It’s one of those days in sport, when the judges and referees get involved and fans everywhere are going to be unhappy one way or the other. I am referring to the matter of the mono-ii that followed the Terunofuji Myogiryu match, and the somewhat unclear evidence of Terunofuji’s hand pulling Myogiryu’s ochi-mage. I am fine if Terunofuji was derailed from his zensho by poor sumo or being bested on the clay, but to have his win reversed by, what is to my eye, not a clear example of the infraction, is just terrible. I hope that Terunofuji shows real mettle and does not let this turn of events derail him from his good sumo, and his march to the yusho.

Also, Darwin smiles across the large cohort of rikishi who ended the day at 6-5 or 5-6.

Highlight Matches

Enho defeats Chiyomaru – Chiyomaru makes first contact at the tachiai, but Enho’s speed gives him a broad attack window, and as Chiyomaru is moving forward he steps to the side. Lunging in to apply lateral pressure, he gets Chiyomaru moving, and never lets him recover. It is just barely possible, should Enho “win out” that he could still reach kachi-koshi and return to the top division in July.

Kotonowaka defeats Kaisei – Kotonowaka had his hands inside at the tachiai, and immediately converted Kaisei’s forward momentum into enough energy to power a throw. Kotonowaka improves to 6-5. It was smooth and elegant.

Okinoumi defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi had the opening advantage, pushing Okinoumi back to the bales. Okinoumi had his hands in Tamawashi’s armpits, inputting lift to Tamawashi’s attack. With his heels on the bales, Okinoumi pivoted and pulled, sending Tamawashi to the clay, and picking up his 8th win for kachi-koshi.

Kagayaki defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma attempt at a deep right hand grip at the tachiai missed its mark, and that gave Kagayaki his chance. Although Chiyoshoma continued to attempt to attack, Kagayaki kept his hands forward and inside, and kept Chiyoshoma moving. Kagayaki improves to 5-6.

Shimanoumi defeats Ishiura – Shimanoumi snaps his 3 bout losing streak by keeping up the pressure on Ishiura and not letting him take even a single step forward. Both finish the day at 5-6.

Endo defeats Chiyotairyu – Chiyotairyu loses his second in a row, missing out on kachi-koshi again today. Chiyotairyu’s sumo was push – pull – pull today, doing the bulk of the work in the match. Endo stayed low, stayed stable and just kept moving forward. Endo improves to 9-2.

Tsurugisho defeats Akua – Tsurugisho displays the danger of someone so massive trying a kimarite like abisetaoshi. Both tumble out of the ring, with Tsurugisho narrowly missing Daiamami but clobbering a shimpan. Both end the day at 4-7

Takarafuji defeats Daiamami – Daiamami went chest to chest at the tachiai, and Takarafuji obliged by immediately stalemating him at the center of the dohyo. Takarafuji locks into his tradition defend and extend mode of sumo, and Daiamami seems a bit puzzled about what to do. Everything Daiamami did from there on out allowed Takarafuji to incrementally improve his position, until he had a right hand outside grip. He did not have to wait too long, and Takarafuji finished him with a sukuinage. Both end the day at 5-6.

Ichinojo defeats Kotoeko – Most sumo fans wanted to see Kotoeko take down the boulder today, but Kotoeko chose a henka, and Ichinojo was ready. Three steps later, Kotoeko was dumped into the salt box and Ichinojo had his kachi-koshi.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Hidenoumi – Hidenoumi’s post tachiai hold went high, and found Terutsuyoshi’s head. This left his body wide open, and Terutsuyoshi attack low, and stayed low. Terutsuyoshi’s left hand frontal grip went to work and two steps later the uwatedashinage hit, sending Hidenoumi to the clay. Terutsuyoshi improves to 5-6.

Kiribayama defeats Tochinoshin – Tochinoshin worked so hard to keep pressure off of that right knee, but Kiribayama’s right hand inside grip meant there was only one way to escape the pressure. Eventually Kiribayama wore him down and threw him across the bales. Tochinoshin’s 8th loss, and both end the day make-koshi at 3-8.

Tobizaru defeats Aoiyama – Aoiyama’s return to action this week is looking at lot more questionable, as he pick up his second straight loss. AT the tachiai, Tobizaru steps back and to the side and pulls on Aoiyama’s right arm. Aoiyama loses balance and drops to the dohyo. Tobizaru improves to 2-9.

Wakatakakage defeats Hoshoryu – Both showed excellent form in this match, but Wakatakakage had better foot placement at the tachiai, and his hips were lower. He bundled up Hoshoryu and marched forward to take his 7th win.

Meisei defeats Daieisho – Daieisho took his eyes off of Meisei at the tachiai. This let Meisei get his hands inside, and laid on the attack. Daieisho rallied just for a moment, but it was all Meisei today, and he advanced to join the group at 5-6.

Hokutofuji defeats Mitakeumi – In a battle of the over-sized head bandages, it Hokutofuji who kept his hips lower, and his stance open. Mitakeumi is able to shut him down for a few seconds, but Hokutofuji’s second surge forward breaks through Mitakeumi’s defense, and he rushes forward to improve to 4-7. Mitakeumi’s week 2 fade seems to be coming into full bloom.

Takakeisho defeats Takayasu – Takayasu decides to get into a tsuppari contests with Takakeisho. Even my cat knows how that’s going to turn out. Takakeisho adjust the power setting to “3” and launches Takayasu over the bales. Takakeisho improves to 9-3.

Asanoyama defeats Takanosho – Takanosho was late off of the shikiri-sen, but hit with power. Putting his right hand under Asanoyama’s chin, he drove forward, and looked ready to take the match. But a ring’s edge rescue move from Asanoyama worked, and Takanosho found himself thrown to the clay. Asanoyama improves to 7-4.

Myogiryu defeats Terunofuji – Myogiryu gets both hands inside, and executes a strong opening combo. But Terunofuji defends well, consolidates his position and throws Myogiryu down for what looks like win 11. But a mono-ii is called. The judges want to look at that right hand against the back of Myogiryu’s head. The shimpan declare Terunofuji disqualified because of a hair pull, and the kaiju is handed his first loss. Terunofuji’s hand placement was sloppy, but I personally would not have called it a hair pull. I always hate it when officials reverse performance on the field, and the evidence is not exceedingly clear. But then again, I am just a fan, and I was not there. Myogiryu improves to 5-6, and I am going to guess he will be ripe fodder for Darwin in a few days. Just like that, without anyone actually beating Terunofuji, Endo and Takakeisho are now just 1 win behind.

Shodai defeats Onosho – Shodai absorbs Onosho’s big opening move, and his subsequent attempt to set up his big push goes nowhere, as Shodai already has him moving back. Realizing he is sunk, Onosho tries a pull, but that just feeds his loss, and Shodai pushes him out. Both end the day at 6-5.

I am hugely excited for the kick off of act 3 of this basho tonight. Act 3, we are going to sort everyone in make and kachi-koshi, and crown a tournament champion. Right now, the safe money is all on Terunofuji, who continues to exceed any realistic expectation of a man who a few years ago was ejected from his Ozeki rank due to crippling effects of diabetes and having no knees to speak of. Yet here he is; the toughest man in the tournament again, more or less putting up Yokozuna class results and tossing all challengers out with a hearty shove. Starting day 12, we are likely to see the Ozeki being to face each other round-robin style, and this will be some of the toughest matches of the tournament for them. If we are going to see someone put dirt on Terunofuji, this will be the time it could happen.

But realistically, the talk right now is not about if Terunofuji can win the cup, it is can he do it with a perfect 15-0 zensho.

Natsu Leaderboard

Terunofuji would need to lost twice in his final 5 matches for anyone to have a chance to take the yusho from him. I am sure Isegahama oyakata is going to be planning a big party soon.

Leader: Terunofuji
Hunt Group (2 wins behind): Takakeisho, Endo

5 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 11

Enho vs Chiyomaru – Welcome back to the top division Enho. I am very sad that there is a fair chance this is the day you are going to be make-koshi, but at least the global fans will get to see it happen. The bulbous Chiyomaru holds a 4-2 career lead, and is fighting well this May. So I am guessing it will another Enho crumple zone.

Kotonowaka vs Kaisei – Matching 5-5 records up today, with a small advantage to Kaisei. If he decides he is going to be mobile, I am sure Kotonowaka will have no means to escape him. But Kaisei sometimes just fights be being huge.

Tamawashi vs Okinoumi – Two long serving, battle scared vets? Yes please! there are 24 matches between them, split right down the middle. Both of them are well on their way to kachi-koshi, neither one of them in the midst of a losing streak, so I am expecting some fun sumo from them today.

Chiyoshoma vs Kagayaki – Chiyoshoma, given his current state and the state of his opponent, is likely to shove Kagayaki around the dohyo for a while and then send him back to dressing room in a heap. I love solid Kagayaki sumo. Does anyone know where I might find some today?

Shimanoumi vs Ishiura – Shimanoumi / Shamble-no-umi… 3 losses in a row, on the road to make-koshi or a Darwin match. Pull yourself together man! I think Ishiura can win 2 of his last 5 and hit the safety of 8, but should he succumb to the shambles today, it will be almost impossible for him to escape the Juryo barge.

Chiyotairyu vs Endo – It gives me the giggles that the scheduling crew made it so Chiyotairyu had to win against Endo to get his kachi-koshi. If they are hitting the sake in that room where they draw it up, please make sure they have as much as they want. This is the kind of match-making that lets the fans know you care. Chiyotairyu’s damaged elbow seems to have been funneling him towards yotsu-zumo, which against Endo is suicidal.

Tsurugisho vs Akua – Akua needs to win 4 of his last 5 to ensure he remains in the top division for July. That’s a tall order, and its made even taller that one of those wins should probably come today against the massive Tsurugisho. Tsurugisho will have extra motivation as a loss today sends him make-koshi for May.

Daiamami vs Takarafuji – Daiamami is struggling, having lost 3 of his last 5, and looks to be headed straight for Darwin on day 15. He will get no comfort from Takarafuji, who can only hope he fares well enough to face off against another 7-7 rikishi on the final day.

Kotoeko vs Ichinojo – Much as I love Kotoeko’s sumo, it’s high time for Ichinojo to get his 8th win. He has won all 4 prior bouts against Kotoeko, and as long as he can keep his shoulder lined up against Kotoeko, he won’t be beat today.

Hidenoumi vs Terutsuyoshi – Two more find candidate for Darwin in a few days, they are both struggling to even get to even, and whomever loses today will be one step away from make-koshi. they have matching 4-6 records, but I would give a slight edge to Terutsuyoshi today as he seems to have re-connected with his spirit guide – an angry gnome spirit that picks fights with the other ghosts.

Kiribayama vs Tochinoshin – Kiribayama is already make-koshi, and a win today would give Tochinoshin the same outcome. The former Ozeki really is a day by day case, as we have no idea what kind of function he will be able to get out of his right knee over the course of any match.

Aoiyama vs Tobizaru – If there is one rikishi in this tournament that can really send Tobizaru out to visit the fans, its going to be Aoiyama. Bit Dan’s V-Twin attack packs a lot of thrust, and with Tobizaru ready to fly at any moment, we could see record setting air time out of sumo’s flying monkey.

Wakatakakage vs Hoshoryu – We highlighted these two as rising stars a few days ago, and now the drinking club that passes for a scheduling team have decided to have them battle out. We could not agree more. True Wakatakakage holds a 2-0 career record against クラーク・ケント, but both of them should be at about peak genki right now, so expecting great things….

Meisei vs Daieisho – Two more I am watching for signs of Darwin, they both have that magical 4-6 record that makes me want to start cooking chanko and putting a big as bottle of Dassai otter festival sake in the fridge for Saturday night. Sure, Meisei has never won against Daieisho. But these guys need to strive to even qualify for Darwin now.

Mitakeumi vs Hokutofuji – Come on, Mitakeumi, you can do it. Send that guy with the comically huge bandage over his eye to where you know he belongs, (say it with me now…) “The most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo”. I am talking about a make-koshi that can move mountains, a losing record so strong that the mae-zumo kids wish they could have one too. Mitakeumi, oh lofty original Tadpole, please make it so.

Takayasu vs Takakeisho – Wait, wait, don’t tell me. Takayasu, having reverted to his ancient, more potent form on day 10, goes right back to his spazzo, all over the map, flailing sumo, and gets clocked by a well timed shove from Takakeisho? Well, lets see. The other outcome is that he stays with the day 10 plan, grabs the grand tadpole with that vice-like left hand and pitches him like a bale of rice straw all the way back to his lily pad Hyogo in one long, graceful arc.

Asanoyama vs Takanosho – Well, Asanoyama, what is it going to be? will you show us your real Ozeki form a few more times before the last day? We are all hoping you will. I worry that you psyche yourself out some days, and you sell yourself short. You are the rikishi with the most upside potential on the dohyo today (yes, more than the great Terunofuji, too), if you will just put it to work.

Myogiryu vs Terunofuji – Is Myogiryu even really ready for this match? No, nobody is quite ready to face the kaiju right now. But someone has to get in the ring with him and put on the best possible fight. Right now Terunofuji really just needs 3 more wins to force a playoff. But I doubt either Endo or Takakeisho can finish with a 13-2 record this May. So realistically, 2 wins. Try to leave at least a few of his bones for his family to enshrine, please, sir!

Shodai vs Onosho – If Shodai can’t take down Mr Mega-thrust junior tadpole, then he’s going to have a sewage sandwich to eat the last 4 days. He needs 3 wins to clear kadoban.

Bruce got happy seeing Takayasu revert to his earlier, yotsu-centric form of sumo against Shodai. This was once his stock and trade, and coupled with his nearly infinite endurance, it’s what made me a Takayasu fan. That sumo took him all the way to Ozeki. But almost as soon as he assumed sumo’s second highest rank, he began the use of a wild, unbalanced oshi-form that packed a lot of power, but was difficult for him to manage. His consistency suffered, and he could not predictably deliver winning matches. This arrested his climb up the banzuke, and in time, injury dislodged him from the Ozeki rank. As a Takayasu fan, I would be delighted if we saw more of this kind of sumo from him, as it plays to his natural strengths.

Would you like to see an example? This one has all the elements of Takayasu’s excellent form

Highlight Matches

Akua defeats Azumaryu – Neither one of these two looked like they wanted to compete today. This was a low velocity “going through the motions” kind of match, but I did like the odd arm-length side-nodowa from Akua that set up his win. He advances to a less miserable 4-6.

Okinoumi defeats Ishiura – Ishiura seemed to have the advantage at the tachiai, but a flying pull attempt gave Okinoumi everything he needed to send Ishiura out for a loss. Okinoumi improves to 7-7.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Chiyomaru – At the tachiai, Chiyomaru attacked high, Terutsuyoshi attacked low, and that made all of the difference. With Chiyomaru attacking his head, Terutsuyoshi got a frontal mawashi grip and used Chiyomaru’s spherical shape to roll him to the clay. Terutsuyoshi improves to 4-6.

Kaisei defeats Shimanoumi – Kaisei was somehow roused today from his typical torpor, giving chase to Shimanoumi, and driving him from the ring. Shimanoumi had one brief opening to turn the tide of the match, but could not turn his arm hold into any effective offense. Kaisei improves to 5-5.

Kotoeko defeats Kagayaki – Kagayaki’s tachiai was completely out of sorts, standing nearly upright when Kotoeko connected and drove his hands inside for an immediate grip. From that moment on, Kagayaki was on defense and struggled to prevent Kotoeko from finishing what he started at the tachiai. Kotoeko improves to 6-4.

Tsurugisho defeats Chiyotairyu – Yet again today, Chiyotairyu chooses to go chest to chest. But he lumbered into Tsurugisho’s arm bar hold that quickly transitioned to a kotenage. In a moment, Tsurugisho had Chiyotairyu tossed from the dohyo to improve to 3-7. Chiyotairyu’s kachi-koshi will need to wait for another day.

Endo defeats Kotonowaka – To me, it looked like Endo won this match well before the tachiai. Kotonowaka clearly was only prepared to defend, allowing Endo to just push him around and out without too much work. Endo picks up his 8th win and is kachi-koshi for May.

Tochinoshin defeats Daiamami – Much to my surprise, Tochinoshin managed to get enough life back in that right knee to return to the dohyo today, and won against Daiamami. It was a head lock tsukiotoshi immediately at the tachiai that did the bulk of the work for Tochinoshin, but I am sure he was happy to pick up his 3rd win.

Tamawashi defeats Hidenoumi – Tamawashi established a nodowa at the tachiai, and just walked Hidenoumi directly out. Not sure where Hidenoumi was today, but he was not ready to compete. Tamawashi improves to 6-4.

Chiyoshoma defeats Ichinojo – I really liked Chiyoshoma’s opening combo, a push / pull / push series that completely disrupted whatever Ichinojo had in mind. Finding himself upright, turned about and a bit off balance, Ichinojo went soft and walked over the bales, as is his custom. Chiyoshoma improves to 6-4, and looks like a serious rikishi.

Takarafuji defeats Aoiyama – Big Dan Aoiyama cranked up the forward pressure from the tachiai, but Takarafuji mounted enough of a defense to stop his advance. With Aoiyama continuing to push, Takarafuji stepped to the side and assisted Aoiyama’s drive forward over the bales with a jaunty shove. Takarafuji pick up a much needed win to advance to 4-6.

Myogiryu defeats Tobizaru – A tsuki-battle supreme, we managed to see Tobizaru switch to offense twice. But the match favored Myogiryu from the start, and it ended with Tobizaru taking another excursion into the zabuton. Myogiryu improves to 4-6, Tobizaru down to 1-9, and I have to wonder how many losses he is going to rack up.

Hoshoryu defeats Hokutofuji – I was hoping we would see some big effort from both in this match, and they did not disappoint. Hokutofuji’s handshake tachiai found Hoshoryu’s neck and delivered a brutal shove. Both of them went into nearly picture perfect battle crouches, and attacked. Hokutofuji put all of his chips on that right arm neck attack, leaving his body open. Hoshoryu attacked Hokutofuji’s arm underneath three times, and on the third broke that neck grip. Switching to attack, he opened his stance, grabbed the back of Hokutofuji’s head and pulled with everything he could muster. Hokutofuji lost balance, and Hoshoryu circled behind and drove him out. Hoshoryu improves to 5-5 while Hokutofuji takes another step toward his expected make-koshi.

Wakatakakage defeats Daieisho – Daieisho had his hands inside at the tachiai, and converted it to a solid opening combo. Wakatakakage kept his feet, and minimized the ground lost while he tangled up Daieisho’s arms. With Daieisho neutralized, Wakatakakage advanced and drove him from the ring. Wakatakakage improves to 6-4.

Takanosho defeats Meisei – Takanosho takes his first ever win over Meisei in 7 attempts. Meisei started, and Takanosho answered at about 2x power. The match finished quickly with Takanosho landing face down as Meisei fell. The monoii upheld the gyoji’s call, and Takanosho walked away with his 4th win as both finish the day at 4-6.

Asanoyama defeats Mitakeumi – excellent mawashi defense today from Asanoyama, as Mitakeumi did a masterful job of taking the fight to the Ozeki in a solid chest to chest battle. He was able to get his left hand outside grip on his third grab attempt, and that made all the difference. Asanoyama improves to 6-4.

Terunofuji defeats Kiribayama – Much respect to Kiribayama for putting up a valiant effort, but Terunofuji took Kiribayama to his chest, and it was then just a question of how Terunofuji was going to finish him. The camera did not really show it, but it looks like Terunofuji’s right hand kept a hold of Kiribayama’s mawashi while his left hand thrust upward. The result was a lifting, blend between yorikiri and okuridashi. Terunofuji remains perfect at 10-0 while Kiribayama is make-koshi at 2-8.

Takayasu defeats Shodai – I like that Takayasu went for a left hand outside at the tachiai. Far too frequently he would lead with a left arm or shoulder strike, which just seems to leave him off balance. With Shodai captured, it removed about 70% of possible cartoon sumo moves. Shodai gyrates a bit, but can’t break Takayasu’s grip, which moments later is leads to Shodai’s ejection from the ring. Why don’t we see this Takayasu mode more frequently? This is the kind of sumo that took him to Ozeki. Takayasu improves to 7-3. Shodai needs to win 3 of the last 5 to clear kadoban, he has now lost 3 in a row.

Takakeisho defeats Onosho – Takakeisho brought twice as much power to this match as Onosho did. This was made worse when Onosho attempted to leap to the side just before the 3rd volley, catching Takakeisho’s double arm blast mid-flight and sailing over the tawara. The win delivered Takakeisho’s kachi-koshi.