processor is stuck in a no-op loop. Whatever is happening, Ura is not presenting any real sumo this month.

Takakeisho vs Midorifuji – I expect big sumo out of Takakeisho for the next 5 matches. He knows he has a chance at the cup again this time, if he can keep the wins rolling in. He’s only had one prior match against Midorifuji, which he won. So a repeat of his day 6 demolition project against Ura would seem to be in order.

It’s high time to call out Takayasu for impressive performance this November. Even if for some reason he needs to withdraw later this basho, he’s been a solid performer for the first 6 days. Rather than worry about his score, he seems to be focusing on each day delivering the best sumo he can. This has allowed him to deflate the records of a wide variety of high ranking rikishi, including Wakatakakage (put a dent in his Ozeki bid), Takakeisho (knocked him out of the leader group), Tamawashi (what yusho was that?), and today he gave Mitakeumi another black mark on his run for 10 wins.

When this guy is in his sumo, he’s great to watch. After so many tournaments where he just seems to not quite be fighting well, it’s a joy to get to watch him take it to the upper ranks and come away with wins.

Highlight Matches

Kagayaki defeats Hiradoumi – We used to see excellent fundamental sumo from Kagayaki every match, and it makes me happy to see him in that form today. His sumo is simple in this match, but so very effective. Feet steady, hands inside and power into Hiradoumi’s chest. Hiradoumi can’t withstand the force, and gets ejected from the ring three steps later. Both end the day 3-3.

Mitoryu defeats Ichiyamamoto – Juryo visitor Mitoryu absorbs the double arm attack style of Ichiyamamoto, but is clearly on the path to defeat. But for reasons no one may be able to explain, grapples Mitoryu, and rushes forward to send him out. Suddenly, Mitoryu has an opening, and converts Ichiyamamoto’s forward rush into a kotenage, it works a treat, and Mitoryu snatches victory from Ichiyamamoto to improve to 3-3.

Okinoumi defeats Azumaryu – He may be hurt, he may be “too old for this stuff”, but Okinoumi has the sumo chops to come back from Azumaryu’s arm-bar hold taking him to the tawara a couple of times, and still muster the technique to steal the win by sukuinage. I am happy he got that win, improving him to 3-3.

Oho defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi continues to be injured, and winless. I do admire that he put a lot of effort and cunning into this match, and withstood Oho trying to pop his head off like the cap from a coke bottle. But whatever inside throw he was attempting was read and shut down by Oho, who collapses him into a heap on the West side, he improves to 5-1.

Chiyotairyu defeats Atamifuji – This was their first ever match, so Atamifuji can be forgiven for not having Chiyotairyu countermeasures. I counted at least twice that Chiyotairyu his standard sequence of “stand him up, pull him down”. Chiyotairyu picks up a much needed win and is now 2-4.

Kotoeko defeats Aoiyama – Good for Kotoeko. He knew he was going to get pounded in the face quite a bit, but he stuck with it and kept driving to get inside, knowing that Aoiyama’s left leg is a wreck. He got his prize, a right hand inside grip, and took care of Big Dan two steps later. Kotoeko earns his pay today, and advances to 4-2.

Takanosho defeats Chiyoshoma – Hey, Takanosho – where have you been keeping that sumo? Please bring that kind of focused power and forward drive as frequently as you can, sir. He dispatches Chiyoshoma without too much fuss, robbing Chiyoshoma of any hand hold or any real offense as he plowed him out of the ring. Takanosho now 3-3.

Abi defeats Kotoshoho – Abi at this rank is like a white star factory. He just disrupts for a moment, then puts his opponents on the deck. Much as I like Kotoshoho, he’s not fighting to the extent of his potential at the moment, and that’s a shame as he is quite talented. Abi advances to 5-1.

Tochinoshin defeats Onosho – Tochinoshin borrows Chiyotairyu’s sumo today, blasting Onosho at the tachiai enough to get his balance back, then slaps him down with a hatakikomi. Quick, effective, and good enough to send Tochinoshin to join the rest of the crowd at 3-3.

Nishikigi defeats Takarafuji – With Takarafuji fighting Nishikigi, you could probably guess it was going to be yotsu-zumo from the start. For a brief moment, I had a ray of hope that Takarafuji might pick up his first (and maybe only?) win of the basho. But Nishikigi tried for a grip change that disrupted Takarafuji’s balance, and in this state he was easy to drive back and out. Nishikigi opts into the 3-3 club.

Hokutofuji defeats Endo – Hokutofuji shut down all attempts by Endo to get any sort of grip, and in true Hokutofuji form, while his upper body was playing patty-cake with Endo, his lower body was winning the match. When Hokutofuji is dialed into his sumo, he’s really a treat to watch. He stamps his ticket to the 3-3 club.

Myogiryu defeats Nishikifuji – Its a good day of sumo when we get to see Myogiryu run on fast forward. It’s like normal sumo, but at 1.25x speed. The rapid pace of his strong attacks overwhelmed Nishikifuji, and Myogiryu was able to drive him out before Nishikifuji could rescue himself with a throw. Both ended up landing outside of the ring, and Myogiryu was a bit slow to get up. Hopefully both are ok. Both shows themselves a cut above by ending the day at 4-2.

Ryuden defeats Sadanoumi – What a battle! It was largely yotsu with a heavy emphasis on trying to throw, and the result was both men landing iron grips, swinging the other about in any attempt to disrupt their balance. It was Ryuden who converted first, landing a shitatedashinage, rolling Sadanoumi to the clay. He is now 4-2.

Wakamotoharu defeats Meisei – You could see Wakamotoharu’s frustration ramping higher as he tried everything to land a left hand inside grip. I give credit to Meisei for understand this was key to his match plan, and masterfully shutting every attempt down. Sadly for him, Wakamotoharu caught him too far forward, and a hatakikomi ended the match. Wakamotoharu joins the group at 4-2.

Kotonowaka defeats Tobizaru – After a strong start, Tobizaru has now lost the last 3 in a row. He got a right hand inside grip at the tachiai, but could not convert that into any sort of advantage. Kotonowaka works to disrupt Tobizaru’s defensive stance by turning him, then rotates back into a kotenage for the win. Both join the overflowing group at 3-3.

Kiribayama defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi put a lot of power into this match, but it came down to Kiribayama being able to take the blows to the head, and continue to drive his hands agains Tamawashi’s chest. What Tamawashi was doing probably hurt more, but what Kiribayama was doing was more effective, and won the match. He advances to 4-2.

Hoshoryu defeats Daieisho – Looks like Daieisho decided to try the same tactic, power against Hoshoryu’s head, this time in the form of a nodowa. Meanwhile, Hoshoryu was focusing on fundamentals, and waited for a chance to step to the side, and keeping his feet. He did not have to wait long, and the counter attack from Hoshoryu was quick and effective. Hoshoryu stays in the leader group at 5-1.

Wakatakakage defeats Ichinojo – Big opening combo from Ichinojo. I can’t imagine what 200kg + on the move must be like to absorb. Faced with a rampaging monolith, Wakatakakage does what he can, he wraps up Ichinojo and stalemates him at the center of the dohyo. Wakatakakage is low, but Ichinojo has superior body position. It devolves into a stamina battle, and I was impressed that Ichinojo had the focus to wait him out. When Ichinojo made his move, Wakatakakage evaded just enough to load a throw, which put Ichinojo in the front row. Massive sumo from both me today, and a great fight. Wakatakakage improves to 4-2.

Takayasu defeats Mitakeumi – Takayasu is continuing his role as spoiler this basho. Like his sempai before him, he’s at his best when he’s disrupting someone else’s tournament. Today it was time to put a dent in Mitakeumi’s campaign for 10 wins. Excellent hybrid attacks form today for Takayasu, he starts with a few bashers, grabs the mawashi and gets to work. He grinds Mitakeumi back an inch at a time, and there is nothing Mitakeumi can do about it. Takayasu at 5-1. I am nominating Takayasu for a special prize after this one.

Takakeisho defeats Ura – Ura’s got nothing this basho, and he’s getting beaten handily each and every day right now. As a fan of Ura, it’s tough to watch, but he’s bold enough to continue to mount the dohyo and give battle to his opponents. Takakeisho rips through him with little trouble, sending him into the salt basket by oshidashi. Takakeisho improves to 4-2.

Shodai defeats Midorifuji – Shodai was all over the dohyo doing everything more or less at the same time. It was cartoon sumo on full display for us to enjoy for the first time in quite some time. With a 4th loss winding up to kick him in the mawashi, he deployed the Wall of Daikon” and suddenly Midorifuji found himself trapped against the bales, and crushed into the front row into Tamajiro’s lap. Shodai holds onto hope of clearing kadoban at 3-3.

With act 1 for the final tournament of 2022 now in the record books, it’s time for us to start act 2. Act 2 is where we narrow the field to find out who has what it takes to compete for the yusho, and to start sorting the survivors from the damned. Right now there are eight rikishi who have a single loss, and I would expect the yusho race to emerge from that group. We already know that the winner will have at least 1 loss, and I would guess maybe even more than that. None of the Ozeki are in that group, unless you could Mitakeumi who is what we call an “Ozekiwake”. It’s still too early for the schedulers to do any work on narrowing that field in a major way, but if this pack of 8 holds together, we could have some great matches for the middle weekend coming up on days 7 and 8.

As long as we are on scores, with the start of day 6, nearly everyone has either a 3-2 or a 2-3 score. I am still hoping someone can turn up the intensity on this basho, and maybe deliver something other than everyone taking turns winning and losing.

What We Are Watching Day 6

Kagayaki vs Hiradoumi – After his unimpressive performance in September, Hiradoumi is at least fighting well this tournament. I think he has a distinct edge against Kagayaki today, and may end up kachi-koshi this time around.

Ichiyamamoto vs Mitoryu – Coming in with a rare 4 win record (at least for this crowd), Ichiyamamoto is not really doing anything different than September (6-9 finish), but it seems to be working a bit better this time out. He needs 4 more wins for kachi-koshi, and may get win #5 against Juryo visitor Mitoryu today.

Okinoumi vs Azumaryu – Matching 2-3 records, both of these rikishi need to get their sumo in gear starting today. Okinoumi is having one of “those” tournaments, where he’s showing up, fighting as best he can, but his body is just not the same sumo engine it was 5-7 years ago. Probably advantage Azumaryu.

Terutsuyoshi vs Oho – Terutsuyoshi is hurt, and if he could not convert his match on day 5 against Okinoumi, I am not sure how he might pick up any wins this time, as he won’t fight the equally injure Takarafuji. He has not beaten Oho in either of their prior matches, plus Oho seems to have come around to the notion that the sport of sumo requires fighting.

Atamifuji vs Chiyotairyu – I am glad that after his day 5 fight against Kagayaki, Atamifuji is done being polite and dropping matches. The guy is big, strong and powerful, and it’s high time that he started to clear the road ahead of him. He’s got a bulky obstacle in the form of Chiyotairyu to handle today. But unforntunately for those of us who are fans of sumo’s Thunder God, Chiyotairyu is hurt and fighting on par with Terutsuyoshi right now

Aoiyama vs Kotoeko – Kotoeko needs to use his agility and mobility to keep Aoiyama from bringing his big brawling arms into the match. Chiyoshoma was able to do that and win on day 4, Kotoshoho could not on day 5 and lost. They share an 11 match history that favors Kotoeko narrowly, 5-6.

Takanosho vs Chiyoshoma – Sadly, I laughed at Takanosho’s loss to Abi day 5. I am sure it was a big contest on the clay, but to those of us at home, it underscored that Takanosho seems to have lost some of his sumo, and hopefully he can get it back soon. Chiyoshoma comes in today with a matching 2-3 record, but a 3-5 career deficit.

Kotoshoho vs Abi – Abi is another member of the elite 4-1 club, and given his position lower down the banzuke, must be considered a contender to run his score into double digits, or even compete for the up next week. I don’t thing he’s going to have too much trouble with 3-2 Kotoshoho, who has dropped his last 2 matches in a row.

Onosho vs Tochinoshin – A tough aspect of being a fan of Onosho; he is either hot or cold, not usually in between. So far he has been very sharp this basho, and I think he’s got a real chance to win against Tochinoshin today. Tochinoshin is, if anything, less mobile this November than I have seen him in some time, and tends to go soft at the first element of lateral motion in this opponent’s sumo.

Nishikigi vs Takarafuji – Much as I like Nishikigi’s sumo, I am already weary of watching an injure Takarafuji struggle each day on the clay. I know he’s keeping his perfect record intact, but at some point, it’s sunset days for you sir, and maybe you should know when to heal up to stave off that sad day (at least for his fans) a bit longer.

Hokutofuji vs Endo – Endo can’t seem to muster his sumo right now, and has had a lack-luster year. Thus far he has been make-koshi for all tournaments save a 8-7 in Osaka. As such, he may be an easy mark for Hokutofuji today, who could really use the win.

Myogiryu vs Nishikifuji – Myogiryu has won both their prior matches, but right now I would sort Nishikifuji into the “hot” category in terms of his sumo. Both of them won their day 5 matches, and both of them are fighting well. This could be a solid match.

Ryuden vs Sadanoumi – A pair of 3-2 rikishi, who have an even 5-5 career record. Both are fighting a bit better than their middling score might indicate. Given their different sumo styles, the longer this match goes on, the more it will favor Ryuden.

Meisei vs Wakamotoharu – First ever match between these two, and I would have to think that Wakamotoharu wants to bounce back after that day 5 loss to Kotonowaka. Should be doable if he keeps his body calm and takes his time. Meisei maybe a bit over-promoted at M2E, but the banzuke this November was a mess.

Tobizaru vs Kotonowaka – Tobizaru had been part of the elite pack leading this mess of a basho, but his day 5 opponent, Mitakeumi, is a man on a mission. I am looking for hime to bounce back today against Kotonowaka, who has won the last 2 in a row, They share a 3-3 career record, so this might be a high-energy fight.

Tamawashi vs Kiribayama – Tamawashi seems to be on a fairly straight road to a make-koshi this time out. It could be one of any number of explanations, but he’s going to have 10 more matches to senshuraku. He has only won one match in six attempts against Kiribayama, so this may be another tough day for the September yusho winner.

Daieisho vs Hoshoryu – Daieisho is not quite in his best form, but this November, when he does connect, it seems to be with authority. Hoshoryu share a slice of the 8 way lead right now, and needs to recover at least his pride today after Midorifuji unloaded that kawazugake to win the match.

Wakatakakage vs Ichinojo – I am honestly surprised that Wakatakakage is part of the gray mass that is the 2-3/3-2 crowd starting act 2. He has not quite had his habitual cold start, but he has thus far failed to distinguish himself from the pack. He’s up against 2-3 Ichinojo, who is either strong or passive on a day to day basis. They have split their prior 8 matches 4-4.

Takayasu vs Mitakeumi – This has potential to be my favorite match of the day. These two have had 29 career fights, they are both part of the 4-1 group, and they both are keen to win. Mitakeumi because he needs to make his 10 to get his Ozeki rank bank, Takayasu because he seems to be playing spoiler this November. The career stats favor Takayasu 20-9, but Mitakeumi is a man on a mission.

Takakeisho vs Ura – Not sure where Ura’s sumo is this November, maybe enjoying the onsen somewhere near Osaka, but it is certainly not with him in Fukuoka. I expect that Takakeisho will expand his 10-3 career record against Ura today.

Midorifuji vs Shodai – Shodai needs to buckle down and fight like he means it starting now. He’s got Midorifuji who just completely pants’d Hoshoryu on day 5, and if he’s not careful, that spritely fellow will perform some witchcraft via his sumo and turn him into a newt.