Shin-Ozeki Asanoyama overpowered Mitakeumi today, dropping him to 7-2 while Ishiura surprised Hokutofuji to remain unbeaten, and 2 wins ahead of anyone else in the Kokugikan today. How long can Ishiura’s amazing storybook run continue? Not sure, but for the last 2 years it seems almost anyone in the top division stands a reasonable chance of taking home the cup on day 15. Should Ishiura pull off the miracle, who do you think would be his flag bearer? Awkward….

In the match immediately following, it was clear that Takakeisho is in a lot of pain both before and after the match, with him trying to massage that right pectoral muscle. As his only real weapon is thrusting, and he is right hand dominant, this is very bad news for him.

Mock Natsu Leaderboard

Leader – Ishiura
Hunt Group – Kakuryu, Asanoyama, Mitakeumi, Tokushoryu, Chiyotairyu, Sadanoumi, Nishikigi

6 Matches Remain

Day 9 Matches

Kotoeko (4-5) defeats Chiyoshoma (5-4) Tsukiotoshi – Chiyoshoma comes back to visit the top division to face Kotoeko. Chiyoshoma was early off the line, getting his left arm around Kotoeko’s body and spinning him. Surprisingly, Chiyoshoma did not quite keep his feet placed, and Kotoeko was able to stop the dance and attack. With all of Chiyoshoma’s weight on his left foot, Kotoeko tried for a leg sweep, that nearly worked. As Chiyoshoma stumbled to regain balance, Kotoeko grabbed Chiyoshoma and threw him down. I did like that attempt at the leg sweep – nice move.

Nishikigi (7-2) defeats Takayasu (6-3) Tsukiotoshi – Trying not to grumble here that Takayasu would get beaten by the likes of Nishikigi, but I need to keep in mind just how injured Takayasu was. While he opened strong, maybe 9 days of fighting has those injuries trending toward bad once more. Takayasu certainly seemed a bit less aggressive, and this is the first time – ever – that Nishikigi has beaten him. Ok, trying to to be worried. Some decent endurance from Nishikigi today as he was able to contain everything that Takayasu threw into this match.

Shohozan (5-4) defeats Chiyomaru (3-6) Oshidashi – This was more like the form we expect from Shohozan. He was strong at the tachiai, and made no attempt to do anything more than land a huge uppercut. In exchange, Chiyomaru got in a potent double arm thrust, but that uppercut sent him back, and Shohozan lunged in to finish him. Chiyomaru did seem a bit dazed after the match – hope he’s ok.

Sadanoumi (7-2) defeats Wakatakakage (4-5) Yoritaoshi – It had been a few days since we had seen Sadanoumi’s lightning tachiai, but to his credit it looks like Wakatakakage was prepared for it. Sadanoumi landed a right hand on Wakatakakage’s mawashi, but yielded the inside position to Wakatakakage, who reciprocated with a shallow left hand grip. Sadanoumi was impressively low, and was able to partially lift Wakatakakage off the dohyo and carry him forward for the win. One more win for kachi-koshi for Sadanoumi.

Tochinoshin (2-7) defeats Kotoyuki (3-6) Yorikiri – Tochinoshin managed his second win, and just maybe he can save himself from a trip to Juryo now. Kotoyuki was faster off the line, and attempted to set the match to oshi-zumo, but Tochinoshin was able to get his left hand outside grip. There’s not enough strength left in those knees to try a lift, and I think Tochinoshin accepts that now, but there is more than enough sumo skill to dominate a yotsu-zumo match. With Kotoyuki struggling to return to attack range, Tochinoshin progressively tightened his stance, and shut down Kotoyuki’s squirming as he walked him out.

Myogiryu (4-5) defeats Kotoshoho (5-4) Oshidashi – Myogiryu came out of the tachiai lower and faster, and was able to completely disrupt Kotoshoho’s efforts to set up defensive foot placement. Forced to step back, Kotoshoho knew he had trouble, and Myogiryu timed his next thrust perfectly to maximize the disruption. Kotoshoho was forced to step back again, and Myogiryu rushed forward to force him from the ring, but Kotoshoho managed to get his right hand on Myogiryu;s body at the last moment, and both men went out in a heap. The goyoji gave the match to Kotoshoho, but the Shimpan decided to review the video. From the replay it was clear that Kotoshoho touched down first, and the match went to Myogiryu.

Kotonowaka (5-4) defeats Kaisei (3-6) Uwatenage – Kaisei always has a bit of a slow tachiai, mostly due to how much effort it takes to get that much mass in motion. But he found the doughy, pliable Kotonowaka on the attack before he got too far out of his starting crouch. With both hands on Kaisei’s chest, Kotonowaka was able to get a few good blows in before Kaisei started grinding forward. Finding a right hand inside position, Kaisei drove Kotonowaka to the bales, but was unable to finish him. Kotonowaka moved to change his grip and was rewarded with morozashi, but the sheer size of Kaisei meant there was little he could do with the double inside grip. With Kaisei continuing to advanced, and Kotonowaka’s heels on the tawara, he loaded a last minute throw which did the trick and rescued the match for him.

Tokushoryu (7-2) defeats Kotoshogiku (5-4) Hatakikomi – Kotoshogiku was wearing a noticeably larger amount of tape today than any prior day of the basho, and I worry that his body is trying hard to override his fighting spirit now 9 days into the competition. But like the stalwart he is, Kotoshogiku came to fight, and give it his all. He took Tokushoryu to his chest and put himself in control of the match. Tokushoryu gave ground and tried to stay inbounds, but that trademark slap down from Tokushoryu was garnished with a pirouette at the edge. I think this is a good rank for Tokushoryu, and for now most his opponents are susceptible to his drop back, step the to side and slap down combo that took him to the yusho in January.

Chiyotairyu (7-2) defeats Shimanoumi (5-4) Hatakikomi – Shimanoumi took that massive tachiai, and not only stayed upright but managed to get a hold of Chiyotairyu’s mawashi. The big Kokonoe man danced around a bit, working to lower Shimanoumi’s body a bit at a time, until he was bent so far forward, struggling to maintain that grip, that he was an easy mark for the slap down. Either that is a practiced “plan b” or that was some world class improvisation.

Terutsuyoshi (3-6) defeats Ikioi (2-7) Oshidashi – Ikioi now one loss from make-koshi, and he seems to be struggling once more. Terutsuyoshi had an excellent tachiai, arriving at Ikioi’s neck as the bigger man was still moving forward and up. Unable to get any hand hold on Terutsuyoshi, Ikioi gave ground and tried to pull Terutsuyoshi down. Terutsuyoshi responded with a volley of thrusts to Ikioi’s chest, sending him to his 7th loss.

Ryuden (3-6) defeats Tamawashi (3-6) Yorikiri – It was Tamawashi’s match at the start, he was able to drive Ryuden back from the shikiri-sen, and Ryuden broke contact and circled away. Tamawashi responded with a combination of thrusts to Ryuden’s neck which connected well, but did not move Ryuden back more than a bit. Before Tamawashi could attack again, Ryuden closed the gap and put his left hand on Tamwashi’s belt, latching his fingers on the outer layers. Tamawashi responded with his right hand, but Ryuden already had control of the match, and moved Tamawashi back and out for a win. Both men finish the day at 3-6, and are in tough shape this tournament.

Ishiura (9-0) defeats Hokutofuji (5-4) Tsukiotoshi – Ishiura is still undefeated, and today he took Hokutofuji apart and left him by the side of the road. Hokutofuji opened strongly from the tachiai, but Ishiura gave ground carefully, retreating just enough to reduce the force for Hokutofuji’s attacks, and turning him at each step. With an overly eager right hand thrust from Hokutofuji, his body was open to attack for just a moment. Ishiura drove forward and thrust Hokutofuji down. A beautiful combination of speed and power.

Kiribayama (3-6) defeats Enho (3-6) Uwatenage – Both rikishi were firmly committed to a mawashi battle at the tachiai, and Kiribayama’s commitment to go toe to toe with Enho in this manner gave him an early advantage. He kept his stance wide and shut down two solid attempts by Enho to use his compact body and inside position to move Kiribayama. Content to stalemate Enho, Kiribayama looked ready to hit him out. But Enho had no intention of going passive, and reached for Kiribayama’s left leg. Suddenly reacting to the move, Kiribayama stepped his left foot back, but that only powered the throw which seems to have been Enho’s actual plan. The biggest shame is there was not a huge crowd in the Kokugikan to scream their heads off when Kiribayama when flying.

Yutakayama (3-6) defeats Takanosho (5-4) Yorikiri – Yutakayama got the inside position at the tachiai, and had much better foot placement. A bit of a struggle as the two went chest to chest, but Yutakayama got to a right hand inside position. As Takanosho fumbled to achieve a reciprocal grip, Yutakayama lowered his hips and advanced strongly, driving Takanosho from the ring.

Takarafuji (5-4) defeats Endo (2-7) Yorikiri – Endo seems to have lost all manner of his mojo, and today he went down to a surprisingly genki Takarafuji, who is having a great tournament at Maegashira 3. Endo’s attempt to set up a belt grip at the start of the match failed twice, and by the time he decided to go to plan “c”, Takarafuji was already moving him back.

Onosho (4-5) defeats Daieisho (5-4) Oshitaoshi – When these two clash, you know its going to be massive blasts, each trying to shove the other out with overwhelming force, and they did not disappoint. While I normally worry about Onosho being too far forward, there is no concern against Daieisho, as like Onosho he’s full throttle ahead at all times. So as with their prior matches, it was all about who could muster more force. Today it was Onosho, but up until the last moment it could have gone either way.

Abi (5-4) defeats Shodai (5-4) Hatakikomi – Abi seems to be back in the groove, and Abi-zumo is once again producing wins. A fast right hand thrust to Shodai’s neck kept him focused on trying to disrupt Abi’s attacks. To Shodai’s credit, he held his ground for a time while Abi attacked over and over again. After getting the rhythm of Abi’s attacks, Shodai pushed forward during a lull in the tsuppari, but found Abi’s right hand on his neck, and himself tumbling to the dohyo.

Asanoyama (7-2) defeats Mitakeumi (7-2) Yorikiri – This was always going to be a power house match, shin-Ozeki Asanoyama had a chance to knock the lone man chasing Ishiura down to the two loss group, and he put everything he had into this match. He took a brutal blast at the tachiai, with Mitakeumi getting the inside position and thrusting upward at his chin with his right hand. But Asanoyama’s left hand found Mitakeumi’s belt. Mitakeumi countered with a flurry of thrusts to Asanoyama’s face, but Asanoyama’s grip was unbroken. Realizing he could not brush Asanoyama away, Mitakeumi attempted to slap him down, but that release of forward pressure was everything Asanoyama needed to drive Mitakeumi over the bales. Fast and brutal, this match was a tremendous clash of styles.

Kagayaki (6-3) defeats Takakeisho (2-7) Oshidashi – Really quite concerned about Takakeisho, thought Kagayaki has a nasty habit of being able to take him down (4-1 advantage). Takakeisho had poor footwork today, and a distinct lack of power to his attacks. There were once again clear signs that his pectoral injury was bothering him. One more loss and he is make-koshi, and his second trip to Ozekiwake purgatory.

Kakuryu (7-2) defeats Okinoumi (2-7) Tsukiotoshi – Also in the “fighting hurt” category, Okinoumi managed a good start, but could not go the distance against Kakuryu. Of course this is Kakuryu’s preferred approach to wining a match – keep your opponent working until you wear him out or he makes a mistake.

Hakuho (7-2) defeats Aoiyama (4-5) Uwatedashinage – Aoiyama, surprisingly, got a series of good hits on Hakuho at the tachiai. Hakuho skipped the face slap today, and it really seemed to throw off his rhythm. But Hakuho took the punishment and worked Aoiyama into a chest to chest position, and immediately pivoted into the throw. Sometimes Hakuho can get his opponent airborne with these, but there is just too much Aoiyama.

Courtesy of Grand Sumo Breakdown and Tachiai – Day 10 matches for our mock Natsu basho

Welcome to the results for nakabi, the middle day of the mock Natsu basho. With this tournament past its half way point, we take our first look at the yusho race, and we can start to see who is going to be in trouble, who might contest for the cup, and who is likely to earn their kachi-koshi. Today is also the first day that a rikishi might earn their 8th win, and secure their winning record. The only rikishi to do that in this tournament is none other than our sole leader, Ishiura, who continues to win against all challengers. With the closest challenger 2 wins behind him, including his stable mate Yokozuna Hakuho, this is Ishiura’s tournament to lose. His sumo has been aggressive, sharp and overpowering day after day. But I expect the scheduling committee will being to give him greater challenges going into the second week. I am eager to see his tour of the San’yaku, and a vigorous test of his bonafides to hoist the cup. I note with great interest that two time yusho winner Mitakeumi is just one win behind.

At the other end of the spectrum, both Okinoumi and Tochinoshin are 1 loss away from make-koshi. Both men have only 1 win each thus far, and it’s possible that if Tochinoshin does not find some way to win in spite of his injuries that we might see him vanish from the top division.

Mock Natsu Leaderboard

Leader – Ishiura
Chaser – Mitakeumi.
Hunt Group – Hakuho, Kakuryu, Asanoyama, Tokushoryu, Chiyotairyu, Sadanoumi, Takayasu, Nishikigi

7 Matches Remain

Day 8 Matches

Meisei (8-0) defeats Kotoyuki (3-5) Oshidashi – Meisei visits from Juryo to fill the banzuke hole left by Terunofuji’s kyuju, and promptly hands Kotoyuki his 5th loss and likely sealing his re-ascension to the top division next tournament. Meisei lined up well behind the shikiri-sen, but Kotoyuki was first off the line, claiming the inside position and putting his left hand on Meisei’s chest before Meisei could finish his tachiai. Kotoyuki was pushing with strength, but could not keep his shoulders or his hips square with Meisie, who overpowered Kotoyuki and forced him from the ring.

Kotoshoho (5-3) defeats Takayasu (6-2) Oshitaoshi – A couple of impressive moves by Kotoshoho today against a fairly genki Takayasu. The former Ozeki missed the timing on his forearm strike at the tachiai, and left himself wide open for Kotoshoho to land a right hand inside grip. Takayasu countered with a left hand outside grip, but that left elbow seems to still be not quite 100%. Takeyasu surged forward to turn Kotoshoho, but Kotoshoho countered by stepping aside Takayasu’s stance and pushing with his left hand. The former Ozeki was sent sprawling to the clay. Hopefully neither Takayasu’s elbow or knee were injured or degraded in this match.

Kotonowaka (4-4) defeats Nishikigi (6-2) Yorikiri – The second 1 loss rikishi picks up their second loss (Takayasu was the other). Kotonowaka never touched either hand down at the tachiai, but I am guessing no call no foul. Many of Nishikigi’s tachiais are a bit tentative has his eyesight is terrible. Kotonowaka landed a right hand inside position, and Nishikigi rapidly attempted to change his grip. But that moment of change was the moment Kotonowaka surged forward and drove Nishikigi over the bales.

Sadanoumi (6-2) defeats Kotoeko (3-5) Oshitaoshi – I really like how low Sadanoumi kept his feet and his hands at the tachiai. He may have expected Kotoeko to go high at the tachiai, and he was ready to exploit that opening. Kotoeko was able to get a right hand inside position, but no grip. As Kotoeko planted his feet, Sadanoumi pumped his hips once and reached deep outside with his left. Having his preferred grip, Kotoeko dropped his hips to advance only to catch another hip thrust from Sadanoumi. With Kotoeko’s heels on the tawara, Sadanoumi broke Kotoeko’s left hand grip by raising his right shoulder, and delivered a forceful thrust with his hand, winning the match. Nice combo move from Sadanoumi today.

Shimanoumi (5-3) defeats Kotoshogiku (5-3) Uwatedashinage – Kotoshogiku got the better of the tachiai, but his early drive to get his hands inside powered Shimanoumi’s Uwatedashinage, as Shimanoumi grabbed Kotoshogiku’s right forearm, pulled and twisted. The big former Ozeki was just starting his first hip thrust as he lost balance and crashed to the clay.

Chiyomaru (3-5) defeats Tochinoshin (1-7) Oshidashi – Fairly standard Chiyomaru action today – he was slap happy, keeping Tochinoshin away from his mawashi by constant thrusting against the former Ozeki’s chest. But Tochinoshin’s balance is delicate now, and it was only a few steps into the fight, and he was on the clay. Really worried about Tochinoshin now.

Kaisei (3-5) defeats Wakatakakage (4-4) Oshidashi – Wakatakakage is no stranger to fighting massive, bulky men. His dominance over a fading Gagamaru attests to that. But I think Wakatakakage’s attempt at a henka in the tachiai may have really gotten Kaisei fired up. The henka was clumsy and poorly timed, and saw Kaisei chase him down and swat him like a fly. Better luck next time, Wakatakakage.

Shohozan (4-4) defeats Myogiryu (3-5) Uwatenage – Shohozan’s mobility has been slowly dropping in the past 18 months. We see him go more chest to chest, and fewer brawling battles that roam across the dohyo. Myogiryu had the superior tachiai, and deflected Shohozan’s opening attack. Rather than keep distance and try again, Shohozan lunged inside with his left, while blocking Myogiryu’s right. Myogiryu immediately moved to change up his grip, and Shohozan pivoted into a throw that Myogiryu suddenly found he was assisting. They both went down but Myogiryu touched down first.

Ishiura (8-0) defeats Terutsuyoshi (2-6) Hatakikomi – A battle of the power pixies, Ishiura thrust upward at the tachiai, catching Terutsuyoshi’s jaw before Ishiura’s left hand immediately slapped him down. Lightning fast win for Ishiura, his 8th, and that’s kachi-koshi on day 8. Terutsuyoshi may have hurt his left ankle in the match, and was limping as he made his way back to the shitaku-beya.

Tokushoryu (6-2) defeats Ikioi (2-6) Oshidashi – My hoped for Ikioi rally was nowhere to be seen today, as Ikioi struggled to overcome Tokushoryu’s comically low center of gravity. Ikioi had a solid tachiai, and set to work with tsuppari from an inside position. Tokushoryu tried two separate pulls, but could not break Ikioi’s balance. Switching to return thrusts, Ikioi found a right hand grip on Tokushoryu’s arm. As Ikioi moved to throw, he ran out of dohyo, and ran into a finishing thrust from Tokushoryu.

Enho (3-5) defeats Tamawashi (3-5) Shitatedashinage – This first ever match between these two was full of questions. With Tamawashi being high mobility and high power thrusting, would Enho have much offense that would work against him? Enho had to endure two big hits to get inside, but he managed to find his mark and latch onto Tamwashi’s belt. Achieving his attack position, he held tight while Tamawashi scrambled and shifted his hips to try and break Enho’s grip. But his moves were too predictable, allowing Enho pulled forward and down, dropping Tamawashi for a loss.

Chiyotairyu (6-2) defeats Ryuden (2-6) Tsukidashi – No shenanigans from Ryuden today, just a straight away tachiai. Chiyotairyu did not launch out at full power, perhaps hedging against a henka. Ryuden pushed hard into the initial clash, but found himself forced back and standing upright as Chiyotairyu launched a rapid combo of thrusts to Ryuden’s shoulders. Ryuden tried to stick a nodowa, but could not set his feet to push it in, and a tightly blow to the chest from Chiyotairyu ushered Ryuden out of the ring.

Hokutofuji (5-3) defeats Kiribayama (2-6) Oshidashi – Hokutofuji exploded into the tachiai, both arms bent at the elbow and connected to Kiribayama’s chest. Both arms shoved forward together and Kiribayama staggered back, his arms flailing. He managed to regain his balance and set his feet just for a split second before a second massive right hand blow connected to his solar plexus. A loud “oooof” echoed through the empty Kokugikan as Kiribayama collapsed, completely winded. I love seeing Hokutofuji’s excellent manners, as he was down on the clay helping his opponent up immediately. Fortunately, it looks like Kiribayama is just fine.

Onosho (3-5) defeats Takanosho (5-3) Tsukiotoshi – Takanosho has been fighting very well, with enough skill and energy that I consider him a good candidate for San’yaku regular in 2021. I get nervous when I see Onosho spread his feet wide and put all of his weight on the balls of his feet, but when he has a mass to push against like that, he can deliver a lot of force. When Takanosho found his grip and returned pressure, Onosho released his right hand and thrust downward, ending the match.

Yutakayama (2-6) defeats Endo (2-6) Hatakikomi – Endo would not give up the notion of putting that left hand on Yutakayama’s mawashi, and on Endo’s third attempt to latch on, Yutakayama caught him too far forward and slapped him down. My compliments to Yutakayama’s solid but improving stability, it showed a lot of discipline.

Shodai (5-3) defeats Daieisho (5-3) Shitatenage – I wild blast of a match, Shodai’s tachiai was high and soft, and Daieisho was fast and low, his head like a torpedo into Shodai’s neck. But to my surprise, Shodai held fast and Daieisho deflected back, only to lunge forward into Shodai’s waiting arms. Realizing he has been captured, Daieisho applied a volley of double arm thrusts, breaking Shodai’s grip and pinning him with a nodowa. Shodai stepped back, breaking contact and Daieisho lunged in with an even more brutal nodowa. A lateral arm sweep by Shodai broke Daieisho’s grip, but seconds later the right hand was at Shodai’s throat again. Again Shodai broke off and Daieisho closed to engage, but this time Shodai again captured him, holding him close. Shodai’s hips pivoted and his left hand pulled down, sending Daieisho flying. Ok, I was impressed with Shodai’s sumo today. Please more of that, sir.

Mitakeumi (7-1) defeats Okinoumi (1-7) Oshidashi – My heart goes out to Okinoumi, who today was stampeded from the ring by a raging Mitakeumi, who did not slow down on bit from the tachiai. Okinoumi was swept up, and carried out in the blink of an eye.

Abi (4-4) defeats Takakeisho (2-6) Oshidashi – I am officially saying it’s time to worry about Takakeisho. He had almost no offense against Abi, who pinned him with a double arm thrust at the second clash, and just kept pouring it on. He took a hard tumble from the dohyo, and seemed to be flexing that pectoral muscle again and wincing in pain.

Asanoyama (6-2) defeats Takarafuji (4-4) Oshitaoshi – I am quite keen to see what happens next week when Asanoyama faces the Yokozuna. Given that Hakuho lost in a surprise match to Takarafuji, I note with interest that Asanoyama played every part of this fight in “safe mode”. Low pressure tachiai, no aggressive move to close the gap with Takarafuji, and Asanoyama really took his time. I think Takarafuji was really for Asanoyama to go chest to chest, but it never happened. Asanoyama waited him out, and stuck about 1 arms length from his opponent until Takarafuji found himself on the wrong foot far too close to the tawara. Asanoyama reached in for a grip, but rather than go for the belt, simply bodily threw Takarafuji down. Ozeki sumo there.

Hakuho (6-2) defeats Kagayaki (5-3) Hikiotoshi – Kagayaki, as much as I love his sumo, is no match for Hakuho in any sense of the word. The Boss played with him for all of 6 seconds before Hakuho had an arm on Kagayaki’s shoulder and blasted him to the clay. I still think Hakuho is not moving right, and that left big toe is not right.

Kakuryu (6-2) defeats Aoiyama (4-4) Hatakikomi – Yokozuna Kakuryu did not want to give Big Dan even a moment to start any sumo. Kakuryu brought both hands up from underneath at the tachiai, catching both armpits, then brought his right hand down to slap Aoiyama down. Big Dan should be familiar with this up then down combination, he executes it with great skill.

Courtesy of Grand Sumo Breakdown and Tachiai – Day 9 matches for our mock Natsu basho