Some genuinely sloppy sumo today, but once again Hokutofuji stood out as showing better sumo than what I have seen from him in a while. Before he took a fairly brutal concussion in 2018, he was quite the rising star. That includes and 11-4 jun-yusho 3 years ago in Kyushu. But this November, his sumo, his stamina and his fighting spirit are all working together. He has at least 9 wins at Maegashira 4, and him finishing at least 10-5 is not out of the question. Given what I expect for Hatsu, he could be in for quite a ride near the top of the rank and file. I did, in fact, pick him to once again show off “the most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo” this month, but he has shown my prediction to be way off. Thanks for the surprisingly good sumo, sir!

Highlight Matches

Chiyomaru defeats Akua – The bulbous Chiyomaru visits from from Juryo, and finds his 8th win against Akua. It was an even fight up until the point that Akua decided to try to pull Chiyomaru down. In doing so he gave up any defensive pressure, and found himself pushed out.

Chiyonokuni defeats Yutakayama – The oshi battle between these two was so intense, Chiyonokuni started shedding tape from his bandaged shoulder. He improves to 9-4 while a dejected Yutakayama takes a stroll to burn off momentum.

Chiyoshoma defeats Enho – Where has the fire pixie gone? Well, it’s down to an injury, sadly. I think that Enho’s poor performance and demotion to Juryo for Hatsu may be indications that he should just address his problems now. Chiyoshoma improves to 7-6.

Sadanoumi defeats Kaisei – In spite of one matta, the second try could not get the tachiai quiet right, but the gyoji let them continue. Sadanoumi did not waste energy building up a bit hit against Kaisei, rather focused on getting his arms around Kaisei’s chest and driving forward. Kaisei was unprepared, and quickly left the ring.

Meisei defeats Kotonowaka – Good, solid thrusting combo from Meisei to score his 8th win. He moved forward with power, and apart from one attempt to pull, Kotonowaka had nothing today. Meisei get his 8th win and is kachi-koshi for November.

Ichinojo defeats Kotoeko – Again today we get the powerful, fighting version of Ichinojo. I would hate to think he only showed up with there was a make-koshi imminent. That’s three losses in a row for Kotoeko, who had a fantastic start to this basho, but is now in genuine risk of a make-koshi. Both end the day 6-7.

Aoiyama defeats Hoshoryu – No V-Twin today from Aoiyama today, but he managed to stay mobile, and kept Hoshoryu moving around until he could time the slap down. Aoiyama improves to 5-8.

Chiyotairyu defeats Endo – Endo sniffed that something was not right, and when the tachiai finally came it was a Chiyotairyu henka. I guess Chiyotairyu wanted to take no chances scoring his 8th win, and Endo bought it. Endo drops to 6-7.

Hokutofuji defeats Tokushoryu – Hokutofuji went chest to chest with Tokushoryu, who can be pretty tough to move. But once Hokutofuji got his feet in the match, he dominated. A rescue throw attempt at the tawara was for naught, and Tokushoryu stepped out. Hokutofuji improves to 9-4.

Tochinoshin defeats Okinoumi – That’s 5 straight losses for Okinoumi, who started very strong. Okinoumi moved Tochinoshin back at the tachiai, and you could really see Tochinoshin do everything he could to keep pressure away from that right knee. Amazing sumo adaptation on his part. Once Tochinoshin was able to consolidate his grip, he moved forward for the win. 7-6 for Tochinoshin, and Okinoumi’s 8th loss for make-koshi at 5-8.

Tamawashi defeats Kagayaki – Great tachiai defense from Kagayaki, but forward power from Tamawashi was so great, you could see both of Kagayaki’s feet leave the dohyo. With no connection to earth to arrest his slide back, Kagayaki found himself at the edge of the ring in the second moment of the match. He went for a thrust down against Tamawashi, but had already stepped out. 7-6 for Tamawashi, and Kagayaki 8th loss for make-koshi at 5-8.

Takarafuji defeats Daieisho – The missing element from Daieisho’s sumo today? Mobility. He was landing thrusts well, but was not moving. I chalk this up to Takarafuji’s superior defenses, and once Daieisho’s attacks began to wane, Takarafuji took him to his chest and took over the match. Takarafuji improves to 9-4.

Onosho defeats Kotoshoho – Onosho was too far forward today, and in response Kotoshoho tried to pull him down or forward, but that simply powered Onosho’s final attack. Onosho, after opening 2-6, has rallied and may actually pull off a kachi koshi.

Wakatakakage defeats Myogiryu – Myogiryu’s opening gambit fell short of taking Wakatakakage out, and he managed to get chest to chest and stop Myogiryu’s advance. After a moment’s pause, Myogiryu rallied into Wakatakakage’s throw for a loss. Wakatakakage improves to 5-8.

Kiribayama defeats Terutsuyoshi – Kiribayama manage to shift his grip mid-match, and in doing so changed his fortunes, picking up only his 3rd win of the tournament. Both end the day with a dismal 3-10 record.

Tobizaru defeats Takayasu – As expected, it’s more Takayasu “wild man” sumo. Tobizaru deserves a lot of credit for repeatedly blasting through Takayasu’s defenses and focusing center-mass. The two broke contact and then locked up chest to chest, and stalemated. With Takayasu contained, Tobizaru worked to adjust Takayasu’s balance until he had him shoulders out past his toes, and delivered swift kick to Takayasu’s ankle, dropping him like big hair coconut. Nice combo, Tobizaru!

Terunofuji defeats Ryuden – Ryuden’s butt-sumo brought him no benefit today. But his loose mawashi really blunted Terunofuji’s attack. But the best he could manage was to slow down the inevitable. Terunofuji broke Ryuden’s grip and pushed him away, and over the bales. That’s 11-2 for Terunofuji. Nice start to an Ozeki campaign.

Takanosho defeats Mitakeumi – That’s 5 straight losses for Mitakeumi, and I am going to predict he’s got some kind of lower body mechanical problem. He’s not really able to counter anyone’s forward movement, and seems to be easy to move around the dohyo. Takanosho improves to 7-6.

Takakeisho defeats Shimanoumi – A good example of just how genki Shimanoumi is right now, he was able to absorb and survive Takakeisho’s initial combo, and even rallied to drive the Ozeki back. But it seems that was just “level 1” for Takakeisho, who dialed up the intensity and the speed. A quick step to the side while Shimanoumi was staggering forward ended the match with a win for the Ozeki, who is now the sole leader of the yusho race at 12-1.

Given the limited number of kanban rikishi in this tournament, the scheduling team has really done a masterful job of creating something out of almost nothing. They were helped by Shimanoumi’s hot streak, and a resurgence from Terunofuji. We head into the final weekend with an interesting run to the finish, and quite a lot is at stake. For Shimanoumi, it would be the latest rikishi to challenge for the cup going into the final weekend from the bottom of the banzuke. In fact, each basho this year has had someone below M12 in serious contention going into day 13.

For Terunofuji, he has stated in all seriousness that he is aiming to return to Ozeki. He has already taken a first step by hitting 10 wins by day 12, and can only improve from here. A yusho would likely be in the 12-13 win range, and that is quite the start to an Ozeki run. If he can pull off a return to sumo’s second highest rank, it would be one of sumo’s great stories of this era.

Lastly, for Takakeisho, a yusho in November adds a thick layer of savory curry to what is already shaping up to be a brutal and intense Hatsu basho. An Ozeki yusho for him would put him on the launch pad to become the 73rd Yokozuna. I know the YDC seems eager to force the aging, Mongolian Yokozuna intai, but frankly the current Ozeki corps is in tatters, and it would be unwise to push Hakuho or Kakuryu towards the barber before the NSK can resume normal training operations.

November Leaderboard

Leaders – Takakeisho, Shimanoumi
Chaser – Terunofuji
Hunter – Ryuden

3 Matches Remain

Selected Matches

Aoiyama vs Hoshoryu – A win today for Hoshoryu would seal his kachi-koshi. It’s his first match against Aoiyama, and that initial encounter has proven brutal for other rising stars. But Big Dan is not quite up to his normal levels of power and fight this November, so it’s anyone’s guess how this will go.

Takarafuji vs Daieisho – Both are kachi-koshi, so this one is all about rank. The career record is 6-6, and this is a big battle of styles. Daieisho is going to move and strike, and Takarafuji will defend and extend. I am looking for Takarafuji to tangle up one of Daieisho’s arms early.

Tobizaru vs Takayasu – I can see Tobizaru’s dissapointment daily as he mounts the dohyo. He had a lot of hopes for his first visit to a much depleted joi-jin during this basho, but most rikishi get torn up and thrown out sideways. So his experience is no surprise. I am expecting Takayasu to do more “wild man” sumo, and I would really like to see Tobizaru exploit some large movement of an arm or leg from Takayasu to drop him to the clay. More likely, Takayasu is going to knock him into next week. This is their first time meeting.

Terunofuji vs Ryuden – Oh yes indeed. It’s time to test kaiju powers vs whatever happened in Ryuden’s butt. My money is on the kaiju, but I do worry about Ryuden’s shiri-zumo, which as already claimed a number of scalps. A win by Terunofuji today would shunt him into the group that will battle it out for the cup this weekend. I can’t wait to see how that goes. This is, in fact, their first battle.

Mitakeumi vs Takanosho – Both Sekiwake at 6-6, kind of miserable given that there is just the one Ozeki to rough them up. But they are going to fight for win #7 today, and both need to win 2 out of the next 3 to survive at this rank. It’s almost assured that Terunofuji is going to take one of their slots, or force a 3rd come January.

Takakeisho vs Shimanoumi – The big match we are all eager to see. Its going to be the first step that decides this one in all likelihood. If we see Shimanoumi get that left hand close to Takakeisho’s belt, its going to be his match to control. But I am looking for Takakeisho to hit him with both arms at the tachiai, and possibly put him into a ballistic trajectory toward the Sumida river.

We have have a third tournament this year (out of only 5) where a Maegashira 17 is challenging for the yusho late into week 2. Chalk it up to an odd year, or just the relative strength of the entire Makuuchi cohort, but it’s odd to see this play out time and again.

The yusho race is still between Takakeisho and Shimanoumi, with Terunofuji only rikishi still in position to challenge should both leader take a loss. While I was hoping for a day 13 Takakeisho-Terunofuji match, we will get Takakeisho-Shimanoumi instead. At minimum, there will be a special prize or two in Shimanoumi’s immediate future. For those not familiar with Shimanoumi, he had a back to back pair of Juryo yusho at the start of last year, and earned the kanto-sho (fighting spirit) prize in his top division debut.

In a match with Takakeisho, it has been a long 4 years since the two had their only prior fight, and a lot has changed since then. Sato became Takakeisho, put on about 100 kilos, changed stables, and became an Ozeki. Takakeisho is dialed into his sumo right now, so as long as he can keep Shimanoumi from setting up any kind of mawashi grip, he should be able to control the match. Whomever wins this match, I expect them to face Terunofuji on day 14 to complete the 3 way mini round-robin.

Highlight Matches

Kotonowaka defeats Chiyonoo – Juryo visitor Chiyonoo did not present too much challenge for Kotonowaka. A fine example of keeping your cool, even when your opponent can get both hands inside. Kotonowaka improves to 7-5.

Ichinojo defeats Enho – Points to Enho for blasting off the shikiri-sen into the wall of flesh that is Ichinojo. I don’t think I have seen that level of intensity out Ichinojo in some time. But it’s all for naught as Enho gets buffeted about and heaved out with arms and legs traveling in random directions. Enho down to 2-10 now, and in real danger of dropping out of the top division.

Shimanoumi defeats Ryuden – Co-leader Shimanoumi keeps up the pace, now at 11 wins. Shimanoumi certainly had better body position, and was able to stay lower than Ryuden throughout the match. That closing through, magic stuff. The schedulers have had enough of this, Shimanoumi faces Takakeisho tomorrow.

Meisei defeats Chiyoshoma – Two matta, and then a quick loss for Chiyoshoma as he stepped out less than 4 seconds into the match. One of the matta was in fact a flying henka attempt, so I am a bit sad that we did not really get to see that one play out. Meisei up to 7-5.

Tokushoryu defeats Chiyotairyu – Tokushoryu hirate? Ok, fine. Then both of them chest to chest? Err… right. Not sure where this match came from, but it was as unexpected from start to finish. Both end the day at 7-5.

Kaisei defeats Kotoeko – Kaisei used his size advantage to contain and expel Kotoeko before he could generate any offense, or get in motion. Both end the day at 6-6.

Yutakayama defeats Aoiyama – Yutakayama delivers Big Dan Aoiyama a steaming hot fresh bowl of make-koshi. Aoiyama thrusting attack is not even close to its normal power level, so I hope he comes back in January in better condition. Both end the day at 4-8.

Hoshoryu defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi put all of his hopes in a big nodowa, and it was a mistake. While it raised Hoshoryu up, he was able to advance against Terutsuyoshi, and force him out with a belly flop. Hoshoryu improves to 7-5.

Akua defeats Endo – Where has this version of Akua been? He completely dominated Endo today. After a shaky 1-4 start, he seems to have gotten his sumo together, improving to 7-5 and surprising Endo.

Chiyonokuni defeats Myogiryu – Chiyonokuni retaliates against Myogiryu’s strong opening combo to quickly pick up his 8th win. While I would rather see him win fighting forward, it’s still kachi-koshi for the grumpy badger. Welcome back to the Makuuchi sir! Looks like you may be staying a while.

Hokutofuji defeats Tochinoshin – It was fun (to me anyhow) to see Tochinoshin open with a nodowa against Hokutofuji. Frequently that is Hokutofuji’s go-to weapon. But lookie there, Hokutofuji took all of that to set up a position where he could block Tochinoshin’s left hand outside grip. Tochinoshin put so much effort into getting that left hand grip that he was unprepared for Hokutofuji’s counter-attack. You don’t see Hokutofuji go chest to chest too frequently, but maybe he should resort to it more often. That’s kachi-koshi for Hokutofuji.

Kotoshoho defeats Okinoumi – Kotoshoho collapsed his tachiai, leaving Okinoumi too far forward. A simple hand shift to the back of Okinoumi’s neck, and push. Kotoshoho improves to 7-5.

Kagayaki defeats Onosho – Kagayaki’s defensive foot placement and initial arm-pit attack carried this match. He’s not a flashy fighter, but once he is dialed into his sumo, he can be tough to overcome. Both end the day at 5-7.

Kiribayama defeats Sadanoumi – Kiribayama picks up a much needed win. Nice attempt at a leg hook throw (kakenage?) by Kiribayama. Sadanoumi attempted to counter with a belt throw, but he was out as he started the pivot. 2-10 for the struggling Kiribayama.

Wakatakakage defeats Tobizaru – Tobizaru was completely overwhelmed by Wakatakakage, and rapidly found himself tossed out of the match. That’s loss 8 for the flying monkey, and he’s make-koshi for November.

Takayasu defeats Daieisho – More wild, chaotic sumo from Takayasu today. It brought him a 7th win of the tournament, but each time I see him go on a rampage like this, I just think about how poorly he moves. Thankfully for him, the rikishi who exploit that aspect of his sumo are all sitting this one out. He improves to 7-5.

Terunofuji defeats Mitakeumi – Low speed tachiai from Terunofuji, and straight into his power stance. Mitakeumi took just a moment to defeat, and seems to have only offered token resistance. The look on Mitakeumi’s face as the gumbai when to Terunofuji was along the lines of “What…?”. Terunofuji now 10-2.

Takanosho defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi decided he was going to try to pull following the opening combo. It’s clear that Takanosho was ready for it, and blasted forward against Tamawashi’s chest for the win. Both end the day at 6-6.

Takakeisho defeats Takarafuji – Takarafuji was completely disrupted at the tachiai, could not set up any kind of defense, and was out before he could take a second step under his own authority. Takakeisho maintains his share of the lead at 11-1.

Day 11 of the November Tokyo basho is in the history books, and the top end of the leader board remains intact. But unless the NSK want the real chance of a bottom of the banzuke yusho yet again (it would be the 3rd time this year), it’s time for Shimanoumi to face some stiffer competition. Looks like that is in store for day 12 as the schedulers begin to shape the yusho race. November’s Cinderella candidate, Shimanoumi, will face 9-2 Ryuden and his jiggly bottom. Elsewhere in the yusho race, we get to see how silly it is to try and get morozashi against the kaiju. Did these folks neglect to watch old footage of this guy in his heyday? He’s tempting you to put both hands inside so he can just immobilize you! Ugh, so frustrating.

Highlight Matches

Chiyotairyu defeats Ishiura – Straight ahead “my brand of sumo” from Chiyotairyu today, with Ishiura jumping like a drop of water on a red hot skillet. Chiyotairyu improves to 7-4.

Shimanoumi defeats Hoshoryu – I give a lot of credit to Hoshoryu, who opened strong and put a lot of force into trying to move Shimanoumi around. But Shimanoumi figured out that as long as he kept Hoshoryu away from his belt, and kept his feet planted that Hoshoryu was not going to be able to do too much, and he waited. Hoshoryu stopped his pushing attack, fumbled for a hand hold, and received a potent shove combo from Shimanoumi, which turned him to the side and launched him into the timekeeper. that’s win number 10 for Shimanoumi.

Akua defeats Kaisei – The match started with a soft tachiai from Akua, who shifted to his left. The move gave him good hand position on Kaisei’s mawashi. Akua lifted and stepped forward, and could in fact move nearly 200kg around the dohyo. A much needed win brings Akua to 6-5.

Ichinojo defeats Yutakayama – Someone was going to take home a make-koshi today, and that was Yutakayama. Yutakayama’s tachiai bounced off of Ichinojo, and Yutakayama went for some manner of grip. Ichinojo was having none of it, he tangled up Yutakayama’s arms, and discarded him over the bales. When Ichinojo decides its time to do sumo, you are going to lose. Ichinojo advances to 4-7, and staves off make-koshi for another day.

Sadanoumi defeats Enho – Enho tried his leap to the side tachiai, but Sadanoumi was ready. Sadanoumi applied the battle-hug, and dove for the edge of the ring. Both men landed with a booming report next to the nearest shimpan for Enho’s 9th loss. Enho looked a bit winded / dazed after that drop.

Meisei defeats Chiyonokuni – I was disappointed that Chiyonokuni could not pick up win number 8 today, when Meisei unleashed a smooth henka to drop him at the tachiai. I Chiyonokuni he may be starting to fade. He is 1-4 out of the last 5 matches, and is clearly struggling.

Tokushoryu defeats Chiyoshoma – Tokushoryu suspected a Chiyoshoma henka, and he chose not to move forward at all in the tachiai. But no flying Chiyoshoma henka today, instead he worked to reach in against Tokushoryu. Tokushoryu latched onto an arm and pivoted to swing Chiyoshoma out. Both end the day 6-5.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Kotonowaka – Kotonowaka spent the early moments of the match batting Terutsuyoshi around, but Terutsuyoshi worked to get his hands inside and found a spot to push. Kotonowaka twice tried to pull on Terutsuyoshi’s neck, and the second attempt cost him the match, with Terutsuyoshi rushing forward and boosting Kotonowaka out. Terutsuyoshi improves to a humble 3-8 for November.

Aoiyama defeats Kotoeko – Aoiyama stood Kotoeko up, and swatted him down. Very much in “his brand of sumo”, and improves to 4-7.

Ryuden defeats Takarafuji – Ryuden’s boogie remains firmly within his butt for another day, and you know it seems to work, even against Takarafuji, who gave us yet another endurance match today. A long is always a risk when your strategy is to make sure the bout goes on as long as possible, waiting for your opponent to make a mistake. Ryuden finished him by getting a bit to the side and behind Takarafuji, and driving him forward and out. That’s win number 9 for Ryuden, and he remains one behind the leaders.

Hokutofuji defeats Endo – Endo with a solid hit at the tachiai, forcing Hokutofuji to take a step back. Hokutofuji got a right hand into Endo’s armpit, and before he could do much else, the two locked up. A long leaning match ensued, ended by a Hokutofuji pull. It failed, and Endo rushed forward to drive Hokutofuji out, but failed as Hokutofuji stepped to the side, sending Endo stumbling. Hokutofuji improves to 7-4.

Daieisho defeats Tamawashi – I am impressed that Daieisho was able to overpower Tamawashi, who seems to be about 70% of his top form. That’s an 8th win for Daieisho, and he is kachi-koshi for November.

Onosho defeats Okinoumi – Okinoumi gave Onosho a firm, stable place to lean against, and that was his undoing. Without the risk of losing his balance and falling forward, Onosho was free to attack at will. Okinoumi held his ground for a time, but was driven out under a storm of oshi. Both end the day at 5-6.

Wakatakakage defeats Kagayaki – Wakatakakage opened strong, but ran squarely into Kagayaki’s fundamentals. Kagayaki was attacking slightly better than he was defending, but he let Wakatakakage break contact. Wakatakakage re-engaged with a lunge, with put Kagayaki in motion backward, and cost him the match. Wakatakakage improves to 3-8.

Tochinoshin defeats Kiribayama – At this point, Kiribayama’s dismal 1-10 record is quite the eye-sore. He was out for part of Aki, but returned from injury to pick up a trio of wins, and seal his kachi-koshi (plus one). Now it seems that he just can’t win a match at all, and will be dropping a fair amount down to the lower reaches of the Hatsu banzuke. We did get to see a bit of the Tochinoshin sky-crane today, when Kiribayama decided to let the former Ozeki get a left hand outside grip against him. Tochinoshin improves to 6-5.

Terunofuji defeats Myogiryu – Myogiryu is a long serving veteran, and should know better than to let Terunofuji clamp his arms down. But it was a good day to be kaiju ballast, and Myogiryu found himself squeezed, lifted, and removed from the match. Terunofuji stays one behind the leader pair, improving to 9-2.

Tobizaru defeats Takanosho – Much better from Tobizaru today, he put a good amount of force forward against Takanosho, then released to bring Takanosho off balance. Finish with a slap down, and it’s win number 4 (4-7) for Tobizaru.

Takayasu defeats Mitakeumi – Another day, another chaotic, flailing match from Takayasu. Yep, he won today after he was able to put a surprising amount of disruptive energy into Mitakeumi’s body. I have not seen the original tadpole move that much in a couple of years, I am sure he was sore afterwards. Takayasu improves to 6-5.

Takakeisho defeats Kotoshoho – I smiled to see Kotoshoho on the receiving end of Takakeisho’s wave-action tsuppari. We have not seen Takakeisho’s famous combo in a while. Kotoshoho decided to amplify his response with each wave, and he must have been the only person to not see Takakeisho’s side step coming. Takakeisho retains his portion of the lead, improving to 10-1.