Kyushu Basho

Kyushu 2025: Day Eleven

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , ,

Day 11 in Kyushu. No change as far as kyujo goes. Given Yoshinofuji’s shock win yesterday, imagine what the kid could do if his right calf were at 100%! Fujiryoga defeated Kazekeno and improves to 10-1. Daiseizan lost to Hatsuyama, creating separation from the rest of the field. Fujiryoga now has a two-win lead over Daiseizan, Hatsuyama, Asanoyama, and Tamashoho. I don’t think we often get runaway yusho in Juryo.

Videos of today’s Top Division action are here, along with a bonus video of the Asanoyama/Kagayaki bout. Let me know if you have trouble finding the videos. They’re hidden when you go to the page and you have to click, “続き読む”, or continue reading. Yesterday, I’d mistakenly typed “continue drinking,” or 続き飲む. I still have my old “Weekend Forecast” T-shirt that calls for Whiskey and Sumo. Seems appropriate to pull that out.

Makuuchi Action

Oshoumi (3-8) defeated Ryuden (4-7). Henka! Desperate times call for desperate measures. Oshoumi leapt left at the tachiai and thrust Ryuden down. Tsukiotoshi.

Meisei (1-1-9) defeated Mitakeumi (5-6). Meisei picked up his first win of the tournament. Mitakeumi had been leading with a left hand nodowa. Meisei pivoted away from the bales and worked his right hand inside pulling on that left shoulder. Meisei successfully pulled Mitakeumi forward and down by that left shoulder. Katasukashi.

Tokihayate (8-3) defeated Gonoyama (6-5). Gonoyama forced Tokihayate to the bales but Tokihayate slipped to the left, grabbed Gonoyama’s belt and threw him forward over the bales. Uwatedashinage.

Tomokaze (4-7) defeated Sadanoumi (3-8). Tomokaze got his right hand up behind Sadanoumi’s head and slapped him down. Tomokaze staved off makekoshi for another day but Sadanoumi locked in his losing record. Will he earn a ticket on the barge to Juryo? Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (8-3) defeated Fujinokawa (6-5). Fujinokawa was fighting to get his right hand inside when Nishikifuji charged forward with his left-hand firmly wrapped around Fujinokawa, and forced him to the bales. Fujinokawa resisted going over but Nishikifuji shoved him over. Oshidashi.

Shishi (4-7) defeated Asakoryu (6-5). Shishi slung Asakoryu around by his right arm and shoved him over the edge. Oshitaoshi.

Midorifuji (6-5) defeated Shonannoumi (3-8). Midorifuji got his right hand inside Shonannoumi’s left shoulder and pulled the big man forward. Katasukashi.

Chiyoshoma (7-4) defeated Kinbozan (4-7). Chiyoshoma grabbed Kinbozan’s extended left arm and swung him around and over the edge. Tottari.

Ichiyamamoto (7-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-5). Ichiyamamoto pivoted and pulled the hard-charging Kotoshoho down. Hikiotoshi.

Roga (7-4) defeated Abi (5-6). Abi charged forward but Roga slipped to the right and slapped Abi forward. Hatakikomi.

Churanoumi (6-5) defeated Daieisho (6-5). Churanoumi deflected Daieisho to the right at the tachiai and thrust him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Onokatsu (5-6) defeated Tobizaru (4-7). Onokatsu got his left hand inside and just kept up the pressure. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (7-4) defeated Tamaawshi (4-7). Atamifuji outlasted Tamawashi and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (7-4) defeated Shodai (4-7). Kirishima put his head down and forced Shodai backward. Shodai tried to shift to his right but Kirishima was wise to it and thrust Shodai over the bales. Tsukidashi.

Hiradoumi (3-8) defeated Wakatakakage (5-6). Henka! Hiradoumi shifted left at the tachiai and thrust Wakatakakage to the ground. That might be the first time I’ve seen Hiradoumi use a henka. It was very well executed. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (6-5) defeated Hakuoho (3-8). While Hakuoho fiddled around trying to get Wakamotoharu’s belt with his right hand, WMH locked on with both hands and drove Hakuoho back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Ura (6-5) defeated Takayasu (5-6). Takayasu pulled and Ura ran him through the back of the dohyo, grabbing at Takayasu’s leg. Watashikomi.

Yoshinofuji (8-3) defeated Aonishiki (9-2). Well then. Yoshinofuji blasted Aonishiki with powerful thrusts and forced him back and over the edge. You can still see Yoshinofuji can’t bear full weight of both wrestlers on his right leg but that didn’t stop him from charging forward and picking up his kachi-koshi. Tsukidashi.

Kotozakura (6-5) defeated Oshoma (3-8). Kotozakura pulled Oshoma down. Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (9-2) defeated Oho (4-7). Oho tried to twist and pull Hoshoryu to his right. Hoshoryu was having none of it and used his right hand inside to throw Oho backward. Yoritaoshi.

Takanosho (3-8) defeated Onosato (9-2). Takanosho thrust into the Yokozuna with a right hand nodowa and it seemed like Onosato’s right foot slipped as he pressed forward. Takanosho backed away and, “Timber!!” Onosato fell forward. Well, it’s not a kinboshi. Tsukiotoshi.

Wrap-up

Aonishiki will fight Oshoma tomorrow. He still needs to fight both Yokozuna and Kotozakura. I think the Association are setting him up for a fight with Kotozakura on senshuraku with Ozeki promotion on the line. He still needs two wins to reach the 33-win mark. That would mean beating Oshoma and Kotozakura or at least one of the Yokozuna. What’s certain is this loss to Yoshinofuji makes his path more difficult.

However, Onosato’s sudden two-loss streak makes the yusho race much more competitive. We now have a three-man tie at the top with Onosato, Hoshoryu, and Aonishiki at 9-2. Yoshinofuji, Tokihayate and Nishikifuji chase at 8-3.

Hoshoryu will fight Takayasu. Onosato will fight Oho. Kotozakura will fight Yoshinofuji. As I mentioned above, Aonishiki will fight Oshoma and Takanosho will fight Tamawashi. I swear Yoshinofuji’s right calf is still ailing him, making today’s win even more impressive. Watch how he has to shift his weight to the left foot as he advances because he can’t quite put all of his weight on that right side.

In the hiramaku, M6 Atamifuji will fight Tokihayate. Atamifuji is looking for kachi-koshi and the Association likely wants to put an end to Tokihayate’s role in this yusho race. Likewise, Nishikifuji moves up to fight M8 Ichiyamamoto, who’s also seeking kachi-koshi.

So, if Aonishiki cycles through the Yokozuna on Day 13-14 along with Kotozakura, there will be a massive fracas with the three leaders and hopefully one will stay on top. While Aonishiki and the Yokozuna have the yusho on the line, Kotozakura has kadoban on the line.

Kotozakura needs two more wins and at least one will have to come from one of the guys leading the yusho race. If he loses all of those bouts, he will be kadoban and that could be really good news for Aonishiki’s Ozeki run.

Well, what’s for sure is there is a lot on the line in these closing four days.

Kyushu 2025: Day Ten

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , ,

Fujiryoga is back into the lead at 9-1 has he wrapped up Hidenoumi’s arms and drove him back over the edge for the kimedashi win. Asanoyama (7-3) took down Daiseizan, who stands at 8-2. Your Day 10 videos are here. You’ll need to click on the button that says, “続き読む.”

Makuuchi Action

Oshoumi (2-8) defeated Sadanoumi (3-7). A bit of a henka here from Oshomi as he jumped left and attacked Sadanoumi from the side with tsuppari. This caught Sadanoumi off guard and forced him back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (7-3) defeated Meisei (0-1-9). Meisei didn’t have any tape but he only bore weight on his right foot. Nishikifuji was able to force him back to the bales and over. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (6-4) defeated Tokihayate (7-3). Chiyoshoma battered Tokihayate with tsuppari and drove him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (3-7) defeated Gonoyama (6-4). After the tachiai, Shonannoumi pulled. Gonoyama chased but Shonannoumi slipped to the right and Gonoyama rushed by, careening off the the dohyo. Shonannoumi finished him with a push from behind. Okuridashi.

Mitakeumi (5-5) defeated Asakoryu (6-4). Henka! Mitakeumi jumped left and grabbed Asakoryu’s belt, propelling him forward to the clay. Uwatenage.

Midorifuji (5-5) defeated Ryuden (4-6). Ryuden charged forward and blasted Midorifuji out of the ring. Gunbai Midorifuji. Mono-ii. Replay showed Ryuden may have touched down with his leg but it was judged to require a rematch. In the rematch, Midorifuji pulled and pivoted, driving Ryuden into the ground with his patented shoulder pull. It’s his first katasukashi since Osaka. Katasukashi.

Ichiyamamoto (6-4) defeated Tomokaze (3-7). Tomokaze pulled and tried a slapdown but Ichiyamamoto blasted him from the dohyo. It’s not like Tomokaze is going to pivot much with that knee but, “C’mon Chris.” You’re going to end up in the oyakata’s lap. And you know this, man. Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (4-6) defeated Fujinokawa (6-4). After the tachiai, Fujinokawa shifted left and tried to pull down Kinbozan. Kinbozan caught himself at the edge and turned around to face Fujinokawa’s follow-up. This time, Kinbozan shifted left along the bales and got behind Fujinokawa, pushing him forward into the crowd. Okuridashi.

Roga (6-4) defeated Churanoumi (5-5). Churanoumi charged forward to shove Roga out but Roga slapped him down at the edge and leapt into the air. Gunbai Churanoumi. Mono-ii. “Do it again, boyz!!” We haven’t had many mono-ii this tournament and we get two rematches today. This time, Roga pulled out the henka and Churanoumi fell forward to the ground. Sly smile from Roga as he picked up his kensho. Uwatedashinage.

Abi (5-5) defeated Shishi (3-7). Abi battered Shishi and got him turned around. Shishi tried to right himself but Abi blasted him from the dohyo. Okuridashi.

Kotoshoho (6-4) defeated Atamifuji (6-4). Kotoshoho took the fight to Atamifuji and muscled him over the edge. Migi-yotsu. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Daieisho (6-4) defeated Onokatsu (4-6). Onokatsu withstood Daieisho’s first tsuppari attack and the slapdown follow-up but Daieisho’s second volley of tsuppari sent Onokatsu back. Daieisho pursued as Onokatsu retreated and Daieisho forced Onokatsu over the edge. Yorikiri.

Shodai (4-6) defeated Tobizaru (4-6). Shodai rushed forward and quickly forced Tobizaru to the bales. Tobizaru resisted at the edge and tried to escape along the tawara. Shodai forced him down with his left arm hooked under Tobizaru’s right shoulder. Gunbai Shodai. Mono-ii. Video review showed Tobizaru falling first. Gunbai confirmed. Sukuinage.

Wakamotoharu (5-5) defeated Hiradoumi (2-8). Hiradoumi blitzed Wakamotoharu and used both hands in WMH’s face to try to shove him over. But Wakamotoharu was able to stop Hiradoumi at the tawara, wrap him up in a bear hug and steamroll through the dohyo. Hiradoumi makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (5-5) defeated Hakuoho (3-7). Hakuoho wrapped up Wakatakakage and charged forward with gaburi yotsu and forced Wakatakakage back to the bales. But Wakatakakage demonstrated overwhelming strength to counter attack, stopping Hakuoho’s progress, pivoting and turning the tables on Hakuoho. WTK drove Hakuoho over the bales. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Ura (5-5) defeated Takanosho (2-8). Ura stayed low, avoiding Takanosho’s usual attack. He sprung up into Takanosho, forcing him to the side before twisting him down. Takanosho makekoshi. Sukuinage.

Kirishima (6-4) defeated Takayasu (5-5). Takayasu thrust forward with his right hand but Kirishima avoided it and pushed Takayasu forward. Kirishima rounded to attack Takayasu but Papa Bear had taken a knee. Tsukihiza.

Aonishiki (9-1) defeated Tamawashi (4-6). Tamawashi tried to turn Aonishiki at the tachiai but Aonishiki avoided the attack. Aonishiki stayed low, drove Tamawashi’s head up with his right hand, and forced Tamawashi back and out. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (5-5) defeated Oho (4-6). Kotozakura pressed forward and shoved Oho out. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (7-3) defeated Onosato (9-1). What the what?!?! Onosato tried to pull and slap Yoshinofuji down. He pivoted at the start of the pull but from there, went straight back. Yoshinofuji just rushed forward and forced the Yokozuna out. You’ve got to continue the pivot! This straight back pull is what took out Tomokaze earlier. Kinboshi for Yoshinofuji! Congratulations! Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (8-2) defeated Oshoma (3-7). Hoshoryu started with his left hand inside. He was able to work his right hand inside to improve his grip for the morozashi. Once he had that, he twisted right and threw Oshoma to the ground. Shitatenage.

Wrap-up

WOW. We’ve got a yusho race now. Yokozuna Onosato is tied with Aonishiki at 9-1 with Yokozuna Hoshoryu one loss back at 8-2.

Frankly, Onosato’s decision to pull against Yoshinofuji was inexplicable to me. Yoshinofuji has appeared to be injured in the right calf and lost on two previous days. It seemed obvious to me that Onosato should just bull forward and push Yoshinofuji out since his opponent wouldn’t be able to bear all of that weight on that leg.

But NOO! Don’t listen to Andy! Pull. And even better, just run straight backwards and go flying off the dohyo like you’re a certain flying monkey — who shall remain nameless. Inexplicable.

Well, the Third and Final Act begins tomorrow, as Bruce would say. All of this build up over the past two weeks has led us here. Onosato will take on Takanosho. Hoshoryu will face Oho. Kotozakura will fight Oshoma. Aonishiki will get his turn against Yoshinofuji. And finally, Takayasu will fight Ura.

Meisei is already booked for the barge to Juryo and should sail deep into the division. When he appeared on the torikumi for today, I hoped he had healed and would put up a fight but that left foot does not seem ready, making his return a bit of a puzzle to me.

Hoshoryu wore his fish-fry kesho-mawashi. I suddenly desire aji-furai.

Kyushu 2025: Day Nine

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , , ,

News from the infirmary is that Maegashira 16 Meisei will fight tomorrow. He will take on Nishikifuji in his return. That means we will not have a Juryo visitor on Day Ten.

In Juryo, Hakuyozan is the first opponent to defeat Fujiryoga as he thrust the big man backward over the bales with a powerful shove. Fujiryoga falls to 8-1, tied with Daiseizan. Hatsuyama chases with two losses. Asanoyama’s winning streak ended today against Hitoshi.

The NHK videos are here. Their Day Nine page includes the Hakuyozan-Fujiryoga bout if you scroll down to the bottom. Remember, when you click the link, the videos are hidden. You have to find the little button that says, “続き読む”. Click it and the list of videos will open up. Let me know if you have any issues finding it. If you want to find any videos from past days, all of the links are located here.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (6-3) defeated Tochitaikai (Juryo 4-5). Asakoryu hit Tochitaikai at the tachiai but immediately shifted to his left and slapped Tochitaikai down. Tochitaikai had hit the ground before he knew what happened. Tsukiotoshi.

Sadanoumi (3-6) defeated Mitakeumi (4-5). Sadanoumi was able to get his favored migi-yotsu grip. This allowed him to swing Mitakeumi around, drive to the bales, and usher Mitakeumi out. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (6-3) defeated Oshoumi (1-8). Oshoumi shifted to his right at the tachiai but still took the full force of Gonoyama’s charge. Oshoumi tried a slapdown but Gonoyama adjusted well and bulldozed Oshoumi out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Tomokaze (3-6) defeated Shonannoumi (2-7). Tomokaze kept shoving Shonannoumi back. Shonannoumi tried a lumbering last-moment pull and walked himself over the bales. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (7-2) defeated Fujinokawa (6-3). Tokihayate was able to sneak that left-hand inside to join his right-hand inside. The double-inside grip, morozashi, helped him corral Fujikawa, drive him to the edge and force him over. Yorikiri.

Roga (5-4) defeated Nishikifuji (6-3). Roga held Nishikifuji’s advance as he tried to get a belt grip that never came. Nishikifuji charged forward and Roga slipped to his left and slapped Nishikifuji down. Hatakikomi.

Shishi (3-6) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-4). Chiyoshoma grabbed Shishi’s arm and tried to pull Shishi forward. But Shishi gave Chiyoshoma the lumber and drove him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (5-4) defeated Ryuden (4-5). Ichiyamamoto’s first slapdown attempt failed. He moved inside to get a belt grip but them pulled again and slapped Ryuden down. It seemed to me that he used his legit yotsu skills as a feint to sucker Ryuden for the slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Abi (4-5) defeated Kotoshoho (5-4). Abi kept up his tsuppari and eventually blasted Kotoshoho over the bales. Abi’s excellent footwork rendered Kotoshoho’s shifting and pulling strategy completely ineffective. Kotoshoho kept absorbing Abi’s thrusts with his heels along the tawara until Abi shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (5-4) defeated Tobizaru (4-5). Tobizaru tried a pull and slapdown but Churanoumi shifted right along the bales with Tobizaru to shove him over. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (4-5) defeated Kinbozan (3-6). Onokatsu kept his head down and stayed lower than Kinbozan to get the leverage he needed to win. He chugged forward and forced Kinbozan over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Atamifuji (6-3) defeated Daieisho (5-4). Atamifuji charged forward and forced Daieisho over the bales. Daieisho tried a last second shift along the bales but it was poorly timed. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (4-5) defeated Shodai (3-6). Shodai chugged forward and looked like he had Midorifuji at the edge. Midorifuji was able to grab Shodai’s right arm, shift left, and haul Shodai over the bales. A crowd-pleasing amiuchi.

Ura (4-5) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-5). Ura took a bruising from Wakamotoharu’s tsuppari but stayed in it. He eventually found an opening to grab at Wakamotoharu’s leg. That forced Wakamotoharu to pull up and move back. Ura chased and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (5-4) defeated Hakuoho (3-6). Hakuoho charged forward as Kirishima slid left along the bales. Hakuoho never established “contain” on his right. Kirishima slipped to the side again and slapped Hakuoho down over the bales. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (4-5) defeated Takayasu (5-4). Takayasu fought back admirably after Wakatakakage shifted left and drove Takayasu quickly to the bales. Takayasu resisted and charged back toward center. Takayasu tried to use his left-hand inside to haul Wakatakakage over but his center of gravity was too high and he could not get leverage. WTK continued to press forward and threw Takayasu with that right hand over-arm grip. Uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Oho (4-5) defeated Tamawashi (4-5). Steady tsuppari from both men to start this brawl. Tamawashi charged forward on the attack but Oho hit him in the shoulder and shoved him hard to the left. Tamawashi got turned and that spelled trouble. Tamawashi spun back around but now had to fight back from the bales. Oho used the opportunity to pull and slap Tamawashi down. Hatakikomi.

Aonishiki (8-1) defeated Hiradoumi (2-7). Hiradoumi spent the second half of this bout perched on one leg, somehow avoiding a fall. Aonishiki had a rock-solid left-hand inside grip. He drove face first into Hiradoumi’s trunk and forced him to fall out of the ring. Yoritaoshi.

Kotozakura (4-5) defeated Takanosho (2-7). Takanosho charged forward into a retreating Kotozakura but Kotozakura danced left along the bales and slapped Takanosho down to his right. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (7-2) defeated Yoshinofuji (6-3). Hoshoryu turned Yoshinofuji around by shifting to his right while hitting Yoshinofuji’s left shoulder. Hoshoryu came in from behind and looked to drive Yoshinofuji out. When Yoshinofuji put his legs out to brace against the tawara, Hoshoryu reversed and threw him to the ground. Okurinage.

Onosato (9-0) defeated Oshoma (3-6). Blink and you missed it as Onosato shoved Oshoma back and off the dohyo. Well, ok. I admit, two shoves. One to force him to the bales and one to send him over. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Onosato leads, Aonishiki follows with one loss. Our chase group has been whittled down to Hoshoryu and Tokihayate on two losses.

Onosato was as dominant as Oshoma was absolutely clueless. Oshoma demonstrated nothing today. If he had hoped for some tawara dancing or sukuinage, he did not show it. His decision making in this bout seemed limited to finding a spot to land. Aonishiki, on the other hand, picked up his kachi-koshi in yet another great, entertaining bout. At the moment, he’s the only one ensuring this is not a runaway yusho for Onosato.

Our sanyaku bouts tomorrow start with Takanosho against Ura, followed by Takayasu against Kirishima. Then, Aonishiki will fight Tamawashi in a headline bout. Aonishiki leads their head-to-head with two wins and no losses. An upset from the Iron Eagle would be big.

Kotozakura will fight Oho. Oho would love to play spoiler and move closer to kachi-koshi himself. Both men stand on five losses and neither have faced the Yokozuna yet. So, tomorrow’s loser will have to upset a Yokozuna in order to earn kachi-koshi. These guys are both in serious danger.

Onosato then fights Yoshinofuji in their first meeting. Yoshinofuji’s calf was taped up again today and Hoshoryu took advantage of the fact that Yoshinofuji couldn’t use that right leg. Onosato will be looking at tomorrow as an easy win, if Yoshinofuji shows up.

Finally, Hoshoryu will face Oshoma. Hoshoryu has lost twice but has looked really solid for the last several days. This is perfect timing for someone out of the blue to pull something surprising on the edge if Hoshoryu is over eager or not careful.

Kyushu 2025: Nakabi

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , , , ,

Maezumo Shinjo Introductions are on Nakabi. The new recruits don borrowed kesho mawashi and climb the dohyo together, taking turns to stand for their introduction. Asahifuji is the much-hyped Isegahama recruit on the far left, then Tenshoyama, Seki and Takeda.

Nikkan Sports is among those calling him “the strongest recruit in history.” He’s basically been living and training at Isegahama-beya for four years while waiting for Terunofuji to retire, so he’s been honing his craft for a good while. But the rubber meets the road in January. I’m calling a Day One henka loss at the hands of Mongolian compatriot, Tenshoyama.

Fujiryoga easily defeated Tohakuryu, driving him backward and out to remain undefeated. Kachi-koshi acquired, Fujiryoga knows he will be sekitori in January and has the whole week to pick up more wins to propel himself higher up the banzuke. A zensho yusho will not allow him to leapfrog everyone and move directly into Makuuchi but it will move him toward the top of Juryo.

Asanoyama defeated Fujiseiun. Six straight wins has put him in a great place at the start of week two as he tries to climb back into the top division. Fujiseiun’s hopes are still alive, too. He just needs a kachi-koshi.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Chiyoshoma (5-3) defeated Oshoumi (1-7). Henka! Oshoumi seemed to react well but Chiyoshoma stayed on the attack relentless with his slapdown attack. Eventually he dragged Oshoumi toward the bales and slapped Oshoumi down. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (6-2) defeated Sadanoumi (2-6). Nishikifuji jumped Sadanoumi in a dark alley and blasted away with tsuppari until Sadanoumi left the ring. Oshidashi.

Hatsuyama (6-2) defeated Ryuden (4-4). Hatsuyama stood Ryuden up with strong tsuppari and then pulled, slapping Ryuden down. Hatakikomi.

Tokihayate (6-2) defeated Asakoryu (5-3). Tokihayate withstood Asakoryu’s attack and dragged him over to the edge of the ring. Both men tried to topple the other but Tokihayate had better balance and position. He got behind Asakoryu, grabbed his belt and shoved him forward, over the tawara. Okuridashi.

Mitakeumi (4-4) defeated Shonannoumi (2-6). Mitakeumi pushed Shonannoumi over the bales rather easily. Oshidashi.

Tomokaze (2-6) defeated Fujinokawa (6-2). Tomokaze gave Fujinokawa a few good slaps before wrapping his hands up behind Fujinokawa’s head for a slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Gonoyama (5-3) defeated Roga (4-4). Gonoyama blasted Roga at the tachiai and drove him straight back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (3-5) defeated Shishi (2-6). Shishi was ready for Midorifuji’s katasukashi but he wasn’t paying attention when Midorifuji locked on with a left hand over arm grip. Midorifuji used that to drag Shishi down. Uwatedashinage.

Kotoshoho (5-3) defeated Churanoumi (4-4). Churanoumi pulled for a slapdown attempt but Kotoshoho pressed through it and shoved Churanoumi from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Abi (3-5) defeated Daieisho (5-3). Abi of old here. Abi blasted Daieisho and did not let Daieisho attack. Abi hit Daieisho with a nodowa and forced him back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (4-4) defeated Atamifuji (5-3). Tobizaru pulled and Atamifuji obliged, advancing toward the bales. At the edge, Tobizaru twisted to his left and used his left arm inside grip to pull Atamifuji down. Sukuinage.

Halftime

Ichiyamamoto (4-4) defeated Onokatsu (3-5). Ichiyamamoto’s “Phase One” attack overpowered Onokatsu, drove him back to the edge. Onokatsu tried to dance along the bales but clumsily touched outside of the ring with his right foot. Ichiyamamoto didn’t notice and “played to the whistle,” so even though Onokatsu let up, Ichiyamamoto continued his attack and drove him out (as he should). Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (3-5) defeated Shodai (3-5). Kinbozan hit Shodai. Shodai pivoted but Kinbozan followed to the left and drove Shodai out. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (4-4) defeated Yoshinofuji (6-2). Yoshinofuji tried to blitz Wakamotoharu but Wakamotoharu resisted at the tawara and used his hidari-yotsu to force Yoshinofuji back. Yoshinofuji pivoted and tried a kubinage but Wakamotoharu stuck with him, drove him back and slammed him over the edge. Crucial to all of this was the fact that Yoshinofuji had attacked on one foot. He cannot put full weight on his right leg and his calf was heavily taped. As a result, his right leg spent most of the bout hovering in the air above the dohyo. We will watch the wires for a kyujo notice…but it probably won’t come. Oshitaoshi.

Wakatakakage (3-5) defeated Oshoma (3-5). Wakatakakage wrapped Oshoma with a bear hug, drove him back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Takanosho (2-6) defeated Kirishima (4-4). Takanosho staggered Kirishima with a powerful thrust to the chin. With Kirishima on the back foot, Takanosho kept his attack up and thrust Kirishima out of the ring. Tsukidashi.

Takayasu (5-3) defeated Hakuoho (3-5). Takayasu hit Hakuoho with a flurry of tsuppari, driving him back and out. Tsukidashi.

Aonishiki (7-1) defeated Oho (3-5). Aonishiki demonstrated patience. He was not going to be baited into a pull or make any mistakes. Aonishiki drove Oho to the edge. As they approached the tawara, Oho pivoted but Aonishiki shifted with him so his left foot stayed firmly in the dohyo and not in danger. As Oho went out, Aonishiki grabbed at his right leg. Watashikomi.

Kotozakura (3-5) defeated Hiradoumi (2-6). Hiradoumi drove forward to the bales. As they neared the edge, Kotozakura shifted right along the tawara and brought Hiradoumi’s left shoulder up while shoving his head down. Sukuinage.

Onosato (8-0) defeated Tamawashi (4-4). Tamawashi’s fierce tsuppari attack and brutal nodowa got Onosato moving backwards. This is where Onosato gets a bit reckless with his footing. Today, though, Onosato slapped Tamawashi down as he retreated along the tawara. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (6-2) defeated Ura (3-5). Hoshoryu battered Ura and then pulled him forward. Ura stumbled by and Hoshoryu tried to push him out from behind. Ura, being Ura, did not give up at the edge and tried to escape to his left along the bales. Hoshoryu grabbed Ura’s leg and finished him off by throwing him off the dohyo. Ashitori.

Wrap-up

Today was probably the first day of the tournament where Onosato looked shakier than Hoshoryu, maybe even shakier than Kotozakura. Tamawashi was that close to picking up a Birthday kinboshi. You could tell he could taste it as he sat ringside after the bout with a thousand yard stare, contemplating what might have been.

Regardless, Onosato picked up his kachi-koshi and remains in sole possession of the lead. With Fujinokawa and Yoshinofuji losing today, Aonishiki is the only chaser with one loss. Hoshoryu leads a pack of five with two losses, joined by Yoshinofuji, Fujinokawa, Tokihayate, and Nishikifuji.

The Day Nine torikumi looks like this for our boys in sanyaku: Onosato will fight Oshoma tomorrow while Hoshoryu will take on Yoshinofuji. Takanosho will fight Kotozakura. Aonishiki will face Hiradoumi. Tamawashi will fight Oho and Takayasu will battle Wakatakakage.

Aonishiki probably has the toughest challenge here with Hiradoumi.

Meanwhile, the wife and I will take a class on how to make yuzu-kosho: the Hakuho of condiments. I’ll tell you how it goes. See you tomorrow!