Kyushu 2023

Kyushu 2023, Day 3

Andy Kyushu 2023, Kyushu Basho

After two thrilling days of action, the first half of Day Three offers the sumo fan a chance to catch up on their Z’s. What a snooze fest! But wait until the second half of action. I was rather surprised to hear from Josh’s report on the action in Kyushu that it appears people had left early. After watching the first half of today’s Makuuchi bouts, though, I could see why. But past performance does not always predict future results.

Back in the late 1990’s, I was an undergrad at UNC. We had a good football team and they were having a solid year. UVA came to town when we were ranked 5th in the nation. They quickly racked up 20 points on us. I had school work to do, so I left. As I’m walking from the stadium, I hear a cheer. I get almost to the student union and I hear another big cheer. So, I go into the student union and watch the rest of a 48-20 comeback victory. I didn’t leave early, ever again. We actually stay late because I really don’t like crowds.

When I’m at sumo, I stay until well after the bow-twirling ceremony. On senshuraku, you’ve got to be there for the gyoji toss and the sanbonjime. But even on quiet days like today, any people who left early would have missed out on a lot of great action and an absolute classic bout. Which one? Read on. Oh, okay. It was Kitanowaka vs Meisei. Absolute gem.

Highlights

Nishikifuji (1-2) defeated Roga (0-3). Nishikifuji met Roga with a strong tachiai, forcing him back several feet. He then executed a quick pull, with Roga falling to the floor. Tsukiotoshi

Churanoumi (2-1) defeated Kitanowaka (2-1). At the tachiai, Churanoumi locked in on Kitanowaka’s maemitsu, the front part of his mawashi. Kitanowaka then spent the rest of the bout backing up and trying to shove Churanoumi’s hand away. Churanoumi separated for a bit when Kitanowaka’s fundoshi began to unravel, but largely kept pace with the retreating wrestler. Kitanowaka eventually stumbled over his own feet., Yoritaoshi

Tomokaze (2-1) defeated Tohakuryu (1-2). Slapfest here. The big difference between the two slappers was that Tohakuryu’s slaps were largely ineffective at budging Tomokaze. On the other hand, Tomokaze’s tsuppari was very effective at forcing Tohakuryu to move around the ring. Tohakuryu seemed to grow more and more annoying to Tomokaze and Tomokaze’s shoves gained more intensity and he shoved Tohakuryu to the ground. Tsukidashi

Ichiyamamoto (3-0) defeated Tsurugisho (1-2): Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari was a little bit more effective than Tohakuryu’s. So he gave up on the tsuppari and just wrapped up Tsurugisho and drove forward. When Tsurugisho pivoted at the edge, appearing to attempt a sukuinage, his knee buckled and he fell to the floor. Tsurugisho needs a lengthy kyujo to fix that knee. Yoritaoshi.

Takarafuji (1-2) defeated Oho (1-2). Another slapfest here as Oho wailed away at Takarafuji. But Takarafuji slipped to the side and used Oho’s forward momentum to help throw him to the floor. A disappointing bout from Oho. Tsukitoshi.

Tamawashi (3-0) defeated Hiradoumi (0-3). Tamawashi and Hiradoumi slammed into each other like rutting goats, over and over. Tamawashi slipped to the side and pulled Hiradoumi forward and down to the clay. These early bouts have largely been rinse and repeat. Hikiotoshi.

Ryuden (3-0) defeated Sadanoumi (2-1). Finally, something different. We had a great yotsu lesson here from Ryuden. Both men locked in on the opponents’ mawashi with a left hand inside grip. Sadanoumi took the initiative, yanked up hard on Ryuden’s belt and charged forward, hoping to force Ryuden out. But pivoted, Sadanoumi pitched forward a bit too far and Ryuden used Sadanoumi’s momentum to help throw him over. Uwatenage.

Mitakeumi (1-2) defeated Kotoeko (1-2). Mitakeumi seemed to wake up for the first time this tournament. He met the smaller Kotoeko strongly at the tachiai and then charged forward, driving Kotoeko completely across the ring and out. Oshidashi.

Myogiryu (1-2) defeated Endo (0-3). Endo stumbled forward before the initial charge, forcing a matta. He collected himself and came back for a solid tachiai. The two threw hands for a little bit before deciding to lock in for a belt battle instead. Endo found leverage to throw Myogiryu to the floor…but the gunbai to Myogiryu? As Endo threw Myogiryu, his foot went over the straw bales, touching outside the ring. Myogiryu wins. Kandayu is on the ball today. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (3-0) defeated Kinbozan (1-2). Atamifuji put his head down and bulled forward, driving Kinbozan back to the edge and out. Yorikiri.

Halftime. Time to swap out shimpan.

Shonannoumi (3-0) defeated Hokuseiho (2-1). Hokuseiho is happy to lean. He wrapped up Shonannoumi’s right shoulder in an arm bar. Shonannoumi, on the other hand, held onto Hokuseiho’s belt with his right hand. Shonannoumi wormed his left hand inside as well and landed a morozashi. Hokuseiho’s expression changed. “Uh-Oh.” The lean transformed into frantic but subtle tussling. You could tell Hokuseiho was worried as the two made subtle adjustments. Shonannoumi gathered up his strength for a charge and pulled up on Hokuseiho’s mawashi, driving forward and forcing Hokuseiho out.

Midorifuji (2-1) defeated Takanosho (1-2). Ah, Takanosho lost this bout. They’re calling this an arm pulldown from Midorifuji but it’s really a bit of sloppy sumo and poor footwork from Takanosho. He met Midorifuji well at the tachiai and forced Midori back with a strong blast about the shoulders. But as Midorifuji moved back, Takanosho didn’t step forward. Instead, he launched out…falling to the floor. Takanosho’s hand touched the ground before Midorifuji fell on his but. Dude. Just put your feet, one in front of the other, and walk forward. Hikiotoshi.

Gonoyama (1-2) defeated Onosho (1-2). Gonoyama took out all of his frustrations from the last two days on poor Onosho. Fantastic power sumo from ex-Goeido’s youngster. He drove forward with all his might, pushing Onosho clear from the dohyo. Onosho had no time to counter. Oshidashi.

Nishikigi (1-2) defeated Abi (1-2). Nishikigi weathered tropical storm Abi, with Abi’s tsuppari thus downgraded from hurricane strength. Nishikigi stepped inside and wrapped up Abi with both hands inside, then drove forward. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-2). Wakamotoharu was up for the chase today. Tobizaru ran around the ring, trying pulls, and slapdowns, hoping to seize on any sense of misdirection. The patient Wakamotoharu waited him out, corralled Curious George at the center of the ring, wrapped him up, and ushered him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (3-0) defeated Takayasu (1-2). Takayasu tried to match Daieisho’s enthusiasm today but Daieisho was locked on with his sumo. Since Takayasu couldn’t force him backwards, he retreated, pivoting here and there. But Daieisho did not fall for any of the changes in direction. He kept his balance (barely at times) and pushed Takayasu out. Oshidashi.

Kotonowaka (3-0) defeated Meisei (0-3). FANTASTIC bout. Meisei took it to the bigger Kotonowaka with Power yotsu-zumo, deserving of a win. He certainly had the aggression and took the bout to Kotonowaka. The pair tumble into the crowd… Gunbai to Kotonowaka? What? Mono-ii. Shimpan confirm that as the pair fell out, Kotonowaka twisted Meisei’s body and Meisei’s foot touched out before Kotonowaka fell on his back. Is that a sukuinage? No, apparently it’s Osakate.

What the hell is Osakate? Whatever it is, it was worth the price of admission. It’s in the hineri, or twisting, group of kimarite. Apparently, one reaches over their opponent’s shoulder (thus uwate, or “over arm”) and twists in the direction of that arm. Yodo earned his keep by spotting this. I thought Meisei had this won. Despite Meisei’s record, he’s been fighting well. But wow, Kotonowaka found a way to win. Keep your eyes on this kid.

A rare kimarite, Osakate been used three times previously in Makuuchi. Once, way back in 1951. Of course Aminishiki has pulled one of these off against Takamisakari in Kyushu, way back in 2005. Baruto used it against Kakizoe in 2010. But just this year, Wakatakamoto has used it against Nishinoryu in Makushita.

Kirishima (3-0) defeated Shodai (0-3). Shodai blocked Kirishima’s grasp of the front of his mawashi. So Kirishima changed tack. A strong nodowa had Shodai looking for the exits. Yorikiri.

Takakeisho (3-0) defeated Ura (0-3). Ura had nothing to show today as Takakeisho chased him from the dohyo. Tsukidashi.

Hoshoryu (3-0) defeated Hokutofuji (0-3). Hokutofuji drove forward, his ottsuke effective at keeping Hoshoryu back and off his belt. Hoshoryu is a tactician, though. When one door is closed, he goes and looks for another. As Hokutofuji kept his head down and moved forward, Hoshoryu seized upon the top of Hokutofuji’s head and thrust him down. Hatakikomi.

Kyushu 2023: Day 2

Andy Kyushu 2023, Kyushu Basho , ,
Yesterday brought the Return of Chikaramizu

Day One had some great action, and some not-so-great action. (Profound. You’re such a wordsmith, Andy. Where do you get this brilliant insight?)

I’m almost relieved to see the matta controversy from yesterday because my mind had started down a different path after I saw Hokutofuji ease off. To be frank, when I was watching the bout live and even when I first saw the replay in the immediate aftermath, I thought it was a fair tachiai. I saw Hokutofuji’s second hand coming down and thought we had a bout. It wasn’t until later, after the matta chatter started, that I could see their point about the matta. And it is a valid point. Hokutofuji’s second hand was coming down but it likely didn’t touch.

In my mind, though, the most valid point is the lesson that Hakuho hopefully learned against Yoshikaze. Even if you think it’s a matta, you need to fight. The fight’s on until you hear the gyoji call it off. Takakeisho was in a four-point stance, ready to go. It was Hokutofuji who’d pinned his hopes, apparently, on drawing T-Rex off. When he was up against an Ozeki, an Ozeki who had clearly already committed to launch, Hokutofuji wanted to do some gamesmanship. He got caught out; so, we move on.

Tonight’s line-up is, again, chock-full of compelling bouts. My big surprise from yesterday was Oho. After Sadanoumi thrashed Kotoeko, I’m keen to see how Oho handles this matchup. I’m also eager to see this Mitakeumi-Atamifuji bout. Initially, I thought it would be a great matchup. Now, I really want to see what condition Mitakeumi is in. I hope Leonid’s correct, that Ryuden just has his number. But yesterday’s bout left me concerned about ongoing injury issues. Today’s bout with Atamifuji will be another big test.

Highlights

Kitanowaka (2-0) defeated Roga (0-2) Kitanowaka seemed to take the initiative early in this bout, driving the action. He steered Roga around the ring, and with a twisting throw, dropped Roga to the clay. Sukuinage.

Tohakuryu (1-1) defeated Nishikigi (0-2). A quick tachiai and slapdown attempt from Tohakuryu caught Nishikifuji off-guard and put him off-balance. Tohakuryu followed up by getting behind Nishikifuji and he pushed him off the dohyo. Okuridashi.

Nishikifuji will face Roga as both seek out their first win this basho. Nishikifuji has won their only previous meeting.

Ichiyamamoto (2-0) defeated Churanoumi (1-1). Matta from Ichiyamamoto. Churanoumi attempted a pull and slapdown but Ichiyamamoto resisted well and drove forward. This used Churanoumi’s momentum from the pull to blast him out of the ring and onto his butt. Oshitaoshi

Churanoumi will fight the undefeated Kitanowaka on Day 3. Kitanowaka has the edge in their rivalry and he’s looking ready this basho.

Tomokaze (1-1) defeated Takarafuji (0-2): Solid tsuppari and good footwork led Tomokaze to push Takarafuji over the bales. Takarafuji was unable to get inside or get any sort of grip. Oshidashi.

Tomokaze will face Tohakuryu tomorrow.

Tamawashi (2-0) defeated Tsurugisho (1-1). Tsurugisho landed a belt grip, briefly. Tamawashi made him pay for invading his personal space by using strong thrusts to the head to force him back and off-balance. Tamawashi continued his attack until he pushed Tsurugisho from the ring. Oshidashi.

I’m a bit worried about Tsurugisho’s knee; he fell awkwardly today. He will need all of his mobility to take on Ichiyamamoto tomorrow. It’s not looking good since Ichiyamamoto is undefeated in their rivalry, with 8 wins and 0 losses.

Sadanoumi (2-0) defeated Oho (1-1). Sadanoumi’s Oshi attack forced Oho to the edge but Oho twisted, nearly throwing Sadanoumi with a sukuinage. While Sadanoumi resisted being thrown, Oho regained the positional advantage, pushing Sadanoumi to the outside. The Oshi bout shifted to a yotsu contest as the two tussled to throw each other. Sadanoumi again drove Oho to the tawara and this time forced him over the edge. Solid sumo and excellent footwork from Sadanoumi. Great power sumo from a guy who is often under the radar. Yoritaoshi.

Oho will take on Takarafuji tomorrow. Let’s see if he can bounce back from today’s loss.

Kotoeko (1-1) defeated Hiradoumi (0-2). Hiradoumi had the advantage at the tachiai, as he pushed Kotoeko to the tawara. But he couldn’t follow through. From here, Kotoeko braced his feet and wrapped up Hiradoumi, driving him to the other side and then around the tawara before pushing him out over the edge. Oshidashi.

Ice cold Hiradoumi will face a red hot Tamawashi on Day 3. Tamawashi has won 2 of their 3 bouts.

Ryuden (2-0) defeated Myogiryu (0-2). Myogiryu had a strong tachiai but could not force Ryuden out. Ryuden countered well and established his favorite belt grip, then ushered Myogiryu over the edge. Yorikiri.

Ryuden will face Sadanoumi tomorrow and both men have been in fine form. It’s an interesting contrast of styles, here. I know this bout will go by under most peoples’ radar but it could be a quiet highlight.

Atamifuji (2-0) defeated Mitakeumi (0-2). Atamifuji wrapped up Mitakeumi in a big bear hug, both arms over Mitakeumi’s driving him back to the edge. He conceded a double-inside grip to Mitakeumi, who tried to twist and throw at the tawara. But Atamifuji continued to drive forward and Mitakeumi’s knee crumpled a bit awkwardly as he fell. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi will face Kotoeko. He’s got the size advantage and has won their previous two bouts. But Kotoeko will come into this in better form.

Hokuseiho (2-0) defeated Endo (0-2). An interesting battle from Hokuseiho as he develops his style. Both men quickly landed a one-handed belt grip, Endo with his left, Hokuseiho deep over Endo’s back with his right. Hokuseiho used his left hand to keep Endo’s right hand back. As Endo fought to free his right and seek out Hokuseiho’s maemitsu, Hokuseiho brought his left hand down on Endo and pulled him forward. The call was uwatenage but it looked like it could have been hatakikomi. The win here came from the overwhelming force from Hokuseiho’s left hand driving into the base of Endo’s neck and shoulders.

Winless Endo will face winless Myogiryu. They’ve split their previous contests with ten wins apiece. Endo has looked more competitive in his bouts so far.

Halftime

Takanosho (1-1) defeated Kinbozan (1-1). Takanosho hit Kinbozan with a strong blow to the face. As Kinbozan pulled, Takanosho pursued and corralled Kinbozan at the edge, pushing him over the tawara. Solid footwork from Takanosho to keep Kinbozan centered. Oshidashi.

Oof. Kinbozan will face Atamifuji. This should be an interesting contrast with Atamifuji having won their only previous bout.

Shonannoumi (2-0) defeated Onosho (1-1). This was all Shonannoumi. He quickly wrapped up Onosho with a right-hand inside. Onosho may have tried a pull but Shonannoumi was locked in. No one is falling for pulls so far this tournament. It’s great! Everyone keeps their opponent focused and with solid footwork, drives them out. Yorikiri.

Shonannoumi will face Hokuseiho in the battle of the tall guys. Who will establish their brand of sumo? So far Hokuseiho has the 2-0 edge in this rivalry.

Midorifuji (1-1) defeated Nishikigi (0-2). Midorifuji had a solid tachiai and drove into Nishikigi pushing him back to the edge. He twisted his body wriggled his hand inside, landing a moro-zashi double-inside belt grip to force Nishikigi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji will take on Takanosho. Surprisingly, it will be their first meeting.

Tobizaru (1-1) defeated Hokutofuji (0-2). Hokutofuji drove forward but could not keep Tobizaru centered. As Tobizaru snuck out to the left, he drove his hand down. But Hokutofuji maintained his balance. The problem was that he kept going forward which allowed Tobizaru to get behind and push Hokutofuji out from the back. Okuridashi.

Daieisho (2-0) blasted Gonoyama (0-2) and started to drive Gonoyama back. But Gonoyama shifted to the side as he tried to stay at the center of the ring and both guys fell at the same time. Gunbai had to go to someone, so it went to Daieisho. Mono-ii, but a quick review determined that we needed a rematch. Again, Daieisho with strong tsuppari. But Gonoyama was determined to whether the storm. As Gonoyama came forward, Daieisho slipped to the right. The slight change in direction was enough to drop Gonoyama to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Gonoyama will try to bounce back against Onosho. They’ve split their previous two bouts.

Kotonowaka (2-0) defeated Takayasu (1-1). Kotonowaka tried a pull but Takayasu maintained his balance and pushed forward. But Takayasu lost Kotonowaka for a second and Kotonowaka was able to come in from the side and push Takayasu out.

Takayasu has drawn Daieisho for tomorrow. Takayasu has won 11 of their 19 fights but Daieisho has claimed the last three straight. Both have had competitive bouts so this will be a firecracker.

Wakamotoharu (1-1) defeated Meisei (0-2). Epic niramiai here (stare downs). Meisei tried hard to take his sumo right at Wakamotoharu. He drove forward hard but could not budge Wakamotoharu. When Wakamotoharu landed his left-hand inside belt grip, he quickly forced Meisei over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu will fly around with Tobizaru tomorrow. They’re very evenly matched with Wakamotoharu having the slight 8 to 7 edge in this rivalry. Anyone’s guess who will take it? Meanwhile, Meisei will face Kotonowaka. They’ve split their previous meetings, with 5 wins apiece.

Takakeisho (2-0) defeated Shodai (0-2). Some days, Shodai is merely a blip. Others, he brings it all and plays an amazing spoiler. Today was one of those rare third days where Shodai came tantalizingly close to winning but it slipped from his grasp. He let Takakeisho drive him to the edge at the tachiai but he used the leverage to force his way back. Then, he took Takakeisho’s style to the man, himself. He forced Takakeisho to back up. Takakeisho ducked to Shodai’s left and Shodai pursued, hitting Takakeisho again. Shodai lined up to bring it to Takakeisho again but Takakeisho slipped to the side again. This time, Shodai lost his balance and fell to the clay. The Ozeki got the win but loses a bit more of my confidence in his ability to win this basho. Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (2-0) defeated Ura (0-2). The two locked horns in a great back-and-forth tussle. This was really a bit of a stalemate as neither had enough power to overwhelm the other. It devolved into a brief brawl with the Ozeki in pursuit of Ura. When Ura got to the edge, he lept to the side hoping Hoshoryu would fly off balance. But Hoshoryu stayed on the dohyo while Ura landed in the crowd. Oshitaoshi.

Hoshoryu will fight Hokutofuji in the musubi-no-ichiban on Day 3. Hoshoryu has the edge in their rivalry and has the better form this basho. Will Hokutofuji get it together and get an upset? Meanwhile, Ura will be paired off with Takakeisho. T-Rex has been dominating Ura with a 13-3 record. Ura needs to right his ship but it will be a challenge.

Kirishima (2-0) defeated Abi (1-1). Abi could not get his tsuppari going. He landed a solid thrust at the initial charge but Kirishima was all over him from there. Rather than let Abi keep the assault going, Kirishima closed, quickly. As Abi retreated, he tried a slapdown but Kirishima was all over him like white on rice. Oshidashi.

Kirishima will face Shodai. Shodai actually has the edge in their head-to-head with 10 wins to Kirishima’s 7. Abi will get a bit of a break as he fights the winless Nishikigi.

Kyushu 2023: Day One Highlights

Andy Kyushu 2023, Kyushu Basho ,

“You’re back!”

Eric the Slayer

These weeks between tournaments seem to pass by so slowly, especially the weeks between the banzuke release and shonichi. It’s so excruciating. Once you get the bug, it’s difficult to get rid of, isn’t it? Anyway, I’m glad you’re back and we’re going on an adventure. There is a lot going on for this tournament, so let’s get to it.

Andy Gets a Taste of the Action

First some of the news about who is not here. Terunofuji and Asanoyama are out, as is Hakuoho, the Miyagino-beya phenom. However, there’s an exciting crop of new faces in the top division. While the Yokozuna is absent, Takakeisho is eyeing his opportunity to join him at the rank. Meanwhile, Kirishima and Hoshoryu will be looking to solidify their positions at Ozeki. Thankfully no one is kadoban coming into the tournament. That’s a marked improvement. And from our three Sekiwake, will we see one start a fresh run at Ozeki?

Rather than speculate over who might be set for a strong tournament (since my gut is usually proved wrong very quickly), let’s get going, shall we?

Highlights

Kitanowaka (1-0) defeated Nishikifuji (0-1). Nishikifuji’s ottsuke was strong for the first few seconds. But once he relented, Kitanowaka latched on deep to the back of Nishikifuji’s belt and drove back. Kitanowaka finished him off with a fierce nodowa that drove Nishikifuji back onto his butt. Kitanowaka is a big dude so that nodowa must have been unpleasant. Good to finally see him in Makuuchi. If he keeps this up, he will be here for a while. Yoritaoshi.

Kitanowaka will face Roga tomorrow while Nishikifuji will face Tohakuryu.

Churanoumi (1-0) defeated Roga (0-1). Roga quickly locked on to the front of Churanoumi’s mawashi. Once he secured this belt grip, he followed Churanoumi’s drive wherever he went. Churanoumi thrust forward, this way and that, but was never quite able to drive Roga out. Roga seemed more concerned with fumbling for a grip and maintaining his balance than actually launching and attack. Suddenly, Churanoumi seemed to give up and Roga pushed him out. Gunbai to Roga. Mono-ii? After a bit of confusion from myself, at why there was a mono-ii, it was clear from the replay that Roga had been pushed out long before. One of Churanoumi’s thrusts had been strong enough to drive Roga back and force him to step out. Great work from Churanoumi and the eagle-eyed shimpan. Yorikiri.

Roga will face Kitanowaka, Churanoumi draws Ichiyamamoto.

Ichiyamamoto (1-0) defeated Tohakuryu (0-1). Tohakuryu tried three times to slap down Ichiyamamoto. It looked like the third time was the charm as Ichiyamamoto sprawled forward to the clay and Tohakuryu spun to the left. Gunbai to Tohakuryu. But the eagle-eyed shimpan called another mono-ii. Video doesn’t lie. Tohakuryu had stepped out first. Ichiyamamoto had driven him back and out first. Oshidashi.

We already know Tohakuryu will take on Nishikifuji while Ichiyamamoto gets Churanoumi.

Kindayu and Ginjiro will try to be more on the ball tomorrow.

Tsurugisho (1-0) defeated Tomokaze (0-1). Tsurugisho took the initiative here at the tachiai. Both men latched onto each others’ belts but Tomokaze seemed happy to play defense. Tsurugisho tried to drive forward but Tomokaze dug in and wouldn’t yield. Tsurugisho then pulled forward and threw Tomokaze to the ground. Uwatenage.

Tamawashi (1-0) brand oshi-zumo ruled the day over Takarafuji (0-1). Tamawashi never let Takarafuji inside to grab onto his belt. He planted a strong left arm squarely into Takarafuji’s right peck and drove forward, forcing Takarafuji backwards, over the edge. Maybe all the nipple attention at jungyo is just his method of scouting? “Will this be a firm spot to plant my attack? Or will it give? Hmm…” Oshidashi.

Tomokaze will face Takarafuji on Day 2; Tsurugisho is paired off with Tamawashi.

Hiradoumi had no chance here. Oho (1-0) defeated Hiradoumi (0-1) as he established his style of oshi-zumo, just as Tamawashi had. Fierce tsuppari kept Hiradoumi back. The sustained assault chased Hiradoumi wherever he attempted to flee and Oho launched Hiradoumi over the edge. If he keeps this up, Oho could make a charge. He has been a bit of a snooze, lately, if I’m honest. But this was power sumo. And power sumo is, “いい相撲”. Tsukidashi.

Sadanoumi (1-0) absolutely destroyed Kotoeko (0-1). Sadanoumi won this bout at the tachiai, driving Kotoeko backwards, immediately. Kotoeko attempted a twisting throw at the edge. But Sadanoumi’s head was squarely planted in Kotoeko, driving both off the edge, tumbling into the front row. Yoritaoshi.

On Day 2, Oho will take on Sadanoumi and Hiradoumi will face Kotoeko.

Ryuden (1-0) defeated Mitakeumi (0-1). Mitakeumi met Ryuden squarely at the tachiai and his chin, planted in Ryuden’s face. But Ryuden kept his head down and powered Mitakeumi back and over the edge. Mitakeumi is a shadow of his former Ozeki self. I had hopes for him to have a strong tournament as he is ranked quite low for his talents. From this start, however, he may have farther to fall. There was just nothing here. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (1-0) defeated Myogiryu (0-1). Atamifuji wrapped his right arm around Myogiryu’s trunk and tried several times to snake his left hand over onto Myogiryu’s belt. But Myogiryu successfully kept separation between the two. This kept Atamifuji from his belt…but Atamifuji adjusted his strategy and just locked on to his entire right arm, locked in at the shoulder. With Myogiryu’s right arm secured in an arm bar, he pulled Myogiryu forward to the clay. Kotenage.

Ryuden will face Myogiryu and Mitakeumi battles Atamifuji tomorrow.

Kinbozan (1-0) defeated Endo (0-1). Kinbozan’s power oshi-zumo won the day. Endo drove deep to grab onto Kinbozan’s belt but Kinbozan wasn’t having any of it, driving Endo backwards with a powerful thrust. That thrust staggered Endo, forcing him off balance and looking for an exit.

Halftime

Hokuseiho (1-0) defeated Takanosho (0-1). After the tachiai, Hokuseiho seemed happy to settle into a lean-fest. Hokuseiho’s passiveness forced Takanosho to take the initiative and try to drive the big lug back. Every attempt Takanosho had to drive forward was thwarted by Hokuseiho’s size. But Hokuseiho did not seem to want to counter-attack. He waited Takanosho out and they settled into a nice “lean.” The crowd always likes a lean and applauds, politely, as they wait for something to happen. Suddenly, Hokuseiho reaches out with his loooong left arm. He stretched deep behind Takanosho, grasping his belt. Takanosho’s thinking, “Uh-Oh.” Yorikiri.

Endo will face Hokuseiho on Day 2. Kinbozan gets Takanosho.

Shonannoumi (1-0) defeated Midorifuji (0-1). Midorifuji jumps first. Matta. Shonannoumi tried to end Midori twice at the outset, just crushing him with his size. But the smaller rikishi resisted, strongly. Again, Shonannoumi pulled and drove Midorifuji down while backing out. Oh, that was close. Gunbai to Shonannoumi. Mono-ii. Did Shonannoumi step out or did Midorifuji touch the clay first? It was judged that Midorifuji touched first before Shonannoumi stepped out. Hatakikomi.

Onosho (1-0) defeated Nishikigi (0-1). Solid tachiai and footwork from Nishikigi. Wakanohana appreciated Onosho’s tachiai, in particular. He noted that the strong thrust to the shoulders staggered Nishikigi enough to allow Onosho to get in close and wrap him up. Nishikigi countered with a desperate, strong twist and nearly forced Onosho down. Onosho’s foot sprawled out to catch himself. Once secure, he drove forward again, driving Nishikigi back and out. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi trades Midorifuji for Onosho, which leaves Nishikigi for the Midori-man.

Abi (1-0) defeated Gonoyama (0-1). Abi-zumo. Powerful thrusts about the head and shoulders drove Gonoyama back and out. Gonoyama tried a change of direction to catch Abi out but Abi was locked on today. Solid work. Oshidashi.

Abi will go from Gonoyama to Ozeki Kirishima. Gonoyama will face Daieisho.

Kotonowaka (1-0) defeated Tobizaru (0-1). Kotonowaka seemed to taunt Tobizaru after the tachiai. A cheeky little slap to the face. “What are you going to do?” Tobizaru tried to move Kotonowaka and might have pushed him back a couple of feet toward the tawara but that was it. Then Kononowaka launched forward and sent Tobizaru flying from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

In a couple of fantastic feature bouts for tomorrow, Kotonowaka will fight Takayasu on Day 2. Tobizaru will get Hokutofuji.

Takayasu (1-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-1). Takayasu displays Ozeki-level mind games before the tachiai with an epic stare-down. “You will put your hands down first.” Wakamotoharu obliges, which was apparently a mistake. Takayasu met Wakamotoharu with a strong tachiai, locks on to his opponent, and rotates. As he rotates, Wakamotoharu chases after his belt grip…but it’s too late as Takayasu finishes the rotation throwing Wakamotoharu to the ground. Uwatenage.

Wakamotoharu will face Meisei on Day 2.

Daieisho (1-0) defeated Meisei (0-1). Daieisho won this brawl with overpowering tsuppari. Bam, bam, bam, driving Meisei back. Meisei put in a solid effort and shifted back to the center to try to get a secure position. Daieisho was just stronger today, reset and drove forward again. Bam, bam, bam. “Go out now.” Tsukidashi.

Hoshoryu (1-0) defeated Shodai (0-1) at the tachiai with a powerful nodowa that forced Masayo back clear to the tawara. Shodai had a rather meek attempt to counter. “Do you mind if I push back, sir? You do? Oh, okay, I can find my way out.” Hoshoryu kept up the pressure and forced him out. Tsukidashi.

A potential barnstormer bout tomorrow as Shodai fights back to spoil Takakeisho’s rope run. Hoshoryu will face Ura.

Kirishima (1-0) defeated Ura (0-1). Again, the Ozeki’s powerful tachiai drives his opponent back to the tawara. Rather than nodowa, Kirishima met Ura square in the shoulders and shoved. Ura was a bit more successful at resisting than Shodai was in the previous bout. He was able to back Kirishima to the center. But Kirishima closed on Ura and dashed him to the floor.

Takakeisho (1-0) defeated Hokutofuji (0-1): Honestly, this is the bout that I have been waiting weeks for but that was dissatisfying. Thumper was nowhere to be seen as Takakeisho drove him back easily. Hokutofuji merely delayed his exit by shifting to the left and Takakeisho followed. Oshidashi.