Terutsuyoshi

Kyushu Day 6 Preview

Bruce H Abi (阿炎), Aki Basho 2022, Aoiyama, Azumaryu, Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Hiradoumi (平戸海), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Ichiyamamoto (一山本), Kagayaki (輝), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshoho, Meisei, Midorifuji, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikifuji (錦富士), Nishikigi, Oho (王鵬), Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Ura (宇良), Wakamotoharu (若元春), Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

With act 1 for the final tournament of 2022 now in the record books, it’s time for us to start act 2. Act 2 is where we narrow the field to find out who has what it takes to compete for the yusho, and to start sorting the survivors from the damned. Right now there are eight rikishi who have a single loss, and I would expect the yusho race to emerge from that group. We already know that the winner will have at least 1 loss, and I would guess maybe even more than that. None of the Ozeki are in that group, unless you could Mitakeumi who is what we call an “Ozekiwake”. It’s still too early for the schedulers to do any work on narrowing that field in a major way, but if this pack of 8 holds together, we could have some great matches for the middle weekend coming up on days 7 and 8.

As long as we are on scores, with the start of day 6, nearly everyone has either a 3-2 or a 2-3 score. I am still hoping someone can turn up the intensity on this basho, and maybe deliver something other than everyone taking turns winning and losing.

What We Are Watching Day 6

Kagayaki vs Hiradoumi – After his unimpressive performance in September, Hiradoumi is at least fighting well this tournament. I think he has a distinct edge against Kagayaki today, and may end up kachi-koshi this time around.

Ichiyamamoto vs Mitoryu – Coming in with a rare 4 win record (at least for this crowd), Ichiyamamoto is not really doing anything different than September (6-9 finish), but it seems to be working a bit better this time out. He needs 4 more wins for kachi-koshi, and may get win #5 against Juryo visitor Mitoryu today.

Okinoumi vs Azumaryu – Matching 2-3 records, both of these rikishi need to get their sumo in gear starting today. Okinoumi is having one of “those” tournaments, where he’s showing up, fighting as best he can, but his body is just not the same sumo engine it was 5-7 years ago. Probably advantage Azumaryu.

Terutsuyoshi vs Oho – Terutsuyoshi is hurt, and if he could not convert his match on day 5 against Okinoumi, I am not sure how he might pick up any wins this time, as he won’t fight the equally injure Takarafuji. He has not beaten Oho in either of their prior matches, plus Oho seems to have come around to the notion that the sport of sumo requires fighting.

Atamifuji vs Chiyotairyu – I am glad that after his day 5 fight against Kagayaki, Atamifuji is done being polite and dropping matches. The guy is big, strong and powerful, and it’s high time that he started to clear the road ahead of him. He’s got a bulky obstacle in the form of Chiyotairyu to handle today. But unforntunately for those of us who are fans of sumo’s Thunder God, Chiyotairyu is hurt and fighting on par with Terutsuyoshi right now

Aoiyama vs Kotoeko – Kotoeko needs to use his agility and mobility to keep Aoiyama from bringing his big brawling arms into the match. Chiyoshoma was able to do that and win on day 4, Kotoshoho could not on day 5 and lost. They share an 11 match history that favors Kotoeko narrowly, 5-6.

Takanosho vs Chiyoshoma – Sadly, I laughed at Takanosho’s loss to Abi day 5. I am sure it was a big contest on the clay, but to those of us at home, it underscored that Takanosho seems to have lost some of his sumo, and hopefully he can get it back soon. Chiyoshoma comes in today with a matching 2-3 record, but a 3-5 career deficit.

Kotoshoho vs Abi – Abi is another member of the elite 4-1 club, and given his position lower down the banzuke, must be considered a contender to run his score into double digits, or even compete for the up next week. I don’t thing he’s going to have too much trouble with 3-2 Kotoshoho, who has dropped his last 2 matches in a row.

Onosho vs Tochinoshin – A tough aspect of being a fan of Onosho; he is either hot or cold, not usually in between. So far he has been very sharp this basho, and I think he’s got a real chance to win against Tochinoshin today. Tochinoshin is, if anything, less mobile this November than I have seen him in some time, and tends to go soft at the first element of lateral motion in this opponent’s sumo.

Nishikigi vs Takarafuji – Much as I like Nishikigi’s sumo, I am already weary of watching an injure Takarafuji struggle each day on the clay. I know he’s keeping his perfect record intact, but at some point, it’s sunset days for you sir, and maybe you should know when to heal up to stave off that sad day (at least for his fans) a bit longer.

Hokutofuji vs Endo – Endo can’t seem to muster his sumo right now, and has had a lack-luster year. Thus far he has been make-koshi for all tournaments save a 8-7 in Osaka. As such, he may be an easy mark for Hokutofuji today, who could really use the win.

Myogiryu vs Nishikifuji – Myogiryu has won both their prior matches, but right now I would sort Nishikifuji into the “hot” category in terms of his sumo. Both of them won their day 5 matches, and both of them are fighting well. This could be a solid match.

Ryuden vs Sadanoumi – A pair of 3-2 rikishi, who have an even 5-5 career record. Both are fighting a bit better than their middling score might indicate. Given their different sumo styles, the longer this match goes on, the more it will favor Ryuden.

Meisei vs Wakamotoharu – First ever match between these two, and I would have to think that Wakamotoharu wants to bounce back after that day 5 loss to Kotonowaka. Should be doable if he keeps his body calm and takes his time. Meisei maybe a bit over-promoted at M2E, but the banzuke this November was a mess.

Tobizaru vs Kotonowaka – Tobizaru had been part of the elite pack leading this mess of a basho, but his day 5 opponent, Mitakeumi, is a man on a mission. I am looking for hime to bounce back today against Kotonowaka, who has won the last 2 in a row, They share a 3-3 career record, so this might be a high-energy fight.

Tamawashi vs Kiribayama – Tamawashi seems to be on a fairly straight road to a make-koshi this time out. It could be one of any number of explanations, but he’s going to have 10 more matches to senshuraku. He has only won one match in six attempts against Kiribayama, so this may be another tough day for the September yusho winner.

Daieisho vs Hoshoryu – Daieisho is not quite in his best form, but this November, when he does connect, it seems to be with authority. Hoshoryu share a slice of the 8 way lead right now, and needs to recover at least his pride today after Midorifuji unloaded that kawazugake to win the match.

Wakatakakage vs Ichinojo – I am honestly surprised that Wakatakakage is part of the gray mass that is the 2-3/3-2 crowd starting act 2. He has not quite had his habitual cold start, but he has thus far failed to distinguish himself from the pack. He’s up against 2-3 Ichinojo, who is either strong or passive on a day to day basis. They have split their prior 8 matches 4-4.

Takayasu vs Mitakeumi – This has potential to be my favorite match of the day. These two have had 29 career fights, they are both part of the 4-1 group, and they both are keen to win. Mitakeumi because he needs to make his 10 to get his Ozeki rank bank, Takayasu because he seems to be playing spoiler this November. The career stats favor Takayasu 20-9, but Mitakeumi is a man on a mission.

Takakeisho vs Ura – Not sure where Ura’s sumo is this November, maybe enjoying the onsen somewhere near Osaka, but it is certainly not with him in Fukuoka. I expect that Takakeisho will expand his 10-3 career record against Ura today.

Midorifuji vs Shodai – Shodai needs to buckle down and fight like he means it starting now. He’s got Midorifuji who just completely pants’d Hoshoryu on day 5, and if he’s not careful, that spritely fellow will perform some witchcraft via his sumo and turn him into a newt.

Kyushu 2022 Day 5 Highlights

Andy Abi (阿炎), Akua, Chiyonokuni (千代の国), Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daiamami (大奄美), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Enho, Hiradoumi (平戸海), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Ichiyamamoto (一山本), Juryo (十両), Kagayaki (輝), Kimarite (決まり手), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshoho, Kyushu Basho 2022, Meisei, Midorifuji, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikifuji (錦富士), Nishikigi, Oho (王鵬), Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tsurugisho, Ura (宇良), Wakamotoharu (若元春), Ōnoshō (阿武咲), Ōzeki (大関)

We’ve got a great day of action here for you to close out the first Act of the Kyushu basho. Unfortunately, several fan favorites are still searching for their first win. Lots of surprises in store. Let’s not dally and just get to the action.

Selected Juryo Bouts

Daiamami defeated Enho: Oshitaoshi. Daiamami seemed to be the nervous one coming into this bout but he played Enho perfectly. He kept the spritely lad at arms length and expertly shut off access to the dohyo. It’s surprising to think that someone could be “cornered” in a circular dohyo but that’s exactly what Daiamami was able to achieve. With nowhere for Enho to go, Daiamami gave a simple shove to send Enho sprawling backwards. Both men are 3-2.

Daishoho defeated Kinbozan: Uwatenage. Kinbozan semms hurt bad enough to need to go kyujo. He was unable to press forward with his left leg and unable to use his left arm. After the tachiai, he latched on with his right and kind of hung, limply on Daishoho for support. Daishoho simply used his leverage, twisted, and threw Kinbozan…who then finally used that left hand to touch the dirt and keep himself from falling. Both men are 2-3.

Chiyonokuni defeated Tochimusashi: Tsukidashi. Chiyonokuni hit Tochimusashi so hard at the tachiai, both men were almost knocked off their feet. While Tochimusashi was still trying to figure out which city he was in, Chiyonokuni recovered his senses first and flew back across the dohyo into his opponent, blasting him over the tawara. Chiyonokuni

Akua defeated Churanoumi: Oshidashi. Akua was dominant at the tachiai. He quickly, and forcefully, shoved out Churanoumi who had no time to counter, much less mount an offense. Akua looks determined and improves to 5-0.

Makuuchi

Atamifuji (3-2) defeated Kagayaki (2-3): Hatakikomi. Kagayaki bloodied Atamifuji, leading with that head at the tachiai. Atamifuji seemed stunned, trying to stay upright while Kagayaki methodically drove forward, cutting off escape routes, forcing Atamifuji backward to the tawara. At the tawara, though, Atamifuji brought down the hammer and Kagayaki fell to the dirt. Both men started the day at 2-2 but Atamifuji improved to 3-2 while nursing his bloody nose. Kagayaki fell to 2-3.

Tsurugisho (5-0) defeated Azumaryu (2-3): Yorikiri. I don’t understand the weak harite at the tachiai. I’ve seen Hakuho do it, sometimes, too. It’s like a reminder that, “I could have slapped you but I just wanted to check if you shaved this morning.” Tsurugisho served up one of these touchy-feely “harite” while Azumaryu focused on locking in on his opponent’s belt. Once Tsurugisho got the morozashi, it was curtains for Azumaryu.

Ichiyamamoto(4-1) defeated Hiradoumi (3-2): Hatakikomi. Well executed Abi-zumo here from Ichiyamamoto. Repeated tsuppari, those strong forceful thrusts to keep Hiradoumi upright and off the belt. As Hiradoumi tried to advance through the torrent of slaps, Ichiyamamoto shifted and Hiradoumi’s momentum carried him over the bales.

Okinoumi (2-3) defeated Terutsuyoshi (0-5): Kainahineri. “Nokotta, Nokotta!” Okinoumi and Terutsuyoshi engaged at the tachiai and locked in together with Okinoumi twisted to his left and Terutsuyoshi to his right. Okinoumi was the aggressor, driving Terutsuyoshi around the ring and eventually back to the tawara but he couldn’t quite finish him. Then, it was like a light-switch and Okinoumi snapped and shifted the other way, rolling Terutsuyoshi over. Okinoumi picked up his second win while Terutsuyoshi is winless. These Isegahama boys are hurting.

Oho (4-1) defeated Kotoeko (3-2): Tsukiotoshi. Kotoeko had one plan, launch into Oho’s face and shoulders with everything you’ve got. Oho seemingly just tried to survive. As the pair moved across the ring, Oho just tried his best to stay in, a couple of times almost stepping out. Kotoeko tired, though, and suddenly wrapped Oho up for a grapple. That was a mistake because Oho then flung the smaller man from the fighting surface by his lavender mawashi.

Onosho (4-1) defeated Chiyotairyu (1-4): Oshidashi. Chiyotairyu got his elbow up into Onosho’s face and tried to mount an attack with his right hand but Onosho simply pushed forward and easily walked Chiyotairyu out.

Aoiyama (2-3) defeated Kotoshoho (3-2): Hatakikomi. Aoiyama sumo was greater than Kotoshoho sumo. It was as simple as that. Kotoshoho tried to push Aoiyama out but Aoiyama just kind of walked around the tawara, slapping Kotoshoho back and occasionally going for a pull. The final pull worked. Simple as that. Kotoshoho needed to be either much more powerful or he needed another tactic. I got the sense Aoiyama could have weathered the shoves all day.

Abi (4-1) defeated Takanosho (2-3): Hatakikomi. Not to be outdone by Ichiyamamoto or Aoiyama, Abi pulled and forced Takanosho down. Abi-zumo. Simple as that.

Chiyoshoma (2-3) defeated Tochinoshin (2-3): Okuridashi. No henka here. I’m a little surprised. Instead, we got a solid tachiai and both men locked up for a grapple. Chiyoshoma worked Tochinoshin to the edge, then suddenly Chiyoshoma tugged Tochinoshin to the left while he jumped back and got behind, pushing him out from the back.

Myogiryu (3-2) defeated Endo (1-4): Okuridashi. The Endo ATM coughed up another stack of envelopes today. Myogiryu brought his hands down hard on the back of Endo’s head at the tachiai. This almost brought Endo down but as he struggled to maintain his balance, Myogiryu just followed, letting Endo’s momentum carry him off the dohyo.

Ryuden (3-2) defeated Takarafuji (0-5): Okuridashi. Three Okuridashi in a row. Wow. Ryuden got up a strong headwind, blowing the Takarabune back to the tawara before a sudden shift of direction allowed Ryuden to get in behind and usher Takarafuji out. The ships in Isegahama harbor are starting to look as aged and banged up as Russia’s Black Sea fleet.

Nishikifuji (3-2) defeated Hokutofuji (2-3): Hatakikomi. Nishikifuji had enough of my naval references and wanted to get back to celebrating Hatakikomi Day. So he quickly yanked Hokutofuji down at the initial charge for a quick win.

Sadanoumi (3-2) defeated Nishikigi (2-3): Oshidashi. Well, that was power. Sadanoumi pressed forward perfectly into a pulling Nishikigi, forcing the latter to lose his balance and crash off the dohyo.

Kotonowaka (2-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-2): Oshitaoshi. Kotonowaka used his powerful left hand on Wakamotoharu’s right shoulder to quickly, and roughly spin the middle Onami brother to the floor.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (3-2) defeated Kiribayama (3-2): Hatakikomi. A solid, forceful tachiai and an aggressive Kiribayama powerfully drove Daieisho back to the tawara. Just when Kiribayama thought he was going to win, Daieisho reminded him that it was Hatakikomi Day! Hurray!

Takayasu (4-1) defeated Tamawashi (1-4): Yorikiri. I was expecting a great oshi/tsuki battle here. What the hell? Both men locked each other up by the mawashi after a bruising initial clash. Takayasu was clearly more comfortable with this arrangement, quickly driving Tamawashi back and off the dohyo.

Wakatakakage (3-2) defeated Ura (0-5): Oshidashi. Ura tried power sumo as he was matched up with someone relatively close in size. He needed to do something new, having never beaten Wakatakakage. At the edge, Ura brought his hand down and went for a pull. However, Wakatakakage was prepared and maintained his balance as he drove forward into the retreating Ura. Both men flew across the dohyo, tumbling to the other side. Mono-ii. Video replay confirmed that Ura’s foot touched out first and he’s still searching for that first win against Wakatakakage.

Mitakeumi (4-1) defeated Tobizaru (3-2): Tsukiotoshi. You’ve got to see this one. My words would fail to do this bout justice. I saw today from Mitakeumi what I wanted to see from Shodai. WILL. Back against the wall, facing a tough loss, he was determined to win. At that final moment, he twisted and shoved Tobizaru down to the floor.

Frankly, I was shocked to see Tobizaru locked up, toe-to-toe with Mitakeumi. I mean, this was a bout where I was really impressed with both men. I never would have thought I’d see Tobizaru take on a guy like Mitakeumi on the belt. If he keeps this up, he’ll beat Wakatakakage to Ozeki.

Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Midorifuji (2-3): Kawazugake. Hoshoryu locked up Midorifuji. As Midorifuji tried to get a better belt grip, Hoshoryu expertly brought his foot around and forced both men back. Well, frankly, that’s a kimarite you just have to see for yourself.

Meisei (2-3) defeated Shodai (2-3): Yorikiri. Meisei showed all of the aggression and power here. The only thing Shodai seemed concerned with was making sure he didn’t land on one of the fans as he tumbled off the dohyo. I would struggle to point out what offense Shodai attempted in this bout and yet you still get the sense that he was the more powerful of the two on the dohyo. That if he’d given an ounce of effort, Meisei would have been toast. Tobizaru will make for a more capable Ozeki one day.

Takakeisho (3-2) defeated Ichinojo (2-3): Oshidashi. Ichinojo’s a little too eager, jumps early. But it’s Takakeisho with the side-step…almost a henka there from the Ozeki? Then, as he pushed forward, he was doing almost more with his legs than with his arms. We didn’t really see wave action and I felt I was seeing more gabburi hip action there. Interesting.

Kyushu Day 5 Preview

Bruce H Abi (阿炎), Aki Basho 2022, Aoiyama, Azumaryu, Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Hiradoumi (平戸海), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Ichiyamamoto (一山本), Kagayaki (輝), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshoho, Meisei, Midorifuji, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikifuji (錦富士), Nishikigi, Oho (王鵬), Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Ura (宇良), Wakamotoharu (若元春), Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

We have already reached day 5 of the Kyushu basho – the end of act 1. The crew at Tachiai tend to look at any basho as a composition of 3 five day “acts”, each that has it’s own purpose and goals. For act 1, we try to knock the ring rust off of everyone, get them tuned up to honbasho intensity, and start to find out who is hot and who is not.

The day 4 action did quite a bit to pull the rug out from under than last goal. Not a single rikishi will end act 1 with a perfect 5-0 record. I am sure some sumo fan who is far more into the numbers than I am can tell me the last time that happened. But instead now we have a broad group of 2-2 rikishi heading into day 5. Years ago when the podcast crew were discussing the (at that time) impending post-Hakuho future, Josh wisely suggested that given that most of the rikishi were all showing up from the lower ranks with more or less the same level of quality, that the future of Makuuchi was going to look a lot like Juryo at that time. Only a handful of high performers, who would not be able to consistently turn in strong records.

That prediction as certainly been playing out in the past year or so, as each tournament we end up with a large number of athletes who finish the tournament without standout performance. I am quite certain this is a transitory state, and that new champions will arise to dominate the sport.

Due to everyone turning in middling performances so far, expect a lot of 2-2 vs 2-2 match ups today. More or less everyone has a participation trophy right now, unless you are from Isegahama.

What We Are Watching Day 5

Kagayaki vs Atamifuji – I, for one, am looking forward to the first match in the top division today. We got to see Atamifuji get out of “sumimassen” mode on day 4, and maybe he’s decided he’s done showing glowing respect for everyone in the top division, and will now proceed to fight them with his best sumo. He has a 1-1 record with Kagayaki, and like half of the top division, both of them come into today 2-2.

Tsurugisho vs Azumaryu – Tsurugisho is today’s Juryo visitor, and you can tell he’s not from the top division because he does not have a 2-2 record. Instead, he’s got a 4-0 record (gasp!) and in promotable range. Maybe he can turn in a solid record and return to the top division yet again. He’s had 23 matches against Azumaryu, and won 15 of them.

Ichiyamamoto vs Hiradoumi – These two could have been conformists, and shown up today with a 2-2 record, but decided to be a bit different, and they both have 3-1. Way to make everyone else look half hearted guys. Ichiyamamoto has never lost to Hiradoumi, so I the chances of them both exiting the dohyo with matching records are zero.

Okinoumi vs Terutsuyoshi – A battle of the non-conformists. Not only do neither one of these rikishi have the decency to show up with a 2-2 record, they don’t even start the day with matching scores. Terutsuyoshi is from Isegahama, and he does not need to have a 2-2 record. In fact, he’s banged up and should be getting treatment. But for some reason here he is, handing out white stars day after day.

Kotoeko vs Oho – These two have 3-1 records, so it’s a bit more comfortable. Maybe if both of them could give one of their wins to the other person as a loss, they could find a way to get back to 2-2, but I don’t think they could get the proper forms faxed in by the start of the day, so its out of the question. Instead they are going to have to fight it out, and decide whose 3-1 record is best. Maybe Oho will continue to fight like he’s ready to win today.

Onosho vs Chiyotairyu – This is unsettling. Not only are these two not at 2-2, their scores are mirror images at 3-1 and 1-3. It’s as if they are trying to mock the high standards of the top division. But given how Onosho is fighting that much better than Chiyotairyu right now, I expect Onosho will have a strong chance of picking up his 4th win today.

Aoiyama vs Kotoshoho – Aoiyama’s upper body seems to be as potent as ever, but his suspension system and drive train are probably in need of a complete rebuild at this point. Hopefully Kotoshoho studied Chiyoshoma’s day 4 win, and has figured out that if you just can endure the beating long enough to get in close to Aoiyama, you can move him around like a fridge on a furniture dolly.

Takanosho vs Abi – I really hope Abi did not do something to mess up that damage ankle on day 4. Out of all the perfect score people on day 4, I expected him to hang onto his zero loss streak. Now that he’s given that up, he needs to be careful that Takanosho does not come underneath his double arm thrust, find his belt and battle hug him to victory. Abi has a 5-1 series lead.

Chiyoshoma vs Tochinoshin – I was surprised to find that Chiyoshoma actually had a 4-3 match advantage over Tochinoshin. Tochinoshin did not look strong or stable against Takarafuji on day 4, but at least he can take comfort that he has the highly prized 2-2 score to start the day. But I wonder if Tochinoshin’s knee is starting to give him trouble again.

Endo vs Myogiryu – Endo has only a single win so far, and he’s up against Myogiryu, who has a conforming 2-2 score. With 17 prior fights between them, the tally is 9-8 with a slight edge to Myogiryu, but both have won one against the other in the only two matches they have had this year.

Takarafuji vs Ryuden – Takarafuji has a 7-2 career advantage, but that hardly matters right now, as Takarafuji is hurt and should have been kyujo this tournament. He has an unbroken record of showing up for every match, and as far as I can tell, trying to keep that intact is the only reason he’s not getting treated right now. Seems silly, but then I am not a sumotori in any way.

Hokutofuji vs Nishikifuji – I am trying to figure out if once again Hokutofuji will attempt to attain “The most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo” this tournament, or if he really is trying to win. He has won the only prior match on the clay against Nishikifuji, but Nishikifuji is fighting better than he is so far. I think it will hinge on if he can land that nodowa at the tachiai, or if it will miss its mark as it did on day 4.

Nishikigi vs Sadanoumi – Finally, a match we can feel comfortable with. Both men are polite enough to make sure they showed up at the start of the day with a 2-2 score, and they have politely traded wins for the past few years, with them taking enough care to have a career score of 11-10. All social commentary aside, I think Sadanoumi will have the early advantage in this match, that tilts toward Nishikigi the longer the fight goes on.

Wakamotoharu vs Kotonowaka – For yet another tournament, Wakamotoharu is calling putting together a winning record. This is the stealth rikishi, and he’s never one to soak up attention, but can this guy win. Kotonowaka only found his first win on day 4, so maybe he’s not used to it just yet, but he does have a 4-1 career advantage over Wakamotoharu.

Daieisho vs Kiribayama – If I had to give an award for “most improved” from the end of Aki to the end of act 1 of Kyushu, it would go to Kiribayama. His sumo seems to really be calm, collected and patient. As much as I love Tobizaru sumo, I did enjoy Kiribayama stuffing him under his chest and keeping him there for a while. Today, he won’t get any such chance. Daieisho puts every gram of power he can into every push and hit, and Kiribayama will need to be careful to keep his feet.

Tamawashi vs Takayasu – These two have a 31 match history, and would routinely pound the stuffing out of each other every tournament. In fact, it was Tamawashi’s “arm breaker” kotenage that damaged Takayasu’s elbow. So I expect sparks to fly today.

Wakatakakage vs Ura – At first I was amazed that Wakatakakage lost on day 4, but now it all makes sense. He’s a really nice fellow, and was looking to make sure his score was a polite, and matching, 2-2. That being said, Ura has never won a match against Wakatakakage, and with him starting day 5 at a terrible 0-4 score, things do not look positive for him.

Tobizaru vs Mitakeumi – So far Mitakeumi has only lost a single bout, and in my opinion remains more or less on track for his 10 wins. He has a solid 3-1 career advantage over Tobizaru, but I would suggest his best approach is going to be the same as his win over Ura on day 4. Stay close, box him in, and don’t let him use his agility to get back in the fight.

Midorifuji vs Hoshoryu – For some odd reason, Hoshoryu has been unable to beat Midorifuji once in any of their 5 prior matches. I won’t be the least bit surprised to see make that 6-0 today. We may even see a third watashikomi in their series. It’s kind of funny because Hoshoryu knows its coming, takes active steps to shut it down, and then… Surprise!

Meisei vs Shodai – This needs to be a win for Shodai. Sure, he’s part of the polite group at 2-2, but this kadoban stuff is going to be a real problem in week 2 and act 3 unless he takes steps to get his record in solid positive territory this week. He has a 9-3 career advantage over Meisei, so this had better be a white star today.

Takakeisho vs Ichinojo – Ichinojo seems to have some of the fire which drove him to the yusho in July still hanging around, and I think that he may find himself employing his best sumo today against Takakeisho. Truth be told, Ichinojo is big enough that if he can set his feet, I am not sure that Takakeisho can really move him. I hope we can put that to the test today. They share a close to even 9-8 career record.

Kyushu Day 4 Highlights

Bruce H Abi (阿炎), Aki Basho 2022, Aoiyama, Azumaryu, Chiyoshoma, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Hiradoumi (平戸海), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Hoshoryu, Ichinojo (逸ノ城), Ichiyamamoto (一山本), Kagayaki (輝), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshoho, Meisei, Midorifuji, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikifuji (錦富士), Nishikigi, Oho (王鵬), Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terutsuyoshi, Tobizaru, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Ura (宇良), Wakamotoharu (若元春), Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲)

At the end of day four, there are no perfect records. The cadre of five rikishi who started the day 3-0 all took their first losses today. In balance, four of the seven rikishi who had no wins picked up their first victory today. In fact, many of these matches ended with both rikishi having the same score. I am sure that it’w on’t last, but a crazy 16 men ended day four with 2-2 records. Talk about an evenly matched competition.

A shout out to Takayasu’s match today. It shows what can happen when he can keep his footing and keep his balance. Likewise, Mitakeumi’s match was not glorious or brilliant, but he boxed in Ura early, and kept him reacting, which was what he needed to do.

Highlight Matches

Bushozan defeats Kagayaki – Kagayaki struggled to keep his balance centered, but stayed in the fight because Bushozan was no better. For a brief moment, Kagayaki had Bushozan turned and was running him to the bales, but Bushozan recovered and rallied with a right hand inside hold. Kagayaki broke that hold, and advanced. It looked like he would win, but he took his eyes off of Bushozan, who escaped, reversed and pushed Kagayaki out. Rather sloppy sumo. Both end the day 2-2.

Azumaryu defeats Hiradoumi – Azumaryu continues to dominate Hiradoumi, thought it his form today featured him standing nearly upright the entire match. Hiradoumi, for his part, was too eager to gain advantage and pushed in hard, giving Azumaryu all of the force he needed for the pulling under arm throw that sent Hiradoumi tumbling to the clay. Azumaryu improves to 2-2.

Atamifuji defeats Okinoumi – Excellent escape move by Atamifuji at the moment Okinoumi had him against the bales and moved to push him out. The experience of Okinoumi showed, as he did not assume this finishing move would work, and was able to recover when Atamifuji re-engaged. But that near miss seems to have gotten Atamifuji out of “sumimasen” mode, and we got to see him fight! His sumo power seemed to jump about 25% in an instant, and he overpowered Okinoumi and drove him from the ring. Do that again, please! Atamifuji up to 2-2.

Kotoeko defeats Terutsuyoshi – While nearly all the winless rikishi found a white star today, not so for injured Terutsuyoshi. To his credit, he knows he’s in poor condition, and he tried a shift to the side at the tachiai today to try and set up an ashitori. Really anything to gain any kind of advantage and maybe squeeze a win out somewhere. But Kotoeko was well aware of the situation, pivoted with him, and quickly put Terutsuyoshi on the clay. Kotoeko improves to 3-1.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Chiyotairyu – Chiyotairyu seems to have lost the plot a moment before the tachiai, and had no offense. In response, Ichiyamamoto set aside his normal opening move, hitting Chiyotairyu about the head a neck, and immediately pulling him down. I guess Chiyotairyu should be familiar with this form of sumo. Ichiyamamoto now 3-1.

Oho defeats Kotoshoho – I found this match interesting, in that it featured Oho fighting with some vigor, which has been lacking in his first three fights. It seems to have come about thanks to Kotoshoho putting up a large counter-thrust effort. Nice to know that its possible to motivate Oho to expend some energy and fight like he wants to win. Both end the day 3-1.

Chiyoshoma defeats Aoiyama – Excellent endurance from Chiyoshoma, he really earned that win. Aoiyama fired up the V-Twin straight away, and took to pommeling Chiyoshoma’s face. Chiyoshoma absorbed it as best he could, and worked his way in closer. Once he got a right hand on Aoiyama’s belt, he was three quick steps away from the win, and he escorted Aoiyama back and out. Both end the day 1-3.

Onosho defeats Abi – Abi takes his first loss when he lost his footing in the middle of the fight. Abi was attempting to pivot to his left to dodge a forward rush by Onosho, pushing off from the tawara, but his left foot could not handle the landing. Good offensive sumo from Onosho, and he advances to 3-1.

Tochinoshin defeats Takarafuji – Its just miserable to watch Takarafuji go at this day after day. He’s in not shape to fight, but he goes out there anyhow. Tochinoshin stood him up, then pulled him forward and down. Quick and effective, he is now 2-2, and Takarafuji still winless.

Myogiryu defeats Takanosho – Myogiryu put all of his energy in disrupting Takanosho’s sumo, keeping him off balance and moving in reaction to what Myogiryu was doing. This took Takanosho’s offensive sumo out of the match, and after dancing him around for a while, Myogiryu tossed him across the bales. Both are now 2-2.

Nishikigi defeats Ryuden – Ryuden was too high when they took up their holds, and Nishikigi attacked well from underneath. Once Nishikigi was able to complete his grip with the right hand outside, Ryuden had no choice but to come along for the ride. Nishikigi improves to 2-2.

Nishikifuji defeats Endo – Nishikifuji tried to disrupt Endo’s sumo on three separate volleys, but Endo is a seasoned vet, and keep his feet on the clay, and his weight centered over his feet. Nishikifuji switched to a thrusting attack, and caught Endo low and open, a few strikes to the chest, and Endo was out of the ring. Nishikifuji improves to 3-1.

Wakamotoharu defeats Sadanoumi – Sadanoumi dictated a yotsu-zumo match when he took Wakamotoharu to his chest at the tachiai, and Wakamotoharu was happy to oblige. But before Sadanoumi could get himself set, Wakamotoharu already had both hands on Sadanoumi’s mawashi. From there, it was really Wakamotoharu’s sumo that was in control, and he packed and shipped Sadanoumi with little trouble. Wakamotoharu advances to 3-1.

Midorifuji defeats Hokutofuji – Hokutofuji’s handshake tachiai and resulting nodowa had little positive effect, but seems to have left him too far forward. In an instant, Hokutofuji realizes this, drops the nodowa and attempt to correct his balance. In response, Midorifuji delivers the tsukiotoshi, dropping Hokutofuji to the clay. Both are 2-2.

Kiribayama defeats Tobizaru – Tobizaru picks up his first loss of Kyushu when he gets a bit too low, and Kiribayama has origami time, folding him under and making him suffer. In fact, Kiribayama seems to be in no rush to let Tobizaru out of this hold, but finally decides that he has to get back to the heya and finish that level of One Piece Bounty Rush, and drops Tobizaru to the clay by uwatehineri. Both are now 3-1.

Tamawashi defeats Daieisho – It was high time for Tamawashi to rack up his first win. It was a wild, chaotic exchange of off balance thrusting, pushing and just generally carrying on crazy. As is usually the case, Daieisho’s balance broke first, and Tamawashi lunged in to give him enough velocity to send him out. Tamawashi now 1-3.

Mitakeumi defeats Ura – Ura is the only non-Isegahama rikishi to remain winless. There was a moment of hesitation from Ura at the initial clash that cost him this match. Mitakeumi stayed close, kept Ura bracketed and did not let him open a gap. Ura seemed to abandon his forward pressure for a moment, trying to pull, but Mitakeumi’s cover was tight, and the pull simply helped him run Ura out. Mitakeumi up to 3-1, and needs 7 more wins to return to Ozeki.

Takayasu defeats Hoshoryu – Did you see it? Takayasu kept his weight centered over his feet, and put all of his energy into hitting Hoshoryu. That’s a lot of power, and it quickly any offensive sumo Hoshoryu wanted to bring to the match today. As Hoshoryu was reacting, trying to open a gap, Takayasu slammed his right hand down on his shoulder and pulled him to the clay. Quick, brutal and effective. They both finish the day 3-1.

Kotonowaka defeats Wakatakakage – It was only a matter of time before Kotonowaka picked up his first win, and he tends to give Wakatakakage a good fight. Kotonowaka was high at the tachiai, and did not seem to be in good form at first. But he got a grip on both of Wakatakakage’s shoulders, and immediately launched a kainahineri, which is not frequently seen. Wakatakakage seems mildly impressed that he was on the receiving end, but Kotonowaka advances to 1-3.

Meisei defeats Takakeisho – This match was thrown away when Takakeisho decided that after putting Meisei off balance and on his heels, to pull him from the back of the neck. It was a wide open invitation for Meisei to run him immediately out. Meisei obliged, and picks up his first win of November to end the day 1-3.

Ichinojo defeats Shodai – Shodai frequently struggles with Ichinojo. It might be the size, or his noted love of eating daikon whole, leaves and all. Unlike some days, Shodai put up a solid fight. Establishing a right hand inside grip, for a brief moment it looked like he had an advantage. But much like getting a firm hand hold on a rampaging wildebeest, the glory of success is short lived once you realize you are attached to this thing. Ichinojo’s left hand found its mark, and he took Shodai out three steps later. Solid sumo from Ichinojo today, and he matches Shodai at 2-2.