Welcome to the start of act 2 of the mock basho. As with any basho, act 2 is where we narrow the field to find out who has what it takes to compete for the yusho, and to start sorting the survivors from the damned. To everyone’s surprise, the man to beat right now is Miyagino rikishi, and Hakuho’s dew sweeper, Maegashira 8E Ishiura. Let that sink in – he’s the sole leader at the start of act 2. I have no illusion that this is likely to be the case into the middle weekend, so I hope he is enjoying it now.

At the other end of the spectrum, we have Terunofuji and Okinoumi. Both of them are injured, and probably incapable of Makuuchi grade sumo right now. They stay in in the hopes of picking up any wins that might lessen their upcoming demotions. For Terunofuji, anything less than a kachi-koshi likely means an immediate return to Juryo.

Day 6 Matches

Nishikigi (4-1) vs Terunofuji (0-5) – Terunofuji is still winless, and I have to wonder if he’s going to continue in the basho for much longer. Clearly he is not in fighting condition, and the sooner he accepts that he needs to get his health under control the better. Nishikigi won their only prior match.

Wakatakakage (3-2) vs Chiyomaru (1-4) – Chiyomaru needs to start scoring wins, and he has a great chance on day 6 as he is 3-0 against Wakatakakage.

Takayasu (4-1) vs Kotoeko (2-3) – I checked and checked, and believe it or not, this is the first time that Takayasu has fought Kotoeko. The former Ozeki has been a pleasant surprise this basho, and I hope he continues to put together winning days.

Sadanoumi (3-2) vs Kotoshogiku (4-1) – Another former Ozeki with a 4-1 record, who is surprising me with his strength. Maybe the long period without training matches helped these injured rikishi get their bodies into better condition. He and Sadanoumi are evenly matched at 5-4 over their career. I am expecting Sadanoumi to get the better at the tachiai, but for Kotoshogiku to have the advantage if the match goes longer than 20 seconds.

Kotoyuki (3-2) vs Shohozan (2-3) – I expect a lot of hitting in this match, in fact I think Shohozan is far below his per-basho quota of blows to his opponents upper body. Speaking of quota, only one jog into the zabuton so far for Kotoyuki….

Shimanoumi (4-1) vs Kotonowaka (2-3) – Kotonowaka is struggling a bit at his highest ever rank, and he’s going against hot-streak Shimanoumi, who has only lost to Tamawashi on day 5. Kotonowaka won their only prior match, which was a fairly low energy affair – a far cry from the kind of sumo Shimanoumi has been executing this tournament.

Kotoshoho (2-3) vs Tochinoshin (1-4) – I really get uncomfortable watching Tochinoshin struggle, but at least he has a win. They have no prior matches, but I am going to guess that once again that the former Ozeki’s lower body is going to prevent him from being much more than training ballast for the shin-maku rikishi.

Tamawashi (2-3) vs Kaisei (2-3) – The two have 19 career matches, with Tamawashi holding a thin 10-9 lead. Kaisei has been even less mobile than usual, and this plays to Tamawashi’s strengths. But then again Tamawashi has only been operating at about 70% of the power he could muster even a year ago.

Myogiryu (2-3) vs Ikioi (1-4) – Sure Ikioi is in the hole 1-4 going into day 6, but this guy simply never quits. I fully expect he is going to finish the basho fairly close to kachi-koshi. But today may not be his day, as Myogiryu seems to be less banged up, and holds a 7-5 career advantage.

Chiyotairyu (3-2) vs Tokushoryu (4-1) – Tokushoryu seems to have found a comfortable rank for himself, and it’s about 4 rungs higher on the banzuke than I thought it would be. I expect him to give Chiyotairyu a tough match, in spite of the 7-4 career advantage for Chiyotairyu.

Abi (3-2) vs Ishiura (5-0) – When someone asks, “what is the part of this basho that makes you scratch your head” – who would not reply “Ishiura as the sole leader going into day 6!”. Undefeated Ishiura. With only one henka. Doing genki sumo. And winning. A lot. Pass the sake, please! Ok, today he’s got Abi, and I have to figure that now that Abi sumo is dialed in, he is going to use that incredible reach to push him around the dohyo. But hey, maybe Ishiura has cracked the Abi-zumo puzzle too, he has a 5-3 career advantage over Abi.

Ryuden (2-3) vs Hokutofuji (2-3) – Both men are vying for my award of the “Most Powerful Make-Koshi” prize and day 15. Rather than prize money it comes with a mop bucket full of dirty water from cleaning up the kitchen. Battle on guys – one of you could take the whole thing home.

Kagayaki (4-1) vs Terutsuyoshi (2-3) – Dare I hope that Maegashira 4 Kagayaki finally has a good balance in his sumo, and can become a joi-jin mainstay? He may pick up win #5 today, as Terutsuyoshi has only beaten him once.

Enho (1-4) vs Aoiyama (3-2) – An injured Enho makes the world sad. An injured Enho being slapped around by a giant man the size of a mountain makes the world very sad. All of nature weeps that Enho is going to take one of Aoiyama’s meaty hands to the face. I would say that he stands a good chance of delivering one his patented crotch based attacks, but I get the feeling he is in no condition for such gymnastics.

Yutakayama (1-4) vs Okinoumi (0-5) – Also on the injury list is Okinoumi, as that’s the only way I can explain his 0-5 score at the end of act 1. He has the moves, but he just does not have the power. If Yutakayama beats him today, it will be the first time ever.

Shodai (3-2) vs Takanosho (4-1) – Can Shodai’s sumo put another speed bump in Takanosho’s outstanding run? If we hope to see Shodai evolve into a San’yaku regular, he needs to become expert at playing the spoiler. He has won 2 of their 3 former matches, but this version of Takanosho is not bound by such history. Keep mobile today, Shodai!

Endo (1-4) vs Mitakeumi (4-1) – Endo’s sumo mechanics still seem sound, but I am guessing his fighting spirt is not in the battle right now. Was it the Hakuho match? Some minor injury we don’t know about? Its tough to see him at 1-4, and struggling. I fear Mitakeumi is going to turn him into mush today.

Takakeisho (2-3) vs Daieisho (3-2) – I am really starting to worry that Takakeisho won’t clear kadoban this tournament, and we will be back 1 Ozeki again. I think the crux of his problems are injuries that are not healed before he returns to action, and he is not wearing his increased mass well. He has put on a lot of bulk since he became Ozeki, and I suspect it’s limiting his sumo quite a bit.

Kiribayama (2-3) vs Asanoyama (3-2) – First time meeting for the shin-Ozeki, who is not looking dominant at all this tournament. It’s sad when a freshly minted Ozeki struggles, but it is surprisingly common. If Asanoyama can land his grip early, he can pick up his 4th win.

Hakuho (4-1) vs Takarafuji (2-3) – With a 14-2 career record, there is zero reason for Hakuho to do anything more than quickly deliver his traditional Uwatenage against Mr “Defend and Extend”. I worry that if he plays around, he may find himself surprised.

Onosho (2-3) vs Kakuryu (3-2) – With two losses already in the first week (where the Yokozuna have the “easy” schedule), Kakuryu needs to be careful here. He can probably count on Onosho to have his traditional balance issues, but a 3rd loss and we may hear the noises from the Japanese sumo press start once more that it’s time for him to step down.

Welcome to the end of act 1 of our mock basho. Act one exists to knock the ring rust off of the competitors, and to figure out who is hot and who is not. I can say with some confidence that this has been accomplished, though the process can make one scratch their head. But the biggest head scratcher may be that at the end of the first 5 days, the sole undefeated rikishi is Ishiura (5-0). In fact, this may be the best fighting form for Ishiura since his debut basho, and while I don’t expect him to hoist the cup on senshuraku, it’s great to see a rikishi who had been the butt end of a lot of comments on poor form fighting and winning with strength, skill and the occasional “did you see that?” moment.

But day 5 was filled to overflowing with crazy. Both Yokozuna and one Ozeki lost. There was a veritable flock of mono-ii, and the accompanying Shimpan parades. I would say that the gyoji may be rusty as well at this point, as frankly there should not be this many calls discussed or reversed.

Highlight Matches

Nishikigi (4-1) defeats Chiyomaru (1-4) Oshidashi – I am beginning to wonder if its a return to Cinderella mode for Nishikigi as he starts the basho with 4-1, today taking out the bulbous Chiyomaru who is definitely struggling. Nishikigi went low at the tachiai, hoping to miraculously get some manner of grip around Chiyomaru’s belly, while Chiyomaru went high delivering a right forearm to to Nishikigi’s face. As Nishikigi fumbled for a grip, Chiyomaru went to work on Nishikigi’s face and shoulders. But Nishikigi had the sumo sense to turn Chiyomaru, and in spite of blasting away at Nishikigi’s face, Chiyomaru found himself perilously close to the tawara. A pair of thrusts to the lower chest later, Nishikigi had Chiyomaru out.

Kotoshogiku (4-1) defeats Terunofuji (0-5) Oshidashi – A pair of former Ozeki square off on the lower half of the torikumi (this will happen several times this basho), and neither one of them looked strong. Terunofuji’s tachiai was weak, and he led with his right shoulder, and attempted to shift during the initial clash. Grabbing Kotoshogiku’s left arm, he pulled strongly sending Kotoshogiku skidding off balance, but in the process, Kotoshogiku found a left hand grip. Charging forward, Kotoshogiku brought his right hand to Terunofuji’s chest and pushed with the force of a hop behind it, sending Terunofuji reeling. A follow up double hand thrust finished Terunofuji, who landed near the salt basket. It’s heartbreaking to exit the first 5 days and see Terunofuji winless.

Kotonowaka (2-3) defeats Wakatakakage (3-2) Hikiotoshi – Wakatakakage got the better of the tachiai, making 2 hand contact with Kotonowaka’s shoulders before Kotonowaka could even finish coming off the shikiri-sen. Thrusting upward, he rocked Kotonowaka and up, Kotonowaka’s back bending in an attempt to keep his feet planted. In a brilliant move, Kotonowaka thrust towards Wakatakakage’s head, and then dropped his hands, disrupting the follow on thrust that Wakatakakage already had in motion, and forcing him forward, initiating a fall. With lightning speed Kotonowaka’s hands swept up and guided Wakatakakage to the clay. Brilliant sumo.

Takayasu (4-1) defeats Kotoyuki (3-2) Uwatedashinage – After finishing act one 4-1, I am going to declare Takayasu genki and dangerous. He’s big, strong and when he’s healthy he has Ozeki class sumo. All of the fading stars and young hopefuls at the bottom of the banzuke are in for a series of dirty, painful matches. Today it was a resurgent Kotoyuki on the receiving end of Takayasu’s sumo. Kotoyuki powered in strongly at the tachiai, but may have been surprised to find rather than Takayasu’s traditional shoulder blast, it was a deep left hand reach around, grabbing the back of his mawashi. At that moment it was pretty clear that Kotoyuki knew what was coming, as mid-charge you can see him work to change his stance. Takayasu’s right hand pulled down as his left arm pulled in, launching Kotoyuki into the zabuton.

Shohozan (2-3) defeats Kotoeko (2-3) Uwatedashinage – Kotoeko was too high at the tachiai, and rather than go for a Oshi-battle, Shohozan took a right hand to Kotoeko’s face while he reached for a left hand inside grip. As Kotoeko ramped up the forward pressure, Shohozan consolidated his grip, then released his left hand, pulling with his right. Suddenly unbalanced, both went skidding to the clay, with Kotoeko’s knee touching first. A mono-ii (first of many) reviewed the footage and confirmed Shohozan as the winner.

Kotoshoho (2-3) defeats Sadanoumi (3-2) Hatakikomi – Sadanoumi executed a bit of a delayed tachiai today, and allowed Kotoshoho inside. The two traded thrusts, with Sadanoumi circling away, but found Kotoshoho standing him up, and in a flash pulling him down. Not a fan of pulling moves, but Kotoshoho sold this one today.

Ikioi (1-4) defeats Tochinoshin (1-4) Yorikiri – I think most fans are happy that Ikioi has finally gotten his first win, but quite a few wish it had not been at Tochinoshin’s expense. Both men crashed like thunder at the tachiai, but neither had any grip, nor any offensive position to work from. Clashing again, Tochinoshin attacked Ikioi’s neck while Ikioi reached for a left hand outside grip. In a heartbeat, both rikishi settled into left hand outside grips. Tochinoshin set his feet, and you could see him getting ready to lift, but as he flexed it was clear he did not have the strength to make it work. Ikioi rallied and drove forward against the unbalanced former Ozeki, taking him across the bales. Glad to see Ikioi overcome whatever is happening with that right arm and deliver a win.

Tamawashi (2-3) defeats Shimanoumi (4-1) Oshidashi – Tamawashi was higher and faster at the tachiai, and went immediately into his high power oshi-battle mode. Shimanoumi could do little at first other than absorb repeated blows to his face and shoulders, forcing him to twist about and putting him dangerously off balance. Tamawashi lunged in for the win, sending Shimanoumi staggering across the bales. Shimanoumi picks up his first loss and probably one prize of a headache to boot.

Chiyotairyu (3-2) defeats Myogiryu (2-3) Yorikiri – Chiyotairyu seems to be clear of his ring rust, and into fighting form. Expecting a thrusting battle, Myogiryu worked hard to get off the line first, and get inside. He got his wish, but found Chiyotairyu’s hands on his mawashi, and his enormous bulk pushing forward before Myogiryu could set his feet. It was a short quickstep back and out for Myogiryu, who picks up his third loss.

Ishiura (5-0) defeats Kaisei (2-3) Shitatehineri – Fans are going to complain about this, and it’s pretty clear that the Shimpan were out to lunch during this series of matches. Match 1 – Ishiura got inside but could not compensate for Kaisei’s size and power. A quick rally as Kaisei moved to finish him left them both on the clay together. To my eye it was clear that Ishiura’s gambit worked, and the gyoji thought so too. But the Shimpan wanted to review it, decided it was too close to call, and ordered a rematch. So they fight again, and for a second time it was pretty much all Kaisei, but Ishiura was doing his best Enho impression, pulling Kaisei’s arm and ducking in any chance he could find. With Ishiura latched firmly onto Kaisei’s belt and his head buried deep in the big man’s belly, they both lost balance and stepped over the bales. What do we get? Sure, another black robe huddle at the shikiri-sen, but this time the gumbai was overruled and the win went to Ishiura. Congrats on the 5-0 start, but it was a messy finish.

Tokushoryu (4-1) defeats Hokutofuji (2-3) Hatakikomi – Hokutofuji blasts into the tachiai just to find Tokushoryu giving ground and pulling him down before he could take a second step. I think Hokutofuji was airborne for a moment. You have to watch those willy oldsters, Hokutofuji.

Abi (3-2) defeats Terutsuyoshi (2-3) Oshidashi – It looks like Abi’s ring rust is sanded down and Abi-zumo is back on the menu, but once again it was chaos in the judges ranks. The first match featured Terutsuyoshi putting Abi flat on his back, but maybe dropping a hand a split second before Abi hit the ground. But of course a mono-ii was called and again they decided to have them fight again. This time it was solid Abi-zumo with blistering combination double arm thrusts that left Terutsuyoshi completely disrupted.

Aoiyama (3-2) defeats Ryuden (2-3) Oshidashi – Good to see Big Dan’s V-Twin running well today, he took Ryuden apart and sent him staggering across the bales. Ryuden got in a few solid hits, but with that much body, it’s tough to muster enough force to make the man-mountain move. Combo moves from Aoiyama? Check! Brutal blow to the face? Check! The only think missing were the fans in the seats to gasp as Big Dan poured it on.

Kagayaki (4-1) defeats Enho (1-4) Yoritaoshi – I am even more sure that Enho has some kind of injury going on. As much as I like Kagayaki, he should have had this match. Or maybe everyone has figured out Enho’s sumo and know what to do with him. Enho was able to execute his low tachiai, and ducked underneath Kagayaki’s arms, and completely disrupted whatever Kagayaki had in mind. While he was struggling to control and contain Enho, Kagayaki kept moving forward. Getting a hold of Enho’s mawashi, a failed Enho leg pick saw them both land in a heap. The win went to Kagayaki, and in addition to the loss, Enho had an unfortunate close encounter with Kagayaki’s crotch at the finish.

Takanosho (4-1) defeats Daieisho (3-2) Yorikiri – Red-hot Takanosho continues to tear apart the upper ranks, bouncing back from his day 4 loss to Hakuho. At the tachiai, Daieisho went for center mass and Takanosho attacked Daieisho’s neck. Lifting Daieisho up, Takanosho was able to get a right hand inside on Daieisho, shutting down Daieisho’s mobility. Daieisho moved to break Takanosho’s grip, but in that split second where his weight was not planted over his feet, Takanosho rushed forward, and Daieisho’s left foot crossed the bales. The nearly split second precision of that rush was a thing of beauty. This guy is going to be trouble if he can stay healthy.

Mitakeumi (4-1) defeats Yutakayama (1-4) Oshidashi – While I am really pulling for Yutakayama getting at least kachi-koshi this tournament, Mitakeumi is not messing around. Mitakeumi’s thrust from below blast at the tachiai staggered Yutakayama back, and just like that Mitakeumi had the inside position. As Yutakayama worked to gain any sort of offensive advantage, Mitakeumi delivered blow after blow to Yutakayama’s chest and neck. He caught a lucky break and established a neck hold against Mitakeumi with his right hand. The two broke contact twice, each time lunging back to battle like wild me fighting over a pretty girl. But Mitakeumi wore Yutakayama down, and in the end tossed him across the west side tawara. We will be watching for any week 2 fade from Mitakeumi, but he looks as strong and focused as he has ever been.

Shodai (3-2) defeats Endo (1-4) Yoritaoshi – Points to Shodai for completely disrupting all of Endo’s battle plans and shutting down any offense. This soft of chaotic “what the hell is he doing?” kind of sumo is what I label “Shodai’s cartoon sumo”, and it seems just as baffling to Endo as it is to me. Shodai has been training with Kakuryu, and I think that reactive sumo is starting to kick in. Rather than try to win, it looks like Shodai put everything into misdirecting every attempt Endo made to get any kind of grip. Endo, being a master technician was ready for Shodai to go on offense and exploit any opening that might arise. But it seems that Shodai was patiently letting the match ramble on and confounding Endo. Yes, Shodai eventually had a tentative left hand grip on Endo, but all of his energy was still going to stalemating Endo’s attempt to gain advantage. As Endo became frustrated and fumbled for what to do next, Shodai’s right hand swung in and gripped, and in an instant Shodai lifted Endo and marched forward. Endo had his heels on the tawara as Shodai powered forward, and they fell together with Endo landing first. Interesting sumo you used there, Shodai..

Asanoyama (3-2) defeats Okinoumi (0-5) Oshidashi – Okinoumi can’t seem to buy a win. I know he has a chronic lower pelvic injury that flares up from time to time (and can only be resolved surgically), so maybe this is what took all of his energy away. It was an even enough tachiai, but Okinoumi just could not ramp up the forward pressure, and in no time Asanoyama had that right hand inside grip. I suspect the other rikishi know he is fighting hurt, as Asanoyama was fairly gentle with him once it was clear he was going to win.

Kiribayama (2-3) defeats Takakeisho (2-3) Uwatenage – Kadoban Ozeki Takakeisho is getting into real trouble now, as he drops a match he should have won. The kryptonite of course is when an opponent can get a hold of Takakeisho’s belt, there is little he can do to defend or attack. When they locked up, Takakeisho had a double inside grip, but just could not do anything with it save attempt to continue thrusting as Kiribayama loaded the throw.

Takarafuji (2-3) defeats Kakuryu (3-2) Oshidashi – I guess when you put two rikishi who love to defend and extend together you get this kind of mess. It was a drawn out complex dance where after the initial tachiai, neither rikishi wanted to commit to an offensive strategy. The balance of the match see-sawed back and forth, and it was Kakuryu who ran out of patience first. Moving back to pull Takarafuji down was a critical mistake. Not only because he has no neck to pull on, Takarafuji had to know the Kakuryu was going to do this at some point. He launched forward and blasted the Yokozuna out of the ring. Kinboshi #4 for Takarafuji.

Onosho (2-3) defeats Hakuho (4-1) Oshidashi – In a rematch of the March bout where Onosho picked up a kinboshi, I expected Hakuho to put him away at the tachiai. But it was at the tachiai where things started to go wrong. Hakuho’s was off tempo, and his tradition harite missed its mark, and that seemed to throw off his plan. Onosho was aim was true and he crashed head first into Hakuho’s face. Off balance and suddenly defensive, Hakuho double arm pushed Onosho back and to the left, but Onosho was ready and attacked again before the Yokozuna could set his feet and shift to offense. Again the Yokozuna tried to clear Onosho out and set his stance, but Onosho’s recovery and return attack where flawless. A poor foot placement by the Yokozuna gave Onosho the opening to lunge forward, sending Hakuho staggering back. One great push with both hands that sent Onosho to the clay but not before it sent Hakuho sailing off the dohyo, giving Onosho his 3rd kinboshi, and his second consecutive win over Hakuho.

Courtesy of Grand Sumo Breakdown and Tachiai – Day 6 matches for our mock Natsu basho