Day 9 featured some stand out matches, including the closer between Ryuden and Kiribayama. The match went on for a good length of time as a yotsu-zumo battle of strength and endurance. My complements to both men for one hell of a maximum effort fight. Prior to the start of day 9, Onosho withdrew from the tournament, citing a knee injury or re-injury. This explains his balance problems starting day 6. He will be out at least until Natsu in May, and I hope he can get his body healthy. Hokutofuji gets the fusensho, and improves to 5-4.

Later in the day, Shodai lost to Kotonowaka after a mis-timed move left him off balance at exactly the wrong moment. I am a bit sad that we won’t get to see Shodai try for this cup this March, but I am happy he decided to give fans some of his “good” sumo this month.

Midorifuji remains unbeaten, but I don’t expect that to hold into act 3, when the scheduling team gives harder matches to lower ranked rikishi with leading scores. Not that the men left populating the san’yaku are that fierce right now, but they have to be tougher than fighting his peers in the middle of the banzuke.

Highlight Matches

Chiyoshoma defeats Hokuseiho – Hokuseiho is now a far cry from his first 4 days when he seemed like quite the amazing new rikishi. Chiyoshoma easily dismantles his weak tachiai, stands him up and tosses him to the clay in what seems like an almost effortless uwatedashinage. I recall Hakuho saying that Hokuseiho will improve once he starts losing, and gets his first make-koshi. It seems that day has come. Chiyoshoma 6-3.

Bushozan defeats Tsurugisho – I don’t know why Tsurugisho seemed so lethargic today, and lacking attack power. Maybe he was injured in the past few days. The proof came when Bushozan came in for a grapple, and Tsurugisho tried to pull, giving the match to Bushozan, who ran him out for an oshidashi win to improve to 4-5.

Kotoeko defeats Oho – Well, that was kind of a crummy henka. Oho bought it in full, and skidded to a stop with his hands on the dohyo. Kotoeko now 6-3.

Mitoryu defeats Takarafuji – It breaks my hear to see Takarafuji struggle like this. In the comments for today’s preview, the possibilities of his demotion to Juryo was bantered about, and its looking more likely with each passing day. His problems started at the tachiai, where it looks like he is trying to protect his back. The match devolves into an arm’s length leaning contest, with Takarafuji breaking position first. Mitoryu followed with a quick thrust to the chest for an oshidashi win, improving to 4-5.

Takanosho defeats Kagayaki – Kagayaki tried to pull on the third exchange, and that was a big mistake. Takanosho’s feet were set, and his balance firm. The pull resulted in a potent Takanosho combo center mass, and Kagayaki was out three steps later. Takanosho now 6-3, I am starting to think he might be over his injuries and ready to climb back to the named ranks, where he belongs.

Nishikifuji defeats Kinbozan – Nishikifuji was working hard to develop a left hand frontal grip, but an opportunity with his right opened up, and he took it. The result was a shitatedashinage that brought Kinbozan down. Both end the day at 6-3.

Myogiryu defeats Daishoho – Its enlightening to see that once Myogiryu had Daishoho in a stalemate hold, Daishoho immediately went for a pull. For the love of the Great Sumo Cat, don’t do this guys. It’s boring sumo. Myogiryu runs Daishoho out, and scores his 4th win to finish the day 4-5.

Takayasu defeats Aoiyama – Takayasu goes for the battle-hug quickly, getting Aoiyama moving back from the second step. Aoiyama is still quite dangerous in this configuration, as he will try a slap down just before he steps out. It came on schedule, but Takayasu was enough ahead of that anticipated attack to ensure Big Dan was out before Takayasu hit the clay. He advances to 7-2 and stays in the yusho hunt.

Sadanoumi defeats Azumaryu – Good grief, Azumaryu has lost on all 9 days of the Haru basho. Azumaryu got his right hand inside early, and if you were going by that, you would think he had a solid shot at winning his first match. But Sadanoumi had him in a better hold. Sadanoumi lifted and walked ahead for the yorikiri, and finishes the day 2-7 to avoid make-koshi.

Endo defeats Hiradoumi – Hiradoumi puts in a solid effort, but against Endo it was simply not enough. Endo is hot or cold, but right now he’s warm to blazing. Check out his left arm ottsuke shutting down Hiradoumi as he works with his right hand inside. Endo decides to wait Hiradoumi out, and a sure as summer sunshine, Hiradoumi tires, Endo changes his grip, and Hiradoumi is out 3 steps later. Endo takes the match by yorikiri, and is 7-2.

Midorifuji defeats Ura – The pivotal match of the day, it was all down to Ura to cook up some impossible sumo. Ura had an excellent and dominant position, with a right hand hazu-oshi and a left hand outside. But for whatever reason he released his left, raised his arm and tried a pull. That gave the match to Midorifuji, who was happy to attack while Ura’s feet were off the ground, and dash him out of the ring. Midorifuji picks up the win by oshitaoshi, and remains unbeaten by 9-0.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Kotoshoho – Ichiyamamoto makes it 3 wins in a row, but lord what a mess. Ichiyamamoto kept pulling, failing, and nearly falling down. Not sure where Kotoshoho was, but he was handed a win at least 3 times, and could not do anything about it. The shambling wreck of Ichiyamamoto’s sumo eventually decided to try something in a forward gear, and found Kotoshoho easy enough to move out with a shove. Ichiyamamoto now 3-6, Kotoshoho picks up his 8th loss and is make-koshi.

Mitakeumi defeats Nishikigi – Nishikigi stumbles on the second step, and Mitakeumi knows just want to do, he backs away and guides Nishikigi forward with his hands, turning and pulling as he retreats. Good enough for a win, and Mitakeumi improves to 4-5.

Daieisho defeats Tamawashi – Traditional attack plan from Daieisho, with Tamawashi unable to answer in his current condition. Kind of sad to watch, but I understand why Tamawashi keeps going. Daieisho now kachi-koshi at 8-1, remaining one behind Midorifuji. Tamawashi now make-koshi at 1-8.

Kotonowaka defeats Shodai – So much for any notion that Shodai would compete for the cup. I still expect him to finish with at least 8 wins. The match turns when Shodai momentarily loses his balance, and is on one foot. Kotonowaka’s reaction time is blindingly fast, and he counters before Shodai can recover. Shodai tries an escape, and it’s about half a second shy of allowing him to set his feet. Kotonowaka takes the match by oshitaoshi thanks to impressive reaction time and spot on sumo skill, he is 7-2 and remains in the chase group.

Wakamotoharu defeats Abi – Not sure what the plan was there. Good opening combo from Abi, but he quickly tried for a headlock on Wakamotoharu and a pull. No way that was going to be effective, as Abi has no defense, and effectively no offense at that point. Wakamotoharu ran him out of the ring to advance to 6-3.

Hoshoryu defeats Tobizaru – Tobizaru decided to employ a henka at the tachiai. Hoshoryu was mostly unaffected by it, and caught Tobizaru off balance thanks to his henka. A quick tug on Tobizaru from Hoshoryu’s right hand, and the flying monkey took flight. Hoshoryu improves to 6-3.

Wakatakakage defeats Meisei – So it seems that Wakatakakage is out of his basho starting cold streak, now winning 4 in a row. He blasted Meisei from the start of the match, and drove him from the ring in a brutal stampede of sumo force. Both end the day 4-5.

Kiribayama defeats Ryuden – Ryuden gave it his all today, and was in fairly good form. His hips were quite high from the start, and that may be thanks to Ryuden’s persistent lower back problems. They lock up in the center of the dohyo, and wait each other out. When they resume active combat, Kiribayama can’t quite get the advantage, and Ryuden continues to stalemate and play for time. On his third attempt, Kiribayama finally overpowers Ryuden’s defense, and steps him out of the ring. Outstanding effort from both. Kiribayama now 6-3, Ryuden make-koshi at 1-8.

As we start week 2, it’s time to focus on the yusho race. Without further ado, here is the Haru leaderboard

Haru Leaderboard

It’s all Midorifuji for now, until someone can put him on the clay. That chore falls to Ura for day 9, but I have my doubts he can do it. I note with interest that Midorifuji and Daieisho have not yet fought, so we have that to look forward this week. Keep your eye on Shodai, as I think he’s going to be in the mix in the final 5 days. He’s back into a “good” mode after a six month string of make-koshi tournaments that cost him his Ozeki rank.

Leader: Midorifuji
Chasers: Daieisho
Hunt Group: Kotonowaka, Shodai, Endo, Takayasu, Kinbozan

7 Matches Remain

What We Are Watching Day 9

Hokuseiho (5-3) vs Chiyoshoma (5-3) – This ought to be good, we have a first ever match between the enormous Hokuseiho and the human henka dispenser Chiyoshoma, both at 5-3. I am not saying that its certain that Chiyoshoma is going to use a henka today, but you can bet it’s going to be an audible for him at the shikiri-sen.

Tsurugisho (5-3) vs Bushozan (3-5) – Tsurugisho with a 5-3 winning record is a good thing right about now. He is only Maegashira 16w this basho, and he would be well served by a kachi-koshi this time out. No such hopes for Maegashira 14 Bushozan, who I think is probably going to be on the bubble late in the week. Tsurugisho holds a 4-1 career lead in this match up.

Oho (4-4) vs Kotoeko (5-3) – I find it odd that Oho has a 3-1 career record over Kotoeko, but maybe its down to bulk. Numbers are wonderful, but this March, Oho seems to have left his sumo back in Tokyo, and I think Kotoeko has advantage here today, but he will need to be on his guard against Oho’s tsukiotoshi.

Mitoryu (3-5) vs Takarafuji (2-6) – One great thing about the second week, we tend to see lksumo’s wonderful posts on who is at risk for demotion in the top divisions. I would guess that Takarafuji is not going to be on the bubble this time, but I worry that unless he can get his body back to fighting form, he will exit the top division this year. Mitoryu won their only prior match, which was day 4 of Hatsu.

Kagayaki (3-5) vs Takanosho (5-3) – Their scores are mirror images of each other, but I would say that for this day in March, this is an even fight. Their career record is 5-5, and I think Kagayaki is finally dialed into his sumo, after three straight losses to start the basho. Kagayaki has won each of the last three matches.

Kinbozan (6-2) vs Nishikifuji (5-3) – I am quite excited for this match, as we have a first ever meet up between two rikishi who are fighting well, and have a large amount of room to move up the banzuke for May. I would give a slight edge to Kinbozan for the first 10 seconds of the match, but the longer it goes the more likely it will be that Nishikifuji can make something happen. I do note with concern that Nishikifuji has lost 3 in a row now. Injury?

Myogiryu (3-5) vs Daishoho (5-3) – Another match with mirror scores, with only one prior between them.. in 2019? Yes, day 8 of Nagyoa in 2019, and it went to Myogiryu. Myogiryu has lost 3 of the last 4, so I would guess it’s advantage Daishoho today.

Aoiyama (4-4) vs Takayasu (6-2) – These two share an evenly split 24 match history, and they tend to bash the stuffing out of each other when they fight. Four of the last five matches have gone to Takayasu, wth the most recent one being a year ago on day 9 of Haru. Takayasu has lost both of the last two matches, and I wonder if he’s just run out of sumo. Hopefully not.

Azumaryu (0-8) vs Sadanoumi (1-7) – A battle of two men with terrible tournaments. Azumaryu is already make-koshi, but if he picks up his first win it will be make-koshi for Sadanoumi as well. Sadanoumi has the edge in their 6-3 career record, but let’s face it. With scores this bad, it’s going to be whomever is less banged up who takes the win today.

Endo (6-2) vs Hiradoumi (4-4) – Hiradoumi surprised me on day 8, with a solid win against Takayasu. I know Takayasu can get out of his safety envelope and suddenly become easy to beat, but Hiradoumi showed solid technique in that win. He will have a different opponent today in Endo, who is now back in his focused and dangerous mode. They share a 1-1 career record.

Ura (5-3) vs Midorifuji (8-0) – Well, someone had to take on sole yusho race leader Midorifuji today. Why not Ura? They only met once before on day 12 of Aki 2022, and Ura won. Can he do it again today? I have doubts here, in spite of being a fan of Ura’s crazy sumo. Ura has won both of his last 2 matches, so maybe he’s got enough dark matter left to open a rift in spacetime and leave Midorifuji baffled.

Kotoshoho (1-7) vs Ichiyamamoto (2-6) – Day 8 was the first time this basho that I saw Ichiyamamoto fight in his normal style, and it netted him a win. He’s got an injured and suffering Kotoshoho today, who is looking terrible right now, having only a single win he picked up on day 7 against aptly named (for March anyhow) Sadanoumi.

Onosho (4-4) vs Hokutofuji (4-4) – Week two is great because you get these kind of matches. Both are either hot or cold, and right now Hokutofuji is ascendant and Onosho is hitting the skids, having lost three in a row now. Both are 4-4, and share an 8-8 career record.

Mitakeumi (3-5) vs Nishikigi (2-6) – I would hope that Mitakeumi is able to take care of arm-twister Nishikigi without losing an elbow. He has a 5-1 career lead, but the last time they fought was day 12 Aki 2022, and much has changed since then.

Daieisho (7-1) vs Tamawashi (1-7) – Daieisho needs to rack up the wins to keep in the chase against Midorifuji, and I like his chances here against a flagging Tamawashi. Tamawashi has a 14-9 career advantage, but he’s probably hurt, fighting poorly, and just not up to competing as the top rank and file man in sumo.

Shodai (6-2) vs Kotonowaka (6-2) – I love this match, as they are both 6-2, and its going to be an elimination from the hunt group for one of them. I have no clue what caused Shodai to revert to his “good” form, but I am happy to see him fighting well. Kotonowaka has a 5-2 career advantage against Shodai, with their last two matches going to Shodai, the most recent on day 3 of Hatsu.

Wakamotoharu (5-3) vs Abi (5-3) – Matching scores again, and a lopsided 4-0 career advantage for Abi in their career match ups. Abi has lost the last 2 matches, after a 5 win streak prior to his day 7 loss to Shodai, who handed Wakamotoharu one of his losses yesterday.

Tobizaru (4-4) vs Hoshoryu (5-3) – I don’t think we are ever going to see Ozeki Tobizaru, but he’s fantastic where he has been for much of the last year, providing high energy sumo to test the top men in the sport. I have no idea where he gets the energy and drive, but it’s a wonder to watch at times. He has a 6-8 record against Hoshoryu, who is on a solid path to a kachi-koshi by next Sunday.

Wakatakakage (3-5) vs Meisei (4-4) – It’s amazing to me that Wakatakakage tends to start many of his basho with a solid losing streak. That ended day 6, and how he has three wins in a row. I would be thrilled if he can fight his way back to kachi-koshi after that old start, and maybe bring his Ozeki hopes back into focus with a new run starting in May. He holds a 7-3 career lead in the series against Meisei.

Kiribayama (5-3) vs Ryuden (1-7) – May not be much of a fight, as Ryuden can’t find his sumo right now, and is nothing close to his normal fighting form. I expect a quick Kiribayama win.

A solid day of sumo for nakabi, with stand out matches across the board. With the middle day of the basho now in the record books, is on to the second week, where we will sort everyone into make-koshi and kachi-koshi, and award the Emperor’s Cup.

One thing that hit me today, with this being a Nokazuna-Nozeki tournament, the day sort of ends without any real high-stakes match. It has to be bad for ratings in Japan, which is a shame. I have a odd feeling we will get more of this in the next few months.

Stand out performance today from Daieisho, Kiribayama and Tobizaru, Endo, Ura, Hiradoumi, and it was fun to see Hokuseiho decide to pull out all the stops and win by any means available. Keep your eye on Shodai. It seems that Yokozuna Shodai from the mirror universe (where Spock has a beard) is in town this March, and he’s beating his opponents like a drum.

Highlight Matches

Kinbozan defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma had a strong opening combo, landing a left hand frontal grip, and immediately lifted to get Kinbozan unweighted. Chiyoshoma could not complete his attack, and Kinbozan returned the hold, and both were right hand inside. Kinbozan stoped trying to wrestle, and started cleaning house, lifting Chiyoshoma up Tochinoshin style, and carrying him out. Power win by tsuridashi, Kinbozan is now 6-2.

Daishoho defeats Mitoryu – A surprisingly lethargic match, they grappled early, and mostly groped for some kind of working hold. Finding nothing but rubbery back fat to grab, Daishoho eventually launched a rather sloppy uwatenage that worked well enough to score the win. Daishoho improves to 5-3.

Hokuseiho defeats Kotoeko – He fights! Kotoeko worked overtime to sell that hazu-oshi, but Hokuseiho was not buying today. After a few minutes of receiving an armpit attack, Hokuseiho had enough, reached over Kotoeko’s back, grabbed his mawashi knot and decided to shut down Kotokeo by any means available. In a largely improvised move, he lifted and twisted, slamming Kotoeko out. Kimarite is listed as the seldom seen harimanage, and Hokuseiho break his 3 match losing streak to improve to 5-3. Sometimes being enormous is a valid sumo strategy.

Oho defeats Takarafuji – Takarafuji really does not have much sumo right now, and its all down to his entire lexicon being based on what had previously been his ability to defend endlessly almost any form of attack. Whatever happened to him has shut most of that down, and he can’t “defend and extend” any longer. The result is a match like today, where Oho runs him amok and pushes out whatever is left. Oho improves to 4-4.

Bushozan defeats Azumaryu – Quite the sad match, as Azumaryu picks up his make-koshi on day 8, having lost every single match since the start of the tournament a week ago. I was very happy for him in January when he scored his first top division kachi-koshi in multiple tries, but it looks like he’s not long for the Maegashira ranks. Today he was crumpled to the clay by Bushozan on the second step, giving Bushozan a 3-5 score to end day 8.

Tsurugisho defeats Myogiryu – Tsurugisho does a great job of blunting Myogiryu’s opening combo, stalemating him and standing him up in the center of the dohyo. Myogiryu tries to change up his grip and that sets up the throw that gives Tsurugisho the match. He is now 5-3.

Kagayaki defeats Nishikifuji – Nishikifuji literally bounced off of Kagayaki at the tachiai. Kagayaki followed up with a devastating thrust center-mass, and Nishikifuji was out, and headed into the crowd. Kagayaki improves to 3-5.

Ura defeats Takanosho – There are days when I watch Ura fight and just ask “What the hell is he doing?”, like today. He’s bent nearly in half, with his arms fully extended forward, like some crazed battle-crab jacked up on weapons grade espresso. But it seems Takanosho is just as puzzled by this as I am, and his reaction seems to be “Get that thing out of here!”. But for reasons only the cosmos can explain, Ura can fight from that position, and he drives Takanosho out in quick time. I have always heard that they do things oddly in Osaka, so maybe that explains Ura. Both end the day 5-3.

Hiradoumi defeats Takayasu – As a long suffering Takayasu fan, this is all too familiar. He’s 6-0! Great! This could be his big chance! Then his sumo goes all chaos, and he’s suddenly 6-2, and you realize he’s the Chicago Bears of sumo. Always a strong player, but not really ever going to take home the big prize. I saw Takayasu bring his hands up to attempt a slap/pull down twice, each time it gave Hiradoumi a broad open attack lane to Takayasu’s chest. Hiradoumi maintained his hold, and used it to bodily drive Takayasu back, and a step later, out. Hiradoumi improves to 4-4.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Sadanoumi – Both of these rikishi started the day with a single win, and are struggling this March, possibly due to injuries. Today was the first day I saw Ichiyamamoto actually execute his “Brand of sumo”, and it was more than up to the task of putting Sadanoumi on the clay. He picks up a much needed second win to improve to 2-6.

Hokutofuji defeats Kotoshoho – Ok, that’s 4 consecutive wins for Hokutofuji after 4 consecutive losses. I am not sure what is going on with ole’Stompy, but maybe he was able to remediate whatever was sapping his power. He made lightning fast work of Kotoshoho, finishing his oshidashi with a flourish, now 4-4.

Midorifuji defeats Aoiyama – The undefeated leader of the yusho race picks up his kachi-koshi on day 8 by trading Aoiyama blow for blow, no easy task. I note with some interest that the moment Midorifuji is able to grapple Aoiyama’s enormous pasty body, Aoiyama lost his ability to fight. I am putting more belief that Big Dan is injured. Midorifuji’s hand placement was nearly perfect, and he drove Aoiyama out of the ring with a yorikiri, now 8-0.

Endo defeats Onosho – Impressive match from Endo today, he was forced to work left hand outside vs his preferred left hand inside, but still managed to get Onosho lifted up, then moved back and out by yorikir. Solid work for his 6th win to improve to 6-2.

Meisei defeats Ryuden – Ryuden continues to have nothing but clumsy moves and poor sumo in Osaka, I feel for the guy. Meisei dumps him to all fours at the tachiai, for an insta-win, ending the day at 4-4.

Daieisho defeats Abi – Abi used some of his rapid attack sumo today. It’s been a while since we have seen him launch his double arm thrusts this quickly. I think he knew the longer the match went, the more likely Daieisho would settle into his offense. It did not take long for this to come to pass, as Daieisho got his hands on Abi’s elbows, and used his long, extended arms a handlebars to drive him back out of the ring. Daieisho remains in the yusho hunt at 7-1.

Kotonowaka defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi continues to lose matches, apparently due to damage to his undercarriage. Kotonowaka is able to push through his initial stance, with Tamawashi unable to reset his feet to defend. It’s a quick run to the east side and over the edge into a waiting Wakamotoharu. Kotonowaka now 6-2.

Shodai defeats Wakamotoharu – You have to give it to Shodai, when that guy is dialed into his sumo, he can make almost anyone look like a chump. He grabs Wakamotoharu in the tachiai, turns on the “Wall of Daikon” and just blasts forward. He completely overwhelms Wakamotoharu’s normally solid defense, and dumps him out of the ring on the east side, following a similar trajectory that Tamawashi took. Shodai now 6-2.

Wakatakakage defeats Nishikigi – Good for Wakatakakage, he does not Nishikigi set up that arm-bar, or try for a kotenage. He gets to keep his elbow intact. A quick tsukiotoshi, and Nishikigi is face down on the clay, and Wakatakakage is 3-5.

Kiribayama defeats Tobizaru – Without a doubt the highlight match of a very solid day of sumo. The clash of styles was tremendous to see, and their bottomless reservoirs of fighting spirit drove this match to dizzying heights. Kiribayama was power forward, Tobizaru was strike and shift, over and over again. It was glorious. When they go chest to chest, the action slows for a moment, before they try a mutual throw. Only by sheer force of will does Kiribayama land last. Brilliant sumo! Kiribayama now 5-3.

Hoshoryu defeats Mitakeumi – Hoshoryu showed some solid sumo today, and was able to covert his left hand inside to a double inside after struggling for control with Mitakeumi. Once he had his hands set, it was a quick lift and walk forward to secure his 5th win by yorikiri, now at 5-3.