Terunofuji is out. So the big news, and the big concern, comes once again from the sidelines. We hope Terunofuji is able to use the rest to come back strong next tournament. In the back of our minds, however, we do wonder when it will be time to retire. It would be crazy if he retires and we have two kadoban Ozeki in September. However, if we’ve got 5 Ozeki waiting in the wings, maybe it would be time? Let’s not dwell on this too long. There is a full slate of action on the dohyo tonight and hopefully the news for tomorrow is generated there.

Highlights

Aoiyama (2-2) defeated Endo (3-1): It was very weird to have this bout as the first Makuuchi bout of the night. The allure of Endo’s kensho is strong. Aoiyama executed his sumo well but Endo nearly escaped with his own tawara dance. The gunbai went to Endo but his toe touched out before Aoiyama did. Oshidashi.

Hakuoho (3-1) defeated Bushozan (1-3): Bushozan pressed forward at the tachiai but couldn’t drive Hakuoho out. Hakuoho secured an over-arm grip with the right arm on Bushozan’s mawashi and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takarafuji (3-1) defeated Daishoho (0-4): Daishoho had a splash of gas in the tank for a strong tachiai but any attack sputtered to a halt. Takarafuji took complete control and drove him out and over the bales…despite not being 100% on that left leg and mostly of the driving power seemed to be generated from the right. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (4-0) defeated Ryuden (0-4): Ryuden used up his splash of gas on a matta. Gonoyama bashed him repeatedly as he blasted Ryuden out of the ring. Tsukidashi.

Shonannoumi (3-1) defeated Kotoshoho (1-3): Kotoshoho was doing well, pressuring Shonannoumi and moving forward but he slipped with the right foot. Shonannoumi pounced and pushed him out, oshidashi.

Kotoeko (3-1) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-2): While Kotoeko tussled for an inside grip, he was able to pressure Chiyoshoma and press forward. He had an inside grip with the right and was trying to secure a morozashi when he cornered Chiyoshoma at the tawara. Here, he just opted for the overarm grip with the left so he could pick Chiyoshoma up and plop him back down outside the ring. Kotoeko tiny but Kotoeko stronk. Yorikiri.

Tsurugisho (1-3) defeated Kinbozan (2-2): Tsurugisho locked on to Kinbozan’s mawashi at the tachiai and swung Kinbozan around and down. Uwatenage. That was fast. Where in the hell did that come from? That was beautiful, actually. Kinbozan’s no shrimp. He’s one of the big guys in the division according to the Kyodai’s data. Tsurugisho does weigh 13kg more but at 181kg, Kinbozan is not only heavier than most of the guys in Makuuchi, he’s in the top quintile.

Hokutofuji (3-1) defeated Myogiryu (1-3): Effective ottsuke from Hokutofuji on the left and on the right prevented Myogiryu from coming inside and securing a belt grip. At the same time, Hokutofuji battered Myogiryu with tsuppari and forced him down. Hatakikomi.

Takayasu (4-0) defeated Takanosho (0-4): The frustration and disappointment was visible on Takanosho after such a great effort. Misdirection wasn’t working early for either man so they settled in a grapple at the middle of the ring and put their minds together to rethink their strategies. Takayasu must have had a eureka moment as he pounced, and with his hand on the back of Takanosho’s head, thrust him down for the win. Hatakikomi.

Tamawashi (3-1) defeated Nishikifuji (3-1): The scoreline points to a yorikiri win and suggests a yotsu battle, but this was a patented Tamawashi oshi bout. He harassed Nishikifuji with tsuppari and battered him, chasing him around the ring. At the edge, the decisive moment he went in and grabbed Nishikifuji’s belt and shoved him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Oho (2-2) defeated Sadanoumi (1-3): The youngster battered Sadanoumi with effective tsuppari, several slaps landing right on Sadanoumi’s face. Tsukidashi.

Hokuseiho (2-2) defeated Hiradoumi (2-2): Hokuseiho dwarfed Hiradoumi by a good 27cm. Inspite of that, Hiradoumi tried his best to disrupt Hokuseiho’s planned attack, shrugging off Hokuseiho’s first few attempts to latch onto the belt. But he wanted to lock in with his own belt grip and eventually relented. That meant it was really a matter of time before the giant Hokuseiho wore him down and forced him out. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (3-1) defeated Onosho (1-3): It looked like Onosho had just managed to go on the offensive and shrugged off Asanoyama’s right arm, locked in, and charged forward. But Asanoyama quickly pulled his right arm back inside Onosho’s left arm and twisted with all his might, swinging Onosho to the dohyo. Sukuinage.

Ura (2-2) defeated Meisei (2-2): Meisei could not contain Ura. While Ura retreated, he pressed down on Meisei, forcing Meisei to stop and try to regain his balance. Ura came back for another attack, this time shoving him out of the ring. Oshidashi. I would compare this 1-2 attack as something akin to a shark. Ura took his bite from the side, and then squared up and came back to finish him off. It’s a little weird to think of Ura that way since he’s often on the retreat for most of the bout, as was the case this time. I may need a better analogy. But for now, he’s a shark.

Abi (3-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-3): Abi-zumo. Disruptive tsuppari, he didn’t allow Tobizaru to launch any attack. The decisive moment was a powerful shove from the side that got Tobizaru off-balance, then once the momentum was headed to the edge, he followed up with finishing attack to shove him out. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (3-1) defeated Midorifuji (0-4): A well-timed slapdown from Wakamotoharu here. Rather than the usual retreating slapdowns, this was executed as Midorifuji drove forward to attack from the edge. Wakamotoharu stood his ground and shoved down from above Midorifuji’s outstretched body. Hatakikomi.

Nishikigi (4-0) defeated Daieisho (3-1): マジ This was an Ura-like escape from Nishikigi. Daieisho launched out from the tachiai with purpose but Nishikigi weathered the blows and shifted to the left. As Daieisho drove forward, Nishikigi attacked from the side and Daieisho went down on one knee. Hikkake. What bizarre world have I fallen into? Day 4 and this horse race is led by Nishikigi, Takayasu, and Gonoyama? Wild!

Shodai (2-2) fusen over Terunofuji (1-3)

Hoshoryu (3-1) defeated Mitakeumi (0-4): Mitakeumi did not go quietly into that good night. I loved the effort, but he is hurt. Hoshoryu advanced and pressed Mitakeumi back to the tawara and, eventually, out.

Kirishima (1-1-2) defeated Kotonowaka (2-2): Solid sumo from the Ozeki. When the Ozeki engaged with a belt grip, Kotonowaka twisted, violently. Kirishima released and shoved Kotonowaka out from behind. Okuridashi.

A quick and dirty preview tonight because I’m late. My apologies. I’m expecting Terunofuji to go kyujo but we shall see.

Torikumi

Endo (3-0) vs Aoiyama (1-2): Endo has looked pretty good so far this tournament. He faced a much bigger opponent last night and opted for a henka. I don’t think he’ll do that against Aoiyama and I think this will be his biggest challenge so far. Aoiyama can definitely pummel Endo and often seems extra eager for the boost in kensho.

Hakuoho (2-1) vs Bushozan (1-2): Hakuoho suffered his first setback yesterday, exposing the idea that disrupting his preferred method of sumo might be a good way to win. I think he will be too much for Bushozan, though.

Daishoho (0-3) vs Takarafuji (2-1): Daishoho has not been able to generate much offensive power so far this tournament. Takarafuji appeared to handle Hakuoho with relative ease.

Gonoyama (3-0) vs Ryuden (0-3): Ryuden has looked dreadful this tournament. He’ll have to pull something special to beat Gonoyama. Henka, anyone?

Shonannoumi (2-1) vs Kotoshoho (1-2): This is an interesting, first time match-up. Shonannoumi is a big dude and has had a pretty good start while Kotoshoho has looked shaky. I’m expecting the newer newcomer to prevail.

Kotoeko (2-1) vs Chiyoshoma (2-1): Highlight bout. Something interesting will happen here. Of twenty bouts, Kotoeko has won 13. Chiyoshoma is wily and can be a brawler. Should be fun, this one.

Kinbozan (2-1) vs Tsurugisho (0-3): I’m pretty late to get this preview up, so I’m half expecting Tsurugisho to already go Tsurugi-kyujo.

Myogiryu (1-2) vs Hokutofuji (2-1): Myogiryu will get a hold of Hokutofuji’s belt and tame the Hakkaku-beya buckaroo.

Takayasu (3-0) vs Takanosho (0-3): Takayasu is playing for keeps. Should be a quick one. No mistakes, Papayasu. No mistakes.

Nishikifuji (3-0) vs Tamawashi (2-1): Tamawashi’s sumo has lacked a bit of the excitement of the past. I’ve been expecting dynamic brawls and I get sad pulls. Maybe that’s just been his game and I finally see it?

Sadanoumi (1-2) vs Oho (1-2): I was finally right about Sadanoumi! Yeah, he’ll win this one, too!

Hiradoumi (1-2) vs Hokuseiho (1-2): It’s really interesting to see Sadanoumi and Hiradoumi fighting back-to-back, with identical records, and against the highly touted upstart proteges, Oho and Hokuseiho. I want to see more of Hiradoumi’s energetic attack. Hokuseiho will not be able to contain him as Asanoyama did.

Asanoyama (2-1) vs Onosho (1-2): This should be a straight-forward win for Asanoyama. He can’t drop these.

Ura (1-2) vs Meisei (2-1): We finally got Ura-zumo last night. Meisei fell to Earth by virtue of Abi’s tawara tight-rope walk. Keep Ura in front of you, Meisei. Don’t let him sneak out the side and get around you.

Sanyaku

Tobizaru (1-2) vs Abi (2-1): If Daieisho, I mean, Tobizaru has been able to catch his breath from last night, he’ll put up a great fight against Abi. As always, it has the potential to be a fun one…or a fast one.

Midorifuji (0-3) vs Wakamotoharu (2-1): Midorifuji is taking a pummeling but Wakamotoharu showed his first crack last night. Can Wakamotoharu keep this run together?

Nishikigi (3-0) vs Daieisho (3-0): Bout of the night right here. What? You were expecting me to say Terunofuji vs Shodai?

Hoshoryu (2-1) vs Mitakeumi (0-3): I had hopes Mitakeumi was healthy but I’m very suspicious of that left thigh. Hoshoryu will get back on course with an easy win here.

Kotonowaka (2-1) vs Kirishima (0-1-2): Our Shin-Ozeki is back! Probably just in time for the Yokozuna to drop out. I’m just waiting for the phone call to make it official.

Terunofuji (1-2) vs Shodai (1-2): If Terunofuji competes tonight, it’s because Shodai should be an easy win. It would be just like Shodai to actually show up and do sumo like he did last night, though.

Well, Terunofuji is trending on Twitter. That’s pretty cool. Not for good reasons, though, it’s for chaos reasons. Now, Daieisho leads this tournament with the likes of Nishikigi and Endo. What universe have I fallen into? I jumped in a lake last weekend which must have been a portal to Weirdville. Well, let’s ride it out.

Highlights

Atamifuji (2-1) defeated Aoiyama (1-2): Atamifuji drove forward, absorbing Aoiyama’s tsuppari, then abruptly spun Aoiyama around and pushed him out and down from behind. Okuritaoshi.

Takarafuji (2-1) defeated Hakuoho (2-1): Takarafuji drove forward from the tachiai. As Hakuoho tried to assert his favorite grip, Takarafuji abruptly pivoted, forcing Hakuoho to the ground. That was…unexpected. Tsukiotoshi.

Bushozan (1-2) defeated Ryuden (0-3): Bushozan drove forward into Ryuden, forcing him back. As the pair neared the edge, Bushozan abruptly pulled, forcing Ryuden to roll across the floor. I am sensing a pattern here. Different kimarite but note that these winners, so far, are pressing forward before executing their switcheroos. Hikiotoshi.

Endo (3-0) defeated Shonannoumi (2-1): Endo switched things up by executing his change of direction at the tachiai. I would call that a henka, though it was on the edge of the “hit-and-shift” henka-non-henka. Missing was an attempt to grab onto Shonannoumi’s belt. Instead, Endo corralled Shonannoumi with his arms extended and drove forward, forcing Shonannoumi out. Endo was dwarfed by Shonannoumi and I think that played into his decision to use a henka. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (3-0) defeated Daishoho (0-3): Daishoho tried to press forward into Gonoyama but Gonoyama was just stronger and able to press Daishoho at will. Gonoyama pushed Daishoho, drove him backwards and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (2-1) defeated Kotoshoho (1-2): Chiyoshoma changed things here by pulling at the tachiai and swinging Kotoshoho around, then pushing him out from behind. Kotoshoho was helpless and seemed unprepared to even attempt a counter. Okuridashi.

Myogiryu (1-2) defeated Tsurugisho (0-3): Day 3 and we finally witness some offense from Tsurugisho. He pulled at the tachai and attempted a slapdown. Myogiryu was able to maintain his balance and then tried his own hatakikomi. Now with his feet at the tawara, that left Myogiryu with no space to maneuver backwards. So Myogiryu then wrapped up Tsurugisho in a bear hug, drove forward and forced Tsurugisho out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (2-1) defeated Kotoeko (2-1): Kotoeko shifted at the the edge but his misdirection was caught out by Kinbozan. Kinbozan locked on with a left-hand overarm grip, and swung Kotoeko around, throwing him to the ground and over the tawara. There’s that size advantage. Uwatenage.

Nishikifuji (3-0) defeated Hokutofuji (2-1): Hokutofuji is having problems keeping his feet solidly under him. He’s lucked out so far but Nishikifuji ended that. At the tachiai, Nishikifuji drove forward for a brief second, then pulled, allowing Hokutofuji’s momentum to carry him clear off the dohyo’s surface and into the front row. Hatakikomi.

Sadanoumi (1-2) defeated Takanosho (0-3): Sadanoumi picked up his first win by moving forward. Takanosho mistake was pulling at the tachiai and trying to pivot at the edge but ran out of room. Takanosho stepped out before Sadanoumi tumbled into the front row. Yorikiri?

Halftime. Time to sweep and water the dohyo.

Tamawashi (2-1) defeated Oho (1-2): Tamawashi sumo here. Powerful shoves to entice Oho forward, and then a sudden pull down. And Oho fell for it, literally. The eagle defeated the phoenix. Hatakikomi.

Takayasu (3-0) defeated Hokuseiho (1-2): The saddest henka in history. I see that Hokuseiho was trying to go over and grab the back of Takayasu’s mawashi but not today. You really have to go for it with the henka. Sell it. This was half-hearted. Takayasu caught him out and pushed Hokuseiho to the edge, meeting resistance at the tawara, before shifting and thrusting him back to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (1-2) defeated Onosho (1-2): Ura sumo, if there is such a thing. Allow the opponent to drive you to the edge, then pivot at the tawara and let the opponent fly out. It failed at the first attempt, so try it again, right? Ura was able to push from behind, so okuridashi.

Asanoyama (2-1) defeated Hiradoumi (1-2): Hiradoumi gave it the good college try but Asanoyama prevailed. Hiradoumi was like a big ole marlin, flopping back and forth in desperation, fighting against the hook. Asanoyama was the patient fisherman, and once he had Hiradoumi on the hook, he just needed to wait for him to tire and reel him in. He finally got Hiradoumi to the edge, he walked him out. No catch and release here. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Abi (2-1) defeated Meisei (2-1): Oh, no, Abi’s big foot might have been out first but the judges didn’t see it. Abi won with ugly, retreating sumo. He danced, dangerously, along the tawara and drove Meisei down. Oh, people gonna be angry at this one. Hatakikomi.

Kotonowaka (2-1) defeated Mitakeumi (0-3): I think Mitakeumi’s still a bit injured with the left thigh. Looks like he’s got a tanline where a big wrap should be. That leg’s not giving him the ability to push forward. Kotonowaka waited him out and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (3-0) destroyed Midorifuji (0-3): Jesus. Daieisho’s tachiai nearly forced Midorifuji out. That was an effective use of tsuppari, right at the face. In the end, it took two shoves. Wow. Damn right that was TSUKIdashi, with a capital “TSUKI.” I just realized that a major drawback of the Japanese script is that without capital letters, you can’t yell at people with written words. Or maybe that’s a feature, instead of a drawback, because no more yelling in emails? I digress because it’s 5am.

Nishikigi (3-0) defeated Hoshoryu (2-1): Hoshoryu is the first Ozeki candidate to stumble. Nodowa to force Nishikigi back, then a pull to get him down. But Nishikigi recovered before his momentum carried him out. As Hoshoryu went to re-engage, he met a brick wall named Nishikigi and it forced him down. Hatakikomi.

大栄翔素晴らしい！！！
3連勝！！！！！！！！！
いけいけどんどん！！！！#大栄翔 #大相撲名古屋場所 #sumo pic.twitter.com/LThVj6yZyR

— 赤井麻衣子 (@maikoakai) July 11, 2023

Shodai (1-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-1): He’s still too damn high at the tachiai but solid sumo from Shodai. No gimmickry at the edge. Just straight forward sumo. This is the Shodai that could be great. Another Ozeki candidate down. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (1-2) defeated Terunofuji (1-2): Nishikigi is still in the Yokozuna’s head. No attempt at kimedashi today. Just belt sumo from the Yokozuna and that was a mistake. Super loose mawashi from Tobizaru kept him alive long enough to challenge the Yokozuna. Tobizaru’s mawashi was up clear over his boobs. Terunofuji’s like, “How can I throw your ass when I pull the mawashi all the way to your armpits?” Tobizaru kicked out and a desperate Terunofuji launched forward but off balance, Tobizaru ushered the Yokozuna out. Terunofuji staggers away, “what the hell?” Yorikiri.