Natsu Basho

Natsu 2025, Day Three Highlights

Andy Natsu 2025 ,

I’m back! Thank you, Leonid, for the Makushita updates while I was away. I am eager to see this yusho contest, especially with Asanoyama and Enho both mounting comebacks from the division. Enho needs just one more tournament in juryo to earn his kabu (if I’m getting my kabu math correct). As I think I’d mentioned in the comments, though, I’m not very eager for an Enho/Asanoyama bout. As we will see today, there are a lot of smaller rikishi in the top division nowadays but they’ve all got rather more aggressive styles than Enho, particularly after Enho’s scary neck injury.

To briefly explain my own kyujo for the first couple of days, it’s certainly nothing exciting. Our clan had journeyed up to New Jersey to say our final goodbyes to my grandmother who passed back in December at 96. She was a pretty awesome woman and is missed.

As for the wrestlers’ kyujo, we have Kotoshoho out from Day One while Wakanosho was added to the list for today’s action. That’s definitely a bummer for the youngster and will not be good for his hopes of keeping that sekitori status. As others noted in the comments, Hokutofuji and Wakatakamoto’s absences are rather ominous. I will keep my eyes and ears out for any official news.

Twelve new recruits in Maezumo which started up today. The NHK coverage featured a young Brazilian while former Kaisei was today’s sideline correspondent. He will have a long way to go, though, from the looks of things but good luck. Everyone has to get their start somewhere.

The big story, though, is obviously Onosato and his rope run. He will face Abi today and Abi is certainly one of those wild cards who can pull out an upset. Will he do it today?

Our Three Days of videos to catch up on. Shonichi Juryo; and Makuuchi Part I and Part II. Day Two Juryo; Makuuchi Part I and Part II. Lastly, today’s Day Three Juryo; Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (2-1) defeated Tochitaikai (2-1). Not a henka, but Asakoryu shifted to his left and rotated while shoving Tochitaikai back. Tochitaikai tried to slap Asakoryu down at the edge but Asakoryu maintained stable footing and forced Tochitaikai out. Oshidashi.

Tamashoho (1-2) defeated Hidenoumi (1-2). Tamashoho wrapped up Hidenoumi with his left hand outside then followed up with a right-hand inside. I was a bit surprised by the head on strength from Tamashoho as he drove the larger Hidenoumi to the edge. Hidenoumi tried to get a morozashi but Tamashoho used his right hand ottsuke effectively to defend while forcing Hidenoumi back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shonannoumi (1-2) defeated Kayo (0-3). Kayo tried to pull Shonannoumi’s arms and force him down. Shonannoumi used the forward momentum to his advantage and just drove Kayo back and out. Oshidashi.

Nishikigi (3-0) defeated Ryuden (1-2). Nishikigi with a solid, dominant win today. Nishikigi locked up Ryuden with a left hand inside, right hand outside. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (2-1) defeated Roga (2-1). Tokihayate blitzed Roga with both hands inside. He blocked Roga from getting a hold and forced Roga up and back. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (2-1) defeated Sadanoumi (1-2). Takanosho dominated Sadanoumi once he started going forward. After an initial step backward, Takanosho saw the light and chugged forward, blasting Sadanoumi back and out. Oshidashi.

Endo (3-0) defeated Atamifuji (2-1). Endo pulled Atamifuji forward to the edge while Atamifuji charged forward, forcing Endo off the dohyo. Endo fell backward off the dohyo, hard. Gunbai Atamifuji. Mono-ii. Atamifuji’s hand came down first so the gyoji’s call was overturned. Endo was given the win. Katasukashi.

Shodai (2-1) defeated Shishi (0-3). Shodai charged forward briefly before he shifted into reverse. The slapdown did not work so Shodai shifted right. As he did so, Shishi stumbled forward and Shodai finished Shishi off, shoving him down to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Meisei (2-1) defeated Kinbozan (1-2). Kinbozan will be frustrated with this loss. Kinbozan forced Meisei to the edge with overwhelming size and strength. But Meisei escaped along the dohyo long enough to tire Kinbozan. Meisei then grabbed Kinbozan’s arm and pulled him to the edge. Kinbozan resisted and resettled in the center. Kinbozan was totally gassed and Meisei drove forward and forced Kinbozan back and out. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (2-1) defeated Onokatsu (2-1). Aonishiki stayed low and after an initial flurry of tsuppari from Onokatsu, Aonishiki locked on to the front of Onokatsu’s belt with his left hand. “Get it off! Get it off!” As if a radioactive spider had interrupted his picnic, Onokatsu retreated and tried to bat Aonishiki away. Aonishiki pursued well and locked on with his right hand and drove Onokatsu out. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (1-2) defeated Midorifuji (0-3). Churanoumi kept Midorifuji from getting inside with an overwhelming forward attack. Midorifuji tried to escape but Churanoumi wrapped him up with both arms inside, forced him back and out. Okuridashi.

Halftime

Oshoma shoved hard to keep Tobizaru back. Tobizaru got his right hand on Oshoma and pulled him back. Both men hurdled off the dohyo. Gunbai Oshoma. Mono-ii. Both guys were determined to fall out at the same time. The Shimpan ordered a Torinaoshi rematch. In the rematch, Tobizaru avoided Oshoma’s slapdown attacks and forced Oshoma out. Oshidashi.

News Break

Hakuoho (3-0) defeated Chiyoshoma (0-3) Chiyoshoma got a strong grip and yanked Hakuoho around the dohyo. Hakuoho kept his balance, pivoted, and eventually powered Chiyoshoma backwards and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (3-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-2). Takerufuji’s immediate, powerful forward attack negated Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari and he forced Ichiyamamoto out quickly. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (2-1) defeated Ura (0-3). A bit of a brawl to start but Hiradoumi launched inside driving Ura back and . Ura tried to rotate but Hiradoumi forced him out and both men tumbled from the dohyo. Gunbai Hiradoumi. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (1-2) defeated Gonoyama (0-3). Gonoyama charged forward and forced Takayasu high, driving him to the bales. Takayasu found the bales and retreated along them. Gonoyama gave chase but as Takayasu retreated, Gonoyama lost his balance. Takayasu then pounced and shoved Gonoyama from behind. That was not good sumo but a win is a win for Takayasu. Okuridashi.

Kirishima (2-1) defeated Tamawashi (1-2). Kirishima weathered Tamawashi’s thrusting attack and locked his opponent up with a double-inside grip. From there, Kirishima ushered Tamawashi back and out. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (3-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-3). Wakamotoharu charged forward into Daieisho, forcing Daieisho back to the edge. Daieisho pivoted beautifully and shrugged Wakamotoharu off to the side. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakatakakage (2-1) defeated Kotozakura (1-2). The Ozeki looked like dead weight here. He could not get low and Wakatakakage took advantage. Wakatakakage latched on with his right hand inside, left hand outside and worked Kotozakura back to the edge. Kotozakura tried to rotate but Wakatakakage defended well and forced the Ozeki over the edge. Kotozakura seems bound for a hard fought kadoban at this point. Yorikiri.

Onosato (3-0) defeated Abi (0-3). Abi forced Onosato back with a great nodowa. Onosato used his left hand to bat Abi’s attacking right arm away, strongly. That forced Abi to the side and Onosato wrapped Abi up from behind and shoved him out. Okuridashi.

Mr. Donut is a kensho sponsor now. I wonder if they would be interested in a yusho prize. I think a heya would be appreciative of a year’s worth of donuts. That reminds me that my boss owes me a donut.

Oho (3-0) defeated Hoshoryu (2-1). A pusher-thruster bout as Oho moved forward and took it to the Yokozuna. Oho got his arms up on Hoshoryu’s shoulders, pivoted, and pulled Hoshoryu down. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Well, I come back and Oho earns a kinboshi from Hoshoryu! That’s a result. Oho moved forward really well. The important thing, at least in my mind, is that he pivoted when he pulled. He didn’t really move backwards as he pulled but rather rotated and remained in the center of the ring. I feel if more guys did that, they would win more decisively. I would look at Endo’s pull down as an example of the opposite; he moved backward and nearly took himself out. Oho used to lose a lot of bouts moving backward like that. I am eager to see if he is finally turning that corner and making a push to be a sanyaku regular.

Onosato took another step forward to Yokozuna today as Kotozakura is off to another poor start. Daieisho, though, will be an interesting one to watch. He’s got his own dark horse promotion run going. A yusho would be spectacular.

Well, it’s great to be back. It’s great to have sumo and I look forward to the next 12 days of action.

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!