Nagoya Basho 2022

Nagoya 2022 Day 6 — Highlights

Andy Leaderboard, Nagoya Basho 2022

Setting the Stage

It’s been a bit of a doozie of a tournament so far. Our Yokozuna was humbled on Day 1 and has looked vulnerable throughout. Our kadoban woe-zeki appear to be on their way to demotion. Takakeisho, our safe Ozeki is maintaining, but only that. There’s certainly no yusho push from any in sanyaku and we’re not even half-way home!

Ichinojo has been a bright spot. Undefeated coming into today’s action, he’s looked almost energetic. That’s pretty difficult for a guy his size and with his past injury issues, and having taken on Covid — twice was it? But maybe the added rest has given him a little pep in his step. Will it carry him through to his first yusho? Isn’t it too early to talk about this, Andy? Well, to be frank, I don’t know who else has shown a desire to win it.

Enough with the dour mood, Andy. This is what you wanted, right? Open competition! There’s 10 days of action ahead of us! The ring rust has been blasted away and the title is out there for everyone, except Takarafuji. It’s anybody’s race!

The Bouts

Nishikifuji versus Chiyomaru – Nishikifuji locked up Chiyomaru at the tachiai and easily escorted him back over the bales. Yorikiri. Opposite scores with Chiyomaru now at 2-4 and Nishikufuji at 4-2.

Yutakayama versus Tohakuryu – Both men unleashed tsuppari but Yutakayama’s was clearly having more impact as he moved forward. As they neared the tawara, Tohakuryu let loose with one last haymaker but the glancing blow Yutakayama wins, tsukidashi. Yutakayama improves to 4-2, while Tohakuryu falls to 2-4.

Daiamami versus Oho – Daiamami did not want to let Oho on his belt and used all of his might to shove Oho of and away. As they backed up to the edge, Daiamami slapped Oho down and picked up his first win 1-3-2. While Oho falls to 3-3.

Ichiyamamoto versus Onosho – Ichiyamamoto is an Abi clone. Here, he pushed Onosho’s head back, then pulled to try a hatakikomi. But Onosho was clearly prepared for it. He just kept his head down with his feet square under him, and allowed Ichiyamamoto to walk himself back and out. Oshidashi. Ichiyamamoto fell off the pace and is 4-2. Onosho improved to 3-3.

Tsurugisho versus Chiyoshoma – Tsurugisho wanted to make this a pushing-thrusting bout but Chiyoshoma locked on with the belt, forcing a grapple. Tsurugisho was able to use his distinct size advantage to work Chiyoshoma to the edge and out. Tsurugisho won by yorikiri and improves to 2-4. Chiyoshoma 3-3

Terutsuyoshi versus Myogiryu – Myogiryu flew out of the blocks with a false start, eager to get going. After the tachiai, Myogiryu brought his forearm squarely down on Terutsuyoshi’s head but Terutsuyoshi weathered the blow and pressed forward. However, Myogiryu did not yield. Terutsuyoshi retreated to the edge and began to shuffle around the tawara. Myogiryu shoved Terutsuyoshi clear from the surface of the dohyo. oshitaoshi Myogiryu 4-2, Terutsuyoshi 1-5.

Kotoshoho versus Midorifuji – Kotoshoho launched forward and shoved Midorifuji down but both fell together. The gunbai went to Kotoshoho but a mono-ii was called. On review, it was clear that Midorifuji touched down with his leg while Kotoshoho’s entire body was still extended and airborne. Gunbai-dori, Kotoshoho (3-3) wins by abisetaoshi, Midorifuji falls to 4-2.

Takarafuji versus Meisei – Textbook sumo here from Meisei as Takarafuji’s struggles continue. A firm tachiai, Meisei jostled for a belt grip as he kept his opponent square in front and worked his way forward. At the edge he finally got a solid grip and Takarafuji was toast. Yorikiri. Meisei improved to 4-2, Takarafuji is 2-4.

Tochinoshin versus Kotoeko – Henka! Kotoeko dodged the tachiai to avoid Tochinoshin’s grasp. Tochinoshin recovered and engaged Kotoeko, who now chose a “spin of death” defense, continuously rotating away, forcing Tochinoshin into constant pursuit. Tochinoshin finally corralled Kotoeko and cornered him at the edge. Tochinoshin drove forward with all his might but Kotoeko pivoted, and slipped from of Tochinoshin’s grasp. Kotoeko forced Tochinoshin down for the win, tsukiotoshi. Both men are 3-3.

Okinoumi versus Shimanoumi – Okinoumi pressed forward and forced Shimanoumi out. He wins by yorikiri, 3-3. Shimanoumi falls to 1-5.

Chiyotairyu versus Hokutofuji – Chiyotairyu flinched, bringing Hokutofuji off the line early for a matta. Once reset, Chiyotairyu’s powerful wrecking ball tachiai drove Hokutofuji back. Hokutofuji tried to retreat while attempting slapdown attacks, but Chiyotairyu chased him off the dohyo. Tsukidashi. Chiyotairyu’s 3-3 while Hokutofuji falls to 2-4.

Nishikigi versus Tobizaru – Nishikigi wanted a belt grip from the start and drove forward. Tobizaru was having none of the yotsu and retreated to the edge, desperate to keep Nishikigi away. Tobizaru re-engaged, drove forward, his momentum driving the pair to the edge where Tobizaru pirouetted and threw Nishikigi down first, though the pair rolled down the face of the dohyo and into the shimpan. Tobizaru wins by shitatenage. Tobizaru is 5-1.

Endo versus Sadanoumi – Sadanoumi slapped Endo down for a quick hatakikomi win. Endo had met Sadanoumi head-on and started forward with his right arm forced into Sadanoumi’s left armpit. But Sadanoumi brought both arms down hard on Endo’s head as he pulled backwards. Endo fell to the clay first. Both men are now 2-4.

Wakamotoharu versus Aoiyama – Aoiyama shoved But the Gunbai inexplicably went to Wakamotoharu, so the shimpan rose to check the video tape. Upon review, Aoiyama’s left foot had touched out first, before Wakamotoharu’s arm touched down. The result is a Wakamotoharu win by oshidashi, gunbai confirmed. Both men are 3-3.

Kotonowaka versus Takanosho – Kotonowaka secured a positional advantage, feet square in the center of the ring as both men tussled for a better hold. Takanosho retreated to the opposite edge and Kotonowaka appeared to briefly lose his balance. Kotonowaka threw Takanosho down at the edge, uwatenage. Kotonowaka improves to 4-2, Takanosho falls to 1-5.

Hoshoryu versus Abi – Abi attempted to decapitate Hoshoryu with powerful shoves right to the chin. But Hoshoryu pressed forward, and eventually shrugged off Abi’s attack. Hoshoryu drove into Abi and pushed him over the edge. Oshidashi. Hoshoryu improved to 2-4 while Abi fell to 3-3.

Wakatakakage versus Kiribayama – An exciting match, possibly match of the day. At a frenetic pace, Kiribayama thrusted and pressed forward into the Hype Machine but Wakatakakage found resistance at the edge. Wakatakakage wanted a belt grip and patiently waited for Kiribayama to settle. Seizing his chance to attack, he sprung forward, squarely shoving Kiribayama off the dohyo. Kiribayama fans may have had a claim for a mono-ii as Wakatakakage’s arm came down to catch his weight as they fell. But Kiribayama was dead first. It sure looked close but no review was called. Yoritaoshi. Both men are 3-3.

Ichinojo versus Mitakeumi – Ichinojo looks inspired. A solid tachiai. Then Ichinojo locked on to Mitakeumi’s belt and he wasn’t about to wait around for Mitakeumi to attack. Ichinojo used his strength to heft Mitakeumi over to the tawara, then followed through, forcing the Ozeki out. Yorikiri. Ichinojo remains in the lead, alone, at 6-0. Mitakeumi falls to 2-4, half way to Sekiwake.

Takakeisho versus Ura – Takakeisho’s thrusts did not appear effective but as Ura tucked down to attack, a well-timed thrust to the side pushed Ura off to the Ozeki’s left and allowed Takakeisho to get in behind and push Ura out. Okuridashi. Takakeisho improved to 4-2, Ura fell to 3-3.

Daieisho versus Shodai – The Ozeki finally showed up! He’s a week late, and possibly too late to save his rank but I hope we get more of this. Daieisho used powerful thrusts to shove Shodai back. But Shodai was the rock of Gibraltar, immovable. Shodai was also patient, waited for Daieisho to tire and then made his charge. Daieisho retreated left but Shodai pursued and guided him out. Oshidashi. Shodai improved to 2-4 while Daieisho joins seemingly half the field at 3-3.

Terunofuji versus Tamawashi – An ill-timed charge sent Tamawashi headlong off the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi. Terunofuji is 4-2, Tamawashi square at 3-3.

Nagoya 2022: Jonokuchi Match Day 3

Andy Nagoya Basho 2022

Before we get started with Day 3, we’ve got one hold-over bout to cover from Day 2. The first bout on the video is Wakaonehara, with one loss, against Ikazuchido. Ikazuchido fought a rather spirited bout but lost via cartwheel-nage. That dropped him out of the leadership group but his win today (not on the video) keeps him in the hunt for now.

Very quickly the leadership group in Jonokuchi has been narrowed to four. The second bout in the video features Toramusashi vs Takahashi. Takahashi dominated, easily forcing his opponent out. Similarly, Toshunryu’s strength intimidated Detachi so much, Detachi virtually turned and ran away.

I think the yusho will come down to a Toshunryu/Takahashi showdown. However, there are also a couple of experienced wrestlers who can play spoiler or make a dark horse run themselves. Takataisho got Jokoki sideways and powered him over the edge to remain undefeated. And lastly, Dairinzan is no slouch, spinning Wakayamanaka out into the front-row cushions.

Up in Sandanme, Kototebakari suffered the first loss of his career against Itadaki. He had claimed the Jonidan title in May and the Jonokuchi yusho in his March debut. Being forced out of the race so early this tournament is quite the surprise.

Nagoya Day 6 Preview

Bruce H Abi (阿炎), Aoiyama, Chiyomaru, Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daiamami (大奄美), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Ichiyamamoto (一山本), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshoho, Meisei, Midorifuji, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nagoya Basho 2022, Natsu Basho 2022, Nishikifuji (錦富士), Nishikigi, Oho (王鵬), Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shimanoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tsurugisho, Ura (宇良), Wakamotoharu (若元春), Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

With the dawning of day 6, we begin act 2 of the 2022 Nagoya basho. At tachiai, we divide the 15 day tournament into three 5 day “acts”, each that tends to have its own goal and tempo. 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. This is going to be a tall order this time, as so many rikishi have middling records, and we are likely to see a very broad “Darwin Funnel” put in place starting today or Saturday.

There are 4 rikishi who start day 6 with strong 4-1 records. None of them are in the named ranks. We have one rikishi / geological formation that has a perfect record, that’s the “Mongolian Behemoth” Ichinojo. Nearly everyone else is 3-2 or 2-3. So sure, pair up everyone and see just how many poor souls can be funneled toward a 7-7 score to start day 15. If nobody is going to distinguish themselves, they can all become cannon fodder for the brutal zero sum mill that is sumo at its finest.

How the schedulers are going to brew a yusho race out of this mess is a good question. While I am loving Ichinojo’s total dominance right now, I am quite certain it’s not going to last and we face grim possibilities of unlikely outcomes like a (dare I say it) “Tobizaru Yusho”. This is precisely the kind of thing that keeps me awake a night.

What We Are Watching Day 6

Nishikifuji vs Chiyomaru – Chiyomaru is already getting my vote for “back to Juryo” even though he is a long way from ending up with a kachi or make-koshi. He’s just not fighting that well, and frankly I wish there were some way to clean up the top division from all of these middling performances. I think today is an even shot against Nishikifuji. For funnel purposes, both ending the day at 3-3 would work out well.

Yutakayama vs Tohakuryu – Juryo visitor Tohakuryu comes for a top division match. A college graduate in 2019, he blazed a fast path to Juryo and has been working to claw his way higher since January of 2021. He and Yutakayama have split their two prior matches.

Daiamami vs Oho – I suspect Daiamami’s injured ankle is a ongoing problem for him. We saw him limping following his day 5 match against Azumaryu following his return from kyujo. He has a 2-1 record against Oho, but Oho is not hurt, and seems to be fighting well enough, even if his performance on the clay is nothing remarkable yet.

Ichiyamamoto vs Onosho – Up until yesterday, Ichiyamamoto was unbeaten. With his first loss, he is now one behind Ichinojo, and he gets to face Onosho, who is continuing his streak of poor sumo that was his downfall in May. I have to wonder what kind of injury Onosho is struggling with, because at Maegashira 15 he should be building a pile of white stars that would put him the yusho race from the bottom third of the banzuke. This is their first ever match.

Tsurugisho vs Chiyoshoma – Tsurugisho is clearly struggling in the early part of this basho. It’s a shame but most of these men have at least a handful of chronic injuries that sap their performance and stamina. Tsurugisho has all of the tools that should see him at least as a stable mid-level rank and file man in the top division. Instead he tends to have periods where he struggles to have much sumo power at all, and right now Nagoya is one of those periods. He’s up against Chiyoshoma day, and has a fairly even 3-4 record against hism.

Terutsuyoshi vs Myogiryu – Now that Terutsuyoshi has “broken the ice” and scored his shonichi, I would like to see him run up the win count a bit. He has a 5-2 career advantage over Myogiryu, and a Myogiryu loss today would give him a 3-3 record and nominate him for the funnel.

Kotoshoho vs Midorifuji – Another attempt to produce a 3-3 funnel score. Kotoshoho has a 4-0 record against Midorifuji, and has a 2-3 score starting day 6. So a pick up by the Kotoshoho would center him into the funnel group. The kink in the scheduler’s plans here is how well Midorifuji has been fighting this month.

Takarafuji vs Meisei – I am expecting Takarafuji to continue to struggle. Whatever has put his sumo into “low power mode” is ongoing, and while we can see days where he shows us his excellent skill and tactical thinking, the day to day grind of honbasho will be dictated by the realities of his condition. Meisei has a 6-4 career advantage, and I am not expecting Takarafuji will be able to beat Meisei today.

Tochinoshin vs Kotoeko – I am looking for Tochinoshin to finally be able to satisfy his urge to pick up his opponent and carry them around like a toddler. We all know he loves to do it, and Kotoeko is compact enough he may be able to pull if off if his knees are steady enough to provide the base for that lift. He has a 6-1 record over Kotoeko. Sky-crane ahoy!

Okinoumi vs Shimanoumi – I like that they are giving Shimanoumi a chance to catch up a bit. He has a 6-2 career record against Okinoumi, and with just 1 win to his name so far, Shimanoumi can use every white star he might be able to catch.

Chiyotairyu vs Hokutofuji – This match would usually be a must-see. But neither of these guys are fighting well right now, in fact well below their peak capabilities. I don’t think either one of them has given up their goal to be their best, but we are back to injuries again, and what problems they are working through while competing in sumo’s top division, where no quarter is given. Hokutofuji has an 8-3 career lead.

Nishikigi vs Tobizaru – Now this is fun, the schedulers have pair up the two highest ranking 4-1 rikishi to narrow the field. They have only fought once before, and it was Nishikigi who took the win. That being said, I think Tobizaru is fighting well right now. But be warned that we have seen Nishikigi go on a “magical mystery tour” of the upper reaches of the banzuke before. He can and does surprise opponents.

Endo vs Sadanoumi – On the theme of injuries – we have May’s jun-yusho holder in Sadanoumi now with a single win at the end of act 1. Maybe he was over-promoted, or more likely he picked up an injury at some point prior to the basho. If so he should be an easy mark for Endo, who could frankly use the win.

Wakamotoharu vs Aoiyama – Most of the sumo world liked how Wakamotoharu trashed Ozeki Shodai on day 5. As always, Wakamotoharu has solid fundamentals and a very sharp ring sense. He’s going to need it today, as right now Aoiyama is quite a bit more genki than his 3-2 score would indicate. If Wakamotoharu can keep his feet for the first 10 seconds, he may get a shot to win this one from “Big Dan”.

Kotonowaka vs Takanosho – Add Takanosho’s name into the “what happened to this guy” column. He has successfully defended san’yaku ranking in the past, and here is is struggling with a 1-4 record in the rank and file. I am going to assume that Kotonowaka is going to pick him off today. The question that comes to my mind – in week 2, will Kotonowaka be in what should be a very jumbled yusho hunt?

Hoshoryu vs Abi – Hoshoryu has an excellent record of shutting down Abi-zumo. With his 1-4 record, Hoshoryu could use the win, and I would like to see Abi eat some clay and join the funnel team with a 3-3 record to start the middle weekend.

Wakatakakage vs Kiribayama – I still think Wakatakakage is headed for higher rank if he can stay healthy (a big question indeed). But his Ozeki dream is now being packed up and sent out to be rebuilt from scratch. With a 2-3 record, he needs to set aside that aspiration and focus on his 8. This has happened to many of the current and past Ozeki, and it’s no big deal if he can stay healthy. Meanwhile, Kiribayama will be looking to increase his 6-3 career lead over Wakatakakage.

Ichinojo vs Mitakeumi – The Original Tadpole gets to take on The Boulder. There is trouble all over this match, from the fact that Ichinojo is probably going to push Mitakeumi closer to make-koshi and demotion from his Ozeki rank, to the concern that at some point Ichinojo will lose a few, and then how do we get any kind of yusho race? Will the whole mess boil down to 20 or so 7-7 Darwin matches on the final day, with some kind of daffy single elimination tournament to decide the yusho? I don’t have enough sake in the house for that kind of thing…

Takakeisho vs Ura – The only Ozeki who looks to be ready to hold his rank is Takakeisho. He needs to keep his arms close to his body when he is not attacking, or its grab and tug time courtesy of Ura. The job for Takakeisho is to keep Ura centered, and keep both hands delivering force without lingering near the opponent. Takakeisho enjoys an 8-3 career advantage over Ura.

Daieisho vs Shodai – Its not getting any easier for Shodai. He has a 7-12 career record against Daieisho, and given how poorly Shodai if fighting, he is likely picking up another win today. Right now I just wish Shodai could get his sumo back, this slowly falling apart a day at a time is no fun to watch.

Terunofuji vs Tamawashi – Tough subject, but it’s time to consider when Terunofuji will go kyujo. He’s got a knee card he can play at any time, and he clearly is not able to be a Yokozuna every day this July. A few days, yes, but so far only a thin majority. He has a 10-8 career record against Tamawashi, which means that Tamawashi is up to the task at taking a second consecutive kinboshi in two days from sumo’s lone Yokozuna.

Nagoya Day 5 Highlights

Bruce H Abi (阿炎), Aoiyama, Chiyomaru, Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daiamami (大奄美), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Ichiyamamoto (一山本), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshoho, Meisei, Midorifuji, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nagoya Basho 2022, Natsu Basho 2022, Nishikifuji (錦富士), Nishikigi, Oho (王鵬), Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shimanoumi, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tsurugisho, Ura (宇良), Wakamotoharu (若元春), Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

I wake up this morning to start typing up results from day 5. I go to SumoDB, and look at what I see. This is why we can’t have nice things, people! To close out act 1 of the Nagoya basho, we have one man with an unbeaten record. Ichinojo?!?

The Boulder dropped Yokozuna Terunofuji by yorikiri, but prior to that we saw Ura throw Mitakeumi, and Wakamoto-friggen-haru man handle Shodai out. I am not sure how many times I have warned you people, this is how we all end up with bald tires, too many footnotes in high school text books, and the gum disease gingivitis.

Highlight Matches

Azumaryu defeats Daiamami – Daiamami comes back from kyujo… and loses. Azumaryu tosses him down like its practice time with the Jonidan guys back at the heya. He returns to Juryo to start act 2 with a 2-3 record.

Oho defeats Onosho – Onosho had his hips lower, was pushing forward well, and it did not really matter. Oho was able to move forward and walk the junior tadpole out without too fuss today. Not sure what is damaged on Onosho, but he’s in real danger of visiting Juryo if he ends up with a deep make-koshi this July.

Nishikifuji defeats Tsurugisho – Nishikifuji looked like he wanted a belt grip in the opening moments of this match, but encountered Tsurugisho’s thrusting barrage. Switching over to oshi-zumo, Nishikifuji found the inside route to Tsurugisho’s chest open, and proceeded to land blow after blow on the bigger man, forcing him off balance and out. Nishikifuji improves to 3-2.

Myogiryu defeats Chiyomaru – Chiyomaru’s open combo was a bit soft, and he allowed Myogiryu to get both hands inside and deep onto his mawashi. From there it was three steps to the bales, and a hearty final shove to give Myogiryu a win to improve to 3-2.

Chiyoshoma defeats Ichiyamamoto – Co-leader Ichiyamamoto picks up his first loss after falling under Chiyoshoma’s face slapping barrage. To me it looks like he connected a couple of solid right hand slaps, and that’s enough to make anyone say “oww”. Chiyoshoma improves to 3-2.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Yutakayama – Terutsuyoshi gets his first win of July. He was able to get an arm inside and around Yutakayama and nearly ran him out of the ring. Yutakayama was able to stop his retreat, but Terutsuyoshi had already set up the throw, and hurled Yutakayama to the clay to end the day 1-4.

Takarafuji defeats Kotoshoho – Much as I wanted Kotoshoho to win this one, that was some masterful sumo from Takarafuji today. Excellent defensive sumo on display as he contains Kotoshoho’s attempts to get any useful hand placement, wraps up Kotoshoho, and then bodily topples him from the dohyo. A much needed win for Takarafuji, and both men are 2-3.

Midorifuji defeats Chiyotairyu – Midorifuji brings a mini-henka to the tachiai, negating Chiyotairyu’s strongest element of any match. Chiyotairyu recovers a bit and gets in some quality thrusting, but then attempts to pull Midorifuji, and that was the end of the match. Midorifuji finishes the day 4-1.

Meisei defeats Shimanoumi – Shimanoumi spent most of this match on defenses, focusing his energy from blocking Meisei from getting any kind of mawashi grip. But it was ultimately ineffective as Meisei drove him back, and if you watch / listen closely, you can see and hear Meisei’s right shoulder make contact with Shimanoumi’s jaw right before he steps out. Damn, that probably hurt. Meisei now 3-2.

Tochinoshin defeats Nishikigi – Nishikigi held ground very well in the opening moments of this match, in spite of a big hit from Tochinoshin to start. But his attempt at a grip shift cost him territory he could not afford to lose, giving Tochinoshin the advantage, and handing Nishikigi his first loss. Tochinoshin improves to 3-2.

Hokutofuji defeats Kotoeko – Hokutofuji continues his absolute dominance over Kotoeko, with a career record of 5-0 now. That right hand “handshake tachiai” to the neck does fast work and leaves Hokutofuji’s opponents with no options if he can land it, and land it he did today. Both end the day at 2-3.

Tobizaru defeats Aoiyama – While Aoiyama was playing checkers, Tobizaru was playing rugby. Aoiyama works to bat Tobizaru’s head around like a wayward lime in a margarita factory, and Tobizaru is focusing center mass and getting his hands in position. Big Dan hits the clay with a commanding crash, and Tobizaru improves to 4-1.

Okinoumi defeats Sadanoumi – Sadanoumi thought he was doing well. A solid hand / grip, moving forward smartly… yes, all is going well. Oh wait, why am I looking at the ceiling? Okinoumi’s uwatenage was buttery smooth and Sadanoumi went down like a cold beer in a hot sumo stadium. Okinoumi improves to 2-3.

Kotonowaka defeats Endo – Having run out of Ozeki to play with, Kotonowaka had to work out his sumo frustrations on Endo today. Endo had one good hit, and then decided to try and pull. Kotonowaka was happy to respond with a surge of forward pressure, driving Endo out. Kotonowaka advances to 3-2.

Kiribayama defeats Takanosho – Kiribayama picks up a rare win against Takanosho, and does it by establishing and keeping that left hand latched on to Takanosho’s mawashi. Not sure why one time Sekiwake Takanosho is struggling so much right now, but I hope is subsides. We need strong sumo from Onigiri-kun. Kiribayama improves to 3-2.

Daieisho defeats Abi – Abi provides as much Abi-zumo as anyone could ask for, but Daieisho’s armpit attack is an effective “off” switch for that nonsense. He endures the double arm neck and face thrusts, continues to lift Abi by the armpits, and when he’s back on his heels, shoves Abi out for the win. Both end day 5 at 3-2.

Wakatakakage defeats Hoshoryu – Hoshoryu’s opening gambit was to set up a left hand outside grip. It missed and opened the door for Wakatakakage to get a right hand inside. The struggle for the left caused the two to break contact, with Hoshoryu circling away, and turning his back on Wakatakakage. A strong push from behind, and Wakatakakage took the match, improving to 2-3.

Takakeisho defeats Tamawashi – At least one Ozeki racked up a win today. After a matta, Takakeisho got Tamawashi deflected to the side, and was able to position himself behind Tamawashi. A strong shove from behind and Tamawashi was out. Both are now 3-2.

Wakamotoharu defeats Shodai – Shodai got a left hand inside grip early, and I though, “oh good, some sumo might break out”. But no, he could not set his feet, square his shoulders, or take any step in converting that hand placement into winning offense. Wakamotoharu kept trying to turn Shodai, and got him on one foot and sent that off balance mess across the bales. Wakamotoharu improves to 2-3.

Ura defeats Mitakeumi – Oh, Mitakeumi, what the hell was that? We love the original Tadpole, but you can’t do that stuff when you fight Ura, and you should know that. Mitakeumi leaves his right arm away from his body after an ill-considered pulling attempt, and it’s grab and tug time. This one turns into a pride obliterating tottari, and the Ozeki gets a face full of Nagoya clay. Ura improves to 3-2.

Ichinojo defeats Terunofuji – Ichinojo’s ninth kinboshi. I am not sure where this version if Ichinojo has been hiding, but did you see that he just kept grinding forward, just kept pushing through Terunofuji’s arm lock to improve his grip. He took the Yokozuna apart a piece at a time and then won the match. It’s more evidence the Terunofuji is gamberizing through an injury, but that takes nothing away from some quite outstanding sumo today from Ichinojo. He remains unbeaten at 5-0. AND SOMEONE THREW A CUSHION! Yes, my dear readers… sumo is trying to heal and go back to normal.