In the early action, Nishikikuni won the Jonidan playoff and Kinbozan defeated Aonishiki to win the Juryo yusho. We will certainly see Kinbozan back in the top division next tournament. Meanwhile, Aonishiki had one heck of a debut tournament, finishing 10-5. He will jump up the banzuke. Hakuoho also finished on 10-5 and should make his much awaited return to the top division. Oshomi even came back today, beat Hidenoumi and earned his 10th win, too.

NHK Video Links: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II

Special Prize Announcement

We received our Bi-monthly proof of life from the Kyokai. “Yes, we have your champion. He is here and he is alive.” And we put him to work today to show you the special prizes.

Since the Twitter embeds seem to be broken (shocker), here’s a screenshot. Abi earned the Outstanding Performance Prize, unconditionally. Takanosho must beat Wakatakakage today to earn the Fighting Spirit Prize. Wakatakakage, however, earned his own unconditional Technique Prize.

Makuuchi Action

Bushozan (3-8-4) defeated Ryuden (4-11). Bushozan pressed forward into Ryuden and faced little resistance. He tried a slapdown but Ryuden did not fall for it. So, Bushozan charged ahead and shoved Ryuden out. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (6-9) defeated Meisei (8-7). Meisei spent the first part of this bout trying to hold Asakoryu at arm’s length. Eventually, Meisei charged forward and Asakoryu slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (10-5) defeated Tamawashi (8-7). Tamawashi charged forward into Takerufuji. This allowed Takerufuji to wrap up Tamawashi. Once he did, he spun the Iron Man around, putting him close to the bales. Tamawashi resisted so Takerufuji pulled and thrust the old man down.Tsukiotoshi.

Shishi (5-10) defeated Takarafuji (8-7). Takarafuji made a mistake by reaching in and grabbing Shishi’s belt. Shishi immediately worked his right hand inside, pulling Takarafuji’s left off. Shishi kept pressing forward and forced Takarafuji back and out. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (8-7) defeated Sadanoumi (4-11). Ichiyamamoto used his tsuppari effectively, shoved Sadanoumi back and forced him down at the bales. Not a good tournament for Sadanoumi. Tsukitaoshi.

Hokutofuji (7-8) defeated Takayasu (8-7). Hokutofuji pressed Takayasu back to the bales with his hazu-oshi. When Takayasu reached the bales, Hokutofuji pulled and thrust Takayasu down to the ground. An exasperated Takayasu seemed upset with himself that he fell for that. Tsukiotoshi.

Midorifuji (7-8) defeated Onokatsu (9-6). Onokatsu did well to force Midorifuji back. Midorifuji used the bales to brace and make his own charge forward. Midorifuji spun Onokatsu around and Onokatsu lost his ring presence for a moment, a fatal mistake. He thought he was further away from the bales so when Midorifuji pressed forward, Onokatsu slid backwards, right over the bales and out. It seemed like Onokatsu had wanted the brace against the bales but was closer than he thought. Yorikiri.

Roga (7-8) defeated Tokihayate (6-9). Roga wrapped up Tokihayate and dispatched him rather easily. Roga charged forward and walked Tokihayate over the bales. Yorikiri.

Endo (7-8) defeated Nishikifuji (6-9). Endo weathered Nishikifuji’s tsuppari and earned himself a lefthand inside belt grip. That settled Nishikifuji’s tsuppari attack. Endo charged forward and forced Nishikifuji over the bales, in spite of Nishikifuji’s super loose belt. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (9-6) defeated Shonannoumi (8-7). Tobizaru started this bout trying to stay arm’s length from Shonannoumi. Shonannoumi would push forward enough to pull and try a slapdown. Tobizaru defeated this attack every time so he gained confidence to move in closer to Shonannoumi. Tobizaru quickly put Shonannoumi into a headlock and tried to trip him, but that failed. Tobizaru steadily pressed in closer and eventually worked Shonannoumi to the edge and simply shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Atamifuji (8-7) defeated Mitakeumi (7-8). In our sole Darwin bout, Atamifuji grabbed Mitakeumi and used gaburi-zumo, the hip pumping action made famous by Kotoshogiku, to force Mitakeumi back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (11-4) defeated Abi (11-4). Abi tried to pull, right after the tachiai. Fatal mistake as Gonoyama was ready, charged forward and chased Abi out. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (11-4) defeated Ura (5-10). At the tachiai, Chiyoshoma tried to grab Ura’s belt but missed. As Ura charged ahead, Chiyoshoma grabbed Ura’s shoulder, and pulled Ura to the ground. Katasukashi.

Takanosho (11-4) defeated Wakatakakage (10-5). Wakatakakage tried to slap Takanosho down but Takanosho retaliated by slapping Wakatakakage down, winning the bout and the Fighting Spirit Prize. Hatakikomi.

Hiradoumi (4-11) defeated Churanoumi (4-11). Hiradoumi wrapped up Churanoumi and used a rather hyper-active gaburi-zumo technique to force Churanoumi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oho (6-9) defeated Nishikigi (5-10). Oho charged forward but Nishikigi twisted and nearly pulled Oho down. Oho recovered and pulled but Nishikigi was ready and charged forward, forcing Oho to the bales. Oho put on the brakes and decided he needed to get aggressive. So, Oho slammed his way forward with a hefty headbutt and drove Nishikigi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (4-11) defeated Shodai (4-11). Oshoma’s early pull and slapdown failed. But Oshoma was unafraid of Shodai. Why should he be, frankly? So, he pressed forward, gave Shodai a nodowa to start moving him back, and shoved Shodai over the bales. Oshidashi.

Kore Yori Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (10-5) defeated Daieisho (8-7). Wakamotoharu met Daieisho head on but moved laterally, quickly and slapped Daieisho down. Tsukiotoshi.

Onosato (9-6) defeated Kirishima (6-9). Kirishima reached inside, grabbed at Onosato’s belt and spun the Ozeki around. Kirishima slapped Onosato but that only served to anger him. Onosato charged forward and shoved Kirishima out. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (14-1) defeated Hoshoryu (13-2). Hoshoryu took his attack to Kotozakura. Nodowa, Nodowa. Hoshoryu shoved forward and saw an opening for Kotozakura’s belt. He reached over, seized Kotozakura’s belt and dragged him around. Kotozakura hopped around to maintain his balance. Kotozakura reacted almost reflexively, casually to slap Hoshoryu down with his right hand. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Welp. It’s over. Kotozakura won his first yusho in spectacular fashion. He was certainly challenged by Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu likely tasted victory as he yanked Kotozakura around by his belt. The taste was fleeting however, and quickly replaced with a face full of dirt.

It was Kotozakura’s first yusho, so he was understandably unsure of where to go and what to do…but it felt like it was Hakkaku’s first yusho, too. Like he and the other oyakata forgot what to do and where to stand. We have to wait until January for more? Well, let’s let these guys dust themselves off, heal up, and get ready for Hatsu!

What of our other Ozeki? You know, Mr. Hype Machine turned Major Disappointment, Onosato. Well, I think the hype is still intact. He finished this, quote-unquote, “disappointing” tournament with a 9-6 record! He has yet to do worse than 9-6 in any tournament so far. Yeah, that’s not Ozeki Kachi-koshi and he lost to both of his peers, but shoot…the kid just got the rank. Let’s see what happens in January.

Add to that, we have Hoshoryu and Kotozakura with dominant performances, Takerufuji on the rise, Wakatakakage in sanyaku with Wakamotoharu. Hakuoho ready for his return…I think it’s fair to say the new era is upon us. I am very excited to see what happens.

Thanks to you all for enjoying this action with me. It was an awesome tournament, made even better since I got to share it with y’all.

I have never rooted so hard for a soccer team in my life. NHK was broadcasting the Japanese League’s Cup Final before the start of sumo coverage. Vissel Kobe scored and took the 1-0 lead over some blue/black team. Thankfully, Kobe held on in a relatively clean game so sumo coverage could start on time. Oh, my word we were so close to being pre-empted by Extra Time. A shot by the blue team went just wide of the goal. He really should have scored. Thank God for Blue Team incompetence!

Kotoshoho is kyujo. Oho will earn the default win.

NHK videos for today are here. This time, I remembered! Juryo Part I and Part II; Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Kinbozan (11-3) defeated Tokihayate (6-8). Kinbozan dispatched Tokihayate very easily. Two shoves to send Tokihayate over the bales, earning a groan from the audience as Day 14 coverage opened with a bit of a damp squib. Oshidashi.

Hokutofuji (6-8) defeated Asakoryu (5-9). Hokutofuji charged ahead but Asakoryu grabbed Hokutofuji’s right arm and pulled him forward…but not out. Asakoryu was surprised that both men were able to stay in. The two re-engaged at the center of the ring. Hokutofuji’s hazuoshi was not as effective as Asakoryu’s shoves. Asakoryu drove Hokutofuji to the edge where Hokutofuji turned the tables with a slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Bushozan (2-8-4) defeated Tamawashi (8-6). Bushozan absorbed powerful thrusts from Tamawashi, chugged ahead and defeated the Iron Man. Where has this Bushozan been the whole tournament? Oshidashi.

Meisei (8-6) defeated Shonannoumi (8-6). Shonannoumi used more effective tsuppari today to drive Meisei to the edge. He tried a pull but Meisei was wise to Shonannoumi’s game and kept his balance. Meisei laid into Shonannoumi and drove him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Takerufuji (9-5) “defeated” Ichiyamamoto (7-7). Ichiyamamoto pulled and slapped the hard-charging Takerufuji down at the edge. Gunbai Takerufuji. No mono-ii. Video replay show Ichiyamamoto was robbed. Takerufuji’s hand touched while Ichiyamamoto was balanced on the bales. Perhaps a forward-moving sumo bias carried the day? Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (10-4) defeated Takarafuji (8-6). Henka-lite as Chiyoshoma leapt a little bit to his right…but not really far so he did not avoid Takarafuji’s charge entirely. Regardless, he reached over and locked in with a quick belt grip at the back of Takarafuji’s belt and wrangled Takarafuji down at the edge. Uwatenage.

Shishi (4-10) defeated Midorifuji (6-8). Midorifuji failed three katasukashi attempts. He then tried an uwatenage and pitched Shishi up on one leg. However, Shishi stayed up and countered with his own throw. While perched on one leg he pulled Midorifuji forward with his left arm firmly under Midorifuji’s armpit. Shishi needs to work on his oshi-zumo. He seemed very awkward and not very confident with that. Sukuinage.

Onokatsu (9-5) defeated Takayasu (8-6). Takayasu tried the same thing as Midorifuji. He put everything he had into an uwatenage but Onokatsu managed to hop around on one leg and resist the throw. As Takayasu dragged Onokatsu back across the ring, Onokatsu regained his balance and shoved Takayasu out. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (6-8) defeated Roga (6-8). Nishikifuji dug deep and muscled Roga over the bales in a straight-forward yotsu battle. Chants of “weight room” followed Roga down the hanamichi. Not really, but perhaps they should have. He was overpowered, plain-and-simple. Yorikiri.

Ryuden (4-10) defeated Endo (6-8). Ryuden jumped as Endo slow-rolled his tachiai. Matta. Endo tried to thrust Ryden toward the bales but Ryuden was too strong and remained at the center. Endo then pulled but Ryuden pursued well and kept his balance as he forced Endo out. Yorikiri.

Nishikigi (5-9) defeated Sadanoumi (4-10). Sadanoumi jumped early but no matta was called. Nishikigi didn’t mind, though, as he spun quickly on his heel and heaved Sadanoumi over. Shitatenage.

Halftime

Tobizaru (8-6) defeated Mitakeumi (7-7). Tobizaru easily got in behind Mitakeumi and walked him over the edge from behind. That’s how you gingerly dispatch senior citizens. Well done, Tobizaru. Well done. Okuridashi.

Abi (11-3) defeated Atamifuji (7-7). Abi-zumo blasted Atamifuji clear of the fighting surface. Abi certainly ate his Wheaties. Atamifuji landed in a heap under the black tassel. Oshitaoshi.

Wakatakakage (10-4) defeated Ura (5-9). Wakatakakage controlled this bout. He tried a pull but Ura stayed on his feet. Then Wakatakakage buckled down and drove Ura across the ring and over the bales with powerful thrusts. Ura bowled over another senior citizen, this one was in the crowd rather than on the dohyo. Poor dude already had a band aid over his left eye. Seemed to take being tackled by Ura in stride. Oshidashi.

Oho (5-9) default win over Kotoshoho (3-11)

Hiradoumi (3-11) defeated Oshoma (3-11). Hiradoumi was over eager, matta. Hiradoumi battered Oshoma and drove him over the bales. Tsukidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (9-5) defeated Gonoyama (10-4). Gonoyama tried a quick pull but his opponent was ready so he abandoned that plan before he reached the bales. Moving forward allowed Wakamotoharu to get a left-hand overarm grip. The two men settled into a grapple at the center of the ring. Gonoyama tried to keep WMH off with ottsuke but Wakamotoharu wore him down. When Wakamotoharu got his right hand inside, he was able to drive Gonoyama back and out. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (4-10) stood while Shodai (4-10) slipped and fell in a heap at the center of the ring. Shodai tried to shuffle right but his foot slid across the dohyo and he went down. Talk about a damp squip. The, “I fell on my butt” losing technique. A badge of honor; Wear it with pride, Shodai. I get the feeling they use the “Koshi” instead of the kanji for “Shiri” in the way that one uses the term, “hip” or “lower back” instead of “ass” in polite company. Koshikudake.

Daieisho (8-6) defeated Takanosho (10-4). Daieisho almost casually thrust Takanosho to the side. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotozakura (13-1) defeated Onosato (8-6). Onosato drove forward but at the edge, Kotozakura suddenly twisted and yanked Onosato over. Onosato stayed on his feet but was driven over the bales. Uwatenage.

Hoshoryu (13-1) dominated Kirishima (6-8). Hoshoryu got a double-inside grip, hefted Kirishima up like a child and plopped him down at the edge. This was probably a tad less embarrassing for Kirishima than when he was yeeted by Terunofuji. A tad. Tsuridashi.

Wrap-up

There will be no “Ozeki kachi-koshi” for Onosato as he falls to 8-6. The best he can do is 9-6 tomorrow. That would tie his worst result in his short career. At least he has his kachi-koshi, though. Kirishima earned his make-koshi with this humbling loss today.

So, it all comes down to the musubi-no-ichiban on Senshuraku. Hoshoryu and Kotozakura level with one loss. I’m hyped! Even Juryo has a good yusho race going. Kinbozan took the lead today over Tsurugisho, Aonishiki, and Tochitaikai. The Kyokai have yet to announce the bouts for the Juryo division. It will be interesting if they set Kinbozan up with Aonishiki or Tochitaikai. He’s already lost to Tsurugisho but Tsurugisho has dropped three straight.

As we head into Championship Weekend, three of the lower division yusho races were decided tonight with Jonidan undecided and needing a playoff. Osanai won the Makushita yusho with a nice throw. Fujitoshi upset Enho in the Sandanme yusho contest while a youngster from Takekuma-beya, Gonoumi, won in Jonokuchi after coming back from injury. Gonoumi had quite the run when he started and made it into Makushita before going kyujo and falling into the lowest division. Jonidan will be decided in style, on Senshuraku. Nishikikuni and Nakashima will fight in front of a bigger crowd than they’re used to.

Onosho is kyujo. With his dreadful two-win record, Onosho is on his way to either Makushita or the barber. Check out the NHK videos here. Juryo Part I and Part II; Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Aonishiki had a slick uchimuso to pick up his ninth win. Hakuoho’s win over Tsurugisho means Kinbozan is now tied for the lead and Aonishiki joins Tochitaikai one win behind the leaders with two to play.

Makuuchi Action

Kitanowaka (Juryo 8-5) defeated Shishi (3-10). Kitanowaka had one plan: slapdown. Shishi resisted it well at the tachiai but then Kitanowaka ran backwards for a few laps inside the ring with Shishi’s right arm in tow. Kotenage.

Sadanoumi (4-9) defeated Bushozan (1-8-4). Given the size difference between these two, it’s not a surprise that this is the most offense Bushozan has mounted the entire basho. It’s also not a surprise that Bushozan still lost. Sadanoumi grabbed Bushozan’s right arm and yanked his opponent forward. This brought Bushozan close to the bales where Sadanoumi followed up by grabbing his belt and driving forward, forcing Bushozan out of the ring. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (5-8) defeated Meisei (7-6). Meisei pulled and Nishikifuji made him pay for that mistake. Nishikifuji put his head down, wrapped up Meisei and drove forward. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (8-5) defeated Asakoryu (5-8). Asakoryu tried a terrible pull, bringing him close to the tawara. Tamawashi kept Asakoryu in his sights and chased him out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (6-7) defeated Ichiyamamoto (7-6). Ichiyamamoto did his sumo and forced Tokihayate to the edge. Tokihayate used the bales for leverage, shuffled to the right, and thrust Ichiyamamoto down. Tsukiotoshi.

Chiyoshoma (9-4) defeated Takayasu (8-5). Chiyoshoma pulled and stayed in bounds as Takayasu dove forward, attempting to push Chiyoshoma out. Chiyoshoma with the slapdown win. Hatakikomi.

Midorifuji (6-7) defeated Hokutofuji (5-8). Midorifuji resisted Hokutofuji’s nodowa and wrapped up his opponent’s right shoulder. Midorifuji tried the katasukashi but pivoted at the same time. So, even though the katasukashi failed, it pulled Hokutofuji close to the edge. Midorifuji then grabbed Hokutofuji’s belt and drove forward, forcing Hokutofuji out. Yorikiri.

Roga (6-7) defeated Ryuden (3-10). Roga’s slapdown failed but he kept up the pressure on Ryuden with his left-hand inside belt grip. Roga forced himself inside and was awarded with a morozashi. He then drove Ryuden back and over the edge. Ryuden joins Shishi, Bushozan, and likely Asakoryu in Juryo. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi (7-6) defeated Shonannoumi (8-5). Mitakeumi pressed forward as Shonannoumi pulled with weak tsuppari. Worst bout of the tournament from an integrity standpoint. Shonannoumi’s tsuppari had the force of wet noodles behind them as he retreated under Mitakeumi’s pressure. Shonannoumi has his kachi-koshi and no desire for more wins. This was butsukari. Boooootsukari. At least apathy is not yaocho? Oshidashi.

Takarafuji (8-5) defeated Endo (6-7). Takarafuji tried a quick slapdown which Endo resisted. The two settled into a bit of a stalemate at the center of the ring. Takarafuji pressed forward and then suddenly pulled Endo forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Abi (10-3) defeated Takerufuji (8-5). Abi henka! Abi slapped the hard-charging Takerufuji down. Even if you hate Abi and even if you hate henka, you have to concede that he wanted to win and this sumo was better than Shonannoumi’s “I don’t need to win,” roll-over-play-dead sumo. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Ura (5-8) defeated Nishikigi (4-9). Nishikigi tried to go toe-to-toe with Ura. Ura pressed forward and forced Nishikigi to the edge. Nishikigi tried to pull on Ura’s arm but Ura pressured Nishikigi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (9-4) defeated Onokatsu (8-5). Wakatakakage locked onto Onokatsu with a morozashi and charged forward. Onokatsu freed himself of the morozashi but Wakatakakage’s right hand re-engaged outside Onokatsu’s left arm and forced Onokatsu over the edge. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi (2-11) defeated Kotoshoho (3-10). This was a great brawl, as expected, but Kotoshoho certainly brought the offense and dove forward to force Hiradoumi off the dohyo. Gunbai Hiradoumi! Kotoshoho lingered as if to try to appeal the ruling but no mono-ii was forth-coming. Video replay showed Kotoshoho’s knee was down before Hiradoumi was forced out of the ring. Good call from the gyoji. Hikiotoshi.

Atamifuji (6-6) defeated Oho (4-8). Oho could not find an opening in Atamifuji’s defense, though he tried to wrap up Atamifuji’s left arm. He might have been looking for a kotenage or katasukashi? Atamifuji continued to press forward and worked Oho over to the edge. Atamifuji then shoved Oho out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Tobizaru (7-6) defeated Shodai (4-9). Shodai gave it the old college try. He snuck his left hand inside and tried his best to contain Tobizaru as he pressured Tobizaru toward the edge. But Tobizaru escaped and brought the action back to center. Slippery Tobizaru shoved Shodai while Shodai was trying to find a handle to grab Tobizaru. Tobizaru worked Shodai to the edge and over. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (8-5) defeated Churanoumi (3-10). Wakamotoharu slammed into Churanoumi and overwhelmed him. Churanoumi tried a slapdown on his way out of the ring but Wakamotoharu’s footwork was solid. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (7-6) defeated Oshoma (3-10). Daieisho blasted Oshoma and forced him out. As Oshoma cycled back to his right, he was putting his weight on his left knee, which is taped. He did not seem entirely fit there as Daieisho shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (10-3) defeated Kirishima (6-7). Gonoyama was genki today. He blasted Kirishima, drove him to the edge and forced him over. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (12-1) defeated Onosato (8-5). Onosato shoved Hoshoryu hard, forcing him to the edge. As Onosato moved forward to finish The Nephew off, Hoshoryu seized Onosato’s right arm and pulled him forward and out of the ring. How did Hoshoryu escape?!?! Wow! Tottari.

Kotozakura (12-1) defeated Takanosho (10-3). Kotozakura heaved Takanosho over and drove forward. Props to Takanosho as he resisted and took it to the Ozeki. He drove forward and the entire arena held its breath as the Ozeki cycled and pivoted to stay in bounds. As he retreated along the bales, Kotozakura used his left hand to dump Takanosho along the edge. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

What a performance by both of our leaders! Hoshoryu was vulnerable, seriously in trouble this bout, but somehow discovered a way to win. Kotozakura also faced a great challenge from Takanosho but he settled down and demonstrated his strength and versatility as he found a way to defeat the upstart.

We have an amazing weekend ahead of us. Tomorrow’s schedule has not been finalized yet. One can assume Kotozakura will get his turn to face Onosato. Possibly Kirishima for Hoshoryu, or do you set him against Takanosho…or Gonoyama? This is one of those times the Kyokai needs to pause and think things over.

✶: Hoshoryu, Kotozakura

✶ ✶ ✶: Abi, Gonoyama, Takanosho

Chiyoshoma has quietly put himself in position to pick up double-digit wins this tournament. He will be moving up the banzuke in January, that’s for sure. Meanwhile, several men are lining up to vacate the division for Juryo.