It’s time to draw an end to the second act of this Nagoya basho. 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, and I would have to say mission accomplished. There are now 5 rikishi who are either make-koshi, or about to be. The 2 leaders are kachi-koshi, and another 2 that could reach their 8th win today. I layer that in with now fewer than 17 rikishi that are currently in “The Funnel” headed for a possible day 15 Darwin match. Granted, not all of them will end up 7-7 at the end of day 14, but I think a fair number of them will.

Nagoya Leaderboard

Hakuho and Terunofuji are still 2 ahead of everyone else, and with Tamawashi falling to a glorious Chiyoshoma henka on day 9, there are just two young rikishi with no top division yusho experience that are 2 wins behind. This is down to Hakuho and Terunofuji, and how they fight over the remaining 6 days of the basho. A lot can happen in that space of time, as neither man is completely healthy.

Leaders: Hakuho, Terunofuji
Hunt Group: Kotonowaka, Ichiyamamoto

6 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 10

Yutakayama vs Chiyonoo – Welcome to Yutakayama (8-1), who visits the top division for a preview of his return in September. Yutakayama has been struggling since his dismal 5-10 performance a year ago at Maegashira 1, which saw him being spindled and mutilated by the named ranks for their sport. I am pretty sure there was at least one injury in there too, but he seems to have gotten his sumo back in working order, and I am looking forward to him returning to the televised ranks. He is already kachi-koshi, and faces Chiyonoo (4-5), who holds a 2-0 career advantage.

Chiyonokuni vs Ura – Oh goodie, this should be worth its weight in fine katsu curry. We have Chiyonokuni (5-4) with his big blows to the head against the Captain of Japan’s Olympic grab and tug team, Ura (5-4). I can almost see Chiyonokuni winding up a big swing, Ura grabs the arm and pretzels Chiyonokuni into submission. Of course it could just as easily result in Ura getting his bell run and having to ask the yobidashi which tournament this is. I expect fireworks.

Tochinoshin vs Ishiura – Ishiura (6-3) has now won six in a row, and I have to think he is going to take a page from everyone else who has defeated Tochinoshin (3-6) this July, attack from the left and keep pressure on his damaged knee. It’s cruel and brutal, but that’s how sumo can be at times.

Kaisei vs Kagayaki – Someone on the scheduling crew decided it would be fun to have two rikishi with 4-5 scores, who have a 4-4 career record, and whose names both start with “Ka” (か) to fight on the 4th match of the day. So Kaisei gets to take on Kagayaki. Both are in the funnel, both are on the make-koshi side of the line.

Ichiyamamoto vs Kotonowaka – We can’t have 2 of the young crowd holding 2 wins behind the yusho leaders! So lets make them fight it out so there is just the one. Both are 7-2, and have split the 4 prior matches. Winner gets kachi-koshi, loser gets to try again tomorrow.

Tamawashi vs Tokushoryu – Tamawashi (6-3) had a bit of a non-event on day 9 as he succumbed to Chiyoshoma’s henka, and hit the clay without a single offensive move. I hope he has a lot of pent up energy to delivery against Tokushoryu (3-6), who is just a couple of black stars away from make-koshi. Tamawashi leads the series 11-8.

Daiamami vs Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi (4-5) has won the last 3 out of 4 matches, and I suspect he is probably going to hand Daiamami (2-7) his make-koshi today. Daiamami comes in with a 5-3 career advantage, but he is fighting poorly this July, where as Terutsuyoshi seems to have finally gotten his sumo in working order and is proceeding a march toward 8.

Takarafuji vs Tsurugisho – I do want to see Tsurugisho (6-3) try to brute out a victory over Takarafuji (5-4), whose defensive brand of sumo seems to be engaged in Nagoya. True, Ura tossed him like a bag of clams on day 9, but I think Takarafuji can make this work on day 10.

Chiyomaru vs Aoiyama – A highly expected battle of the mega-fauna, day 10. With both of these men on the dohyo, the local curvature of space time may get a small indentation. Both Aoiyama (4-5) and Chiyomaru (3-6) are struggling right now, seemingly with balance and performance in attack mode, and need to find a few more wins to repair their records.

Myogiryu vs Hidenoumi – Myogiryu (2-7) has a 5-1 career advantage against Hidenoumi (4-5), but seems to be suffering some kind of injury or other problem that has left him one loss away from make-koshi. So I am guessing that Hidenoumi may pick up win number 5 today.

Shimanoumi vs Chiyoshoma – Both come in at 5-4, and are squarely in the funnel right now. I don’t think we will see another leaping Chiyoshoma henka again soon, but it sure was fun to watch on day 9. Their first match against each other was Aki of 2015 in Makushita, so while they don’t have a deep history, it goes back 6 years or so.

Kotoeko vs Kiribayama – Its clear the schedulers are trying to doom Kotoeko (2-7). He hits make-koshi with one more loss, and he has never beaten Kiribayama (6-3). So I am guessing its a perfunctory sort of match that results in an 8th loss for Kotoeko. It seems that at least this time out, he’s not quite up to par for Maegashira 4.

Hokutofuji vs Onosho – The two balance kings of the top division square off for a teeter-totter match of over-pushing and under performing. Hokutofuji (4-5) seems like the marginal favorite over Onosho (3-6), but either one of them could end up flat on their face today. But an Onosho win would have the amusing effect of knocking Hokutofuji out of the funnel.

Hoshoryu vs Tobizaru – High interest match here, we will get to see if Tobizaru (3-6) can dial back the frantic brownian motion and unleash some focused sumo. He has a 5-3 career advantage over Hoshoryu (6-3), so we know he has a way to win if he can get his attack running.

Ichinojo vs Daieisho – Daieisho (terrible) is already make-koshi, and still hurt from May, so I am going to predict that he can’t really push Ichinojo around at all, and gets gingerly taken over the bales by the Boulder (6-3).

Takanosho vs Meisei – A right proper funnel-fight, as a Takanosho (5-4) loss would toss them both to 5-5 and keep them on course for day 15. Meisei (4-5) holds a 6-1 career advantage, so that outcome is not far-fetched at all.

Takayasu vs Wakatakakage – Takayasu (5-4) can deliver some powerful sumo, and for most opponents, he tends to bash them, trash them and then wear them out. But for some reason he has a 1-4 career record against newcomer Wakatakakage (3-6). Wakatakakage wins tend to be high mobility jab, slap and thrust affairs, so maybe Takayasu will grab a hold and wear him down today instead.

Shodai vs Mitakeumi – A lovely 24 match career history here, with Mitakeumi (6-3) leading the series 13-11. Shodai (5-4) has won his last 2, but still looks well below his prior Ozeki form. Will we see Mitakeumi start his traditional week 2 fade?

Terunofuji vs Chiyotairyu – Seven years ago, Chiyotairyu (2-7) won a match against Terunofuji (9-0). Today he gets to try again, and I dare say he may find the reception a bit hostile. In fact, I am going to assume that Terunofuji picks up his 10th win, sending Chiyotairyu to make-koshi.

Hakuho vs Okinoumi – Hakuho has a 23-1 career advantage over Okinoumi. Nothing else matters about this match.

The sumo association may find themselves with a shortage of Ozeki again soon. I am starting to have hopes that Shodai can pull it together over the next 6 days and end with a kachi-koshi, but looking forward to September, we may lose an Ozeki to promotion, and maybe one out due to injury. The “stinger” that Takakeisho suffered in his loss to Ichinojo can indicate a more involved spine / neck injury, and I would not be surprised to see him require an extend recovery period. With Asanoyama in the dog-house for being an idiot, we could be down to Shodai for September. Looking across the landscape, I am fairly certain there is no one even close to putting on a run to take up the Ozeki rank. Perennial brides maids Mitakeumi and Takayasu might be able to scrape that together, but it will take them 3 tournaments to do so. Thus to transition period marches on.

I note with some interest that we have zero rikishi one win behind the leaders. With each day that passes and sees them both win, the chances of anyone being able to contest for the cup drop, and we are looking forward to a possible “Brawl to end it all” on Sunday. I would bet that if it comes to that, this final match may also be the promotion test for Terunofuji. Frankly today he fought better than Hakuho did, and I am really going to be surprised if he does not take the rope this month. The folks in the Tatsunami ichimon should start getting ready for a weaving party, I would guess.

Highlight Matches

Tsurugisho defeats Wakamotoharu – Tsurugisho gets a right hand inside immediately at the tachiai, and Wakamotoharu has no answer. Tsurugisho gets to lifting and shifting, and three steps later Wakamotoharu is finished. Tsurugisho improves to 6-3.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Chiyomaru – My only knock against Ichiyamamoto for this match is that he has his head down, with his eyes off of Chiyomaru at the tachiai. This may be because he’s well aware that Chiyomaru will try an immediate pull / slap down, which fails. Ichiyamamoto abandons a thrusting attack, and goes for a right hand inside grip. He and Chiyomaru spend a while leaning into each other, but Ichiyamamoto controls the center of the ring. The third time Ichiyamamoto attempts to rally, he is able to move Chiyomaru, and propels him out to improve to 7-2.

Ishiura defeats Kagayaki – That’s six wins in a row for Ishiura, today by katasukashi. Kagayaki seems very motivated by Ishiura’s hit and shift to the left, and tries to chase him down. That seems to just work in Ishiura’s favor, and sets up the kimarite. Ishiura improves to 6-3.

Chiyonoo defeats Tochinoshin – Chiyonoo attacks strong to his left (Tochinoshin’s right), keeping maximum pressure on that damaged right knee. It pays off, as Tochinoshin is really not able to do much in that position, and the former Ozeki gets a fast trip across the west side tawara. Chiyonoo improves to 4-5.

Kotonowaka defeats Chiyonokuni – Interesting change-up tachiai from Chiyonokuni, I think he was hoping that he could get a clear route to test Kotonowaka’s head attachment ligaments, which he did for just a single volley before Kotonowaka decides to return the favor. This devolves into mutual blows to each other’s heads, with Kotonowaka getting more punishment landed on Chiyonokuni’s noggin than he received. Kotonowaka improves to 7-2.

Kaisei defeats Daiamami – Kaisei found a match where his enormity was a bonus, he took Daiamami to his chest, and was able to keep him squarely to the front. Having locked him up, he marched forward, and took the win. Kaisei improves to 4-5.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Tokushoryu – Terutsuyoshi gets a shallow left hand grip at the tachiai, and that sets up his entire offense for this match. He quickly lands his right, and is in business as Tokushoryu struggles to break contact. Terutsuyoshi upends the bulky Tokushoryu with a brilliant leg trip, and I swear you can see Tokushoryu bounce as he hits the clay. Terutsuyoshi improves to 4-5.

Ura defeats Takarafuji – Their first ever match, and I loved how tentative Takarafuji was. I mean, Ura could have tried almost anything. But no, the tachiai was kind of gentle and simple. Takarafuji seems to have decided to just grapple in and contain Ura, as would be his plan. It was at that point Ura’s grab and tug sumo took hold, finding Takarafuji’s left arm and locking on with his iron grip. Ura starts to pull him, Takarafuji, using his sumo instincts thinks “I have him now” and presses forward. Well, no… a big tug is delivered straight to center mass through that trapped left arm, and Takarafuji launches headlong toward the salt basket. Classic Ura sumo, improving him to 5-4.

Chiyoshoma defeats Tamawashi – Oh my! Many days of straight ahead sumo, battling it out against his opponents set up today. With Tamawashi going strong into the tachiai, Chiyoshoma deploys the flying henka. Readers know I tire quickly of the henka, but today it was glorious. Tamawashi goes skidding to the clay. If you have to henka, you may as well do it like Chiyoshoma did it today, with flare and gusto. He improves to 5-4.

Myogiryu defeats Shimanoumi – Myogiryu staves off make-koshi today, with effort and stamina. Myogiryu landed a right hand inside at the tachiai, and kept Shimanoumi tangled up until he was ready to attack. A quick drop of the hips and press forward gave Myogiryu his second win of the basho, improving him to 2-7.

Kiribayama defeats Hidenoumi – Kiribayama set up an excellent mawashi grip at the tachiai, and kept lifting throughout the match. At one point he had Hidenoumi off of his feet, and struggling to find a way to lower his stance. Hidenoumi was relegated to defense, and put all of his energy into blunting Kiribayama’s repeated attempts to lift him and shift him closer to the bales. A defensive strategy usually only lasts so long, and bit by bit Kiribayama worked Hidenoumi out. Kiribayama improves to 6-3.

Onosho defeats Aoiyama – Perhaps the only man in sumo with worse balance than Onosho is Aoiyama. How fitting that Onosho stood him up, and when Aoiyama redoubled his forward pressure, Onosho stepped out of the way and sent him to the clay. Onosho picks up a much needed win to advance to 3-6.

Ichinojo defeats Tobizaru – Tobizaru really did try for the “Bad Pony” treatment today. A slap here, a pull there, a poke at the face – Tobizaru was all hands and fingers to Ichinojo. When Ichinojo grabbed his hands to stop the slappy-pokey mess, Tobizaru resorted to head-butting instead. Ichinojo got a left hand grip, and it was “Bad Pony” time, with Ichinojo sending him on his obligatory run out / tumble home trip with a single contemptuous shove. Ichinojo improves to 6-3.

Takanosho defeats Daieisho – Takanosho traps, wraps and ejects Daieisho in a quick series of moves, and sends Daieisho to his 8th loss. Daieisho is make-koshi while Takanosho improves to 5-4. I don’t know what Daieisho’s injury is, but I would love to see him back in fighting form soon.

Hoshoryu defeats Wakatakakage – Hoshoryu picks up his first ever win over Wakatakakage. Wakatakakage set up the fight with an immediate left hand outside grip, and Hoshoryu returned the grip in kind. They paused a moment to consolidate, and Hoshoryu twisted to his left, rolling Wakatakakage to improve to 6-3. Nice move sir!

Mitakeumi defeats Kotoeko – Great demonstration of denshamichi-zumo from Mitakeumi today, as the big magenta shinkansen departed Nagoya for points East, running Kotoeko from the dohyo. Mitakeumi improves to 6-3.

Takayasu defeats Hokutofuji – With these two on the dohyo, you had to know there would be a big opening salvo, and they did deliver. Shoulder blast from Takayasu, handshake tachiai into a nodowa from Hokutofuji. It looked like Hokutofuji had control at first. But a really solid recovery from Takayasu, which all flowed from his excellent foot placement. Hokutofuji was solely focused on getting that neck hold re-established, and that allowed Takayasu a chance to take apart Hokutofuji’s offense, and set him up for the hatakikomi. Takayasu improves to 5-4.

Terunofuji defeats Okinoumi – Terunofuji started and remained impressively low. Good grief, for a man with no knees he was really in hira-gumo mode today. When a man that big is coming at you from below, there is not much you are going to be able to respond with. It was a fast trip out for Okinoumi, and Terunofuji improves to 9-0.

Shodai defeats Meisei – Meisei almost had this one thanks to his superior mobility, but Meisei could not quite keep his balance and his attack aligned. He would move and attack, but always not quite lined up with Shodai’s center mass. This allowed the Ozeki a chance to deflect and survive. Eventually Shodai got a few shoves in the right places and sent Meisei out. Shodai improves to 5-4.

Hakuho defeats Chiyotairyu – I have to compliment Chiyotairyu for delivering some high energy, decent threat sumo to Hakuho today. He opened with a solid combo, and kept the pressure on. Hakuho needs more like these to get him tuned up for the remainder of the basho. Hakuho toys with Chiyotairyu a bit, then propels him out to improve to 9-0.

The two men we expected to dominate the basho both are 8-0 following the middle day, and have their kachi-koshi. While there is plenty of sumo to enjoy for the next 7 days, this is really about the final match on day 15, and what it will inform us about not just the Emperor’s cup, but Terunofuji’s chances as being promoted to Yokozuna. If you watch his matches for the past year or so, he has been consistently mounting the dohyo and fighting at a tier above everyone he has faced. It is no coincidence this is the same year that Hakuho has largely been absent with persistent knee injury that was finally addressed surgically 4 months ago.

The two have 13 career matches, withe the last one being in day 14 in Osaka during 2017, more than four years ago. A lot has changed since then for both men. Out of those 13 career matches, Hakuho has taken 9 to Terunofuji’s 4.

With nakabi complete, we enter week 2 of the basho, and the depleted Ozeki ranks mean that the “tough” week will be somewhat light for Terunofuji and Hakuho, as the schedulers will reach lower down the banzuke to supply daily opponents for the two leaders to fight. Their goal – stay whole and healthy till day 15, and fight it out in the last match of the basho to decide it all.

Highlight Matches

Akua defeats Tokushoryu – Tokushoryu got the better of the tachiai, and started moving Akua around. But it seems Akua had enough room to shift left as Tokushoryu advanced to the edge of the ring. A slap and a push from Akua, and he wins it by hatakikomi, improving to 5-3.

Tsurugisho defeats Chiyomaru – Chiyomaru had his hands up and ready to attack before Tsurugisho could finish his tachiai. As Chiyomaru advanced, he leaned into the attack, setting up a Tsurugisho tsukiotoshi for the man in the brown mawashi to take the win. Tsurugisho improves to 5-3.

Ishiura defeats Ura – Ishiura’s first ever win over Ura, and it was Ishiura attacking well that took the match. Ura seemed to be looking to defend and entrap, as he has done for several days this tournament. Ishiura kept his arms and hands free of Ura’s vice-like grasp, and powered him out to improve to 5-3.

Tochinoshin defeats Daiamami – I am starting to think that Tochinoshin might just rally and pull this one out before it’s too late. Daiamami accepted Tochinoshin’s offer to get chest to chest, and once Tochinoshin had a right hand inside grip, he was ready to set up the shitatenage. Tochinoshin improves to 3-5.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Kaisei – The trick to beating Kaisei is to get him to start moving, as for most rikishi, he is too large to put in motion when Kaisei chooses to stand fast. Ichiyamamoto was able to do that, but even then it took 3 attempts to do anything to shift Kaisei into a losing position. Ichiyamamoto got the job done, and improves to 6-2 as he sent Kaisei stumbling over the bales.

Chiyonoo defeats Kotonowaka – A decent mawashi battle, that Kotonowaka should have put more effort into controlling. He allowed Chiyonoo a fair amount of mobility, and set both inside and outside hands up for a throw. When the throw came, Kotonowaka’s hand came down first, giving Chiyonoo his 3rd win.

Tamawashi defeats Chiyonokuni – Chiyonokuni left his chest wide open, and there was no way Tamawashi was not going to drive for center mass. Once Tamawashi connected, it was 3 steps to the edge, and even a last moment pulling move from Chiyonokuni could save him. Tamawashi improves to 6-2.

Shimanoumi defeats Kagayaki – This match is great for demonstrating the power of ottsuke, as both rikishi used the blocking technique that brings the elbow next to the ribs with great effect. This was a favorite of Kisenosato, and he used it to shut down his opponent’s offense. Kagayaki does this with great effect as well, but got set up a bit late, and Shimanoumi had working hand placement for an attack. Once he started to advance, it was a quick trip over the bales for Kagayaki, and Shimanoumi improved to 5-3

Terutsuyoshi defeats Myogiryu – Terutsuyoshi deploys a mini-henka at the tachiai, resulting in a solid capture by Myogiryu. But whatever injury Myogiryu is enduring prevents him from applying much force in the move, or in setting up a powerful stance. Terutsuyoshi consolidates, and powers ahead to drive Myogiryu out to improve to 3-5.

Hidenoumi defeats Onosho – Onosho had the power in this match, but as is usual for him, his balance was all over the place. This robbed him of the ability to focus that power into moving Hidenoumi, and set up Hidenoumi throwing him down. Hidenoumi improves to 4-4.

Takarafuji defeats Kiribayama – Another brilliant example for Takarafuji’s “Brand of Sumo”. Kiribayama comes in strong and powerful, and proceeds to run Takarafuji, putting him on defense. With each step, Takarafuji works to dampen Kiribayama’s attacks, and in a few moments has him locked up in the center of the dohyo. From there, Takarafuji sets up his grip, and walks Kiribayama out. Patient, in control, and improves to 5-3.

Okinoumi defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma had the better initial attack, but Okinoumi locks him up chest to chest. I note that Okinoumi spent no time to refine his stance or hand hold, expecting Chiyoshoma to be able to break his grip and shift up at any time. Okinoumi executes a throw, sending them both to the clay, but taking the win. Solid sumo from both, with Okinoumi improving to 5-3.

Aoiyama defeats Hoshoryu – Traditional Aoiyama sumo, stand them up, then pull them down. I am surprised that Hoshoryu was captured in that manner, but Big Dan took him apart. Aoiyama improves to 4-4.

Takanosho defeats Chiyotairyu – Great, Chiyotairyu went straight to yotsu at the tachiai, and looked solid for a moment. But for whatever reason did not seem to be able to generate any kind of forward power to move Takanosho. Maybe some kind of back problem? Takanosho takes control and wins to improve to 4-4.

Ichinojo defeats Wakatakakage – Wakatakakage looked like was trying some manner of henka. He ended up to the side of Ichinojo, but terribly off balance. This left him with few options as Ichinojo pivoted and applied an immediate pull from the left to drop Wakatakakage for a loss. Ichinojo improves to 5-3.

Meisei defeats Daieisho – World class thrusting duel between these two, lots of mobility, lots of attack energy, almost zero defense to be found anywhere. But these matches almost always comes down to who is off balance when, and Meisei caught Daieisho over-extended, and thrust him down. Meisei improves to 4-4.

Takayasu defeats Mitakeumi – Takayasu continues his dominance over Mitakeumi, picking up his 19th win of the series. Takayasu used a Kisenosato style ottsuke with great effect, blocking out Mitakeumi and leaving the home town favorite without any attack routes. The match then devolved into a stamina contest, which always favors Takayasu, no matter who the opponent is. It’s kind of brutal to watch Mitakeumi tire out as Takayasu seems to be focused and waits. Realizing he’s about out of energy, Mitakeumi rallies, but can’t make a dent in Takayasu’s position. It seems that Mitakeumi just runs out of stamina, and Takayasu walks him out. Takayasu improves to 4-4. Frankly if Takayasu did this every match, he would be an Ozeki again. It may be a tad boring to watch, but it seems largely unstoppable.

Shodai defeats Hokutofuji – Ozeki Shodai shows up today and decides to mount the dohyo. Did anyone else laugh out loud as Hokutofuji came in, full of fire and fury, just to be lifted and dumped out with one fluid motion by Shodai? Bonus point was that Shodai’s facial expression seemed to read, “Hmm… Nope!” Both end the day 4-4.

Terunofuji defeats Tobizaru – It seems Terunofuji took note of Tobizaru’s day 7 match against Hakuho, and made it his focus to cut down on Tobizaru’s mobility early. Tobizaru was able to escape Terunofuji’s grasp twice, but each time Terunofuji re-engaged and shut him down. The final break and capture resulted in a thrust down that sent Tobizaru rolling along the dohyo. Terunofuji improves to 8-0, and is kachi-koshi for Nagoya.

Hakuho defeats Kotoeko – Kotoeko brought some decent sumo to today’s fight, and had Hakuho primed for some fun move / countermove yotsu. But Kotoeko chose makekae, and in the process of switching his grip, opened the door for a Hakuho to blast him out of the ring. Hakuho improves to 8-0, and is kachi-koshi for Nagoya.