People adore Ura because of the kind of thing that happened in his match with Takakeisho today. A moment where things like physics and the natural world take a break and you gets a raw moment of “WHAT JUST HAPPENED?” sumo. It does not happen every day, or even every basho, but if you look for it, there are Ura highlight reels on YouTube that just got another segment from today’s fight.

The yusho race is largely unchanged, with the schedulers waiting to gets Takanosho in the final three days. I expect that he will get at least one loss, and there will be a chance for both Terunofuji, and maybe Ura too, to try for the cup in the last two days. While I love the fact that speed demon Sadanoumi is in that same 9-3 bunch, I think they are going to brush him off shortly to bring the race down to 2 or 3 people.

Highlight Matches

Ryuden defeats Oho – Ryuden gets an immediate hazu-oshi from the tachiai. It only lasts a moment, but it’s enough to raise Oho up, and even though Ryuden breaks content, Oho never resets lower. From there its Ryuden on the attack until Oho steps out on the west side. That’s win number 8 for Ryuden, he is kachi-koshi for Natsu, and we may get to see him in the top division again in July if he can manage another win in Juryo.

Kagayaki defeats Chiyotairyu – You know its an odd day when bulky locomotive Chiyotairyu attempts a henka. It works about as well as you might expect, and gives Kagayaki a bit of an offensive advantage. Kagayaki looked to be dialed into his sumo, which I think comes with being at 7 losses as the last man on the banzuke. He delivered a couple of combos center-mass, and sent Chiyotairyu tumbling out. Kagayaki improves to 5-7.

Aoiyama defeats Azumaryu – Solid, simple and fundamentals based sumo from Aoiyama. He got his hands inside and delivered a sequence of pushes to Azumaryu’s chest. The first one broke his balance, the following ones send him back and out. That’s win number 8 for Aoiyama, and he is kachi-koshi for May at 8=4.

Meisei defeats Chiyoshoma – Meisei had a bit of an early launch, but the gyoji did not call it, so the match proceeded. The two grappled at the center of the ring, and it was immediately apparent that Meisei had come equipped with a very loose mawashi today. As Chiyoshoma was working hard toward some kind of belt throw, the mawashi proved to distract him from his sumo, and Meisei moved him back and out as Chiyoshoma was struggling to improve his grip. Meisei finishes the day 6-6.

Okinoumi defeats Yutakayama – For the opening moments of the fight, it was a very evenly balanced pushing match. But For some reason Yutakayama attempted to break contact, and dropped his defense. Okinoumi charged ahead, pushing Yutakayama back and out, improving to 6-6.

Kotoshoho defeats Midorifuji – Impressive speed from Kotoshoho today. He quickly grabs Midorifuji at the tachiai, runs him back and crushes him out at the tawara. Midorifuji tried a rescue throw at the bales, but it was going nowhere. Both end the day in the middle of the funnel at 6-6.

Tochinoshin defeats Myogiryu – Myogiryu starts strong, but he can’t keep Tochinoshin moving. Paused chest to chest near the middle of the ring, Tochinoshin finds his left hand outside grip, and from there it’s three quick steps to the bales, and Tochinoshin’s 8th win to end the day 8-4 and kachi-koshi for Natsu.

Sadanoumi defeats Shimanoumi – Sadanoumi continues his dominance over Shimanoumi, getting low and inside, then proceeding to drive him immediately out. Sadanoumi improves to 9-3.

Kotokuzan defeats Terutsuyoshi – Kotokuzan finally picks up his second win of the basho. He did it by keeping Terutsuyoshi off of his mawashi, and then chasing him around the ring. The last in a series of blows sent Terutsuyoshi out, improving Kotokuzan to 2-10, and delivering Terutsuyoshi his 8th loss. He is make-koshi for Natsu.

Nishikigi defeats Kotoeko – For the first time in their sumo careers, Nishikigi has been able to beat Kotoeko. The secret to Nishikigi’s sumo today was patience, and working towards a left hand outside grip. Once he was able to get that grip, it was quick work to finish Kotoeko with an uwatenage. Nishikigi finishes the day at 6-6.

Takanosho defeats Ichiyamamoto – Tehre was a small chance that Ichiyamamoto could have scrambled the leaderboard for us, but given their huge rank difference, there was never much chance. Points to Ichiyamamoto for a pull attempt at the tachiai that got Takanosho off balance, but the yusho race leader was able to keep his feet enough to drive Ichiyamamoto out first. Takanosho improves to 10-2 and remains in sole possession of the lead.

Endo defeats Hokutofuji – No grip attempt from Endo today to start the match, he takes Hokutofuji on in a thrusting battle. The two exchange pulling attacks, with Endo’s having some effect. He gets behind Hokutofuji and runs him out from behind to improve to 5-7.

Wakamotoharu defeats Kiribayama – Kiribayama attempted some kind of flying pull down henka at the tachiai. It failed spectacularly. Kiribayama did manage to get a left hand inside grip, and was able to stay in the match and fighting. This unfolded into a protracted yotsu battle, with neither man able to gain enough advantage to do much more that struggle for a better grip. It was Kiribayama who tired first, and Wakamotoharu took his opening, driving Kiribayama out to improve to 8-4, and complete his kachi-koshi for Natsu.

Takayasu defeats Takarafuji – Takayasu nearly lost this match by making the critical mistake of focusing his attacks on Takarafuji’s non-existent neck. Takarafuji made him pay, driving him back and nearly over the tawara (a healthy Takarafuji would have dispatched Takayasu at this point). But Takayasu was able to arrest his slide, and tossed Takarafuji to the clay, improving to 4-8.

Hoshoryu defeats Kotonowaka – Hoshoryu got the inside route and attacked Kotonowaka center-mass. Showing excellent foot placement, and good body position, Hoshoryu attacked from underneath, and there was nothing Kotonowaka could do but move back, and eventually out. Hoshoryu improves to 7-5.

Daieisho defeats Tamawashi – Sadly Tamawashi has faded from being part of the leader group to now being the middle of the funnel. Daieisho gets a solid hit at the tachiai, and steps to the side for Tamawashi’s counter strike. That’s win number 8 for Daieisho, and he improves to 8-4 and is kachi-koshi for Natsu.

Shodai defeats Tobizaru – An oblique attack by Tobizaru at the tachiai was well executed, and got Shodai to the edge of the ring in a hurry. But Tobizaru’s finishing move was partially deflected by Shodai, and they stepped out together. It was monoii time. The replay showed Shodai touching first, but the shimpan called for a redo. Second match, its all Shodai, who pushes Tobizaru out to improve to 5-7.

Abi defeats Mitakeumi – Abi-zumo made fast work of Mitakeumi today, landing his initial strike against Mitakeumi’s neck. From there Abi powered forward, and Mitakeumi could not break away. Abi improves to 6-6.

Ura defeats Takakeisho – Ura used his forearm as a defensive shield against Takakeisho’s opening thrust, and it worked. But Takakeisho was on the attack, and Ura could only try to keep his feet and stay in the ring. As Takakeisho pushed him over the bales, one of those strange Ura moments took place. Suddenly gravity eased up, momentum took a break, and Ura executed a circular fall in mid-air, getting just enough purchase to push Takakeisho out from behind. Of course there was a monoii, as everyone within a 100 mile radius wondered what the hell just happened. No, it really did happen that way, and Ura takes the win to advance to 9-3, and Takakeisho heads to the tunnel to watch the replay and figure out “how”.

Terunofuji defeats Wakatakakage – Wakatakakage gave the Yokozuna a strong fight, but eventually Terunofuji got his double arm lock set up. Sure Wakatakakage had morozashi, but could not do anything about it. Terunofuji took his time and eventually lifted Wakatakakage for another kimedashi win. Terunofuji stays one win behind Takanosho at 9-3.

Sumo fans, prepare yourself. The final days of this basho are likely to be chaotic and unpredictable. We may have the largest Darwin cohort in recent memory, a topsy turvy yusho race with rikishi from all over the banzuke having a shot at the cup, and maybe even the Great Sumo Cat of the Kokugikan himself will make an appearance. Stock up the fridge, buy up a large horde of sake, and prepare for the unusual. It just may happen.

Natsu Leaderboard

If someone can beat Takanosho it will blow the race open. I expect that today or Friday, as it’s the best possible outcome for the schedulers now.

Leader: Takanosho
Chasers: Terunofuji, Kiribayama, Ura, Sadanoumi, Ichiyamamoto

4 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 12

Oho vs Ryuden – Hey, look who it is! I am kind of curious if we will see Ryuden back in the top division in July. Like many others, he was suspended, dropped down the banzuke, and has been battling his way back ever since they let him restart. According to our ace prognosticator lksumo, he needs 2 more wins to punch his ticket back to the top division this basho, maybe he can take one from Oho today.

Chiyotairyu vs Kagayaki – What a fine match this is. We may get Chiyotairyu kachi-koshi and Kagayaki make-koshi at the same time. As the last man on the banzuke, a losing record had better toss him back into the farm league this time. Chiyotairyu has a 8-5 career advantage, and I want to see some thunder-god sumo from him today.

Aoiyama vs Azumaryu – It’s time for “Big Dan” Aoiyama to pick up his 8th win. I really wish it were not likely to be against Azumaryu, who is now just 2 losses away from make-koshi himself. Azumaryu won their only prior match, but Aoiyama is fighting quite well right now, and will likely dominate this match.

Meisei vs Chiyoshoma – Pure funnel match as both are 5-6. In spite of Meisei’s 6-3 career advantage, I like Chiyoshoma’s chances today. Winner centers themselves in the funnel for the last 2 days, loser gets to ride the bottom edge and try to avoid make-koshi.

Okinoumi vs Yutakayama – Another match where both rikishi are 5-6. Okinoumi has a 5-0 career record over Yutakayama, and I like his chances today. YUtakayama seems to be fighting hurt, and I would not be surprised to find out later it’s his back or his hips, as he is quite stiff when he is in motion both on the dohyo and off.

Kotoshoho vs Midorifuji – More funnel madness, but this time it’s 5-6 Kotoshoho who needs to take a win from 6-5 Midorifuji to push them both back the the center lane at 6-6. This is aided by Kotoshoho’s 3-0 match record against Midorifuji.

Myogiryu vs Tochinoshin – Thirty, yes 30, career matches between these two. They break 17-13 in favor of Myogiryu, who needs a win today to stay centered in the funnel with the 6-6 group, where a win by Tochinoshin will be his 8th and a well earned kachi-koshi. Each basho, we see a creaky and pained looking Tochinoshin start. By the middle day we are impressed he’s still in the hunt for his 8, and by the last day, we remark at his resilience. Much respect to him for never quitting.

Shimanoumi vs Sadanoumi – A kachi-koshi track match, we have 7-4 Shimanoumi looking for his 8th win and kachi-koshi against already 8-3 Sadanoumi. Sadanoumi’s 5-3 career advantage will matter today, as I think Sadanoumi is fighting some of his best sumo in a long while, and I would not be surprised to see him finish with double digits.

Kotokuzan vs Terutsuyoshi – Wow, 1-10 Kotokuzan against 4-7 Terutsuyoshi. Is this some kind of Terutsuyoshi life line? Should he win today, and I would guess that he will, he escapes make-koshi for yet another day. It would be brutal if Terutsuyoshi swims upstream into the funnel and finishes 7-7 on day 14 to face a Darwin match.

Nishikigi vs Kotoeko – Back in the funnel track, both men are 5-6 to start the day, and one of them gets to stay in the middle of by joining the 6-6 group today. Kotoeko has never lost to Nishikigi in their 5 career matches, so I would strongly suggest that Nishikigi is going to be taking a loss today.

Ichiyamamoto vs Takanosho – I wonder if this match was set before Ichiyamamoto took his day 11 loss (I would guess so), and represented a chance for the two leaders to face off and reduce the number to just one. But now, Ichiyamamoto has a narrow chance to pull a fantastic upset, and claw his way back into the yusho race. All he has to do is beat Takanosho today, and the yusho race will be a 6 way barnyard brawl for the final 3 days.

Hokutofuji vs Endo – If make-koshi is a contagion, we can assume that Takayasu gave it to Hokutofuji on day 11, and now maybe Hokutofuji (3-8) can pass it on to 4-7 Endo. Probably through direct contact of Hokutofuji’s right hand into Endo’s generalized face area, with a fair amount of force.

Kiribayama vs Wakamotoharu – This match has a lot of interest for me. We have already kachi-koshi Kiribayama at 8-3 against funnel track rikishi Wakamotoharu at 6-5. Both of them are comfortable fighting yotsu style, and I think that’s how this match is goign to start. They share a 2-2 career record, and I expect this will be a solid fight.

Takayasu vs Takarafuji – At this point, I almost hope that 3-8 Takayasu loses today if for no other reason than to give 2-9 Takarafuji a bit more banzuke cushion. Both of them are going to drop precipitously, but Takarafuji is at Maegashira 7, and will need the wins. They have 29 matches that favor Takayasu 21-8.

Hoshoryu vs Kotonowaka – Another high interest match, both are 6-5, they share a 3-3 record, and are to be considered vanguard of the “up and coming” rikishi cohort. I honestly don’t have a hunch who has the upper hand in this one, they both like to throw, they both have great mobility. Could be quite the fight.

Tamawashi vs Daieisho – I think this one is to give 6-5 Tamawashi pull himself into position to reach for a kachi-koshi tomorrow. he has a 10-8 career advantage over 7-4 Daieisho, who will reach kachi-koshi today should he prevail. Both are powerful thrusters, but for Daieisho to really shine, he needs to get a clear path to his opponent’s face, where Tamawashi is somewhat more versatile.

Tobizaru vs Shodai – Next loss for 4-7 Shodai is kadoban, it could come today at the hands of sumo’s flying monkey, 5-6 Tobizaru. Not that Shodai is incapable of beating Tobizaru, he certainly is. But I can’t decide what it takes for the genki form of Shodai show up and fight. Should the soft, rubbery, booger picking Shodai show up today, it’s kadoban time.

Mitakeumi vs Abi – If I do recall, it was Mitakeumi who decoded the formula for shutting down Abi-zumo first back in the day. His 8-2 match record underscores that Abi’s double arm attack has little effect on now Ozeki Mitakeumi. Both are 5-6, and the winner gets to join the growing crowd in the middle of the funnel at 6-6.

Ura vs Takakeisho – A great match for generating strange outcomes. Normally Takakeisho would toss Ura about like a tennis ball in an industrial clothes dryer. But right now 6-5 Takakeisho is at a fraction of his normal power output, and 8-3 Ura has really dialed in his grab-and-tug sumo. Given that Takakeisho tends to not protect his arms, we could see some fireworks today.

Terunofuji vs Wakatakakage – Man, I have been waiting for this match since January. Wakatakakage has only beaten Terunofuji once, back in Juryo when he was climbing his way back up the ranks. Its clear that Wakatakakage is ascendant, and one of these matches, he’s going to start winning. Terunofuji is already kachi-koshi at 8-3, and 6-5 Wakatakakage is looking for 2 more wins in the next 4 days to finish his eight.

There were some actual highlight matches today, but I must give special mention to Mitakeumi vs Wakatakakage. That was some fine, strong, and fierce sumo. We minted 4 kachi-koshi today, and one very powerful make-koshi.

My compliments to Takanosho, aka Onigiri-kun, for maintaining his spot at the top of the leader board. While 9-2 is not an overwhelmingly strong score, he is the best of the top division at the end of day 11, and that takes a daily helping of strong sumo. In the remaining 4 days of this basho, I expect that the schedulers will work to put dirt on him at least once more, to draw him down to Terunofuji’s score. As long as the Yokozuna keeps winning, they will work to have Terunofuji contend against Takanosho for the cup at the end of the week, with any of the other rikishi in that group welcome to tag along if they can. I have my eye on Ura, by the way, as a spoiler in this grand parade to the cup.

Highlight Matches

Yutakayama defeats Mitoryu – Mitoryu had a strong start, but could not prevent Yutakayama from getting a nodowa and walking him back. Yutakayama really needed this win, and was able to move forward well enough. He ends the day 5-6.

Chiyoshoma defeats Kotokuzan – Kotokuzan is now the loss leader Natsu. It’s pretty sad given how much effort he put into finally reaching the top division, and he shows up hurt. Chiyoshoma shut down Kotokuzan’s thrusting attacks at the tachiai, and walked him out for a quick win, improving to 5-6.

Nishikigi defeats Meisei – It was chest to chest from the tachiai, and Meisei looked, at first, to be the aggressor. Nishikigi had a solid left hand grip, and used that to keep Meisei from doing much in terms of offense, and then used the leverage from that hand to turn Meisei and run him out of the ring. Both end the day at 5-6.

Okinoumi defeats Midorifuji – The Darwin Funnel continues to do its hideous work. Had Midorifuji won today, he would have escaped from the top end. But Okinoumi was able to set up a double arm bar and kimedashi him out. Okinoumi ends the day 5-6, and Midorifuji at 6-5.

Tochinoshin defeats Azumaryu – Tochinoshin, however, did escape the funnel today with his yorikiri win over Azumaryu. At 7-4 its still possible he will be pulled back into the track for a day 14 7-7 score, but he is fighting well enough that I expect him to get his kachi-koshi in the next 2 days.

Chiyotairyu defeats Kotoshoho – A thunderous tachiai from Chiyotairyu puts Kotoshoho on his heels, and a second volley sends him stumbling backward. A final thrust from Chiyotairyu finishes him in this 1-2-3 match, a style from Chiyotairyu we have not seen in some time. Chiyotairyu now 7-4, and escapes the funnel.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Myogiryu – Terutsuyoshi leaps to the side at the tachiai, grabs one of Myogiryu’s legs and gets to work. He could not maintain that leg hold, but it was enough for him to get Myogiryu moving. With Terutsuyoshi pushing Myogiryu stepped out of the ring, and Terutsuyoshi staved off make-koshi to improve to 4-7.

Shimanoumi defeats Ichiyamamoto – Ichiyamamoto’s opening double arm attack had him in control only for a moment, before Shimanoumi rallied, and found a path to return a few thrusts of his own. Catching Ichiyamamoto at an angle, Shimanoumi disrupted his balance, and a second hit put him on the clay, knocking Ichiyamamoto out of the lead. Shimanoumi now 7-4.

Kotoeko defeats Oho – Really big match between these two today, maybe some of the best sumo from both of them so far this basho. Oho put a lot of power into his sumo today, but was unable to overcome Kotoeko’s excellent balance and stability. The final move was a sukuinage from Kotoeko that twisted Oho to the dohyo, and both end the day at 5-6.

Takarafuji defeats Kagayaki – I am delighted with the outcome of this match. I had worried it was a “gimmie” life line to Kagayaki to try and help him avoid a make-koshi. But Takarafuji rallied through his injury, put up his strong defense, and found an opening to swat Kagayaki down. Takarafuji improves to 2-9, and may have given himself enough wins to keep a toe hold in the top division for July.

Sadanoumi defeats Wakamotoharu – Wakamotoharu may have been working from the expectation that if they locked up chest to chest, he might have a bit of time to consolidate his grip. But Sadanoumi is always ahead of schedule, and rapidly griped, lifted and walked Wakamotoharu to the bales, throwing Wakamotoharu (and himself) into the front row. That’s win 8 for Sadanoumi, and he is kachi-koshi for Natsu.

Ura defeats Aoiyama – Really straightforward sumo from Ura today, which I think surprised Aoiyama. Aoiyama had a rather defensive tachiai, and quickly found Ura was at his chest, with a double inside grip. Ura lifted and walked forward for a rapid yorikiri win. That’s kachi-koshi at 8-3 for Ura.

Kiribayama defeats Tobizaru – Shall we make it 3? Why not. Tobizaru made him work for it, as it seemed that Kiribayama was eager to close distance and fight chest to chest, and Tobizaru kept him back. But Kiribayama had a bit of a hold, and kept working to ratchet Tobizaru closer. When Kiribayama’s left hand found a purchase, it was fight on, and he finished Tobizaru with a quick yorikiri, picking up his 8th win, and his kachi-koshi for Natsu.

Takayasu defeats Hokutofuji – A moment we knew was coming following day 1, a day foretold on the pages of this very blog, where Hokutofuji reaches what we call “The most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo”. Hokutofuji was in the driver’s seat for a good portion of this match, but Takayasu slapped him down mid-attack to deliver his 8th loss. Both end the day 3-8.

Daieisho defeats Kotonowaka – Daieisho set the tone and tempo of this match, even though Kotonowaka had a few moments where he was the aggressor, it was still in the form that Daieisho had dictated, and thrusting match at your opponent’s head and throat. This eventually favored Daieisho, who found an opening and pushed Kotonowaka out, improving to 7-4.

Takanosho defeats Hoshoryu – Happy to see more sumo, less attitude from Hoshoryu today. He gave Takanosho a strong match, but to me it seems that Takanosho had a ready reply to the anticipated attempt at a leg trip, which disrupted Hoshoryu’s balance ever so slightly, and set up Takanosho’s final attack. With the win, Takanosho is in sole possession of the lead at 9-2.

Wakatakakage defeats Mitakeumi – What an excellent match, the two of them really threw everything they could muster into this fight, and the results were fantastic. I could grouse about another Ozeki loss, but that would unnecessarily tarnish the effort of both men. I am a bit worried that it looked like some kind of injury to Mitakeumi’s right leg that brought about an end to that match. Wakatakakage improves to 6-5.

Takakeisho defeats Endo – Takakeisho got to use “his brand of sumo” effectively for the first time in a while. Endo was looking for a frontal trip in the tachiai, and received a full Takakeisho blast amidships. Before he could set his feet, a second volley sent Endo tumbling back and out. Takakeisho improves to 6-5.

Shodai defeats Tamawashi – Hey! Some cartoon sumo today! Kimarite was listed as tsukiotoshi, but I can genuinely ask “What the hell was that?” Not so say there was no Shodai offense, but I swear this guy, at times, just launches parts of his body in random directions and sumo comes out. Today they look to stumble in opposite directions, with Tamawashi falling down first. Ok, it worked! Shodai improves to 4-7 and holds off kadoban for another day.

Terunofuji defeats Abi – Maybe Terunofuji an hold ground for short periods of time. He takes Abi’s initial attack and immediately blasts back. There is no way Abi can hold the Yokozuna back, and Terunofuji runs him out of the ring to hop down into the front row. Terunofuji’s 8th win, and he is kachi-koshi for Natsu.

Ready or not, it’s time to start act 3. The goal of act 3 is to sort the make from the kachi-koshi, and to crown the tournament champion. Starting day 11, the yusho picture is still rather murky, with M4 Takanosho and M15 Ichiyamamoto leading with 8 wins. I don’t expect to see their names at the top for too much longer, as the schedulers are going to throw them at harder opponents if possible to try and knock those scores down at least a bit. Ideally they would open the door for Yokozuna Terunofuji to attempt to take the cup in the final weekend. But that’s a bit of a tough proposition, as he’s not in the best of condition below the waist. Above the waist, he’s a one man army, and he just may be able to pull it off.

Natsu Leaderboard

This won’t be a real race until Takanosho and Ichiyamamoto pick up their 3rd loss.

Leaders: Takanosho, Ichiyamamoto
Chasers: Terunofuji, Kiribayama, Ura, Aoiyama, Sadanoumi
Hunt Group: Too numerous to list

5 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 11

Mitoryu vs Yutakayama – Mitoryu visits from Juryo, and he has a 3-0 career record against Yutakayama. If you think that spells trouble, you are right. At 4-6, Yutakayama needs to win 4 of his last 5 to reach kachi-koshi, and that likely would include a day 15 Darwin match at this point. On top of that, Yutakayama has not been fighting well, and I am going to guess, injured.

Kotokuzan vs Chiyoshoma – Kotokuzan has already punched his ticket to be the boatswain for the Juryo barge this May, so I have to wonder how much he’s going to bring to this first ever match up against Chiyoshoma. Like Yutakayama, Chiyoshoma is 2 losses away from make-koshi, and needs to win 4 out of the last 5 to reach his 8.

Meisei vs Nishikigi – A funnel track match, Meisei needs a win today just to stay on the path for day 15 Darwin. At 5-5 he’s just straddling the center of the funnel now, and his opponent Nishikigi, is on the low side of the funnel at 4-6. Meisei has a 3-1 career record against Nishikigi, so maybe he can use some of that mojo to pick up his 6th win today.

Okinoumi vs Midorifuji – Another funnel match – mostly because the funnel currently covers the bulk of the top division. We have Midorifuji at 6-4, who can exit the funnel today with a win, and Okinoumi who can exit the funnel onto the make-koshi track with a loss. Of course we might see Okinoumi rally today, and then both of them are back to the middle of the funnel.

Azumaryu vs Tochinoshin – The funnel theme continues. This is the first ever match between grizzled veteran Azumaryu (5-5), who would love to find 3 more wins out of the final 5 matches to get his first ever top division kachi-koshi, and former Ozeki Tochinoshin (6-4) who can escape the funnel today with a win.

Kotoshoho vs Chiyotairyu – Staying with the funnel theme, I am sort of surprised that Kotoshoho (5-5) got roped into the funnel, but here he is against 6-4 Chiyotairyu, who has won 6 out of his last 7. Kotoshoho won 2 of their 3 prior matches, so I am going to assume he knows to watch out for Chiyotairyu’s balance wrecking tachiai moves.

Myogiryu vs Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi is one loss away from securing a make-koshi. It’s still mathematically possible for him to get 8 wins, but he will need to win the rest of his matches to achieve that. He has a 4-2 career advantage over Myogiryu, who comes in at 5-5, and needs wins to stay in the funnel. Honestly, I have to think that Terutsuyoshi is just about due for another win.

Shimanoumi vs Ichiyamamoto – Shimanoumi gets a shot to put dirt on one of the co-leaders. Ranked at M8, he is quite a bit north of Ichiyamamoto’s Maegashira 15. Shimanoumi won their only prior match which was at Aki 2021, when they were both nearly the same rank as they are today. Shimanoumi has won his last 3, so I am going to assume he is in good fighting condition.

Oho vs Kotoeko – Still squarely in the bracket, we see if 4-6 Kotoeko can fight is way back to the center line and disrupt 5-5 Oho’s lack-luster second try to get a kachi-koshi in the top division. I recall a time when Oho (then called Naya) was supposed to be a “big deal”. Maybe he will be some day, but so far he has not distinguished himself.

Takarafuji vs Kagayaki – This match outrages me. They know by now that Takarafuji is hurt, maybe his lower back, but he’s a walking medical case. So they give Kagayaki a chance to pick up a freebee win. I volunteer to loan my spine to Takarafuji for the period of time needed to toss Kagayaki on his ear, then kick dirt over the remains. Ah well, Takarafuji had to fight someone.

Sadanoumi vs Wakamotoharu – I think that this is Wakamotoharu’s chance to pull himself out of the high end of the funnel, and take a big step closer to a kachi-koshi at his highest ever rank. His sumo has been very good for his first time this far up the banzuke, and I look forward to him being part of the future of sumo. He has a 0-4 career deficit against Sadanoumi, who may pick up his kachi-koshi today with a win.

Ura vs Aoiyama – Both men start the day at 7-3, and the winner will get a bright shiny kachi-koshi to end day 11. Although Ura has a 2-1 narrow advantage, I give an edge to “Big Dan” Aoiyama who is fighting very well right now. But an Ura win would play into my hunch that he might be in the hunt for the cup in the final 3 days.

Kiribayama vs Tobizaru – Kiribayama needs a win today to reach kachi-koshi, but he has to overcome the 7-3 career disadvantage he has against Tobizaru. In fact Tobizaru has won 4 of their last 5 matches. A Tobizaru win would keep him in the funnel, and marching to a day 15 Darwin contest. In spite of the career advantage, I want to see Kiribayama pick up his 8th today.

Takayasu vs Hokutofuji – We all know Hokutofuji is headed for make-koshi, and I think its quite fitting that Takayasu be the one to let him secure that outcome today. Takayasu has really struggled this May after a fairly robust run in Osaka that saw him competing for the yusho into week 2. As a Takayasu fan, I am a bit down that he’s too hurt to live up to his potential. But he can certainly take out his frustrations on Hokutofuji today.

Kotonowaka vs Daieisho – These two have matching 6-4 scores, which technically make them part of the funnel group. But the winner will elevate outside of the funnel, and the looser will scrap agains the other rikishi being herded toward a 7-7 day 14 score. Kotonowaka has a 2-0 career lead over Daieisho, so he will have a distinct edge in today’s contest.

Hoshoryu vs Takanosho – Hoshoryu, whose attitude may have out-paced his sumo, gets a chance to back up some of that swagger with a chance to knock one of the leaders off the board. He has a 3-1 career margin against Takanosho, but he’s fighting at least one notch below his typical level of genki. Much as I want to see Takanosho pick up a 3rd loss and draw Terunofuji into the yusho race, I would very much like to see him give Hoshoryu an atomic wedgie and a quick toss into the zabuton to help Asashoryu’s nephew find a little humility.

Mitakeumi vs Wakatakakage – Man, I dread this match. Mitakeumi has a 7-2 career advantage over Wakatakakage, but I don’t think that matters. I would guess that Mitakeumi is, like the rest of the Ozeki corpse, hurt in some non visible way. There is a real risk that all of them may be kadoban for July, and if that is the case, I would put the odds at very long that all of them can recover and make their 8 in the heat of Nagoya. Both start the day at 5-5, and win or lose, neither escapes the funnel today.

Endo vs Takakeisho – We know Endo is going to grab for a left hand shallow front mawashi hold at the tachiai. With Takakeisho’s right arm at less than good status, this leaves him especially open to this kind of attack. At 4-6, Endo is looking for wins to keep himself out of the make-koshi lane, though he is edging ever closer.

Tamawashi vs Shodai – Tamawashi comes in with an 11-8 career advantage, and a win by him will send Shodai make-koshi and kadoban. We can be fairly certain Shodai will have 8 losses this May, but will today be the day?

Terunofuji vs Abi – They have only met twice, and each has a single win against the other. Much as I love me some Abi-zumo, I would rather see Terunofuji stay in the hunt for the Emperor’s cup, in spite of his battered and only partially functional battle readiness report. A win today is kachi-koshi for the Yokozuna.