Apologies that these posts have been sparse, but I’ve had my hands full with the local response to COVID-19. Anyway, here is a brief update on where things stand with three days of sumo remaining.
The yusho race
Your sole leader? None other than [checks notes] M13w Aoiyama. Now, “Big Dan” is a former Sekiwake who was ranked at Komusubi less that a year ago and scored a 13-2 jun-yusho a couple of years back, so he isn’t exactly Tokushoryu. Still, it has to rank as a big surprise that he is leading the yusho race this late in the tournament. And after his defeat of M3w Mitakeumi today, which knocked the latter out of the yusho race, the schedulers are running out of upper-rankers to throw at him. Win or lose against Takanosho tomorrow, Aoiyama will at worst be tied for the lead going into the final weekend. It doesn’t look like the schedulers will depart from the customary Yokozuna-Ozeki round-robin, nor does it seem likely that they’ll skip the Takakeisho vs. Asanoyama bout on senshuraku, given the potential high stakes for the Ozeki and the Ozeki hopeful. That probably leaves them with Shodai, Endo, Daieisho, and Yutakayama to chose from.
Aoiyama is trailed by a trio of heavy-weight chasers: the two Yokozuna and Asanoyama. Hakuho faces Asanoyama tomorrow, and, barring unusual scheduling, Takakeisho on Day 14 and Kakuryu on Day 15. Kakuryu fights Takakeisho tomorrow, and should see Asanoyama across the shikirisen from him on Day 14.
The upper ranks
Our lone Ozeki, Takakeisho, has an even 6-6 record after 12 days, and needs to win 2 of 3 to avoid going kadoban. He’ll have to do it against the highest-caliber, heavily incentivized opposition: a trio of yusho-chasing upper-rankers one of whom is also pushing for an Ozeki promotion.
Asanoyama’s Ozeki bid comes down to both his performance in running the gauntlet of the next three days and the vagaries of the NSK decision-making process. Winning his final three bouts against two Yokozuna and an Ozeki to go 13-2 with at worst a jun-yusho should guarantee promotion. Two out of three would meet the usual ask of 33 over 3, and would likely see him get the nod. Anything else would require grading on a curve to account for the depleted state of the upper ranks, especially if Takakeisho is staring at having to win 10 8 in the next tournament to avoid demotion.
K1e Hokutofuji (3-9) will be back down in the rank-and-file next basho. S1w Shodai and K1w Endo hold even win-loss records, and each needs two more victories to hold rank, although Shodai would only drop to Komusubi if he goes 7-8. So anywhere between one and four (if Asanoyama is promoted) san’yaku slots could open up, although I would set the over/under at two. M3w Mitakeumi (9-3) and M1e Daieisho (7-5) head the promotion queue, trailed by M3e Yutakayama (7-5) and M2e Okinoumi (6-6). Other hopefuls include Takanosho, Onosho, Takarafuji, and Aoiyama.
Makuuchi/Juryo exchanges
Guaranteed demotion: Tsurugisho. Likely needs to win out to avoid demotion: Tochiozan. Two wins probably enough for safety: Daiamami, Meisei, Nishikigi, Azumaryu. Need one more win to stay in the top division: Kotonowaka, Shimanoumi, Shohozan (!), and possibly Chiyomaru. Everyone else is safe.
One more win should lock in promotion from Juryo: Kotoshoho. One or two wins needed: Terunofuji, Kotoeko. Two wins required: Wakatakakage, Tobizaru, Kotoyuki. In with a chance if they win out: Hidenoumi, Kyokushuho. Everyone else is most likely eliminated from the promotion race.
Photo once again shamelessly stolen from the Japan Sumo Association’s twitter feed, to whom we sincerely apologize.
In the topsy-turvy world of the Osaka basho, it seems nearly anything can and probably does happen. Today’s action left a single man atop the leader board, and the scheduling committee’s efforts to keep another double digits ranked Makuuchi rikishi from taking the cup may have problems. Sure, once you set up a tournament like we have done in Osaka, you are just asking for the unusual. But is it now a valid career move to try and reduce your rank as low as possible, softening your schedule, to roar back the next tournament and take the cup? That is not to say that Aoiyama did any such thing, he is clearly having one of his better tournaments in a while, and has been in contention for the cup in tournaments past. But we now run the risk of a “two track” tournament, given how equally beat up the joi-jin has become, that it makes more sense to campaign for the yusho from the bottom half of the banzuke?
In the other big story thread, Ozeki hopeful Asanoyama continues to win, now at 10-2, but about to enter the hardest part of his schedule. He has to beat 2 out of Hakuho, Kakuryu and Takakeisho. This is a tall order, and I don’t want fans or even Asanoyama himself to become discouraged should he not be up to the task. There is already a weakness in his March bid – one of his current 10 wins is by fusensho over Takayasu. For the scoreboard, that still counts as a win, but it the team that decide his promotion may not see it that way. Prepare yourself to hear that he has done well, but needs at least one more basho of good performance to qualify.
Highlight Matches
Nishikigi defeats Kotoshogiku – I am sure that Nishikigi is happy for the win, but simply put, Kotoshogiku fell down following a strong push-off against Nishikigi. Shame really, as Kotoshogiku could have used a win here. He is headed perilously close toward a Darwin match on day 15.
Ishiura defeats Kotonowaka – Kotonowaka looks like he wanted to keep his options open at the tachiai, not knowing what Ishiura was going to open with. Kotonowaka worked hard to keep Ishiura away from any kind of grip, and in response Ishiura decided to grab and tug any body part he could latch onto. The two grappled briefly, and then it seems that Kotonowaka may have lost his footing and hit the clay. Ishiura picks up his 8th win, and is kachi-koshi for March.
Terutsuyoshi defeats Meisei – Terutsuyoshi executes a great Harumafuji mini-henka, getting a grip on Meisei’s purple mawashi with Terutsuyoshi right hand all the way back on the knot. There was no way to defend that position, so Terutsuyoshi just rushes ahead, and bucks Meisei over the bales to improve to 7-5.
Sadanoumi defeats Azumaryu – Sadanoumi sacrificed a bit of power at the tachiai in order to get inside, and set up shop with a right hand inside position. I think Sadanoumi’s speed caught Azumaryu by surprise, and as they grappled, Azumaryu had no space to lower his hips. Low on options, Azumaryu tried an arm-bar throw that Sadanoumi completely shut down, and rushed Azumaryu out for a much needed win.
Daiamami defeats Tochiozan – Tochiozan drops his 11th match to Daiamami, who staves off make-koshi for another day. Tochiozan has no ability to transmit power to ground right now, due to multiple injuries, and is really just going through the motions.
Chiyomaru defeats Tochinoshin – Chiyomaru improves to 6-6 following a 3 day fever kyujo with his win over hapless former Ozeki Tochinoshin. Chiyomaru was invited to use his preferred form of sumo – to lift up at the tachiai, pull back to unbalance his opponent, and then slap him down. I am sure Tochinoshin was well aware of this, but simply did not have the lower body health to prevent it. This marks the first time that Chiyomaru has ever beaten Tochinoshin, and it’s indicative of how hurt the former Ozeki is.
Kaisei defeats Shohozan – Newtonian sumo expert Kaisei picks up his 8th win, for a well deserved kachi-koshi in Osaka. As with Tochiozan, Shohozan seems to be so banged up that his sumo no longer has any real power or force to move ahead. We hope he can recover before the next tournament.
Kiribayama defeats Shimanoumi – Kiribayama took control of this match at the tachiai, coming in lower and stronger, and quickly moving around the right side of Shimanoumi. While Shimanoumi shut down any pivot for a throw, he was also completely unable to generate any offense, or escape the awkward posture Kiribayama had stuffed him into. Both men end the day 6-6.
Takarafuji defeats Chiyotairyu – Great example of how clam and patient Takarafuji is during most matches. Chiyotairyu brings a lot of power early, but Takarafuji maintains control and gives up position. The winning move is a brilliant shove from the left to bias Chiyotairyu onto his right foot, then Takarafuji shifting to his right to release pressure that Chiyotairyu was using to keep himself upright. Down goes Chiyotairyu, and its kachi-koshi for Takarafuji. Technically brilliant.
Ikioi defeats Tamawashi – Ikioi inches a bit closer to kachi-koshi with this win over Tamawashi, like so many other of the 30+ Maegashira club seem to have severe join problems this March. Both of these rikishi can deliver a lot of punishment in a match, and they were out to prove it. Tamawashi now down to 3-9.
Yutakayama defeats Abi – Abi gets the double arm thrust going early against Yutakayama’s chest, and he succeeds in focusing Yutakayama on breaking Abi’s attack. Moving back it looked like Yutakayama was in trouble, but managed a nice combo to Abi’s chest to first unbalance him, then send him to the clay. Yutakayama improves to 7-5, and can hit his highest ranked kachi-koshi ever with a win over Okinoumi on day 13.
Aoiyama defeats Mitakeumi – The Original Tadpole gave Big Dan Aoiyama a solid fight, but the V-Twin attack was more than Mitakeumi could absorb. Aoiyama’s sumo was dead on, and he kept the pressure running hot all the way to the finish. Mitakeumi’s only escape lasted for just a heartbeat before Aoiyama closed the gap and finished him off. Aoiyama takes sole possession of the lead with 11-1.
Kagayaki defeats Okinoumi – Okinoumi was faster at the tachiai, but Kagayaki was lower. Both of them had great body position, and excellent foot placement. Okinoumi too him to his chest, but Kagayaki managed to get a double inside grip, and went to work. If you watch the match in slow motion, or a frame at a time, just look at Kagayaki’s foot work. That guy has some of the heaviest feet in the top division right now, just amazing and quite reminiscent of Kisenosato in some ways.
Tokushoryu defeats Myogiryu – It was nice to see Tokushoryu use his power weapon that took him to the Hatsu yusho, that pivot right and thrust down. It’s like some kind of magical super move when he can set it up. Sadly both he and Myogiryu are 3-9, so this was just for fun today.
Onosho defeats Daieisho – Daieisho really comes into the tachiai with power, lower and more forceful than Onosho, he plants a right hand under the chin and lifts. By the second step, Daieisho is completely overwhelming Onosho, and he switches to plan 2. Grabbing Daieisho around the chest he uses his natural tendency to overbalance forward as an asset, and lunges. Daieisho near the salt basket and Onosho improves to 7-5. I expect both of these guys to finish kachi-koshi, and try this nice head to head match up at the next tournament.
Hokutofuji defeats Enho – Enho opts for the submarine tachiai, and Hokutofuji wisely slow-rolls his initial charge. Enho can’t quite get low enough to really employ his tool kit, and ends up with Hokutofuji double arm barring him ala Nishikigi. Hokutofuji marches his around the dohoyo, but Enho is too low to the ground to go down. Out of options, big Hokutofuji simply falls over on top of Enho for the win, handing Enho a very painful looking make-koshi.
Asanoyama defeats Takanosho – Takanosho’s tachiai was excellent, and it drove Asanoyama back. Everything about Takanosho’s tachiai was great, foot placement, hand placement, that guy has a strong future if he can stay healthy. He followed that up by shutting down all of Asanoyama’s attempts to set up his preferred yytsu-zumo grip and stance. Clearly Takanosho did his homework, and was ready. Takanosho tried to break contact, and lost his footing, sending him to the clay for an Asanoyama win. I look forward to these two fighting again soon.
Takakeisho defeats Ryuden – Takakeisho has a very narrow, very steep path to avoid kadoban for the next basho. He needs two more wins, and one of those must come from a Yokozuna. But today he was able to take care of business, even winning in spite of going chest to chest with Ryuden. Takakeisho improves to 6-6.
Shodai defeats Hakuho – Well, Hakuho, we had hoped after your match with Onosho that you were done with your occasional jack-assery. But here you brought it out to play again, and look at what happened. While you were busy slapping Shodai’s face, he kept his cool and focused on winning. You showed a fundamental lack of respect for Shodai’s sumo, which once you get past the tachiai, is quite effective. You were hitting his face, he was driving inside. You let him get morozashi, and only then did you figure out that you were completely out of control and not focused on winning. Enjoy the loss, Yokozuna, that one was absolute crap. Big Dan Aoiyama is now sole leader in the yusho race.
Kakuryu defeats Endo – Nice iron grip there, Endo! Kakuryu again very serious about his sumo, and showing Yokozuna composure and style. Kakuryu hits 10 wins for a Yokozuna kachi-koshi, and safety for a good time to come.
With Thursday matches about to start in Japan, it’s almost assured that we will finish all 15 days of this tournament. I did not really think it likely when the rules were laid out weeks ago. No spectators, closed heyas, if 1 rikishi came down with COVID-19, it was all over. But somehow, against the odds, it looks like they NSK is actually going to get it done.
That naturally brings us to the next question – what about Natsu? The May tournament is back at the Kokugikan in Tokyo, and 2 months are a long time from today in epidemiology. We have no idea what the world will look like 2 weeks from now, let alone 2 months. But it’s my hope that they can move forward much as they did in Osaka. Though having now audience in the Kokugikan would be a let down, I am thankful for sumo, doubly so as so many other sports have thrown in the towel and gone on hiatus until matters improve.
Haru Leaderboard
Day 10 was odd in that all 5 rikishi that were 2 wins behind Hakuho and Aoiyama lost, removing our “Hunt Group” entirely from the leader board. The Yusho race is down to 6 rikishi, with 4 of them having prior top division yushos.
Kotoshogiku vs Nishikigi – Simply put, Nishikigi is a lost cause for the scope of Haru. I am sure it’s some kind of injury that is limiting his strength, his mobility or maybe even both. Already make-koshi, he’s going to face former Ozeki Kotoshogiku today in the first match of the top division. I am fairly sure that Kotoshogiku is going to take the lead in this match, and unless Nishikigi can produce some variation of his favored arm-bar hold, it will move Kotoshogiku a step closer to kachi-koshi.
Ishiura vs Kotonowaka – The winner of today’s match is kachi-koshi. A plain, simple head to head match up, but its the first time these two have faced each other on the dohyo. Kotonowaka has dropped his last 2 matches, and is looking to bounce back against the smaller and lighter Ishiura.
Meisei vs Terutsuyoshi – About as even a battle as you might want for the 3rd match of day 12. Both come in having won their last 2 matches, the career record is 3-4, and both are fairly compact powerhouses of sumo. They have mirror image 5-6/6-5 records, and both still have a good shot at a kachi-koshi if they can finish strong.
Sadanoumi vs Azumaryu – Make-koshi rikishi Sadanoumi holds a 4-2 career advantage over 5-6 Azumaryu, who has a reasonable chance at finishing Osaka with a winning record. They are well balanced in terms of sumo techniques, but to get the much needed win, Azumaryu will need to overcome the 2-4 career match deficit.
Daiamami vs Tochiozan – Can Tochiozan win 2 in a row? The battered veteran limps into day 12 action against Daiamami, looking ready for the scrap yard. We would love to see him avoid any risk of return to Juryo after having escaped the junior division in January.
Chiyomaru vs Tochinoshin – Chiyomaru will attempt to win his first match after returning from a 3 day fever kyujo in a match against Tochinoshin. In the grand scheme of things, Tochinoshin has never lost to Chiyomaru, but the last time they faced each other was 2 years ago, and Tochinoshin was on a tear pushing for Ozeki. The Tochinoshin of today is a battered relic that has to henka Kagayaki.
Shohozan vs Kaisei – With only 2 wins, Shohozan may provide Kaisei with the all important 8th win to secure a well deserved kachi-koshi. Under normal circumstances, it would be Shohozan’s move-and-strike sumo against Kaisei’s lumbering Newtonian style, but Shohozan has shown little of his traditional fighting energy this March.
Shimanoumi vs Kiribayama – Both of these rikishi are within range of completing the Osaka basho with a winning record. For Kiribayama, his second tournament in the top division has been a rough ride, and he has lost 4 of the last 5. I suspect one of these rikishi will end up in a day 15 Darwin match.
Takarafuji vs Chiyotairyu – The winner of this match will be kachi-koshi. Both of them have fought well, but Chiyotairyu is in the midst of a bit of a fade, having lost 3 of the last 4 matches. They are evenly matched at 8-8 over their career history, so it will come down to Chiyotairyu overwhelming Takarafuji’s defenses in the first few seconds, before he exhausts his stamina.
Ikioi vs Tamawashi – Tamawashi tends to dominate these matches, and their career record favors him 11-5. But it’s also clear that Tamawashi is fighting well below his ability this march, likely due to some injury, and Ikioi is fighting well enough to give him a good battle.
Yutakayama vs Abi – I have to say I am very excited for this contest, as we get to see them fight for the first time since January 2019. A lot has changed since then, and Yutakayama comes into this match having won the last 4 matches, including against Ozeki Takakeisho and presumptive Ozeki Asanoyama. My money is on the “Big Unit” today.
Aoiyama vs Mitakeumi – Looks like the schedulers have decided no more yushos from the bottom of the banzuke without a solid series of test matches against higher ranking foes. Up comes Big Dan Aoiyama to face Mitakeumi in what may be a yusho race elimination contest. But Aoiyama is not a starry eye shin-maku rikishi freshly escaped from Juryo, he is a seasoned veteran who has a 3-4 career record against Mitakeumi. This has the potential to be one hell of a fight.
Okinoumi vs Kagayaki – Matching 6-5 records, both are solid in fundamentals and take a lot of care in their sumo. Okinoumi will tend for a mawashi battle and Kagayaki will go for strike and move. Great clash of styles with two evenly matched opponents.
Myogiryu vs Tokushoryu – Both of them are make-koshi, so this is really more or less for entertainment value.
Daieisho vs Onosho – A Daieisho win today is kachi-koshi, and he has won the last 2 verses Onosho. But the Onosho of Haru 2020 is a strong, determined fighter who is more than able to stand up to Daieisho aggressive, strong oshi-sumo. As long as Onosho can keep his feet (and I expect Daieisho to do everything he can to disrupt that), it has potential to be a big battle.
Hokutofuji vs Enho – Enho is one loss away from make-koshi, but if he were to win his remaining matches, it would more or less be in keeping with many of his earlier bashos. Enho has a sad habit of going on losing streaks, and then pulling it together at the end. I think this basho he may also be nursing an injury. Oddly enough, this is the first time he has ever fought Hokutofuji, who got completely overrun by Enho’s stable mate, Yokozuna Hakuho yesterday.
Asanoyama vs Takanosho – The second yusho elimination match of the day, this is a first time meeting against two rikishi who have had great tournaments this March. Advantage would obviously go to Asanoyama, but a loss by the Sekiwake today would puncture any further hopes of promotion to Ozeki before the next tournament.
Takakeisho vs Ryuden – I think most sumo fans are just hoping that Takakeisho can make it to day 15 without further injury, even if he ends up kadoban for the next tournament. He holds a 3-1 career advantage over Ryuden, but that may not matter given the condition of his left leg.
Hakuho vs Shodai – I do hope that Hakuho is done playing around, and he crumples Shodai into a heap before tea-bagging that heap and pushing it off the edge of the dohyo, into the chikara-mizu bucket. Finish strong, Hakuho!
Endo vs Kakuryu – For the last several days, Yokozuna Kakuryu has been all business. Strong, decisive, and completley dominating his matches. I know Endo is going to go for that left hand shallow grip, but I expect that Kakuryu is going to shut it down rather than give him space to get into trouble.
It’s time to start worrying about Ozeki Takakeisho. Clearly whatever is happening on that left leg is getting worse, and he’s looking more likely to be kadoban for the next basho, which we hope will be in May. With only one Ozeki remaining, and likely to be kadoban, it will likely be an influence into the question of Asanoyama’s promotion to sumo’s second highest rank. Sadly for the sumo world, it is likely that Asanoyama is not quite ready for the rank, and there are really no other candidates who are showing any kind of consistency in their sumo.
I also expect there to be similar consideration for the Yokozuna, there are really no candidates for promotion to sumo’s highest rank, and both of the current Yokozuna are getting toward the end of their careers. But if Hakuho’s day 11 performance is any indication, at least one of them is showing no lack of vigor when the mood suits him.
Highlight Matches
Aoiyama defeats Kotonowaka – Big Dan retains his share of the tournament lead with a resounding defeat of Kotonowaka. Kotonowaka had a couple of solid face attacks, but that only got Aoiyama fired up, and the V-Twin went to work. I was impressed that Kotonowaka had the ring sense to circle and deflect quite effectively for a while.
Kotoshogiku defeats Chiyomaru – Welcome back Chiyomaru! But Kotoshogiku had your number today, the Kyushu Bulldozer blasted straight through Chiyomaru’s initial tsuppari attack, grabbed him around the chest and powered forward. Kotoshogiku improves to 6-5.
Ikioi defeats Daiamami – Daiamami had the better of the tachiai, and a brief ottsuke battle ensued. A failed advance from Daiamami, and it was a stalemate in the center of the dohyo, which ended with Ikioi swinging Daiamami out for the win. Ikioi improves to 6-5.
Terutsuyoshi defeats Azumaryu – Terutsuyoshi seems to have surprised Azumaryu, driving inside and getting a fight hand inside position. As Azumaryu was adjusting to defense, Terutsuyoshi advanced strongly and drove Azumaryu over the bales. Terutsuyoshi improves to 6-5.
Kaisei defeats Chiyotairyu – Chiyotairyu did a great job of getting inside, and applying force to Kaisei’s chest. But Kaisei shoved Chiyotairyu away, and dove in for the grip. Finding a left hand outside, it was time for another episode of Newtonian Sumo, this time against an extremely large opponent. Both men exit day 11 with 7-4 records, well on their way to well deserved kachi-koshi.
Meisei defeats Sadanoumi – Great side step and deflect move by Meisei in the opening moments of the match brought him behind Sadanoumi, and it was an easy push out for the win. Sadanoumi picks up his 8th loss and is make-koshi for March.
Takanosho defeats Ishiura – Takanosho continues to dominate, but I really thought Ishiura had a great tachiai. But his gambit of using straight ahead sumo met Takanosho’s power and strength, and was found lacking. Takanosho improves to 9-2.
Kiribayama defeats Nishikigi – Grim match for Nishikigi, he was high at the tachiai, stumbled past Kiribayama, and immediately found himself in his opponent’s bear-hug. With triumphant force, Kiribayama slammed him to the clay. Nishikigi picks up his 8the loss and is make-koshi.
Shimanoumi defeats Shohozan – Shohozan continues to have absolutely no power this March, and finds himself outclassed by Shimanoumi. This is quite uncharacteristic for Shohozan, whose upper body strength is epic, when he is healthy. Shimanoumi improves to 6-5.
Tochiozan defeats Tamawashi – It seems no matter how hurt or in pain Tochiozan might be, he’s always got a mug full of smack down for Tamawashi. It was a simple “stand him up and throw him down” affair, but it was enough for Tochiozan’s first win of the basho.
Tochinoshin defeats Kagayaki – Well, that was quite the henka from the former Ozeki. He executes a couple of them every tournament now that he is walking wounded. Really a big let down to me as I wanted to see Tochinoshin battle Mr Fundamentals, but I understand.
Yutakayama defeats Takarafuji – Takarafuji’s “Defend and Extend” sumo could not contain Yutakayama, who seems to be really back in his pre-injury form now. Take a look at Yutakayama’s ottsuke! His foot position is less than optimum, but I am going to assume he can get that worked out. Now if we could just graft Yutakayama’s upper body on Kagayaki from the hips down…
Enho defeats Tokushoryu – Hatsu yusho winner Tokushoryu continues to suffer, and Enho fans rejoice as he staves off make-koshi another day. Enho even let Tokushoryu do most of the work, with a perfectly timed side step at the tawara.
Okinoumi defeats Myogiryu – Myogiryu opened strong with a series of attacks to Okinoumi’s face, but it left him high and a bit off balance. Okinoumi used the opening to get a left hand inside position, and got the yorikiri. Okinoumi improves to 6-5.
Mitakeumi defeats Daieisho – This match was all Daieisho until somehow Mitakeumi made his enormous tadpole body more or less vanish at the tawara as Daieisho lunged forward to finish him off. That was one hell of a move, and I am sure Daieisho was wonder “where did he go?”. I had to watch it on slow motion a few times myself, and marvel at Mitakeumi’s exquisite foot work and timing. Mitakeumi improves to 9-2.
Endo defeats Onosho – Master sumo technician Endo dismantles the Red Tadpole with uncanny awareness of Onosho’s attempt to pull. In fact, it seems Endo may have known he was going to do it even before Onosho did. Perfectly replaced to avoid Onosho’s attack, Endo used the mistake to drive Onosho from the ring for the win. Both men leave the dohyo with 6-5 records on day 11.
Asanoyama defeats Ryuden – Ryuden make Asanoyama work for that right hand inside position, shutting it down at the tachiai. But once Asanoyama set up shop, he caught Ryuden with his feet out of position, and with no defense. Asanoyama continues to move towards Ozeki consideration, but I worry that his sumo is still very narrow right now. It’s excellent sumo, but he may struggle as Ozeki until / unless he diversifies a bit.
Abi defeats Takakeisho – Takakeisho gets his arms out early, to grab Abi’s hands as they move to their first attack. A worthwhile gambit, and it works for a bit, giving Takakeisho the inside position and clear range to attack Abi’s body with his thrusting attack. But Takakeisho can’t make the timing work, and Abi masterfully resets, and lays down volley after volley against Takakeisho, driving him from the ring. Both end the match at 5-6.
Kakuryu defeats Shodai – As predicted, Shodai put up a strong effort, but it was all Kakuryu. The Yokozuna looked very strong and focused today, and given the worrisome state of the lone Ozeki, I think all talk of pressuring him to retire is off the table for the rest of the year.
Hakuho defeats Hokutofuji – I am sure Hakuho was really upset with himself after day 10. He decided to toy with Onosho, and found that the Red Tadpole has quite the bite. Today he showed what kind of power he has when he is focused, intense and absolutely looking to win with overwhelming power. Hokutofuji is well north of 150 kg, but he was ejected in moments by Hakuho’s opening attack.
