Nagoya 2023

Nagoya 2023: Day 3 Preview

Andy Nagoya 2023, Nagoya Basho

We’ve got two days down, thirteen to go. Yes, there’s a lot of action ahead of us but we can already see some glimpses of who will have a strong tournament and who will struggle. Meisei has been a surprise with the effectiveness of his Juggernaut-sumo while Tsurugisho is unfortunately on a downhill trajectory. Let’s take a look at who they’re matched up against tonight. Offer up your take in the comments. I’m eager to hear what bout you have circled tonight.

Torikumi

Aoiyama (1-1) vs Atamifuji (J1-1): Aoiyama bounced back from his Day 1 loss. Obviously it’s too early to get a sense of whether he will protect his status in the top division but he will give it all he has got. Atamifuji, on the other hand, will visit from Juryo and will like to move back up into Makuuchi. Both seem healthy and both will certainly be motivated. This is a bout to watch.

Hakuoho (2-0) vs Takarafuji (1-1): Hakuoho has the fire and youth which have been missing from Uncle Takara’s sumo for quite some time.

Ryuden (0-2) vs Bushozan (0-2): Ryuden showed some signs of life today against Endo. Bushozan seems healthier, though, but a bit over his head against these veteran opponents who are really better than their current ranks. However, Endo and Aoiyama seem pretty healthy while Ryuden’s fitness still has some serious question marks. We will get more answers about these two tonight.

Endo (2-0) vs Shonannoumi (2-0): This is a first time match-up and it will be an exciting one. Endo is obviously a veteran wrestler, possibly nearing the denouement of his career. He’s 2-0 for the first time in two years and should be set for a good tournament. Shonannoumi is more of an open question at this rank, his debut in the division, though he’s nearing 10 years in the sport. Endo should have this, and it’s too early for me to put him on a yusho-run, especially since newbies get lucky sometimes.

Gonoyama (2-0) vs Daishoho (0-2): Daishoho didn’t have much to give today. The Takekuma youngster can clean up here.

Chiyoshoma (1-1) vs Kotoshoho (1-1): The way Chiyoshoma is swinging, Kotoshoho might be in line for a fat lip.

Tsurugisho (0-2) vs Myogiryu (0-2): Myogiryu has been competitive. Tsurugisho has been a push-over. I’m expecting Tsurugisho to go kyujo or get pushed over.

Kinbozan (1-1) vs Kotoeko (2-0): This should be a good battle but I am biased. I usually expect a great fight from Kotoeko. He’s my new Ikioi, always genki. But shorter. Kinbozan is developing into a great talent and should be in this division for a long time. These two are similar in height but Kinbozan has an extra 20kg. Can he leverage that weight advantage and finally best Kotoeko?

Hokutofuji (2-0) vs Nishikifuji (2-0): For some reason, I think of Nishikifuji as undersized for this division but he’s nearly the same size as Endo and the same height as tonight’s opponent, Hokutofuji. Hokutofuji only has 10kg on him which isn’t much of an advantage — and they’ve split their 4 previous meetings. The wild, ACMETM level sumo from Hokutofuji today needs to be tamed and a bit more methodical if he wants to continue winning.

Sadanoumi (0-2) vs Takanosho (0-2): Both of these guys are having the type of bad start which can be easily corrected, and turn into a healthy kachi-koshi. Neither are overtly outclassed or outwardly hurt. One will get to turn his fortunes around today. I think it will be Sadanoumi.

Tamawashi (1-1) vs Oho (1-1): Surprisingly, this is a first time pairing of these two. Oho is fresh off a good win against Hokuseiho. Tamawashi, though, is wily and I don’t think he will take kindly to a lengthy grapple. He just needs to move forward.

Hokuseiho (1-1) vs Takayasu (2-0): Hokuseiho was exposed last night by the patient Oho. Despite securing a morozashi, he could not advance against his opponent. Takayasu has started a good run and it would be a shame to see it spoiled this early. He has been ranked at M7 twice over the past 18 months and picked up double-digit wins both times. The reason is, he’s better than these mid-level rank-and-filers. He should be up in the joi or in sanyaku. Hokuseiho’s not there yet.

Onosho (1-1) vs Ura (0-2): Any bout with Ura has the potential to be a highlight. Oddly, I don’t think that will happen this time. My gut says it will be a quick win for Onosho.

Asanoyama (1-1) vs Hiradoumi (1-1): I’m not inside Asanoyama’s head but I get the sense that each time he becomes over-confident that he’s better than his opponent and deserves the win before the bout starts, he gets a wake-up call. His early slip-up against Meisei may end up being the early blemish he needs to stay grounded and to focus on the fundamentals.

Meisei (2-0) vs Abi (1-1): Fireworks. I promise them this time. Money back guarantee*. No more damp squibs.

*Guarantee void on Planet Earth.

Kotonowaka (1-1) vs Mitakeumi (0-2): Mitakeumi is still a bit of a puzzle to me this tournament. Is he ready, or did he just run headlong into a wall named Daieisho?

Midorifuji (0-2) vs Daieisho (2-0): The reason I love this sport is that momentum can change on a dime. Daieisho is having a great start to this Ozeki run while Midorifuji just got beat up by Abi. Daieisho should similarly obliterate Midorifuji with powerful tsuppari and nodowa, except coming from below, from a solid, fortified base, rather than raining from above. Or we can have all three Sekiwake lose on one night.

Hoshoryu (2-0) vs Nishikigi (2-0): You’re playing poker at a friend’s house and drew two wild cards. I have no idea what’s going to happen.

Shodai (0-2) vs Wakamotoharu (2-0): Cartoonish daikon-zumo faces another Ozeki candidate. Stay low, Onami, and this is yours.

Terunofuji (1-1) vs Tobizaru (0-2): Tobizaru does have a kinboshi from the Kaiju. But unlike Nishikigi, if Terunofuji gets the kimedashi double-arm lock against Tobizaru, the flying monkey is contained.

Nagoya 2023: Day 2 Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2023, Nagoya Basho

I just have to say, Shohozan is a joy on the Abema coverage. I think we’ll hear from him again later this week. But let’s not bandy about; it’s early in this basho and we had enough news yesterday. So, let’s just get to the action.

Highlights

Hakuoho (2-0) defeated Kagayaki (J1-1): Kagayaki was not able to get much tsuppari going against Hakuoho, and not much offense at all. Hakuoho corralled him early and ushered him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Aoiyama (1-1) defeated Bushozan (0-2): Aoiyama-zumo. Strong, whithering attack of tsuppari from Aoiyama. As Bushozan began to move forward Aoiyama shifted, forcing Bushozan to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Endo (2-0) defeated Ryuden (0-2): Endo didn’t fall for Ryuden’s early hit-and-shift. He locked in with a left-hand deep inside, back on the knot of Ryuden’s mawashi, and slowly crab-walked Ryuden back and out. A very strong start from Endo. Yorikiri.

Shonannoumi (2-0) defeated Takarafuji (1-1): Both combatant’s locked in on their opponent’s mawashi. Shonannoumi’s second kotenage attempt worked as he pivoted, right arm locked around Takarafuji’s left at the armpit, and forced Takarafuji down. Kotenage.

Kotoshoho (1-1) defeated Daishoho (0-2): Daishoho let Kotoshoho move in and lock-on with a morozashi, double-inside grip, and Kotoshoho took advantage, immediately walking Daishoho back and out. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (2-0) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-1): Gonoyama weathered Chiyoshoma’s nodowa and strong slaps to the face. As Chiyoshoma shifted his weight forward to lay in some more, Gonoyama shifted to the right and slapped Chiyoshoma down. Gonoyama did get in a couple of good, satisfying slaps of his own before bringing down the hammer. Hatakikomi.

Kotoeko (2-0) defeated Tsurugisho (0-2): Kotoeko engaged at the tachiai, drove Tsurugisho back and out. Tsurugisho appears headed for a deep makekoshi. No convincing attack as Kotoeko was not far enough forward for a force-down and he didn’t seem able to pivot or move well horizontally. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (1-1) defeated Myogiryu (0-2): Kinbozan’s attack was to maintain forward pressure. Keep his weight centered, Myogiryu ahead, and move forward. Myogiryu tried to move inside and get a morozashi but failed. He backed out, pivoted, and nearly brought Kinbozan down with a slapdown but failed. Then he pulled and tried a kotenage but Kinbozan drove forward as the pair fell – nearly simultaneously – over the edge. The gunbai went to Kinbozan as he landed a heartbeat after Myogiryu. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi

Hokutofuji (2-0) defeated Takanosho (0-2): Misdirection was the only thing on the menu here today. Hokutofuji’s first shift at the tachiai nearly worked as an off-balance Takanosho sprawled to the edge. Takanosho caught himself, though, and re-engaged. His own shift nearly caught out Hokutofuji but he couldn’t finish him. Hokutofuji regained his balance and shifted again, this time bringing down Takanosho. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (2-0) defeated Sadanoumi (0-2): Nishikifuji first shifted to his left and when that didn’t work, he shifted to his right and forced Sadanoumi down. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime – time to sweep and water the clay

Takayasu (2-0) defeated Tamawashi (1-1): I expected fireworks but got a damp squib as Tamawashi chose to retreat today, rather than a forward-facing, head-to-head brawl. Takayasu drove forward and Tamawashi shifted, trying a kotenage and a slapdown. Both failed as Takayasu maintained his balance and drove Tamawashi out. Oshidashi.

Oho (1-1) defeated Hokuseiho (1-1): A fast-paced start to the bout settled into a lengthy game of patience. Hokuseiho’s early kimedashi didn’t work as Oho escaped. Hokuseiho established a morozashi and tried to move forward but Oho resisted and maintained good position at the center of the ring. Oho pivoted with his left arm locked in on Hokuseiho’s right, bringing Hokuseiho down at the edge. As both tumbled out the gunbai went to Hokuseiho. But the shinpan corrected the call after a quick mono-ii. Kotenage.

Onosho (1-1) defeated Hiradoumi (1-1): Onosho drove back into Hiradoumi and shrugged off Hiradoumi’s early attempt at a belt grip. He pivoted inside and successfully forced Hiradoumi down. Tsukiotoshi.

Asanoyama (1-1) defeated Ura (0-2): After an early flourish of tsuppari, Asanoyama wrapped Ura up with a right hand inside and maintained the pressure as Ura retreated around the ring. Finally trapped at the edge of the ring, Ura tried to tip the pair over but Asanoyama was having none of it, maintained his balance, and threw Ura down from the left. Uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Meisei (2-0) defeated Kotonowaka (1-1): Meisei all the way. Strong tachiai, he drove forward like a freight train. Who needs a belt grip when your opponent is that damn high? Maybe Kotonowaka thought he was Hokuseiho as he tried to lock in on Meisei’s belt from over top. Meisei ate that attack for lunch. Yorikiri.

Abi (1-1) defeated Midorifuji (1-1): So much for the Isegahama-collaboration on shutting down Abi-zumo. Abi got his revenge today. Rather than rapid fire tsuppari, though, Abi layed into Midorifuji with heavy artillery. Midorifuji tried a slapdown which nearly worked but Abi was able to maintain his balance. Rather than a .50 calibre, machine-gun, Abi apparently brought a howitzer, driving Midorifuji back and out with fierce thrusts to Midorifuji’s face. Oshitaoshi.

Hoshoryu (2-0) defeated Shodai (0-2): Hoshoryu forced Shodai into retreat with strong tsuppari and nodowa. Then finished him at the edge with a right-hand inside. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-0) defeated Tobizaru (0-2): Tobizaru gave WMH fans a scare as his dynamic brand of sumo nearly caught Arashio-beya’s top dog out. Once Wakamotoharu was able to corral Tobizaru at the center of the ring with a solid left-hand inside/right-hand outside grip, though, the match was over. Wakamotoharu drove forward and forced Tobizaru out. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (2-0) defeated Mitakeumi (0-2): Mitakeumi tried to weather Daieisho’s tsuppari but the torrent was too fierce and unrelenting. Daieisho’s powerful thrusts forced Mitakeumi back and over the edge. The Sekiwake line holds strong for a second day. Tsukidashi.

Nishikigi (2-0) defeated Terunofuji (1-1): Zabuton rained on the dohyo as Terunofuji’s patented kimedashi attack was thwarted at the edge with Nishikigi’s pivot and throw. Terunofuji got what he wanted. He was executing his sumo. But that kimedashi attack yields a morozashi to the opponent. Nishikigi was able to leverage that hold of the Yokozuna’s trunk, even without a belt grip, and counter with a twisting throw. Kinboshi! Sukuinage.

That’s right. The big news today happened on the dohyo for once. Nishikigi kinboshi. Congratulations!

Nagoya 2023: Day 2 Preview

Andy Nagoya 2023, Nagoya Basho, Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Ōzeki (大関) ,

A lot of excellent action last night, with a dash of controversy. Hakuoho and several of the young guns impressed. But was Tobizaru dead? Why did no one bother to look? It may have just been a missed call or a conscious decision that the off-balance, tumbling monkey didn’t deserve to win. Frankly, that’s my view but why not throw in a torinaoshi; have them do it again. Well, we’ll put that aside as we gear up for Day 2 with the expectation that the debate will fire back up as Hoshoryu inches closer to 12 wins.

Torikumi

Kagayaki (J1-0) vs Hakuoho (1-0): Hakuoho took a battering from Aoiyama but emerged victorious. Kagayaki visits from Juryo tonight and will have much the same game plan, though a bit less forceful. Hakuoho’s left shoulder, though, is a bit of a concern and might present an opportunity to Kagayaki.

Aoiyama (0-1) vs Bushozan (0-1): We saw Aoiyama on the offense against Hakuoho but Bushozan didn’t get to illustrate much of his brand of sumo last night as he fell, quickly and easily, to Endo. Expect guns blazing from Aoiyama and possibly another quick bout.

Ryuden (0-1) vs Endo (1-0): Endo holds the numerical edge in this rivalry and certainly put his best face forward last night, while Ryuden just fell face forward. Ryuden has won their last few meetings but Endo’s a different challenge for Ryuden, compared to Takarafuji, and likely a healthier opponent. We’ll get a better sense tonight if Ryuden belongs kyujo and if Endo can put together a strong run.

Takarafuji (1-0) vs Shonannoumi (1-0): “Down. Go down.” Takarafuji had one plan against Ryden, and it worked. I don’t think that he will find the same success tonight against Shonannoumi, without changing things up. A long bout would seem to favor Shonannoumi.

Daishoho (0-1) vs Kotoshoho (0-1): After his loss yesterday, Kotoshoho seemed to stare at the heavens and wonder, “why am I here?” If he loses convincingly again today, I think we’ll all wonder the same thing.

Chiyoshoma (1-0) vs Gonoyama (1-0): Chiyoshoma will face a healthier opponent today, certainly one who can fight back with more than token resistance. It’s also their first ever meeting. I expect this bout to be a highlight bout from the bottom third of the division.

Kotoeko (1-0) vs Tsurugisho (0-1): Kotoeko was rather dominant in his win over Myogiryu while Tsurugisho appeared lame, unable to press forward with the left leg. This could be another quick one.

Kinbozan (0-1) vs Myogiryu (0-1): Young gun on his way up meets grizzled veteran on his way down in their first ever clash. Kinbozan needs this one.

Takanosho (0-1) vs Hokutofuji (1-0): Hokutofuji was on his game last night while Takanosho may have had a bit of that ring rust. Both are ranked a bit lower than their talents suggest so they should have good tournaments but Hokutofuji should have the edge in this bout.

Sadanoumi (0-1) vs Nishikifuji (1-0): Nishikifuji is no Tamawashi. Sadanoumi should be able to wrangle him and knotch a victory tonight.

Takayasu (1-0) vs Tamawashi (1-0): Expect fireworks. I have no idea who will win but I’m eager to see both of these geezers try.

Hokuseiho (1-0) vs Oho (0-1): This will be another exciting clash. They’ve split their first two meetings but after watching Hokuseiho dismantle Onosho, Oho may just be a bigger bump on the road to the joi-jin.

Hiradoumi (1-0) vs Onosho (0-1): Hiradoumi is ready while we didn’t get to see much of an attack from Onosho. Hopefully Hokuseiho knocked the ring-rust loose and Onosho comes back with the quality we’ve seen before.

Asanoyama (0-1) vs Ura (0-1): Asanoyama needs to bounce back from that loss to Meisei. He seemed to have the edge but the desperation lunge caught Asanoyama out. Ura’s whole thing seems to be desperation acrobatics at the edge. Asanoyama needs this, so he’ll need to keep his wits about him and not let Ura do anything crazy.

Sanyaku

Kotonowaka (1-0) vs Meisei (1-0): These guys are evenly matched demonstrated by the 4-4 record in this rivalry. Meisei did what he needed to win against Asanoyama. Will the confidence boost from that upset carry over to tonight?

Midorifuji (1-0) vs Abi (0-1): Is it as surprising to you as it is to me that Abi has never beaten Midorifuji? After seeing how stablemate and Yokozuna, Terunofuji, completely dismantled Abi’s big guns, maybe it shouldn’t. I would normally expect Abi to blast Midorifuji, repeatedly, and pick up the win. I will pay closer attention tonight to see if Abi is actually able to use his main weapon.

Hoshoryu (1-0) vs Shodai (0-1): We saw dreadful sumo from both of these guys last night. Shodai is nowhere near as mobile or dynamic as Tobizaru, however, so should be easy prey for the dragon.

Tobizaru (0-1) vs Wakamotoharu (1-0): Tobizaru snatched defeat from the jaws of victory yesterday with that wild, off-balance display. Wakamotoharu will need to contain him.

Mitakeumi (0-1) vs Daieisho (1-0): I’m eagerly anticipating this fight. Mitakeumi came in a bit high last night and was shown the exit…but at least he looks healthy. Daieisho has fire in his belly and laser-guided tsuppari. Of the three Ozeki candidates, I thought he put on the most convincing performance.

Terunofuji (1-0) vs Nishikigi (1-0): We haven’t seen Nishikigi in action yet but that shouldn’t matter. Terunofuji should dismantle Nishikigi with the ease that he displayed against Abi.

Nagoya 2023: Shonichi Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2023, Nagoya Basho

The late-breaking, soul-crushing news last night was that newly promoted Ozeki, Kirishima, had to withdraw due to back pain. The length of his absence is not clear at this point but if he misses eight bouts or more, he will be kadoban after this first tournament. I often see the kadoban as a privilege rather than as a black mark or scarlet letter. It’s earned by Ozeki as they’re able to rest (or underperform) for one tournament without threat of demotion.

Some chatter last night indicated this back injury was rather long-standing one for Kirishima which flared up, or was re-aggravated, in the last few days. It may be smart, then, to leverage this new privilege and heal up fully. As a fan, eagerly anticipating the reign of a new, durable Ozeki, such idealism has been quickly dashed and hopes for this tournament dim substantially. Terunofuji surely bears the weight of attendance and performance on his own brittle knees but this could be a great opportunity for the three Sekiwake to shine.

Highlights

Hakuoho defeated Aoiyama – Hakuoho started off a bit too early, so there was a matta. However, Hakuoho weathered Aoiyama’s tsuppari, maintained his balance as the Bulgarian tried to shove him down, and maintained his composure as it appeared Aoiyama tried to rip his face off at one point. Having endured enough of Aoiyama’s offense, Hakuoho grabbed at his belt and drove forward, dropping Aoiyama off the dohyo. Welcome to Makuuchi, big boy. Yorikiri.

Endo defeated Bushozan – Bushozan was terrified of Endo’s belt grip. Endo reached in with his right at the tachiai and Bushozan jumped back and batted Endo’s arm away. Endo chased and latched on with the left, and tugged Bushozan to the ground. Uwatedashinage.

Takarafuji defeated Ryuden – Takarafuji absorbed Ryuden’s charge, and then repeatedly shoved down until Ryuden collapsed in a heap underneath. Hatakikomi.

Shonannoumi defeated Daishoho – This bout was all about Shonannoumi’s patience and perseverance with his left ottsuke. He had a solid right hand inside grip and secure position near the bales. Daishoho wanted his own right hand inside grip but Shonannoumi held out with his left hand, denying Daishoho. After waiting, Daishoho surged to latch on but Shonannoumi drove forward, leveraging his advantage and drove Daishoho over the bales, oshidashi.

Gonoyama defeated Kotoshoho – Kotoshoho never mounted any offense as Gonoyama drove him backwards with powerful tsuppari, then locked in on the belt, briefly, before shoving him out over the edge. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma defeated Tsurugisho – Tsurugisho met Chiyoshoma but didn’t seem capable of advancing or bearing much weight on the left leg. It was just a matter of time, then, as Chiyoshoma steadily worked Tsurugisho back and out, over the bales. Straightforward yorikiri. This looks like it will be a long tournament for Tsurugisho.

Kotoeko defeated Myogiryu – Kotoeko was the aggressor in this bout with a strong right-hand grip inside, steadily pressing Myogiryu back as the pair circled the ring. He lifted Myogiryu as they approached the bales for a forceful yorikiri win.

Hokutofuji defeated Kinbozan – Kinbozan backed Hokutofuji to the bales with powerful tsuppari after the initial charge. At the bales, Hokutofuji resisted, forcing Kinbozan back. Hokutofuji then locked in with a strong right-hand grip and pulled Kinbozan forward while twisting to the left. Uwatedashinage

Nishikifuji defeated Takanosho – Nishikifuji met Takanosho with a “hit-and-shift” tachiai which seemed to catch Takanosho off balance. Takanosho never seemed stable as Nishikifuji Tsukiotoshi

Tamawashi defeated Sadanoumi – Sadanoumi pressed forward, trying to get a hold of Tamawashi’s mawashi. But Tamawashi pressed back with strong ottsuke from his left, engaged in Sadanoumi’s armpit, preventing Sadanoumi from getting that mawashi grip. He then shifted left while pulling Sadanoumi forward and Sadanoumi toppled forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu defeated Oho – Oho met Takayasu with powerful tsuppari but couldn’t drive forward before Takayasu locked on with a belt grip, his right over Oho’s left. Excellent technique from Takayasu prevented Oho from being able to secure a left hand grip. Takayasu pulled Oho forward with that right hand, uwatenage.

 Hokuseiho defeated Onosho – Dominant win from Hokuseiho. He stopped Onosho in his tracks, locked in with both hands on Onosho’s belt, right hand inside, long left arm over Onosho’s back, and drove straight forward. Onosho was trapped and helpless as he was ushered over the bales. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi defeated Ura —  An over-eager Hiradoumi forced a matta. Ura’s ottsuke kept Hiradoumi from securing a belt grip but he couldn’t stop Hiradoumi’s momentum from forcing him back to the bales. As Ura bent back, hoping for some Matrix-like escape, Hiradoumi maintained the pressure and forced him to fall out on his butt. Oshitaoshi.

Meisei defeated Asanoyama – Powerful charge from Asanoyama nearly forced Meisei out. But Meisei was able to escape by shifting right at the bales. Asanoyama was in hot pursuit but as Meisei reached the opposite bales, he launched forward, driving Asanoyama to fall backwards. They call it abisetaoshi as Meisei launched forward with his full weight but it almost looked like Asanoyama’s left foot just slipped and he fell on his butt. This feels like an own goal on Asanoyama.

Sanyaku

Kotonowaka defeated Midorifuji – Kotonowaka kept Midorifuji in front of him and steadily shoved him backwards, and out over the edge. Tsukitaoshi.

Wakamotoharu defeated Mitakeumi – Ozeki candidate #1 appeared to be in trouble at the tachiai as Mitakeumi had the advantage forcing Waka back. But Mitakeumi’s right hand ottsuke failed to keep Wakamotoharu’s left hand from securing and belt grip. Once Waka locked on, he was able to drive up and forward into Mitakeumi. This first stopped his forward motion and then drove him back and out over the bales. Yoritaoshi

Daieisho defeated Shodai – Ozeki candidate #2 looked fierce as his combination of forceful tsuppari and nodowa were too much for the former Ozeki. Oshidashi.

Nishikigi forfeit win over Kirishima

Hoshoryu defeated Tobizaru – Ozeki candidate #3, what the hell was that tachiai? Go back and do it again. Both guys just hesitantly stood up. I expected a matta. Then Hoshoryu chased Tobizaru around the ring before Tobizaru spun himself too far and fell backwards while Hoshoryu stumbled forward. Somehow that is an Oshidashi win for Hoshoryu? It looked more like an episode of Tom and Jerry than a sumo bout. Replays show Hoshoryu touching the clay with his left hand well before Tobizaru fell. Controversy if it weren’t just crap sumo. Tobizaru didn’t deserve a win with that — but still.

Terunofuji defeated Abi – Abi tried to do his brand of sumo but Terunofuji drove forward from the shoulder of Abi’s extended right arm. Somehow this prevented Abi from recoiling and lobbing more volleys of tsuppari. Thus disarmed, Abi was forced backwards and out. Abi relies on that machine-gun, rapid tsuppari. This was a blueprint for how to defeat Abi-zumo. Actually pretty neat. Oshidashi.