Some Juryo Hot Takes

The long title of this post is Some Juryo Hot Takes That Will Almost Certainly Be Proven Wrong, but that’s not good for formatting, and you get the point anyway.

Sumo Prime Time (in which Hiro Morita is rapidly achieving Cult Icon status of late) has recently done a Juryo spotlight which is worth checking out. It got me thinking about the state of the division at present, if it’s exciting and what makes it exciting.

I concluded that it is exciting and the reason for this is that we actually are seeing the realisation of what should be the next wave of makuuchi mainstays. Juryo has not been very good for the past several years. Lots of old guys have either retired or stopped clogging up the promotion lanes, and as a result we’ve seen an infusion of new, young talent.

I can’t write 6000 more words like I did for makuuchi after the last tournament [edited to add: apparently I can do 2300 though], so please don’t blame me for not writing absolutely comprehensive scouting reports about everyone’s sumo style. With some time you can find that on the web, there are lots of good sumo resources and hopefully we will be able to contribute some in-depth articles as well. But hopefully this can help some folks at least identify some names to watch.

J14W Gonoyama

As the name implies, he’s the first sekitori developed by former Ozeki Goeido. If this makes you feel old then you may not enjoy the next year as several of Goeido’s contemporaries will be bringing up their new stars as well. Gonoyama is a former Sandanme tsukedashi (accelerated start in sumo’s fourth tier for a formerly accomplished collegiate star), who picked up a yusho in Makushita and he’s hit the wall a bit in his first two Juryo tournaments. At 24 he needs a strong basho.

J14E Tsushimanada

The David Benjamin sumo book starts with a detailing of how newcomers to the sport might give rikishi a silly nickname. Sushi Man is a 29 year old journeyman from Kyushu making his sekitori debut at his home basho, who had come close on several occasions previously before being scuppered by performance or injury. This is the achievement for the Sakaigawa-beya man. The rest from here will be the icing on the cake.

J13W Roga

Before the pandemic, I sat down with Murray Johnson and he identified Roga as a lower division one to watch. Murray might well be right, and time is on the 23 year old’s side, but the Russian has made an awfully plodding run through Makushita (19 basho!) to get to his Juryo debut. He’s also the first sekitori produced by Futagoyama oyakata, former Ozeki Miyabiyama.

J13E Shimazuumi

The 26 year old enters his fifth Juryo tournament and hasn’t been entirely convincing. He’s been slightly better than average over the last several years and looks like he may be stuck in Juryo for a while, if he doesn’t drop out. He’s the first sekitori produced by the new Hanaregoma beya (former Sekiwake Tamanoshima), but in reality is a product of the former Nishonoseki beya and took his shikona later in his career in deference to the old shisho, former Ozeki Wakashimazu.

J12W Oshoma

Continuing the theme, here’s another first, the first sekitori produced by the new Naruto beya, led by former Ozeki Kotooshu. We’ve talked quite a bit about the heya’s comprehensive recruitment and lower division performance on this site but the Mongolian 25 year old is the first to make the breakthrough earlier this year, helped in no small detail by his Makushita tsukedashi debut placement (for the top collegiate champions). His May Makushita yusho (where he knocked off some very notable names) is looking more like an outlier at the moment, so hopefully he can properly bed into the division and find his feet. The expectation on a Makushita tsukedashi is that they will turn into a top division star, with names like Mitakeumi, Ichinojo and Endo achieving titles and notoriety, although in rare cares that doesn’t happen (Mitoryu, Daiamami).

J12E Tokushōryū

Not going to spend a lot of time here: the storybook champ is on the downswing of an unlikely end of career run. The blue jacket beckons for the man who made Nara proud.

J11W Takakento

The former Takanohana product is on his third Juryo stint, with only 1 winning record in his first six tournaments at the level before Aki’s 9-6. In the absence of an overpowering skill it may be a struggle to project the 26 year old as a makuuchi talent, especially with a tough crowd of prospects to fight through at the moment.

J11E Enho

Injuries and scouting reports have zapped the talented pixie of his mobility and unpredictability, but he is still able to be a chaos agent and others have shown there is still plenty of mileage in that approach, even in the top division. I hope he makes it back. He’s been largely a .500 rikishi over the last year, and while the new Miyagino oyakata (the legendary Hakuho) has been lauded for his recruitment, his coaching of Enho – who at 28 should be in his career prime – will be an intriguing watch.

J10W Kaisho

The first sekitori product of Asakayama oyakata, former Ozeki Kaio, he’s one of those guys that seems to have been around in sumo for absolutely ages. He had a laboured route to the salaried ranks, but despite mixed results (4 kachi-koshi from 10), the eye test does tell me he’s someone who could go a bit further than his Juryo 2 peak, and I feel like his belt work is projectable.

J10E Chiyosakae

The 32 year old made his debut nearly 14 years ago and now reaches his career high rank in his third Juryo basho, having successfully fought (by slim margins) in his first two. He’s on a wonderful 7 basho kachi-koshi run but is almost certainly due for a course correction sooner or later. It would be very surprising to see him continue his run into the top division.

J9W Daishoho

It’s been three years since the 28 year old last reached the top division, but he’s carved out a decent run for himself in the second tier. The Mongolian’s results have looked like a slightly less successful Azumaryu (albeit, he does have one top division winning basho), as he’s loitered mostly in the division’s bottom half since that top division spell. We shouldn’t expect too much more from the yotsu-zumo enthusiast.

J9E Daiamami

The rare former Makushita tsukedashi man that just doesn’t make the grade, Daiamami’s awkward oshi-zumo style has translated largely to good results in Juryo, but only 2 kachikoshi in 11 top division basho tells us he’s what baseball scouts would call a “AAAA” player – too good for the minors top AAA level, but not quite strong enough to hang in the majors. At 29 he’ll probably return to makuuchi a couple more times for the odd basho.

J8W Kotokuzan

The Arashio-beya vet has been a real success story for the new oyakata, finally making the breakthrough to Juryo in 2021 after years of near misses, and then making short work of the division en route to his makuuchi debut. But since getting absolutely leathered at Natsu where his pushing-thrusting style lacked power, he’s found the second division a bit tougher on the second go.

J8E Shimanoumi

It’s awful to say, but Shimanoumi has looked absolutely wretched and listless on the dohyo since his wedding earlier in the year. Hopefully it’s a coincidence. Assuming he doesn’t free fall right out of Juryo this time, he’ll reach 30 sekitori tournaments in January and become eligible to eventually take up the name he (allegedly) picked up the rights to upon marrying the daughter of the sadly deceased former Izutsu. He’s meant to be one of sumo’s nice guys, so hopefully he can turn it around.

J7W Kinbozan

Sumo’s lone Kazakh debuted a year ago as Sandanme tsukedashi and has rattled off six consecutive dominant performances including a pair of yusho. Entering Juryo at Aki, he posted double digit wins cementing his place in the prolific Kimura Sehei production line. Unlike many of his stablemates however, putting technique and experience aside he’ll be hoping to make Kyushu his second and final Juryo basho en route to a 2023 that could take him up to the san’yaku ranks at his current rate of progress.

J7E Tochimushashi

The top recruit formerly known as Kanno has blitzed his way from his Sandanme tsukedashi entrance to the middle of Juryo with just one make-koshi in ten appearances, and a very timely first yusho in his Aki debut in Juryo. He should easily chart the course to Makuuchi by early next year. And there are reasons why he draws comparisons to his stablemate Aoiyama…

J6W Kitanowaka

Tipped for big, big things for a long, long time, his star has dimmed a bit after experiencing a fairly indifferent couple years in Makushita. At 190cm he’s a tall drink of water and, although there are other talents in the heya, he may eventually represent one of 60 year old riji-cho Hakkaku’s last products to challenge in the top division.

J6E Hokuseiho

Derailed by injury and covid kyujo, the enormous Hokuseiho (21 years old as of basho-time) will look to continue his impressive development. Questions still remain about his ultimate ceiling: he has the physicality and apparently the determination to reach the top, but his sumo is a bit slow and lumbering. Still, with a career record of 74-21 heading into his third Juryo tournament, it’s hard not to dream on him.

J5W Chiyonokuni

Riddled by injury and with all of his former epic brawling opponents having ridden off into the sunset, it’s tough to see a path forward for the 32 year old energetic street fighter. He may well make his way back to Makuuchi for the odd appearance as he is still competitive at this level, but even being only 18 months removed from the joi-jin, it seems his best days are behind him.

J5E Akua

I never thought he’d make it to makuuchi, so I think it’s a great credit that he’s been able to hang tough and carve out a solid career in the second tier. Now 32, I think the realistic goal is to make it to the middle of 2024 in the salaried ranks to try and qualify for elder status.

J4W Yutakayama

While it feels fairly shocking to see him ranked here, such have been the disappointing results from the former top prospect that it’s hard to make a case that he belongs even at the back end of the top division right now. While it’s easy to argue he might benefit from a couple confidence boosting 9-6s to keep expectations in check, that’s more or less what’s happened on his last few Juryo demotions. He may be playing yo-yo for the next couple years, but at 29 and with 26 sekitori basho under his belt, he at least looks a lock to secure the 30 basho required to qualify for a kabu.

J4E Hidenoumi

While his brother is getting all the plaudits right now, 33 year old Hidenoumi continues to solidly motor along. Demoted due to suspension, he was making a decent go of it in makuuchi and probably belongs somewhere at the bottom division at the moment. Although, with the wave of new talent pushing upwards, his comfortability slugging it out in Juryo bodes well for the final stage of his career.

J3W Mitoryu

The former Makushita tsukedashi took forever and a day (27 basho) to make it out of Juryo and his debut Makuuchi performance was… not good. Overpowered and short of mobility, he was sent packing with double-digit losses. At 28, the Mongolian is looking like another for whom Azumaryu’s career (lots of Juryo time with the odd Makuuchi make-koshi thrown in) looks like a reasonable ambition.

J3E Tsurugisho

Another Juryo lifer who benefitted massively from the reduction in top division quality, Tsurugisho has been pretty OK at doing a whole lot of things on the dohyo and not particularly incredible at any one. The jack of all trades dropped down for this latest spell after a pair of 5 win tournaments and may yet yo-yo some more, but he surely reached his ultimate ceiling 3 years ago.

J2W Bushozan

Former Ozeki Musoyama’s starlet performed admirably in his first year in Juryo after spending an eternity (six whole years) in the third tier. This year though, he’s hit a bit of a wall. He’s been in promotion range several times before and not been able to get the job done, but after the basho he’ll be 27 and should be firmly arriving soon into the peak of his powers.

J2E Churanoumi

Churanoumi reaches his career high-to-date at Kyushu, and it’s not been a straightforward ride for him to navigate the penultimate division. He’s has several promotions and demotions back to Makushita, and while his current span in the salaried ranks has only been disrupted for a single basho since the start of 2020, he’s spent very little time in the top reaches of the division or fighting against the occasional top division opponent. This basho, then, is a real test for a guy who somewhat notably once defeated the likes of Kiribayama and Oho in title-clinching bouts in the lower divisions.

J1W Chiyomaru

This lovable character has made a career out of jostling at the top end of Juryo and lower end of Makuuchi and will go again as he enters his 10th year as a sekitori. He is what he is.

J1E Tōhakuryū

I often lament the lack of creativity in shikona assembly, and while the characters in play for Tohakuryu are fairly common, the order and reading is a little less so. I enjoy that. He’s yet another former Sandanme tsukedashi who made more or less quick work of the lower divisions (with one blip). But he’s not the biggest, and his run through Juryo has been plodding, steady if unspectacular. Here he arrives at his career high rank, in his prime at 26, at the position from which a kachi-koshi will certainly deliver him a promotion. However, should it be tight going into the second week, he’ll find many of these aforementioned talents breathing right down his neck…

Kyushu Day 15 Highlights

Congratulations to Yokozuna Terunofuji for taking his first perfect yusho, a 15-0 masterpiece that saw him overwhelm every other competitor from across the banzuke. It has been since the 1960s that a Yokozuna won both his debut tournament and the one that follows. A fine and rarefied roster that Terunofuji has now joined. What gives me a smile is that not even Hakuho, the greatest Yokozuna in sumo’s long history, was able to do that one.

Some solid questions coming out of Kyushu:

  • There is a massive log-jam of promotable rikishi at the top end of the banzuke. How they are going to sort this one out will be a puzzle for people like lksumo to consider.
  • Mitakeumi is back attempting an Ozeki campaign again. One of these times he is actually going to make it. I kind of feel bad for he guy, as every time he puts on one of these surges, he comes up just a hair short.
  • I am warming up to the idea of a “big churn” going into Hatsu, where the banzuke group just decide to send all the damaged rikishi with gimpy records down to Juryo, and bring up the maximum number of fresh athletes. This would somewhat defy convention, but would probably do wonders for sumo.

Highlight Matches

Terutsuyoshi defeats Tochinoshin – Terutsuyoshi went deep inside at the tachiai. Tochinoshin tried to wrap him up, but kept leaning over farther to keep him contained. Terutsuyoshi kept shifting in and a bit more to the side, and unleashed an under-arm shitatehineri that swung Tochinoshin to the clay. Terutsuyoshi finishes Kyushu with 7-8.

Kagayaki defeats Kotonowaka – Kotonowaka chose defense by the 3rd step, as Kagayaki was connecting well against center-mass. Kotonowaka’s was able to hold Kagayaki in check until Kagayaki got a body hold, and was able to drive forward for a yorikiri. Kagayaki ends with a dismal 5-10 score, but may have passed the “most losses in 2021” title to Kotoeko.

Sadanoumi defeats Chiyotairyu – Chiyotairyu was strong out of the tachiai, connected well and started moving forward. Sadanoumi was ready for this, and as Chiyotairyu lunged forward to finish him, Sadanoumi stepped aside, grabbed an arm and boosted Chiyotairyu forward. Sadanoumi improves to a final 9-6 for November.

Chiyonokuni defeats Hidenoumi – Chiyonokuni took this one by never letting Hidenoumi set his feet. Without a moment to establish his balance, Hidenoumi never generated much offense, and was picked off a piece at a time by Chiyonokuni’s hit and move sumo. Chiyonokuni picks up a final win to end 9-6.

Akua defeats Aoiyama – Check out Akua’s thrusting variation. That was neat over / under pattern he set up against Aoiyama, and it really broke Aoiyama’s thrusting attack. Big Dan found himself unable to hold territory, and Akua sent him over the East side to finalize on a 9-6 score for Kyushu.

Yutakayama defeats Kotoeko – Even though Kotoeko finished the basho with a horrific 3-12 score, its not the worst record this November. But man, is it terrible. Yutakayama started strong, focused center mass, and gave Kotoeko no chance to try any sumo at all. Yutakayama finishes 7-8. I know there are some conditions in play that may limit demotions, but really we should see Kotoeko and Kagayaki in Juryo next time to give them a break and let the regroup.

Hokutofuji defeats Chiyoshoma – Hokutofuji completely overpowered Chiyoshoma, and my hoped for yotsu mega-battle never had a chance to take place. Chiyoshoma looked like he thought something was not quite right with that match, but that’s how sumo goes, it seems. Hokutofuji ends with a powerful 11-4 score for Kyushu.

Chiyomaru defeats Ura – Chiyomaru enormous round defensive screen proved a significant geometry problem for Ura, who had to work around it to try and get inside and get his offense started. Chiyomaru knows this, and its why he built that protuberance, and as Ura dove in, he drove Ura down. Chiyomaru picks up his 8th win and is kachi-koshi for the day. Ura gets the well deserved technique prize and everyone wins something in this match.

Shohozan defeats Shimanoumi – In what might be Shohozan’s final match during honbasho, Shohozan breaks his nose and bleeds all over Shimanoumi in the process of taking him out with a yorikiri. Shohozan finishes Kyushu with 4-11, and will be ranked in Juryo on Christmas Eve unless he chooses to assume his kabu and retire.

Endo defeats Kaisei – The first of the true Darwin matches goes to Endo. Kaisei had a strong early advantage, but a throw attempt fell apart, leaving Endo behind him. A quick run out and a win by okuridashi, Endo finds his 8th win, and is kachi-koshi.

Hoshoryu defeats Takarafuji – Sort of a mini-henka from Hoshoryu at the start put him in control of the match. Surprisingly, Takarafuji seemed to be in a bit of a hurry today, and rather than grind Hoshoryu one second at a time, he went quickly to attack. This supplied the power needed for Hoshoryu win, as he opened up an uwatenage, that nearly fell apart. Hoshoryu improves to 7-8 for his final mark.

Okinoumi defeats Myogiryu – Dear readers, I present the worst record of Kyushu, Myogiryu with a 2-13. He was 11-4 and had the jun-yusho last month, and now this. He had almost nothing against Okinoumi today, who improved to 7-8 on the final day.

Takanosho defeats Abi – Takanosho managed to find a gap in Abi’s attack plane, and wastes no time getting him back on his heels, removing his thrusting power. A second volley gets him traveling out, and its a fast path to win number 11, and the fighting spirit prize. The banzuke team have quite a log jam at the top to untangle for January.

Takayasu defeats Onosho – As could be expected with these two fighting, it was a mess. Onosho had Takayasu moving out, but managed to crash down to the clay a moment before Takayasu’s foot landed. There was a mono-ii, and the gumbai went to Takayasu. Both of you two, go back to Tokyo and get your sumo together. Takayasu improves to 6-9.

Wakatakakage defeats Tobizaru – Second Darwin match, it was a fine and even fight that was evenly balanced until Tobizaru decided to try and pull against Wakatakakage, opening the door for the oshidashi that followed. We have not seen Tobizaru take a tour of the zabuton for fan service in a few days, so out he goes to say hello to the locals. No word on if he eventually said hello to sumo media great Jason Harris who was in the crowd today. Wakatakakage kachi-koshi at 8-7, Tobizaru make-koshi at 7-8.

Daieisho defeats Ishiura – The final Darwin match, and there was only one way this was going to end, with a Daieisho kachi-koshi. He made fast work of Ishiura, putting him face down on the clay by the third step, improving to 8-7, and sending Ishiura to a 7-8 make-koshi.

Kiribayama defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi put a bit too much stock in that pull down attempt on the third step, and gave Kiribayama a double inside grip. That was all he needed to overpower the veteran and earn his final win to complete Kyushu with a 6-9 make-koshi.

Meisei defeats Ichinojo – Lawd, what happened to Ichinojo? He finishes Kyushu with 5-10 after showing some strong sumo in week 1. Meisei struggled to find a way to move Ichinojo at first, and the Boulder’s pulling attempt more or less threw the match away. Meisei improves to 7-8.

Mitakeumi defeats Shodai – Mitakeumi gets to 11, and can make the case that he is yet again going to try to put together 33 wins to earn his way to Ozeki. Mitakeumi opened strong, and had Shodai moving, but Shodai went for a makke-kai without the territory needed to absorb the move. He was easy for Mitakeumi to finish at that point, giving him an 11-4 final score.

Terunofuji defeats Takakeisho – Well, Takakeisho proved he can move the Yokozuna if he connects, but he could not keep the wave train running, and the whole match devolved into some odd attack / pause thing that reminded me of the first time Takakeisho fought Hakuho. Terunofuji finishes him after a time to run his score up to a perfect 15-0, his first ever zensho.

With that, Tachiai concludes our daily coverage of Kyushu 2021. Thank you, dear readers, for joining us for what has been an immensely satisfying tournament. We have greatly enjoyed bringing you the stories, action and commentary of the final sumo tournament of the year. Join us on Christmas Eve for the Hatsu banzuke, and the start of a new sumo year.

Kyushu Day 15 Preview

We come at last to the final day of this final tournament of 2021. What a year it has been, and what a satisfying end to this tournament. Terunofuji has 4 of the 6 yusho for this year, with Hakuho taking his final cup in July in the heat of Nagoya, and Daieisho winning in January. He has completely dominated sumo this year and looks to continue into 2022. The last question we have around the yusho is – can Terunofuji have his first perfect yusho? A win today against Takakeisho and he will reach that goal. He has already won his first two tournaments since promotion, a very rarefied roster.

We have three Darwin matches today, with a total of 7 rikishi finishing the first 14 days at 7-7. Chiyomaru escapes the Darwin fight and instead will face Ura to meet his doom. On the times I was fortunate enough to attend senshuraku in person in Tokyo, there is a very celebratory and relaxed feeling. The fans are generally upbeat, the rikishi are usually looking forward to the end of the tournament, and in the days before COVID, its on to the stable and fan group parties following the last match. Hopefully one day soon, that tradition will return. The rikishi and the stables really need the engagement and donations from the fans.

The last thing to be decided is who is falling out of the top division, and why from Juryo might take their places. lksumo has been doing a great job of looking into that murky future, and I am eager for the banzuke on Christmas eve.

What We Are Watching Day 15

Tochinoshin vs Terutsuyoshi – A pair of 6-8 rikishi face off, to see who can get that 7th win. I am surprised and delighted that Tochinoshin was able to have this good of a record going into the final day. There was a time a week ago when I was thinking he was going to be headed to Juryo, possibly never to be seen in the top division again. Instead, he should be around for a bit longer, and if he can get his body a bit more healthy, may even have a big score given he will be fighting at the bottom of the banzuke in January.

Kotonowaka vs Kagayaki – This match will likely gauge how far down the banzuke Kagayaki will drop, and to conclude the derby for the most losses in 2021 between Kotoeko and Kagayaki. Ugly stuff.

Chiyotairyu vs Sadanoumi – One of the many “Hey, why not” matches on day 15 where the rikishi need to fight someone, and the make/kachi koshi are already decided. I like Sadanoumi in this one, just because he has been fast and effective this November.

Chiyonokuni vs Hidenoumi – Matching 8-6 records, I think one may be to help gauge how far up the banzuke Chiyonokuni will rise. A 9th win will see him a bit above the midpoint, which I worry might be a tough rank for him.

Aoiyama vs Akua – Can Aoiyama find one more win before the curtain closes on Kyushu? He has really been struggling in spite of being able to use “his brand of sumo” frequently this tournament. Akua is already kachi-koshi, and has been fighting well, so I don’t expect Aoiyama to be successful today.

Kotoeko vs Yutakayama – Kotoeko is going to turn in at least 11 losses this basho, and I think he really needs to recover in Juryo. He’s Maegashira 8, so he’s not likely to drop all the way out of the top division, but he’s had two double digit make-koshi tournaments this year. Clearly he’s hurt.

Hokutofuji vs Chiyoshoma – I have a lot of interest in this match. Hokutofuji lost the last 2 out of 3, and he will face a much more genki Chiyoshoma that I can ever recall seeing. This guy always had a fair amount of potential, but has only recently decided to put it work. Hokutofuji is a tough competitor, and can attack using multiple forms. Both are kachi-koshi, so this is all about rank.

Ura vs Chiyomaru – Well, someone had to go up against Ura today. May as well be the 7-7 Chiyomaru, who is large and round, and rolls very well. I am hoping for another ashitori today to close out the cornucopia of kimarite from Ura this tournament.

Shimanoumi vs Shohozan – I would love to see Shohozan finish with a win, but given that Shimanoumi has a 5-1 career advantage, I just don’t see it happening. Its an open question on if he will go back to Juryo, or pull the lever on retirement and take up a position as an elder in the association.

Kaisei vs Endo – First Darwin match, and its likely to be “The Endo Show” today. Endo is fighting much better this November than Kaisei is, and I would expect him to land a grip early, and roll Kaisei out or down before the 4th step.

Takarafuji vs Hoshoryu – Hoshoryu has struggled this tournament. He came in with more mass, and as we have seen young rikishi bulk up, it usually takes them a tournament or two to get adjusted to their new size, so this is likely an evolutionary period for him, and we may see a much more effective Hoshoryu in January. Takarafuji seems to be lacking his ability to hold ground right now, and that’s likely due to some injury.

Okinoumi vs Myogiryu – Wow, Myogiryu at 2-12, that’s a brutal score that could be 2-13 by the end of today. He and Okinoumi have a 30 match career record, and under normal conditions it might be a big fight. But clearly Myogiryu is not up to par, and it’s likely going to be win #7 for Okinoumi.

Abi vs Takanosho – This one bay be about deciding ordering and position in the ranks for January. I will be surprised if they don’t give Abi a special prize, or even two, this basho. He really over-performed. Takanosho has likewise hit double digits. Takanosho has never taken a match from Abi, and I hope he has a plan to shut down Abi-zumo before he loses any offensive position he might claim.

Onosho vs Takayasu – Two rikishi I really like, both with miserable 5-9 scores. One of them is going to hit double digit losses, and I am worried it will be Takayasu. I am not sure what is damaged in that big hairy body, but I hope he can get it mended in time for January.

Tobizaru vs Wakatakakage – Second Darwin match, its a pair of high mobility fighters looking to rip kachi-koshi from the other man’s hide. They have an even 4-4 record, so I expect this one to be fast, fierce and brutal.

Daieisho vs Ishiura – This one is a bit of a puzzler, M1 Daieisho vs M12 Ishiura in the final Darwin match. I don’t give Ishiura much of a chance in this one, as Daieisho is out of his normal range of opponent. Winner kachi-koshi, loser make-koshi.

Tamawashi vs Kiribayama – It seems that Tamawashi has not been able to win against Kiribayama in any of his previous 3 tries. I like his chances today, as Kiribayama comes in with 5-9 score to mirror Tamawashi’s 9-5.

Ichinojo vs Meisei – Folks had a lot of hope for Ichinojo this basho, he was in the named ranks, he had some early matches that showed real fire, and everyone was looking for him to hold rank. But in reality he found himself on the losing end of a few too many matches, and is starting at the possibility of a double digit make-koshi if he loses his match with Meisei today.

Shodai vs Mitakeumi – These two wide-bodies have 25 previous matches, and they balance out 12-13. Thankfully Shodai is not in the Darwin group, but could reach double digits if he can best Mitakeumi today. Of course Mitakeumi is looking for an 11th win to give his Ozeki run a solid push.

Terunofuji vs Takakeisho – This will decide if Terunofuji can finish with a perfect 15-0 yusho for the first time in his career. He has an even record against Takakeisho, who can give the Yokozuna a good fight as long as he does not get too eager and try to pull Terunofuji down.

Kyushu Day 14 Highlights

Day 14 of the Kyushu tournament was a day when many questions were answered, it was a fine day of sumo indeed. I have to call out the “showcase” match between Hoshoryu and Kiribayama. These guys are, we hope, going to be core figures i a future generation of sumo. They are hard core fighters with deep skills, and overflowing tenacity. They went chest to chest for nearly a minute, throwing the kitchen sink at each other in a masterful display of sumo skill and athletic prowess. Even though both are make-koshi for November, that was some top rate sumo.

After taking quite a bit of damage on day 12, the shards of Darwin’s funnel finished their grim work today, landing 7 rikishi on 7-7 records at the end of today. We will have 3 Darwin matches on the final day. Not the largest amount this year, but enough to keep things spicy.

Lastly, in order to give folks a chance who did not want to know just yet to bail out, Terunofuji won his sixth yusho today with a huge, powerful oshitaoshi against Abi. Terunofuji has a chance to make it a 15-0 zensho by taking down Takakeisho on day 15. We congratulate Terunofuji for really dominating every last match he competed in this November. He was in amazing form on his run up to Yokozuna, but he has somehow gotten even better since then, and is fairly unstoppable right now. We hope his health remains excellent, and he continues to shred all competitors for years to come.

Highlight Matches

Kaisei defeats Chiyonokuni – A grand demonstration of why Chiyonokuni struggles to win matches against Kaisei. Chiyonokuni is mobile, he is fierce, and’s hitting where he wants, and is moving well. But Kaisei is not moving. The big Brazilian understands his own mass, and he plants himself in the center of the dohyo and holds it. Eventually he finds Chiyonokuni open, and shifts to attack. It only takes a moment more than that, and Kaisei completes Darwin’s funnel to end at 7-7.

Tochinoshin defeats Kotonowaka – Tochinoshin was moving better today than I have seen him move this entire basho. At this point he may be back to what passes for “full health” given the condition of his knee. That makikae gave him a way to put in something akin to his old sky-crane, and Kotonowaka had zero chance at that point. Tochinoshin hands Kotonowaka his make-koshi via makikae (I love it) and improves to 6-8.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Akua – Akua seems to have read the ashitori attempt, and pivoted out of the way of Terutsuyoshi’s leg grab, but Terutsuyoshi connected and got his opponent rotating. The two went down together, with the gumbai going to Terutsuyoshi.

Chiyotairyu defeats Shohozan – Chiyotairyu shuts down Shohozan’s attempt to establish an inside attack, and stalemates the flagging veteran in the center of the dohyo. Chiyotairyu rallies, with a solid volley of thrusting, and kept the pressure on all the way out of the ring. Chiyotairyu improves to 6-8.

Chiyomaru defeats Aoiyama – Big Dan brings the double arm, V-Twin sumo today. He gets Chiyomaru moving, then increases the pressure. Chiyomaru rallies at the bales, catches Aoiyama off balance, and swats him down. Chiyomaru completes Darwin’s funnel to reach 7-7.

Tobizaru defeats Sadanoumi – I love that flurry of upward tsuppari from Sadanoumi as he works to keep Tobizaru from closing in and getting any kind of body or mawashi grip, just great combo from him. Sadanoumi gets a clear road to drive Tobizaru out, and presses forward. Tobizaru ducks to the side, and Sadanoumi exits a moment before the flyin monkey. A mono-ii confirms the gyoji’s call, and Tobizaru improves to 7-7.

Chiyoshoma defeats Yutakayama – Chiyoshoma escapes the funnel in glorious fashion, with some high quality sumo. Even Abema commentator, the great Wakanohana expected a henka today, but Chiyoshoma decided to whip it on instead. He spends about 10 second consolidating his attack, then heaves Yutakayama down with a blistering uwatenage. Chiyoshoma 8-6, and kachi-koshi. Yutakayama 6-8 and make-koshi. Well played, sir.

Kagayaki defeats Shimanoumi – Some fair to good sumo from Kagayaki, he managed to get inside on Shimanoumi, and tried for a body hold, but settled for a thrusting attack center mass. Shimanoumi could not hold his ground, and exited directly. Kagayaki improves to 4-10, possibly handing the banner for most losses in 2021 to Kotoeko.

Takarafuji defeats Kotoeko – Takarafuji tried to set up his calm, solid defense. But Kotoeko was struggling like a toddler with a saggy diaper jacked up on too much apple sauce. Unable to settle Kotoeko down, Takarafuji sends him to the corner to think again, improving to 5-9.

Ishiura defeats Okinoumi – The mini-Darwin went in favor of Ishiura, who launched into the tachiai with a whole lot of power. Okinoumi did a great job of blunting everything Ishiura tried, but the smaller Ishiura got a leg inside of Okinoumi’s stance, and used that pivot to knock him out of balance. Okinoumi did not find a way to get back to stable footing, and Ishiura put him out a moment later. Ishiura completes the funnel at 7-7, Okinoumi make-koshi at 6-8.

Onosho defeats Myogiryu – Onosho stood Myogiryu up, then knocked him down with a well placed hatakikomi. He improves to 5-9. Myogiryu at 2-12, an epic score.

Takanosho defeats Hidenoumi – Takanosho picks up another white star in the promotion derby, and the race to get into the named ranks. Hidenoumi hit hard at the tachiai, but watch that guy use the ring! He keeps Takanosho at an angle the entire time, and just keeps circling around the dohyo. Hidenoumi, feeling good about his defense, decides to pull Takanosho, and that moment he eased forward pressure. Takanosho read the weight shift, and charged ahead to improve to 10-4.

Daieisho defeats Takayasu – Takayasu could not keep his footing, and gets rolled by Daieisho. At Maegashira 5, Takayasu should have had a pretty good run. But instead he is looking at the possibility of double digit losses. I hope he can get healthy over the new year’s break and come back strong at Hatsu. Daieisho completes the funnel at 7-7.

Wakatakakage defeats Endo – Darwin smiles at this pair, who managed to work it exactly right and both finish at 7-7 today. A perfectly timed move to the side by Wakatakakage put him beside Endo, Endo could not pivot to meet him before Wakatakakage had a hand hold, and was pushing with everything he could deliver. With no option for offense or defense, Endo was quickly dispatched.

Hokutofuji defeats Ichinojo – Ichinojo did a brilliant job of shutting down Hokutofuji’s opening gambit, taking the nodowa and collapsing the gap, pinning Hokutofuji to his expansive chest. Hokutofuji is stuck, and he knows it. But that clever fellow ramps up the pressure on his left side while lifting with his right, causing Ichinojo to respond. A lightning fast shift back to the right and a pull down drops Ichinojo to one knee, giving Hokutofuji his 10th win.

Hoshoryu defeats Kiribayama – So guys, that was some great sumo. It a shame both of you are make-koshi, as this is the kind of competition the sport needs in quantity. Loved the intensity and the rotating menu of attacks, responses and escapes. Hoshoryu tried at least six tripping attacks, and Kiribayama survived them and stayed in the fight. Great match, with Hoshoryu improving to 6-8 as he finally drove Kiribayama from the ring.

Mitakeumi defeats Tamawashi – Congrats to Mitakeumi for reaching double digits, if he can make it 11 tomorrow against Shodai, he will have a solid start to what may be his final Ozeki run. Tamawashi opened big, and had all the power on the second step. Mitakeumi was able to turn and send him forward on his own. Mitakeumi improves to 10-4.

Meisei defeats Ura – Ura was a bit too low, and had to rise up to recover, Meisei caught him at this exact moment, and applied maximum power to that shove. Ura could not hold his balance and went down in a heap. Meisei improves to 6-8.

Takakeisho defeats Shodai – Wow, this match had more to it than first meets the eye. I saw Takakeisho come in tight, closer than is normally safe for a man who falls to pieces when his opponent gets on his belt. Shodai is high at the tachiai, and was looking to get his stance set, and then the first wave crashed against that broad pasty chest, and Shodai’s balance was broken. He almost recovered when the second volley landed amidships, and the third sent him out for a loss. Takakeisho improves to 12-2.

Terunofuji defeats Abi – We have seen this a number of times this basho. Somebody attacks Terunofuji, and Terunofuji responds, defending well until the moment there is real trouble. Then the Kaiju comes out and it’s all over a moment later. I can wax complementary on Terufnouji’s superior balance, his excellent foot work and his ability to stay in the match after Abi unloads everything. But where does that surge of power come from? Did Abi even know what was happening? The amount of force Abi was generating the moment that Terunofuji threw him down must have been tremendous, and the power must of been equal to that, plus a very large sum to not just take Abi back, but collapse him into a spindly pile of long arms and tangled legs. Terunofuji at 14-0, and wins his 6th yusho. He won back to back yusho from his debut as a Yokozuna… just wow.