Natsu 2024

Nagoya 2024: Day Eleven Highlights

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho , , ,

Shirokuma has taken over the lead in the Juryo yusho race, defeating Shishi. Shishi falls to 8-3 with Shimazuumi. A raft of guys lay in wait at 7-4.

Makuuchi Action

Kagayaki (7-4) defeated Tokihayate (Juryo 6-5). Tokihayate tripped as Kagayaki shoved him back. When he tripped, he stepped out. He tried to continue but the eagle-eyed shimpan called him out. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (8-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-3-5). Wakatakakage grabbed Chiyoshoma’s belt with his right hand and pulled Chiyoshoma forward. Chiyoshoma slid forward and extended his legs into a very uncomfortable split before twisting over and down to save himself from injury. Good thing these guys are flexible. Wakatakakage picked up his kachikoshi. Uwatedashinage.

Nishikigi (2-9) defeated Takarafuji (4-7). Nishikigi drove forward while Takarafuji was still fumbling for a belt grip. Once Nishikigi got momentum moving forward, Takarafuji he forced Takarafuji into the crowd. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (7-4) defeated Bushozan (6-5). Midorifuji hit Bushozan from the side with his right hand. As Bushozan stumbled forward, Midorifuji snuck in behind and ushered him out. Okuridashi.

Oshoma (6-5) defeated Roga (5-6). After a long, thrilling yotsu battle, Oshoma twisted his body and threw a weary Roga to the ground.

Roga will take on Onokatsu from Juryo while Oshoma will fight Kagayaki. I wonder how often a Juryo wrestler fights in Makuuchi twice during the same basho.

Endo (7-4) defeated Kinbozan (3-8). Who the hell is this Endo guy? After escaping Kinbozan’s clutches earlier in the bout, Endo used his belt grip to drag Kinbozan across the ring. While being dragged, Kinbozan’s leg caught on Endo’s knee and he fell over. Where has this Endo been for the last ten years? Kinbozan isn’t exactly an Ozeki but he’s no Beard Papa crème puff just waiting to be dragged around the ring. Kirikaeshi.

Kinbozan will fight Chiyoshoma on Day 12.

Hokutofuji (5-6) defeated Ryuden (3-8). Ryuden slipped both of his hands inside, under Hokutofuji’s armpits. What a mistake. Hokutofuji clamped down hard. This kept Ryuden from moving his hands deeper and getting a belt grip. Hokutofuji then drove forward and blasted Ryuden into the crowd. Ryuden makekoshi. Kimedashi.

Yotsu-Hokutofuji will take on a rejuvenated Endo. Ryuden will fight Takarafuji.

Sadanoumi (4-7) defeated Nishikifuji (5-6). Nishikifuji lost his footing as he tried a pull. Oshitaoshi.

Sadanoumi will fight Nishikigi on Day 12.

Kotoshoho (6-5) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-6). The pair traded tsuppari until they tired and locked into a grapple. Kotoshoho released his grip with one hand while the other was wrapped tightly onto Ichiyamamoto’s arm. Then he rotated and dragged him down. Kotenage.

Ichiyamamoto will fight Wakatakakage on Day 12.

Churanoumi (8-3) defeated Oho (6-5). Oho’s dreaded pull meant he obviously got shoved out by Churanoumi. MOVE FORWARD YOUNG MAN!

Churanoumi will battle Bushozan, Oho will fight Midorifuji.

Halftime.

Takanosho (8-3) defeated Shodai (7-4). This long-awaited highlight bout deservingly received a new set of shimpan and freshly swept dohyo. Shodai got pushed back and I am sure he was going to try some fancy escape at the edge but he stumbled backwards over the tawara and lost before he could manage any kind of offense. “Zzzzzzzzzzzz.” Takanosho kachikoshi. Oshidashi.

Shodai will fight Kotoshoho on Day 12.

Shonannoumi (6-5) defeated Tamawashi (5-6). I think Tamawashi’s ankle is hurt. Shonannoumi drove him back like a blocking sled. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi will fight Nishikifuji on Day 12.

Tobizaru (6-5) defeated Mitakeumi (4-7). Tobizaru stopped Mitakeumi’s forward progress and then lifted his dead weight over the bales. Yorikiri.

Meisei (3-8) defeated Ura (4-7). Meisei made Ura wait in a crouch for a good long time and then blasted him with a Juggernaut tachiai. Ura ran out of ideas and made a dreadful pull/slapdown attempt. Meisei blasted him and forced him awkwardly to the bales. He then followed up with another blast that sent Ura sprawling off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Ura will fight Takanosho and Meisei will battle Shonannoumi tomorrow.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (7-4) defeated Atamifuji (4-7). Hiradoumi tried an uwatenage but Atamifuji stayed upright. Unfortunately for Atamifuji, this put him up against the bales and a bit off balance, so Hiradoumi followed up with a forceful shove to send Atamifuji out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (7-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-7). Daieisho did Daieisho things. WMH was just along for the ride. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu will fight Tobizaru tomorrow. Daieisho gets a much deserved break and will be paired against Mitake-listless.

Kirishima (6-5) defeated Kotozakura (8-3). No words. This is becoming a runaway for Terunofuji. Kirishima locked on with his left hand and dragged the deadweight Ozeki over to the bales where he shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Kirishima will fight Atamifuji tomorrow.

Takakeisho (5-6) defeated Gonoyama (3-8). Gonoyama survived the first pull attempt, but not the second. Slapdown. Tsukiotoshi.

Gonoyama is paired up with Hiradoumi tomorrow.

Hoshoryu (8-3) defeated Abi (6-5). Abi-zumo took Hoshoryu to the edge and he looked legitimately in trouble of going down there. But Hoshoryu grabbed Abi’s right arm and pulled him forward and out. Sakatottari.

Hoshoryu will fight Kotozakura tomorrow.

Onosato (6-5) defeated Terunofuji (10-1). I have nothing to say about that one. Tsukiotoshi.

Terunofuji will fight Abi and Onosato will fight Takakeisho.

Wrap-up

Nagoya 2024 is turning into, The Yusho No One Wanted. Terunofuji still has a two-bout lead over the field. The best anyone else can do is 12-3. I don’t like it. It’s a terrible day for sumo when the best bout is the Endo bout. I’ll say it right now. Improbably, both Kirishima and Takakeisho will save their ranks, Terunofuji will win a 13-2 yusho and Onosato will be promoted on the strength of his 10-5 jun yusho and victory over the Yokozuna. It is thus written. All right, guys. Now prove me wrong on Day 12. PLZ.

It might be time to pay more attention to the Juryo yusho race.

Natsu 2024: Senshuraku Highlights

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho

Glad to hear many of you like the idea of the somenuki yusho. That will give me something to do during June, after the big haircuts. Yesterday, I had posted Heat 2 and I was rather surprised at the outcome. I knew it would be tight but I expected Mitakeumi to claim this one, maybe with Shodai in second. I liked Tsurugisho’s simple kimono which featured his first name, Momotaro. But Shonannoumi’s tiger claimed the heat.

Don’t worry, after the first round heats, I will bring these onto the site directly for the final poll, rather than on Elmo’s “Free Spam, I mean, Free Speech” platform. It was a spur of the moment thing the other day but I can do this properly in the future.

Videos of the Makuuchi and Juryo Action are here. Makuuchi Part I & Part II, Juryo Part I & Part II.

That was a bit more important today since NHK allowed the Tokyo Derby to pre-empt the first several bouts of Makuuchi. I am sure folks fired up their VPNs and did not miss any action. Although, if you blinked at the wrong time, you would have missed Wakatakakage’s henka to secure the Juryo yusho.

Special Prize Announcements:

Fighting spirit prizes for Oshoma and Shonannoumi are conditional on each wrestler winning today. Onosato won the technique prize, unconditionally. He, Abi, and Daieisho are also contending for Outstanding Performance prizes, conditional upon winning the yusho. No prize consideration for the Ozeki. They’re expected to be in contention (and occasionally win these things…ahem!!!).

The Action

Roga (7-8) defeated Tokihayate (6-9). Roga just enveloped Tokihayate and drove him to the ground. Oshitaoshi.

Hokutofuji (7-8) defeated Takarafuji (9-6). Hokutofuji’s tsuppari was too much for Takarafuji today. Oshidashi.

Ryuden (10-5) defeated Sadanoumi (9-6). Positional victory for Ryuden as he worked Sadanoumi over the bales. Both had established solid belt grips and this is a great yotsu battle. But it is one where Ryuden’s footwork and strength won the day. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (10-5) defeated Kinbozan (8-7). Oshoma shoved a soft Kinbozan over the bales. Maybe Oshoma’s fighting spirit was enough for both of them today. Yorikiri.

Shodai (7-8) defeated Tomokaze (2-13). Tomokaze could barely put weight on his right leg. Easy win for Shodai as he pressed forward and shoved Tomokaze over the bales. Oshidashi

Ichiyamamoto (8-7) defeated Tamawashi (7-8). One of two Darwin bouts today. Tamawashi’s thrusts overpowered Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari but Ichiyamamoto slipped to his right as he reached the straw bales and the misdirection was enough to see Tamawashi flop to his belly. Tsukiotoshi.

Nishikigi (5-10) defeated Tsurugisho (3-12). The obvious outcome occurred. Tsurugisho will get some much needed rest and may be able to drink from the fountain of youth in Juryo. Results may vary, however. Myogiryu and Kotoeko were not as energized as Endo and Takarafuji have been. Yorikiri.

Meisei (10-5) defeated Shonannoumi (9-6). Meisei overpowered Shonannoumi and did not succumb to Shonannoumi’s kotenage attempt. Denied of his special prize, Shonannoumi walked into Meisei after the bell. Meisei seemed nonplussed. I would not be surprised if Meisei is waiting for Shonannoumi in the parking lot afterwards. Yorikiri.

Onosho (7-8) defeated Nishikifuji (5-10). Poorly timed and executed pull from Nishikifuji. Onosho kept pace in pursuit and drove Nishikifuji over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime.

Oho (6-9) defeated Midorifuji (5-10). No pull from Oho today. Instead, Midorifuji attempted the slapdown but Oho kept his balance and finished Midorifuji off with a final thrust. Tsukidashi.

Tobizaru (6-9) defeated Churanoumi (8-7). Quick slapdown after the tachiai. Tobizaru caught Churanoumi on the arm and thrust him to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu (7-3-5) defeated Gonoyama (6-9). Takayasu absorbed Gonoyama’s attack and then waited him out in the center of the ring with a left-hand over-arm belt grip. Uwatedashinage.

Hiradoumi (9-6) defeated Mitakeumi (8-7). Mitakeumi hit Hiradoumi hard at the tachiai. I was a bit surprised by his forward progress. Hiradoumi quickly wrapped up his belt and from his low position was able to turn Mitakeumi and drive him back through the dohyo and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (11-4) defeated Kotoshoho (8-7). Daieisho’s thrusting, brawling brand of sumo was on full display here. It was like he could smell yusho. Kotoshoho did his best and nearly got Daieisho with a bit of misdirection but Daieisho locked on and beat Kotoshoho down. Depending on the outcome of Onosato/Abi, Daieisho may have earned a spot in a playoff. Tsukiotoshi.

Takanosho (8-7) defeated Atamifuji (7-8). Our second Darwin bout. Takanosho punished Atamifuji for his uninspired pull attempt and earned his kachi-koshi. Atamifuji will need to retool if he hopes to crack sanyaku. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Ura (7-8) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-8-3). Ura fought back, charged forward, and drove Wakamotoharu out. Yorikiri.

Onosato (12-3) defeated Abi (10-5) and won his first Top Division yusho. Abi came out blasting straight ahead with his tsuppari. Onosato had planned for this, however. He blasted Abi’s right shoulder as hard as he could from the left. This threw Abi off balance and Onosato followed up with blasts of his own. Abi fell from the dohyo and Onosato stood, victorious. Makuuchi Champion. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (11-4) defeated Hoshoryu (10-5). Oh. You’re still here? It’s not over? Oh, that’s right, we have another bout left between the remaining Ozeki. At least there is a massive stack of cash awaiting the winner of this. Hoshoryu pressed forward into Kotozakura. Kotozakura released his left-hand belt grip and wrapped up Hoshoryu’s right arm, then dragged Hoshoryu down to the ground for an anti-climactic kotenage.

Wrap-up

Congratulations to Onosato on winning his first Top Division title! Onosato will lock up his Sekiwake promotion and may have kicked off his Ozeki run. Depending on how desperate the Kyokai is for a solid Ozeki, he might be two legs deep, already. Despite being M5 in Osaka, usually just outside the joi, he did face the sanyaku and even took down an Ozeki, two Sekiwake and a Komusubi on his way to a jun-yusho. With three Ozeki, though, I do not think the Kyokai will be chomping at the bit to promote too quickly. But two more double-digit performances and we could have a new Ozeki by Kyushu.

We will dive deeper into the implications and outcomes of Natsu soon. Along with his title, Onosato claimed two more special prizes. Oshoma also earned his Fighting Spirit prize.

Thank you to all Tachiai readers for riding this roller-coaster, yet again. June will be fairly quiet, event-wise. No Jungyo there are a few items to track early, including the retirement ceremonies for Ishiura (6/1), Akiseyama (6/2) and Chiyonokuni (6/8). I will also keep my eyes open for any reports from Isegahama Ichimon regarding updates to the status of Miyagino-beya and its hopeful re-opening. Fingers crossed!

Natsu 2024 Day 14 Highlights

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho ,

On Twitter and Instagram I have noticed a lot of great pictures of the kimono worn by the top division wrestlers so I am collecting those that I can find (which importantly show front and back) and am posting polls to see which wrestler wins the fashion yusho. The first heat is here:

Wearing these kimono is a special privilege of top division wrestlers during the three “summertime” tournaments. They have fantastic designs and feature the shikona of the wrestler. It’s called somenuki (染抜き) after the technique of removing dye for what are often white shikona. Sometimes you will see gold and so I don’t think all of them use the somenuki technique.

I plan to have the second heat posted later today. I am just wondering if in the future, I should move the polls to the website rather than on Twitter itself. If there are a lot of readers who are not on Twitter, and who are interested in these fashionable kimono, I’ll move it here.

In Juryo, the schedulers have done something very interesting. Wakatakakage is in the lead with Onokatsu and Endo one win behind. All three have already faced each other. So, the Kyokai are pairing all of the leaders with guys who are 7-7 and thus fighting for kachi-koshi. Brutal.

NHK Videos Here

Juryo Part I & Part II

Makuuchi Part I & Part II

The Action

Sadanoumi (9-5) defeated Roga (6-8). Both men battled on the belt, right-hand inside. Sadanoumi won the position battle, driving Roga backwards. Roga would not go out, however, so Sadanoumi rotated from his left and threw Roga down. Uwatenage.

Tokihayate (6-8) defeated Hokutofuji (6-8). Hokutofuji popped Tokihayate at the tachiai. Both locked in for a grapple which was probably not wise for Hokutofuji. Tokihayate dragged him to the edge of the ring and tried to throw him but Hokutofuji hung on. Tokihayate then back peddled and dragged Hokutofuji down. Tsukiotoshi.

Tamawashi (7-7) defeated Churanoumi (8-6). Tamawashi deflected Churanoumi’s arms and drove forward, blasting him from the dohyo in grand Tamawashi style. Unfortunately, Churanoumi was slow to get up and seemed to be favoring his left hip. Oshidashi.

Shodai (6-8) defeated Tsurugisho (3-11). Shodai locked in with his right hand, ottsuke with the left to block Tsurugisho from holding on with his right. From there, Shodai ushered Tsurugisho over the bales. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (7-7) defeated Ichiyamamoto (7-7). Ichiyamamoto tried a slapdown but failed. Takanosho kept his balance and drove Ichiyamamoto to the ground. Oshidashi.

Takarafuji (9-5) defeated Kotoshoho (8-6). Strong tsuppari and forward motion from Kotoshoho but Takarafuji deflected and rotated back through the center. As Kotoshoho launched forward again, Takarafuji slipped to the right and got behind Kotoshoho. He then shoved Kotoshoho from the back. Okuridashi.

Nishikifuji (5-9) defeated Nishikigi (4-10). Nishikifuji pulled and slapped Nishikigi down. Gunbai to Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji was going out so the shimpan gathered for a mono-ii. Who was “dead” first?  Nishikigi who was propelled forward, or Nishikifuji who was jumping out? Answer…neither. We get a redo. In the redo, Nishikigi backed to the bales and tried to twist Nishikifuji over it but Nishikifuji plowed forward for the yoritaoshi win.

Ryuden (9-5) defeated Mitakeumi (8-6). Ryuden locked up Mitakeumi quickly and walked him back and out. Yorikiri. Why is Mitakeumi here?

Onosho (6-8) defeated Tomokaze (2-12). Onosho hit Tomokaze hard and used a forceful nodowa to finish him off. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Meisei (9-5) defeated Kinbozan (8-6). Kinbozan sure hit Meisei hard but Meisei was able to shift to the side and Kinbozan could not adjust quickly. Meisei kept rotating and shoved Kinbozan out. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (8-6) defeated Tobizaru (5-9). Hiradoumi hit Tobizaru hard and drove him through the back of the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Gonoyama (6-8) defeated Midorifuji (5-9). Similar result from the opposite side here. Gonoyama overpowered Midorifuji but was a bit more gentle and even extended a hand to keep Midorifuji from going over the edge. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (7-7) defeated Ura (6-8). It is always amazing that Ura can hang with guys as big as Atamufuji, going head-to-head, big boi-zumo here. Atamifuji was able to work Ura toward the edge and as Ura resisted Atamifuji adjusted his grip first to try a kimidashi. But when that didn’t work he let go with his right, pivoted, and pulled Ura down from the left…while shoving his head to the ground with his right…just for good measure. Brutal. Kotenage.

Daieisho (10-4) defeated Takayasu (6-3-5). Takayasu had the tsuppari going here but Daieisho was able to pick a few key moments to thrust Takayasu backwards. He seemed to target those times that Takayasu’s right shoulder were exposed. This way, Daieisho drove Takayasu back and out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Onosato (11-3) defeated Shonannoumi (9-5). Shonannoumi is a big dude but Onosato is a future Yokozuna. Onosato made this look easy as he forced Shonannoumi out. Oshidashi.

Oho (5-9) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-7-3). That’s it! Move forward, kid! So satisfying to watch this one. I don’t think the NHK lets me directly link to their videos so they play from this site, so please find this bout in their videos. Oho pressed forward and drove Wakamotoharu through the ring and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (10-4) defeated Oshoma (9-5). Hoshoryu shifted to his right (henka?) at the tachiai and reached in for Oshoma’s belt. With that grip he continued to rotate and dragged Oshoma over the bales. Yorikiri.

Abi (10-4) defeated Kotozakura (10-4). Kotozakura drove into Abi’s tsuppari, driving him back. At the edge, Abi shifted to the side and yanked hard on Kotozakura’s arm. This turned the tables completely on the Ozeki, who was now up against the edge and facing a full-fronted assault from Abi. Kotozakura stepped out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Well, Abi blew a massive hole into Kotozakura’s plans for his first yusho. It would have been a nice story to take on the shikona of his grandfather and then win the title. But now, as it is in sumo, he is going to need help from Abi. He is going to need Abi to defeat Onosato tomorrow to try to set up a play-off at 11-4. There are now some conflicting interests here. I am sure there are fans who would love to see a play-off but then there are a lot of fans who do not like the idea of an 11-4 yusho.

Onosato can win his first yusho tomorrow with a victory over Abi and a 12-3 record. If Abi wins, there will be a playoff. There could be three combatants, Abi, Onosato, and the winner of Hoshoryu/Kotozakura…or even four if Daieisho beats Kotoshoho.

Does Kotoshoho seem an odd opponent to anyone else? I would have thought Gonoyama. Goeido’s understudy is makekoshi, however, as is Onosho at M5E, Midorifuji at M6E and Nishikigi at M7E. Mitakeumi would be an easy win…possibly even fusen. Takanosho is fighting for kachi-koshi against the other M1, Atamifuji, in a Darwin bout.  So I like the call…it is just odd and would not have happened if there weren’t so many sanyaku kyujo.

I’d love to read your thoughts on this crazy basho!

Natsu 2024: Day 13 Highlights. Actually Day 13 this time

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho

Down in Juryo Onokatsu defeated Endo and Wakatakakage beat Shiden, setting up a great Wakatakakage/Onokatsu bout tomorrow. Some hijinks in the Chiyosakae bout with Bushozan awarded the win when Chiyosakae’s foot was clearly still on the dohyo. Bushozan bowed and was about to leave the dohyo when he was recalled by the gyoji to do his sonkyo squat and acknowledge his victory. (Andy contemplates bringing up Tobizaru and corpses with their feet on tawara but bites his tongue. The thing is he types with his fingers, not his tongue.)

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

Highlights

Ichiyamamoto (7-6) defeated Tsurugisho (4-9) Ichiyamamoto’s brand of sumo dictated this bout. Tsurugisho attempted a pivot and pulldown at the edge but it did not work. Tsukidashi.

Roga (6-7) defeated Hokutofuji (6-7) Henka! Roga slipped to the side and Hokutofuji steamed by. Okuridashi.

Sadanoumi (8-5) defeated Tokihayate (5-8). Sadanoumi was just too solid. Tokihayate tried to change direction but Sadanoumi moved with him and kept moving forward. But what did Sadanoumi do to his left foot? It was bandaged and bleeding, pre-bout. Sadanoumi kachi-koshi, Tokihayate make-koshi. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (8-5) defeated Takarafuji (8-5). Kinbozan’s thrusting attack, aided by a forearm to the jaw, shoved Takarafuji back. Takarafuji retreated along the tawara but Kinbozan remained low in pursuit and thrust Takarafuji out. Kinbozan kachi-koshi. Tsukidashi.

Ryuden (8-5) defeated Shodai (5-8) Shodai tried his best to counter Ryuden’s belt grip with an aggressive (I could hardly believe it, myself) move forward. Ryuden used his right-hand outside and his left hand up front to rotate Shodai back through the ring and over the edge. Ryuden kachi-koshi; Shodai make-koshi. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (8-5) defeated Kotoshoho (8-5). Churanoumi locked onto Kotoshoho’s belt and quickly brought the action to the edge. Kotoshoho ripped Churanoumi’s hand away but Churanoumi pressed forward, undeterred, and drove Kotoshoho out. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (6-7) defeated Tomokaze (2-11). Takanosho put his head down and drove forward, forcing Tomokaze off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (6-7) defeated Oho (4-9). Oho put his head down and slammed back into Tamawashi. It backed Tamawashi up and I start thinking, “OMG, Oho is going to press forward?!?!” No. Of course not. Oho immediately pulls and taps Tamawashi on the back of the neck, expecting that to somehow thrust the old dog to the floor. Instead, Tamawashi propelled Oho from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (5-8) defeated Nishikifuji (4-9). Tobizaru absorbed Nishikifuji’s tachiai, corralled him with a bear hug and drove him out. Nishikifuji did not put up much offense but I am not sure how hampered he was from yesterday’s finger injury. According to Murray, it was a dislocation. Ouch. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Nishikigi (4-9) defeated Gonoyama (5-8). Nishikigi used his size advantage well to press Gonoyama ahead. Gonoyama resisted at the edge but Nishikigi just spun around and drove him out the other side. Gonoyama makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi (7-6) defeated Takayasu (6-2-5). Hiradoumi slipped away at the edge and Takayasu dropped off the edge of the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (9-4) defeated Mitakeumi (8-5). Daieisho blasted Mitakeumi from the dohyo, as expected by everyone in the building, including Mitakeumi. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (6-7) defeated Onosho (5-8). Onosho drove forward and Atamifuji rotated around the dohyo. Onosho pursued but allowed his body to get ahead of his feet. Atamifuji slapped him down. Onosho makekoshi. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Onosato (10-3) destroyed Ura (6-7). Ura tried to slip a bit to the left but Onosato adjusted and ejected Ura from the fighting surface. Oshidashi.

Abi (9-4) defeated Meisei (8-5). Fantastic bout. Standard Abi-zumo to open, shifted into a great little brawl with hands and elbows flying. Meisei pressed forward and Abi tried a slapdown. Then, Abi wrapped up Meisei at the edge and twisted him down. Beautiful throw. That was awesome. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (4-6-3) defeated Oshoma (9-4). Wakamotoharu was patient with Oshoma and he could afford to be. At the tachiai, Wakamotoharu lodged his left arm under Oshoma’s armpit, effectively pulling Oshoma’s right arm at bay. He twisted and yanked Oshoma’s left arm away and drove forward, pushing Oshoma over the edge. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (10-3) defeated Shonannoumi (9-4). Kotozakura moved laterally at the tachiai (often called a “henka” around these parts). This gave him access to Shonannoumi’s belt, which he touched briefly as Shonannoumi steamrolled by. Uwatedashinage.

Hoshoryu (9-4) defeated Midorifuji (5-8). Hoshoryu twisted Midorifuji down to his makekoshi. Kotenage.

Wrap-up

We do not have the Day 14 matchups at press time so I will follow up later today with an update on tomorrow’s bouts. Importantly, Shonannoumi and Oshoma both lost leaving Kotozakura and Onosato atop the leaderboard. Hoshoryu, Abi, and Daieisho remain with Shonannoumi and Oshoma.

Kotozakura and Onosato have already fought and the Kotozakura/Hoshoryu bout is likely the final matchup on Senshuraku. Neither Onosato nor Kotozakura have faced Abi, so I’m guessing Kotozakura vs Abi tomorrow and Onosato vs Abi on senshuraku. I wonder if they will throw or Shonannoumi at Onosato tomorrow to knock the rank-and-filers back.

With the successes of the lower maegashira and the absences from the top ranks, there are definitely some weak bouts here in the final days. Hoshoryu’s bout with Midorifuji today is a great example of a bout which would not have happened without all of the kyujo.