Welcome to the penultimate day of the Aki 2022 basho. Over the past several years, the Aki basho has gotten a well-earned reputation for being the place where the odd, the unusual and the unexpected can and will happen. I mean… Goeido started this whole thing when he had an accidental upgrade to an untested version of GoeiDOS 3.x that turned him into a rampaging kill bot, sending him to a 15-0 yusho. Since then, it’s seen both Mitakeumi and Shodai take the cup, and more than a few wild and unexpected performances by the rikishi. I am sure when NHK puts together their always awesome “best of” reel for Aki 2022, we will all nod and remark about all of the wonderful and unexpected things we enjoyed.

Nearly everyone has figured out if they are going home with a winning or losing record this September. A few more will be decided today, and all eyes are rightfully on the yusho race. The man in the lead, Tamawashi, has held the title once before. The two who are one win behind are both eager, aggressive and hoping for any chance they might be presented with to receive the glorious macaron of victory for the first time. Given that all 3 of them are rank and file Maegashira, I really am not sure if any of them can be considered any kind of favorite. Any of them could drop a match or two in the final two days of the tournament. We know that should both Hokutofuji and Takayasu lose, and Tamawashi win today, he would eliminate any competition, and win the yusho outright. Readers know that I am secretly hoping for a 3 way “Brawl to end it all” on Sunday. But the path to that is narrow and unlikely.

Aki Leaderboard

All the bouts among the three leaders have taken place except Takayasu vs. Tamawashi, which is presumably being saved for senshuraku. So today, we get them all fighting the toughest available opponents the torikumi committee could muster.

Leader: Tamawashi
Chasers: Takayasu, Hokutofuji
Hunt Group: Wakatakakage, Tobizaru, Nishikifuji, Ryuden

2 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 14

Terutsuyoshi vs Hiradoumi – First ever match up, and a Hiradoumi (7-6) win would mean the last man on the Aki banzuke would get his kachi-koshi, and get to stick around in the top division for at least one more tournament. he’s got to over come a flagging 5-8 Terutsuyoshi, who should really give up on the ultra-low tachiai. At one point about 4 years ago it was a a super-weapon, but for the most part nobody falls for it anymore.

Chiyoshoma vs Yutakayama – Chiyoshoma is already kachi-koshi at 8-5, and Yutakayama is already make-koshi at 4-9. They are both ranked at Maegashira 14, and it’s well past time for them to fight head to head. Yutakayama has a 10-5 career advantage, but Chiyoshoma has won two of the last three.

Ichiyamamoto vs Chiyotairyu – A pair of 5-8 rikishi working out their individual demotion velocities. After a terrible start, Chiyotairyu has won 4 of the last 5 matches, and almost looks like he might make it to 7-8 before this whole thing is done. I was surprised by Ichiyamamoto’s act 3 implosion, he has not won a match since day 9, and is looking to head deeper into make-koshi territory.

Ryuden vs Takanosho – Both men are kachi-koshi, and share an even 2-2 record. I am expecting Ryuden will end this basho with double digit wins, as he just needs one more out of the last 2 to reach that mark. I am happy that Takanosho has hit his 8, but his sumo still looks pretty rough, as it did on day 13. They have not fought since July of 2020.

Myogiryu vs Kotoshoho – Both are 7-6 to start day 14, and that means one of these rikishi will leave the Kokugikan today with a kachi-koshi. Given that the 3-0 career record only shows wins for Myogiryu, I am thinking it will be his white star today.

Tochinoshin vs Tsurugisho – Both are make-koshi, with Tochinoshin at 5-8, Tsurugisho at 4-9. I expect Tsurugisho to be in Juryo in November, so he is really fighting now to limit his fall down the banzuke. He’s big, and heavy, but the amazing strength of Tochinoshin seems to be up to the task of controlling him, as he holds a 3-1 lead in their career match ups.

Aoiyama vs Mitoryu – Another make-koshi match up. This match is also a first time fight between 4-9 Aoiyama and 5-8 Mitoryu. At Maegashira 16e, Mitoryu is headed back to Juryo, but how far down the banzuke is still to be decided. He would normally be an easy mark for Aoiyama, except that Big Dan is not healthy right now, and is just as likely to fall over as win.

Wakamotoharu vs Oho – Once again, we will wait to see if Oho (7-6) can finally get his 8th win. This has to be mental, because nothing has really changed about his nondescript, somewhat obligatory sumo in the last few days. He has lost the last 3 in a row, and 4 out of the last 5. Wakamotoharu (8-5) will want to battle hug him and waltz him out, and if Oho does not mind his feet, that is exactly what will happen.

Kotonowaka vs Sadanoumi – Both are 8-5 to start today. Sadanoumi has never won a match against Kotonowaka, in 4 attempts. I do think that this is the kind of day where that might change. Sadanoumi has been moving well, and fighting strongly this September. So I am looking for Sadanoumi to employ some of his epic speed to overwhelm Kotonowaka at the tachiai.

Okinoumi vs Meisei – A mini-Darwin if you will. They are both 6-7, and the loser will get their make-koshi as a result. The winner will finish day 14 at 7-7, and will have to work for a win on Sunday to decide their fate. Okinoumi has a 10-1 career record against Meisei, with that only win coming day 3 of Kyushu 2021.

Tobizaru vs Tamawashi – High impact match in the middle of the top division once more. Both men have secured winning records, with Tobizaru at 9-4, and yusho race leader Tamawashi at 11-2. The goal is for Tobizaru to somehow evade Tamawashi’s brutal attack, and get some dirt on the front runner for the cup. He has the agility and tenacity to do it. But as Mike Tyson once famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get hit in the face”.

Kotoeko vs Midorifuji – Back to seeing just how crummy some of the make-koshi records can go, we have a pair of 5-8 rikishi facing off today to see how low they might go. Its a bit of a shame that M1w Midorifuji was unable to get a kachi-koshi his first time at the top of rank and file, but I am fairly certain he will be back. His opponent, Kotoeko, has a 2-1 career lead, but has been unable to find the last 15% he has needed to win on most days.

Onosho vs Ichinojo – Another in the make-koshi playoffs, it’s two 5-8 rikishi with vary narrow ranges of sumo styles. It’s anti-weebil Onosho up against the Snorlax today, and it will come down to if Onosho’s big frontal attacks are enough to wake Ichinojo up and motivate him to fight.

Ura vs Kiribayama – If you have detected a pattern in the fight roster, congratulations. It’s time to pair up a set of 7-6 rikishi and see which one claims a kachi-koshi today. Ura should have a slight edge if you just look at the numbers, but both of them have lost 3 of the last 4 matches, with each man’s single win in that period coming on day 12. We have not seen trademark Ura sumo in several days, and I hope he turns Kiribayama into a can of soup for a few seconds by his sorcery, just to add some drama to the day.

Wakatakakage vs Hokutofuji – I know the temptation has got to be overwhelming, but I don’t want either of you two guys to henka today. Hokutofuji at 10-3 wants a win to stay in the yusho race, Wakatakakage needs 1 or 2 wins to firmly put his score in “Ozeki run” territory. They last fought in May, where Wakatakakage won (3-1).

Daieisho vs Nishikigi – Back to the make-koshi playoffs again, and once more both are 5-8. This will be a clash of styles, with Nishikigi having his “battle hug” yotsu-zumo against Daieisho’s “Mega thrust” oshi-zumo. Interestingly enough, Nishikigi actually has a 6-4 winning record against Daieisho.

Takayasu vs Hoshoryu – The last of the fights involving the leading trio, and I am hoping I don’t see flailing, wild-man sumo from Takayasu today. He has a 3-1 career advantage on the dohyo over Hoshoryu, but I note that Hoshoryu won their last head to head, in May of this year. The outcome of this match is tough to guess, so we are just going to have to watch it to see if Takayasu’s overflowing energy or Hoshoryu’s clever hybrid attacks will carry the day.

Takakeisho vs Nishikifuji – Two kachi-koshi rikishi, with Takakeisho at 8-5, and Nishikifuji at 9-4. This is a first ever match, and I think it is to test how far up the banzuke they can move Nishikifuji. It’s quite possible he will reach double digits, and could end up at the bottom of the joi-jin. First ever fight for these two.

Endo vs Mitakeumi – Mitakeumi (4-9), go kyujo and get that shoulder (or both) worked on. You are going to give 6-7 Endo a white star anyhow in all likelihood today, so may as well just own your injuries and prepare to try for 10 wins in Kyushu.

Takarafuji vs Shodai – Final match of the day, and we have a broken down and out of warranty version of Takarafuji at 4-9 probably taking a white star from deeply make-koshi 3-10 Shodai. Not sure if I want to watch this out of sick curiousity, or avoid it because it’s a 10 layer nonsense cake with daikon frosting.

Day 13 featured a lot of quick matches, and flurry of rikishi hitting their 8th win or their 8th loss. 3 men picked up their kachi-koshi today, and a whopping 7 hit their 8th loss and make-koshi today. You may have noticed that you don’t see me raging on about “Darwin matches” or the “Darwin funnel” this basho. That’s because it seems that our guess going into the middle weekend, that they would not run one, was in fact correct. That is not to say they won’t have a few 7-7 matches on Sunday, I think there may be two or so. It’s just that you can’t see them actively trying to herd as many rikishi into 7-7 scores at the end of day 14 this September. I am actually grateful for that, as it just seems to add another layer of creeping doom into the final week of the tournament.

In the yusho race, we have Tobizaru and Nishikifuji picking up losses today, so the field for the middle weekend indicates that unless something odd happens we will see the yusho be played out between our leader Tamawashi at 11-2, with Takayasu and Hokutofuji at 10-3. I note with some interest that Hokutofuji has Wakatakakage on day 14, Takayasu faces Hoshoryu, and Tamawashi is fighting Tobizaru. If there is one thing to take away from this, it’s that Tobizaru will likely relish his role of spoiler in the final weekend of the tournament.

Highlight Matches

Chiyotairyu defeats Tsurugisho – Some actual powerful forward motion form Chiyotairyu today, I was not expecting to see that. He steps aside when Tsurugisho counter attacks, and puts Tsurugisho on the deck. Chiyotairyu improves to 5-8.

Yutakayama defeats Kotoshoho – Kotoshoho opened strong, and then Yutakayama sort of hulks out and bashes Kotoshoho around and shoves him out. Kotoshoho misses out on kachi-koshi today, as Yutakayama advances to 4-9.

Hiradoumi defeats Kotoeko – Great sumo from this first ever match between Kotoeko and Hiradoumi. Kotoeko had the advantage in the front part of this match, and Hiradoumi found himself under attack and moving to the rear. Kotoeko attempted a throw without consolidating his grip or his feet, and it fell apart. The second attempt again was poorly constructed, and Hiradoumi was able to break the grip mid rotation and bring Kotoeko down. I think they did not know what to call that move, so it was given a tsukiotoshi label and everyone tried to move on. Loss number 8 for Kotoeko, and he is make-koshi for September, while Hiradoumi is 7-6, and will try for kachi-koshi tomorrow.

Chiyoshoma defeats Myogiryu – I am delighted to see Chiyoshoma pick up his 8th win today. He has fought well, and I think I would like to see if he can survive in the middle ranks of the banzuke. When you see Chiyoshoma hit at the tachiai with his hands together, aiming for center-mass, you know what he’s about to do. A quick push back followed by hatakikomi. It caught Myogiryu off balance and brought him down, Chiyoshoma kachi-koshi at 8-5.

Tochinoshin defeats Okinoumi – Both of these guys are aging out, and are nursing performance limiting injuries. But wow can they bring the battle to the dohyo. Tochinoshin got his left hand outside grip early, but could not get his right hand to give him any purchase. Okinoumi kept his shoulder and hips square, and was able to blunt each attempt by Tochinoshin to lift and move him. After not being able to get Okinoumi in a losing position, he went for the old standby – uwatenage. But seeing him hop about on that bandaged right knee trying to simulate the pivot, well, you can feel the pain from 8,000 miles away. Tochinoshin advances to 5-8

Mitoryu defeats Onosho – This was an interesting test of Onosho, as he normally can generate phenomenal amounts of forward pressure. Instead, Mitoryu was able to capture him and walk him back without too much trouble. Points to back or lower body problems as the cause of Onosho’s poor performance. Both end the day at 5-8, as Onosho hits his 8th loss and is kachi-koshi for Aki.

Aoiyama defeats Terutsuyoshi – Two hands out, and twist! Down goes Terutsuyoshi at the tachiai. It was fast and sort of brutal. That’s loss number 8 for Terutsuyoshi, and he is make-koshi. Aoiyama improves to 4-9.

Ryuden defeats Endo – I am starting to get jazzed about the refreshed version of Ryuden. He gets a right hand grip, and works that advantage into a win by yorikiri. Endo got boxed in, and really ran out of options kind of early in this match, but was able to keep fighting, hoping for an opening. Ryuden now 9-4.

Sadanoumi defeats Oho – Oho, what the hell, man? That’s 3 losses in a row now. Just suck it up and get that 8th win. Nobody’s going to give it to you. Sadanoumi dials down he speed today to “steady walk” but brings up the power. He lifts and shifts Oho out for a yorikiri win, reaching kachi-koshi and ending the day 8-5.

Takarafuji defeats Ichiyamamoto – Ichiyamamoto is so similar to Abi, that the same technique that Takarafuji used against Ichiyamamoto today was used against Abi recently. Get Ichiyamamoto to crank up the power, then step aside. That’s loss number 8 for Ichiyamamoto, and he is make-koshi for September, while Takarafuji continues to reduce the severity of his upcoming demotion by moving to 4-9.

Tamawashi defeats Nishikifuji – Well, that was a bit of a waste of a match. Nishikifuji decides he’s going to submarine against Tamawashi, who seems grateful that Nishikifuji did the hard part for him, and puts the pressure on from above and crushes him down into the clay, ending with a pride obliterating teabagging. Tamawashi stays the sole leader at 11-2 while punting Nishikifuji out of the chaser group.

Kotonowaka defeats Takanosho – Takanosho was just a bit too eager to move his feet today. I did not see him try to get heavy at all, and maybe he was intimidated by Kotonowaka’s greater mass. That never stopped Chiyonofuji, just to point it out. With each passing second, Takanosho’s lateral moves were more energetic, and his feet less in contact with the clay, making him an easy mark for Kotonowaka, who finished him with an uwatedashinage. That’s kachi-koshi for Kotonowaka as he improves to 8-5.

Meisei defeats Midorifuji – It was a battle of the swinging arms as these two tried to smack the other one silly. It was Midorifuji who could not keep his balance and footing, and hit the clay from Meisei’s hatakikomi. Loss number 8 for Midorifuji, and he is make-koshi. Meisei staves off his 8th loss for an impressive third day in a row, and is now 6-7.

Hokutofuji defeats Tobizaru – I am grateful that Hokutofuji did not let his day 12 belly flop impact his sumo today. I still hope we get something akin to a 3 way playoff on the final day, and that two of my long suffering favorites, Hokutofuji and Takayasu, have a chance to try for the yusho. A hit and shift to the left today set up the combo tsukiotoshi that dropped Tobizaru for a quick win. Hokutofuji remains 1 behind Tamawashi at 10-3.

Takayasu defeats Kiribayama – Wild man sumo tachiai followed by a Kiribayama slippiotoshi. By the way, we need to get that added as an official non-technique, please. Sometimes names are so accurate, they cannot be denied. I think it should come with some kind of special prize for Kintamayama for not only making the term widely known, but for doing so much to bring sumo to the rest of the world. The man is a treasure. Takayasu advances to 10-3.

Ichinojo defeats Ura – Ura tries an escape move at the tachiai, but the Snorlax is awake today, and rampages forward with Ura his only target. Ichinojo ends the day 5-8. Hey, Mr Boulder – where was that sumo the rest of this basho?

Wakamotoharu defeats Daieisho – We get to see some of Daieisho’s big “power forward” sumo today, and he strips Wakamotoharu of any chance to fight in this match, but he cleverly minds his feet, and ensure that he stays in the air until Daieisho touches down on the clay. A monoii confirms it, leaving Daieisho make-koshi at 5-8, and Wakamotoharu kachi-koshi at 8-5.

Hoshoryu defeats Nishikigi – Hoshoryu does not worry about Nishikigi’s early grip, his solid hand placement, or his forward pressure. Instead Hoshoryu focuses on what his body is doing, and sets up a mighty shitatenage that ejects Nishikigi a moment later. Nishikigi’s 8th loss, and is make-koshi at 5-8, while Hoshoryu as now won 3 of the last 4, and is 7-6.

Shodai defeats Mitakeumi – Mitakeumi’s match plan? Pull, pull and pull again. No forward power, no offensive sumo, just a cheap attempt to get Shodai to fall. It’s clear Mitakeumi’s body is not moving well, I would strongly recommend he just go kyujo now and get things repaired for November, there really is nothing left for him to prove at Aki. Shodai picks up a rare win and is now 3-10.

Wakatakakage defeats Takakeisho – Ole! Sauce for the goose, I suppose. If had paid a huge amount of money for tickets to sumo, I would feel a bit robbed to get henka in the final match of the day two days in a row. Oh well, maybe tomorrow will be better. Wakatakakage now 9-4

With the start of Friday action, we are in the closing days of the Aki basho. The fight card will be shorter, and the basho proceedings will start later in the day. The lower divisions should decide their yusho today, with the exception of Makushita, which may not, as it is possible they will have two rikishi with 7-0 records at the end of today, forcing a playoff on day 15.

At the top end of the highest division, we have burning wreckage everywhere. Two ozeki make-koshi, one being demoted, one with double digit losses and slated to be kadoban for the 5th time. A third one throwing henka about. The Yokozuna blew out what was left of his right knee and will be under repair for some time. Two Komusubi make-koshi, and maybe one or two Sekiwake. None of the named ranks are going to compete for the yusho this September. Brutal stuff.

But yet, we are bound to have some glorious sumo on day 13, and I am looking forward to enjoying it Friday evening with my family. Life is good.

Aki Leaderboard

Day 12’s combination of wins and losses had a maximal effect in expanding the yusho race. Tamawashi remains in the lead, and there are 4 strong contenders nipping at his heels. His last yusho was 13-2, which is the maximum possible score he could reach in this tournament. Can he repeat that record?

Leader: Tamawashi
Chasers: Tobizaru, Takayasu, Hokutofuji, Nishikifuji
Hunt Group: Takakeisho, Wakatakakage, Takanosho, Ryuden

3 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 13

Tsurugisho vs Chiyotairyu – Both men start the day at 4-8 with a make-koshi. For Chiyotairyu a win today will reduce the size of his demotion for November. For Tsurugisho, he’s hoping that if he can get 7 wins he might find a way to hang on in the top division. To me, Tsurugisho is fighting somewhat less hurt right now, so I would give him an advantage as long as he can keep his balance in the tachiai.

Kotoshoho vs Yutakayama – I would hate to think that Yutakayama (3-9) might be headed back to Juryo after escaping a year ago. But some absolutely amazing banzuke luck has allowed him to more or less hover around Maegashira 14 in spite of 4 make-koshi tournament out of the last 6. I would say his luck has run out. Kotoshoho (7-5) kachi-koshi if he wins today.

Hiradoumi vs Kotoeko – As the last man on the banzuke at Maegashira 16 West, Hiradoumi (6-6) needs 2 wins out of the last 3 days to stay in the top division. He has been fighting well for some of the basho, but that streak of 6 losses out of 7 matches really blew his chances to bits. Should he defeat Kotoeko (5-7]) today, Kotoeko will be make-koshi. This is their first ever match up.

Myogiryu vs Chiyoshoma – A somewhat happier match, we have two 7-5 rikishi facing off, one of which will get their kachi-koshi today. I honestly want Chiyoshoma to win today, as I think his solid sumo should earn him a better buffer between him and the bottom of the banzuke. He and Myogiryu have an even 5-5 career record.

Tochinoshin vs Okinoumi – Tochinoshin is already make-koshi at 4-8, but I expect he will make that something more like 7-8 by the time this basho is done. He has Okinoumi (6-6) who needs 2 wins out of the last three days to make his 8. Okinoumi tends to steer a course straight for 8-7 or 7-8, and call it good enough.

Mitoryu vs Onosho – Mitoryu is already make-koshi at 4-8, and should he win today, he could give off balance Onosho (5-7) the gift of a losing record as well. They have never fought before, so no prior history to go by. I do note that Mitoryu looked very “soft” on day 12, maybe indicating some new injury picked up during the tournament. This could explain why he has lost the last 4 in a row.

Aoiyama vs Terutsuyoshi – It was clear from week 1 that Aoiyama (3-9) was going to be soaking up a big make-koshi this September. Something is not right with Big Dan, and he’s more or less going through the motions as best he can. I would label this one a “mercy match” where Terutsuyoshi (5-7) gets a good chance to pick up a win to stave off make-koshi. He has an 8-4 career lead over Aoiyama.

Ryuden vs Endo – This may also be another “mercy” match, where you have 8-4 Ryuden who has never beaten Endo (6-6), who needs 2 wins over the next 3 days to get kachi-koshi. The one thing that comes to mind is that Ryuden is freshly back in the top division, and may decide he has something to prove here. They last fought in January of 2021.

Oho vs Sadanoumi – Both rikishi are 7-5 to start the day, so the winner of this match will get their kachi-koshi today. Sadanoumi has a huge speed advantage, and a 4-1 career record over Oho in his favor. In fact, Oho has not won a match against Sadanoumi since July of 2021 when both were in Juryo. If you look at the record, Oho.exe appears to need restarting, as he has lost 3 of the last 4 matches, after a solid 5-0 start to Aki.

Takarafuji vs Ichiyamamoto – I think maybe another ‘mercy match” where we have make-koshi Takarafuji at 3-9 against Ichiyamamoto at 5-7, needing to win out to reach the safety of 8. I think Ichiyamamoto is high enough up the banzuke that he would not be considered for demotion to Juryo, but it’s always best to keep yourself out of risk for November.

Tamawashi vs Nishikifuji – A good choice for the schedulers, yusho race leader Tamawashi (10-2) goes up against one of the chasers. In this case its red hot Nishikifuji (9-3) who is in the running for the cup in only his second tournament in the top division. This is their first ever match, so I urge Tamawashi to be patient and not rush this fight.

Kotonowaka vs Takanosho – Nice to see Takanosho (8-4) fighting later in the day, where he normally belongs. He had an even 2-2 career record against Kotonowaka (7-5) who is looking for his 8th win today. I think this is a bit of a test match to see if he is past his injuries, and ready to re-join the top half of the banzuke.

Meisei vs Midorifuji – Both rikishi are 5-7, and facing the real likelihood of make-koshi if they don’t win their remaining 3 matches. In the case of Midorifuji, it’s his first posting to the top of the rank and file, and as we discussed in our pre-basho podcast, it’s probably a bit early to assume he will kachi-koshi at this rank. But from his action on the dohyo, you can see that day is coming.

Tobizaru vs Hokutofuji – After his day 12 belly flop against Takakeisho, Hokutofuji is probably ready to chew through concrete to get someone to give him a standup fight. He gets Tobizaru, who will throw rapid fire combos at Hokutofuji, but has never won against him in 6 attempts. Both are 9-3, and this fight will eliminate one man from the yusho race, barring some strange (er) outcomes on day 14 and 15.

Takayasu vs Kiribayama – I am not pleased to see Takayasu’s (9-3) antique “wild man” sumo coming back out. It was what he did before Kisenosato taught him focus and discipline in his sumo. But it seems that once he hit Ozeki, Kisenosato retired, and he went back to this form. It wins matches some times, but leaves a lot of avenues for counter-attack. He has Kiribayama (7-5) who needs one more white start to maintain his Komussubi rank.

Ura vs Ichinojo – Ura (7-5) has a shot at kachi-koshi today, but he has to win against “The Boulder”, Ichinojo (4-8). Ura has been able to do this 3 times before out of their 7 match career history, so it’s not out of the question. Ichinojo has lost his last 2 in a row, and may be sort of giving up now that he is make-koshi, and getting turned out of the named ranks for November.

Daieisho vs Wakamotoharu – Fresh off of his big win against Tamawashi on day 12, Wakamotoharu (7-5) needs to deflate Daieisho (5-7) to get his 8th win today. Should that happen, he would give Daieisho his 8th loss, and leave him make-koshi for Aki. They have only fought once before, in Nagoya this year, where Daieisho took the win. This will come down to a clash of sumo styles, with Daieisho being firmly in the oshi-zumo club, and Wakamotoharu being a committed yytsu-zumo man.

Nishikigi vs Hoshoryu – Nishikigi (5-7) attempts to keep the make-koshi at bay against 6-6 Hoshoryu. He has not beaten Hoshoryu in 2 prior attempts (0-2), and I think that he will struggle today. Should he lose, that is make-koshi for Nishikigi, and the wild internet talk of a Komusubi slot for him by this time next year may fade.

Mitakeumi vs Shodai – Battle of the broken Ozeki. Mitakeumi (4-8) in the road to demotion, and 2-10 Shodai looking like a beaten man. I don’t have much to say about this match, except that it had to happen, so we have to watch it. The 28 career matches favor Mitakeumi 16-12.

Takakeisho vs Wakatakakage – Both are 8-4, and right now Wakatakakage needs to ask himself if he has what it takes to put in double digits. If he wins the remainder of this matches, that would be 11-4, and there would be no doubt that the Ozeki run is on.

When everyone in the yusho race are ranked below san’yaku, odd things can happen. These are rikishi on a “hot streak”, much like Ichinojo in July, and the hot streak rikishi will carry forward as far as they can. But eventually those hot streaks may falter. So today, we had a big re-rack of the yusho race. Tamawashi took a loss, then a number of other people won, with the crucial fight being Hokutofuji’s loss to Takakeisho. This leaves Tamawashi as sole leader, but now there are 4 rikishi just one win behind, and a further 4 two wins behind the leader. This is a bit chaotic to the start of day 13, but it is still Tamawashi’s yusho to lose. We now know the winning score will be no higher than 13-2, but I expect it to be no higher than 12-3 when they toss the gyoji at the end of day 15.

Highlight Matches

Okinoumi defeats Yutakayama – Yutakayama put Okinoumi on defense at the tachiai, and kept him from using a right hand inside grip. One thing that may not get discussed much, but many rikishi really almost insist on a certain inside / outside grip to do much in the way of powerful sumo. Locking Okinoumi out of using his right hand inside, Yutakayama kept Okinoumi from “getting comfortable”, would be my closest choice of words. Okinoumi has been doing this for a long time, and adapted. It was a bit clumsy, as he could not get his throw attempt to work “backwards”, but he managed a yorikiri anyhow. Okinoumi finishes day 12 6-6.

Kotoshoho defeats Mitoryu – Today, Mitoryu’s sumo was interesting to watch. He was not really able to generate any offensive or forward power, but he was doing a masterful job of evading every move Kotoshoho employed to try and get him out. Sometimes, winning a sumo match can be done by simply not losing, and it looks like that may have been Mitoryu’s strategy today. But eventually Kotoshoho managed to box him in and get him out, giving him his 8th loss and Mitoryu is make-koshi for September. Kotoshoho improves to 7-5.

Takanosho defeats Chiyoshoma – Onigiri-kun Takanosho continues his rehabilitation basho, he’s now won the last 4 in a row, and locked in kachi-koshi for September. I think the defining moment of this match was when Takanosho shoved Chiyoshoma away, just as Chiyoshoma was about to get a grip and set up his attack. Nicely done, sir! Takanosho is now 8-4. Kimarite is listed as tsukite, as Chiyoshoma lost his footing, and touched the clay as he recovered balance.

Myogiryu defeats Oho – Oho has now lost 2 in a row, and 3 of the last 4. Did he get hurt? Or is he just having some kind of 2nd week struggle? He was fighting well, evenly balanced against Myogiryu, and then tried to pull. Of course Myogiryu had a plan for that, and took control of the match, putting Oho out by oshidashi three steps later. Both end the day at 7-5.

Ryuden defeats Kotoeko – Kotoeko could not maintain the block against Ryuden getting his left hand inside, and on Kotoeko’s mawashi. He did manage to prevent Ryuden’s attempt to throw, but just ran out of dohyo to attempt any evasion. Ryuden scores his 8th win, and is kachi-koshi for September at 8-4. Welcome back to the top division, sir. Glad you will be sticking around.

Hiradoumi defeats Tochinoshin – Holy smokes, where as this edition of Hiradoumi been? Granted, Tochinoshin is not able to fight with the strength of a bear, that has a strength of two bears any more, but what a combo from Hiradoumi. Did he hulk out when Tochinoshin broke his attack and shoved him away? It almost looked like it. Sadly Tochinoshin is now make-koshi at 4-8, while Hiradoumi is 6-6.

Chiyotairyu defeats Aoiyama – I would describe this match as tentative and obligatory. They needed to compete, they are both make-koshi, and they are both in sub-par condition. They tried to move as little as possible with their lower bodies, and just bludgeon the other one into submission. It was a close call, but Chiyotairyu managed to thrust Aoiyama down to improve to 4-8.

Onosho defeats Terutsuyoshi – Another day, another low tachiai from Terutsuyoshi, in fact too low. He gets hand placement, can’t hold on and gets rampaged out by Onosho. Both end the day 5-7. I have seen better sumo in Makushita.

Endo defeats Ichiyamamoto – Ichiyamamoto tries his “one weird trick” on Endo, and it’s not working. So, if you are one dimensional, you do it again except much harder. Endo is unmoved, and gives Ichiyamamoto his walking papers. Endo advances to 6-6.

Tsurugisho defeats Takarafuji – In act 3 you tend to see these “battle of the disastrous record” matches. I get it that these guys need to continue to compete, and if they can pick up wins. I liked Tsurugisho’s try for a katasukashi, but he could not complete the move and converted it into a tsukiotoshi. Tsurugisho now 4-8.

Wakamotoharu defeats Tamawashi – Oh, Tamawashi. I am sure you have already asked yourself, but when your right hand broke contact, why did your left hand try to pull Wakamotoharu? Wakamotoharu is good enough that he did not waste a moment powering forward and putting you away. Tamawashi gives up the lead as Wakamotoharu improves to 7-5.

Tobizaru defeats Nishikifuji – A big compliment to Nishikifuji for his match plan. Spam the daylights out of Tobizaru with everything you can throw at him, and maybe overwhelm him. It certainly delivered on rapid action. I have not seen a pugilistic display like that since the last time my cat go into the weapons grade catnip. But when your opponent is basically a fox spirit in human form, none of that is going to work at all. Tobizaru absorbs the chaos, and it only makes him stronger. He grows weary of the hitting and shoves the still flailing Nishikifuji out. Both end the day 9-3. Nishikifuji falls back to remain one behind Tamawashi. Tobizaru closes the gap to the leader, and is now in the chase group.

Ura defeats Midorifuji – Another chaos spirit fighting an Isegahama rikishi? Sure, let’s do that please. When Ura lines up “all the way downtown” you know that it’s going to be a special day. Ura seems to be working on some kind of attack, but Midorifuji steps out. They call it a kimedashi, which is close enough. It’s 7-5 for Ura.

Meisei defeats Ichinojo – I can only describe Ichinojo as “flaccid” for today. It amazes me that a guy that big can be moved about so easily by a person the size of Meisei. Testament to Meisei’s sumo. But seriously, where is the Ichinojo who was so gloriously immobile in July? I want my Snorlax back. Meisei delivers Ichinojo his make-koshi, and demotion out of the named ranks, while improving to 5-7.

Kiribayama defeats Kotonowaka – Unwilling to pick up his third loss in a row, Kiribayama fought like he meant it today. I liked the morozashi, loved the drive and happy he finally powered Kotonowaka over the bales. Both end 7-5, and will probably get their kachi-koshi tomorrow.

Takayasu defeats Wakatakakage – Takayasu fought with a lot of power, but really did not look focused, on balance or very tidy at all. But sometimes the wild man sumo style can get you a win. He breaks Wakatakakage’s win streak at 8, and improves to 9-3, now one win behind Tamawashi.

Daieisho defeats Sadanoumi – Daieisho is not quite ready to accept make-koshi today, and puts up a fight against speed demon Sadanoumi. I really liked Sadanoumi’s interview the other day. His voice was like a character from a historical drama. In fact when he’s done with sumo, he should go be a voice actor, he has a great set of pipes. I wonder if he can sing as well? Daieisho ignores his Sadanoumi’s glorious voice, and pushes him back and out. Daieisho now 5-7.

Hoshoryu defeats Shodai – Good golly – Hoshoryu just bulls his way into a kubinage against Shodai. Granted, this is a highly diminished version of Shodai, but at somewhere around 170kg, that’s a lot of daikon to toss over your shoulder like that. I note the gasp that escapes Shodai as he hits the clay. Can we assume Shodai is having back problems this September? Hoshoryu improves to 6-6.

Takakeisho defeats Hokutofuji – Ole! A single touch from Takakeisho as Hokutofuji’s big tachiai goes roaring past like to Tohoku Shinkansen ripping through Ueno. Hokutofuji gets completely airborne, as Takakeisho looks at him sail past. Glorious henka deluxe today. Takakeisho picks up his 8th win and is kachi-koshi. With this loss Hokutofuji joins the 9 win crowd now one behind Tamawashi.

Mitakeumi defeats Nishikigi – This first fight was far closer than it should have been for Mitakeumi, and for a time Nishikigi had his preferred set up. The mutual throw that ended the match resulted in a monoii and it was determined they landed together, time for a rematch. The second fight, Mitakeumi did a better job at keeping Nishikigi contained. Mitakeumi caught Nishikigi reaching for a belt grip and dumped him to the clay with a tsukiotoshi. Mitakeumi improves to 4-8.