Kyushu Basho

Kyushu 2024, Day 13

Andy Kyushu 2024, Kyushu Basho ,

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.

Kyushu 2024, Day 12

Andy Kyushu 2024, Kyushu Basho , , , ,

Down in Juryo, Tamashoho, Fujiseiun, Aonishiki, and Tochitaikai picked up their kachi-koshi. Aonishiki has had quite the debut! Ahead of them are Oshoumi and Kinbozan on nine wins, though Oshoumi is still kyujo and is not set to return tomorrow.

Tsurugisho leads the yusho race with ten wins and two losses. He will be tested against Hakuoho tomorrow, who will fight for his kachi-koshi. If Hakuoho earns his kachi-koshi, that might earn a possible return to Makuuchi but nine or ten wins would seal the deal. So, there is a lot on the line for both men tomorrow.

Speaking of Makuuchi returns, Kitanowaka will visit Makuuchi tomorrow to fight Shishi, with kachi-koshi and a likely return ticket on the line. You can watch today’s action via the NHK links here: Juryo Part I and Part II; Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Shimanoumi (Juryo 6-6) defeated Asakoryu (5-7). Asakoryu henka. Asakoryu’s thrusts were defeated with Shimanoumi’s pull and slapdown. Tsukiotoshi.

Ryuden (3-9) defeated Nishikifuji (4-8). Ryuden shoved Nishikifuji’s left shoulder to the side and got in behind his opponent. Ryuden then quickly grabbed Nishikifuji’s belt from behind and shoved him out. Okuridashi.

Hokutofuji (5-7) defeated Bushozan (1-7-4). Hokutofuji laid into Bushozan with thrusts about the head and shoulders. He followed up with a few headbutts that forced Bushozan back to the edge. Hokutofuji then crushed his opponent out onto his butt at the tawara. Bushozan will have wished he was back on his couch. Oshitaoshi.

Tokihayate (5-7) defeated Sadanoumi (3-9). Nice throw by Tokihayate. Tokihayate backed up and shifted to the right to gain access to Sadanoumi’s belt. Once he got a grip, he yanked hard and threw Sadanoumi to the ground. Uwatenage.

Tamawashi (7-5) defeated Shishi (3-9). Tamawashi’s tsuppari faced no counter attack from Shishi. Tamawashi plowed ahead and forced Shishi out. Shishi has joined Bushozan on the barge back to Juryo. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (8-4) defeated Midorifuji (5-7). Chiyoshoma slapped Midorifuji square in the face, grabbed Midorifuji’s right arm and pulled. He followed up with a few quick thrusts and blasted Midorifuji clear from the fighting surface, under the white tassel. Chiyoshoma got his kachi-koshi and is taking it one day at a time. Oshidashi.

Roga (5-7) defeated Onokatsu (8-4). Onokatsu’s left hand over Roga’s right hand inside. Onokatsu wanted his right hand inside but Roga did his best to keep it away. After a long grapple, Roga wore Onokatsu out and then backed Onokatsu to the tawara. Onokatsu was tuckered out and sought the bales not to be imbued with the power of rice, but as a pillow to rest. Onokatsu stepped out. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (9-3) defeated Takarafuji (7-5). Gonoyama battered Takarafuji with tsuppari and continued the assault to the edge of the ring. Takarafuji tried to escape along the tawara, and nearly completed a full lap, but Gonoyama pursued and shoved Takarafuji onto his butt under the red tassel. I’m not sure what Takarafuji’s strategy was here. Tsukitaoshi.

Shonannoumi (8-4) defeated Endo (6-6). Shonannoumi did his usual retreat but then he suddenly had an epiphany, “I can move forward!” So, he did. Shonannoumi hit Endo square in the throat and pressed forward. Endo does not like getting hit in the head and throat. He’d rather do fansa and chat with the folks in the front row. So, he did. Endo retreated to the edge and Shonannoumi blasted Endo into the front row. Tsukidashi.

Meisei (7-5) defeated Mitakeumi (6-6). Meisei grabbed the front of Mitakeumi’s belt and plowed forward. Like a bulldozer with a load of puppies, Meisei gently unloaded Mitakeumi on the other side of the tawara.

Nishikigi (4-8) defeated Ichiyamamoto (7-5). Ichiyamamoto’s thrusts were not having an impact on Nishikigi. Nishikigi put his head down and dove inside, grabbing Ichiyamamoto with a left hand inside on Ichiyamamoto’s belt. This forced Ichiyamamoto to settle into a grapple instead of his preferred brawl. Nishikigi then used his size advantage and pressed forward, forcing Ichiyamamoto out.

Halftime

Takayasu (8-4) defeated Kotoshoho (3-9). Kotoshoho and Takayasu traded tsuppari for a good while with no one gaining a clear advantage. Kotoshoho tried to get inside so Takayasu attempted a slapdown. Kotoshoho kept his footing and pressed inside, reaching in with his right hand and grabbing Takayasu’s belt. This forced Takayasu to switch to a yotsu-style. Takayasu seized Kotoshoho’s belt and the initiative as he drove Kotoshoho to the bales and out. Yorikiri.

Abi (9-3) defeated Wakatakakage (8-4). Abi-zumo overwhelmed Wakatakakage as Abi pounded away and drove Wakatakakage out. Oshidashi.

Ura (4-8) defeated Oshoma (3-9). Oshoma tried to crush Ura in the center of the ring but Ura reached in and yanked hard on the front of Oshoma’s belt. Hikiotoshi.

Oho (4-8) defeated Churanoumi (3-9). Oho was determined to use forward-moving sumo today against Churanoumi. He hit Churanoumi hard at the tachiai and pulled on Churanoumi’s left shoulder, driving to the edge of the ring. Churanoumi would not go quietly so Oho switched up his grip to get his right hand inside and continued to press forward. Both men fell over the tawara, gunbai Oho. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi.

Atamifuji (6-6) defeated Hiradoumi (1-11). Hiradoumi hit Atamifuji hard and took it to the bigger man. Atamifuji tried to push Hiradoumi down to the ground but Hiradoumi charged forward as Atamifuji retreated along the edge, trying to push Hiradoumi down. Both men crashed out. Hiradoumi looked despondent as the gunbai went to Atamifuji. No mono-ii. Forward moving sumo does not always win. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (7-6) defeated Tobizaru (6-6). Tobizaru put Wakamotoharu into a headlock. This exposed his right side and Wakamotoharu charged forward as Tobizaru tried to pull. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (6-6) defeated Takanosho (10-2). This was a nice little bar fight. Takanosho gave as good as he got but when he missed with a right hand slap, Kirishima reached behind and got a hold of Takanosho’s belt. Kirishima then shoved Takanosho from behind. Takanosho tried to keep his balance along the tawara but Kirishima followed up with a quick shove. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (11-1) defeated Shodai (4-8). Chants of “Shodai” rained down from the crowd before the bout. Shodai is from nearby Kumamoto prefecture. Shodai hit the Ozeki hard but Hoshoryu grabbed Shodai’s belt and drove forward. Shodai tried to twist Hoshoryu down at the edge and did get Hoshoryu off his belt but Hoshoryu continued to press forward with his right arm inside Shodai’s left. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (11-1) defeated Daieisho (6-6). Daieisho’s thrusts were ineffective today as Kotozakura seemed to use Daieisho’s own attack but to more powerful effect. He thrust Daieisho to the edge. Daieisho came back for more, “Thank you, Sir; May I have another?” Kotozakura obliged by throwing him into the gyoji and then blasting him a few more times before shoving Daieisho out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Onosato (8-4) defeated Takerufuji (8-4). Onosato stayed low and pressed forward, overpowering Takerufuji. Takerufuji was not going to be able to advance, so he pulled. Bad move as Onosato ran over him. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

✶: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu

✶ ✶: Takanosho

✶ ✶ ✶: Abi, Gonoyama

Takanosho has fallen from the lead group but will have his biggest test yet against Kotozakura tomorrow. Hoshoryu will fight Onosato in the first of our three Ozeki head-to-head bouts. The field has been throttled with only two competitors remaining with three losses. Kirishima will take on one of them, Gonoyama, tomorrow. The other, Abi, will face Takerufuji. We’ve still got three more thrilling days ahead!

Onosato earned his kachi-koshi today, rather quietly. He is out of yusho contention, obviously. But securing his tenth, consecutive, winning record is still a remarkable achievement given that he has never been make-koshi in his short career. He got it on Day 12, as well…not fighting for it on the final day. If he is going to get that Ozeki Kachi-Koshi, that higher ten-win mark that we fans often hold our Ozeki to, he will have to get dirt on at least one of his fellow Ozeki over the next two days. So, while he is out of the yusho race, he is certainly still a factor here. He can definitely play spoiler to his fellow Ozeki’s ambitions.

Kyushu 2024, Day Eleven

Andy Kyushu 2024, Kyushu Basho , ,

I’m up! I’m up! There was no way I’d miss today’s action. What a tournament this has been! Today will be a pivotal day in this Kyushu tournament as the yusho race heats up and focuses in on Takanosho and the pair of Ozeki, Hoshoryu and Kotozakura.

Our former leader in Juryo, Oshoumi, has had to go kyujo! What a heart-breaker. With nine wins he will be safe from demotion but that has to be a gut-wrenching decision. He seemed fine after yesterday’s bout with Tsurugisho but his left shoulder has been heavily taped. Tsurugisho took over the lead with his win over Kinbozan and Shiden moved closer to kachi-koshi with the fusen victory.

More news from the infirmary as Bushozan will re-enter the fray on Day 12, taking on Hokutofuji. So, this will be his last day on the couch, watching from the heya.

As for today’s Day Eleven coverage, the NHK has their videos here: Juryo Part I and Part II; Makuuchi Part I and Part II. Let’s get to it, shall we?

Makuuchi Action

Nishikifuji (4-7) defeated Shishi (3-8). Shishi locked in on Nishikifuji’s belt with both hands and powered his way forward. At the edge, Nishikifuji pivoted and yanked Shishi down, hard. Uwatenage.

Chiyoshoma (7-4) defeated Tokihayate (4-7). Tokihayate a little too eager…matta. Henka! Chiyoshoma jumped right and seized Tokihayate’s belt. He tried to spin Tokihayate down but had to go for the suicide crush out, throwing himself into Tokihayate so both men fell out onto the chief shimpan. Yoritaoshi.

Asakoryu (5-6) defeated Ryuden (2-9). Asakoryu reached deep inside and grabbed the back of Ryuden’s belt. He then spun Ryuden down to the ground. Shitatenage.

Ichiyamamoto (7-4) defeated Shonannoumi (7-4). Ichiyamamoto-sumo was very effective today as he shoved Shonannoumi off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Takayasu (7-4) defeated Sadanoumi (3-8). A great grapple as both men fought for left-hand inside position. Sadanoumi made a mistake of trying to switch his grip, loosening his grip for a moment and bringing his body up high. This move gave Takayasu the opening he was looking for and allowed Takayasu to charge ahead and force Sadanoumi out, over the bales. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (8-3) defeated Takerufuji (8-3). Takerufuji started with a pull at the tachiai. But Gonoyama did well to maintain his balance. When Takerufuji reached the bales, he slammed on the brakes and switched gears to Drive. Gonoyama was not making it easy for Takerufuji to reach in and grab his belt so Takerufuji charged forward. Takerufuji tried to pull again but Gonoyama pivoted and ran Takerufuji out of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Hokutofuji (4-7) defeated Roga (4-7). Hokutofuji put everything into charging ahead into Roga with his hidari-hazuoshi. Hokutofuji buried his left hand in Roga’s right armpit and drove him backward to the edge. Roga tried to get inside with his left hand but Hokutofuji’s effective ottsuke kept Roga from getting a belt grip. Hokutofuji kept churning his legs forward and shoved Roga over the bales. Thumper staves off make-koshi for another day. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (6-5) defeated Mitakeumi (6-5). Tamawashi liked Hokutofuji’s hazu-oshi attack so he grabbed Mitakeumi under the right shoulder and drove forward. Mitakeumi resisted to start but Tamawashi kept plowing ahead with his right hand around Mitakeumi’s neck. The nodowa attack left Mitakeumi disinterested in pressing forward and he backed his way out quickly. Oshidashi.

Endo (6-5) defeated Meisei (6-5). Meisei slowrolled and Endo started early. Matta. Do we think Endo will henka? Yes, we do. And we were wrong. Solid tachiai. Meisei made a mistake of pulling. He shifted to his right and tried to slap Endo down. Endo charged forward, and forced Meisei out under the red tassel.

Kotoshoho (3-8) defeated Midorifuji (5-6). Kotoshoho forced Midorifuji back with some early tsuppari. He maintained steady pressure on the Midorifuji. When Midorifuji let up to try a pull, Kotoshoho pressed Midorifuji out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Churanoumi (3-8) defeated Nishikigi (3-8). Churanoumi pulled, which was not wise. Churanoumi retreated along the tawara and had to spin around, dramatically to get away from Nishikigi. And Nishikigi forced Churanoumi out. But wait, Churanoumi won? Even I was faked out. The NHK play-by-play dude was faked out, too. We thought Nishikigi won but his left foot landed outside the bales first. Wild, and eagle-eyed call by Kandayu. Color me impressed. Isamiashi.

Onokatsu (8-3) defeated Abi (8-3). The wrong time to take a news break. JME-viewers missed the Abi/Onokatsu bout live and were treated to Onokatsu receiving his kensho at the end of the news break. On the replay, we saw that Abi tried to pull. Onokatsu was wise to it and drove Abi out.

Wakatakakage (8-3) defeated Takarafuji (7-4). Wakatakakage overpowered Takarafuji and drove him back and out once he got a morozashi. He got a great grip deep with the right hand, deep at the back of Takarafuji’s belt and put the dump truck in drive. Yorikiri.

Ura (3-8) eventually defeated Hiradoumi (1-10). Wild oshi and both men tumble out under the green tassel. Gunbai Hiradoumi. The Shimpan thought this needed a review. On video review, both died at the same time so we get bonus sumo. Torinaoshi. In the second match, Ura threw himself into Hiradoumi, landing about the same time as Hiradoumi. Gunbai Hiradoumi? Another mono-ii. Do it again, again! This time, it was without a doubt. More wild tsuppari as the two Energizer bunnies ran around the ring for the third time. Hiradoumi made a dreadful decision to pull and Ura charged forward…this time staying on his feet as he shoved Hiradoumi out. Oshitaoshi.

Oshoma (3-8) defeated Oho (3-8). My fingers are tired. Oshoma slipped to his left and slapped Oho down. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (5-6) defeated Shodai (4-7). Atamifuji hit Shodai and drove the former Ozeki back to the bales. Near defeat, Shodai waved the white flag and stepped out.

Kirishima (5-6) defeated Tobizaru (6-5). Tobizaru jumped. False start, offense. When they got going for real, Kirishima yanked on Tobizaru’s shoulder after the tachiai. Tobizaru freaked out and ran away but there was nowhere to run but toward the bales. Kirishima followed up with a shove for good measure. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (10-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (6-5). Kotozakura pressed forward and forced Wakamotoharu out. Wakamotoharu was going to use the tawara as a base to mount his defense after imbuing himself with the power of rice…but his right foot skipped right over. Kotozakura might have escaped a much more difficult challenge. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (10-1) defeated Onosato (7-4). Takanosho Henka, followed up with a brutal nodowa that forced Onosato onto the back foot…But why did you pull, Onosato? Why? Takanosho pursued well and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (10-1) defeated Daieisho (6-5). Daieisho jumped. Matta. Both men engaged in a shoving match for a bit before Hoshoryu dove inside for a hold of Daieisho’s belt. Morozashi! The double-inside grip triggered death throes from Daieisho as he swung Hoshoryu left and right. Hoshoryu kept his footing, somehow, and pressed forward. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

I called for Day Eleven to be a pivotal day in this basho and it did not disappoint. NHK coverage fumbled a bit but the action on the dohyo was excellent. The triumvirate of Hoshoryu, Kotozakura, and Takanosho have separated themselves from the field as all of the men with two losses dropped their bouts today.

Day Twelve action is a bit of an oddball from the schedulers. I’m sure they planned this before today’s action but it’s Onosato’s turn in the musubi-no-ichiban and he will fight Takerufuji. At this point, the five guys with three losses are hoping for someone to play spoiler. Shodai has filled that role before and will fight Hoshoryu. Daieisho will take on Kotozakura. After this, the Ozeki will likely be paired off over the course of the final three days with Kotozakura and Hoshoryu battling on senshuraku…if all goes well.

Takanosho is the wildcard here. He will take on Kirishima tomorrow and my guess is that he will face either Hoshoryu or Kotozakura on Day Thirteen. When they pair off the Ozeki, one will be left to fight a non-Ozeki. Takanosho’s success will basically mean he will take the slot of a sanyaku wrestler on each of the Ozeki’s fight cards, and he already won his first test with flying colors. If all three men win their bouts tomorrow, Day 13 could bring a blistering head-to-head bout of men with 11-1 records.

Further down the banzuke, Abi will fight Wakatakakage and Onokatsu will take on Roga.

Kyushu 2024, Day Ten (Abbreviated Coverage)

Andy Kyushu 2024, Kyushu Basho , ,

Abbreviated coverage today. I overslept and missed the entire first half of action (gasp!). I will have to catch up later this evening.

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

Makuuchi Action

Shonannoumi (7-3) defeated Shishi (3-7). Uwatenage.

Chiyoshoma (6-4) defeated Hokutofuji (3-7). Katasukashi.

Asakoryu (4-6) defeated Sadanoumi (3-7). Kotenage.

Takerufuji (8-2) defeated Meisei (6-4). Oshitaoshi.

Midorifuji (5-5) defeated Tokihayate (4-6). Yorikiri.

Takayasu (6-4) defeated Nishikifuji (3-7). Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (6-4) defeated Roga (4-6). Hikiotoshi.

Gonoyama (7-3) defeated Ryuden (2-8). Tsukidashi.

Tamawashi (5-5) defeated Endo (5-5). Tsukiotoshi.

Mitakeumi (6-4) defeated Takarafuji (7-3). Oshidashi.

Halftime

Takanosho (9-1) defeated Onokatsu (7-3). Onokatsu fell for it! Takanosho came out and blasted Onokatsu, holding him high with his right forearm. Takanosho then yanked him forward to the ground with his left hand. Hatakikomi.

Nishikigi (3-7) defeated Atamifuji (4-6). Atamifuji apparently wanted to grapple with Nishikigi so he let Nishikigi inside with his right hand. That was a mistake and trying to back out only made it worse. Nishikigi took control and drove Atamifuji back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (7-3) defeated Oho (3-7). Oho pulled but stopped short of the bales. He then pivoted to the center of the ring and forced Wakatakakage to the edge. He got those hips pumping and forced Wakatakakage to fall out. Gunbai Oho, but it was very close so the shimpan called a mono-ii. Video review showed both men had their feet touch outside the ring at the same time. So, they were told to fight again! In the rematch, Oho drove forward, forcing WTK back to the bales. Suddenly, at the edge Wakatakakage disappeared. When he reappeared, he was behind Oho and simply pushed him out of the ring. Okuridashi.

Abi (8-2) defeated Hiradoumi (1-9). Hiradoumi took the initiative here and blasted Abi. He drove Abi back to the edge while trapping Abi’s right arm in close to his body, eliminating Abi’s tsuppari. Abi pulled and used that right arm to grip Hiradoumi’s shoulder and pull him down. That was interesting. Katasukashi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (6-4) defeated Oshoma (2-8). Oshoma held Wakamotoharu up and then tried for a pull. The entire world saw that coming, though. Most importantly, Wakamotoharu saw it coming. So, he released Oshoma and chased him out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Shodai (4-6) defeated Ura (2-8). Shodai baited Ura into pressing forward. Once Shodai’s back was to the bales he pivoted and levered Ura’s shoulder over with his right hand to force Ura to the edge. From there, Shodai shoved Ura repeatedly until Ura tumbled into the crowd. Oshitaoshi.

Kirishima (4-6) defeated Churanoumi (2-8). Kirishima shifted at the tachiai, seized Churanoumi’s belt and yanked him forward to the ground. Uwatenage.

Daieisho (6-4) defeated Onosato (7-3). Onosato drove Daieisho to the tawara where Daieisho was imbued with the power of rice. Daieisho abandoned his usual slaps acquired a morozashi, double-inside grip. Daieisho then heaved Onosato to get the Ozeki moving backwards and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (9-1) defeated Kotoshoho (2-8). Kotoshoho started with tsuppari but Hoshoryu forced his way inside, grabbed Kotoshoho’s belt with his right hand and forced the grapple. While Kotoshoho tried to pry Hoshoryu’s hand off and keep the left hand away, Hoshoryu tried a throw. The throw failed but Hoshoryu was able to use the belt to drive Kotoshoho through the ring and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (9-1) defeated Tobizaru (6-4). Kotozakura worked his way inside against Tobizaru. Once he got the left hand grip to accompany his right-hand, Kotozakura yanked Tobizaru forward to the ground. I do not know what Tobizaru had planned there. He just seemed along for the rather unpleasant ride. Hikiotoshi.

Wrap-up.

Kotozakura, Hoshoryu and Takanosho charged forward to 9-1. All three are fighting well. Takanosho has not quite been as dominant in his bouts as the Ozeki so, I fully expect Takanosho to have difficulty keeping pace when pitted against sanyaku competition. He will get a massive test tomorrow as the schedulers suddenly feed him to Onosato.

That chase group is suddenly only two deep: Abi and Takerufuji. Takerufuji will fight Gonoyama tomorrow and Abi will face Onokatsu. The schedulers answered my question from yesterday with this bout. I am a little surprised with the move here, pulling low-rankers into Abi’s schedule so soon. But they probably want to eliminate the low-ranker title hopes, quickly. In that vein, Takarafuji will face Wakatakakage.