Here we are, already previewing the final day of act 1. The goal of act one is to remove ring rust, see who is hot and who is not. I think it’s clear that we can break it down like this

Hot

• Mitakeumi – He had a bit of a close call with an ill advised pull on day 4, but was able to recover. The only unbeaten rikishi in the named ranks, he’s setting the pace heading into the middle weekend. It’s not unreasonable to start to consider that he might pick up a second yusho.
• Takayasu – It seems taking Hatsu off because of COVID kyujo allowed Takayasu some time to get his various injuries under control. He has not looked this comfortable in his sumo in years, and he is fighting very well. As a fan, this makes me quite happy.

Not

• Shodai – Suffering from long COVID, and completely robbed of strength, energy, stamina. He’s a walking disaster right now, and I think he needs to cut his losses before he picks up a mechanical injury to boot. Try for 10 in May.
• Chiyomaru – Not sure what ails the roundest fellow in the top division, but hopefully he clears it up soon. Many fans adore this guy with good cause, it would be great to see him rack a couple of wins soon.

With Ishiura kyujo, we will get daily Juryo visitors to fill the banzuke gap.

What We Are Watching Day 5

Oho vs Ichiyamamoto – First up from Juryo, it’s Oho! He ba-ba-bombed out his first trip division, and with a 3-1 start, maybe he can make it back in May. He’s got an even record against Ichiyamamoto at 2-2, so should be a fair fight. Oho has some solid sumo moves, so maybe it was all nerves in January?

Kotokuzan vs Tochinoshin – Both come in at 2-2, and I am going to wonder if Tochinoshin is going to be in “Street Fighter” mode again today. It’s kind of interesting seeing him slap and hit people when normally his focus is the big battle hug. This is the first time he and Kotokuzan have been in a match together.

Kagayaki vs Yutakayama – This will be a mighty fine fight of 3-1 rikishi, I am going to guess. They share a 7-6 / 13 match career record. Both of them are ranked really below their abilities right now, and both are solid oshi-zumo guys. I hope Kagayaki remembers to lower his stance, or he’s going to be ejected by Yutakayama in short order.

Kotoshoho vs Akua – From a pair of 3-1’s to a pair of 1-3s. Its not too late for either one to salvage a kachi-koshi out of this basho, but they need to start laying in the wins, beginning today. I am especially eager to see Kotoshoho get his 8, as he has a lot of catching up to do. Their 3-4 career record shows they are quite evenly matched.

Nishikigi vs Chiyonokuni – Back to a pair of 3-1s, and this one is acres of potential. We have the nearly blind Nishikigi, who has to fight from close in or he can’t manage, vs the captain of the hit and move crew in Chiyonokuni. A tremendous contrast in styles that has strongly favored Chiyonokuni 8-2 over their previous 10 bouts.

Chiyomaru vs Terutsuyoshi – One of these days, Chiyomaru will pick up his first win. Maybe not today, as Terutsuyoshi has a 7-3 career lead over the spheroid wonder. I have to guess what has Chiyomaru fighting poorly. Not enough food? Too much food? Critical yakitori shortage? Or maybe he was one of the Kokonoe guys who had COVID, and is not quite himself yet.

Chiyotairyu vs Aoiyama – Oh boy, this is a fun one too! Both come in with 2-2 records, and you have Chiyotairyu’s thunder-god sumo where he blasts off the shikiri-sen, using his body as a projectile, vs Big Dan Aoiyama’s V-Twin attack and the omnipresent distraction of his pendulous flesh. The 13-9 record favors Aoiyama, and it is Osaka, so I am going to say it will be Big Dan favored to win today.

Shimanoumi vs Kotoeko – Another 2-2 duo, and it looks like a good chance for a pickup for Kotoeko, as he has won 7 of the last 9 against Shimanoumi. If oshidashi is on the menu, Kotoeko will be serving it up today.

Myogiryu vs Wakamotoharu – They ran out of matching numbers for a bit, so these two get to fight it out like regular Joes. They have never really had a prior match, as the last time one was scheduled (Hatsu 2022), Myogiryu went kyujo. So it seems the schedulers were quite unfulfilled and required a second chance to see these two fight.

Chiyoshoma vs Tobizaru – Oh good, matching numbers again. Chiyoshoma is sputtering a bit after a good first few days, and with only a single win in 7 tries against Tobizaru, it will be a rough day for him. I think the key for Chiyoshoma will be to land a belt grip early, and cut down the quantity of Tobizaru’s scampering moves.

Okinoumi vs Kotonowaka – When the numbers don’t match, at least you can make them a reflection. so 1-3 Okinoumi faces 3-1 Kotonowaka. They have had 2 prior matches which they split 1-1, but right now Okinoumi seems to be in his less genki state that we see some basho. So possibly another white star for Kotonowaka.

Hokutofuji vs Sadanoumi – Hokutofuji’s power against Sadanoumi’s speed. This will be a fun one to watch, as Hokutofuji seems to have his balance in fine working order right now, and that stability is the key to his sumo. Sadanoumi has scored just a single win to date, and has not defeated Hokutofuji in 3 attempts.

Takarafuji vs Takayasu – They do seem to have Takayasu’s matches pinned to the middle of the torikumi now, don’t they? s today it’s Takarafuji, who has been fighting quite poorly this March, and may be headed toward one of his “dud” basho. A win today would mean Takayasu finished act 1 at 5-0, which would be a fantastic start for him. I do hope he can keep this rolling.

Ichinojo vs Endo – I think its time for Ichinojo to start showing us some big boulder sumo. No finer start to that process than to grind Endo down with 200kg of pony-tossing Mongolian sumo love. How big is big to Ichinojo… I wonder. Perhaps one day after a 20 gallon ice cream binge, he might transform into ultra-mega-nojo. Twice the size and 4x the power. Someone send him a box of Baskin Robins coupons, stat!

Daieisho vs Ura – 1-3 Ura is done with the hard part of his schedule now, its on to fighting against the lower san’yaku and the Maegashira. Today he fights Daieisho, who shares his Maegashira 1 rank. They have an even 3-3 record, so it’s down to Daieisho keeping his arms and legs inside the ride at all times, lest Ura find something to grab and tug.

Takanosho vs Abi – I admit, that Abi throw on day 4 was quite the thrill for this sumo fan. I would love to see him mix it up a lot more. Maybe a tsukaminage today? Maybe he can barrow Ura’s book of WTF sumo and really get the fans crazy with joy. Sorry, Takanosho? he has a 1-3 career deficit against Abi, so he may get to ride the lightning today.

Wakatakakage vs Hoshoryu – Two rising stars in the sumo world head to head, both in san’yaku. both at their highest ever ranks. Lets put them head to head and let the beat the stuffing out of each other. Wakatakakage has a 4-2 career advantage, and his a superior 3-1 score this March, but I think just on sheer head to head potential, this is a dead even match.

Shodai vs Onosho – Well, from that high to this low. This is going to be a grim little 15 seconds of sumo, as Onosho’s full power oshi broadside takes apart a defenseless Shodai. Grim.

Kiribayama vs Mitakeumi – A bit of a tough match for Mitakeumi to close out act 1 for him. He has only a 4-4 record against Kiribayama, and Kiribayama has been fighting pretty well this month. So I hope to see the clam, patient, stable Mitakeumi, and not that guy who loses his cool and tries to pull on the second step from the tachiai. Be a giant, immobile 180kg chunk of Ozeki and dare him to dislodge you, it will probably work.

Meisei vs Takakeisho – Takakeisho is sailing a hard line at 2-2, in a basho where he must get 8 or endure the same fate that waits Shodai. He has a reasonable decent record against Meisei, who has only a single win this basho, so hopefully a pickup for the kadoban Ozeki today.

Terunofuji vs Tamawashi – I am still trying to figure out if Terunofuji is injured or not. Just when he gets to the point I think he ought to go kyuju, he has a decent day on the clay, and I decide he’s going to be ok after all. Which Terunofuji will we get on day 5? If he really is ok now, I would expect him to be strong through the middle weekend, and put a lot of pressure on Mitakeumi for the cup.

At the top of the news, Ishiura withdrew from Haru, citing a pinched nerve in his neck. It was clear he was fairly wrecked following his day 3 match Kotonowaka, but he is likely to be gone for the rest of Haru. It’s quite a shame as he was fighting well, and at his highest career rank.

The ranks of the winless rikishi shrink again, leaving only Chiyomaru and Shodai. I am not sure what Chiyomaru has going on, but Shodai continues to be a powerless husk thanks to lingering effects of COVID-19. People around the planet have a spectrum of thoughts about COVID, but having witnessed “long COVID” up close, it can be debilitating for those unfortunate to be inflicted with it. Shodai is not doing anyone a bit of good continuing to try to compete in this state, and I have to underscore if he takes the tradition “let it heal naturally” route, he may be Jd23 Shodai before he recovers his strength.

At the end of day 4, there are two men still with perfect records: Takayasu and Mitakeumi. It’s early days, but I maintain a hope that these two are still slugging it out in act 3. Takayasu is looking great right now, and his sumo seems sharp and sure.

Highlight Matches

Kagayaki defeats Nishikigi – The Kagayaki matta broadcast exactly what he wanted to do, but for some reason Nishikigi was not ready to defend. Kagayaki applied a direct attack center mass, and got solid results today. Maybe his ring rust is resolved? Nishikigi picks up his first loss of Haru while Kagayaki improves to 2-2.

Tochinoshin defeats Ichiyamamoto – That looked more like a street fight to me, but it completely shut down Ichiyamamoto’s thrusting attacks. Not sure why Tochinoshin had decided to become a sumo pugilist, but, hey, seems to be working so far, he improves to 2-2.

Kotokuzan defeats Yutakayama – Offense was all Yutakayama, with appearing to only be capable of standing there and absorbing it. With Kotokuzan’s feed at the bales, Kotokuzan deftly stepped to the side and slapped down Yutakayama just as Yutakayama moved to finish the match. That’s Yutakayama’s first loss of the basho, as Kotokuzan improves to 2-2.

Chiyonokuni defeats Akua – Big tachiai from Akua, and for a fleeting moment he had Chiyonokuni’s right foot on the tawara, inches from defeat. But the Grumpy Badger was not going to give up and surged forward. Akua barred Chiyonokuni’s right arm, I think meaning to throw. But instead Chiyonokuni drove him down and both landed in a heap on the east side. Chiyonokuni improves to 3-1.

Kotoeko defeats Chiyomaru – Strong tachiai from Chiyomaru, who rocked Kotoeko back, but immediately went for a pull down. That loss of forward pressure let Kotoeko get a left hand outside grip, and Chiyomaru was in deep trouble. He tried to dance away and break contact, but Kotoeko had him locked up and put Chiyomaru across the bales, improving to 2-2.

Chiyotairyu defeats Kotoshoho – Zero offense from Kotoshoho today, as Chiyotairyu decided to go back to sumo thunder-god mode finally. Kotoshoho really needs to get his sumo together before he accumulates more losses. Chiyotairyu improves to 2-2.

Shimanoumi defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi just cannot find an attack pattern that works against Shimanoumi, losing to him for the 11th time in his career. Today Shimanoumi pushed forward, then hit reverse gear while maintaining both hands solidly gripping Terutsuyoshi, dropping him to the clay. Both end the day at 2-2.

Myogiryu defeats Aoiyama – Not much offense from Big Dan today. Myogiryu received the first hit, immediately stepped to his left and slapped Aoiyama down while he was still launching forward. Maybe Aoiyama was distracted by the fact that he has secured Japanese citizenship today. Myogiryu improves to 3-1.

Sadanoumi defeats Wakamotoharu – Sadanoumi picks up his first win of Haru by a hearty yoritaoshi that had both men airborne for a moment. With Sadanoumi dominating this match from the tachiai, Wakamotoharu attempted an energetic utchari rescue throw at the bales, but hit the clay first. Sadanoumi improves to 1-3.

Tobizaru defeats Okinoumi – Tobizaru met Okinoumi’s tachiai head on, then immediately released pressure and stepped back. In response Okinoumi charged, running them both to the east side of the ring, where Tobizaru beautifully timed his hatakikomi to bring Okinoumi down moments before Tobizaru was forced out. Tobizaru improves to 2-2.

Hokutofuji defeats Chiyoshoma – I can only assume that Chiyoshoma discounted Hokutofuji’s legendary lower body stability when he chose to attempt a pull against Ol’Stompy. Instead, it was a fast route to an oshidashi as Hokutofuji thundered forward, sending both men over the West side salt box. Hokutofuji improves to 2-2.

Takayasu defeats Kotonowaka – Excellent exchange of facial oshi power to start, and then chest to chest with right hands inside. Oh dear, Kotonowaka, did you want to test a well-rested Takayasu’s stamina? Well, he literally can do this all day and well into the night, and still be enjoying himself. It takes him some time, but Kotonowaka figures out he’s in trouble, and begins to try and change the form of the match. But has he wiggles to escape, Takayasu stands him up a bit at a time. Takayasu finally lets Kotonowaka get his left hand on Takayasu’s belt, but he’s completely worn out, and almost seems relieved when Takayasu’s uwatenage slams him to the clay. Takayasu remains unbeaten at 4-0.

Onosho defeats Takarafuji – This match was always going to be about which rikishi could setting into their mutually incompatible mode of sumo first. The answer today was Onosho, who disrupted both attempts by Takarafuji to set his feet and pivot his upper body. Driving strongly forward, Onosho made the yorikiri work, and picked up his second win of Haru.

Hoshoryu defeats Tamawashi – These two are basically the same guy, about 12 years apart. The difference of course is speed and accumulated damage, and Hoshoryu can out react Tamawashi in every category that matters. Hoshoryu made quick work of the veteran, getting behind Tamawashi and driving him out from behind, improving to 2-2.

Kiribayama defeats Wakatakakage – This match surprised me a bit, as I expected Wakatakakage’s speed advantage to carry this fight. But one mistake is all it takes, and after the two them to evenly exchanged blow and oshi attacks, Wakatakakage found him self slightly off balance and turned to the side. Kiribayama used his hold of Wakatakakage’s left hand to strongly pull him forward, and Wakatakakage went face down to the clay. Kiribayama improves to 3-1.

Abi defeats Meisei – Hey, Abi won a match without his signature double arm thrust attack! I would love to see him mix things up a lot more, as it will make his opponents more susceptible to his primary attack form. I don’t think Meisei expected that at all, and was completely bamboozled by Abi’s kotenage, improving his score to 3-1.

Mitakeumi defeats Takanosho – Outstanding tachiai from Takanosho, he had the inside path and put Mitakeumi back on his heels. It looks like Mitakeumi lost his nerve for a moment and tried a pull, which threw away all of his forward power for a brief moment. That’s all it took for Takanosho to advance to the bales, and was a heart beat away from victory. But Mitakeumi had enough sumo left pull Takanosho forward while stepping to the side, sending Takanosho to the clay while Mitakeumi danced away. Mitakeumi remains unbeaten at 4-0.

Takakeisho defeats Daieisho – If you wanted to see two guys push the stuffing out of each other, this is your match. The early phase was a see-saw battle where each man had advantage for a moment, but could not maintain. Matters turned when Takakeisho latched on a nodowa and forcefully tossed Daieisho out of the ring by his neck. Takakeisho improves to 2-2.

Ura defeats Shodai – Its nice to see Ura pick up his first win, but Shodai is just a giant daikon shaped shell of an Ozeki right now. Please, sir. Go seek treatment for the lingering COVID effects, and come back strong. Ura improves to 1-3 via traditional grab and tug sumo resulting in okuridashi.

Terunofuji defeats Ichinojo – Simply put, Ichinojo is intimidated by Terunofuji, and has more or less lost before the tachiai. Ichinojo does attempt a belt grab at the tachiai, but Terunofuji powers forward, taking 200kg of pony tossing bolder with him. Terunofuji still does not look quite right, but improves to 3-1.

There are four rikishi without their first win as we start day 4: Shodai, Ura, Sadanoumi and Chiyomaru. We know that someone in the Shodai vs Ura match will pick up their first white start, but I would expect that at least 2 of these 4 will put their first win on the board today.

Again it seems that there is a choice match involving Takayasu. Maybe its because I am a fan, or maybe because he’s 3-0, and they are trying to see who can put dirt on him during the first act. I am on kyujo watch for Ishiura, Shodai and sadly Terunofuji. All of them could and should make the case that they are not in fighting form, and should sit out the rest of the tournament. For Ishiura, I worry that his day 3 match against Kotonowaka resulted in a neck injury that may linger for a long time unless its addressed.

For Takayasu, he looks rested, fit and ready for all challengers. It’s been a long time since we have seen him this genki, and I am delighted that he is performing well.

What We Are Watching Day 4

Nishikigi vs Kagayaki – This should be a nice match. We have 3-0 Nishikigi, who seems to be in full command of his sumo right now, against hit or miss Kagayaki. On a normal day, Kagayaki would have a clear advantage, but he’s still not moving well, and making some odd choices in his approach to daily matches. They have a 7-8 career record.

Ichiyamamoto vs Tochinoshin – To me, the forearm blast has gotten quite old. But I am going to guess that Tochinoshin’s knee is so banged up that’s all he can really do, clobber his opponent at the tachiai and hope for the best. Both men have matching 1-2 records, and I think that it’s somewhat in Ichiyamamoto’s favor today.

Kotokuzan vs Yutakayama – First ever match for these two, I expect that Yutakayama will be the stronger rikishi in this match, and it will require Kotokuzan to revert to the sumo that got him to his top division debut, vs what he has been using so far this March. His 1-2 start is quite a bit less than I expected given his crushing victories in Juryo the last 2 tournaments.

Akua vs Chiyonokuni – I am expecting Chiyonokuni to make his 8 this time out, given that he’s down at M13, which is well below his abilities, but probably par for his injuries. Akua could and probably should make a good show of it today if he can get a hand hold and take Chiyonokuni chest to chest.

Kotoeko vs Chiyomaru – I have to think that today may be the day that Chiyomaru gets his first win. As always, Kotoeko fights really vigorously, but some tournaments he just seems to lack enough power to finish his opponents. Chiyomaru also holds a 9-5 career record over Kotoeko.

Kotoshoho vs Chiyotairyu – Both come into day 4 with matching 1-2 records, but Chiyotairyu is not looking very powerful right now, and has not beaten Kotoshoho in 2 prior attempts. Kotoshoho is bouncing back from an injury a year ago that relegated him to Juryo. His rightful place is mid-Maegashira if he is healthy, and I am eager to see him back there soon.

Shimanoumi vs Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi may have injured an elbow in his day 3 throw of Chiyotairyu, so I will be watching to see if his right arm is being protected. This was going to be a tough match for Terutsuyoshi, even if he is at 100%, as Shimanoumi has a nice formula for containing Terutsuyoshi, and beating him like a drum (10-4 career)

Myogiryu vs Aoiyama – 24 career matches between these two (11-13), and its close enough to even to declare it even. Big Dan won’t be perfect this March, but he is still one of my candidates to set the pace into week 2. Myogiryu’s blazing win over Kotoeko yesterday shows that he’s got a lot of power and speed available in a match, but against someone the size of Aoiyama, it may not net out to an advantage.

Wakamotoharu vs Sadanoumi – I think its time for Sadanoumi to rack his first win. Not that there is anything wrong with Wakamotoharu’s sumo, but with a 3-0 career advantage, and a huge need to put his first white star on the board, I think Sadanoumi will have an advantage today.

Tobizaru vs Okinoumi – Matching 1-2 records for both, with Okinoumi taking the last match, which was in September. Tobizaru’s sumo is always hit or miss, and so far this tournament its been mostly miss. Okinoumi tends to win and lose in streaks, and I think his day 3 win over Sadanoumi may have started him on a path to a kachi-koshi.

Hokutofuji vs Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma struggles with Hokutofuji. Ol’Stompy tends to make early use of neck (nodowa) or arm pit (hazu-oshi) attacks that shuts down Chiyoshoma’s superior mobility. With out his motion focused offense, Chiyoshoma is an easy mark, and that explains Hokutofuji’s 5-1 career advantage.

Takayasu vs Kotonowaka – Yet again, we have Takayasu in a high interest match in the middle of the top division. At 3-0, he will face off against fellow lossless mid-ranker Kotonowaka. Takayasu has never beaten him on the clay (one fusensho), so this will be a nice test of “how genki is Takayasu?” I am going to assume, rather genki indeed.

Ishiura vs Endo – Don’t be surprised if Ishiura does not show up for this match. He looked pretty hurt following Kotonowaka’s toss into the 3rd row. In fact if you watch the replays, it appears that his trouble began at the tachiai. Perhaps he injured his neck? Any way you divide it, I think there’s a good chance he is kyujo today.

Onosho vs Takarafuji – Now we are in for what could be a lot of fun. Mr “Total Offense” vs the strongest defensive sumo you can find. They have a near even 9-8 record, and you may remember that it’s a wide guess on who will get the advantage at the shikiri-sen. Both of them are off to tepid starts, so I am not sure if either one of them has an advantage today.

Tamawashi vs Hoshoryu – There are days when you go fishing, and suddenly a fish just leaps out of the water, and lands in your boat. Now, as an angler, you want to go through the who evolution of fighting the fish, reeling him in and eventually conquest of your tasty supper. But the fish just robs you of all that, and presents itself. This may be how Hoshoryu felt at the end of his day 3 match with Takakeisho. Today, different plan. He’s got to overcome Tamawashi who has a weight, experience and power advantage over him.

Wakatakakage vs Kiribayama – I would not want to face Wakatakakage right now. The guy is chewing through everyone who mounts the dohyo. Bring on Mitakeumi! But I am going guess they are saving that for the weekend. Kiribayama has a narrow 4-3 career advantage over Wakatakakage, so on paper at least, it looks like an even fight.

Meisei vs Abi – Unlike Kiribayama, Meisei does indeed have a recipe for shutting down Abi-zumo. You get to the side, and push his gangly hide around like a lawn mower. Lets see if the grass needs cut today.

Takanosho vs Mitakeumi – Takanosho has just a single win so far at Haru, and I think he could play the upset card today if he can out of Mitakeumi’s front quarter. Takanosho’s best attack routes are at an acute angle, and we can watch for him to make his move at the tachiai. Both men have 5 wins out of their 10 match career record.

Daieisho vs Takakeisho – I am not sure if day three was Takakeisho just trying something whimsical, or if he’s not quite dialed into his sumo right now. For a kadoban Ozeki, he’s got to wonder about that loss. Today he’s going to fight arch frenemie Daieisho, and he could really use this win. But Daieisho is in good form right now, and I think we may see him prevail.

Shodai vs Ura – Both are 0-3, and I don’t know is Shodai has enough energy and strength to mount a credible attack against Ura. If that is the case, this is going to be tough to watch.

Terunofuji vs Ichinojo – The good news is that Terunofuji can typically make Ichinojo start heading for the shitaku-beya just by giving him a stern look. The bad news is that I think everyone knows Terunofuji is hurt, even Ichinojo.

In a wild and chaotic day 3, we had many winless rikishi earn their first white star today. We are left with just 4 men with 0-3 scores, most of whom are fighting well. But then there is Shodai. Please, sir. Go kadoban now. Seek out physicians who have been using protocols to treat long COVID and find some way to give it a try. It’s heartbreaking to see him struggle at a fraction of his potential, robbed of his strength and endurance by a disease.

Also in the annals of “Named ranks in trouble”, Takakeisho needs to take this 8 win challenge seriously. Maybe he is, but that match against Hoshoryu defies explanation to me. Hopefully some of our cherished readers can leave comments with their ideas of what the hell that was, and talk me off the ledge.

Oh, but then there is Terunofuji. I vote foot injury here. Please just go kyujo and get fixed up sir, sumo needs a Yokozuna, but needs on that is in fighting form, which right now you are not. The fans and everyone else will understand.

Highlight Matches

Kagayaki defeats Kotokuzan – To Kagayaki… Your tachiai was high, your thrusting went high against Kotokuzan’s neck rather than center mass, and I am not sure I saw you drop your hips once. Lucky for you Kotokuzan decided he was going to repeatedly try to pull, abandoning all forward motion sumo. He gave you the match, and you should thank him. I know Kotokuzan is on a once in a life time trip into the top division, but we have all seen Kagayaki use much better sumo than this. But at least you are 2-1 now.

Nishikigi defeats Ichiyamamoto – Ichiyamamoto had this match won twice. But Nishikigi has the years or experience needed to just stick with it and do whatever to stay upright and in the ring. I think Ichiyamamoto decided he had it won, and opened his chest, and received a sharp and finishing counter attack. Nishikigi advances to 3-0.

Yutakayama defeats Kotoshoho – Quite a messy match, it was Kotoshoho with the early advantage, and he had Yutakayama packaged up and ready to ship. But Yutakayama had one more thing, and I note with great interest that once he had a hold of Kotoshoho, the tables turned. It did not help that Kotoshoho attempted twice to execute a throw he was not positioned to make. Yutakayama, now 3-0, should consider his yotsu-sumo potential. It worked well for Asanoyama, and I know that your style comes quite a bit from being Shodai’s training partner, but give it a thought.

Chiyonokuni defeats Tochinoshin – Well yes, Tochinoshin did try that forearm hit with Chiyonokuni. But he was well prepared to absorb the blow. As is so frequently the case, Tochinoshin’s opening move left him off balance, and an easy mark for Chiyonokuni to thrust him back and pull him down, improving to 2-1.

Akua defeats Chiyomaru – Akua, not normally a grappler, grabbed a hold of Chiyomaru early in the match. But of course the question was, once you grab someone that large, what do you do with him? Akua discovered that even his long arms were not long enough to really do much other than hold on and hope. With both men locked up at the center of the dohyo, Akua managed to free his left hand grip and throw with his right, putting Chiyomaru on the clay and picking up his first win of Haru to improve to 1-2.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Chiyotairyu – Chiyotairyu was very carful with this match, I think he suspected that Terutsuyoshi would unleash some rapid, difficult to counter move if Chiyotairyu moved in closely with any level of speed or force. Terutsuyoshi was patient, careful and worked for his goal, a left hand grip. The match ended with an exchange of throwing attempts, with Terutsuyoshi’s succeeding, sending Chiyotairyu to the clay. Terutsuyoshi improves to 2-1.

Myogiryu defeats Kotoeko – You can see Kotoeko try to start some offense and forward motion, but Myogiryu lifted and powered forward, taking Kotoeko directly out of the ring to improve to 2-1.

Wakamotoharu defeats Aoiyama – Wakamotoharu receives a right hand slap to the face, bloodying his nose, at the tachiai. But that is the extent of Aoiyama’s offense today, and Wakamotoharu runs him straight back and out, improving to 2-1.

Shimanoumi defeats Tobizaru – Shimanoumi picks up his first win by maintaining his right hand nodowa on Tobizaru no matter how much Tobizaru danced about trying to escape. Complimented by a left hand mawashi grip, Shimanoumi controlled this match, and drove Tobizaru out to improve to 1-2.

Okinoumi defeats Sadanoumi – Sadanoumi took the early advantage, getting both hands inside and setting up chest to chest at the tachiai. Where Okinoumi got that uwatenage from, I am just going to allocate it to the veteran’s amazing collection of surprising sumo. Okinoumi picks up his first win of March, and is 1-2.

Takayasu defeats Chiyoshoma – Takayasu wisely kept Chiyoshoma guessing about the tachiai, and it payed off. With his opponent’s start disrupted, Takayasu made quick work of Chiyoshoma, and my much hoped for mega-battle was scrapped before the first step. Takayasu picks up his 3rd win to go 3-0 to start Haru, and is looking in his best form in years.

Kotonowaka defeats Ishiura – Ishiura launches himself into the tachiai, Kotonowaka catches him and lifts him sky-crane style and bodily tosses him into the second row. Dramatic as can be, but it seems that in the process Ishiura was injured. Badly enough that he did not need to mount the dohyo to bow to end the match, and a pack of blue-jackets helped him limp back to shitaku-beya. Kotonowaka now 3-0.

Hokutofuji defeats Takarafuji – Hokutofuji picks up his first win, and it as pretty neat to see him just brute strength push against one of the strongest defensive rikishi in all of sumo. Takarafuji held his ground well, you can see him dig his toes in too (which is great), but Hokutofuji is just not going to relent, and drives forward again to send Takarafuji out. 1-2 now for Hokutofuji, nice effort sir.

Endo defeats Onosho – Endo played this expertly, coaxing the junior tadpole into an increasingly forceful forward attack. This tends to put him off balance, and once Onosho was ramped up a bit, Endo moved deftly to the side. and pushed. Endo improves to 2-1.

Tamawashi defeats Takanosho – Tamawashi’s left hand arm pit (hazu-oshi) attack at the tachiai shut down Takanosho’s offense, and disrupted his balance. It was a great opening gambit, and Tamawashi followed up with thrust’s directly into the chest to rob Takanosho of any chance to stabilize his stance. It was three quick steps from there, giving Tamawashi his first win of Haru to improve to 1-2.

Abi defeats Kiribayama – As we had assumed, Kiribayama’s first encounter with Abi-zumo was going to be a rough time for Kiribayama. Catching that much force in the face over and over again will put anyone off their sumo, and you can see Kiribayama struggle to stay upright under the volley. For once brief moment, Kiribayama sets his feet and looks ready to attack, but his chest is wide open, and Abi launches a broadside right to center mass. Down goes Kiribayama into the salt box. Abi now 2-1, Kiribayama probably went back to the dressing room to check his teeth.

Wakatakakage defeats Meisei – Meisei is no sumo slacker, but he was unable to get any offense or defense together in the brief moment it took for Wakatakakage to land both hands inside and blast Meisei out of the ring. Wow. Wakatakakage 3-0.

Hoshoryu defeats Takakeisho – Takakeisho, what the hell was that? He straight up went to grapple Hoshoryu and run him out. I am sure it surprised Hoshoryu, but not enough that Hoshoryu forgot how much he loves to throw people. Look, kadoban Ozeki, get your 8 wins first, then try your experiments on the younger guys. Hoshoryu picks up his first win and both end the day 1-2.

Ichinojo defeats Shodai – Heartbreaking. You can see Shodai try to get his “Wall of Daikon” going twice, with zero effect. He simply does not have the strength to do that right now. Ichinojo improves to 2-1.

Mitakeumi defeats Daieisho – At least one of the Ozeki corps is still able to rack the wins. I think Daieisho invested a bit too much in that nodowa, and was prime for a slippiotoshi, which the great sumo cat was all to pleased to deliver. Mitakeumi unbeaten at 3-0.

Terunofuji defeats Ura – The basis for Terunofuji’s elevation to Yokozuna was an nearly unassailable defense that allowed him to endure matches and wait for his opponent to make a mistake, which he would then exploit with brutal effect. We have not seen that sumo this March, and it’s got to be injury. Terunofuji can’t hold position, can’t endure strong forward pressure, and each day seems rushed and eager to quickly end any match. I predict kyujo before day 9. Today’s match was resolved in Terunofuji’s favor during a monoii that reviewed a near simultaneous exit by a retreating Terunofuji and an attacking Ura. Not good.