Natsu Basho

Natsu 2025: Day Twelve

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho ,

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

Twelve. Twwwwelvvve. Still such a weird word.

In Juryo, Kotoeiho nearly slipped one past Kusano but Kusano reacted well to the sidestep and dragged Kotoeiho over the bales. Kusano will fight Oshoumi tomorrow. Mitakeumi will take his turn against Kotoeiho. If Mitakeumi wins, he will join Kusano with Makuuchi promotion. Wakaikari and Tohakuryu chase, one loss off pace. They will fight each other tomorrow.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoshoho (6-1-5) defeated Tamashoho (4-8). Kotoshoho’s tsuppari was stronger than Tamashoho’s and Kotoshoho shoved Tamashoho back to the bales and over. Oshidashi.

Nishikigi (6-6) defeated Tokihayate (6-6). Tokihayate spun and pulled on Nishikigi to try to throw him. However, Nishikigi used his size to drive forward and force Tokihayate over the bales and pick up his first white star since Day Five. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (9-3) defeated Atamifuji (7-5). Atamifuji started to drive forward but Asakoryu pivoted and shoved Atamifuji’s right shoulder, driving Atamifuji down to the clay. Like the Jeffersons, Asakoryu will be “Movin’ On Up” in July. He might even work his way over to the East Side. Tsukiotoshi.

Kayo (6-6) defeated Takanosho (7-5). While Takanosho plowed forward, Kayo shifted to his left and slapped Takanosho down. Hatakikomi.

Endo (7-5) defeated Shonannoumi (3-9). Endo used his nodowa and tsuppari to drive Shonannoumi back to the bales. Shonannoumi resisted with the tawara as leverage so Endo wrapped him up with his strong right hand on Shonannoumi’s belt and pulled. Shonannoumi didn’t go down but Endo dragged him to the other side of the ring and pressed him back over the tawara and likely back to Juryo. Yorikiri.

Ryuden (5-7) defeated Shishi (2-10). Ryuden secured Shishi’s belt with the right hand but Shishi fought to keep Ryuden’s left hand away. After a long struggle, Ryuden finally got his left hand inside, overpowered Shishi and drove him over the bales. Shishi’s dreadful tournament continues and he is in serious danger of demotion. He will need a couple of wins in the final days to avoid the drop. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (8-4) defeated Meisei (7-5). Sadanoumi’s footwork was excellent and he reacted very well to Meisei’s inashi, shifting strategy. He grabbed Meisei, pulled him violently toward the tawara and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (3-9) defeated Tochitaikai (3-9). Solid tachiai and Tochitaikai put his head down to press forward. In a flash, Midorifuji shifted left and pulled Tochitaikai down by the left arm. Tochitaikai is headed back to Juryo in July. Hikiotoshi.

Onokatsu (8-4) defeated Roga (7-5). Onokatsu grabbed Roga’s belt with the right. Roga didn’t like that and yanked him off but Onokatsu immediately locked on deeper with the left. As Roga struggled and shifted, Onokatsu kept his head down and pressed ahead, waltzing Roga toward the edge and finally over. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (3-9) defeated Shodai (3-9). Churanoumi kept Shodai in front of him. As Shodai shifted right, Churanoumi shifted with him and shoved him over the edge. Even Shodai might be in danger of a drop to Juryo and will likely need a win or two in the closing days to avoid it. Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (8-4) defeated Tobizaru (6-6). Tobizaru tried to shift to the right at the tachiai but Kinbozan read it perfectly and shoved Tobizaru. The nudge was enough to catch Tobizaru off-balance and he staggered back, over the bales. Tsukidashi.

Halftime

Tamawashi (4-8) defeated Abi (7-5). Tamawashi blasted Abi, drove him back and out. He might have caught and Abi finger in the eye. That would irritate me, too. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (4-8) defeated Gonoyama (3-9). Gonoyama kept his head down and drove into Chiyoshoma. However, Chiyoshoma pivoted along the bales, grabbed and pulled Gonoyama to the ground. Uwatenage.

Wakamotoharu (6-6) defeated Ura (3-9). Wakamotoharu shifted to his left and slapped Ura down. Hatakikomi.

Hiradoumi (5-7) defeated Oho (4-8). Hiradoumi got a jump on the tachiai and hit Oho hard, driving Oho back and over. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (3-9) defeated Takerufuji (4-8). Takerufuji used his ottsuke to try to keep Takayasu of his belt but he could only hold out for so long. Takayasu got his left inside then his right hand latched on Takerufuji’s belt. Takayasu pulled hard, swinging Takerufuji down. Uwatenage.

Wakatakakage (9-3) defeated Oshoma (8-4). Wakatakakage grabbed Oshoma and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (9-3) defeated Aonishiki (8-4). Aonishiki got a few healthy doses of Daieisho’s tsuppari and was thrown from the dohyo. Tsukidashi.

Onosato (12-0) defeated Hakuoho (8-4). Onosato expected Hakuoho to come out hard. He met him forcefully at the tachiai but then grabbed behind his head and pulled him down while pivoting to the right. Hatakikomi.

Kotozakura (8-4) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-8). After a brief oshi tussle, Kotozakura released and allowed Ichiyamamoto to step inside, grabbing his belt with the right hand inside. Ichiyamamoto tried to use his ottsuke to squeeze and keep Kotozakura’s left away. But Kotozakura worked his left hand inside. With a morozashi he plowed ahead and forced Ichiyamamoto from the ring. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (9-3) defeated Hoshoryu (9-3). “Purple rain, purple rain.” The Yokozuna let Kirishima get on his belt quickly. Maybe he thought he could overpower him? Kirishima wasn’t budging easy, though. Kirishima’s left hand was firm, inside. But Hoshoryu still squeezed there to try to get him to release. Meanwhile, with Hoshoryu’s focus apparently on that left hand, Kirishima quietly reached over and locked on with his right, outside Hoshoryu’s left. Firm grip acquired, Kirishima pulled up, briefly lifting the Yokozuna from the surface of the dohyo, and dragged him to the bales where Kirishima unceremoniously dumped Hoshoryu over the edge. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Enough Prince, Andy. It’s always Prince. Always Purple Rain. Can’t you switch it up for once? Okay. How about some Phil this time? I’ll try to think of something better for next time.

The yusho is not officially Onosato’s yet but barring a collapse of monumental proportions in the closing days of the tournament, the yusho AND the rope are his. The only question remaining is whether this will be a runaway or will anyone present a serious challenge to Onosato? Onosato will fight Kotozakura tomorrow.

If he wins, the yusho is his and they probably prefer him to go through the Ozeki to clinch the title rather than have him face Daieisho or Kirishima. They might delay the Day 14 pairing to see which Sekiwake has the better record but both Daieisho and Kirishima are fighting well. Both would be great matchups and one of them should have fought Onosato today, instead of Hakuoho. But I’ll shut up about that now. It’s in the past.

Hoshoryu will fight Daieisho tomorrow. This will likely set up a Kotozakura/Hoshoryu fight on Day 14 with the finale being Hoshoryu versus Onosato in the final bout on Senshuraku. Even if Onosato clinches the yusho early, Hoshoryu and Kirishima/Daieisho will bring their best sumo to face him down the stretch. Both Sekiwake have had great performances this tournament. Daieisho’s is likely not enough for promotion this time but solid steps forward, both of them. Wakamotoharu and Abi will be fighting for the Komusubi slot that Takayasu will vacate.

Further down the banzuke, they’ve surprisingly decided to bring Asakoryu up to fight Wakatakakage, as if Asakoryu were going to make a dark, dark, dark horse run for the yusho. It is still weird to think of Asakoryu as Heyagashira at Takasago, and still their lone sekitori. But this has been a fantastic tournament and he is setting himself up to earn a special prize. His little brother might even secure a sekitori rank and we know Asanoyama will lurch closer to reclaiming sekitori status, as well. Big things happening over there and this weekend could be a great one for Takasago and their supporters. Par-TAY, as they say. Lots to come in these final three days.

Natsu 2025: Day Eleven

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho ,

I know some folks are still catching up with earlier action. Since there does still seem to be some chatter about the Kirishima/Takerufuji decision, I wanted to provide my quick perspective. Rather than focusing on where and when the two guys landed, I rewound a few beats to where you clearly see Takerufuji prone and in the air while Kirishima is still executing his throw with his foot on the ground.

Anyway, I think the decision was right. If instead of saying, “Takerufuji was falling first,” if he had used the word “shini-tai,” there wouldn’t have been any controversy. There’s no coming back for Takerufuji from this position.

On to Juryo, Kusano was overpowered by a determined Tomokaze and sent sprawling from the dohyo. Tomokaze earned his kachi-koshi and Kusano fell to 9-2. Kusano still leads, alone. But now Tomokaze joins the chase pack with Wakaikari, Kotoeiho, Oshomi, and Tohakuryu, all on 8-3. Kusano will face Kotoeiho tomorrow.

NHK Videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (8-3) defeated Roga (7-4). Roga had Asakoryu on the ropes but Asakoryu was able to pivot and escape out the side. He then pulled Roga’s left arm and forced Roga to the ground. Kotenage.

Kotoshoho (5-1-5) defeated Ryuden (4-7). Kotoshoho pulled on Ryuden’s arm and rotated. Ryuden tried to keep up but his right foot touched outside the bales. Kotenage.

Kayo (5-6) defeated Sadanoumi (7-4). Kayo held Sadanoumi up at the tachiai then quickly shifted left and pulled Sadanoumi forward. As Sadanoumi rushed by, Kayo followed up and shoved him out. Okuridashi.

Takanosho (7-4) defeated Tochitaikai (3-8). Tochitaikai pulled straight back and ran out of real estate, flying off the dohyo before Takanosho fell forward. Gunbai Takanosho. No mono-ii. Pivot while you pull, damn it. Oshidashi.

Endo (6-5) defeated Tamashoho (4-7). Endo’s tsuppari was more powerful than Tamashoho’s. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (2-9) defeated Shonannoumi (3-8). Midorifuji pushed Shonannoumi and then pivoted to the left. Shonannoumi rushed forward and Midorifuji slapped Shonannoumi to the ground as Shonannoumi lurched forward. Hatakikomi.

Kinbozan (7-4) defeated Atamifuji (7-4). Kinbozan’s powerful thrusts sent Atamifuji packing. Tsukidashi.

Onokatsu (7-4) defeated Nishikigi (5-6). What happened to Nishikigi? He looked great the first five days but today Onokatsu got a left-hand deep on his belt and drove him through the ring and muscled him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (6-5) defeated Churanoumi (2-9). Churanoumi pressed forward into Tokihayate but Tokihayate kept changing direction to stay well within the bales. Tokihayate grabbed onto Churanoumi’s right arm and pulled him, then threw him over the bales and into the crowd. Instead of using the arm bar, grabbing the opponent’s arm and pulling them forward has become en vogue lately. Kotenage.

Tobizaru (6-5) defeated Shishi (2-9). In keeping with fashion, Shishi tried for another Kotenage but Tobizaru increased his tsuppari to force Shishi back and keep him at bay. Tobizaru pressed forward, then released and quickly pulled Shishi down. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (8-3) defeated Meisei (7-4). Meisei fell for Oshoma’s change of direction and slapdown. Lots of these slapdowns, too. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (3-8) defeated Shodai (3-8). Chiyoshoma pulled Shodai down by his right shoulder. It looked like the World’s Slowest Slapdown, somehow. Katasukashi.

Abi (7-4) defeated Gonoyama (3-8). Abi pulled and pivoted right to stay inbounds. Abi’s pivot also allowed him access to Gonoyama’s belt, so he pulled him forward while slapping him down. Uwatenage.

Oho (4-7) defeated Tamawashi (3-8). Oho hung in with Tamawashi’s tsuppari. As Tamawashi pressed forward, Oho shifted left and pulled Tamawashi forward. Hikiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (5-6) defeated Hiradoumi (4-7). Hiradoumi pulled but Wakamotoharu kept up the forward pressure and drove Hiradoumi back and out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Ura (3-8) defeated Takayasu (2-9). Ura pressed Takayasu to the bales after a nice, long brawl. Ura then defeated by pulling Takayasu’s shoulder from behind, somehow. The yobidashi had to take some time to consult the kimarite manual. Ultraman defeated Okuniyama with this back in Osaka in March. But interestingly, Ura pulled this same technique off earlier this year against Takayasu at hatsu-basho. Tsutaezori.

Kirishima (8-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-7). Kirishima shifted left and pulled Ichiyamamoto’s arms forward. Hatakikomi.

Daieisho (8-3) defeated Takerufuji (4-7). Strong thrusts from Daieisho but he shifted to the left and slapped Takerufuji down. Hatakikomi.

Kotozakura (7-4) defeated Aonishiki (8-3). What do you know? Ozeki Kotozakura showed up for a few important seconds. Kotozakura pulled after the tachiai, putting himself in peril but he resisted at the bales. As Aonishiki tried to pull on Kotozakura’s belt to throw the Ozeki, Kotozakura locked onto Aonishiki’s arm and pulled him down to the ground. Kotenage.

Onosato (11-0) defeated Wakatakakage (8-3). Onosato had to work out today against Wakatakakage. Onosato pressed forward but Wakatakakage resisted at the bales and charged forward, driving Onosato back to the other side of the ring. Onosato grabbed the back of Wakatakakage’s belt and as Wakatakakage tried his own underarm throw, Onosato fell forward into Wakatakakage, crushing him out. Yoritaoshi.

Hoshoryu (9-2) defeated Hakuoho (8-3). Wow. Hoshoryu escaped today. Hoshoryu pulled but Hakuoho played it perfectly. Hakuoho adjusted to Hoshoryu’s shift and pressed him to the bales. The Yokozuna had to squeeze out of danger and run to his left. Hakuoho was in hot pursuit. Hoshoryu pivoted at the bales and charged into Hakuoho who appeared to have overrun by half a step and his knee buckled as he tried to adjust and fell backward. Basically, instead of the Yokozuna winning with some fancy kimarite, Hakuoho lost by falling on his butt. That’s got to be a bummer for Hakuoho. He could probably taste that kinboshi. Koshikudake.

Wrap-up

I should have titled this section, “Rant.” For some reason, they’re feeding Hakuoho to Onosato tomorrow. That bout will replace a sanyaku bout on Onosato’s card. It just doesn’t seem necessary. Sure, he’s Hakuoho and he’s a solid rikishi having a good tournament. But he’s M7 with 8 wins. Who will he replace? Kirishima, a Sekiwake with 8 wins? Daieisho with 8 wins? Surely not Kotozakura, an Ozeki with seven wins.

After tomorrow’s questionable Hakuoho pairing, Onosato will have three fights remaining. There are four Sanyaku whom he has not fought. His final four days should look like, S-S-O-Y. Instead, it will be M7-S-O-Y. And it’s not like either of these Sekiwake are having a bad tournament, either. Kotozakura is the one who’s “underperforming” but he still has seven wins!

WTK demonstrated why most sanyaku bouts are at the end of an Ozeki or Yokozuna’s fight card. These are the most difficult competitors and present the biggest challenges, especially to a guy who is looking for promotion to the sport’s highest rank. You want him to fight all of the best guys. Tossing a mid-tier maegashira in there at the expense of a Sekiwake or, potentially, an Ozeki bout seems unwise. But I’m not “the decider.” My role here is as “the second guesser.”

Meanwhile, Aonishiki will face Daieisho. They also brought Oshoma up to face Wakatakakage. Yokozuna Hoshoryu is the lone competitor two-wins back of Onosato. He will face Kirishima tomorrow. Kotozakura will face Ichiyamamoto. He has already fought both Komusubi and Kirishima, so he can still fit the remaining Yokozuna, Ozeki, and Sekiwake into his schedule. His strength of schedule might end up looking more challenging than Onosato’s!

Well, we will still have another great day of sumo tomorrow. And the Onosato vs Hakuoho bout will probably be interesting.

Natsu 2025: Day Nine

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho , ,

Kusano picked up his kachi-koshi today with an Oshidashi win over Hitoshi. Tomorrow, he will fight Daiseizan. Tohakuryu will take on Shimanoumi for his kachi-koshi.

The NHK videos for Day Nine are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Tamashoho (4-5) defeated Kayo (4-5). Kayo was doing great when he was moving forward, for the first three seconds of the bout. Once he started to pull for his slapdowns, Tamashoho pressured him, worked his way inside to his belt and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (7-2) defeated Ryuden (4-5). Asakoryu stood up Ryuden at the tachiai. None of the evasive stuff you often see from smaller wrestlers. He reached inside with his left hand, deep on the back of Ryuden’s mawashi and pulled him down. Shitatenage.

Kotoshoho (3-1-5) defeated Nishikigi (5-4). Abi-sumo from Kotoshoho today. He blasted Nishikigi at the tachiai with tsuppari to the face and upper body. As Nishikigi pressed forward, Kotoshoho pulled back on Nishikigi’s left arm and thrust him down. Four straight losses from Nishikigi. Tsukiotoshi.

Sadanoumi (6-3) defeated Tochitaikai (3-6). Tochitaikai refused to allow Sadanoumi inside to get his preferred belt grip. Sadanoumi pressed forward and Tochitaikai backed away to the side, allowing Sadanoumi to fall to the ground as Tochitaikai fell off the dohyo. Gunbai Tochitaikai as his foot appeared to still be on the tawara as Sadanoumi landed. Mono-ii. Video replay showed Tochitaikai’s heel appeared to touch outside the ring before Sadanoumi fell forward. Gunbai Sashi-Chigae, Sadanoumi was ruled the winner. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (5-4) defeated Shonannoumi (3-6). After a long grapple and lean, Takanosho suddenly pressed forward and shoved Shonannoumi out. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (6-3) defeated Roga (6-3). Both men locked in for a belt battle. Atamifuji pressed forward with gaburi leg thrusts. Once he finally got that left hand grip, he hoisted Roga over the bales. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (4-5) defeated Shishi (1-8). Shishi lumbered forward and Tokihayate slapped him down. Shishi just seemed off balance the entire bout, ready to fall forward. He eventually did. Hatakikomi.

Onokatsu (5-4) defeated Endo (5-4). First time meeting between Endo and Onokatsu. As long as Onokatsu has been here, these guys haven’t met? This is his fifth tournament in the top division so, I find that surprising. As Endo backed away, pulling on Onokatsu’s left arm, Onokatsu shifted his weight slightly and pulled Endo down. Hikiotoshi.

Meisei (6-3) defeated Churanoumi (1-8). Meisei tried for a quick slapdown. If failed but seemed to get Churanoumi completely off balance. Meisei followed up quickly and drove forward, forcing Churanoumi off the dohyo. If you shove a guy off a cliff, you should at least check on him to make sure he’s okay. And Meisei did, he’s a gentleman. Oshidashi.

Hakuoho (8-1) obliterated Shodai (3-6). Hard hit at the tachiai, quick left hand inside, three pumps of gaburi yotsu and Shodai was out. The bad news is, Hakuoho’s right arm is not 100%. He chatted with Hakuho in the hanamichi on his way to the shitakubeya. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (5-4) defeated Midorifuji (0-9). Midorifuji’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Basho continues. Tobizaru attacked Midorifuji’s face before grabbing his belt with his right hand. Once Tobizaru got his left hand overarm grip, he pressed forward and threw Midorifuji onto the bales. Uwatenage.

Halftime

Oshoma (6-3) defeated Kinbozan (6-3). Kinbozan charged forward but Oshoma slipped to the side and got behind Kinbozan, shoving him out. Okuridashi.

Aonishiki (8-1) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-7). Aonishiki hit Chiyoshoma with a steady flurry of tsuppari, allowing Chiyoshoma no chance to get inside. Aonishiki worked Chiyoshoma to the edge where he reached in with his left and grabbed Chiyoshoma’s belt and ushered him out. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (2-7) defeated Hiradoumi (3-6). Hiradoumi launched out at the tachiai. Gonoyama pivoted and pulled, shoving Hiradoumi down with his right hand. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (4-5) defeated Oho (3-6). Oho blasted away with a flurry of tsuppari, then tried a slapdown which Wakamotoharu resisted. Oho seemed tired and out of ideas so he slowed things down with a grapple. When Oho reached in and got hold of Wakamotoharu’s trunk, he stopped, asking his opponent, “what do I do now?” Wakamotoharu demonstrated by bulldozing Oho and throwing him to the ground along the bales. Uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Abi (5-4) defeated Wakatakakage (7-2). Indigo Abi shoved Wakatakakage’s face then stepped to the side and pulled him down. Wakatakakage yelled loudly, within himself, “Goddamnit!” Hikiotoshi.

Kirishima (6-3) defeated Takerufuji (3-6). Takerufuji charged forward but Kirishima wrapped his arm around his neck and pulled him down the the ground. Kirishima landed face first outside the dohyo. Gunbai Kirishima. Mono-ii to confer and confirm the gyoji’s ruling. Meanwhile, Kirishima was slow to get up. Finally standing with a massive scrape on his right temple, he thought, “Please make this quick, I don’t feel so good.” Tradition dictates the winner must stand there to provide chikaramizu to the next wrestler, pondering the mistakes of his life. For Kirishima, that mistake includes The Most Painful Kubinage Ever.

Tamawashi (3-6) defeated Daieisho (6-3). Daieisho launched out with his tsuppari and met a face full of Tamawashi. This threw Daieisho’s attack into disarray as he short-circuited and moved backwards, pulling aimlessly. Tamawashi pursued and shoved him out. Tsukidashi.

Kotozakura (6-3) defeated Takayasu (2-7). Kotozakura shifted to the right at the tachiai, grabbed Takayasu’s belt and pulled him down. Uwatedashinage.

Onosato (9-0) defeated Ura (2-7). After a few volleys of tsuppari, Onosato went for a slapdown. That knocked Ura forward but Ura stopped right at the bales. Onosato charged forward and finished Ura with a shove from behind. Okuridashi.

Hoshoryu (7-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-5). Hoshoryu hit Ichiyamamoto’s left arm and slapped him forward to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Onosato’s rope run continues. Tomorrow, he will face Ichiyamamoto, then he will close out the tournament against the meat of his schedule: Sanyaku. But when you look at this sanyaku, they’re cracked, broken, defeated. So far, Onosato’s wins have been dominant. But as we saw today with Kirishima, these guys will throw everything at him to check for any cracks in his defense. With they find any this tournament? Or will Onosato cruise to his fourth yusho?

Hoshoryu will take on Ura. Kirishima will face off against Kotozakura. Onosato will fight Ichiyamamoto, as I mentioned above. Hakuoho will move up to fight Daieisho. Aonishiki will take on Wakatakakage. Welcome to the meat grinder, boys. I can’t wait.

Natsu 2025: Nakabi

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho , , ,

Nakabi. No kyujo updates. Kusano continues to roll in Juryo, picking up his seventh consecutive win. With Tohakuryu’s defeat at the hands of Miyanokaze, Kusano leads by himself. He will fight Hitoshi tomorrow.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Tamashoho (3-5) defeated Nishikigi (5-3). Tamashoho backed to the edge and slapped Nishikigi down while jumping off the dohyo. Hatakikomi.

Roga (6-2) defeated Tochitaikai (3-5). Tochitaikai tried to slap Roga down but Roga’s footwork and balance were solid. That jump was a huge gambit because it left Tochitaikai with no space to maneuver. Roga wrapped up Tochitaikai with a right hand inside and drove him through the ring and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kayo (4-4) defeated Tokihayate (3-5). Kayo retreated and retreated, repeatedly trying to slap Tokihayate down. Tokihayate was in constant pursuit. Kayo grabbed Tokihayate’s right arm and pulled it forward, gaining access to his belt which Kayo yanked on to finish Tokihayate off. Uwatenage.

Asakoryu (6-2) defeated Sadanoumi (5-3). Asakoryu slipped to his left after the tachiai. As Sadanoumi stumbled forward, Asakoryu attacked from the side and shoved Sadanoumi out. Clearly not a henka but just as effective. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (3-5) defeated Atamifuji (5-3). Shonannoumi’s gameplan was similar to Kayo. Retreat and slapdown. Atamifuji constantly moved forward to keep the pressure on. Eventually, Shonannoumi ran out of room at the edge and had no choice but to reach for Atamifuji’s belt and try to grapple. Shonannoumi grabbed Atamifuji’s belt with his right hand outside. Rather than press forward, though, or use gaburi yotsu, he shifted laterally along the bales and threw Atamifuji. Uwatenage.

Endo (5-3) defeated Ryuden (4-4). Endo grabbed at Ryuden’s left arm. This made Ryuden stumble forward. Endo then attacked from the side as Ryuden tried to recover. Endo grabbed Ryuden’s belt and put everything into throwing Ryuden. He succeeded and won but still ended up stumbling off the dohyo and into the third row. “These were great tickets, Junpei!” Uwatenage.

Kotoshoho (2-1-5) defeated Shishi (1-7). Kotoshoho had a right arm inside grip and drove forward as Shishi pulled backward and both men went down. Gunbai Kotoshoho. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi.

Shodai (3-5) defeated Takanosho (4-4). Shodai backed away along the bales and pulled Takanosho down. Sukuinage.

Meisei (5-3) defeated Hakuoho (7-1). While Hakuoho bulled forward, Meisei grabbed Hakuoho’s right arm and pulled him down along the bales. Their combined momentum carried both men off the dohyo. Gunbai Meisei. Both men looked incredulous. Meisei even took his time getting back to the dohyo, like, “y’all want to look at that, right? No?” No, dude. You won. Kotenage.

Oshoma (5-3) defeated Midorifuji (0-8). Oshoma’s style is rather boring. He kept Midorifuji at arms length, not allowing him to come inside and attempt his famous katasukashi. But he couldn’t slap him down, either, after numerous attempts. He eventually caught Midorifuji a bit off balance and ran him out from behind. Midorifuji makekoshi. Okuridashi.

Aonishiki (7-1) defeated Tobizaru (4-4). Solid tsuppari from Aonishiki forced Tobizaru to the edge but he wouldn’t go over. He pulled and tried a slapdown, but Tobizaru didn’t go down. Aonishiki then followed with a nodowa and a trip but Tobizaru wouldn’t go out. He pulled again and Tobizaru took two steps forward. Aonishiki grabbed Tobizaru’s thong and ran him out.

Halftime

Onokatsu (4-4) defeated Ura (2-6). After an initial pull, Ura took it to Onokatsu. Maybe he had built some confidence with his yotsu win against Tobizaru yesterday. Well, it was a mistake today. As Ura pressed forward, Onokatsu got a right hand inside, left hand outside grip. Once he settled Ura down, he drove forward and out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (6-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-6). Kinbozan overpowered Chiyoshoma after a lengthy yotsu battle that required a mawashi adjustment. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (4-4) defeated Churanoumi (1-7). Ichiyamamoto had to give it three attempts with the tsuppari/slapdown combo but finally pulled Churanoumi down with the help of a belt grip. Uwatenage.

Wakamotoharu (3-5) defeated Gonoyama (1-7). Gonoyama tried an il-advised pull and slapdown. Wakamotoharu kept his footing and rushed him out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Abi (4-4) defeated Takayasu (2-6). Abi did Abi things and blasted Takayasu with a nodowa at the tachiai. Takayasu finally relieved the pressure by batting Abi’s hands away. Takayasu then pulled, and pulled, and pulled himself right out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (7-1) defeated Oho (3-5). Oho is back to his reversing sumo and Wakatakakage made him pay. Oho pulled and WTK charged forward, keeping his balance and forcing him off the edge. Oshitaoshi.

Daieisho (6-2) defeated Kirishima (5-3). Daieisho forced Kirishima backwards with his thrusts. Kirishima retreated to the bales and Daieisho shoved him out. Tsukidashi.

Onosato (8-0) defeated Hiradoumi (3-5). Onosato charged forward and forced Hiradoumi back with ease. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (5-3) defeated Tamawashi (2-6). No tsuppari or thrusts from Tamawashi. He tried to take on Kotozakura, chest to chest, and Kotozakura forced him out. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (6-2) defeated Takerufuji (3-5). Takerufuji henka! Hoshoryu adjusted well. Shonosuke did not as he stumbled over his own feet trying to move out of the way. Hoshoryu advanced and wrapped up Takerufuji’s left arm, twisted, and threw him to the ground. Kotenage.

Wrap-up

Onosato has dominated his Week One competition. He will face Ura tomorrow and that should be an easy bout for him if he sticks to his fundamentals. But the five other sanyaku bouts are ahead of him this week, culminating in a fight with the Yokozuna on senshuraku. These rank-and-filers, and Takayasu, were the appetizers. After he finishes his final chicken wing tomorrow, it will be on to the main course.

Hoshoryu had a bit of a stumble today. That win over Takerufuji was close. Takerufuji was looking for a mono-ii but it was the right call. Hakuoho’s loss was the result of a great move from Meisei. He and Aonishiki might get pulled up to face sanyaku competition later this week but we clearly saw cracks in Hakuoho’s attack today.

Tomorrow, Hoshoryu will fight Ichiyamamoto. I mentioned Onosato vs Ura, which should be fun. Kotozakura versus Takayasu, though? Let’s just say I think Daieisho versus Tamawashi will be a better match. Wakatakakage will fight Abi, Aonishiki will fight Chiyoshoma and Hakuoho will take on Shodai.