Act 2 is now in the history books, and the yusho race is all Takakeisho’s for now. He won his match today with a kotenage. That’s right, the guy with no yotsu-zumo (in theory) has now won two matches this tournament with that kotenage. Opponents now need to be a bit more defensive in their matches, as it seems he can and will grab you and throw you to the clay. I must compliment Takakeisho at clearly working very hard to bring this new dimension to his sumo. It may seem laughable that I laud an Ozeki for a simple kotenage, but adding it to his kimarite, which his oshi/tuski-zumo regime is so strong really complicates things for anyone looking tp win a match against him.

In carry over news from day 9, Hoshoryu did in fact go kyujo from that ankle injury he received in his day 9 loss to Wakamotoharu. But news is that the kyujo is only one day, and Hoshoryu will return to the dohyo on day 11. Maybe he was worried he would miss Kintamayama’s “Font Day” and knew he would be sad for the rest of the month if he did. I hope he will be back in fighting form on Wednesday, but for today Kiribayama picks up the fusensho, and both are now 6-4.

Highlight Matches

Azumaryu defeats Daiamami – I am impressed that Daiamami was able to misdirect and confound Azumaryu’s sumo for as long as he did. It made for a bit of a laugh to start the top division. But Azumaryu had him boxed and ready to ship by the third step, even though Daiamami made it last quite a bit longer. Azumaryu now one away from his first ever top division kachi-koshi at 7-3.

Kotoeko defeats Kagayaki – These two achieved the optimum outcome for getting them closer to a Darwin match, as they both end the day 5-5. Kotoeko stepped to the side at the tachiai, and timed his follow up strike very well, getting Kagayaki out with just two hits.

Chiyoshoma defeats Mitoryu – Chiyoshoma must have tried two or three throwing attempts, but Mitoryu is a plump fellow, and could not be rotated. Chiyoshoma had to settle for just hustling him out for the win, and is now 4-6.

Hiradoumi defeats Ichiyamamoto – Ichiyamamoto found his double arm thrusting attacks completely shut down, and for a moment there looked completely lost. Hiradoumi took advantage of his puzzlement, and put him out of the ring, improving to 7-3 with a possible kachi-koshi tomorrow. Ichiyamamoto will improve greatly when he learns how to switch to a back up attack plan.

Endo defeats Takarafuji – I am starting to worry, as Takarafuji has lost 3 of the last 4. I know he has hurt his hand this tournament, but I dearly want him to reach kachi-koshi and remain in the top division. But Endo, what the hell man? A henka today? Get out of here with that stink-burger. He’s now 6-4.

Tsurugisho defeats Oho – I have to now wonder just how low Oho’s score is going to go. With the log-jam of rikishi trying to get on that Juryo barge, I think he’s safe in the top division for now. He’s got to be injured to be performing this poorly (1-9), so I can only hope he gets himself well before Osaka. Tsurugisho grabs a firm hold, dances him about some, and tosses him toward Sadanoumi’s salt basket. Tsurugisho now 4-6.

Kotoshoho defeats Ura – First attempt, Kotoshoho attempts to blast Ura out of the ring, and Kotoshoho gets the gumbo. Replay shows Kotoshoho’s foot in, but the top is touching the clay. No matter, let’s rematch (good choice). Second attempt, Kotoshoho delivers volley after volley of blows to Ura’s face. I think it winds Ura up enough that he tries one of his old “plastic man” tricks, dives down, grabs Kotoshoho’s right leg and heaves. His grip fails, Ura is off balance, and Kotoshoho strikes him down. A real shame, I wanted him to pull it off. Kotoshoho now kachi-koshi at 8-2.

Hokutofuji defeats Aoiyama – Interesting strategy from Hokutofuji today, not letting Aoiyama get into a position to fully extend those long arms and deliver full force from the V-Twin attack. It devolves into Hokutofuji having a right hand inside attack, and delivering a yorikiri against Big Dan. Not a sight you can expect to see between these two. Both end the day at 6-4.

Myogiryu defeats Chiyomaru – It’s not surprise that Chiyomaru picked up his 8th loss today. He’s been hurt since before the basho, and really can’t generate any effective offense. He’s make-koshi now at the last slot on the banzuke, and he will join everyone else already aboard the Juryo barge after day 15. Myogiryu made it official with an oshitaoshi that was more of a slippiotoshi as Chiyomaru’s bum ankle gave out, improving his score to 4-6.

Nishikigi defeats Takanosho – Gentlemen of the Makuuchi corps, if you allow yourself to go chest to chest with Nishikigi, and give him a moment to consolidate his stance, he is going to walk you right out of the ring. I know this is new, and you are used to him being some kind of sumo gummy-bear, but he’s serious now. Just don’t. Takanosho did not get the memo, and Nishikigi now 7-3.

Onosho defeats Nishikifuji – I get the feeling that Nishikifuji was not quite ready for that. Sure, Onosho had won all of their prior matches, but Onosho this day 10 of 2023 Hatsu was in a hurry to win, and Nishikifuji was in the way. A quick run out by yorikiri, and Onosho reaches kachi-koshi at 8-2.

Abi defeats Ryuden – Brilliant recovery from Ryuden put Abi in trouble, quite impressed by Ryuden’s move. But Abi is just as impressive in his recovery and counter-attack that puts Ryuden face down near Sadanoumi’s other salt basket. Abi now 6-4.

Tamawashi defeats Daieisho – Strong, potent open from Daieisho, he had Tamawashi on defense early, and even gave Tamawashi a moment where he was off balance. But somehow Tamawashi regained enough control to take his right arm around Daieisho’s head, and hurl him down. Crazy, wild sumo, but it was good enough for a win, and Tamawashi is now 7-3.

Wakamotoharu defeats Tobizaru – Great hazu-oshi combo train from Wakamotoharu, which fixed Tobizaru in place and removed any chance he might dance around and cause trouble. From there, it was all forward power to drive Tobizaru out, and Wakamotoharu is now 6-4.

Mitakeumi defeats Kotonowaka – Sort of a lumbering tachiai from Kotonowaka, and it was quite refreshing to see Mitakeumi actually able to move fairly well, and brute an opponent out of the ring. He’s 5-5 now, and not quite ready for the scrap heap. But he’s also on a direct course for Darwin territory.

Sadanoumi defeats Wakatakakage – I do believe that Sadanoumi has had enough time with the salt baskets for now, thank you. Facing make-koshi today, he rallies from an early Wakatakakage advantage to deliver an energetic yorikiri, and I think surprised Wakatakakage. Sadanoumi up to 3-7. Wakatakakage, you are not going anywhere near that Ozeki rank soon, sir.

Shodai defeats Midorifuji – Midorifuji sets up a double inside grip early. Normally this is trouble for the other guy, but let’s realized it’s Shodai. He’s already standing straight up, he’s as wide as the broad side of a barn, and he does have considerable sumo skill. Shodai clamps down on Midorifuji’s arms, setting up the kimedashi. From there, Midorifuji is trapped, and Shodai walks him out. Shodai now 4-6.

Takakeisho defeats Meisei – Well, I took a look out of my office window to see a flock of pigs oinking as the flapped by. That’s TWO matches Takakeisho has won with throws this tournament. Word to his future opponents, if he grabs you, he can make it work. After an early surge, Meisei ends up on his back thanks to a Takakeisho kotenage, and the Ozeki advances to 9-1.

With the start of day 10, we have reached the end of act 2 of this marvelous 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. Unlike Kyushu where we ended act 2 without a clear picture of the yusho race, this one is easy to read. Ozeki Takakeisho is in the lead 8-1, without a credible threat near him in the yusho race. This is Takakeisho’s tournament to lose now, and he has plenty of incentives to stay out in front, and to run up the score. With the current Yokozuna in dry dock for refitting of his undercarriage, sumo is missing a grand champion. Who better to fill that slot than the “Grand Tadpole” himself?

While there has been no official word on the matter, the word is a dominant yusho might be enough to get the nod. His best ever finish was 13-2, which was his second yusho in November of 2020. The best he could achieve is a 14-1, if he can remain perfect for the final 6 days. I expect him to pick up at least one more loss, and the way sumo is today, maybe even 2 or more losses before the final day. Out of the san’yaku, he has only faced Wakamotoharu (day 1) whom he beat without too much fuss. That leaves as many Komusubi and Sekiwake as you might want to see, and his job is to beat them all, or as many as he can.

Frankly, I think him being promoted to Yokozuna before Osaka this year is unlikely, but then again, the sumo association may decide it’s time for another rope, and take care of business, as long as Takakeisho can finish strong.

Hatsu Leaderboard

I expect the leader board will thin quite a bit after today’s action.

Leader: Takakeisho
Chasers: Kotoshoho, Onosho
Hunt Group: Hoshoryu, Daieisho, Tamawashi, Nishikigi, Ura, Aoiyama, Hiradoumi, Ichiyamamoto, Azumaryu, Takarafuji

6 Matches Remain

What We Are Watching Day 10

Daiamami vs Azumaryu – Today’s Juryo visitor is 2-7 Daiamami, who may have come to the top division to find his make-koshi. We know 6-3 Azumaryu is still hunting for his 8 wins, but has hit a soft spot, losing 2 of his last 3 matches. They share a 7-7 career record, with Azumaryu taking 2 of their 3 matches in 2022.

Kagayaki vs Kotoeko – Both of these guys are in the Darwin lane, and need to be careful before the find themselves with a 7-7 score at the end of day 14. We have 5-4 Kagayaki against 4-5 Kotoeko, with each of them wanting to try and navigate out of the middle. A Kotoeko win would put them both at 5-5, making escape quite difficult. Kagayaki has a 11-7 career advantage, but neither man has been winning with any kind of consistency.

Chiyoshoma vs Mitoryu – For Hatsu, Chiyoshoma’s sumo has become tiresome. Sure, he can win me back by fighting like someone with skill and dedication to the sport, which is not what he has shown the past handful of days. He has an unbeaten 4-0 career record against Mitoryu, so maybe he will have the confidence and fortitude to fight a straight-ahead match today. Both start Tuesday 3-6.

Ichiyamamoto vs Hiradoumi – Likewise, both men in this match are 8-3, with Ichiyamamoto holding an unbeaten 3-0 record against Hiradoumi. Two of those fights were in 2022, where both men were quite a bit lower on the banzuke. Both has strong winning records, but I would give a slight edge to Ichiyamamoto for today, given that he has won against some rather strong opponents in the last few days.

Takarafuji vs Endo – I am still looking for 6-3 Takarafuji to get his 8 wins, and remain in the top division for March. This is in spite of that crummy match against Chiyoshoma on day 9. Endo is at 5-4, and frequently struggles with Takarafuji’s brand of “defend and extend” sumo. I think it will come down to Endo’s left hand, and if he can stick a hold at the tachiai. If he gets that, we may see Takarafuji eat his 4th loss.

Tsurugisho vs Oho – Oho is the first top division man to reach make-koshi, now at 8-1. This has to be due to injury, in my opinion. If we accept that, there is now ay this poor fellow is going to be turning in a score better than double digit losses, I would think. At Maegashira 8, he is likely safe from demotion due to rank, and what looks like an absolute log jam of rikishi trying to pile on the Juryo barge of the damned. I do have to wonder, if is opponent, 3-6 Tsurugisho, will be able to keep his garment on today.

Kotoshoho vs Ura – Kotoshoho remains one win behind Takakeisho at 7-2, he’s kind of pretty far down the banzuke to really challenge for the up, and I think they wanted to give him some tougher opponents to see if maybe he’s gotten suddenly much better than he has been for a while. Who better than 6-3 Ura, who recently slipped up and cast one of his space-time altering spells in front of the public while in the middle of a match. He has 3 wins against Kotoshoho, and zero losses.

Hokutofuji vs Aoiyama – AT 5-4, there still a fair chance that Hokutofuji can achieve “The most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo”, as is his custom. But he’s got a 14-2 record of winning against 6-3 Aoiyama, and taking his beer money. That’s no way to go 7-8, sir.

Chiyomaru vs Myogiryu – What he hell is M16W Chiyomaru (2-7) doing this far up the torikumi? A loss today against 3-6 Myogiryu means make-koshi for him, and a boarding pass to that Juryo barge mentioned above. It’s a shame as I really wanted Chiyomaru to stick around for a bit. The two share a 5-5 record.

Takanosho vs Nishikigi – At 4-5, Takanosho is another strong candidate to end up 7-7 at the end of day 14, and I can see him qualifying for a Darwin match given how hit or miss his sumo has been. I certainly hope to see newly re-motored Nishikigi (6-3) get his 8, and end up in the joi-jin in March. All he needs are a couple of additional wins.

Nishikifuji vs Onosho – The past few days have seen Nishikifuji (3-6) fighting with immense ferocity. He has not been winning matches, mind you, but he’s fighting like a mad man. Perhaps his task today is to go straight up “Tasmanian Devil” on 7-2 Onosho, pushing him further back behind the Grand Tadpole by handing him a 3rd loss.

Abi vs Ryuden – Ah, Abi. Four straight losses to put you at 5-4. It’s kind of sad, and it probably means you got hurt somewhere in there. I would like to see you come roaring back, but here you are against another 5-4 guy, Ryuden. Ryuden as frankly been fighting much better than Abi has, and I would favor him to take this match.

Tamawashi vs Daieisho – Both of them start the day at 6-3, and this has the makings of a very good fight. They are both the kind of rikishi who can and will put a lot of forward power into their thrusts, and I think one of them is going to end up airborne The 13-9 match record indicates that Tamawashi tends to come out winner, and he took 5 of their 6 matches in 2022.

Tobizaru vs Wakamotoharu – If Takakeisho manages to finish 14-1, his only loss would be on day 2 to Tobizaru. That’s normally enough to get some consideration for a special prize, but given his sad 3-6 record, I don’t think we will see him with one of those trophies on senshuraku. He does hold a 7-3 career advantage over 5-4 Wakamotoharu, but Tobizaru’s sumo this past week has been too hectic, too chaotic, and too impotent to deliver wins.

Mitakeumi vs Kotonowaka – Both men are 5-4, and both are setting a solid course for the Darwin pool on day 15. The winner will get a chance to escape with a win tomorrow, the loser will sink to 5-5. Mitakeumi has beaten Kotonowaka only once in 6 attempts, with Kotonowaka playing an active role in Mitakeumi’s doom for the last 6 months.

Kiribayama vs Hoshoryu – I do hope that 6-3 Hoshoryu’s foot injury was mild, and that he can return to action today. He’s well back of the leader, Takakeisho, at this point, but I think he’s got a fair chance to hit double digits this January. He’s got a 6-4 career lead over 5-4 Kiribayama. Hoshoryu has won 3 of their 5 matches in 2022.

Wakatakakage vs Sadanoumi – I think 2-7 Sadanoumi is taking a tremendous beating right now, and has found himself as a projectile many times during act 2. Given 5-4 Wakatakakage’s ability to impart a lot of momentum into his opponents, so the chances are better thane even that yet against Sadanoumi may get another fly by on a salt basket today, on his way to a make-koshi. Wakatakakage has won all of their 4 prior matches.

Midorifuji vs Shodai – While 3-6 Shodai’s Ozeki rank is long gone, he can still make it to kachi-koshi, at least mathematically. We saw a flash of the “good” Shodai on day 9. Maybe he’s got enough juice left to save a scrap of dignity, and diverge from the path that Mitakeumi took in November down into the rank and file. He has split the prior two matches with 5-4 Midorifuji.

Meisei vs Takakeisho – Meisei (3-6) can surprise on any given day, but I think that’s quite unlikely to happen in his match today against tournament leader, 8-1 Takakeisho. Meisei has won 4 of their 11 prior matches, so he will find it tough to overcome the odds and upset the Ozeki.

With the middle day behind us, it’s on to week 2. In Juryo, Asanoyama continues to dominate, now 8-0 and kachi-koshi. He won his day 8 match against Gonoyama handily. While some of his opponents put up a good fight, Asanoyama shows Ozeki level flexibility with plans B and C at the ready. I am starting to think we may just see him at the bottom of the Makuuchi banzuke in March. Fair warning to the lower Maegashira.

Hatsu Leaderboard

Three of the 5 men who had a share of the lead starting day 8 took a loss. This is not at all unexpected, and to be honest I think the eventual yusho winner will have 2 or 3 losses in their final score. Yes, this means I think someone is going to put dirt on Takakeisho in week 2.

Leaders: Takakeisho, Kotoshoho
Chasers: Hoshoryu, Daieisho, Onosho, Aoiyama, Azumaryu, Takarafuji

7 Matches Remain

What We Are Watching Day 9

Chiyomaru vs Mitoryu – Sadly, this could be the day that 1-7 Chiyomaru gets his 8th loss and is both make-koshi, and consigned as the first crew member of the Juryo barge of the damned. He’s been aboard many times before, but it’s always sad to see him go. He’s never lost to Mitoryu (3-5) in 6 matches, but that may not matter for much today, as Chiyomaru is hurt and not fighting well.

Tsurugisho vs Atamifuji – Atamifuji is today’s Juryo vistor. He’s at 3-5, and unlikely to hit his 8 wins and stake any kind of bid for promotion to the top division. His opponent is doing really doing any better. At 2-5, Tsurugisho may find himself spared from the Juryo barge by all the other rikishi in line ahead of him, in spite of what is likely going to be a losing record at Maegashira 15.

Kagayaki vs Azumaryu – I am going to predict now that Kagayaki is on the short list to be part of “Team Darwin” on day 15. His sumo has been lack-luster, and his 4-4 score is right on the line between make and kachi-koshi. His 6-2 opponent, Azumaryu, is now just 2 wins away from his first ever kachi-koshi in the top division. I know it’s silly, but I really want to see the fellow finally have it happen after being in sumo this long, and trying at least 4 times before.

Chiyoshoma vs Takarafuji – Also likely on the road to make-koshi is Chiyoshoma, who seems to be missing something important in his sumo right now: power. Could be he has an injury that keeps him from applying full force. But at 2-6 he’s on the make-koshi trail. As the last man on the banzuke, his opponent Takarafuji has some breathing room at 6-2. But everyone is aware he is nursing an injured hand. Chiyoshoma leads the series 9-7.

Kotoshoho vs Hiradoumi – Kotoshoho has a 7-1 score going into today, which gives him a share of the lead in the yusho race. I don’t expect him to hang onto that spot, as he will get tougher opponents in the coming week if he keeps winning. His sumo caught my eye early, and I am very happy to see him doing well. Hopefully he is focused on kachi-koshi with a win today over 5-3 Hiradoumi, who is likely headed for at least 8 himself. They have split their two prior matches.

Aoiyama vs Ichiyamamoto – Hopefully 6-2 Aoiyama will forego any grappling or battle hugs today, and go straight toe to toe with the V-Twin against 5-3 Ichiyamamoto’s morotsuki. I suspect the V-Twin will prevail, but I would love to see this played out today.

Kotoeko vs Endo – Two more rikishi that I think are headed for Darwin, with their matching 4-4 scores. At this point even a single win won’t be enough to steer them off the shoals of a 7-7 day 15 record. They have split their 4 prior matches 2-2, so this one is statistically at toss up.

Takanosho vs Myogiryu – I truly want Takanosho to bounce back to his previous form, where he was a confirmed member of the San’yaku, and looked certain to stay there for a good while. Now with a 4-4 record, he seems to be struggling at Maegashira 9, which is not where he belongs. If to helps, he has 2-6 Myogiryu, but his fans can’t be sure he will win this one, such is the quality of his sumo this January.

Hokutofuji vs Onosho – I am surprised to see Onosho at 6-2, as I thought he would keep pace with fellow tadpole Takakeisho a bit longer. But 6-2 still has him firmly headed for kachi-koshi, and maybe even double digits if things go well. He has 5-3 Hokutofuji today, who has proven versatile and tough to defeat. Hokutofuji has been able to endure attacks that would have eliminated others, and pushed through to win. They share a 8-7 career record.

Oho vs Nishikigi – A loss today, and 1-7 Oho may be an early member of the make-koshi club. He has never lost to 5-3 Nishikigi, but something is going on with Nishikigi this month. He’s looking very sharp, strong and confident on the clay. It would be wonderful to see him back in the joi-jin when Terunofuji returns.

Nishikifuji vs Ura – I have hopes that Ura can hit an 8 win kachi-koshi this January. He’s been fighting well enough, and has a workable 5-3 score starting day 9. Nishikifuji is in worse shape at 3-5, and given his rank is probably not done facing san’yaku opponents yet. Ura won their only prior match, on day 1 of Kyushu last year.

Abi vs Midorifuji – Is Abi fading out? Or is he just up against opponents that are able to disrupt and shut down his double arm thrusting attacks? He lost the only prior match to 4-4 Midorifuji, which was on the final day of the basho held in July of 2021, prior to Abi’s suspension. I am pretty sure the back-to-back yusho idea is long gone, but I would like to see him at the top of the rank and file for Osaka.

Tobizaru vs Tamawashi – We have high mobility Tamawashi (5-3) against extreme mobility Tobizaru (3-5). Tamawashi won two of their three matches in 2022, and I think he may be dominant today, too. He comes in with two consecutive wins against former Ozeki: Shodai and Mitakeumi. If that’s not a boost, I don’t know what is.

Meisei vs Mitakeumi – Speaking of the relic that is Mitakeumi, here he is fighting Meisei. Both are 3-5, and at least for Mitakeumi, a make-koshi would further push him down the banzuke. This whole demotion swirl has to be attributable to some kind of injury or illness that has robbed him of this power and drive, and frankly it’s no fun for anyone. Even though Mitakeumi holds a 9-3 career advantage, I favor Meisei to win this one today.

Daieisho vs Kotonowaka – 6-2 Daieisho’s day 8 loss to Meisei knocked him out of a co-leader spot, but I don’t think for a moment he’s lost any of his sumo power. He’s probably still dialed up to “launch mode”, and 3-5 Kotonowaka is the next payload. Kotonowaka managed to put together three wins in a row starting day 5, but other than that it has been loss upon loss, and I think that Daieisho is going to be tough to beat today.

Wakatakakage vs Ryuden – Normally, I would think Wakatakakage (4-4) is the easy choice to win this one. But he has been a far cry from his double digit winning self. Even though ranked much further down the banzuke, I think Ryuden (5-3) has to be slightly favored today, as he is fighting much better than Wakatakakage this January.

Kiribayama vs Shodai – Sadly, the predictions last year that Shodai would follow Mitakeumi down a path of demotion and into the lower reaches of the banzuke are correct. With his 6th loss on day 8, he has not opportunity to resume his Ozeki rank, and if he does not win 5 of the last 7 matches, he will be make-koshi and may have to vacate the san’yaku all together. Kiribayama, at 5-3, is fighting well enough to give Shodai, even if Shodai were genki right now. Which he is not.

Wakamotoharu vs Hoshoryu – Hoshoryu’s 6-2 features that dopey day 8 henka, which was not a boss move at all. “But he won, and henkas are permitted in the rules!” I can hear the chorus now. Yes, correct. But not the kind of sumo that should be on offer from a man who hopes to convince the sumo elders he should be given a higher, more permanent rank. I think that if 4-4 Wakamotoharu can get a grip, he has a fair chance of giving him a black star today.

Sadanoumi vs Takakeisho – I am starting to feel a bit sorry for 2-6 Sadanoumi. The guy has had some rough matches, and has been to visit that salt basket twice already. Takakeisho 7-1 has a habit of getting opponents moving at speed, and I sure hope he does not toss him back down the hanamichi again today. A win today for Takakeisho would be kachi-koshi, likely on his way to double digit wins for January.