Natsu 2024

Natsu 2024: Day 12 Highlights

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho

Hakuoho will be back on Day 13, along with stablemate Kawazoe down in sandanme.

The Juryo contest is still a three horse race between Endo, Wakatakakage, and Onokatsu. But Onokatsu will fight Endo tomorrow while Wakatakakage takes on Shiden. I imagine they will have WTK take on Onokatsu on Day 14, setting up a thrilling final weekend.

Once again, NHK videos are available here.

Juryo Part I & Part II

Makuuchi Part I & Part II

Let’s get to the action.

Day 12 Highlights

Ichiyamamoto (6-6) defeated Ryuden (7-5). Ichiyamamoto used his brand of sumo to overpower Ryuden. Ryuden was unable to establish any sort of inside position to even attempt a grip on Ichi’s belt. Oshitaoshi.

Roga (5-7) defeated Nishikifuji (4-8). Nishikifuji came out hard at the tachiai, forceful with his tsuppari. Roga attempted to settle the bout and bring Nishikifuji under control by moving inside and forcing a belt battle. Nishikifuji reached in with his right and pulled Roga around but Roga used his right hand grip to pull Nishikifuji down. I wonder if he broke his hand or a finger because he was slow to get up and was indicating an injury to his hand. His hand was wedged in Roga’s belt when he went down, so it might have gotten caught. Uwatedashinage.

Sadanoumi (7-5) defeated Churanoumi (7-5). Sadanoumi had the advantage throughout this bout and tried to put Churanoumi away several times but Churanoumi had excellent footwork and would not get pushed out or shoved down. Sadanoumi changed his grip and pulled Churanoumi down with his left while swinging him by the belt grip with his right. Uwatenage.

Hokutofuji (6-6) defeated Tsurugisho (3-9). Tsurugisho put in his best effort to avoid being walked backward, as had happened the past few days. He used that upper body strength to hoist Hokutofuji but Hokutofuji continued the rotation and brought Tsurugisho down in the center of the ring. I have no idea how this is an Oshitaoshi and not a throw of some kind. Shitatenage, anybody?

Tamawashi (5-7) defeated Tomokaze (2-10). Tomokaze is broken and Tamawashi chucked him into the audience since the bin for the chikarakami is too small. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (9-3) defeated Shodai (5-7). Shodai was moving forward today, which was a great sign. His weight got too far ahead of his feet, though, and Oshoma brought him down. A mono-ii was called because Oshoma’s hand came down on Shodai’s topknot in a way that was suspicious for a hairpull but there was no hairpull. Gunbai-dori. Hatakikomi.

Tokihayate (5-7) defeated Nishikigi (3-9). Tokihayate launched himself at Nishikigi but Nishikigi shrugged off the charge and bulled Tokihayate toward the edge of the ring. Tokihayate twisted at the edge and tried to throw Nishikigi. As Nishikigi stumbled, Tokihayate finished him off with a gentle shove. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (7-5) defeated Midorifuji (5-7). Solid footwork and fundamentals from Kinbozan as he maneuvered Midorifuji to the edge and out. Tsukidashi.

Onosho (5-7) defeated Takanosho (5-7). Onosho gripped Takanosho and whipped him around and down. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime.

Kotoshoho (8-4) defeated Ura (6-6). Kotoshoho cycled backwards and dragged Ura out and down by the arm. Kotenage.

Takayasu (6-1-5) defeated Tobizaru (4-8). Tobizaru’s half-hearted henka met Takayasu’s full-hearted slap-down. Hatakikomi.

Hiradoumi (6-6) defeated Gonoyama (5-7). Hiradoumi hit Gonoyama hard at the tachiai but pulled, immediately. Gonoyama avoided going out and was trying to regain his balance at the edge when Hiradoumi circled back and picked him off…not gently. Thus, the “taoshi.” Oshitaoshi.

Atamifuji (5-7) defeated Oho (4-8). In the comments we’ve been talking with a bit of consternation about Oho’s tendency to pull. He did it again today and Atamifuji made him pay. Atamifuji blocked his initial forward progress but he had still worked Atamifuji beyond the shikirisen, about half way to the edge. This initial resistance was Oho’s trigger for a pull. But Atamifuji was not off balance and was ready. He drove Oho to the edge where it was Oho’s turn to resist, with futility. Atamifuji just churned those legs and blasted Oho into the crowd. Oshitaoshi.

Meisei (8-4) defeated Daieisho (8-4). Daieisho hit Meisei with just about everything he had. Tsuppari, stronger shoves, pulls, slapdown attempts…but Meisei had perseverance and misdirection. Once he got Daieisho near the bales, he pivoted and shoved Daieisho out. Tsukidashi.

Sanyaku

Onosato (9-3) defeated Takarafuji (8-4). Onosato dispatched Takarafuji, quickly. The takarabune set sail during a hurricane. The strong winds immediately overpowered the little dinghy and drove it back to the shore. Oshidashi.

Abi (8-4) defeated Shonannoumi (9-3). Shonannoumi got Abliterated. Abi’s tsuppari drove Shonannoumi backwards. Oddly, Abi tried a slapdown despite the fact that he was making great progress. Perhaps it was just habit? Shonannoumi did not go down but as Abi re-engaged with his shoves, Abi drove Shonannoumi back and out. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (8-4) defeated Mitakeumi (8-4). Mitakeumi should not be facing an Ozeki in this condition. It is beyond me why the lower-ranked Maegashira did not do their job and get dirt on him. He cannot bear much weight on that left foot. Hoshoryu wrapped him up and drove him back, yanking Mitakeumi to the right (Mitakeumi’s left). This made Mitakeumi left up on his left foot. Hoshoryu then plowed ahead as Mitakeumi hopped on his right foot. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (9-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-6-3). Kotozakura pulled, trying to throw Wakamotoharu over the edge. Wakamotoharu used his own solid right-hand belt grip to pitch Kotozakura forward. Kotozakura kept his balance by hopping forward on his right leg and drove back into Wakamotoharu, pulling him down. Gunbai Kotozakura but this was close. A mono-ii was called but Shonosuke got it right with his initial call. Sukuinage.

Wrap-up

Speaking of dead things, I’m going to resurrect a dead conversation. My frustration with dead bodies is with cases like this where rather than looking at the timing of “death,” the bout decision relies on when so-and-so touches the ground first. Kotozakura was clearly in an unrecoverable position, foot in the air, before Wakamotoharu was in danger of going down. But Kotozakura is allowed to continue his attack though there is no way he will regain his balance.

The key for me is that I feel that in the Tobizaru/Kotozakura bout, until Tobizaru was down, he should have been allowed to attack. He did, and he pulled Kotozakura forward and out before he landed, though his body was, admittedly, in an unrecoverable position – whether his foot was in or not. The foot being in gives a concrete decision point where the judges can say, Kotozakura was out while Tobizaru was in, done. Instead, there’s this nebulous point when Tobizaru was “dead” and anything he did afterwards was essentially superfluous and that nebulous timing of death is never concretely defined.

Anyway, I think it’s instructive, and fun, to play devil’s advocate in situations where there is so much uncertainty around rules and when there is deliberate obscurity. Why? I think it is silly when governing bodies come up with silly rules, like the NFL’s “Tuck Rule,” to make up for blown calls and I don’t want to see that happen in sumo. Ambiguity allows for shenanigans and I do not like shenanigans. Your banzuke rank, for example, should not be safe just because your bright orange mawashi is the orangest of them all.

Back to more important matters, this crazy yusho. With Shonannoumi’s loss, he falls back into a four-way tie with Kotozakura, Onosato, and Oshoma. Oshoma will face his first test in Wakamotoharu while Shonannoumi will face Kotozakura. Onosato will take on Ura. Remember when Ura was leading this thing? He’s 6-6 and in danger of makekoshi.

Meanwhile, Kotoshoho has stormed back from his shaky start to the tournament and got his kachi-koshi. He and six other guys are one loss back: Hoshoryu, Abi, Daieisho, Meisei, Mitakeumi, the fore-mentioned Kotoshoho, and Takarafuji. Hoshoryu, meanwhile, takes on Midorifuji. Abi will face Meisei. Daieisho will take on Mitakeumi and Takarafuji will fight Kinbozan..who is fighting for kachi-koshi.

I’m looking forward to more action tonight. Who knows where this is going?

Natsu 2024: Day 11 Highlights

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho , , ,

News from the infirmary today is that Mitoryu is out, Ichiyamamoto will get the default win. Wakamotoharu is back and will face Hiradoumi. Makuuchi videos from NHK for Day 11 action are available here: Part I and Part II.

In Juryo, Wakatakakage quickly found Endo was pitched too far forward and rotated away for the easy katasukashi victory. Both men are tied with debutant Onokatsu at 10-1. Juryo action is available here: Part I and Part II.

Kakuryu is in the NHK broadcast booth tonight, with Tochiozan as a guest ringside. People forget that when Kyokutenho won his famous yusho, it was in a playoff with Tochiozan. And by “people,” I mean me. I am people. So Tochiozan was very close to his own yusho. He defeated Kakuryu on his path to that playoff.

Pop quiz: You’re not paying attention to the action because you are writing. You get thirsty and wonder if there is time to run to the fridge and grab more tea. Hiradoumi and Wakamotoharu are standing, face-to-face, about to crouch down at the shikirisen. How can you tell if they are about to fight, or if you have time to grab some tea?

The Action

Chiyoshoma (Juryo 9-2) defeated Tsurugisho (3-8). Chiyoshoma walked Tsurugisho straight back and out. Yorikiri. Tsurugisho is now makekoshi and staring at demotion to Juryo.

Tomokaze (2-9) defeated Tokihayate (4-7). Tokihayate allowed Tomokaze’s tsuppari to push him back to the edge. It seemed like he wanted to try a slapdown with his left hand at the edge but when he pivoted, his foot went out. Oshidashi.

Ichiayamamoto (5-6) default, fusen win. Mitoryu (2-9) kyujo. A (2-9-4) record should be enough for a ticket to Juryo in July.

Ryuden (7-4) defeated Kinbozan (6-5). Kinbozan struck out with some strong tsuppari but Ryuden got his preferred left hand over arm grip. He rotated and brought Kinbozan down. Uwatenage.

Shonannoumi (9-2) defeated Takarafuji (8-3). As Takarafuji pressed forward, Shonannoumi slipped to his left and slapped Takarafuji down. Kotenage. Though the kimarite call was kotenage, it was one of those that seem a hair’s breadth from katasukashi or hatakikomi. Shonannoumi is now the lone dark horse in the yusho race. Depending on the outcome of Onosato’s bout, he may be the sole leader or co-leader with Onosato. Speaking of the komusubi, he will face Takarafuji tomorrow while Shonannoumi will face Abi.

Shodai (5-6) defeated Roga (4-7). Smart Shodai hugged Roga with both hands inside and pressed forward but did not get ahead of himself. He paused his forward progress a bit near the bales and adjusted as Roga shifted left along the bales. Shodai applied gentle pressure so as not to fall victim to a slapdown or twisting throw. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (4-7) defeated Nishikifuji (4-7). Brutal Tamawashi launched out with strong tsuppari. Possibly angry that there were no sponsors, and thus no kensho on the bout. Poor Nishikifuji. Tamawashi battered him until he was safely out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (8-3) defeated Kotoshoho (7-4). Kotoshoho started out with strong tsuppari but tired quickly. Oshoma was then able to reach in and get a left-hand over arm grip. Kotoshoho tried to keep Oshoma’s right arm from locking in but Oshoma wrapped him up and drove Kotoshoho back and out. Yorikiri. Oshoma put an end to Kotoshoho’s impressive streak of wins and picked up his kachi-koshi in his debut tournament.

Takanosho (5-6) defeated Hokutofuji (5-6). Takanosho overcame Hokutofuji’s oshi attack by shoving his right arm into Hokutofuji’s jaw, driving Hokutofuji back to the bales. Hokutofuji tried to counter with his own nodowa but Takanosho continued to press forward, sending Hokutofuji over the edge. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (8-3) defeated Churanoumi (7-4). Churanoumi pulled and Mitakeumi ran him out. Yorikiri. Safely kachi-koshi, I wonder if kyujo is in the plan to rest his foot since it’s still injured.

Halftime.

Sadanoumi (6-5) defeated Nishikigi (3-8). Nishikigi resisted at the edge but Sadanoumi was too strong and focused. He did not allow Nishikigi to pivot and pressed straight forward. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (5-6) defeated Tobizaru (4-7). Tobizaru struck out at Midorifuji but Midorifuji slapped him down. Tobizaru nearly touched the clay at the first slapdown but Midorifuji finished him off by forcing him to the floor. Hatakikomi.

Gonoyama (5-6) defeated Oho (4-7). Oho fought well and seems to have improved ring presence. He started with forward sumo into Gonoyama but when he pulled and rotated around the ring, Gonoyama pursued well and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (8-3) defeated Ura (6-5). Ura did well to resist Daieisho’s thrusts and stay in the center of the ring. Daieisho grabbed Ura by the belt and pulled him down while falling backwards. Gunbai Daieisho. No mono-ii. Uwatenage.

Takayasu (5-1-5) defeated Atamifuji (4-7). What a fantastic bout! Takayasu wrapped up Atamifuji and tried to force him over the edge but Atamifuji pressed back and rotated to keep the bout in the center. Takayasu tried again and again to push Atamifuji over. Takayasu worked Atamifuji to the bales again. Perhaps sensing he was near the end, Atamifuji tried to push Takayasu down at the edge but Takayasu maintained excellent footwork and barreled Atamifuji out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Abi (7-4) defeated Onosho (4-7). Basic Abi-zumo drove Onosho back and out. Abi gifted Onosho a faceful of tsuppari. In appreciation, Onosho backed up and attempted a pulldown. Abi followed up with a shoulder blast and knocked Onosho into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (5-6) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-5-3) Hiradoumi hit Wakamotoharu hard at the tachiai. Wakamotoharu pivoted and tried to throw Hiradoumi twice. On the second attempt, Hiradoumi drove forward into Wakamotoharu and drove him over the edge. Excellent sumo from Hiradoumi. Yoritaoshi.

Kotozakura (8-3) defeated Meisei. Meisei successfully kept Kotozakura off the belt for a good portion of the bout and was able to drive the Ozeki back to the bales, but not out. When Meisei wore out, Kotozakura corralled him and reached in for a belt grip. Then he yanked Meisei forward to the ground. Uwatenage.

Hoshoryu (7-4) defeated Onosato (8-3). Hoshoryu grabbed Onosato’s belt with his right hand and threw him. Such a quick and beautiful move. Shitatenage.

Wrap-up

I am curious where you all feel Hiradoumi will top out. I think he might make sanyaku and may even earn a kachi-koshi record. But do you all think he is a guy like Daieisho/Wakamotoharu who can sustain a decent stretch up there? He’s earning a bit of a reputation and fans with that hard-hitting tachiai of his. I am eager to see how he develops.

Similarly, I wonder if Atamifuji will reach sanyaku. I do not think he will get there this time because he was clearly figured out by a lot of guys who were able to pull him forward. With guys surging to Ozeki and quickly tumbling from the rank, I wonder if guys like these two have what it takes to launch a successful streak like Shodai did. I mean, guys. Shodai was Ozeki. Remember that?

Well, let’s get back to the yusho race. Hoshoryu will not go quietly into that good night. What a fantastic throw to make a complete mess of this yusho. Onosato is now in the significant chase group behind…checks notes…Shonannoumi. Kotozakura leads the pack, looking for his first title. But we have a couple of seasoned yusho winners in the group, Daieisho and Mitakeumi. How is Mitakeumi still here…and in the yusho race? Along with Takarafuji, someone invited Oshoma.

Chaos, I tell you! Hoshoryu brings nothing but Chaos! For us Shodai fans, he is filling a bit of a void that we need at the rank of Ozeki by bringing the chaos. Well, I encourage a little trip down to the beaches of Shonan. Ride the Enoden, check out the Daibutsu, enjoy the sand and the sun. Somehow, I think Shonannoumi’s time here at the top will be short.

His first big test, as I mentioned, is Abi tomorrow. I imagine he’ll face Onosato afterwards? The schedulers are in for quite the debate here. When do you bring Oshoma and Mitakeumi up to fight the likes of Daieisho? Chaos!

Natsu 2024: Day 10 Highlights

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho , ,

Wakamotoharu will return from his toe injury for Day 11. Takayasu came back looking great so I hope Wakamotoharu’s rest was as effective. Frankly, there are several guys who need a rest, like Mitakeumi, Tomokaze, and Tsurugisho.

Once again, NHK videos are available for the Juryo and Makuuchi divisions. You will be able to watch Endo charge full steam ahead to 10-0 over Shimazuumi. Who knew the fountain of youth was hiding in Juryo?

The Action

Oshoma (7-3) defeated Ryuden (6-4). Oshoma enticed Ryuden into a pushing/thrusting attack. When Ryuden’s weight was extended too far forward, Oshoma shifted to his left and slapped Ryuden down. Hatakikomi.

Roga (4-6) defeated Mitoryu (2-8). Mitoryu fought hard to keep Roga off his belt. But when Roga finally quit trying to reach in for that grip and settled for a pushing/thrusting attack, he quickly shoved Mitoryu over the edge. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (7-3) defeated Tomokaze (1-9). An aggressive Tomokaze led Churanoumi backwards by his head with a brutal oshi attack. Churanoumi locked his feet at the tawara and suddenly twisted Tomokaze down with his two-handed grip on Tomokaze’s belt. Shitatedashinage.

Takarafuji (8-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-6). Takarafuji outlasted Ichiyamamoto’s thrusting attack. He patiently waited until Ichiyamamoto wore himself out and gently ushered him over the straw bales. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (4-6) defeated Tsurugisho (3-7). Nishikifuji’s tsuppari attack kept Tsurugisho off his belt and walked him back and out. Tsukidashi.

Tamawashi (3-7) defeated Tokihayate (4-6). Tokihayate quickly drove Tamawashi to the edge but Tamawashi might have needed the stability of the bales to get his own charge started. He wrapped up Tokihayate and drove him across the ring and out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (4-6) defeated Hokutofuji (5-5). Shodai used a similar strategy to bait Hokutofuji to the edge. Then Shodai slipped to the side and shoved Hokutofuji to the bales. “Am I going to have to walk over there and push you out?” “Na, I’ll step over.” Tsukiotoshi.

Takanosho (4-6) defeated Sadanoumi (5-5). Takanosho met Sadanoumi head-on at the tachiai. But when Sadanoumi got those legs churning, Takanosho pulled to the side and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Kinbozan (6-4) defeated Nishikigi (3-7). Kinbozan withstood several attacks from Nishikigi and when Nishikigi finally shoved him to the edge, Kinbozan moved laterally to drag Nishikigi to the floor. Shitatenage.

Halftime

Kotoshoho (7-3) defeated Mitakeumi (7-3). Mitakeumi pressed forward as best he could. Kotoshoho retreated to the right, forcing Mitakeumi to move laterally. When Kotoshoho reached the bales, he shifted to the left. This forced Mitakeumi to put his weight back on the left foot and down he went. Oshidashi.

Shimanoumi (8-2) defeated Midorifuji (4-6). Solid Shonannoumi kept Midorifuji centered and when Midorifuji pulled, Shonannoumi blasted him from the fighting surface. Oshidashi.

Meisei (7-3) defeated Hiradoumi (4-6). Hiradoumi charged forward out of control. Meisei just let him go by. Hatakikomi.

Atamifuji (4-6) defeated Tobizaru (4-6). Atamifuji took his time and let Tobizaru hop around the dohyo. Tobizaru attempted an ill-advised kick because it left him over-extended and he stumbled backwards. Atamifuji pursued quickly and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (7-3) defeated Oho (4-6). Daieisho adjusted his usual attack by slipping to the side with a slapdown attempt and re-engaging on Oho’s left side to shove Oho out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Onosato (8-2) defeated Gonoyama (4-6). Onosato stronk. All business today, he shoved Gonoyama backwards and cast him from the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Abi (6-4) defeated Ura (6-4). Abi assaulted Ura with his devastating tsuppari. Abi got his hands under Ura’s chin and tried to shove him out. Ura slipped desperately to the side but Abi followed well and forced the retreating Ura to roll away. Hard to believe Ura was leading this thing. Oshitaoshi.

Hoshoryu (6-4) defeated Onosho (4-6). Hoshoryu quickly shifted to the side and pulled Onosho down. Uwatedashinage.

Takayasu (4-5-1) defeated Kotozakura (7-3). Takayasu was aggressive today while Kotozakura was reactive and defensive. Takayasu forced the action and pressed Kotozakura around the ring. Kotozakura kept up with the pace but Takayasu used his powerful left hand grip to rotate and pull Kotozakura down. Fantastic sumo from Takayasu. Ozeki sumo from Takayasu. But why oh why does Takayasu’s color of power have to be Dook Blue? Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Mitoryu joined Tomokaze with makekoshi records. Both men look set for a return to Juryo. Tsurugisho looks ready to purchase his ticket to Juryo mañana. Oddly, Hiradoumi is headed to a rather feisty makekoshi unless he can string together some wins in this final third of the tournament.

Takarafuji is safe and the first makuuchi man with kachi-koshi. Aside from the yusho race, any extra wins this week will obviously propel him further up the banzuke to give him breathing room. He certainly looks rejuvenated and healthy. Shonnanoumi joins him at kachi-koshi and the Kyokai are forcing them to fight each other tomorrow. The Kyokai want there to be only one dark horse in this yusho race. I would give the edge to Shonannoumi but Takarafuji has been fighting very well this tournament.

Takayasu picked off Kotozakura so Onosato is the lone sanyaku wrestler remaining in the leadership group. Onosato will face Hoshoryu tomorrow. Who knows where this yusho race will go?

Natsu 2024 Day 9 Highlights

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho ,

Mitakeumi is not on the kyujo list but we will be watching his performance today for signs that he might go. With 6 wins already, he is in no danger of demotion.

Links to the NHK videos are here:

Makuuchi Part 1 – Makuuchi Part 2

Juryo Part 1 – Juryo Part 2

The Action

Churanoumi (6-3) defeated Takarafuji (7-2). Churanoumi pulled on Takarafuji’s arm and yanked him over to the bales. Takarafuji spun and tried to retreat but Churanoumi pursued well and shoved him out. Oshitaoshi

Mitoryu (2-7) defeated Tsurugisho (3-6). Mitoryu walked Tsurugisho quickly back and out. He was much too large of an opponent for Tsurugisho to be able to lift or swing him out of the dohyo with his upper body alone. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (4-5) defeated Nishikifuji (3-6). Nishikifuji made great early progress, blasting Tokihayate toward the bales but Tokihayate timed his counter attack beautifully. Just as Nishikfuji hit him with the right, Tokihayate shifted to his left and knocked Nishikifuji to the side. This threw Nishikifuji completely off balance and Tokihayate was able to follow up with some quick shoves to force Nishikifuji out. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (6-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-5). Oshoma slipped to the side and pulled Ichiyamamoto forward. Hatakikomi.

Ryuden (6-3) defeated Hokutofuji (5-4). Ryuden did well and kept Hokutofuji in front of him, allowing him to make a mistake. Hokutofuji’s tsuppari shifted to slapdown attempts and Ryuden struck. Here, Ryuden slipped it to reach for the belt and Hokutofuji fell forward. Uwatedashinage.

Sadanoumi (5-4) defeated Tomokaze (1-8). Once Sadanoumi slipped in and got a hold of Tomokaze’s belt, Tomokaze was toast. Tomokaze is makekoshi.

Shonannoumi (7-2) defeated Roga (3-6). Shonannoumi fought hard to keep Roga’s right arm from locking onto his belt. The two had worked themselves into a bit of a stalemate at the center of the ring. Shonannoumi began to press forward. A well timed tug at the edge from Roga nearly sent Shonannoumi out but Shonannoumi kept his balance and shoved Roga backwards and out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (7-2) defeated Kinbozan (5-4) Henka! Very well executed dodge from Mitakeumi. He reached over to Kinbozan’s belt and pulled him forward to finish him off.

Kotoshoho (6-3) defeated Nishikigi (3-6). Nishikigi pressed forward and as the pair approached the edge Kotoshoho stepped to the side and allowed Nishikigi’s momentum to carry him forward and out. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Midorifuji (4-5) defeated Shodai (3-6). Shodai was very wary of Midorifuji today, possibly too wary. Instead of launching much of an attack, Shodai appeared defensive. He pressed forward early but Midorifuji resisted. Perhaps Shodai tired quickly. But he clearly did not want to get caught pitched too far forward. Midorifuji cleverly and patiently worked the big man back toward the edge. As Shodai neared the tawara, Midorifuji intensified his pressure and shoved Shodai out. Oshidashi.

Meisei (6-3) defeated Tamawashi (2-7) Meisei was too strong today for Tamawashi. Meisei resisted a strong initial charge from Tamawashi. Meisei used pivot after pivot to throw Tamawashi off balance. Then he launched out and hit Tamawashi square, driving him completely off the surface of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (3-6) defeated Ura (6-3). Takanosho had great fundamentals today. Ura drove Takanosho back toward the edge of the ring. Then, as Ura back-pedaled, Takanosho helped Ura reverse himself out of the ring with a bit of a shove. Oshitaoshi.

Gonoyama (4-5) defeated Tobizaru (4-4) Tobizaru tried a poorly executed (or well anticipated) pull. Gonoyama pressed Tobizaru back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (3-6) defeated Daieisho (6-3). Daieisho does not know how to move backwards. But it shows that Atamifuji has a reputation and Daieisho was trying to take advantage of it. Unfortunately for Daieisho, he ran out of space before Atamifuji fell forward. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (4-5) defeated Onosato (7-2). Hiradoumi had patrons reaching for their zabuton but remembering they’ve still got a few bouts to go yet. This was just a komusubi. What an upset, though! Very aggressive sumo from Hiradoumi as he launched at the heir-apparent, kept his balance when Onosato tried to slap him down, and plowed forward. Oshidashi.

Oho (4-5) defeated Abi (5-4). Oho turned this bout around by grabbing Abi’s arm and yanking him forward. Abi reacted by moving backward but this left him no real estate to maneuver. Oho pursued and resisted Abi’s continued thrusts, eventually shoving Abi out. Honestly, I’m so impressed with that strategy, I hope it catches on. If I had to fight Abi, I would do it. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (7-2) defeated Onosho (4-5). Kotozakura is such a tease. Onosho did well drive Kotozakura back to the bales. He probably started thinking, “I’m going to beat an Ozeki!” Just as Kotozakura reached the tawara he wrapped his arm around Onosho’s neck and threw him with a beautiful kubinage, following up with a powerful thrust to finish Onosho off. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu (3-1-5) defeated Hoshoryu (5-4) Takayasu came back from his convalescence in fine form. Hoshoryu helped out with some terrible footwork. Takayasu plowed into the Ozeki and as Hoshoryu hung on, his leg splayed way out to the tawara. The bear then twisted him down to the ground. Sukuinage.

Wrap-up

Kotozakura is providing some stability at the top of the banzuke and now has a share of the lead. He coolly dealt with Onosho today but will face the meat of his schedule this week. Well, what’s left of it, that is. He will be tested by Takayasu on Day 9. But there’s really just Abi and Hoshoryu, who they will leave for senshuraku. After the Takayasu bout, he will possibly fight Midorifuji, Meisei, Mitakeumi, and possibly even Nishikigi. All bouts he should dominate. With all of the absences, I guess this means the joi extends down to Maegashira 7-8?

Onosato is fighting like an Ozeki and by that I mean he has apparently started dropping bouts to Maegashira whom he should beat. That was a joke, he has actually been very solid this tournament, obviously. But he was far too complacent today, unprepared for the heat that Hiradoumi likes to deliver at the tachiai. He will face Gonoyama tomorrow. The odd wrinkle with his schedule is that since he already fought (and beat) many of the guys who are now kyujo, like Terunofuji, Wakamotoharu, and Kirishima, there are a lot of top Maegashira whom he still needs to fight. Along with the Hoshoryu and Abi fights that also await Kotozakura, he will need to fight Ura, Oho, and Onosho. When all is said and done, the soft part of his schedule may have been the first week. He really cannot start losing to these rank-and-filers.

Takarafuji dropped his bout today and viewers could see how disappointed he was. He is possibly already safe from demotion with his 7 wins, though. Tomokaze and Tsurugisho look ready for demotion and since Week 2 just started and neither man shows any kind of spark today, they could drop quite a bit. He also remains with a share of the lead since Onosato lost, as well. He will be challenged tomorrow by Ichiyamamoto. Shonannoumi has also been fighting very well but will face a difficult opponent in Midorifuji tomorrow. Mitakeumi will face Kotoshoho, who I hope will not fall for a henka.