Haru 2025

Haru 2025: Day Eleven

Andy Haru 2025, Haru Basho , , , , ,

Kusano chugged his way to an eleventh straight victory, this time rolling over the former Makuuchi veteran, Tsurugisho. Tsurugisho conceded while he was still in bounds but Kusano kept up the gaburi until Tsurugisho stepped back over the bales. He will face Roga tomorrow. With a win, he guarantees at least a spot in a Juryo playoff. If my math’s right, this race might be decided with the other divisions on Day 13.

NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Shirokuma (4-7) defeated Asakoryu (6-5). Shirokuma kept Asakoryu contained in front of him and steadily pushed him back and out. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (7-4) defeated Ryuden (4-7). Tokihayate used big man sumo and threw Ryuden rather unceremoniously at the edge. He wrapped up Ryuden with his right hand and fought to get that left hand inside, as well. As soon as he secured the left-hand inside, he yanked Ryuden over. His left hand disengaged from the belt during the throw but I really thing it was a shitatenage, rather than a sukuinage. But I’m new at this, so let’s go with their call. Sukuinage.

Onokatsu (7-4) defeated Mitakeumi (4-7). When Onokatsu got his belt grip, he pressed forward and forced Mitakeumi back to the edge. Mitakeumi tried to twist and throw Onokatsu at the edge but Onokatsu kept Mitakeumi centered in front of him and dumped him over the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Kotoshoho (5-6) defeated Meisei (7-4). A short oshi-tsuki tussle before Kotoshoho slapped Meisei down. Hatakikomi.

Shonannoumi (2-9) defeated Sadanoumi (6-5). Shonannoumi tried to heave Sadanoumi over at the edge but a lightbulb seemed to go off in his head, “I shouldn’t do this moving backwards, I should move forward.” So he pivoted and attacked Sadanoumi from a much better position. Shonannoumi then flung Sadanoumi out. If you shove your opponent two meters, I’d consider that deserving of a tsukidashi. But I’m new at this so we’ll go with their call, Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (8-3) defeated Hakuoho (6-5). Strong sumo fundamentals from the debutant. Body low, head down, strong tsuppari. He was able to use excellent footwork and position to not only survive Hakuoho’s pull down attempt, he brushed it off and then executed his own. Well done, kiddo. Kachi-koshi secured on Day 11 means he’s likely to be around for a while. If he keeps going there should be a special prize or two available. I look forward to this rivalry. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (6-5) defeated Takarafuji (3-8). Oshoma man-handled the elderly gentleman, turned him around with a yank on his belt, and escorted him from the dohyo from behind. Takarafuji makekoshi. Okuridashi.

Atamifuji (6-5) defeated Shishi (7-4). The milkmaid is gone. Therefore, an angry Atamifuji sought revenge, locked up both of Shishi’s arms and pressured him, roughly, to the edge. Solid gaburi-yotsu and an unwavering crushing attack on both of Shishi’s arms eventually forced Shishi over the tawara. Kimedashi.

Tamawashi (8-3) defeated Midorifuji (6-5). Solid sumo from Tamawashi as he kept Midorifuji in front of him and did not allow him to get inside. He then slapped Midorifuji down. The demeanor evoked a brutal version of the turtle from Nemo. “Chill, little dude.” Hatakikomi.

Endo (6-5) defeated Shodai (4-7). Endo moved quickly and pulled Shodai down at the edge. Endo tumbled down as well, and unexpectedly fell. When he got up he was visibly favoring his left leg…meaning he possibly rolled his ankle stepping down from the dohyo. Rub some keiko on it, gamberize, and we’ll see you here tomorrow at 5pm, sharp! But first, stand here and wait through the break and judging change so you can hand off the power water. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Takerufuji (9-2) defeated Churanoumi (8-3). Takerufuji just obliterated Churanoumi and blasted him out of the ring under the red tassel. Tsukidashi.

Hiradoumi (6-5) defeated Nishikigi (1-10). Hiradoumi wrapped up Nishikigi and ushered him out of the ring behind a few hops of gaburi-yotsu. Nishikigi should tumble down the banzuke come May. “Will his final tally warrant demotion,” is the only question remaining. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (4-7) defeated Kinbozan (5-6). Chiyoshoma got inside too quickly for Kinbozan’s tsuppari to be effective. He stayed low so Kinbozan’s powerful arms were resigned to holding onto Chiyoshoma’s head. As Chiyoshoma grabbed Kinbozan’s belt and went to work driving him back, Kinbozan flailing around. “Get him off me! Get him off me!” Kinbozan turned and tried to extract himself from Chiyoshoma’s grip but Chiyoshoma just stuck with him and shoved him over the bales. Okuridashi.

Wakamotoharu (7-4) defeated Takanosho (3-8). Takanosho shoved forward but Wakamotoharu danced along the tawara long enough to shove Takanosho down before hopping out. Takanosho makekoshi. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (6-5) defeated Tobizaru (4-7). Wakatakakage corralled the flying monkey and quickly shoved him from the fighting surface. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Gonoyama (4-7) defeated Abi (4-7). Flying henka from Abi but Gonoyama pivoted in time to turn the tables and force Abi back to the edge. As Abi fought back, Gonoyama thrust him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (5-6) defeated Takayasu (9-2). Takayasu forced Kirishima to the bales behind powerful tsuppari but a single, well-timed blow from Kirishima changed the entire bout. This right arm blast hit Takayasu in the left shoulder and got him turned. Kirishima pounced, literally going for the jugular with a nodowa as he shoved Takayasu through the ring. By the time Takayasu got his body re-centered, Kirishima shoved him out. The air went out of the entire building as the assembled fans’ hopes died. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (8-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (6-5). Daieisho pivoted to his right and shoved Ichiyamamoto to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Kotozakura (6-5) defeated Oho (4-7). Kotozakura came prepared. Oho struck out at the tachiai but as he recoiled, Kotozakura embedded his left arm under Oho’s right shoulder, shoving him neatly to the side. A simple follow-up shove forced Oho out. Oshidashi.

Onosato (9-2) defeated Ura (4-7). Onosato battered Ura with powerful tsuppari so Ura retreated and attempted to slip to the side. Onosato pivoted in pursuit and slapped Ura down. Ura has yet to defeat Onosato. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

As a golfer (well, at least having grown up around enough of them) I realize the truth. There are multiple gods of sports and they are habitually aligned against us. I had thought I purged these beasts by ceremonially offering my cursed bag of bent clubs to the Lady of the Lake. But they have followed me into Sumo Fandom. Oh, cruel sumo gods, why do you taunt us so?

Kirishima sure changed the outlook on this yusho race. Takayasu lost his position as sole leader but more importantly, Shodai has apparently lost his position as spoiler-in-chief. Tomorrow, Shodai will face Shirokuma as the latter needs to figure something out, quickly, to avoid demotion.

  • 9-2: Onosato, Takayasu, Takerufuji
  • 8-3: Daieisho, Tamawashi, Aonishiki, Churanoumi*

*because I forgot

The bout makers thrust Takerufuji right into the heat of things by pitting him against Onosato tomorrow. So, the leadership race will narrow by at least one tomorrow. Takayasu will fight Oho. Oho is staring makekoshi in the eye and must win out to preserve his rank. He should be motivated tomorrow.

Our chase group will not have an easy time of it tomorrow, either. Daieisho will take on Kotozakura and Tamawashi will face Kirishima. Aonishiki, whose presence among the leaders is a welcome surprise, will fight Meisei who will try again for kachi-koshi. Elsewhere, Shishi is brought up to fight Wakamotoharu as both seek kachi-koshi. Tokihayate will face Shonannoumi.

Well, I’m off to sleep. See y’all tomorrow.

Haru 2025: Day Ten

Andy Haru 2025, Haru Basho , , ,

Day Ten in Osaka. The big news is that Yokozuna Hoshoryu is kyujo. He is the first shin-Yokozuna to go kyujo in his debut in 39 years. Back in 1986, Futahaguro went kyujo. Comparisons between the two are irrelevant because Hoshoryu actually has titles to his name. It will be his first losing record since 2021. Ura will pick up the fusen win.

Nonetheless, some of you had called it in the comments, particularly Justme who postulated that despite no bandages, the band-aid was a sign of likely pain medicine injections. Tatsunami Oyakata revealed Hoshoryu had injured his right elbow at Hatsu Basho. He had thought he would be ready for Haru but apparently not. We hope he heals those injuries and comes back strong in May.

Down in Juryo, Kusano continues his charge though he was saved by the shimpan today. Kusano plowed forward but Shimanoumi slapped him down at the edge while stepping out. Gunbai Shimanoumi. The shimpan called a mono-ii and replay showed Shimanoumi stepped out before Kusano came down. Kusano moves to 10-0. With Hitoshi’s loss, Kusano is now three clear of the field.

Hokutofuji is not one of the chase group. Quite the opposite, he has a mere 3 wins and will fight Hatsuyama to stave off make-koshi.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Tokihayate (6-4) defeated Fujiseiun (Juryo 6-4). Tokihayate grabbed Fujiseiun by the shoulders and pulled back, dragging Fujiseiun forward and thrusting him to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (7-3) defeated Kotoshoho (4-6). After a brief oshi brawl, Aonishiki grabbed Kotoshoho’s belt with his right hand and immediately yanked him forward to the ground. Uwatedashinage.

Sadanoumi (6-4) defeated Ryuden (4-6). Sadanoumi locked on with a morozashi, double-inside belt grip and heaved Ryuden over the bales. Both men tumbled down the dohyo. Shitatenage.

Shishi (7-3) defeated Mitakeumi (4-6). Mitakeumi drove Shishi toward the bales but Shishi was able to pivot the pair and press Mitakeumi up against the bales. Mitakeumi went inside to resist being pushed out and grabbed onto Shishi’s belt. This allowed Shishi access with his left hand and he immediately dragged Mitakeumi forward and rolled him to the floor. Uwatenage.

Asakoryu (6-4) defeated Takarafuji (3-7). Asakoryu shoved Takarafuji out behind the force of his nodowa. Takarafuji had some success shifting direction but could not follow up with an attack of his own. So Asakoryu re-engaged and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Meisei (7-3) defeated Shirokuma (3-7). As Shirokuma drove forward, Meisei slipped left and dragged Shirokuma down by his right arm. Kotenage.

Churanoumi (8-2) defeated Hakuoho (6-4). Pull at your peril. After a brawl which bloodied Churanoumi, the two settled into a stalemate at the center of the ring. Churanoumi began charging forward so Hakuoho pulled…but could not slap down Churanoumi. Churanoumi kept Hakuoho centered and drove him off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (6-4) defeated Atamifuji (5-5). After a lengthy tussle, Onokatsu acquired a double-inside hold and escorted a weary Atamifuji over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shodai (4-6) defeated Midorifuji (6-4). Shodai tried to heave Midorifuji out early but Midorifuji resisted at the bales and had the gall to go on the attack and try that katasukashi of his. After several attempts to grab Midorifuji and throw him out, Shodai had enough of this little guy and crushed him down to the floor in the middle of the dohyo. Makiotoshi.

Tamawashi (7-3) defeated Nishikigi (1-9). Nishikigi pivoted and thrust Tamawashi forward, stumbling to the edge. Just when it looked like Nishikigi might pick up another rare win, Tamawashi spun and forced Nishikigi out. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (5-5) defeated Hiradoumi (5-5). After a few matta, Oshoma slipped left at the tachiai and slapped the hard-charging Hiradoumi to the floor at the tachiai. A decidedly less entertaining hatakikomi than the previous bout, it elicits a few groans but mostly silence from the assembled crowd.

Halftime

Takerufuji (8-2) defeated Shonannoumi (1-9). Shonannoumi tried to pull Takerufuji over to the side but Takerufuji had read the brief and new what to look for. He kept Shonannoumi centered and droe forward, forcing Shonannoumi back and out. Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (5-5) flattened Endo (5-5). I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone just completely bowled over like that at the tachiai, without kachi-age KO. Kinbozan’s two-arm thrust to the head lifted the poor kid off his feet and propelled him backward. Tsukiotoshi.

Tobizaru (4-6) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-7). If you watch Chiyoshoma’s tachiai here, this is how a henka-artiste defends against a henka. Nonetheless, Tobizaru went on the attack and forced Chiyoshoma from the ring. Chiyoshoma could not get inside to get at the belt. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (5-5) defeated Gonoyama (3-7). Wakatakakage got inside and seized Gonoyama’s belt with his left hand. Gonoyama’s “flight” reflex kicked in. He tried to get himself free and run away but Wakatakakage shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Sanyaku

Takanosho (3-7) defeated Kirishima (4-6). Just when we are all wondering, “how is Takanosho consistently up here in the joi, or even sanyaku?” he pulls out a great oshi-tsuki display like today. Excellent footwork and steady oshi pressure forced Kirishima out. He just does not seem to have a reliable, “go-to,” secondary attack, no mis-direction or slapdown or yotsu game. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (6-4) defeated Abi (4-6). Now, Abi’s got the tsuppari attack and the nodowa like Takanosho but he also has the hatakikomi attack. But Wakamotoharu was prepared for that today and stayed upright, forcing Abi from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (7-3) defeated Oho (4-6). One heck of a pusher-thruster bout. Oho seemed to have the advantage early but could not get Daieisho out. However, Oho soon tired. This was a stamina win for Daieisho. After a minute of blasting away and chasing Daieisho around the ring, Oho was gassed and fell to the easy thrustdown. Great bout. I look forward to more of this from both guys. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (4-6) fusen against Hoshoryu (5-5-5).

Takayasu (9-1) defeated Onosato (8-2). Pull at your peril, I say! Onosato forced Takayasu back to the tawara behind his strong tsuppari. But he latched on with his right hand on Takayasu’s belt, pivoted, and pulled Takayasu. But Takayasu stayed up, moved with Onosato’s rotation, and forced the Ozeki from the ring. Both tumbled down in a heap, gunbai Takayasu. No mono-ii. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (6-4) defeated Kotozakura (5-5). Ichiyamamoto comes out and what does he do? He pulls; and he wins. He stood up Kotozakura at the tachiai with a brief shove, then rotated in the same direction Onosato had in the previous bout, and slapped Kotozakura down to the clay. The key here is that wrap around Kotozakura’s knee. He cannot survive the pivot left. Ichiyamamoto played it well. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Takayasu leads with one loss. The “adult in the room” was put to bed by Papa-yasu. Onosato falls into the chase group with Takerufuji and Churanoumi.

  • 9-1: Takayasu
  • 8-2: Onosato, Takerufuji, Churanoumi.

Takayasu will fight Kirishima tomorrow. Onosato will face Ura. Schedulers pit Takerufuji against Churanoumi. “We’re only going to put up with one of you guys challenging for the yusho.”

Kotozakura still has a struggle on his hands to save himself from demotion. He needs three wins in the final five days or Onosato will be alone at the rank in May.

Yes, pulls work…sometimes. Actually, they work quite a bit. But when they work, they usually work quickly, within a step or two backwards. In cases like today’s Onosato-Takayasu bout, Onosato cut off half of the ring by pivoting so hard. If Takayasu stayed with him, he had no where to go but out. And that’s where he went. I guess my frustration with the pull isn’t the pull itself, it’s the overcommittment. Frequently, it will be akin to tipping your king or going “all-in” with rags.

Onosato’s forward sumo forced Takayasu to the edge. Why give up on it? If you reach in for the belt, rather than pull, use gaburi-yotsu and force Takayasu over the edge. Don’t cede the winning position! In keiko, you spend the entire time learning how to move forward, perfecting how to move forward. Sure, there’s some lateral movement in there but no one’s doing suriashi backwards! You’re not rabbits. You can’t see behind you! You can’t see how much room you have or where those tawara are as it closes in on you! You’re Phoenixes and Eagles and Tigers and Lions and Flying Monkeys. Birds and Beasts of Prey. Attack! GAH!

Alright, that’s my rant. Feel free to argue with me in the comments about how pulling is the greatest tactic, ever and how you will now have posters of Ichiyamamoto on your walls.

Haru 2025: Day Nine

Andy Haru 2025, Haru Basho ,

Day Nine in Osaka brought win number nine for Kusano as he continues to roll in Juryo. Straight-forward gaburi-yotsu was too much Shimanoumi picked up his second loss so Kusano has a two-win lead over the field. Kusano will take on Shimanoumi tomorrow.

No news from the infirmary but as we noted yesterday, Nabatame is back and will fight our opener against Aonishiki. Make-koshi incoming. The NHK bout videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II. Or just bookmark this page. They’ve got bouts going back to May of last year…so almost a year worth of footage from Juryo and Makuuchi.

Makuuchi Action

Aonishiki (6-3) defeated Nabatame (Juryo 1-4-4). Aonishiki weathered Nabatame’s tsuppari and stayed upright for his slapdown attempts. Aonishiki eventually worked his way inside and got Nabatame’s belt and rather unceremoniously dumped him at the edge of the ring. Kirikaeshi.

Tokihayate (5-4) defeated Churanoumi (7-2). Solid tachiai. Early pull from Churanoumi put him at a disadvantage so he locked on to Tokihayate’s belt. Tokihayate grabbed Churanoumi’s belt and both tried to swing the other over the tawara. Churanoumi gambited with a trip attempt but that threw off his footing as Tokihayate pressed into him and ran him out of the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Ryuden (4-5) defeated Mitakeumi (4-5). Ryuden got his left hand inside grip early and as soon as he established that right hand over arm grip, Mitakeumi was toast. Ryuden corralled Mitakeumi at the edge and escorted him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shishi (6-3) defeated Asakoryu (5-4). Shishi’s milk-maid tachiai is about timing. Asakoryu threw him off it for two matta. But when we finally got a good tachiai, Shishi got a right hand grip of Asakoryu, deep at the back of Asakoryu’s belt. Asakoryu tried to pull on Shishi’s arm for a kotenage but Shishi just rolled with it and pressed Asakoryu over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (4-5) defeated Onokatsu (5-4). Kotoshoho started his attack with tsuppari but quickly locked on with his left-hand inside. He tried to use his right hand ottsuke to get Onokatsu’s left hand off but that also helped drive Onokatsu back to the edge. Some gaburi hip action from Kotoshoho finished Onokatsu off at the edge. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (5-4) defeated Takarafuji (3-6). Takarafuji locked on with both hands inside and drove Sadanoumi back to the edge. At the bales, Sadanoumi turned the tables. Sadanoumi shifted to his left and rolled Takarafuji onto the dohyo by shoving forcefully at Takarafuji’s right shoulder. Tsukiotoshi.

Midorifuji (6-3) defeated Shirokuma (3-6). After a brief tsuppari brawl, Midorifuji snuck his left hand up under Shirokuma’s shoulder, then brought his right arm up to pull Shirokuma down. Katasukashi.

Oshoma (4-5) defeated Shonannoumi (1-8). Shonannoumi pulled and that allowed Oshoma to get low and press inside. Now standing rather upright, Shonannoumi had no recourse and Oshoma rode him out of town. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (5-4) defeated Meisei (6-3). Meisei pulled and Atamifuji kept Meisei’s backward momentum going, forcing him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Endo (5-4) defeated Tamawashi (6-3). I think Tamawashi pissed Endo off with the brutal double nodowa. Endo dug deep with a determination I have not seen in years. He got a double inside grip and pressed into Tamawashi, forcing him to the bales. Tamawashi pivoted and Endo stuck with him, spinning around and twisting Tamawashi to the ground with his left arm. Sukuinage.

Hakuoho (6-3) defeated Shodai (3-6). Great tachiai from Hakuoho as he got low and drove Shodai back and out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Takerufuji (7-2) defeated Nishikigi (1-8). The Kyokai is going to start selling Nishikigi cakes because fighting Nishikigi is a cake walk. Takarafuji ushered him over the bales today. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi (5-4) defeated Takanosho (2-7). After a solid tachiai, Takanosho put his drive in gear and Hiradoumi slipped to the left and watched Takanosho roll on by. Hiradoumi slapped him down as Takanosho stumbled forward. Hatakikomi.

Tobizaru (3-6) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-4). Tobizaru shoved Wakamotoharu to the bales but WMH twisted and pulled Tobizaru down. Gunbai Tobizaru. Mono-ii. After a video review, the judges confirmed the ruling on the field. Tobizaru pushed Wakamotoharu out first. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (4-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-6). Wakatakakage forced Chiyoshoma to the edge and Chiyoshoma twisted WTK over. Both men tumbled down to the ground. Gunbai Wakatakakage. The judges determined both men fell at the same time and called for a rematch. In the rematch, Chiyoshoma tried to twist Wakatakakage down at the edge again but this time WTK’s footwork was solid and he forced Chiyoshoma to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Sanyaku

Gonoyama (3-6) defeated Kirishima (4-5). Gonoyama chased Kirishima across the ring and shoved the former Ozeki out. Oshidashi.

Oho (4-5) defeated Kinbozan (4-5). Kinbozan started shoving Oho back but then Oho let loose with his own tsuppari. Oho timed his blast to coincide with Kinbozan’s right hand. Oho hit him from the side with the left and that was enough to throw Kinbozan off balance. Oho kept up the tsuppari and shoved Kinbozan from the ring. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (6-3) defeated Ura (3-6). Daieisho blasted Ura back to the bales with tsuppari. Ura loaded his spring-like legs with energy and got ready to unload. So, Daieisho stepped to the side and watched Ura roll across the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu (8-1) defeated Kotozakura (5-4). Takayasu shouldered Kotozakura to the edge. Kotozakura tried to slap Takayasu down but stumbled as he tried to get around Takayasu to the left. I’m not convinced Takayasu’s hold on Kotozakura’s belt had much of an impact on this outcome. It looked like Kotozakura was just clumsy. What do you all think? Shitatedashinage.

Onosato (8-1) defeated Abi (4-5). Abi had a good hold of Onosato’s belt with his left and pulled, hard. Onosato hopped forward to keep his footing as Abi pulled him around the ring. After Abi dragged Onosato around the ring for a few laps, Onosato finally managed to square his body to Abi and drove him out of the ring. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (5-4) defeated Hoshoryu (5-4). Hoshoryu attacked as he must have planned. Hoshoryu slipped to the right and pulled Ichiyamamoto over, hoisting his leg to give help him tip Ichiyamamoto over. Ichiyamamoto hopped on his right leg, however, and kept his balance. He rotated the opposite way and put his weight into Hoshoryu, forcing Hoshoryu to the ground. Hoshoryu committed everything to that throw and Ichiyamamoto just played it perfectly. Sukuinage.

Wrap-up

Well. Let’s get this out of the way first. This is not the Yokozuna debut tournament Hoshoryu was likely after, giving up his third kinboshi. This time, he lost to Ichiyamamoto who was facing a Yokozuna for the first time in his career. The debate will surely continue to rage about whether Hoshoryu was promoted prematurely or not. Frankly, he has made it half-way through a tournament and that’s more than the previous office holder could manage.

Over the past two years Terunofuji survived to fight on nakabi only three times. Yes, he won each of those tournaments. But if you were quiet then, giving Terunofuji a pass with competing in 3 yusho races in 12 tries (or one in four tournaments), it’s plainly a much stricter standard to expect Hoshoryu to be in every yusho race. Some day we’re just going to have to get used to the fact that Hakuho is retired. Hoshoryu will fight Ura tomorrow.

Yusho Race:

  • 8-1: Onosato, Takayasu
  • 7-2: Takerufuji, Churanoumi

Takayasu’s charge continues as he picked up his kachi-koshi today against Kotozakura. Takayasu is looking great as he has not seemed wildly out of control in any bouts and usually firmly calm and collected. Kotozakura, on the other hand, is not making this easy on himself and will struggle to get his kachi-koshi with the meat of his schedule still to come. Tomorrow, he should be able to manage Ichiyamamoto.

Onosato’s win was a Great Escape as Abi was allowed to mount a strong attack. He’s stays in the lead but certainly appears vulnerable. Onosato will take on Takayasu in the bout of the tournament so far. One man will take the advantage into the closing stage of the tournament. Which will it be?

Churanoumi slipped up today and seems to be lucky to be in the leadership group and I think he will be likely to fade this week. He’s been fighting the dregs of the division after two poor tournaments. He will face Hakuoho tomorrow, who is really much closer to his level than folks like Mitakeumi, Takarafuji, and Aonishiki.

Takerufuji should advance easily against Shonannoumi tomorrow. But sometimes folks suddenly wake up, like Endo did today. But Endo needed to get that fifth win at some point, didn’t he? The big surprise of the tournament, for me, has been Midorifuji. He will face Shodai tomorrow. I think he’s an early favorite for a special prize and may find himself as a figure in the yusho race if he can keep it up.

Haru 2025: Nakabi

Andy Haru 2025, Haru Basho , ,

Nakabi in Osaka. Week Two opens and the yusho races will begin to fire up in earnest. Kusano bested Daiseizan to stay undefeated and be the first sekitori to claim his kachi-koshi. What’s even better is that as the last guy on the totem pole, he’s secured his spot as sekitori in May. Shimanoumi, of all people, is in the hunt with one loss. Maybe he’s got his head on straight and wants to make a push for promotion?

Nabatame will come back from kyujo tomorrow. For his sins they’re throwing him to the wolves in Makuuchi, namely Aonishiki. Oof. Sometimes the Kyokai seem to have ice in their veins. Your NHK Videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Aonishiki (5-3) defeated Shirokuma (3-5). Steady tsuppari from Aoinishiki drove Shirokuma back and out. Shirokuma demonstrated the defensive creativity of a blocking sled. Oshidashi.

Sadanoumi (4-4) defeated Shiden (Juryo 1-7). Sadanoumi acquired that left hand over-arm (uwate) grip and dragged Shiden over toward the bales before dumping him over the edge. Both men rolled into the head shimpan’s lap. Uwatenage.

Churanoumi (7-1) defeated Mitakeumi (4-4). Mitakeumi used his tsuppari to drive Churanoumi to the edge. Churanoumi’s first slapdown was ineffective but at the bales he shuffled left and lay Mitakeumi down along the bales. Hatakikomi.

Shishi (5-3) defeated Kotoshoho (3-5). Kotoshoho hefted Shishi and drove toward the bales. Shishi’s right hand was planted in Kotoshoho’s armpit and he used that to rotate Kotoshoho down to the ground before stepping out and tumbling into the crowd. Gunbai Kotoshoho. Video review showed Kotoshoho was down first. Call over-ruled and Shishi was given the victory. Sukuinage.

Asakoryu (5-3) defeated Onokatsu (5-3). Asakoryu hit Onokatsu with his lightning quick tachiai and pressed him all the way back to the tawara. Onokatsu used the bales to steady himself and pulled on Asakoryu’s shoulders to resist. Asakoryu used his left-hand inside to drag Onokatsu back to the other side of the dohyo. Onokatsu tried a last-ditch slapdown but Asakoryu escorted him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (5-3) defeated Tokihayate (4-4). Midorifuji got both arms inside Tokihayate for a morozashi. He easily drove into Tokihayate and pressured him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Meisei (6-2) defeated Ryuden (3-5). At the tachiai, Ryuden seemed to be driving his chin into Meisei’s head. Meisei rolled his head out of the way, seized Ryuden’s belt with both hands inside, a morozashi, chugged forward and drove Ryuden over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takarafuji (3-5) defeated Nishikigi (1-7). Hidari-yotsu as both men got their left-hand inside. Takarafuji pressured Nishikigi to the edge. Nishikigi tried to twist left to dump Takarafuji on the floor but Takarafuji used his gaburi leg-pumps to adjust and drive Nishikigi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (4-4) defeated Shonannoumi (1-7). Shonannoumi decided to join Shirokuma on the blocking-sled crew today. Atamifuji easily drove him to the bales and out. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (6-2) defeated Shodai (3-5). Tamawashi kept Shodai off his belt with some effective tsuppari blasts at the tachiai. Shodai pulled and tried to shift direction but Tamawashi was locked on today and shoved him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (4-4) defeated Endo (4-4). Endo got his right hand inside grip and focused his energies on keeping Hiradoumi’s right arm off his belt. Meanwhile, Hiradoumi used his left-hand outside grip and gaburi leg thrusts to force Endo toward the bales. Endo pulled and tried a slapdown but Hiradoumi quickly shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Takerufuji (6-2) defeated Oshoma (3-5). Takerufuji, looking terrible with black eyes, used the old hug-and-chug to work Oshoma back to the edge and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (4-4) defeated Hakuoho (5-3). Kinbozan laid into Hakuoho with steady head shots. Hakuoho turned to look for the exit and found it. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (2-6) defeated Gonoyama (2-6). Tobizaru beat Gonoyama back with tsuppari but then quickly slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Wakamotoharu (5-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-5). Despite strong tsuppari from Chiyoshoma, Wakamotoharu shoved him back and quickly forced him over the bales. I want Chiyoshoma to be eligible for a special prize at the end of this but the way it’s going, he might end with a deep make-koshi. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (3-5) defeated Abi (4-4). Wakatakakage read the brief and came prepared. He weathered Abi’s tsuppari storm and pressed forward. As Abi tried to move laterally to set up a slap-down, Wakatakakage adjusted well and moved right with him. Abi turned and stepped over the bales. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (5-3) defeated Takanosho (2-6). Daieisho used his tsuppari to set Takanosho up for a slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Oho (3-5) defeated Ura (3-5). Oho kept Ura in front of him as the two traded tsuppari. Ura backed to the bales and tried to brace there but Oho plowed right through him. Oshitaoshi.

Onosato (7-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-4). Onosato drove into Ichiyamamoto and then quickly pulled and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Kotozakura (5-3) defeated Kirishima (4-4). Kotozakura wrapped up Kirishima with both hands inside and gave it the old hug-and-chug to the bales. (Seeing a lot of that today.) Kirishima tried for a trip at the edge but Kotozakura stayed on him and crushed him over the bales. That looked really painful. Yoritaoshi.

Takayasu (7-1) defeated Hoshoryu (5-3). Sloppy work from the Yokozuna. He pulled but Takayasu did not fall for the slapdown. When Hoshoryu tried to re-engage, he stumbled back across the dohyo. Takayasu pounced and drove him to the edge. Hoshoryu tried to grab Takayasu’s arm or hand and pull him along the bales. But Takayasu just pursued as Hoshoryu fell off the dohyo. Kinboshi. Oshitaoshi.

Wrap-up

Hoshoryu lost another one. It’s not going to be a shining debut tournament for the shin-Yokozuna. He’ll look to regroup against Ichiyamamoto tomorrow. Meanwhile, Onosato is looking steadier and he’ll face Abi on Day Nine. Kotozakura even looked like an Ozeki today the way he dismantled Kirishima. He’s drawn Takayasu for Day Nine, though, which will be a barn-burner.

Well, let’s look at how our yusho race is stacking up at this point:

  • 7-1: Onosato, Takayasu, Churanoumi
  • 6-2: Takerufuji, Tamawashi, Meisei

I’m not saying a darn thing other than Onosato is looking solid and I hope for a great, competitive yusho race. I am not going to jinx anything here.