Did the Hatsu basho take a pause, or a day off to celebrate the mid-point at Nakabi? Oh hell no! The quality sumo keeps rolling, as the Yokozuna is on holiday, and the promotion lanes are wide open. I must give special mention to Ozeki Takakeisho. The lone survivor of a crop of Ozeki that have all fallen to wreck and ruin, he is now holding court at the top of the banzuke. The Isegahama squad has given him a set of tough matches, and he showed surprisingly versatile sumo in the past two days, defeating Midorifuji and Nishkifuji in intense matches that left the crowd screaming for more.

In the course of day 8, most of the 6-1 crowd took their second loss, leaving just Takakeisho and Kotoshoho at 7-1. Both of them are on the cusp of hitting their 8th win, and their kachi-koshi on day 9.

Highlight Matches

Hokuseiho defeats Mitoryu – It was another day in the park for Hokuseiho. He calmly grabbed Mitoryu, jostled him a bit to consolidate his grip, and then lifted and walked ahead. Yeah, that’s some big sumo. He returns to Juryo 6-2. I want to see him fight Asanoyama.

Kotoshoho defeats Chiyomaru – Chiyomaru has nothing to offer, the poor fellow. It’s a shame that he gets to come back to the top division, but shows up hurt. His initial attack does not even land, and he gets dominated by Kotoshoho, who is now 7-1 and owns a share of the lead.

Takarafuji defeats Kotoeko – Takarafuji inches closer to his rescue kachi-koshi to affirm his place in the top division. A quick “stand him up, pull him down” combo from Takarafuji was all that was needed today. He’s 6-2.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Chiyoshoma – Classic Ichiyamamoto sumo today, he keeps Chiyoshoma at distance, and under fire. Chiyoshoma tries a couple of moves in closer, but just cannot get into range to grab any part of Ichiyamamoto’s body. Chiyoshoma falls to a hatakikomi as Ichiyamamoto improves to 5-3.

Azumaryu defeats Aoiyama – Aoiyama executed his normal attack plan, albeit with less of the V-Twin than I would like to see. He was perhaps a bit too eager in his pull down attempt, catching Azumaryu firmly planted on his feet, but putting him self too far forward. The reciprocal hatakikomi the match, with Aoiyama face first into the bales. Both end the day 6-2, with Azumaryu needing just 2 more wins for his first ever top division kachi-koshi.

Hiradoumi defeats Tsurugisho – It was a battle to see if Hiradoumi would get Tsurugisho out, or if his mawashi would fall off first. Rightly fearing what kind of horror such an incident might unleash Hiradoumi doubled and tripled his effort. It only made Tsurugisho’s tenuously fastened garment dismantle more rapidly. I was certain the HNK cameramen were about to pan to the ceiling, when Hiradoumi heroically saved us all by placing Tsurugisho out, trailing a substantial fraction of his mawashi. Hiradoumi now 5-3, with all of our gratitude as a bonus.

Kagayaki defeats Takanosho – Takanosho supplied all of the offense for the first part of this match, pushing hard into Kagayaki. Kagayaki waited for Takanosho to put his hands inside, then clamped down with his elbows, trapping him. Some nice butsugari followed, and Kagayaki ended by releasing forward pressure slapping Takanosho down. Both end the day 4-4.

Ura defeats Endo – Endo really flubbed the tachiai here, he could not get any hand placement, and tried to slap Ura’s hands away. Instead he opened his chest to attack. Ura responded with a solid attack, and Endo could not recover. Ura improves to 5-3.

Hokutofuji defeats Oho – At least we can tell from this match that Oho is not completely helpless. He was able to absorb Hokutofuji’s initial combo, and even rallied to push Hokutofuji back, and crank on Hokutofuji’s head a bit to make sure it was properly attached. Silly Oho, you should now you can attack Hokutofuji’s upper body all you want, but his lower body will still be working on its own. Hokutofuji recovers, gets hand placement, and that lower body goes to work moving Oho out of the ring and into the front row. Hokutofuji up to 5-3, Oho one loss from make-koshi at 1-7.

Ryuden defeats Myogiryu – Myogiryu came in fast and got both hands inside. Ryuden responded by locking down his elbows, trapping Myogiryu in a kimedashi. They dance about for a short time, but Ryuden gets him out, and is now 5-3.

Nishikigi defeats Onosho – Onosho gets the advantage early, and turns on the power. To my surprise, Nishikigi captures him well, pulls him in, and then ramps up the forward power himself. It’s Onosho who breaks his balance first, allowing Nishikigi to run him out. Nice power struggle, and Nishikigi improves to 5-3.

Tamawashi defeats Mitakeumi – Tamawashi employed a unique combo of a right hand outside grip and a left hand nodowa at the same time. I wonder if part of the win was Mitakeumi’s surprise that you could turn those two into a combo. Tamawashi stampeded the original tadpole out in a hurry, and is now 5-3.

Meisei defeats Daieisho – As potent as Daieisho is right now, I was floored that Meisei was able to pace Daieisho, but actually overpowered him. I think the key was that Meisei focused on entangling Daieisho’s arms, and keeping that thrusting attack offline. Excellent match plan, and a well earned win. Meisei now 3-5.

Tobizaru defeats Kotonowaka – Another match where Tobizaru is an agent of chaos? Nobody should be the least bit surprised. A wild start that saw both men lose contact for a moment, they settled in chest to chest, with Kotonowaka too high, and in trouble. Kotonowaka was starting to get an offense together, when a Tobizaru leg sweep put him on the clay. Fantastic move from Tobizaru, and both end the day 3-5.

Kiribayama defeats Abi – Interesting opening from Kiribayama. He absorbs the initial double arm thrust, leaps forward to clear Abi’s targeting area, and immediately thrusts Abi back. It works quite well, and Abi is out by oshidashi. Surprising, inventive and effective. Good show Kiribayama! Both are now 5-3.

Wakamotoharu defeats Shodai – Shodai’s path to return to Ozeki is now gone. With his 6th loss, he can no longer reach the 10-5 record he would need to resume his post in sumo’s second highest rank. Shodai nearly had him. A solid tachiai, a good grapple and a powerful forward rush. But Wakamotoharu was able to stop him, reverse him and walk him out. Something got rid of Shodai’s forward power months ago, and this is the culmination of that. Wakamotoharu is now 4-4.

Hoshoryu defeats Sadanoumi – A henka from Hoshoryu sends Sadanoumi into that same salt basket he visited yesterday when Daieisho launched him down range. Not quite what I was hoping for, but ok… Hoshoryu now 6-2.

Wakatakakage defeats Midorifuji – Midorifuji’s grip on Wakatakakage is nothing like what he thought it was, and as he went to rotate into some kind of throw, he instead presented his back to Wakatakakage, and lost by okuridashi as a result. Both are now 4-4.

Takakeisho defeats Nishikifuji – Another big brawl in the final match of the day, I love it. We got to see the wave-action tsuppari, we got to see Nishikifuji rally and drive Takakeisho back. And that finish! How does a 185kg ur-dumpling do that? It was glorious, and Takakeisho is now 7-1.

It’s Nakabi! The middle day of the basho. It’s a magical time when everyone still has a chance, and anything can happen. We are one week away from the final day, and the awarding of the Emperor’s Cup. This middle day fight card has plenty of interest, as it seems the upper Maegashira ware taking it to the San’yaku in glorious style. In most tournaments, it’s the named ranks that extract wins from the rest of the joi-jin. But this time, it seems that a handful of rikishi in the top Maegashira ranks are out for the cup, and are taking the fight to anyone who stands in their way.

Part of this is what is making this tournament a cut above some of the other recent basho in terms of excitement, for me.

Because everyone has at least one loss, and at least one win, nobody will get their make-koshi or kachi-koshi today, though we might see that tomorrow. Today is a day where all options are still open. It’s also the day we get our first look at the yusho race, with the leader board.

Hatsu Leaderboard

The leader group is 5 men wide, with 4 in the chasers. I have my hopes that this boils down to a final weekend brawl to end it all, with multiple options for the yusho on the final day of the tournament. With this many strong contenders, I think it just might happen.

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

8 Matches Remain

What We Are Watching Day 8

Hokuseiho vs Mitoryu – Today’s Juryo visitor is Hokuseiho (5-2), a protoge of the former dai-Yokozuna, Hakuho. He’s been in professional sumo for just under 3 years, and a kachi-koshi this month should give me a fair chance of making his top division debut in March. Wow. He started his career with three consecutive yusho, clearing Jonokuchi, Jonidan and Sandanme in a single tournament each. Interestingly enough, Mitoryu (3-4) has fought him once before, and won! Could be a real kick to see these two fight to start the day.

Kotoshoho vs Chiyomaru – Chiyomaru won’t get his make-koshi today, but it can’t be too far down the road. At 1-6, he’s injured and not really able to fight at top division power. He’s up against 6-1 Kotoshoho, who has beaten him in both of their prior matches. I think this one could be ugly.

Takarafuji vs Kotoeko – Takarafuji (5-2) has already beaten his terrible record from Kyushu, where he had only 3 wins at the end of the tournament. But to remain in the top division, he’s going to need to find 3 more over the last 8 days. I think he has a strong chance over 4-3 Kotoeko, who is perennially part of the Darwin group on day 15.

Chiyoshoma vs Ichiyamamoto – I would love to see 2-5 Chiyoshoma deliver a few more strong, straight forward sumo matches this tournament. He’s high enough at M11 that he would not likely worry about demotion if he should fall short of his 8, but I know this guy has a lot of unused potential right now. He’s 2-2 against Ichiyamamoto (4-3), who is likewise starting to look a bit frayed around the edges as we cross the middle of the 15 day basho.

Aoiyama vs Azumaryu – Folks probably recognize that I am pulling for grizzled veteran Azumaryu (5-2) to finally get his first top division kachi-koshi after multiple attempts over the last few years. Something about it just speaks to me. But he’s got 6-1 Aoiyama today, and Aoiyama has tuned up the V-Twin and is going to ride that sumo as far as he can. Do not be surprised if he is in the running for the up in the middle of week 2.

Tsurugisho vs Hiradoumi – Tsurugisho (2-5) still as a long shot change of making it to 8, but it is a long shot. The good news is that with people retiring, people going kyujo and getting booted back to Juryo and a host of other one-off conditions, even a mild make-koshi at M15 this time may keep him around. He should still try to get his first ever career win over 4-3 Hiradoumi today.

Takanosho vs Kagayaki – I think both of these guys are headed straight for the Darwin pool at the end of day 14. We have 4-3 Takanosho, and 3-4 Kagayaki. Neither one of them have been able to distinguish themselves from the crowd this January, and I would encourage them to crank up the intensity.

Endo vs Ura – High interest match here. Both come into today 4-3. Endo will be looking for a bounce back win after losing day 7 to Kotoshoho. Ura may be ready to re-embrace his grab-and-tug sumo, as it’s been what has been working for him this tournament. Endo, tighten and lubricate your fittings!

Hokutofuji vs Oho – Like Chiyomaru, Oho (1-6) is a make-koshi walking right now. I don’t know what is plaguing him, but he needs to get it sorted out. He can still move quite well, but his sumo lacks power and focus. Because of that, I think that 4-3 Hokutofuji is going to have his way with Oho today.

Ryuden vs Myogiryu – What I am enjoying about Ryuden (4-3) this tournament is that he seems to be able to put up a good fight against anyone he faces right now. Even if he does not win, he’s always giving them a tough match. I think today he has the upper hand against 2-5 Myogiryu, who gave Oho his only win, yesterday.

Onosho vs Nishikigi – Oh, here is a lovely bit of sumo! We have two guys who have shown significant forward power this tournament, going head to head. Onosho (6-1) showed us some yotsu-sumo on day 7, and won. Nishikigi (4-3) will usually only fight chest to chest. Which way will this one go? Who will dictate the form of this match?

Mitakeumi vs Tamawashi – Thirty two (32) prior matches favor Mitakeumi 27-5. But that does not tell the entire story. At 3-4, Mitakeumi is in real danger for a fifth consecutive losing record, which is just brutal given that prior to 2022, he was quite consistently producing winning scores. Tamawashi (4-3) has lost 3 of the last 4, but may be able to rally for this match against his old nemesis.

Meisei vs Daieisho – Let’s see, who is training ballast for 6-1 Daieisho today… It’s 2-5 Meisei, who may be small enough that Daieisho can get him farther down range than he did Sadanoumi on day 7. With an 11-2 career lead against Meisei, this could be an ugly match.

Tobizaru vs Kotonowaka – As the top man in the rank-and-file, Tobizaru has been having a rough tournament. He’s only won twice (2-5), and many of his acrobatic tricks of the past are not paying off this time. Is it the sumo? Is it the man? We may ever know. He’s going to try and find his 3rd win today against 3-4 Kotonowaka.

Kiribayama vs Abi – Abi (5-2) lost his second match on day 7, dropping out of the leader group. The chances that the yusho winner will only have a single loss are rather thin at this point, so if he can return to winning day to day, he will likely have a chance to take a second turn in the leader group. He has 4-3 Kiribayama today, who seems to be struggling a bit to deliver consistent, good sumo right now.

Wakamotoharu vs Shodai – Sure, let’s see who else can beat Shodai (2-5) right now. Did we ever hear any rumors about what is broken or busted on Shodai? It’s just not right that he would hit the skids like this, his training buddy Yutakayama would call it quits, and the whole top end of that stable fall to ruin. I would give an edge today to 3-4 Wakamotoharu, just because his life is not a dumpster fire, and he can probably deliver quality sumo today.

Sadanoumi vs Hoshoryu – Sadanoumi (2-5) going out of the frying pan and into the fire. After his ejection at the hands of Daieisho on day 7, he’s going to take a turn with 5-2 Hoshoryu. He has a 3-3 career record against him, but in spite of two losses, I think Hoshoryu is fighting some of his best sumo ever right now.

Wakatakakage vs Midorifuji – After the fight 4-3 Midorifuji delivered on day 7, Wakatakakage (3-4) should be careful. Already on the path to Darwin, he’s got to consolidate and get back to good balance, good stance, and forward sumo in control. It’s a pain that he’s not been able to produce much the last two basho, but then again he may be hurt. Tear him up Midorifuji.

Nishikifuji vs Takakeisho – Having shocked the world by winning with a throw, I think Takakeisho should go the route, and win today with a flying henka. Not just a regular one, a full “in the air” style one that Chiyoshoma or Harumafuji might use. Oh, that’s right, you are 6-1 and trying to make the case you might want to be Yokozuna one day, and that would not help. Ok, so be it. Just toss 3-4 Nishikifuji out of the ring instead, please.

As predicted, Okinoumi has announced his retirement from sumo competition. He will transition to life as an oyakata, taking the name Kimigahama. His retirement ceremony is scheduled for September 30th at the Kokugikan. We are looking forward to seeing him in a blue jacket soon.

I was already delighted with the quality of competition in this basho, but it seems the rikishi decided that the middle weekend deserved an extra dose of excellence, and day 7 is one to savor. We don’t always get this level of awesome, and I am happy I was around to see it.

In Juryo, Asanoyama won his day 7 match, and is now 7-0. Perhaps we will get to see if lksumo’s forecast may come to pass, if he can keep winning. He has 2 men chasing him at 6-1 as he continues to look more like Ozeki Asanoyama now than a Juryo man.

Highlight Matches

Bushozan defeats Takarafuji – Takarafuji looks to be back to trying to work in his “defend and extend” brand of sumo. It worked well for a time against Bushozan, until it seems Takarafuji decided to back up. I think it may have been part of a pull attempt, but it had a disastrous effect on his sumo. Bushozan advanced, and crumpled Takarafuji to the clay, advancing to 4-3.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Mitoryu – Ichiyamamoto gave Mitoryu a wide opening to take the match, but Mitoryu could not quite keep his body in position, or his shoulders square to his opponent. Ichiyamamoto reversed their positions, backing Mitoryu to the bales, and shoved him out. Solid attack play from Ichiyamamoto today, and he is now 4-3.

Kagayaki defeats Chiyomaru – Old Chiyomaru is really not up for this tournament. That ankle is day to day, and today was not a day where his ankle was willing to cooperate. He takes Kagayaki to his chest in attempt to limit the mobility in the match, but finds the best he can manage is to stand around and lean on Kagayaki. It seemed that Chiyomaru got bored with that, broke contact and tried to pull Kagayaki down. Of course Kagayaki counter-attacked and Chiyomaru was out three steps later. Kagayaki now 3-4.

Chiyoshoma defeats Kotoeko – No henka today, he goes chest to chest with Kotoeko, and then pulls him down with a quick hatakikomi. Chiyoshoma picks up his first win on the clay and is 2-5.

Aoiyama defeats Tsurugisho – This match was all Aoiyama, taking the inside lane at the tachiai, and just driving forward with the V-Twin thrusting attack blazing away. Tsurugisho had no response, and was quickly out. Aoiyama improves to 6-1.

Kotoshoho defeats Endo – When Endo got his left hand frontal grip at the tachiai, I was certain Kotoshoho would be on the clay a moment later. But Endo executed a makikae, and found himself it trouble as Kotoshoho reacted perfectly. He drove Endo back and out, with the two landing in a heap. Although Kotoshoho landed first, Endo had stepped out long before he finished his rescue throw at the edge. Kotoshoho now an impressive 6-1.

Takanosho defeats Azumaryu – Takanosho employed a “stand up” tachiai, forcing Azumaryu to close the distance on his own. This left Azumaryu on the wrong foot, and Takanosho drove in, connected with Azumaryu’s center-mass and pushed him out of the ring. A solid bit of sumo from Takanosho, who could really use some wins. He is now 4-3.

Onosho defeats Hiradoumi – I can guess that Hiradoumi was expecting a thrusting battle today. Instead he had Onosho set up the yori at the tachiai, and it was chest to chest for the brief moments of this fight. Credit to Hiradoumi, who tried to break Onosho’s hold, but it was three steps and out for Hiradoumi. Some nice versatility from Onosho today, he is 6-1.

Oho defeats Myogiryu – Let there be jubilation across the land, Oho finally got his first win. Myogiryu tried a number of combos, but none of them moved Oho with any real effect. Oho absorbed a few, then seemed to gain confidence, and counter-attacked, finishing Myogiryu with an okuridashi. Shonichi for him, and he is 1-6.

Ura defeats Nishikigi – Again today we saw that huge forward power from Nishikigi. Ura hit low, Nishikigi could care less, he got his hands in place, and powered ahead. Ura, always the master of grab-and-tug sumo, decided that Nishikigi’s left arm was forfeit, and gave it a hearty pull. Down goes Nishikigi, a victim of his own forward pressure. Konosuke called the match for Nishikigi, but in a rare reversal, the shimpan awarded the white star to Ura. Both end the day 4-3.

Hokutofuji defeats Ryuden – Hokutofuji opened strong with his nodowa attack. Quite impressed that Ryuden was able to break that hold, and take Hokutofuji in for a chest to chest battle. Unable to reach Ryuden’s neck in that position, Hokutofuji settled for an armpit with a left hand hazu-oshi. It was clear Ryuden was trying to set up a throw from the left, and Hokutofuji knew it. His lower body is quite impressive to see at work, and he dialed up the power nicely, pushing Ryuden over the bales with a yoritaoshi. Outstanding battle gentlemen, you are now both 4-3.

Daieisho defeats Sadanoumi – Which is more likely to get you flattened by a rampaging rikishi? Being between a hungry Chiyomaru and a plate of gyoza, or being Daieisho’s opponent? At least this week, it’s more dangerous to face off against Daieisho. Points to Sadanoumi for a good escape, but but each time Daieisho made contact, Sadanoumi’s body picked up more lateral motion, until he lost his feet and launched out of the ring, across the salt basket and down the hanamichi. Daieisho advances to 6-1.

Kiribayama defeats Mitakeumi – Impressive work by Kiribayama, as he was able to trap Mitakeumi’s arms and prevent him from getting any real hold. Mitakeumi had more forward pressure, so Kiribayama could not hold position, setting up a bit of a stalemate that ended with Kiribayama takeing a left hand outside mawashi grip. It turned out to be enough leverage to lift Mitakeumi up and walk him out for a yorikiri win. Kiribayama now 4-3.

Kotonowaka defeats Wakamotoharu – I am sure Wakamotoharu had a nice strategy for today’s match against Kotonowaka. But it was gone in the blink of an eye when Kotonowaka took overwhelming command at the tachiai, and moved Wakamotoharu directly and immediately out. No moment to think, no moment to react, just “Get the hell off my dohyo!”. Both end the day 3-4.

Meisei defeats Tobizaru – Brilliant combos from Meisei today. He more or less out monkey’d the flying monkey. I am a bit sad that Tobizaru succumbed to a slippiotoshi, as I really wanted to see what he was about to do. My guess was to set up an okuridashi. But he lost traction just as Meisei delivered a solid shove, and down he went. Both end the day 2-5.

Hoshoryu defeats Abi – Big opening morotsuki attack from Abi, but impressive that Hoshoryu endured it and countered. Abi reset, and attacked again, but this time Hoshoryu took a hold of Abi’s right wrist, and pulled. It was a moment of chaos, and Hoshoryu reacted brilliantly. He dove inside, grabbed a hold and bodily shoved Abi from the ring. Wow, what a combo attack. Excellent sumo from both, and they are now both 5-2.

Nishikifuji defeats Wakatakakage – Part of me feels for Wakatakakage. Maybe he’s just a bit injured. Maybe he believed the hype that he was that dominant. But he’s taking losses now that he should not take. That lateral move by Nishikifuji with the pull was lethal, and although its done before you notice, watch it on freeze frame. What a combo. Wakatakakage hits the clay for the third time in four days, and both are now 3-4.

Tamawashi defeats Shodai – Shodai’s going to Shodai it seems. Tamawashi stands him up, pushes him out, with no more complexity than if he was fighting a Sandanme rikishi. Its a shame as we know that Shodai can be such a potent fighter. I just wish the good version of him would come back. Tamawashi now 4-3.

Takakeisho defeats Midorifuji – Save the best for last? Why, yes they did. A marvelous “kitchen sink” match that saw Takakeisho win by kotenage. Yes, mark this day, Takakeisho engaged in offensive sumo that required a grip on his opponent. It was far from certain he would carry the day, as Midorifuji gave him one hell of a fight. I am not sure what was more impressive about his performance, his ability to absorb Takakeisho’s attacks, or his rally that took the fight back to the Ozeki. The icing on the cake was the howls from the crowd, long absent, that greeted this display of outstanding sumo. Takakeisho takes home a mountain of kensho, and a 6-1 share of the lead.