If I had to give day 4 a name, I would call it the “Equalizer”. Many who had not won yet find their first white star, and some early favorites found the clay. The Aki basho is frequently chaotic and unpredictable in recent years. With both Yokozuna out, and both Ozeki hit or miss, we are once again going to have to keep an open mind once we start the leaderboard this weekend. I am curious to see who is going to be favored going into act 3 next Tuesday.

Highlight Matches

Ichinojo defeats Ikioi – Must as expected, the fading relic of Ikioi could not muster enough power to really give Ichinojo much of a challenge. Ikioi did put a lot of power into it, but there is just too much of Ichinojo to move.

Shimanoumi defeats Kyokutaisei – Shimanoumi did a fantastic job of keeping his hips low, and that was the key to blunting and eventually overcoming Kyokutaisei’s strength. The kimarite is listed as yoritaoshi, but as Kyokutaisei fell, he seems to have hurt his left ankle. Hopefully they can get him fixed up before tomorrow.

Hoshoryu defeats Shohozan – Shohozan gave him a few good blasts to start the match, but offered only token resistance when Hoshoryu moved to advance. With a 0-4 start at Maegashira 15, we may say goodbye to Shohozan in the top division this tournament.

Tobizaru defeats Kaisei – Points to Tobizaru for not being intimidated by the sheer bulk that is Kaisei. Tobizaru’s excellent hand placement at the tachiai actually moved Kaisei back for a time, before the Brazilian rallied and advanced. As it seemed Kaisei had turned the tables on Tobizaru, a deft move to the right put him behind Kaisei, and Tobizaru escorted him out.

Kotoshoho defeats Chiyotairyu – Points to Kotoshoho for keeping his balance and his calm intact while Chiyotairyu put his considerable strength into a volley of blows to his face and neck. A well timed step to the side left Chiyotairyu with no target and nothing but Tokyo air to push against, and that big belly made its way to the clay.

Kotoeko defeats Meisei – Meisei got the better of the tachiai, and Kotoeko rallied and counter attacked smartly. With Kotoeko now setting terms of the match, he forced Meisei to move, and as Meisei moved to evade another Kotoeko, he lost footing and went down for a loss. Kotoeko’s first win of Aki, and maybe he has shaken off his ring rust.

Onosho defeats Enho – I don’t know if I feel about this match. I am delighted Onosho has started Aki 4-0 after such a dismal run in July (2-13!). But Enho is really starting to worry me. Enho did try to go low and start applying his sumo, but Onosho simply overpowered him before Enho could set up for an attack.

Wakatakakage defeats Sadanoumi – Wakatakakage took a firm hold of Sadanoumi’s right hand at the tachiai, and would not let go. This was a fantastic strategy as it removed Sadanoumi’s speed from the match, and put his focus on escaping that hold. Wakatakakage capitalized on his distraction and ran him to the tawara and gave him a tidy little fling to the clay. Solid sumo from the youngest Onami brother today.

Ryuden defeats Aoiyama – Great start by Aoiyama, and he has Ryuden set up for the loss early, but Ryuden used his superior mobility to circle away, breaking contact and when he re-engaged, Aoiyama was turned, with his heels at the bales. Excellent sumo from Ryuden today.

Kagayaki defeats Tokushoryu – Ample tenacity and endurance from Kagayaki today. He found himself focused on trying to blunt Tokushoryu’s advance following an evenly matched tachiai. Twice Tokushoryu took him to the tawara and twice Kagayaki rallied. But what happened? Why Tokushoryu tried to pull him down, and that release of forward pressure was all Kagayaki needed to take control of the match. There are days when I see the seeds of greatness in Kagayaki, and other times I am left wondering what happened do those glimpses of a his sumo.

Takayasu defeats Kiribayama – I would say that looked like dear Sekiwake Takayasu. The guy who was less chaotic with his sumo. Focused, in control with seemingly infinite stamina. The guy you had to never try to engage in a yotsu battle because he would wear you down and then play with you until he got tired. No blame to Kiribayama, because that version of Takayasu has not been around for a couple of years. But he is out in force this September. Takayasu attainted a left hand grip, and I think that once he felt that giant, meaty hand latch on, Kiribayama knew he had lost. A lift and a heave-ho from Takayasu and Kiribayama was out on the curb for pickup Thursday morning in Sumida-ku.

Takarafuji defeats Tochinoshin – I am going to declare that today’s match seems to indicate that once again Tochinoshin’s banged up right knee is damaged. Token force forward at the tachiai, followed by an immediate attempt to pull against Takarafuji? Takarafuji knew exactly what to do.

Yutakayama defeats Myogiryu – Sigh of relief as Yutakayama picks up his first win. But Yutakayama’s sumo was chaotic and all over the dohyo. Myogiryu fought well, but lost his footing moments after he rallied and forced Yutakayama onto defense.

Endo defeats Terutsuyoshi – The “Good” Endo came to the Kokugikan today. Terutsuyoshi chose to open the match with a straight ahead drive at the tachiai, and Endo knew exactly what to do. In a sheer contest of strength, a healthy Endo was always going to win.

Takanosho defeats Daieisho – Takanosho continues to impress me. It almost seems that each match, he is fractionally better than the one before. Daieisho gets in an excellent tachiai, but while Daieisho is blasting away on Takanosho’s face and neck, Takanosho is focusing on getting hand placement. He succeeds with a right hand in Daieisho’s arm pit, lowers his hips, and sends Daieisho out.

Okinoumi defeats Mitakeumi – Long time followers of Mitakeumi will find his current sumo sadly familiar. Somehow, in his own mind, he is disrupted, and he seems to be about 10% short on what it takes to win. Okinoumi can be counted on to execute with high skill, and that left hand outside grip he took at the tachiai was textbook. As Okinoumi advanced to win, Mitakeumi loaded a throw at the bales, but was too close to the edge and stepped out before he could finish rotating Okinoumi.

Terunofuji defeats Shodai – There it was again. Did you see it? A glimpse of Ozeki Terunofuji. Not the sick, hurt one who made your heart ache. The one that could beat anyone through sheer power. Given those knees, I know the time he has is short, but oh man it’s amazing to see that return. He handed Shodai his first loss through sheer, brute power.

Asanoyama defeats Hokutofuji – I am happy that Asanoyama finally got his first win. But boy did Hokutofuji have velcro feet today. One of the finest final defenses in a long time. Again it’s as if Hokutofuji’s lower body is a separate entity being controlled by its own intelligence. The top side can be dangling over the side of the dohyo, and from the pelvis down, the attitude is broadcast, “no, not going to loose to this guy!”. Asanoyama literally defeated Hokutofuji’s lower body about 5 seconds after he had finished beating Hokutofuji’s head and torso.

Takakeisho defeats Tamawashi – A great example in sumo mechanics. Tamawashi focused tsuppari on Takakeisho’s face and shoulders, and Takakeisho focused on chest and center mass. Takakeisho had to work hard to keep his footing, but rallied and drove Tamawashi from the ring. Good effort from both!

Emergency mode! Bruce has been sequestered in the middle of a mass of code reviews and pull requests. Tonight’s preview is going to be brief, and perhaps above my normal quota for typos, poor grammar and generally poor grasp of the facts.

What We Are Watching Day 4

Ichinojo vs Ikioi – Ikioi pays a visit to his old neighborhood, just to have the local giant rough him up. Ikioi is not off to much of a start, and he gets the nod to fill a banzuke gap left by Kotoshogiku. You know what’s worse? Ichinojo holds a 10-3 career lead over the walking orthopedic case.

Shimanoumi vs Kyokutaisei – Is today the day that Kyokutaisei gets his first ever win against Shimanoumi? Given that Shimanoumi is still looking a bit rusty, this may be his best shot for a while. May I suggest a flying henka? With Ishiura out, I feel a need. No, Big Dan’s on day 3 does not count. He moved like maybe 3 inches at a leisurely pace.

Hoshoryu vs Shohozan – First time match, and it’s just a shame that Shohozan seems to be fading fast. I would love to see what Hoshoryu would do with peak Shohozan. Even dear old Yoshikaze sometimes found “Big Guns” a bit much.

Tobizaru vs Kaisei – Their only prior match was the epitome of a mouse trying to move a boulder. The mouse is faster and stronger, perhaps, but the boulder seems to have gathered some moss.

Chiyotairyu vs Kotoshoho – Chiyotairyu is off to a hot start at 3-0, and I like that they put him up against Kotoshoho. I think Kotoshoho has the smarts and reflexes not to try to endure Chiyotairyu’s “push them up, slap them down” opening move.

Meisei vs Kotoeko – Kotoeko has yet to record a win, and I think he may turn that around today. He has a 7-5 career record against Meisei, and I hope that the man from Miyazaki can get his first win today.

Enho vs Onosho – This may be Enho’s best chance for a win in act 1. Much as I love Onosho, he is wobbly as a weebil, and Enho has the perfect sumo to see if maybe just this time, he can get him to fall down.

Sadanoumi vs Wakatakakage – Both of these rikishi are fast, and tend to lunge in hard at the tachiai. Both have 1-2 records, and I am keen to see this match. I think Kintamayama might have considered this a contender for his ISP match of the day.

Ryuden vs Aoiyama – I am looking for between 2 and 14 matta from Ryuden today. It may be his best chance to bamboozle Big Dan Aoiyama, who after having the brass to deploy a henka on day 3 deserves a bit of razzmatazz. Really, it’s like being henka’ed by an oil tanker.

Tokushoryu vs Kagayaki – Tokushoryu has a 5-1 career advantage and a whole lot of belly on his side of the fight ledger. Kagayaki has solid fundamentals and a height advantage. It’s been a while since we have seen Tokushoryu unleash his magic tsukiotoshi. Let’s hope he takes it out of the case today.

Kiribayama vs Takayasu – Kiribayama’s spotless record is on the line today, against former Ozeki Takayasu. Takayasu got disrupted and beat on day 3, and I would love to see him bounce back. This should be a solid fight. I adore the mass difference here. Should Takayasu fall on him, it could be a life-altering moment for Kiribayama.

Takarafuji vs Tochinoshin – I am looking for full on extend and defend today from Takarafuji, who will work to keep former Ozeki Tochinoshin away from his belt. The longer he can keep Tochinoshin reacting to his sumo, the more it plays to Takarafuji’s favor.

Myogiryu vs Yutakayama – Given how things are going, I expect Myogiryu to win and Yutakayama to go down fighting, but ultimately be unable to produce much sumo. I want Yutakayama to do well, but he’s really not found his sumo this September.

Terutsuyoshi vs Endo – I had to check twice, but I do believe this is the first time these two have ever faced off. Given how Endo is fighting right now, lord knows if he is going to be much of an opponent for Terutsuyoshi.

Daieisho vs Takanosho – Takanosho seems to be expert at lulling his opponents into thinking he’s not going to be “that” tough, then he puts them on the clay or over the bales. Daieisho really needs to focus on his 8 to make sure he can hang onto that 3rd Sekiwake slot.

Okinoumi vs Mitakeumi – Hey, Mitakeumi. Don’t pull!

Shodai vs Terunofuji – The big match for me. Who cares about the score or the career record. I saw a spark of the old Kaiju on day 3, and I want more… More… MORE! Will Shodai unleash some cartoon sumo in response?

Asanoyama vs Hokutofuji – Someday, maybe in November at this rate, Asanoyama is going to pick up his first win. I think Hokutofuji may have overcome his ring rust, and I am certain he is feeling confident after collecting one Ozeki scalp already.

Tamawashi vs Takakeisho – Both are pushers, but that is where the similarity ends. Tamawashi comes equipped with long, powerful arms that can actually reach his own face. He is not quite the storied Tamawashi of old, but I would love to see him give Takakeisho a challenge. Hey, Grand Tadpole. Don’t pull!

Some fine matches went pear shaped when the rikishi with advantage tried to pull their opponent down today. Once in a while such a move works, but any time it is tried, the puller bets everything on move. Today, many of those gambles were a suckers bet, especially for Mitakeumi and Takakeisho today, handing losses to a pair of high ranking 2-0 rikishi with prior yusho experience. A “Surplus of Almost” indeed.

Much as we worried, Kotoshogiku went kyujo at the start of day 3, citing injury to a calf muscle, and requiring 2 weeks rest. This would put the former Ozeki squarely in Juryo for November, and I would guess he may decide to retire instead. Kotoshogiku owns a kabu, and is only waiting to assume a new role as a sumo elder.

Highlight Matches

Kyokutaisei defeats Hoshoryu – Impressive focus from Kyokutaisei in this match. I think Hoshoryu started in better position, but Kyokutaisei kept his left hand latched to Hoshoryu’s mawashi. Although he tried a leg trip against Hoshoryu, it was ultimately Kyokutaisei just blasting forward that won the match.

Ichinojo defeats Shohozan – Well, that’s one of Ichinojo’s “good” modes. When he is doing that kind of sumo, there is not much an opponent is going to be able to do. Ichinojo stood Shohozan up, and immediately batted him down.

Meisei defeats Shimanoumi – Meisei got his hands inside at the tachiai, and kept Shimanoumi out of cadence. In this case, Meisei’s pull payed off, and sent Shimanoumi staggering forward, and handed control of the match to Meisei. That finishing shove was excellent form for Meisei.

Tobizaru defeats Kotoshoho – This match did not disappoint. We previewed it as one of the day 3 highlights, and we saw the two start the match with a furious thrusting and slapping volley, both men struggling for advantage. But look at where Tobizaru’s hips are – the man is impressively low. Tobizaru gets into a shove-and-move cadence that works very well for him, and Kotoshoho is relegated to counter-attack only. Tobizaru improves to 3-0.

Kaisei defeats Kotoeko – Kotoeko looked completely impotent in his day 3 match, and remains winless. Kaisei did not really look much better, but sometimes in sumo being enormous is enough.

Sadanoumi defeats Enho – Its heartbreaking to watch these matches with Enho, it just seems he can’t generate any offense, and his height and mass leave him with almost no options for defensive sumo. So day after day we are treated specticals of Enho tossed about like a cork on an angry sea. At this rate, I worry that the next basho to feature Hakuho will have both of his minions out of the top division.

Onosho defeats Wakatakakage – Another swift, brutal match from Onosho, facing Wakatakakage for the first time. What I love about this match is the amount of high-skill sumo being employed in subtle ways that only reveal themselves in the replays. Fantastic tachiai from Wakatakakage, but he yielded the inside position to Onosho. No longer in danger of being too far forward (he could lean against Wakatakakage), Onosho shows some solid chest to chest sumo, bringing Wakatakakage to the tawara. That rescue throw at the edge by Wakatakakage was exquisitely timed, but Onosho somehow levitated just long enough to make sure Wakatakakage hit first. The more times I watched that finishing move, the better it looked. Well fought to both.

Aoiyama defeats Tokushoryu – Ah.. yep. Tokushoryu is always going to have a huge bias to his front, and Aoiyama just helped nature take its course.

Kagayaki defeats Takayasu – For myself, a match featuring Takayasu, Kagayaki AND a freshly returned Konosuke? YES! If you can go frame by frame on that match, just look at Takayasu’s body position at the tachiai, sheer perfection. But Kagayaki was ready for the former Ozeki to reach deep with his right hand, and shut down the opening gambit. At that point Kagayaki has his hands inside, and is thrusting upward against Takayasu’s jaw. Takayasu responses with a vague attempt to place his hands for a pull. In response, Kagayaki advances, and Takayasu loses solid footing. Kagayaki reads this perfectly and takes a step back while Takayasu falls forward for the loss.

Takarafuji defeats Ryuden – Takarafuji had no need to extend and defend today, he got his left hand inside, taking Ryuden to his chest. A strong advance with a firm grip on Ryuden, and the match was won.

Tochinoshin defeats Yutakayama – Yutakayama was able to get the initiative in this match, and dictated a mobile oshi-battle. Much as that might favor Yutakayama, Tochinoshin gave a bit better than he received, disrupting every attempt Yutakayama made to square his hip and push. I really worry that Yutakayama is hurt in some way and it’s going to be a return to Juryo for him at some point. Tochinoshin picks up his first win.

Kiribayama defeats Terutsuyoshi – A matta broadcast both rikishi’s opening gambits, which favored Terutsuyoshi. It may seem like a throw-away, but notice how Kiribayama immediately modifies his tachiai on the re-start. Not as fast to contact, his stance is wider. As a result, Terutsuyoshi makes contact mid-stride rather than with his feet on the clay, and Kiribayama deftly bats him down in the split second his body is not quite supported by his feet. Just brilliant sumo.

Tamawashi defeats Okinoumi – With 22 (now 23) matches in their combined history, these two know how the other fights. Both men had traction problems thanks to Terutsuyoshi’s salt wash left on the dohyo. If you want to see two big rikishi trade blows to the neck and slip around the dohyo, this is a match for you! Tamawashi picks up his second win, while Okinoumi is left still looking for his first.

Takanosho defeats Mitakeumi – The tachiai was quite even, and moments into the fight Takanosho tries a half-hearted pull. For reasons I can’t quite fathom, Mitakeumi decides to respond in kind, and releases forward pressure. Well, it seems Takanosho was ready for that, and pushes Mitakeumi back and out. First loss for Mitakeumi, and frankly he threw that match away with that pull attempt Takanosho baited him into making.

Shodai defeats Endo – Endo can be counted on to reach for the front of his opponent’s mawashi, and Shodai was ready to welcome that opening move. Shodai’s body has some atypical proportions for a sumotori. His legs are not quite so long, and he has an extended torso. This means his hips can be lower, even when his upper body looks high. Endo’s mawashi grab misses by a kilometer, and for some reason he decides plan “B” includes a step back. The release of forward pressure catches Shodai a bit by surprise, and for a brief moment he is perilously on one foot and too far forward. But Endo can’t exploit that. Shodai regains his stance and overpowers Endo at the tawara for his 3rd win.

Myogiryu defeats Daieisho – Myogiryu opened strong at the tachiai, but in the next heartbeat, Daieisho dialed up the tsuppari and took control of the match. But a well timed side step by Myogiryu, as Daieisho lunged to finish the match, gave Myogiryu his 3rd win for Aki.

Hokutofuji defeats Takakeisho – Takakeisho picks up his first loss when he tries to pull Hokutofuji down. Typically a foolish move, as Hokutofuji tends to have periods of super-natural balance. I have remarked that at times it’s as if Hokutofuji’s upper and lower body are loosely consolidated, independent creatures cooperating to imitate sumo. You can pound his upper body with brutal blows, but his lower body keeps working to win. In some way he reminds me of the Chicago Bears of old. You can completely route the offense (Hokutofuji’s upper body), but the defense (Hokutofuji’s lower body) is perfectly capable of defeating you on its own.

Terunofuji defeats Asanoyama – Maybe Asanoyama did not appreciate that within Terunofuji’s battered body is the skill, cunning, and tenacity of an Ozeki. I also suspect that maybe Asanoyama’s problems are not just nerves. Perhaps there is some physical injury or other problem at work. Asanoyama opened strong, and even had morozashi with Terunofuji’s heels on the bales. He should have been able to finish the kaiju, but the Ozeki fire that still dwells in Terunofuji broke free of whatever kept it prisoner, and we were back in 2015 for a moment. Like some otherworldly clamp, Terunofuji would not let go of Asanoyama’s salmon colored mawashi, and it was time to answer the young Ozeki’s opening. Unable to push Terunofuji out, Asanoyama tried to swing him into a throw, but all he did was unbalance himself and Terunofuji continued the rotation with that left hand as the fulcrum, pitching Asanoyama like some 150kg bowling ball. Terunofuji picks up his first win, and it was against the top ranked man on the torikumi.