Kyushu 2025

Kyushu 2025: Senshuraku

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , , , ,

Huge, late developing news from the infirmary is that Onosato is kyujo. He was wincing in pain after yesterday’s loss. Sounds like a dislocated shoulder. That hands Hoshoryu the default victory. Aonishiki has to win his bout to earn the right to contest the yusho against Hoshoryu. Sometimes the sumo kami are as cruel as the golf gods.

Just to add insult to injury, early Makuuchi bout coverage was pre-empted by coverage of the Keio/Waseda rugby game where my Keio boys got absolutely thrashed. When I was an English teacher in Hiyoshi, some of my students played rugby for Keio HS. Some of their kids might have played in today’s game.

Entering today’s action, the Association announced the Special Prize winners. Aonishiki and Yoshinofuji were awarded Technique prizes. Other Special Prizes came with conditions. Kirishima and Ichiyamamoto could each win Fighting Spirit prizes if they win today. Kirishima will face Ura and Ichiyamamoto will face Wakamotoharu. Aonishiki was also given a chance to win an Outstanding Performance Prize if he wins the yusho.

Fujiryoga defeated Hatsuyama to win the Juryo yusho in his debut. Asanoyama won his bout against Kitanowaka to finish 12-3. Leonid will have a better idea of who earned promotion as well as who has to be demoted. There seem to be a lot of demotion candidates and promotion candidates, without enough folks to take their places.

NHK videos of senshuraku action are here. This includes the first six bouts which we missed in the Live coverage.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (8-7) defeated Kotoeiho (9-6). Uwatenage.

Oshoumi (7-8) defeated Fujiseiun (8-7). Okuridashi.

Shishi (6-9) defeated Meisei (1-5-9). Oshitaoshi.

Chiyoshoma (10-5) defeated Kotoshoho (7-8). Uwatenage.

Daieisho (10-5) defeated Tokihayate (9-6). Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji defeated Tobizaru (6-9) Oshidashi.

Tomokaze (7-8) defeated Midorifuji (6-9). Tomokaze slapped Midorifuji down. Hatakikomi.

Kinbozan (6-8) defeated Sadanoumi (4-10). Sadanoumi pulled on Kinbozan’s right arm but Kinbozan spun and slapped Sadanoumi down. Hatakikomi.

Gonoyama (9-6) defeated Abi (5-10). Gonoyama assaulted Abi with tsuppari. Gonoyama thrust hard into Abi’s right shoulder, turning Abi around. Abi was just able to get righted but had no way to counter as Gonoyama shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (8-7) defeated Ryuden (7-8). Darwin bout. Churanoumi earned his kachi-koshi by getting a good belt grip and twisting Ryuden down. Shitatehineri.

Onokatsu (7-8) defeated Shonannoumi (3-12). Onokatsu was able to overpower Shonannoumi along the edge and walked him out. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (8-7) defeated Mitakeumi (7-8). Our second, and last Darwin bout of the evening. Mitakeumi tried a pull but Atamifuji didn’t fall for it. Atamifuji drove Mitakeumi back and over the bales. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Tamawashi (7-8) defeated Fujinokawa (9-6). Tamawashi’s tsuppari was to powerful for Fujinokawa and Tamawashi thrust him out. Fujinokawa spent most of the bout running away. With the win, Tamawashi passed Takanohana for the 10th most makuuchi victories, at 702. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (4-11) defeated Hiradoumi (4-11). Hiradoumi got a migi-sashi and drove forward. However, Oshoma slapped him down as he leapt into the air. Gunbai Oshoma. Mono-ii. After a review, Hiradoumi’s body was determined to have touched first, confirming the gyoji’s call. I’m not going to say anything about Aonishiki/Onosato here. I’ll let dead bodies lie. Tsukiotoshi.

Ichiyamamoto (11-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (8-7). Ichiyamamoto came out swinging for Wakamotoharu’s throat. He thrust Wakamotoharu’s left shoulder as Wakamotoharu tried to throw a slap, forcing Wakamotoharu to stumble forward and off the dohyo. Ichiyamamoto won his second Fighting Spirit prize. Okuritaoshi.

Kirishima (11-4) defeated Ura (8-7). Ura’s pull attempt ceded position but allowed him to brace along the edge. Kirishima pursued and tried to shove him out. Ura slipped right to escape but stumbled and rolled out. Kirishima won his third Fighting Spirit prize. Oshitaoshi.

Wakatakakage (7-8) defeated Roga (8-7). Hazu-oshi start with both guys thrusting into each other. Wakatakakage backed to the right and tried to slap Roga down. Roga caught his footing and tried to re-engage but WTK was in hot-pursuit and shoved Roga out. Oshidashi.

Hakuoho (6-9) defeated Shodai (4-11). Hakuoho hit Shodai hard at the tachiai, rocking Shodai back. Hakuoho pressed quickly and forced Shodai out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Hoshoryu (12-3) default win over Onosato (11-4). If there’s an absence in the final scheduled bout, they shuffle it a few bouts early so the action doesn’t end with a fusen. This meant neither Yokozuna were present for the kore-yori-sanyaku which is a cool ceremony before the final three bouts on senshuraku.

Takayasu (8-7) defeated Yoshinofuji (9-6). The bout started with a brawl, tsuppari flying. Yoshinofuji tried to settle into a grapple with a left-hand inside grip. Takayasu’s left-hand grip seemed more secure and he drove forward as Yoshinofuji tried to pull. Takayasu threw Yoshinofuji off the dohyo. Takayasu won the arrows and saves a spot in sanyaku. He might even move up to Sekiwake? Oshitaoshi.

Oho (7-8) defeated Takanosho (5-10). Oho used good tsuppari and footwork to earn position at the center of the ring and force Takanosho to the edge. Takanosho tried a pull and wanted to escape to his left but Oho shoved him out. Oho got the bow strings. Oshidashi.

A consequence of shifting the musubi-no-ichiban was that Kotozakura/Aonishiki suddenly was musubi-no-ichiban and had a ton of kensho. The yobidashi would walk around the ring, step down, and grab another set of banners to display. I don’t know why but the guy with the One Cup Ozeki banner always seems to be a couple of steps slower than everyone else. Anyway, the winner will get a bigger pay day than they were expecting. Will that make Kotozakura fight harder for the win?

Aonishiki (12-3) defeated Kotozakura (8-7). Solid tachiai and the two men settled into a grapple. Kotozakura had a left-hand uwate while Aonishiki had his right-hand inside. Kotohachinana’s right knee was within range of Aonishiki’s left hand so Aonishiki swept the knee and forced the Ozeki forward. (Hat tip to jbipes for the brilliant nickname.) What a way to force a playoff. Uchimuso!

Playoff

Aonishiki defeated Hoshoryu! Aonishiki did it again! Aonishiki Yusho!!!! Hoshoryu pulled after trading tsuppari. Aonishiki sprung forward and wrapped up Hoshoryu from behind, dragging him to the deck. What the hell was that?

Wrap-up

Well, Aonishiki broke his string of 11-wins by picking up #12 against Kotozakura. He claimed an Outstanding Performance Prize for the mantle, next to the yusho. This will be absolutely heart-breaking for Hoshoryu. He missed out on his first yusho as Yokozuna and gets beaten again by the Sekiwake.

And even better, Aonishiki has earned promotion to Ozeki. We’ll bring more of the official announcement when it comes before Thanksgiving, hopefully grab some tai from the butcher to celebrate…or at least some taiyaki from the freezer.

Time to revisit an old post about the Japanese phrase, “aikuchi ga warui” and “aikuchi ga ii.” Aonishiki certainly has Hoshoryu’s number, so we should say, “aikuchi ga ii” when we talk about Aonishiki’s record against Hoshoryu. He does very well facing Hoshoryu, doesn’t he?

Kyushu 2025: Day Fourteen

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , ,

Asanoyama (11-3) defeated Fujiryoga (12-2) as the two men battled chest-to-chest in a great migi-yotsu contest. The former Ozeki is doing what he can to make a case for promotion to the top division. Hatsuyama also won his bout with Hakuyozan to improve to 11-3.

I’ll let Leonid get into the details but there might be three guys ahead of Asanoyama. And depending on the outcome of senshuraku bouts, possibly four. But will their be four open slots in the Top Division? Asanoyama can’t fight his stablemate, Asahakuryu.

Day 14 NHK Videos are here. Somehow the videos seem split in two halves. I think I found the second half here. Let me know if you have issues and I’ll see what’s going on.

Makuuchi Action

Fujinokawa (9-5) defeated Asakoryu (7-7). Henka! Fujinokawa leapt left but Asakoryu caught the shift. Fujinokawa quickly hooked his left arm inside Asakoryu’s right, twisted, and threw Asakoryu to the side. Sukuinage.

Tomokaze (6-8) defeated Meisei (1-4-9). Tomokaze pulled and slapped Meisei down. Hatakikomi.

Gonoyama (8-6) defeated Shishi (5-9). Shishi tried to escape Gonoyama’s tsuppari but he could only find peace on the other side of the tawara. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (9-5) defeated Roga (8-6). Roga got inside with his right hand and yanked Chiyoshoma to the side. Chiyoshoma braced against the bales and used his left-hand uwate to throw Roga to the ground in the center of the ring. Uwatedashinage.

Daieisho (9-5) defeated Nishikifuji (8-6). Daieisho slapped Nishikifuji down quickly after setting him up with several rough thrusts of tsuppari. Nishikifuji tried to step inside to get a grip and stop the onslaught but down came the hammer. Tsukiotoshi.

Mitakeumi (7-7) defeated Kotoshoho (7-7). Mitakeumi backed up and slapped Kotoshoho down. Hatakikomi.

Kinbozan (6-8) defeated Shonannoumi (3-10) Kinbozan advanced behind solid tsuppari, driving Shonannoumi back and over the bales. Shonannoumi’s akeni (traditional luggage used by sumo wrestlers) are packed and waiting for him on “The Barge.” Tsukidashi.

Ryuden (7-7) defeated Abi (5-9). Ryuden weathered Abi’s assault, enduring a bloody eye and nose. Ryuden was able to step inside, finally getting out of the range of Abi’s thrusts. From there he pressed forward and shoved Abi back over the tawara. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (6-8) defeated Sadanoumi (4-10). Onokatsu quickly established his left-hand outside grip. Once he got his right-hand inside, he barreled forward and forced Sadanoumi back and out. As a side note, if you’re interested in the orchestration behind this “Show,” watch Kotoshogiku’s hand movements in the video. As time-keeper, he’s giving hand signals to tell wrestlers when to move along with their pre-bout routines. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (10-4) defeated Yoshinofuji (9-5). Ichiyamamoto pulled and slapped Yoshinofuji down. More blood, this time from Yoshinofuji’s nose and mouth. Ichiyamamoto had assaulted him with tsuppari and head butts throughout the heated bout. How did Ichi sneak through here with 10 wins already? Hatakikomi.

Oshoumi (6-8) defeated Hiradoumi (4-10). In Oshoumi’s most impressive bout of the tournament, he got a morozashi at the tachiai and hauled up Hiradoumi, driving him to the edge. Hiradoumi squeezed his left-hand inside but it was already too late as Oshoumi progressed and slammed Hiradoumi to the ground. The Number 2 man at Naruto beya might be doing enough to stave off demotion, possibly taking a slot away from the slew of guys in Juryo who are hoping to come up. Yoritaoshi.

Halftime

Ura (8-6) defeated Tobizaru (6-8). A long hazu-oshi bout here as both men jostled the other with tsuppari, slapdown attempts, head butts, shoves…Tobizaru got a good slap in there. Eventually, Tobizaru just got gassed and Ura was able to shove him back and off the dohyo. Tobizaru collapsed into a heap, “plumb tuckered out,” as they say back home. Ura is kachi-koshi and Tobizaru make-koshi. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (10-4) defeated Tokihayate (9-5). Kirishima was able to contain Tokihayate’s retreat with his right-hand over-arm grip. Kirishima hauled Tokihayate roughtly to the ground, perhaps as revenge for Tokihayate’s harite (slap) at the tachiai. Uwatenage.

Wakamotoharu (8-6) defeated Midorifuji (6-8). For a long time, most of the action in this bout was the arm-wrestling going on as Wakamotoharu tried to get his left-hand inside. Midorifuji’s ottsuke kept him at bay so Wakamotoharu tried to fling him around with the right, then tried a slapdown to no avail. Eventually, though, Midorifuji seemed to wear out and Wakamotoharu advanced, forcing him out. It was an intense bout, like the Ura/Tobizaru one, as both men had kachi-koshi or make-koshi on the line. Wakamotoharu locked up his kachi-koshi and unfortunately for Midorifuji, he is makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Hakuoho (5-9) defeated Tamawashi (6-8). Hakuoho got his left-hand inside quickly and started churning his legs forward. He got his right-hand inside as well, and Tamawashi was toast. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (7-7) defeated Watatakakage (6-8). Churanoumi overpowered Wakatakakage and nearly got him turned around. Once that happened, Wakatakakage lost all momentum and Churanoumi drove into him hard, shoving him over the bales. This takes Wakatakakage out of the running for a sanyaku position and puts Kirishima at the head of the queue. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Takanosho defeated Oshoma. Takanosho hit Oshoma hard at the tachiai, got that nodowa going to force Oshoma’s head high and drove him back, quickly. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (7-7) defeated Atamifuji (7-7). This bout hinged on Takayasu’s left hand. Atamifuji’s ottsuke early on kept Takayasu out and he pressured Takayasu to the edge. However, Takayasu squeezed it in and took control of the bout. Atamifuji reared back and got his right hand back inside but the damage was done. Takayasu drove forward and chased Atamifuji out. Oshidashi.

Oho (6-8) defeated Shodai (4-10). We get a view of Oho looking skyward before the bout like, “why do I have to fight this guy?” Shodai couldn’t get his right hand inside Oho’s left so he backed around trying to get position. After a half-lap around the ring in reverse, though, Shodai’s tank ran empty and he walked out. There’s that phrase again. Shodai was plumb tuckered out. “Oshidashi.”

Kotozakura (8-6) defeated Onosato (11-3). In a stroke, Kotozakura suddenly became everyone’s favorite Ozeki. He locked in his kachi-koshi winning record with a strong left-hand outside, right-hand inside. Onosato pulled back trying to change his grip (makikae) but that gave Kotozakura momentum to move forward and force the Yokozuna over the edge. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (11-3) defeated Hoshoryu (11-3). Before the bout, Hoshoryu did his usual niramiai (stare down). Aonishiki didn’t muck about and didn’t get into the games, he just walked back to his corner. These guys are silent before the bout, no trash-talk or anything. But while Aonishiki walked away, I could hear the ultimate flex: “Scoreboard, b—-.” Aonishiki didn’t need to engage in the games because he came into the bout with a 2-0 lead in their rivalry. Oh, this is going to be a good one. And it was. We got a strong tachiai as both men sought out belt grips. Hoshoryu made a huge mistake and pulled, trying to slap Aonishiki down with his right hand. Aonishiki had a firm left-hand inside grip and stayed low but did not go down. He drove forward into the Yokozuna and finished Hoshoryu with a right hand to the mug. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

I think we all dreamed about this outcome. All three men are tied at 11-3. The official bout pairings are not out. Nevertheless, the Yokozuna should fight on senshuraku, either for the yusho or for a position in a play-off. Aonishiki should be fighting Kotozakura in the prior bout to try to force that play-off. Absolute madness!

If you’re a new fan, perhaps drawn in because of the London basho, this is kind of crazy. It’s not usually like this, I swear. We’re usually a more quiet group and it’s usually a rather staid, serene sport. You know, the monocle-wearing, tea-drinking set. I hope you’re not expecting such insanity in January. I just want to level-set expectations.

I also do want to point out that Onosato seemed to be wincing as he sat on his cushion after the loss. I’m not sure if he was wincing in physical pain or mental anguish at having lost to Kotozakura — of all people. We’ll keep an eye out for news because any injury would certainly tip the scales toward Hoshoryu for tomorrow’s bout.

One storyline has been settled, however. Kotozakura locked in his 8th win. I swear, the man can’t buy 10. (Too soon? It’s been 14 years!) But, at least he won’t be kadoban to start the new year.

There are a number of guys at 7-7 with kachi-koshi on the line so we should have several “Darwin Bouts” tomorrow, as Bruce would say.

Now, folks are going to start up with the Ozeki-run talk again. Aonishiki got his 33rd win but I think Shibatayama had poured cold water on the idea, saying his run starts with the September tournament. But I think this takes pressure off of Aonishiki to think of this without Ozeki on the line.

He must come in and beat Kotozakura tomorrow and then he would have to beat a Yokozuna AGAIN in order to take the yusho. He needs to focus on that. We saw how Wakatakakage folded under the pressure and anticipation of his Ozeki run. He’s still not recovered and it’s unlikely he will have another shot – at least anytime soon. Aonishiki has other things on his mind: Win tomorrow. See you tomorrow.

Kyushu 2025: Day Thirteen

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , ,

On Day 13, the lower division yusho are either decided outright or playoffs are determined for senshuraku. The Makushita, Sandanme and Jonokuchi yushos were decided. Jonidan will have a playoff between two undefeated stablemates, Kakueizan and Ryuho.

Lower Division Titles:

  • Makushita – Kazuma (7-0)
  • Sandanme – Kaki (7-0)
  • Jonokuchi – Goseiryu (7-0)

In Juryo, Fujiryoga beat Daiseizan with a sukuinage at the edge to improve to 12-1. He can run away with the yusho tomorrow.

Day 13 videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Gonoyama (7-6) defeated Meisei (1-3-9). Gonoyama drove into Meisei with a nodowa, driving him backwards. Meisei was able to get a hold of Gonoyama’s belt and resist at the bales. Gonoyama trapped Meisei’s right arm and pulled him forward and down. Oshitaoshi.

Oshoumi (5-8) defeated Tomokaze (5-8). Tomokaze tried to pull Oshoumi but stepped out before Oshoumi fell. Gunbai Oshoumi. No mono-ii. Oshidashi.

Sadanoumi (4-9) defeated Shishi (5-8). Sadanoumi put his arms up around Shishi’s neck, twisted and pulled Shishi to the ground. Sadanoumi is not having a great tournament but he’s putting everything he has into these bouts. Kubihineri.

Asakoryu (7-6) defeated Kotoshoho (7-6). Henka! Asakoryu absorbed a lot of Kotoshoho’s tsuppari as punishment. Kotoshoho then pulled but Asakoryu was ready and shoved Kotoshoho out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (8-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (8-5). Daieisho thrust into an off-balance Chiyoshoma, who rolled backward onto his butt. Oshitaoshi.

Tobizaru (6-7) defeated Shonannoumi (3-10). Tobizaru allowed Shonannoumi to lumber forward. Tobizaru hooked his left arm under Shonannoumi’s right, pivoted and pulled Shonannoumi over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi (6-7) defeated Midorifuji (6-7). Mitakeumi pressed forward, forcing Midorifuji to the bales. Midorifuji released his grip and shifted left, hoping Mitakeumi’s momentum would carry him over the bales. Mitakeumi was ready and adjusted well, driving into Midorifuji and shoving him out. Oshidashi.

Ryuden (6-7) defeated Kinbozan (5-8). Ryuden got his favorite migi-yotsu hold on Kinbozan’s belt and spun him toward the bales. Kinbozan tried to resist but Ryuden ushered him over the edge. Kinbozan makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (9-4) defeated Roga (8-5). Ichiyamamoto tried to drive Roga out with tsuppari but Roga grabbled Ichiyamamoto and pulled him at the edge. Ichiyamamoto stopped his momentum at the tawara and re-engaged Roga at the center. Ichiyamamoto then used his new yotsu-zumo weapon to drive Roga back and over the bales. A great win for Ichiyamamoto as he avoided Roga’s trickery and showcased his new yotsu skills. Yorikiri.

Fujinokawa (8-5) defeated Abi (5-8). Abi forced Fujinokawa to the edge but Fujinokawa twisted and thrust Abi forward and onto his stomach. Abi make-koshi. Tsukiotoshi.

Yoshinofuji (9-4) defeated Tokihayate (9-4). Tokihayate forced Yoshinofuji to the bales but Yoshinofuji was able to turn the tables and drive Tokihayate back through the dohyo with his hidari-yotsu grip and force him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Hiradoumi (4-9) defeated Churanoumi (6-7). Hiradoumi blasted Churanoumi back to the edge and kept up the pressure, forcing Churanoumi out. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (7-6) defeated Onokatsu (5-8). Wakamotoharu got his hidari-yotsu sashi and drove Onokatsu back and out. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (9-4) defeated Atamifuji (7-6). Kirishima got his left-hand inside to join his already established right-hand inside hold. With the morozashi grip he was able to lift Atamifuji back and drive him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (6-7) defeated Wakatakakage (6-7). Tamawashi slammed into Wakatakakage and drove him back and out. Tamawashi now draws level with the Great Takanohana with 701 Top Division victories, tied for 10th most all-time. Oshidashi.

Ura (7-6) defeated Hakuoho (4-9). Ura got a left-hand hold of Hakuoho’s belt, pivoted, and dragged Hakuoho over the edge. Uwatedashinage.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (6-7) defeated Nishikifuji (8-5). Nishikifuji blasted Takayasu to the edge but Takayasu escaped left and slapped Nishikifuji forward. Hatakikomi.

Takanosho (4-9) defeated Shodai (4-9). Shodai didn’t like Takanosho’s nodowa. Takanosho followed up with a shove and forced Shodai out. Oshidashi.

Oho (5-8) defeated Oshoma (3-10). Oho forced Oshoma to the edge and did not fall for his antics. Oho used his left-hand inside grip to contain Oshoma and usher him out. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (11-2) defeated Kotozakura (7-6). Kotozakura tried real hard. He had a few chances to win this bout but Hoshoryu was too strong and he had more stamina. Kotozakura seemed to wear out and tried a last-ditch pull at the edge. Hoshoryu forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Onosato (11-2) defeated Aonishiki (10-3). This was close. Aonishiki had his left hand on Onosato’s belt and pulled. As he approached the edge, he left his feet and drove Onosato to the ground before landing off the dohyo. Gunbai Onosato. No mono-ii. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

We will have replays and arguments about this Onosato/Aonishiki bout for ages, especially if Onosato rolls to a yusho and Aonishiki is not considered for promotion after this tournament. Without the mono-ii we don’t know the judge’s minds on this and whether Aonishiki was dead when he left his feet. Bimyo.

The bout listings are not out for tomorrow but it’s probably safe to assume Onosato will fight Kotozakura and Hoshoryu will fight Aonishiki. All other players are out of this.

There is a lot to fight for in this final weekend. Aside from the yusho Sanyaku position is on the line for Takayasu and Oho, as well as for several guys with designs on replacing Takanosho, at least. Promotions and demotions are still wide open in many cases. However, Meisei, Shonannoumi, and Sadanoumi have their tickets to Juryo.

Will Oshoumi or Asakoryu join them? And then, who will replace them? What’s a final weekend without drama? I would have liked a mono-ii.

Kyushu 2025: Day Twelve

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , , ,

Let’s start with news from the infirmary. Leonid noted Shiden’s apparent injury in his Makushita update. It turns out Shiden is injured and has gone kyujo. Nishinoryu picked up the freebie win.

Fujiryoga took out one of his chasers, Tamashoho, and improved to 11-1. Daiseizan, Asanoyama, and Hatsuyama remain a full two-losses behind our leader.

NHK videos for Day 12 are here.

Makuuchi action

Ryuden (5-7) defeated Meisei (1-2-9). Meisei landed a left hand inside grip and tried to keep Ryuden’s right hand away from his belt. However, Ryuden was able to sneak that right hand onto his belt and twist Meisei forward and down. Uwatehineri.

Chiyoshoma (8-4) defeated Gonoyama (6-6). Chiyoshoma battered Gonoyama with tsuppari and used twisting retreats to stay in the dohyo. Suddenly, Chiyoshoma seized an opportunity to grab Gonoyama’s belt with his right hand and immediately threw Gonoyama to the ground. Kachi-koshi for Chiyoshoma! Uwatenage.

Fujinokawa (7-5) defeated Sadanoumi (3-9). Fujinokawa lashed out with tsuppari but Sadanoumi fought to get inside and get a hold of Fujinokawa’s belt. Fujinokawa immediately wrapped Sadanoumi in a bear hug and hauled him to the ground. Sukuinage.

Tomokaze (5-7) defeated Asakoryu (6-6). Tomokaze pivoted to the right along the tawara and slapped Asakoryu down. Hatakikomi.

Roga (8-4) defeated Shonannoumi (3-9). Shonannoumi locked on quickly with his right hand inside. He slowly and steadily advanced, forcing Roga backwards. Roga was also able to get his right hand inside but Shonannoumi was using the length of his trunk to keep Roga from getting a hold with his left hand. Suddenly, Shonannoumi drove forward to force Roga to the edge. This allowed Roga to grab Shonannoumi’s belt and turn the tables, twisting to the right and driving Shonannoumi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oshoumi (4-8) defeated Midorifuji (6-6). Oshoumi worked both hands inside for a morozashi, double-inside grip. He was then able to pull up on Midorifuji and steadily drive him to the bales and over. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (8-4) defeated Nishikifuji (8-4). Ichiyamamoto danced to the right along the tawara but Nishikifuji pursued well. Ichiyamamoto slammed on the breaks and escaped to the left and thrust Nishikifuji over the bales. Tsukiotoshi.

Kinbozan (5-7) defeated Mitakeumi (5-7). Kinbozan overpowered Mitakeumi and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Shishi (5-7) defeated Churanoumi (6-6). Churanoumi did not want Shishi getting inside and getting a belt grip so he lashed out with tsuppari. Shishi adapted to use tsuppari and drive forward with his head, working Churanoumi back to the edge. At the edge, Shishi shoved Churanoumi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (5-7) defeated Abi (5-7). Tobizaru pressed through Abi’s nodowa and kicked Abi’s extended right foot, sending Abi to the ground. I thought it was impressive the way Tobizaru withstood Abi’s attack and even advanced in spite of it. That showed a lot of strength. Kekaeshi.

Tokihayate (9-3) defeated Atamifuji (7-5). Atamifuji let Tokihayate drag him around the dohyo with migi-yotsu, right-hand inside, left-hand outside. Tokihayate let go of his left-hand grip and tried to change to an inside grip (makikae). Atamifuji saw an opening to attack and tried to force Tokihayate to the bales. But Tokihayate used that powerful right-hand grip to haul Atamifuji around to the bales and force him over. Atamifuji seemed too passive and too high throughout this bout, happy to counterattack rather than really go on the offensive. Shitatenage.

Halftime

Kotoshoho (7-5) defeated Onokatsu (5-7). Kotoshoho overpowered Onokatsu and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (7-5) defeated Shodai (4-8). Daieisho let Shodai chase him around the ring, reversing along the bales. “Do some laps, Tubby.” Then Daieisho launched into an attack behind his nodowa, driving Shodai through the dohyo and over the bales on the opposite side. Shodai make-koshi. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (8-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (6-6). Kirishima’s nodowa kept Wakamotoharu from advancing and likely inspired Wakamotoharu’s pull. Wakamotoharu drifted back and tried to pull Kirishima down with his right hand but Kirishima shoved him over the bales. Kirishima kachi-koshi and looking to re-establish himself in sanyaku. Oshidashi.

Hakuoho (4-8) defeated Hiradoumi (3-9). Hiradoumi forced Hakuoho back to the edge but Hakuoho used his right foot along the bales to resist and begin to drive forward. As they neared the bales, Hiradoumi shifted to his left a bit but Hakuoho slammed on the brakes and adjusted well. Hakuoho drove forward and used his left-hand inside to force Hiradoumi back, over the bales. It was close because Hiradoumi was trying to do the exact opposite. Hakuoho just barely overpowered Hiradoumi and forced him back first. Great sumo from a couple of guys who are already make-koshi. Sukuinage.

Wakatakakage (6-6) defeated Ura (6-6). Ura tried a pull and nearly caught Wakatakakage but WTK kept his balance and drove forward, shoving Ura into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Tamawashi (5-7) defeated Takanosho (3-9). Tamawashi overpowered Takanosho, making it look easy. With the win, Tamawashi has 700 top division victories, 11th place all-time. He’s one win behind Takanohana for 10th place. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (10-2) defeated Oshoma (3-9). Aonishiki was careful not to be caught by Oshoma’s pulls. He got a solid hold with his left hand inside and used that to drive Oshoma to the edge. Oshoma resisted at the bales so Aonishiki hauled him back to the center of the ring and wrangled him to the ground. Abisetaoshi.

Kotozakura (7-5) defeated Yoshinofuji (8-3). Kotozakura pulled and slapped Yoshinofuji down. It was close because Kotozakura’s left heel was perilously close to touching out but Yoshinofuji was down first. No mono-ii. Hatakikomi.

Onosato (10-2) defeated Oho (4-8). Oho tried the nodowa and tried to disrupt Onosato. But Onosato remained calm. Onosato dislodged Oho’s right hand by pushing it away with the left while using his right hand to start chugging forward. He forced Oho back over the tawara. Oho is make-koshi. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (10-2) defeated Takayasu (5-7). What a brawl! Both guys laid into each other with blistering tsuppari. Hoshoryu tried to get inside to get a sashi but Takayasu lobbed more volleys of tsuppari at Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu shoved Takayasu off the dohyo and into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Onosato, Hoshoryu, and Aonishiki control their own destiny. The task is straight-forward. Win three bouts, finish 13-2, and the yusho is yours. The first of these pivotal battles will be Onosato versus Aonishiki in the musubi-no-ichiban.

As if the drama among our three leaders wasn’t enough, we add the Wild Card into the mix. Giri-giri Kotozakura needs one more win to ensure he is not kadoban in January. To secure that, he will need to beat a Yokozuna or presumably Aonishiki on Senshuraku. Hoshoryu will face Kotozakura tomorrow.

Over the coming three days, these four men will square off. Tokihayate is one loss back at 9-3 and could come into play if we start looking at a Play-off. Wouldn’t it be wild if Kotozakura finishes 10-5 and we have a massive play-off with the others? To nip that idea in the bud, Tokihayate will fight Yoshinofuji tomorrow.

Onosato has beaten Aonishiki both times they’ve faced. If Onosato dominates again, and if Kotozakura can pull off a stunning upset tomorrow, Onosato will be in control. If Aonishiki can win tomorrow, he might be in the driver’s seat since he has beaten Hoshoryu in both of their previous meetings.

Andy, there are more bouts than these three tomorrow.

Yes, yes. As for the rest of sanyaku, it’s a mess. Takayasu must win out to claim a kachi-koshi record. Takanosho (3-9) and Oho (4-8) are already make-koshi. When I see a bunch of guys falling out of sanyaku, my head plays this song, “Blackbirds Fall” by Black Moth.

Kirishima is quick to lay claim to one slot and Yoshinofuji might be able to claim another, one big reason he will try to take out Tokihayate tomorrow. But both Onami brothers and Ura have even 6-6 records and can work their way back to sanyaku.

Oho will fight Oshoma. Whoopie! Takanosho will fight Shodai. Hoorah! And pesky Nishikifuji will leapfrog the field and face Takayasu.