Nagoya 2024

Nagoya 2024: Day Five Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho

Despite our fears of numerous kyujo resulting from yesterday’s bruising action, only Asanoyama is officially out of the tournament due to his knee injury. It sounds like we will not see him again until he falls into Sandanme. According to Kyodo, that would be a March return. Takasago Oyakata thinks it would take that considerable time to return to the dohyo.

Chiyoshoma will return from kyujo tomorrow.

In the second division, Nabatame showed up and hit Hakuoho with a solid tachiai but Hakuoho slapped him down.

NHK videos here. Juryo Part I and Part II. Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Day 5 Makuuchi Action

Bushozan (3-2) defeated Daiamami (0-5). Bushozan’s attack is to hit the opponent with a body blast and hold that right arm nodowa. Daiamami tried to put an end to it by bear hugging him. A buttered Bushozan slipped to the side and Daiamami tumbled to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Nishikifuji (3-2) defeated Endo (1-4). Endo hit out hard at the tachiai but everyone in the stadium knew he would start moving backwards. Nishikifuji let him back out and even offered a kind hand to stop him from falling into the crowd. Endo, how did you get back to Makuuchi? Oshidashi.

Endo will fight Bushozan on Day 6.

Roga (3-2) defeated Takarafuji (2-3). Takarafuji fought hard to get a two-handed grip on Roga’s belt and it paid off. He had Roga on the ropes. But both hands were over-arm. This meant Roga had a firm morozashi. “Oh, no, I can’t give up a morozashi. Forget all that hard work and this great position, I gotta makikae.” Takarafuji released with his left hand to work it inside. That’s when Roga drove forward and crushed Takarafuji to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Roga will take on Juryo-visitor, Kitanowaka, on the ‘morrow. Takarafuji will face Chiyoshoma

Hokutofuji (2-3) defeated Kagayaki (2-3). Hokutofuji is an Oshi-/Tsuki- man. Imagine his confusion when he has a firm double inside hold of Kagayaki. “What’s this? So, this is the morozashi everyone talks about. It’s nice. I could get used to this. I can move him at will. Let’s go to the bales. Oh, wait, he’s getting all sweaty. Time to let go and press forward with my head as usual. There, that’s better.” Oshidashi.

Hokutofuji will face Nishikifuji.

Wakatakakage (4-1) defeated Churanoumi (3-2). Lightning tachiai from WTK. Churanoumi tried to keep Wakatakakage at bay but the man just kept coming. As he advanced, he wrapped up Churanoumi and walked him out. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage will battle the bullet train, Kagayaki, on Day 6.

Midorifuji (3-2) default win over Asanoyama (3-1-11). Insert teary-eyed emoji here.

Shodai (3-2) defeated Nishikigi (0-5). Shodai quickly walked Nishikigi back and out. At this point, Nishikigi is looking at a 0-15 performance. I am not sure why he is not kyujo. Yorikiri.

Nishikigi will have another tough day against Midorifuji tomorrow.

Tamawashi (4-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-2). Wily Tamawashi did not henka Ichiyamamoto but his inashi attack was just as hilariously effective. He met him firmly at the tachiai. Immediately after the tachiai, he slipped to the side and Ichiyamamoto ran right past, clear off the dohyo. As Ichiyamamoto climbed back to the dohyo, Tamawashi gave him this look, “What you in such a hurry for, kid?” Tsukiotoshi.

Ichiyamamoto will fight Churanoumi.

Oshoma (4-1) defeated Kotoshoho (3-2). Oshoma used the “inashi” strategy, as well. Kotoshoho charged forward and Oshoma slipped to the side. Kotoshoho was slow to react to the change in direction and Oshoma immediately followed up with a quick shove to blast Kotoshoho off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Oshoma will fight Shodai and Kotoshoho will fight good old Tom O’Washi.

Oho (3-2) defeated Kinbozan (0-5). Kinbozan pulled after the tachiai. Oho adjusted and pursued, slamming into Kinbozan, time and time again as Kinbozan retreated along the tawara. Oho was leading with his head to Kinbozan’s face each time he attacked. Kinbozan seemed rather irritated as he glared at Oho before turning and walking down the hanamichi. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Takanosho (3-2) defeated Ryuden (1-4). Takanosho steadily advanced and drove Ryuden from the dohyo. Ryuden tried one weak pull which Takanosho ignored. Oshidashi.

Ryuden versus Oho might be a good time to go get some more tea.

Shonannoumi (4-1) defeated Sadanoumi (2-3). Shonannoumi shifted right after the tachiai and slapped Sadanoumi down. As Sadanoumi stumbled past, Shonannoumi pulled on Sadanoumi’s mawashi, effectively bowling him into the crowd. “Strike!” Uwatenage.

Shonannoumi will face a very frustrated Kinbozan. Sadanoumi will try to regroup against Takanosho.

Tobizaru (4-1) defeated Meisei (2-3). Tobizaru’s strategy is a two-step attack. The first step is to charge forward and blast the opponent. This is followed with a slapdown attempt as Tobizaru backs up. Rinse, repeat as necessary. He needed about five or six attacks before his charge was forceful enough to knock Meisei out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (3-2) defeated Hiradoumi (2-3). This bout was a bruising oshi-/tsuki- battle as the two competitors laid into each other. Daieisho ended it with a pull by slapping Hiradoumi down near the edge. The Ancient Lost Art of Hatakikomi.

Abi (2-3) defeated Atamifuji (2-3). Abi pulled and Atamifuji stumbled forward. When Atamifuji put on the brakes and stopped at the edge, Abi grabbed his mawashi from the back and slammed him down. Abi finally picked up his first non-fusen win of the tournament. Okurinage.

Onosato (2-3) defeated Kirishima (3-2). Calm, composed and collected. Onosato batted Kirishima’s arm away from his belt and used his right arm to keep Kirishima at bay. Meanwhile, he advanced driving Kirishima back and over the edge with his Oshi attack. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (2-3) defeated Kotozakura (3-2). Kotozakura pulled on Mitakeumi and pulled, trying to Uwatenage the former Ozeki. Mitakeumi fought back while balanced on one leg and pulled Kotozakura forward. Both men fell at the edge. Gunbai Mitakeumi? Mono-ii. Forensic review of the video replay showed Kotozakura landed a fraction of a second before Mitakeumi. Gunbai-dori. I thought this could easily be do-tai and we would get a torinaoshi (rematch). Mitakeumi seemed gassed and very thankful that we did not get bonus sumo. Shitatenage.

Takakeisho (2-3) defeated Ura (3-2). Takakeisho launched himself forward as Ura pulled, sending both clear of the dohyo. Ura clearly stepped out while in retreat. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (3-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-3). Wakamotoharu nearly locked in with both hands on Hoshoryu’s belt. As he reached to get his right hand grip back, Hoshoryu wrapped up his arm at the shoulder and twisted. This pulled Wakamotoharu to the bales. Hoshoryu finished him off with a shove. Oshitaoshi set up by Kotenage.

Terunofuji (5-0) defeated Gonoyama (2-3) Gonoyama tried. I’ll give him that. Terunofuji got a solid hold of his belt, a bit of gabburi-yotsu worked Gonoyama to the edge and a hard shove sent Gonoyama out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Takakeisho got a much-needed win today. He is definitely vulnerable and will need to capitalize on his opponents’ mistakes, like today, to clear that kadoban. Terunofuji leads our crew, which is nice. But it does not appear any of the Ozeki will be challenging him at this point. It is still far too early to think about the yusho race but it is not too early to determine who is already out of it — and that means basically everyone who is or ever was or wants to be an Ozeki.

Onosato will fight Meisei tomorrow. That should be a lock if he wants to keep this Ozeki run going into Aki (note: we’re not talking about or thinking about promotion here anymore; that ship sailed). Abi will fight Daieisho. Kirishima will face Hiradoumi. Hoshoryu will fight Ura and Kotozakura will fight Gonoyama. Takakeisho will have a tough one against Wakamotoharu. Terunofuji will face Tobizaru.

Nagoya 2024: Day Four Highlights

Andy Asanoyama (朝乃山), Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho ,

News from the infirmary today that winless Onosho is out, citing injury to right ankle and right knee. Out for three weeks. Takanosho will receive the default win today. Before we get to the action, make note of these links for the NHK videos of all sekitori bouts.

NHK videos are here. Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Day Four Makuuchi Action

Roga (2-2) defeated Nishikifuji (2-2). Nishikifuji gave Roga a healthy pop at the tachiai but Roga wrapped him up, pivoted and showed Nishikifuji the door. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (3-1) defeated Bushozan (2-2). Wakatakakage absorbed Bushozan’s tachiai and quickly corralled him and drove him from the dohyo. Bushozan was just along for the ride. Yorikiri.

Daiamami will visit from Juryo to face Bushozan.

Kagayaki (2-2) defeated Endo (1-3). Endo exchanged slaps with Kagayaki in a brief oshi-battle before Kagayaki established his will and ushered Endo from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Endo will face Nishikifuji on Day 5.

Churanoumi (3-1) defeated Takarafuji (2-2). Churanoumi reached in for a maemitsu grip at the front of Takarafuji’s belt but Takarafuji squeezed real hard on that arm. It seemed like he was going to wrap it up and go for a kotenage attack. Churanoumi quickly released, extracted his arm, and then pulled. Takarafuji followed to the bales where Churanoumi put on the brakes and stepped to the side, letting Takarafuji fall out. Tsukiotoshi.

Churanoumi will face Wakatakakage and Takarafuji will battle Roga.

Ichiyamamoto (3-1) defeated Asanoyama (3-1). Ichiyamamoto did not allow Asanoyama to get a belt grip, bulled forward and drove him back to the bales. At the bales, Asanoyama attempted to brace himself and stop his momentum but his leg buckled and he fell in pain. I was thinking knee, Asanoyama gestured to the ankle, but either way Asanoyama could not stand. The Blue Jacket crew came and helped him to the big wheel chair. The news says left knee and Asanoyama is headed to the hospital. Oshitaoshi.

Hokutofuji (1-3) defeated Nishikigi (0-4). Hokutofuji won this painful oshi battle. Neither of these men are healthy but Hokutofuji is slightly less unhealthy. He started with a pull but when Nishikigi did not fall, Hokutofuji launched an attack of nodowa and tsuppari. Oshidashi.

Hokutofuji will face Kagayaki.

Midorifuji (2-2) defeated Oshoma (3-1). What a bout! Oshoma embraced Midorifuji in a bearhug and tried to manhandle the smaller rikishi. As Oshoma started to drove forward with both arms enveloping Midorifuji, Midorifuji suddenly pivoted. Oshoma rolled with the change of direction but then Midorifuji did it again and yanked Oshoma over to the tawara. Oshoma resisted desperately and worked the pair back to the center where the pair waited each other out. Oshoma seemed quite content with his kimedashi-style bear hug. He should have reconsidered. Midorifuji snapped and shifted to the left, pulling Oshoma toward the bales. Oshoma tried to brace at the edge but Midorifuji shoved him over. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji will certainly pick up a default win as Asanoyama will sit out.

Shodai (2-2) defeated Ryuden (1-3). Shodai was not messing around today. He didn’t need a hand on the belt but locked on to Ryuden’s trunk with a morozashi, double-inside grip. Once he secured the inside position, he hoisted Ryuden and chugged forward. Yorikiri.

Shodai will take on a Juryo-bound Nishikigi.

Tamawashi (3-1) defeated Kinbozan (0-4). Kinbozan attacked Tamawashi with fierce tsuppari. Bad idea. Tamawashi is old enough to have actually invented and patented this attack. So, he showed the youngster how it is really done. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi will fight Ichiyamamoto. Circle that bout.

Oho (2-2) defeated Sadanoumi (2-2). Tachiai. Sadanoumi advanced and Oho pulled. “Oh no! Not a pull!” But Oho pivoted at the bales and rolled his entire body, driving Sadanoumi into the ground. I will not concede that Oho’s won by moving in reverse. He won by heaving Sadanoumi to the ground with a powerful throw. Kotenage.

Oho will fight Kinbozan. Kinbozan is healthy but winless. He may turn things around if Oho decides to pull.

Takanosho (2-2) default win over Onosho (0-4)

Takanosho will fight Ryuden.

Halftime

Kotoshoho (3-1) defeated Shonnanoumi (3-1). Henka? Shonannoumi fell for it, literally. There will be debate because Kotoshoho threw his right shoulder in there at the tachiai but shifted right. As he shifted right he grabbed Shonannoumi and helped him fall to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoshoho will fight Oshoma in an interesting match-up. Shonannoumi will fight Sadanoumi.

Ura (3-1) defeated Atamifuji (2-2). A bit of a slow tachiai. Then the two locked in for a grapple. Ura decided, “while you’re trying to figure me out, I’ll pull you down.” With a grip at the front of Atamifuji’s mawashi, Ura yanked Atamifuji forward to the ground, with the other hand on his back, shoving him down into the clay for good measure. Shitatedashinage.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (2-2) defeated Kirishima (3-1) Daieisho-zumo. Powerful thrusts, leading with his head. Kirishima shifted to the right but Daieisho followed and drove Kirishima from the fighting surface. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (2-2) defeated Onosato (1-3). Henka? Miror image of Kotoshoho’s earlier attack. Shoulder in there might negate the call for some of y’all. Hiradoumi shifted to the left instead of the right. He didn’t really bother with grabbing at Onosato but same result as earlier. Tsukiotoshi.

Meisei (2-2) defeated Abi (1-3). Abi launched forward with his usual tsuppari but Meisei cycled to his left when Abi extended his right arm. Abi pivoted in pursuit but Meisei shifted again, and again. Eventually Meisei worked his way behind Abi and shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Tobizaru (3-1) defeated Takakeisho (1-3). Takakeisho tried to wrap up Tobizaru’s right shoulder, perhaps for a kotenage. Tobizaru quickly extracted it and stepped backwards. Since Takakeisho was stepping forward, this put Tobizaru behind Takakeisho where he drove Takakeisho into the ground from the back. As Tobizaru stepped off the dohyo, he reached at and flexed that right shoulder. It may have been injured in that brief instant Takakeisho had it wrapped up. Okurinage.

Gonoyama (2-2) defeated Hoshoryu (2-2). Gonoyama hit the Ozeki hard at the tachiai and wrapped up Hoshoryu’s right arm. Gonoyama followed it up with brutal tsuppari with the right as Hoshoryu backed up and tried to get his arm back. Gonoyama kept pressing forward and drove Hoshoryu out. Tsukidashi. Hoshoryu walked down the hanamichi flexing his right elbow. I’m still writing about the Midorifuji bout, by the way. It was that good.

Kotozakura (3-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-2). Wakamotoharu tried to shift to the right after the tachiai and get at Kotozakura’s belt. But Kotozakura pivoted with him, secured a firm hold with both arms, and walked him out.

Terunofuji (4-0) defeated Mitakeumi (1-3). Back to basics, and boy is it working for the Yokozuna. He has not been trying to overwhelm opponents with his size. Instead, he’s staying low, hitting fast and hard, and driving forward with determination. Today, he hit Mitakeumi and locked in with a firm left hand. His right worked overtime, wrapping up Mitakeumi and squeezing to keep Mitakeumi from any hope of a counter. By the time Mitakeumi extracted his left arm, he was just about out of the ring and certainly too far gone to use it. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

What a brutal day of sumo. Asanoyama’s tournament is surely done and therefore headed to Juryo. The only question at the moment is how long will he be out and whether he can come back in September. On top of that, there could be injury worries for Tobizaru and Hoshoryu as well as deeper concern for kadoban Takakeisho.

Kirishima showed that he is vulnerable and not a lock for re-promotion. He is probably begging Takakeisho to stay in the tournament. Onosato’s hope of promotion this tournament is done. With the meat of his schedule still to come, he needs to focus on getting 8-9 more wins. Meanwhile, Ura, Hiradoumi and Atamifuji are providing a lot of spark.

Tomorrow has a raft of big match ups. Daieisho faces Hiradoumi in the battle of the Komusubi. Abi will face Atamifuji while Kirishima has drawn Onosato. Oof. Kotozakura will face Mitakeumi in likely the only “easy win” in this top section. Ura will face Takekeisho, Wakamotoharu will fight Hoshoryu and Terunofuji will take on Gonoyama in the musubi-no-ichiban.

Nagoya 2024: Day Three Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho ,

I love the NHK shots of the two Nagoya stadiums. You have the 1960s Sweatbox Dolphin’s Arena on one side and the modern design of IG Arena on the other. Back away a little to add in the sleek, ancient Nagoya Castle for quite the contrast. I look forward to what I presume will be the demolition of the old building.

In lower division action, Enho did win his Day 3 matchup and will get tomorrow off.

NHK posts the video footage here. Day Three coverage of Juryo Part I and Part II. Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Day Three Highlights

Nishikifuji (2-1) defeated Kagayaki (1-2). Kagayaki was in attack mode after the tachiai. Nishikifuji transformed the bout when he was able to get inside Kagayaki’s oshi attack and get a belt grip. Nishikifuji thend drove Kagayaki out. Yorikiri.

Bushozan (2-1) defeated Roga (1-2). Solid sumo from Bushozan today. He kept Roga in front of him and steadily cornered Roga at the edge with excellent footwork and constant tsuppari. He then shoved Roga over the edge. Oshidashi.

Roga will fight Nishikifuji on Day Four.

Wakatakakage (2-1) defeated Endo (1-2). Wakatakakage just overpowered Endo from the tachiai. Endo tried a slapdown as Wakatakakage drove him toward the edge. But Wakatakakage shrugged it off and drove Endo over the tawara. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage will target Bushozan tomorrow. Endo will face Kagayaki.

Takarafuji (2-1) defeated the shadow of Hokutofuji (0-3). Hokutofuji pressed forward with his usual oshi attack. A nodowa drove Takarafuji back to the tawara. Hokutofuji then tried a slapdown but Takarafuji kept his balance and launched his counter attack. He quickly forced Hokutofuji to the edge and shoved him over. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (3-0) defeated Churanoumi (2-1). Churanoumi immediately went for the maemitsu but Asanoyama batted his hands away. Asanoyama then fought hard to establish a right-hand inside position on Churanoumi’s belt. Once he locked in on the belt with both hands, he advanced quickly and drove Churanoumi over the edge.

Churanoumi will take on Takarafuji tomorrow.

Bizzaro-yamamoto (2-1) defeated Nishikigi (0-3). What the hell was Ichiyamamoto doing on the belt? Well, it sure worked. He fought to establish a hold of Nishikigi’s belt and drove his straight back and out. Remember back when Nishikigi was in sanyaku? He’s on his way to Juryo now. They must have beaten him up. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto will not want anything to do with Asanoyama’s belt tomorrow. I can assure you of that. The shadow of Nishikigi will fight the shadow of Hokutofuji.

Shodai (1-2) defeated Midorifuji (1-2). No silliness from Shodai today. All business against Midorifuji as he patiently worked for a solid yotsu attack. The two-handed belt grip over Midorifuji’s back wasn’t getting Shodai anywhere. He released with his right and used his left-hand grip to spin Midorifuji around and out. Uwatenage.

Oshoma (3-0) defeated Tamawashi (2-1). As Tamawashi charged forward, Oshoma slapped him down. Hikiotoshi.

Oshoma will fight Midorifuji tomorrow.

Ryuden (1-2) defeated Kinbozan (0-3). Ryuden locked in. Two handed belt grip, head firmly in Kinbozan’s chest. Kinbozan did not seem to get much power from his own belt hold. Ryuden closed quickly and forced him to the edge. Ryuden patiently waited out his counter attack, maintained his own forward pressure and walked him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Ryuden will take on Shodai. Kinbozan will face Tamawashi.

Kotoshoho (2-1) destroyed Sadanoumi (2-1). Wow. Fierce tachiai, followed with firm tsuppari. Once he had Sadanoumi on the edge he blasted him into the third row. The kid must’ve eaten his Wheaties this morning. Tsukidashi with extreme prejudice. The highlight bout of the first half of action.

Halftime

Takanosho (1-2) defeated Oho (1-2). You can pinpoint the moment Takanosho won this bout. It’s the moment Oho pulled and tried that pathetic slapdown. Before that, it was a great, well contested battle. Oho was trying to advance and was looking good. As soon as he put the gear into reverse, however, he was toast. Oshidashi.

Sadanoumi will dust himself off and face Oho.

Shonannoumi (3-0) defeated Onosho (0-3). Onosho was super-charged and eager to slam into Shonannoumi at the tachiai. Shonannoumi shifted right and pulled the eager beaver onto his belly. Uwatedashinage.

Shonannoumi will fight Kotoshoho and hopefully one of the No-show’s will show up.

Tobizaru (2-1) defeated Ura (2-1). More like, Ura lost this one. The two locked horns early. Tobizaru steadily cornered Ura so Ura lashed out and blasted Tobizaru backward. From there, Ura tried a slapdown but Tobizaru was unfazed, pursued Ura and shoved him backwards. Ura lost his balance and fell hard on his butt. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Onosato (1-2) defeated Daieisho (1-2) Onosato read the brief. He withstood some powerful thrusts then shifted to the side and slapped Daieisho down onto his belly. It pays to prepare for a bout. Hatakikomi.

Hiradoumi (1-2) defeated Abi (1-2). Hiradoumi’s Abi-zumo was stronger than Abi’s. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (3-0) defeated Gonoyama (1-2). Gonoyama timed his charge simultaneous with Kirishima’s ill-advised pull. This forced Kirishima back to the edge quickly and I’m sure we all thought the same thing, “Oh, crap.” But Kirishima regrouped at the bales, locked in on Gonoyama’s belt and forced the action back to the center of the dohyo. After a brief tussle for belt grips. Gonoyama heaved the pair toward the edge where he tried a throw but Kirishima countered with one of his own and stayed up on his feet and in bounds a beat longer as Gonoyama flopped to his belly. Uwatenage.

Hoshoryu (2-1) defeated Mitakeumi (1-2). Mitakeumi’s strength does seem to be coming back. He wrapped up Hoshoryu and tried to power him backwards. He is just too high, though, in his attack. Hoshoryu quickly turned the tables by turning Mitakeumi. He spun him back to the edge, and walked him out. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (2-1) defeated Meisei (1-2). Meisei pulled and Kotozakura followed, quickly ushering Meisei over the edge.

Atamifuji (2-1) defeated Takakeisho (1-2). Takakeisho tried a quick slapdown which caught Atamifuji by surprise; he stumbled forward but did not panic. He regained his balance, backed up and re-engaged with the Ozeki. Atamifuji hit the Ozeki from the side, grabbed his belt and forced him ingloriously to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Terunofuji (3-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-1). Dominant. Terunofuji hit Wakamotoharu hard at the tachiai and did not stop until Wakamotoharu was falling from the dohyo.

Wrap-up

Terunofuji leads the charge. This is great to see. He has been powerful and dominant so far. He is not trying to overwhelm with the kimedashi strategy from earlier tournaments. Instead, he’s staying low and charging ahead with overwhelming force.

Atamifuji gets a bit of a reprieve after facing the three Ozeki. He will face Ura tomorrow. We shall see if Kirishima can keep his streak alive against Daieisho. Hiradoumi will need to dig deep against Onosato and Abi will fight Meisei. Tobizaru is being thrown to Takakeisho while Hoshoryu will face Gonoyama and Kotozakura will fight what’s left of Wakamotoharu. Terunofuji will fight Mitakeumi. I would not sleep on that musubi. Mitakeumi has a way of shaking things up…or being a Beard Papa cream puff. Let’s hope for the former, shall we?

Nagoya 2024: Day Two Highlights

Andy Enho, Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho ,

News from the infirmary is that Takayasu is kyujo. You may recall that on Shonichi he fought Kirishima in a long, tough, wild battle. But he suddenly pulled up and appeared to look for the exit. He has since been diagnosed with a partial tear of his left pectoral muscle, needing three weeks recovery. In Sumo time, he could be back by Sunday, provided he gets enough keiko in there. /sarcasm.

The big shock from the early action is that Enho lost his comeback bout. It was a bit careless but it was honestly not a bad beat. Solid work from Shimizuumi to keep Enho in front. The youngster was not intimidated. Kudos. Now that Enho is in the loser’s bracket, he will have an easier path. He will be back in action tomorrow against Takekuma-beya’s Kumanohana. Enho matches Kumanohana’s height, at 167cm and even has a few extra kilos. A loss tomorrow should ring alarm bells at Isegahama-beya. But coming back from such a serious neck injury? It was probably a bit presumptuous of us to assume he would run the table. Oh well. Glad he is back and seemingly recovered.

Bookmark this page. It’s where the NHK has all of their bout videos for Makuuchi and Juryo. Sorry, I forgot about that yesterday. Today’s Juryo bouts are here: Part I and Part II. The Makuuchi bouts are here: Part I and Part II. More bad news at former Miyagino-beya as Hakuoho was overpowered, plain-and-simple, by Juryo returnee Fujiseiun. The bout replay is the last one on that page, you’ll need to scroll down there.

Well, let’s get to today’s Top Division action.

Day 2 Highlights

Onokatsu (Juryo 2-0) defeated Kagayaki (1-1). Onokatsu backed away, walking along the tawara as Kagayaki stumbled out. LATE but quick mono-ii confirmed the gyoji’s decision. Tsukiotoshi.

Bushozan (1-1) defeated Nishikifuji (1-1). Bushozan was not going to fall for the pull as Kagayaki had. As Bushozan maintained his balance and focus as he advanced and shoved Nishikifuji out. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji will face Kagayaki on Day 3.

Wakatakakage (1-1) defeated Roga (1-1). Roga initiated a pull and Wakatakakage made use of the momentum and his solid footwork, to usher Roga over the edge. Oshidashi.

Roga will fight Bushozan on Day 3.

Endo (1-1) defeated Takarafuji (1-1). A bit of a weird henka from Endo. He shifted to the right a bit late at the initial charge. The henka still caught Takarafuji, and the crowd, by surprise and he slipped in behind Takarafuji, wrapped him up and walked him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Endo will fight Wakatakakage tomorrow.

Asanoyama (2-0) defeated Hokutofuji (0-2). Asanoyama forced Hokutofuji into a grapple. He was not going to fight an oshi-style bout. Hokutofuji gave it a good effort and forced Asanoyama to change his grip several times. But Asanoyama maintained steady pressure, advanced toward the bales, and forced Hokutofuji out – regardless of whether his left arm was inside, or outside. Yorikiri.

Hokutofuji will take on Takarafuji tomorrow.

Churanoumi (2-0) defeated Nishikigi (0-2). Churanoumi got a left-hand grip up front and spun Nishikigi around. Nishikigi seemed unprepared for this method of attack and just tried his best to stay in the ring. Churanoumi’s strategy was effective and he forced Nishikigi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi will fight Asanoyama on Day 3.

Ichiyamamoto (1-1) defeated Shodai (0-2). Ichiyamamoto drove forward and as Shodai shifted, Ichiyamamoto kept up his thrusts. Shodai tried his Shodai antics at the edge but Ichiyamamoto drove him out first. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto is paired up with Nishikigi on Day 3.

Tamawashi (2-0) defeated Midorifuji (1-1). Tamawashi powered forward. Midorifuji wrapped up Tamawashi’s arm and shifted right, trying to pull Tamawashi out. But Tamawashi bulled forward forcing the pair off the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Midorifuji will try again tomorrow against Shodai.

Oshoma (2-0) defeated Ryuden (0-2). Oshoma pressed into Ryuden but used his hands effectively to keep Ryuden away from his belt. With Ryuden’s weight pressing forward, Oshoma suddenly pulled and slapped Ryuden down. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma asked for another opponent and for his sins, they gave him one: tomorrow he will fight Tamawashi.

Sadanoumi (2-0) defeated Kinbozan (0-2). Sadanoumi was all to happy to get a belt grip and Kinbozan did not want to keep him away. Sadanoumi lifted and spun Kinbozan around and then drove the Kazakh back and out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan will face Ryuden on Day 3.

Kotoshoho (1-1) defeated Takanosho (0-2). Takanosho drove forward, forcing Kotoshoho to the bales. At the bales, Kotoshoho arched his back and tried to slip to the side as Takanosho stumbled forward. Gunbai Takanosho. Mono-ii was called and the gunbai was overturned. Kotoshoho had stayed in long enough. Takanosho fell forward first. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoshoho will take on Sadanoumi on Day 3.

Halftime

Shonannoumi (2-0) defeated Oho (1-1). Fresh clay but no fresh ideas from Taiho’s grandson. Shonannoumi punished Oho for his lack of commitment to forward-moving sumo. Oho pulled and Shonannoumi just let him walk himself backwards and out. Oshidashi.

Oho will face Takanosho on Day 3. Hopefully he will bring his compass tomorrow and be ready to move in the right direction: forward.

Tobizaru (1-1) defeated Onosho (0-2). Another silly pull. As Onosho walked backwards, Tobizaru walked forwards and shoved him over the bales. Too easy. Oshidashi.

Onosho will battle Shonnanoumi tomorrow. Onosho is another candidate for Andy’s orienteering course. A Tachiai-branded compass, always pointing forward, will be provided.

Ura defeated Gonoyama. Where’d this Ura come from? Rather than finesse, Ura won with pure power. With his heels at the tawara, he wrapped up Gonoyama, set the gear for drive and plowed clear through the ring. Yorikiri.

Ura will face Tobizaru tomorrow.

Sanyaku

Abi (1-1) default win over the absent Takayasu (0-2).

Kirishima (2-0) defeated Mitakeumi (1-1). Maybe Onosato is taking notes. Kirishima met Mitakeumi’s drive head on and stopped him in the middle of the ring. As the two settled into a lean, Kirishima decided not to settle into a lean, picked up Mitakeumi like he was dead weight, and pressed forward. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-0) defeated Onosato (0-2). Onosato pulled. When he reached the bales he tried to circle around the tawara but he fell backwards and landed before Wakamotoharu. Oshitaoshi.

Kotozakura (1-1) defeated Atamifuji (1-1). Atamifuji fought well against the Ozeki. Kotozakura tried the Shodai thing again today, shuffling along the bales and trying to wave Atamifuji over the edge. But Atamifuji needed more direct attention. Kotozakura moved to the center and shoved Atamifuji out. Yorikiri.

Takakeisho (1-1) defeated Daieisho (1-1). Takakeisho came out blasting today and forced Daieisho back to the edge. However, he could not finish. Daieisho resisted at the edge so the two competitors locked horns. Daieisho has always been vulnerable to flopping on his belly and that’s how Takakeisho won. He sensed when Daieisho was pitched too far forward and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (1-1) defeated Hiradoumi (0-2). This was an old-fashioned street fight. Hoshoryu tried to move in quickly for a belt grip but Hiradoumi did not allow it. Instead, the two traded vicious blows. Hoshoryu advanced on Hiradoumi, whose back was to the edge, and blasted him from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Terunofuji (2-0) defeated Meisei (1-1). A dominant Terunofuji blew Meisei away. The Yokozuna’s hard charging tachiai forced Meisei back to the bales. Terunofuji continued forward and drove Meisei out. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

The Ozeki recovered from yesterday’s losses and turned in victories. They were a bit shaky but victories nonetheless. Terunofuji’s win, though, was anything but shaky. He won with the confidence and authority of a Yokozuna.

Tomorrow’s sanyaku bouts will continue the drama. First up, Onosato will try to get back to his winning ways against Daieisho. Hiradoumi will face Abi. Kirishima will take on Gonoyama. For the Ozeki, Hoshoryu faces Mitakeumi, Kotozakura gets his turn with Meisei and Takakeisho will have his hands full with Atamifuji. Last, but not least, Terunofuji will fight Wakamotoharu.