Hatsu 2026

Hatsu 2026: Day Twelve

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , , , , ,

Unfortunately, we have news from the infirmary today that Nishikifuji is kyujo with herniated discs in his neck and arthritis in his elbow. He will not be back this tournament. Onokatsu will get the fusen victory. Nishikifuji will finish the tournament 6-6-3. At M11, six wins should be more than enough to keep him in the division. So far, the only passenger booked for the barge to Juryo is Hatsuyama. He’s even been given the captain’s hat.

Sadanoumi fell out of the leadership group with his yorikiri loss to Mototaro-san. Fujiseiun and Wakanosho improved to 9-3. Update: The two leaders are scheduled to fight on Day 13. Chaser Sadanoumi will fight Kyokukaiyu and 8-win Fujiryoga will fight Nishinoryu. With Nishikifuji’s kyujo, Kotoeiho will visit Makuuchi and fight Asahakuryu to kick off Top Division action.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Tobizaru (5-7) defeated Mitakeumi (5-7). Mitakeumi demonstrates the offensive output of a giant sloth as he allowed Tobizaru to wrap him up like staff at a conservation center, walk him around the ring and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (5-7) defeated Tomokaze (4-8). Chiyoshoma pressed forward and shoved Tomokaze over the bales, unfazed by Tomokaze’s slapdown attempt. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (7-5) defeated Tokihayate (6-6). Asakoryu blitzed Tokihayate and assaulted him repeatedly with tsuppari, shoving him over the side. I think Tokihayate had made a joke about Asakoryu’s mother. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (7-5) defeated Asahakuryu (5-7). Kotoshoho charged forward to the bales before reversing course and dragging Asahakuryu down with his right-hand inside grip. Shitatenage.

Roga (5-7) defeated Hatsuyama (1-11). Roga used his migi-yotsu to drive through Hatsuyama’s attack and carry him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shodai (6-6) defeated Midorifuji (5-7). Shodai trapped Midorifuji’s right arm and swung him over the edge. Kotenage.

Ryuden (5-7) defeated Kinbozan (4-8). Migiyotsu. Ryuden twisted and dragged Kinbozan toward the edge and shoved him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (9-3) defeated Fujinokawa (7-5). Fujinokawa wrapped his right shoulder inside Asanoyama’s left arm and tried to hoist him over. Asanoyama shuffled laterally to counter the throw and shoved Fujinokawa over the edge. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (6-6) default victory over Nishikifuji (6-6).

Gonoyama (5-7) defeated Tamawashi (4-8). Tamawashi chugged forward but Gonoyama shifted to his left and pivoted, forcing Tamawashi to the edge. Gonoyama followed up with tsuppari and shoved Tamawashi out. Oshidashi.

Oshoumi (9-3) defeated Churanoumi (7-5). Churanoumi got a morozashi but Oshoumi used his left hand uwate to carry Chura to the bales. He lost his grip but as Churanoumi fought to survive but shoved Churanoumi over the tawara. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Daieisho (5-7) defeated Oshoma (6-6). Daieisho hit Oshoma with a few tsuppari before stepping left and thrusting Oshoma down. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (2-10) defeated Hakunofuji (5-7). Ura got his left hand inside Hakunofuji’s armpit. As Hakunofuji pressed forward, Ura pivoted along the tawara brought his right hand up onto Hakunofuji’s head and pulled Hakunofuji forward with his left under Hakunofuji’s shoulder. Katasukashi.

Takanosho (3-9) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-10). Takanosho held Ichiyamamoto with a right hand nodowa. He used his left hand to bat Ichiyamamoto’s attack away. Takanosho drove forward and forced Ichiyamamoto out. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (6-6) defeated Yoshinofuji (6-6). Wakatakakage kept steady as Yoshinofuji tried a slapdown, kubinage, kotenage,… Yoshinofuji pulled and tried another slapdown but Wakatakakage pursued, maintained his balance and forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Shishi (9-3) defeated Oho (4-8). Who abducted the real Shishi and replaced him with someone with a skill approaching actual agility? Shishi nearly slapped Oho down earlier in the bout but he finished him off when Oho charged in for an attack and Shishi evaded it to the right and slapped Oho down. Hatakikomi.

Hiradoumi (8-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-7). Hiradoumi wrapped up WMH with a morozashi and charged forward. At the bales, Wakamotoharu twisted and tried an utchari. Both men tumbled into the crowd. Gunbai Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi got his kensho and was going to leave but the shimpan called a late mono-ii. Wakamotoharu’s foot touched over the bales, confirming the gyoji’s call. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (8-4) defeated Abi (9-3). Kotozakura charged forward with his left hand uwate. At the edge, Kotozakura briefly got his right hand on Abi’s belt and lifted him up over the bales. Tsuridashi.

Aonishiki (10-2) defeated Atamifuji (9-3). Aonishiki stayed low and got his left hand inside. As he charged forward, Atamifuji raised up and batted him away. Aonishiki re-engaged, this time with the right hand. Again, Atamifuji defended. Aonishiki kept coming, though, and eventually worked both hands briefly inside on Atamifuji’s belt. Atamifuji tried to escape but Aonishiki was relentless and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (9-3) defeated Hoshoryu (8-4). Kirishima quickly got a morozashi. Hoshoryu reared back to attempt a makikae, change of grip. He wanted his right hand inside. Kirishima used the opening to press forward and force the Yokozuna over the bales. Their momentum forced both men to hop down from the dohyo. Hoshoryu doubled over as the shock to his knee probably smarted a wee bit with that torn meniscus. “Don’t remind me, Andy.” Yorikiri.

Onosato (8-4) defeated Takayasu (7-5). Onosato’s Houdini act was on display again. Takayasu had him.  Takayasu got the left hand inside and when Onosato pulled, he forced the Yokozuna to the edge. Onosato recovered at the bales, though. This time, Takayasu tried the pull and pulled himself right out of the ring. MOVE FORWARD. BACKWARD BAD. FORWARD GOOD. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Aonishiki is in the driver’s seat with hands firmly at 10 and 2. “Andy, you’ve used that joke before. Come up with something new.”

  • 2-losses: Aonishiki
  • 3-losses: Kirishima, Atamifuji, Abi, Shishi, Asanoyama, Oshoumi

Oho’s makekoshi puts a komusubi slot on the market. Yoshinofuji and Wakatakakage have three more days to make a case for why they deserve it, or Atamifuji might steal it from under their noses.

As of this writing, the Day 13 pairings are not set. I might be able to get an update out later but expect a lot of maegashira fighting folks in sanyaku. Aonishiki has two Yokozuna bouts and an Ozeki bout remaining, however. If one of those Yokozuna quietly mentions they will go kyujo, though, maybe they slot in a Aonishiki versus Asanoyama or Aonishiki versus Abi bout?

Update: Yokozuna/Ozeki fights begin. Hoshoryu will fight Aonishiki. Onosato will fight Kotozakura. Before that, sanyaku will be a mix of low-rankers fighting sanyaku. Wakamotoharu will start things off fighting Oshoumi. Then, Oho will fight Hiradoumi, Takayasu (with kachi-koshi on the line) will fight Asanoyama, and Kirishima will fight Shishi. Near the mid-way point, Abi will face off with Atamifuji. That’s a wild night of action.

Hatsu 2026: Day Eleven

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , ,

Day Eleven. No news from the infirmary. The final third of Hatsu Basho begins today with perfect attendance among our top division competitors. In Juryo, Wakanosho defeated Sadanoumi, moving both men to 8-3. Fujiseiun joined them at 8-3 by defeating Asasuiryu. Tomorrow, Sadanoumi will fight Tsurugisho, Wakanosho will take on Kagayaki and Fujiseiun will battle Meisei.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Tobizaru (4-7) defeated Hatsuyama (1-10). Hatsuyama laid into Tobizaru with tsuppari but Tobizaru shifted to the right side and pulled Hatsuyama down to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Abi (9-2) defeated Shishi (8-3). Henka! Abi leapt to his left at the tachiai. Shishi turned to adjust but Abi shoved him forward and let him run off the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Midorifuji (5-6) defeated Ryuden (4-7). Ryuden locked both of Midorifuji’s arms in his armpits and stood there. I’m not sure what he was planning but Midorifuji didn’t wait to find out. Midorifuji twisted to his left and hauled Ryuden down. Katasukashi.

Oshoumi (8-3) defeated Nishikifuji (6-5). Nishikifuji grabbed Oshoumi with his right hand and twisted to throw him down. Oshoumi countered by falling into Nishikifuji. Oshoumi hooked his left leg around Nishikifuji’s right leg and forcing his attacker to the ground first and falling on top of him. Sotogake.

Asakoryu (6-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-7). Henka! Chiyoshoma. Asakoryu adjusted but Chiyoshoma went on the attack with his left hand uwate. He pulled and tried to haul Asakoryu down but again the victim of a throw countered and twisted into Chiyoshoma, forcing Chiyoshoma down and falling on top of his attacker. Sukuinage.

Tokihayate (6-5) defeated Asahakuryu (5-6). While trying to change his left-hand grip, Tokihayate pulled and hauled Asakoryu down with his right hand under arm grip. Shitatenage.

Mitakeumi (5-6) defeated Gonoyama (4-7). Mitakeumi charged forward into Gonoyama, forcing him back to the bales. Then he suddenly pulled, shoving Gonoyama to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Shodai (5-6) defeated Tomokaze (4-7). Shodai powered into Tomokaze and then stopped and backed away, pulling Tomokaze forward to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Roga (4-7) defeated Oshoma (6-5). Roga grabbed pulled on Oshoma’s arm. As Oshoma stumbled forward, Roga grabbed Oshoma’s belt with his left hand uwate. Roga then twisted Oshoma down to the ground. Oshoma tried to counter with his own underarm throw but Oshoma landed a beat before Roga. Uwatedashinage.

Asanoyama (8-3) defeated Hiradoumi (7-4). Asanoyama charged ahead with his left hand uwate and his right hand inside Hiradoumi’s armpit. Hiradoumi resisted and tried to twist Asanoyama down but Asanoyama continued to push himself forward and forced Hiradoumi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (7-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-5). Kotoshoho pulled and Churanoumi took advantage and charged forward, forcing Kotoshoho back to the tawara and shoving him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Kinbozan (4-7) defeated Tamawashi (4-7). Kinbozan wrapped Tamawashi up and charged forward, ushering Tamawashi back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (9-2) defeated Fujinokawa (7-4). Fujinokawa got his right hand inside and immediately tried to pull Atamifuji down. Atamifuji shuffled with Fujinokawa, keeping his opponent between himself and the bales. Atamifuji broke Fujinokawa’s grip and shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Onokatsu (5-6) defeated Daieisho (4-7). Henka! Onokatsu shifted left and deflected Daieisho’s attack to the side, thrusting him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Ichiyamamoto (2-9) defeated Wakatakakage (5-6). What do they say about never meet your idols? Ichiyamamoto gets to battle his. And today, he prevailed. Ichiyamamoto laid into Wakatakakage with tsuppari and then quickly pulled Wakatakakage forward and down to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (5-6) defeated Ura (1-10). Ura began to pull and Wakamotoharu moved forward with the pull. He kept Ura in front of him and shoved him off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Yoshinofuji (6-5) defeated Oho (4-7). Oho hooked his left arm under Yoshinofuji’s shoulder and twisted. Yoshinofuji had his right hand firmly on Oho’s belt and went with Oho’s throw, hauling Oho forward to the ground. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki (9-2) defeated Hakunofuji (5-6). Aonishiki is a bit sick of Hakunofuji’s slow roll tachiai. Two matta. Once they got off to a good start, Aonishiki got his left hand inside and began to pull. Hakunofuji began to charge his way forward with gaburi leg thrusts but his left foot seemed to slip, then his left knee buckled and he went down. Shitatenage.

Takanosho (2-9) defeated Kotozakura (7-4). Kotozakura pulled and Takanosho charged forward, shoving Kotozakura over the edge for an easy upset. On replay, I don’t think Kotozakura put much weight at all on his left leg during that bout. I’ll keep my eye on that. Yorikiri.

Onosato (7-4) defeated Kirishima (8-3). Onosato took the brunt of Kirishima’s tachiai with his right shoulder. After the initial charge, Kirishima couldn’t get any offense going. Onosato moved forward and forced Kirishima to the bales and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (8-3) defeated Takayasu (7-4). Hoshoryu couldn’t get his right-hand grip but he still pivoted and pulled. Instead of the belt, Hoshoryu wrapped his right arm around Takayasu’s head for a kubinage. But then, he let it go and shifted further to the side along the bales and pulled Takayasu forward by Takayasu’s right arm. Hoshoryu arrested his momentum at the edge and let Takayasu rush out into the crowd. That was kinda funny. Takayasu was perplexed and immediately went to the TV screen in the hanamichi to see what the hell happened. Frankly, it looks like Hoshoryu pivoted and shifted to the side just enough that Takayasu rushed forward with a little help from Hoshoryu’s tug on his right arm. Tottari.

Wrap-up

Kotozakura had worked his way into the yusho conversation and just like that, he’s out of it again. This time he falls to a Takanosho who has been having a dreadful tournament. Is it the knee? Or did he just make a terrible decision to commit to that awful pull? He has actually moved forward well at points during this basho. Not today.

Speaking of left legs, I’ll keep an eye out for news on Hakunofuji. His left ankle, and possibly the knee, turned awkwardly in today’s bout. Well, the Yokozuna are hurt and somehow winning, so it’s not like anyone will go kyujo tomorrow.

  • 2-Losses: Aonishiki, Atamifuji, Abi
  • 3-Losses: Hoshoryu, Kirishima, Shishi, Asanoyama, Oshoumi

Day Twelve pairings are interesting. The lower-ranked wrestlers in the yusho race are being moved up. Asanoyama will fight Fujinokawa, 9-ranks above him. Oshoumi will fight Churanoumi, 11-ranks above. Shishi will move way up (14-ranks) to fight Komusubi Oho. Kirishima will fight Hoshoryu. Abi will take on Kotozakura while Atamifuji will fight Aonishiki.

The rest of our sanyaku bouts include Wakamotoharu fighting Hiradoumi and Onosato versus Takayasu.

I’m really enjoying this tournament. It’s going in weird places and a bunch of folks are involved in the yusho race. No one has really struck out to claim this one. Everyone has had stumbles. But as we move into the final stretch here, will someone step up? Or will everyone fall to the side and let Takayasu or Fujinokawa back into this thing just to really mess with us?

Hatsu 2026: Day Ten

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , ,

Day 10 opens and the only kyujo news is from Juryo division’s Tochitaikai. He has pulled out due to an MCL injury. Daiseizan received the fusen victory today. The division will have a visitor from Makushita beginning tomorrow. Meanwhile, Sadanoumi defeated Hitoshi by yorikiri to collect his kachi-koshi and remain in the lead. Fujiseiun lost to Nishinoryu, falling into the hunt group. Sadanoumi will fight Wakanosho on Day 11.

Catch up on the Makushita yusho race with Leonid’s update of the fifth round, as well as the promotion picture. The sixth round of yusho race bouts will be contested tomorrow.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Tobizaru (2-7) defeated Ryuden (4-5). Tobizaru grabbed Ryuden’s belt deep, behind Ryuden’s back, with his left hand inside. He was able to start a gaburi hip-thrust action and forced Ryuden over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tomokaze (4-6) defeated Mitakeumi (4-6). Mitakeumi chugged forward, forcing the pair toward the bales. As they approached, Tomokaze executed his slapdown while falling out of the dohyo. Gunbai Mitakeumi. Mono-ii. Tomokaze was still in when Mitakeumi came down. The gyoji’s call was reversed. Hatakikomi.

Midorifuji (4-6) defeated Hatsuyama (1-9). After a lengthy, entertaining grapple, Midorifuji pulled and tried a slapdown. This caught Hatsuyama off-balance. Midorifuji grabbed Hatsuyama’s left arm and drove him forward over the bales. Kimedashi.

Abi (8-2) defeated Oshoumi (7-3). Abi-zumo. Tsuppari, then a pull. At the edge, Oshoumi pressed Abi hard to the bales but at the edge Abi twisted and thrust Oshoumi down. Tsukiotoshi.

Chiyoshoma (4-6) defeated Asahakuryu (5-5). Chiyoshoma shifted left and grabbed Asahakuryu’s arm, pulling him forward to the bales. He then got in behind and shoved him over the edge. Okuridashi.

Asakoryu (5-5) defeated Nishikifuji (6-4). Asakoryu hit Nishikifuji hard and chugged toward the bales. Nishikifuji twisted as he fell out. It was close but Nishikifuji stepped out before Asakoryu stumbled off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (7-3) defeated Kinbozan (3-7). Asanoyama grabbed Kinbozan’s belt with a right hand uwate grip and wrapped his right-hand inside. Asanoyama powered forward and ushered Kinbozan back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (6-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-4). Henka! Oshoma shifted left and Kotoshoho blasted forward into empty space. Oshoma slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Shishi (8-2) defeated Fujinokawa (7-3). Fujinokawa tried to slap Shishi down. Shishi stumbled forward but regained his balance. He then got angry and blasted Fujinokawa in the face. Then behind more powerful thrusts, Shishi forced Fujinokawa back and blasted him over the bales. Shishi is fighting very well this tournament and just picked up his kachi-koshi. Oshitaoshi.

Hiradoumi (7-3) defeated Tokihayate (5-5). Hiradoumi blitzed Tokihayate and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (4-6) defeated Roga (3-7). Onokatsu overpowered Roga and forced him back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Tamawashi (4-6) defeated Shodai (4-6). Tamawashi shoved Shodai in the face, putting a quick end to Shodai’s desire to fight. Shodai quickly found the exit. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (4-6) defeated Churanoumi (6-4). Gonoyama plowed into Churanoumi with thrusts to Churanoumi’s face. Gonoyama shoved Churanoumi back over the edge. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (4-6) defeated Ura (1-9). Ura charged forward while Daieisho pulled and slapped him down. Ura pretty clearly touched first but they called a mono-ii to make sure. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (5-5) defeated Hakunofuji (5-5). Wakatakakage pulled and tried to slap Hakunofuji down. Hakunofuji resisted but Wakatakakage used his right hand uwate to force Hakunofuji forward over the edge. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (4-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-9). Ichiyamamoto tried his patented slapdown but Wakamotoharu kept pace and shoved him over the bales. Far from me to tell Ichiyamamoto what to do but there wasn’t much of a pivot there to go with that pull. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (7-3) defeated Yoshinofuji (5-5). Yoshinofuji traded tsuppari with Takayasu for a while before deciding on a pull. Takayasu moved forward well and forced Yoshinofuji out. A big difference in the attacks here was that Takayasu’s tsuppari repeatedly landed in Yoshinofuji’s face. Yoshinofuji, on the other hand, concentrated his tsuppari on Takayasu’s arms and chest, trying to block much of the incoming volleys but clearly not as aggressive as Takayasu’s. Yoshinofuji will need to Tsukidashi.

Kotozakura (7-3) defeated Kirishima (8-2). Every time Kotozakura pulled, he pivoted, came up well short of the edge and re-engaged Kirishima. This was a welcome change from recent basho where he would seemingly give up at the edge. When the pulls didn’t work, Kotozakura wrapped up Kirishima and drove him over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (8-2) defeated Takanosho (1-9). Takanosho challenged Aonishiki with strong tsuppari but lost the bout on his pulls. He’d fought hard to take the bout to Aonishiki and then gave up his position, pulling across the dohyo. His second pull was a disaster — exhausted capitulation — and Aonishiki easily shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-3) defeated Oho (4-6). Hoshoryu quickly landed a right hand inside grip. Oho tried to pull that arm off but this might have allowed Hoshoryu an opening to envelope Oho further. While Oho was preoccupied with the right hand, Hoshoryu followed up with a left hand uwate and dragged Oho forward. Uwatedashinage.

Atamifuji (7-2) defeated Onosato (6-4). After an evenly contested grapple, Atamifuji drove the Yokozuna to the edge and tried to throw him over. Both men crashed to the ground. Onosato landed square on that left shoulder and looked at it, ominously, as he got up. Gunbai Atamifuji. Mono-ii. The shimpan decided both men fell out at the same time and demanded a rematch. On the rematch, Atamifuji pulled and tried a slapdown. Onosato almost recovered at the edge but Atamifuji re-engaged and shoved Onosato out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Both Yokozuna surprised me by showing up. Hoshoryu, however, seems to be in the best shape and is the most aggressive, despite the nagging knee injury. And now he’s back in the yusho race. He must feel a bit like Pachino in Godfather III, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” As for Onosato, he seems a bit lost and he landed heavily on that left shoulder after the first bout with Atamifuji today. “In for a penny, in for a pound.” Is this the Nishonoseki motto?

Nevertheless, I’ll not speculate about tomorrow. I’ll report on changes as I see them. We have a yusho race to pay attention to.

We’ve got five guys tied for the lead with two losses and another seven just behind them with three.

  • 2-losses: Aonishiki, Kirishima, Atamifuji, Abi, Shishi
  • 3-losses: Hoshoryu, Kotozakura, Takayasu, Hiradoumi, Fujinokawa, Asanoyama, Oshoumi

There are six guys who have already won yusho in this rather large group and six guys who would love to make their mark with a yusho. The Sumo Association has paired them off for tomorrow to try to whittle the field a bit. That hasn’t worked well over the past few days, though.

In the rank-and-file bouts, Shishi will fight Abi, Oshoumi will take on Nishikifuji, Hiradoumi will fight Asanoyama, and Fujinokawa will battle Atamifuji.

Up in sanyaku, our yusho race bouts pit Aonishiki against Hakunofuji, Kotozakura against Takanosho, Onosato with Kirishima and Hoshoryu versus Takayasu.

The other sanyaku bouts include Wakamotoharu against Ura and Oho versus Yoshinofuji.

Who’s ready to hop back on this rickety old roller-coaster tomorrow?

Hatsu 2026: Day Nine

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho ,

Day Nine. No kyujo announcements. “Well, Andy, what do you make of that?” I am surprised. I thought for sure the Yokozuna would drop out since they’re injured and they both lost yesterday and dropped out of the lead. Nope, we got two Yokozuna dohyo-iri. Will they bounce back today?

In Juryo, Sadanoumi beat Kitanowaka and Fujiseiun beat Kōtokuzan to remain in the lead with two losses. Sadanoumi’s two-handed bear hug sukuinage is included in today’s videos. Sadanoumi will fight Hitoshi and Fujiseiun will take on Nishinoryu on Day 10. Wow, Day 10 approacheth — already. “Who knows where the time goes?”

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Oshoumi (7-2) defeated Asakoryu (4-5). Oshoumi got both hands inside high in Asakoryu’s armpits and charged forward, forcing him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Shishi (7-2) defeated Ryuden (4-5). Ryuden pulled and Shishi reacted well to drive him back over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hatsuyama (1-8) defeated Tomokaze (3-6). Hatsuyama chaged forward as Tomokaze pulled and slapped him down. Gunbai Hatsuyama. Mono-ii. Tomokaze died first. The judges upheld the gyoji’s decision. Interestingly, I don’t think this comes down to Tomokaze touching first. The way they phrased it makes me think it’s because Tomokaze’s foot left the ground while Hatsuyama’s was still inbounds, therefore Tomokaze “tai-ga-nai.” Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (6-3) defeated Tobizaru (2-7). Tobizaru pulled and Asanoyama charged forward, forcing Tobizaru off the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (6-3) defeated Asahakuryu (5-4). Nishikifuji drove forward and forced Asahakuryu over the edge with a firm left-hand inside, right-hand outside grip. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi (4-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-6). Henka! Mitakeumi stepped to the side and Chiyoshoma was toast. Hatakikomi.

Kotoshoho (6-3) defeated Abi (7-2). Henka! Abi stepped to the side but Kotoshoho adjusted well. Both men lashed out at each other with tsuppari but Kotoshoho stood his ground. Kotoshoho drove forward and shoved Abi out. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (5-4) defeated Midorifuji (3-6). Midorifuji grabbed Tokihayate with a bear hug, a deep morozashi but could not move forward. Tokihayate grabbed Midorifuji with his left hand outside. Tokihayate shifted his right-hand grip (makikae) to the inside and that allowed Midorifuji to drive forward but Tokihayate pivoted and threw Midorifuji to the ground. Uwatenage.

Fujinokawa (6-3) defeated Roga (3-6). Henka! Fujinokawa stepped to the side and Roga was toast. Hatakikomi.

Gonoyama (3-6) defeated Onokatsu (3-6). Onokatsu drove forward a few steps behind strong tsuppari. Onokatsu pulled and ceded all of his territorial gains. Gonoyama charged forward and shoved Onokatsu out. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (6-3) defeated Kinbozan (3-6). Hiradoumi charged forward as Kinbozan tried to throw. Hiradoumi wrapped Kinbozan up and forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Churanoumi (6-3) defeated Shodai (4-5). Churanoumi pulled and tried an uwatenage. Shodai didn’t fall but Churanoumi used the momentum to shove Shodai out. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (3-6) defeated Oshoma (5-4). Oshoma negated Tamawashi’s usual tsuppari by grabbing his arm and pulling him forward. The kotenage failed but Oshoma wrapped up Tamawashi with a migi-yotsu grip. Oshoma forced Tamawashi to the edge but the veteran dug in and would not go over easily. Tamawashi pivoted and turned the tables on Oshoma, driving him to the edge and then walking him over. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (3-6) defeated Hakunofuji (5-4). Daieisho’s tsuppari machine is back as he blasted Hakunofuji back. Hakunofuji pivoted to gain space but Daieisho blasted him back across the ring and over the edge. Tsukidashi.

Yoshinofuji (5-4) defeated Takanosho (1-8) Takanosho blasted Yoshinofuji back and forced him to the edge. Yoshinofuji, though, escaped to his left along the tawara and thrust Takanosho down to the side with his left hand in Takanosho’s armpit. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Oho (4-5) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-8). Ichiyamamoto blasted Oho to the edge with his tsuppari. Oho then countered and forced Ichiyamamoto back a few steps. This gave him space to pull and slap Ichiyamamoto down. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima (8-1) defeated Ura (1-8). Ura tried some fanciness at the edge as he rotated and tried to hoist Kirishima up on his back. Kirishima slipped Ura’s grasp, though, and let Ura fall to the ground. Sakatottari.

Aonishiki (7-2) defeated Wakatakakage (4-5). Aonishiki moved really well, keeping pace with Wakatakakage. Aonishiki finally landed that left-hand inside belt grip. Wakatakakage pulled away but Aonishiki tripped him over his left knee and forced him to fall back onto his butt. Kirikaeshi.

Kotozakura (6-3) defeated Takayasu (6-3). Kotozakura showed some initiative here, reaching around and grabbing Takayasu’s belt. He drove the Papa Bear to the edge. As Takayasu tried to charge forward, Kotozakura shifted and thrust Takayasu down as he passed. Solid, aggressive work from the Ozeki. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (3-6) defeated Onosato (6-3). WMH got a solid left hand inside and drove the Yokozuna back with ease, similar to Hakunofuji’s quick win yesterday. One wonders why Onosato showed up if he is injured and defeated this easily. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (7-2) defeated Hoshoryu (6-3). Hoshoryu pulled but Atamifuji did not go down. Instead, Atamifuji adjusted and shifted right with the Yokozuna, charged forward and easily shoved Hoshoryu out. Kinboshi! Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Thankfully, Prime Minister Takaichi waited for sumo to end before giving today’s speech. Priorities.

Kirishima tops the Leaderboard, alone. Aonishiki is the lone sanyaku wrestler in the hunt group with five rank-and-filers. These two guys have been walking highlight reels this basho. Beautiful stuff.

  • 1-loss: Kirishima
  • 2-losses: Aonishiki, Atamifuji, Fujinokawa, Abi, Shishi, Oshoumi

At the other end of the leaderboard, three men join Hatsuyama with makekoshi records: Takanosho, Ichiyamamoto, and Ura. Ichiyamamoto fought well but will slide down the banzuke. He’ll need to claw his way back if he hopes to crack into sanyaku.

The field will narrow tomorrow as Abi will fight Oshoumi and Shishi will fight Fujinokawa. Today’s bouts featured a real celebration of the henka. Abi’s did not quite go to plan, though. Will we see more on Day 10?

In sanyaku, Wakamotoharu will fight Ichiyamamoto and Takayasu will take on Yoshinofuji. Then Kirishima, our leader, will fight Kotozakura. Aonishiki is paired with Takanosho. To close out the day, Hoshoryu must go through his nemesis, Oho and Onosato will take on Atamifuji. If they show up. Surely, after today’s easy losses, the two Yokozuna will watch the action from the couch with a beer-in-hand and feet resting nicely on an ottoman.