Kyushu 2024

Kyushu 2024, Day Seven

Andy Kyushu 2024 , , ,

Bushozan is kyujo. Mitakeumi is not. The NHK’s commentator for today, former Ozeki Takakeisho, hopes Bushozan, his senpai from Saitama Sakae HS, gets well soon. Takakeisho was a great guest on the NHK broadcast. They showed videos from his career, showing his rise up the ranks and several great top-division bouts. I’ll be watching again later on JME.

The NHK links for today’s action are here: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Tamashoho (5-2) fusen win over Bushozan (1-6).

Takerufuji (5-2) defeated Onokatsu (6-1). Takerufuji hit Onokatsu hard, driving him back to the bales. Takerufuji’s initial hazu-oshi hit a wall so Takerufuji paused to lock up Onokatsu’s belt, left-hand inside. Once he got a firm hold of Onokatsu’s belt, he drove forward and ushered Onokatsu over.

Chiyoshoma (4-3) defeated Shishi (2-5). Chiyoshoma lashed out at Shishi with nodowa and tsuppari to the face. Shishi was less than pleased with this treatment and swatted Chiyoshoma’s hands away. When Shishi leaned inside to attack, Chiyoshoma quickly seized his belt with his right hand and pulled him forward. Uwatedashinage.

Shonannoumi (5-2) defeated Asakoryu (3-4). Asakoryu grabbed Shonannoumi’s arm and tried to pull him forward. When that didn’t work, Asakoryu plowed forward. Shonannoumi retreated to the edge where he twisted Asakoryu to the ground. Uwatehineri.

Nishikifuji (2-5) defeated Sadanoumi (3-4). Nishikifuji launched an attack of tsuppari at Sadanoumi. Sadanoumi had no defense and was too overwhelmed to attack. Nishikifuji blasted Sadanoumi back and out. Tsukidashi.

Hokutofuji (2-5) defeated Tokihayate (2-5). Hokutofuji charged forward with tsuppari. Tokihayate pivoted and spun Hokutofuji so his back was to the bales. Tokihayate then launched his own attack. Hokutofuji resisted at the bales and then pressed forward and powered Tokihayate over the bales. Oshidashi.

Takarafuji (5-2) defeated Ryuden (2-5). Takarafuji’s used his lefthand inside belt grip to drive Ryuden back and out. Yorikiri.

Meisei (4-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-3). Ichiyamamoto did his brand of sumo but Meisei twisted at the edge, shifting to his right, and pulled Ichiyamamoto to the floor. Hikiotoshi.

Tamawashi (4-3) defeated Midorifuji (3-4). Henka! Midorifuji hopped to his left to attack Tamawashi from the side. Tamawashi was not impressed. Tamawashi adjusted quickly, grabbed Midorifuji’s face and yanked him to the ground. Ow. Oshitaoshi.

Roga (3-4) defeated Takayasu (3-4). As Takayasu charged forward, Roga shifted to the side and slapped Takayasu down. Hatakikomi.

Endo (4-3) defeated Gonoyama (5-2). Endo’s hit-and-shift tachiai caught Gonoyama completely by surprise. Endo met Gonoyama’s charge with his right arm to Gonoyama’s shoulder. But he quickly shifted left and locked in on Gonoyama’s belt. Then he spun Gonoyama toward the edge. When Gonoyama finally processed what was happening, he was ready to step back and out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Takanosho defeated Mitakeumi. Why is Mitakeumi here? Takanosho wrapped him up at the tachiai and gingerly ushered him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru defeated Nishikigi. Tobizaru wore Nishikigi out with his arms-length sumo. Early in the bout, they’d traded pulls and shoves. Eventually they settled at the center of the ring, toe-to-toe. Nishikigi was gassed Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (2-5) defeated Churanoumi (2-5). This was a great brawl. Churanoumi was always on the attack, pressing forward. Kotoshoho did his best to shift and pull, trying to use misdirection but nothing worked. Churanoumi was always there and always maintained his balance. Churanoumi seemed to say, “If you’re going to beat me, it’s going to be with forward-moving sumo.” Kotoshoho finally pressed forward and shoved Churanoumi out. Kotoshoho walked back down the hanamichi with a fresh welt forming on his forehead. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (2-5) defeated Wakatakakage (4-3). WTK plowed forward but Oshoma shifted right after the tachiai. Oshoma’s tachiai effectively deflected the WTK Juggernaut to the edge. Oshoma re-engaged and shoved Wakatakakage over the bales. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (4-3) defeated Oho (2-5). Oho did well to start, forcing Wakamotoharu back to the bales. Wakamotoharu stepped inside and briefly secured a lefthand inside grip. This was enough to reverse the flow of the action and shift momentum to WMH. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (4-3) defeated Hiradoumi (1-6). Huge cheers of support from the crowd before the bout, urging Hiradoumi on. THIS is the kind of atmosphere I want to experience live. Wow. Despite the home crowd advantage, Daieisho’s thrusting attack was too much for Hiradoumi. The two gladiators traded thrusts and headbutts for the first half of yet another exciting bout. Hiradoumi tired of the brawl and tried to reach inside for a belt grip. Daieisho slipped to the side and slapped Hiradoumi down. Hiradoumi rolled off the edge, coming to a stop under the red tassel. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima (2-5) defeated Shodai (2-5). Shodai showed up today. He hit Kirishima hard at the tachiai and persistently tried to get his lefthand inside grip. But Kirishima kept Shodai off his belt. He tried oshi to start but secured a right hand inside grip on Shodai’s belt. Kirishima then drove forward. Shodai twisted at the edge to try a last gasp Tsukidashi but Kirishima kept his balance and kept up the pressure. Good bout. Lots of good bouts from guys who are 2-5 or 1-6, tonight. Yorikiri.

Onosato (5-2) defeated Ura (2-5). Onosato chased Ura off the dohyo. What did I say about good bouts from guys who are 2-5? Not this one. Ura ran away. Oshidashi.

Abi (5-2) defeated Hoshoryu (6-1). Abi charged forward, drove his hands into Hoshoryu’s face, holding him high. Then he disappeared and Hoshoryu flopped forward. Good thing the zabuton are bolted to the floor. They would have come raining down after this and people wouldn’t have anything to sit on for the final bout. Hikiotoshi.

Kotozakura (6-1) defeated Atamifuji (4-3). Atamifuji wrapped up Kotozakura’s right arm, put his head down and charged forward. Maybe he picked the wrong arm because Kotozakura reached around with his left hand and grabbed Atamifuji’s belt. As Atamifuji pressed ahead, Kotozakura shifted left and pulled Atamifuji down. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

One week into this Kyushu bahso. What a week! Yet another night chock full of great bouts. Heading into nakabi (the middle day) we now have four guys tied with one loss, Kotozakura, Hoshoryu, Takanosho, and Onokatsu. Eight more guys have two losses.

Tomorrow, the Ozeki will continue to plow through rank-and-file opponents. Kotozakura will face Churanoumi, Onosato will take on Tobizaru, and Hoshoryu will face Oshoma. Meanwhile, a few sleepers continue to do well further down the banzuke. Where will this yusho race lead?

Kyushu 2024, Day Six

Andy Kyushu 2024 ,

News from the infirmary that Tohakuryu has checked in and gone kyujo. Hidenoumi picked up the fusen sho. Perhaps Tohakuryu has the additional duty of trying to find Kawazoe. Kawazoe has been kyujo for the last few days but there has been no news. Maybe he got lost trying to find the check-in desk? Our sincere hope is that there is no news here. He had won his bout and appeared uninjured but has been kyujo for several days.

Oshomi continues to press ahead in Juryo and remains undefeated.

Your video links are here: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (3-3) defeated Shishi (2-4). Shishi quickly yielded a morozashi, double inside belt grip to his opponent. Asakoryu took advantage by swinging Shishi over to the edge. Somehow Shishi kept his balance but Asakoryu reached in again and executed a second throw attempt. This time he brought the lumbering Shishi down. Shitatenage.

Onokatsu (6-0) defeated Kayo (4-2). Onokatsu just kept Kayo in front of him and maintained steady pressure on Kayo with that left hand grip. Onokatsu ushered Kayo over the bales with ease. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (4-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-3). Takerufuji hit Chiyoshoma hard and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Bushozan (1-5) defeated Nishikifuji (1-5). The two exchanged tsuppari for a few seconds and Nishikifuji finished himself off with a poorly executed pull. Bushozan gladly pressed forward and shoved the Isegahama sekitori out of the ring. Bushozan appeared to tweak his left ankle, unable to hide a bit of a limp. Both men are certainly struggling in the top division at the moment. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (4-2) defeated Tokihayate (2-4). Shonannoumi got a deep grip on Tokihayate’s belt and quickly pulled him down. Uwatenage.

Tamawashi (3-3) defeated Ryuden (3-3). Tamawashi assaulted Ryuden about the head and neck, quickly driving Ryuden back. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (4-2) defeated Hokutofuji (1-5). Ichiyamamoto got himself into a pickle with his back to the edge of the dohyo. But as Hokutofuji charged forward to finishi him, Ichiyamamoto slipped to the side and slapped Hokutofuji down. Hokutofuji’s momentum carried him past the black tassel and into the third row of spectators. Hatakikomi.

Takarafuji (4-2) defeated Sadanoumi (3-3). Sadanoumi put in a great effort to stave off Takarafuji’s multiple attacks but Takarafuji succeeded in forcing Sadanoumi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (3-3) defeated Meisei (3-3). Meisei charged forward, forcing Takayasu to the edge but Takayasu pivoted and thrust Meisei down as he fell out of the ring himself. Gunbai Takayasu. Mono-ii to make sure. The conference confirmed the gyoji’s decision. Tsukiotoshi.

Midorifuji (3-3) defeated Endo (3-3). Both men had worked themselves into a bit of a stalemate in their right-hand inside grapple. Midorifuji tried a shitatenage. Endo resisted but Midorifuji slipped his left-hand inside and secured a morozashi. From there, he was able to get low and forced Endo to stay high. With that leverage, Midorifuji ushered Endo back and out. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (5-1) defeated Takanosho (5-1). Takanosho tried a pull at the tachiai, but that got him into trouble at the edge. Takanosho then charged forward and Gonoyama slipped to his right, pushing Takanosho down as Takanosho got full extension in his Superman belly flop under the black tassel. Hikiotoshi.

Halftime

Tobizaru (4-2) defeated Roga (2-4). Tobizaru with the side-step at the tachiai seemed to completely disrupt Roga’s attack. Tobizaru followed up by charging into Roga and he succeed in shoving Roga to the floor. Oshitaoshi.

Mitakeumi (5-1) defeated Kotoshoho (1-5). Kotoshoho drove into Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi shifted to the side and pulled Kotoshoho down while tumbling out, himself. Mitakeumi landed hard on his shoulder as he fell off the dohyo. In obvious pain, the blue jacket brigade assembled ringside to secure Mitakeumi onto the back-board and stretcher him away. In a bizarre scene, Kotoshoho bowed to no one and the gyoji turned to an empty dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Nishikigi (1-5) defeated Oshoma (1-5). Nishikigi switched up his grip and when he locked in with his right hand inside and left hand outside, he drove Oshoma to the edge and over for his first win of the tournament. Yorikiri.

Ura (2-4) defeated Oho (2-4). Oho was doing a good job of shoving Ura and keeping him in front. Oho shoved Ura to the edge but Ura slipped to the side and got behind Oho. Oho turned around to find Ura charging into him.

Sanyaku

Shodai (2-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-3). Shodai needs no rally towels. Shodai hit Wakamotoharu and drove him back. When Wakamotoharu hit the bales Shodai pulled and Wakamotoharu rolled to the floor. Hikiotoshi.

Kirishima (1-5) defeated Hiradoumi (1-5). Hiradoumi shifted to the left at the tachiai and then drove into Kirishima from the side. He forced the action to the bales. The two danced together along the tawara but Kirishima, with the right hand inside, swung Hiradoumi down to the ground. Kirishima rolled his ankle when landing and limped back down the hanamichi. Shitatedashinage.

Churanoumi (2-4) defeated Daieisho (3-3). A wild brawl as the two men traded thrusting attacks. Churanoumi suddenly pulled Daieisho forward and down. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (6-0) defeated Atamifuji (4-2). Atamifuji fought very well, made great use of his size and had the Ozeki cornered at the bales. Atamifuji charged forward and knocked Hoshoryu out. Gunbai Hoshoryu? Mono-ii. On review, that was much closer than I thought. The gyoji got the right call. Atamifuji’s toe touched out as he pushed Hoshoryu, whose heel remained on the tawara. Asamiashi.

Kotozakura (5-1) defeated Abi (4-2). Pulling Abi was back today and Kotozakura was not going to fall for it. As Abi retreated, Kotozakura helped him get extra air with a hearty shove. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (4-2) defeated Onosato (4-2). Wakatakakage hit Onosato hard. As WTK pressed forward, Onosato obliged with a pull and slapdown attempt. Huge mistake as Wakatakakage maintained his balance, continued to press forward and drove Onosato out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Wow, what a day of ups and downs. We definitely expect Mitakeumi to be kyujo. I hope there’s not a fracture there but it did not look good. Kirishima picked up his first win but may have injured his ankle. Atamifuji lost a heart breaker. He was inches from a great upset but fell to one of the rare “losing moves” rather than a kimarite.

Our Ozeki are performing well, though Onosato falls further from the lead.

Kyushu 2024, Day Five

Andy Kyushu 2024, Kyushu Basho

Day 5 already! The dollar broke through 155 yen. I might need to start planning a trip. If I get there for Hatsu, I might be able to see the nephews debut. Thanks to OneLoveLulit on Twitter, I got an update on their status. Though they passed the new recruit exams, as foreigners, they still need to wait on finalized visas. So, they will mount the dohyo in January. Higohikari can breathe a sigh of relief.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Aonishiki was handed his first loss today. Like Shishi’s losses this tournament, he looked impressive in defeat.

Makuuchi Action

Shirokuma (1-4) defeated Tokihayate (2-3). Tokihayate secured a quick grip on Shirokuma’s belt but Shirokuma got his left paw under Tokihayate’s armpit and turned the tables. Shirokuma tried to topple Tokihayate over the tawara and then followed up by driving Tokihayate back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu (5-0) defeated Bushozan (0-5). Bushozan did not have the strength to make any effective attack on Onokatsu. Onokatsu found Bushozan’s belt and steadily pressed Bushozan back over the tawara and half-way back to Juryo. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (1-4) defeated Asakoryu (2-3). Nishikifuji calmly used his size advantage to force Asakoryu to the edge. Asakoryu tried to slip to the side and pull Nishikifuji over the bales but Nishikifuji remained on his feet and thrust Asakoryu off the dohyo. Tsukidashi.

Shonannoumi (3-2) defeated Takerufuji (3-2). Takerufuji (also known as Takarafuji Jr.) lowered his head to charge forward. Shonannoumi brought down the hammer with the perfect timing sending Takerufuji to the floor under the white tassel. Hatakikomi.

Ryuden (2-3) defeated Shishi (2-3). Another great yotsu grapple here. This pairing was really strength-to-strength. Ryuden wore down Shishi and worked him to the edge and over. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (3-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-2). Powerful throw from Sadanoumi to finish off Chiyoshoma! Chiyoshoma had the edge at the tachiai, got a good grip, drove forward…but Sadanoumi dug deep and heaved Chiyoshoma to the floor at the tawara. Sukuinage.

Meisei (3-2) defeated Tamawashi (2-3). Meisei got his left hand inside and quickly forced the action toward the bales. Tamawashi tried his arm breaker to get Meisei to release but Meisei was unaffected as he led with his topknot and drove Tamawashi out. Yorikiri.

Takarafuji (3-2) defeated Hokutofuji (1-4). Hokutofuji pressed hard with his hazuoshi, desperately trying to keep Takarafuji off his belt. The two settled into a stalemate. Takarafuji suddenly backed up and Hokutofuji fell forward. Hikiotoshi.

Midorifuji (2-3) defeated Takayasu (2-3). Midorifuji backed up, shifted right and pulled Takayasu down with his patented Katasukashi.

Gonoyama (4-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-2). Gonoyama tried a pull at the start. That failed and he shifted into “Drive.” Things were looking bleak for Ichiyamamoto as Gonoyama drove forward. So, Ichiyamamoto countered with a pull which just increased his backward momentum as Gonoyama shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (4-1) defeated Endo (3-2). Endo slapped Mitakeumi at the tachiai. But Mitakeumi charged forward while Endo fumbled around down below. Mitakeumi worked his right hand under Endo’s arm and pressed Endo to the bales and over. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Roga (2-3) defeated Nishikigi (0-5). Roga hit Nishikigi, pivoted and drove Nishikigi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (3-2) defeated Kotoshoho (1-4). A bit of an oshi brawl to start before settling into a grapple near the edge. Kotoshoho’s nose had been bloodied early in the bout and he now dripped blood onto Tobizaru’s shoulder. Don’t you just love contact sports? Kotoshoho pivoted to pull Tobizaru over but Tobizaru used his left hand inside belt grip to throw Kotoshoho hard to the floor. Shitatenage.

Takanosho (5-0) defeated Oshoma (1-4). Takanosho started hot with a great tachiai and thrusting attack. He drove Oshoma to the edge but Oshoma resisted. Oshoma reached over and grabbed Takanosho’s belt deep. That forced Takanosho to retreat and once he released himself from Oshoma’s grip, he pulled slapped the Naruto-beya wrestler down. Hatakikomi.

Abi (4-1) defeated Churanoumi (1-4). Churanoumi was Abi-literated. That kachi-age tachiai did not connect with Churanoumi’s head but his shoulder instead. It was still very effective and knocked Churanoumi back. Sensing weakness, Abi pounced and thrust Churanoumi hard. I didn’t detect a pull from Abi today. Tsukidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (1-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-2). Jesus. What a tachiai! Hiradoumi hit Wakamotoharu hard at the tachiai and did not give his opponent an opening to counter. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (3-2) defeated Shodai (1-4). Shodai didn’t get the tachiai he liked so he backed out when Daieisho blasted him to the edge. The fans let out a disappointed groan. “Come on, dude. Wake up!” Serious letdown after the genki bouts we have seen tonight. Oshidashi.

Oho (2-3) defeated Kirishima (0-5). Slap-happy, sloppy sumo from Kirishima. A lot of slaps to the face from Kirishima but other than that, not a lot of offense. He lunged at Oho’s belt once but Oho thrust him away. A pissed off Oho pulled and Kirishima stumbled forward and fell to the floor. Hikiotoshi.

Kotozakura (4-1) defeated Ura (1-4). Kotozakura kept Ura contained and offered no quarter, no chance to counter. Oshidashi.

Onosato (4-1) defeated Atamifuji (4-1). Atamifuji had a good initial charge but Onosato took control from the solid right hand grip. As Atamifuji retreated, Onosato finished him off with a thrust to the armpit. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (5-0) defeated Wakatakakage (3-2) Holy, Moly! What a fine throw from Hoshoryu! Hoshoryu tried an il-advised pull at the tachiai. But while holding Wakatakakage’s hand away with his left, Hoshoryu got his right arm under WTK’s shoulder. Hoshoryu drove Wakatakakage back and used his right arm grip to heft the youngest Onami off-balance. With his right leg, Hoshoryu caught WTK’s leg and finished WTK in spectacular fashion. Kotenage.

Wrap-up

Wow, this is an exciting basho! Hoshoryu heads the shrinking list of undefeated, accompanied by Takanosho and Onokatsu with perfect records so far. Kotozakura and Onosato remain one loss back. There was a lot of exciting sumo again today. Hiradoumi certainly made up for his earlier losses with a spectacular effort today.

 Kirishima’s poor performances are disconcerting. If he is injured, he should probably take time off to recuperate. His Ozeki run is DOA but he will also struggle to make kachi-koshi without a major retool in his fighting style. I mean, slapping Oho in the face a few times is not “mounting an offense.”

As we look at tomorrow’s schedule, the final three bouts look like critical bouts in this early yusho race. Hoshoryu (5-0) will face Atamifuji (4-1), Kotozakura (4-1) will take on Abi (4-1) and that leads into Wakatakakage (3-2) against Onosato (4-1) in the musubi-no-ichiban. Further down the banzuke, Takanosho (5-0) will face Gonoyama (4-1) and Onokatsu (5-0) will fight Kayo, visiting from Juryo with a 4-1 record so far.

Down in Juryo, Oshomi’s superlative win over Aonishiki means he is the only undefeated wrestler in the second division. But it is still early with several top guys still within reach (including Aonishiki).

Kyushu 2024, Day Four

Andy Kyushu 2024 , ,

No internet issues tonight. No debates or votes in the Diet. All is calm. We are ready for sumo.

I have not seen the nephews yet in maezumo. Instead, they’ve had a bunch of high schoolers and banzuke-gai pushing Higohikari around. Today, Higohikari had two bouts and in one he really stepped up and gave a great effort and nearly won. But no sign of the oi (Japanese for nephew). I’ll keep my eye out for good footage of their debuts and when it happens, I’ll point you to it.

Aonishiki is off to a great start. He worked his right hand inside on Daishoho’s belt and dragged him down to the clay, shitatenage. Hakuoho was finally able to tie his oicho-mage last night. He will start out our schedule tonight against Shishi, visiting from Juryo.

Your NHK links for today are here: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi

Hakuoho (3-1) defeated Shishi (2-2). Hakuoho has Shishi’s number and continues his winning streak. Hakuoho secured a right-hand outside, left-hand inside grip. It took quite a bit of effort but Hakuoho worked Shishi to the edge and pitched him over with a great over-arm throw. Uwatenage.

Takerufuji (3-1) defeated Bushozan (0-4). Takerufuji obliterated Bushozan, driving him quickly to the edge and over. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (2-2) defeated Tokihayate (2-2). Asakoryu jumped the gun at the tachiai. He hit Tokihayate hard at the tachiai and drove his opponent to the edge with some forceful tsuppari. Then Asakoryu pulled quickly and slapped Tokihayate down. Hatakikomi.

Chiyoshoma (3-1) defeated Nishikifuji (0-4). Chiyoshoma started the match in reverse. He cycled around the edge trying to pitch Nishikifuji over the edge. Nishikifuji pressed forward and looked strong with Chiyoshoma in retreat and worked Chiyoshoma’s back to the bales. Sensing danger, Chiyoshoma switched his strategy to forward-moving sumo and quickly wrapped up Nishikifuji, drove him back through the ring, and slammed Nishikifuji over the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Onokatsu (4-0) defeated Shonannoumi (2-2). Onokatsu dispatched Shonannoumi quickly. Shonannoumi tried his usual retreating sumo but Onokatsu stayed with him and pressed him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (2-2) defeated Hokutofuji (1-3). Hokutofuji’s pull after the tachiai was ineffective. That gave Sadanoumi an huge opening and Sadanoumi took advantage. Sadanoumi grabbed Hokutofuji and drove him out. Yorikiri.

Meisei (2-2) defeated Ryuden (1-3). Forward-sumo is winning the day today. Ryuden drove forward and worked Meisei to the edge. At the edge, Meisei suddenly slipped to the side and tried to shove Ryuden over. Ryuden maintained his balance so Meisei drove into him hard. Ryuden tried his own pull while in reverse but Meisei took advantage by keeping Ryuden in front and drove Ryuden over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takarafuji (2-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-1). An overeager Ichiyamamoto tried really hard to force Takarafuji over the edge. Suddenly, Takarafuji spun quickly on his heel and Ichiyamamoto flopped forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu (2-2) defeted Tamawashi (2-2). Solid tachiai. After trading tsuppari with Takayasu, Tamawashi put his head down and drove forward. That’s when Takayasu pulled and slapped Tamawashi down. Excellent timing by Takayasu. Hatakikomi.

Gonoyama (3-1) defeated Roga (1-3). Solid work from Gonoyama. He led with his head, slammed into Roga, moving his opponent backward. Gonoyama followed up with solid tsuppari to thrust Roga out. Tsukidashi.

Mitakeumi (3-1) defeated Midorifuji (1-3). Midorifuji was always on the watch for a katasukashi. Mitakeumi was set on forward-moving sumo today! He enveloped Midorifuji, grabbing him on the outside, locking up both arms and walked him over the edge. Kimedashi.

Halftime

Takanosho (4-0) defeated Nishikigi (0-4). Nishikigi looked strong to start but that might have been because Takanosho tried a pull. When that failed Takanosho drove forward and forced Nishikigi out.

Endo (3-1) defeated Kotoshoho (1-3). I enjoy seeing Endo performing well in the second half of the Torikumi. I say that and he immediately sidesteps after the tachiai. Kotoshoho almost makes him pay by pushing him to the edge. With the entire dohyo behind him, Kotoshoho tried a pull. Endo pressed forward and forced Kotoshoho down. Kotoshoho’s legs went in completely different directions and his left knee buckled awkwardly. Endo checked in on him and helped him up because he knew that was weird. Kotoshoho said he’s fine and seemed to be okay. Good sportsmanship from Endo. Love to see it. Oshitaoshi.

Churanoumi (1-3) defeated Oshoma (1-3). Hard tachiai. Churanoumi locked in with his left hand inside. He released the belt and instead wrapped Oshoma up under the armpit and levered Oshoma over. Powerful throw tipped Oshoma over and Oshoma had to catch himself, putting his hands down. Sukuinage.

Atamifuji (4-0) defeated Tobizaru (2-2). Henka-proof tachiai. Atamifuji played a wait-and-see game with Tobizaru. At the bales, Atamifuji tried a slapdown but failed. From there he wrapped up Tobizaru at the shoulder and steadily drove him backward and over the edge.

Sanyaku

Shodai (1-3) defeated Hiradoumi (0-4). Rally towel out today and held aloft in the living room (rather than just on display behind me). That must have been the difference via some psychic connection around the globe because a hyper-charged Shodai came out blasting at Hiradoumi. It’s usually Hiradoumi with the hard-hitting tachiai but today it was Shodai? What the hell?!?! Shodai hit Hiradoumi hard and drove him back then gave him a finishing shove under the red tassel. I saw a proud, showboat-y glance over at Hiradoumi from the former Ozeki as Shodai claimed his bounty. Bringing the attitude today, too. Hmm…must’ve eaten his Wheaties this morning. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (3-1) defeated Kirishima (0-4). Once Wakamotoharu pressed forward, Kirishima obliged by moving backward. Wakamotoharu wrapped up Kirishima’s left arm, drove him back to the edge and forced him over. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (2-2) defeated Oho (1-3). Oho pulled and Daieisho made him pay by driving his hand into Oho’s face. Daieisho followed through with the rest of his body shoving Oho out. Damn it. Move FORWARD! Oshidashi.

Abi (3-1) defeated Onosato (3-1). Abi blasted Onosato at the tachiai then backed away. Onosato pursued but over-committed. Abi shifted suddenly at the edge, grabbed Onosato under the armpit and hefted Onosato over. Sukuinage.

Hoshoryu (4-0) defeated Ura (1-3). Hoshoryu pressed forward, grabbed Ura’s belt with his right hand and dragged him down. Uwatenage.

Kotozakura (3-1) defeated Wakatakakage (3-1). Kotozakura absorbed WTK’s strong tachiai, pivoted, and walked him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Shodai and Abi, Harbingers of Chaos, are saddled up and on the ride again. But we still had two of three Ozeki win in strong, authoritative fashion against strong opponents, which is an awesome sign. We had a lot of great action, up and down the banzuke. It started with Hakuoho’s great bout with Shishi and rolled all the way through Kotozakura’s dominant win over Wakatakakage.

Kirishima fans, of which I am one, are rightly concerned for the man as he cannot find a way to win. If you haven’t figured it out, I’m basically a fan of this entire field. It sure makes sumo fandom easy. “Oh, my favorite lost. But my other favorite won. And the Ozeki are doing well. It’s a good day.”

We’re still very early in the tournament but four guys lead the top division with perfect records: Hoshoryu, Atamifuji, Takanosho, and Onokatsu with eleven men on one loss.