We are about to start day 4, and I am happy to see that some of my favorites have a 3-0 start to Aki. That includes Onosho, Tobizaru and Chiyonokuni. Of course there is the shin-Yokozuna, Terunofuji, who is chewing his way through the joi-jin with relentless sumo, as a Yokozuna should. With Hakuho he is favored to contend in week 2 for the cup, and looking down the torikumi, it’s tough to see anyone who is in good enough fighting form to really give him a solid competition for the yusho. That may fall to Shodai and Mitakeumi in week 2, but only if they can stay focused and out-perform their most recent basho scores to stay in the hunt.

What We Are Watching Day 4

Kyokutaisei vs Chiyonoo – Kyokutaisei visits from Juryo to fill the banzuke gap left by kyujo rikishi. Kyokutaisei is suffering a malady that has been seen frequently in the past year: Juryo rikishi at a promotable rank suffering losing records. He comes to today’s match with a 0-3 start. Not beyond repair, but it indicates a he will not be rejoining the top division in November.

Kaisei vs Tokushoryu – A pair of super-heavies, and these two have 16 career matches between them. It’s a slight advantage (10-6) to Kaisei, but both of them are looking hit or miss after the first 3 days of Aki.

Ichiyamamoto vs Yutakayama – There is going to be a lot of overpowered oshi-sumo in this match. I don’t think its likely to result in more than a couple of exchanges, as both men are prone to over-committing to their own forward pressure. But I would not be surprised to see Ichiyamamoto try a pull down after Yutakayama gets rolling.

Chiyonokuni vs Tsurugisho – About a 50 kg weight difference here, but I do think that Chiyonokuni has most of the advantages on his side. As long as he can stay mobile, it’s going to be tough for Tsurugisho to keep his balance and stay on offense. Chiyonokuni holds a 4-1 career advantage, with his only loss in the series coming in 2016.

Endo vs Kagayaki – Great clash of styles in this match. Kagayaki will try to keep Endo away from his belt, which is not easily done. Endo of course will leave himself open for an initial Kagayaki thrusting attack in order to keep his hands low and try for that right hand frontal grip he prefers coming out of the tachiai. 9-5 career advantage in the series for Endo.

Chiyomaru vs Kotoeko – Chiyomaru is on a roll, which when you are more or less a human fighting sphere, can be a hazardous situation. Much as I would love to see Kotoeko put together back to back wins for the first time since May, the 4-7 career record would seem to indicate that is going to be a long shot.

Tochinoshin vs Myogiryu – These two vets have faced off a total of 27 times, going back to 2012. What surprises me is that Tochinoshin manages to piece together enough wins every basho to stick around at lower Maegashira ranks, in spite of him having little use of that right knee on many days. A testament to that man’s tenacity. He faces Myogiryu, who is off to a 3-0 start, and is on the plus side of the 15-12 career record.

Aoiyama vs Chiyotairyu – I am still waiting to see if Aoiyama can still fight with his characteristic strength and power. He has not been able to bring any of his normal mobility or his thrusting attack to any of his first 3 matches, and may be nursing an injury. Likewise Chiyotairyu is looking like only a fraction of his normal self.

Okinoumi vs Hidenoumi – Oddly enough, first ever match for these veterans! In first matches against Okinoumi, the advantage has to go to Okinoumi in almost all cases. The man is a lexicon of sumo technique, and will certainly find ways to confound any opponent.

Shimanoumi vs Tobizaru – Now that Tobizaru has gotten into his sumo once more, I really want to see him continue to roll with it. I would love to see him pick up win number 4 today against Shimanoumi, whom he has not beaten at all this year.

Terutsuyoshi vs Onosho – Being a fan of Onosho can be very frustrating, as he is either hot or cold. If his balance is dialed in, he is quite the sumo machine, but that seems to happen for about 1 in 3 basho, and goes in streaks. So far at Aki he is on plan. If I were Terutsuyoshi, it might be a fine day for a henka.

Chiyoshoma vs Ura – Hey, Ura, are you hurt sir? You have never dropped a match to Chiyoshoma. But both of you are winless going into day 4. I guess the good news is that one of you will get your first white star.

Takarafuji vs Daieisho – I am watching to see if Daieisho can apply ample power for a second consecutive day. He has been able to bring intensity to his tsuppari, but has not really been able to transmit force well, save for day 3. He’s going to have a solid defender in Takarafuji to fight, who will work to slow the match down.

Wakatakakage vs Tamawashi – Wakatakakage lost patience on day 3 against Meisei, and picked up his first loss. He faces a similar situation with Tamawashi. He is well advised to focus on maintaining his footing and center of gravity, then waiting for his chance to attack.

Kiribayama vs Ichinojo – Kiribayama is on a legitimate hot streak to start Aki, having dropped an Ozeki, as Sekiwake and a Komusubi in his first three days. He has never beaten the massive Ichinojo, so a win today would be a sign that maybe he’s going to turn in a good record this fall.

Mitakeumi vs Takayasu – 25 career matches between these two. I look at Takayasu’s 0-3 record, and note that he has been more or less executing “his brand of sumo”, but coming up short each time. It’s frustrating as can be as a Takayasu fan, but there is nothing between him and his first win but air and opportunity. Oh, and Mitakeumi. That might count for something too.

Kotonowaka vs Meisei – Another test match here, where its high time for Kotonowaka to beat Meisei for the first time.

Shodai vs Takanosho – Its time to rally around Shodai and cheer him on. I don’t want to consider having just one Ozeki in November, and have that Ozeki kadoban too. Acme sumo time there, human daikon. Win them all by any route that works, if you can.

Hoshoryu vs Takakeisho – I don’t want to watch this match. It breaking my heart that the Grand Tadpole is hurt and about to hit Ozekiwake again. Seek medical attention, you knob!

Hokutofuji vs Terunofuji – I am eager for Hokutofuji to bring his best sumo up against the shin-Yokozuna. The last time he was able to score a win against Terunofuji was in 2017, and since then its been a solid kaiju white star run. But I know Hokutofuji has it in him to best Terunofuji, if he can just stay mobile and attack from range.

With day 3 in the record books, we finally got to see first wins of Aki from a number of rikishi, including the long suffering Kotoeko. The guy has been coming up a step short since Nagoya, but his sumo mechanics remained solid the whole time. I am very happy to see him rack his first white star in 15 attempts.

But in a day of first wins, we get Takarafuji hitting the record for consecutive appearances. If you look at his match record going back to 2009, the guy has never been kyujo. Ever. 1026 consecutive matches without sitting even one of them out. He has been a top division mainstay since Hatsu of 2013. The man is a solid rock of sumo, and we salute his endurance and commitment to his sport.

It’s clear on day 3 that kadoban Ozeki Takakeisho is in deep trouble. He needs 8 wins to hold on to his Ozeki rank, and that looks increasingly unlikely. Whatever the nature of his injury in July, he is nowhere close to his normal sumo power now, and may be considered an easy mark from his remaining 12 opponents. Should he withdraw or fail to get 8 wins, he will be Sekiwake in November, leaving us with one Ozeki. None other than.. Shodai? As the banzuke requires at least 2 Ozeki, the lower ranked Yokozuna will take the role of Yokozuna-Ozeki. Given that Hakuho is out with COVID-kyujo, it would fall to him. What kind of crazy sumo world is this?

Highlight Matches

Tokushoryu defeats Daiamami – Man, that upward thrust at the tachiai really knocked Daiamami’s head back, and probably hurt like anything. Daiamami never got a chance to apply any offensive sumo, as Tokushoryu kept hammering forward and thrusting from below. First win of September for Tokushoryu, he is 1-2.

Chiyomaru defeats Ichiyamamoto – Chiyomaru first win against Ichiyamamoto, it came down to Chiyomaru getting inside and hitting first, and with enough power to take control of the match. Ichiyamamoto up’d his power in response, and got too far forward. Chiyomaru is a master of reading that situation, and kindly stepped out of the way, converted to a shoulder / arm hold and threw Ichiyamamoto to the clay. Chiyomaru remains unbeaten at 3-0.

Chiyonokuni defeats Yutakayama – That kind of power is what I expect from Yutakayama, but he was out played by Chiyonokuni, who was happy to let YUtakayama do most of the work of getting him to the tawara, and then stepping clear of one of Yutakayama’s big double arm shoves. Chiyonokuni also undefeated at 3-0 as Yutakayama take a jog down the hanamichi.

Chiyonoo defeats Kaisei – Chiyonoo picks up a double inside grip immedately at the tachiai, and even Kaisei’s enormous size could not stop the yorikiri. Chiyonoo improves to 2-1.

Tsurugisho defeats Tochinoshin – Very fluid side step at that tachiai from Tsurugisho gave him excellent grip and body position to escort Tochinoshin immediately from the dohyo. Tsurugisho improves to 1-2, scoring his first win.

Kotoeko defeats Kagayaki – Kotoeko also picks up his first win, when Kagayaki’s armpit attack falls apart and leaves him off balance thanks to a pair of well placed thrusts. A left right combo to Kagayaki’s center-mass and the match ends with Kotoeko improving to 1-2, breaking at 14 match losing streak.

Endo defeats Chiyotairyu – Blink and you will miss it. Not sure where Chiyotairyu’s forward power was today, but it was no on the dohyo. Perhaps it’s on loan to a Ichinojo, leaving Chiyotairyu to pull immediately in the tachiai. Endo improves to 2-1.

Myogiryu defeats Hidenoumi – Clearly Hidenoumi was looking for a matta, but instead just caught the tachiai full in the chest and was propelled out with no resistance. Gyoji did not see it that way, and Myogiryu is unbeaten at 3-0.

Okinoumi defeats Aoiyama – I am going to assume that Aoiyama is still struggling with that injury that kept him out of most of the tournament in May, which also assisted with his Nagoya make-koshi. His sumo is underpowered, and he can’t really generate more than a few seconds of offense. Okinoumi out lasts him, and waits for Aoiyama to try and pull to finish him off. Okinoumi ends today at 2-1.

Tobizaru defeats Terutsuyoshi – Welcome back to the “good” Tobizaru! This is the guy who I think is going to be a big deal for the next couple of years. Maybe his sumo only works in mid-Maegashira, but it’s great to watch. Terutsuyoshi tries to get as low as he can and still execute sumo, but ends up wrapped, stacked and tossed in the bin by Tobizaru, who is now 3-0.

Onosho defeats Ura – Ura is at least having a cold start, and at worst nursing some kind of injury. Onosho goes full power from the start, given that Ura lined up far behind the shikiri-sen. A the initial merge, Ura immediately goes to pull, and finds himself blasted over the side of the dohyo. Onosho perfect at 3-0.

Takarafuji defeats Shimanoumi – If you are going to fight while moving backward, this is how you do it. Takarafuji gets Shimanoumi lower and lower, then sets a back-step cadence, waits for Shimanoumi to follow it, then drops him with a thud. Takarafuji improves to 2-1.

Daieisho defeats Tamawashi – Finally we get to see some power from Daieisho! That’s been largely missing for many matches since his yusho. Tamawashi likes to attack high, and Daieisho showed superb thrust timing, and hand placement, completely disrupting any attempt at offense from Tamawashi. Both end the day at 2-1.

Kotonowaka defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma had a solid start, went for a big leaping pull down, which failed, and that completely shattered his balance and stance. Kotonowaka was there to clean up the mess and take Chiyoshoma down, giving him his second win to finish today at 2-1.

Kiribayama defeats Takayasu – I am very concerned that Takayasu has lost at least 2 stamina matches thus far at Aki, and remains winless after today. My compliments to Kiribayama for going the distance (over 3 minutes!) against Takayasu and still having the focus to seize the opening to bring Takayasu to the clay when it was presented. Kiribayama remains undefeated at 3-0.

Meisei defeats Wakatakakage – Meisei finally gets his first white star by a well timed escape move that sends Wakatakakage flying past and onto the clay. Wakatakakage made the mistake of not keeping his shoulders square to his opponent, and lost. Meisei now 1-2.

Mitakeumi defeats Hoshoryu – There has been plenty of well deserved hype around Hoshoryu, but today he faced the original tadpole and found himself on the wrong side of the lily pad. A couple of missed gambits from Hoshoryu, and he was in deep trouble. Mitakeumi employed that massive belly to plow sumo’s “Clark Kent” into the waiting Shodai. Mitakeumi at 2-1.

Ichinojo defeats Takakeisho – What the hell was that? Ichinojo with the big tsuppari, Takakeisho going chest to chest? Anyone surprised this match was a complete and absolute mess? Ichinojo finishes Takakeisho with a beltless arm throw. Kadoban Ozeki Takakeisho with a 0-3 start, and he is in deep trouble. Ichinojo picks up his first win in an unexpected fashion, improving to 1-2.

Shodai defeats Hokutofuji – Shodai is sumo’s most reliable source of crappy tachiai, and today was especially bad. But somehow he’s almost straight upright, but still shuts down Hokutofuji’s offense, and then overwhelms Hokutofuji’s forward pressure and just walks him out of the ring. Ahem… ok… Shodai 2-1.

Terunofuji defeats Takanosho – Is it just me, or is Terunofuji noticeably improved from July? I mean he was clearly at Yokozuna grade for this whole year, but damn, sir! Terunofuji starts strong, stays incredibly stable and works to get his opening. Like a expert, he dismantled Takanosho’s match plan a piece at a time and threw away what was left. Terunofuji unbeaten at 3-0.

Goodness me, there are some delightful looking matches queued up for today. Personally, I want to see Tobizaru vs Terutsuyoshi result in blood and organs strewn about and the NHK cameras panning the ceiling, while the Abema guys keep rolling video. I think that if you want to see fireworks today, the best chance is going to be Shodai vs Hokutofuji. I fully expect Shodai to finally produce some fine Acme cartoon sumo soon, and who better to use it against than Hokutofuji.

What We Are Watching Day 3

Daiamami vs Tokushoryu – Juryo 2 Daiamami may have hoped for a quick return to the top division with a solid score this September. But a 0-2 start put that on a big block of ice. It it’s any consolation, he faces Tokushoryu today when he visits the top division, who is also off to a cold start. Tokushoryu has a solid career advantage, but that may only count when he is fighting well, which he is not.

Ichiyamamoto vs Chiyomaru – Ichiyamamoto’s long arms are sufficient to reach around Chiyomaru’s spherical chanko reserve tank, and establish mawashi holds against his mighty roundness. This may help account for Chiyomaru’s 0-2 career deficit against Ichiyamamoto.

Chiyonokuni vs Yutakayama – Yutakayama, give up the love affair with the nodowa for now. Your size let you use that as a primary weapon in Juryo, but may not take you far in the top division. I fully expect Chiyonokuni to big Yutakayama a right proper pounding today, possibly picking up his third win if Yutakayama does not engage with vigor.

Kaisei vs Chiyonoo – I really liked Kaisei’s form against Tsurugisho on day 2. Huge and moving forward with strength is an unbeatable combination in sumo, and when Kaisei is on his sumo, he can plow nearly any man from the dohyo.

Tsurugisho vs Tochinoshin – Tsurugisho, I think you put on too much weight. It’s really cut down your attack speed, and you are now at a ponderous bulk that makes it easier for opponents to get out of your frontal quadrant and attack from a flank. With Tochinoshin’s bum knee, attacking at an angle is on the menu, so just beware.

Kagayaki vs Kotoeko – I look at this match and just know that Kotoeko is going to maybe pick up his 15th consecutive loss. Kagayaki seems to have finally straightened out his sumo, and is fighting well. Sure, the “center mass” target box on Kotoeko is kind of small, but I have faith that Kagayaki will find it early and use it well.

Chiyotairyu vs Endo – This strikes me as an even match for the most part, regardless of their ranks. Endo finally looked like himself on day 2, and I hope we get to see that same level of cunning sumo today, too. Chiyotairyu’s tachiai seems have been dialed back a bit from its normal cannon ball form, and he’s thinking his way through his matches a bit more. This one has potential.

Myogiryu vs Hidenoumi – I favor Myogiryu in this one. Not only does he hold a strong career advantage over Hidenoumi, Myogiryu seems to be opening Aki with strong sumo. The career record does show that Hidenoumi has taken the last two in a row, so another one with potential.

Okinoumi vs Aoiyama – A match of long serving veterans. Both are over 35, both are in the latter part of their sumo careers, and both are having a rough start to Aki. They have 28 career matches, with Okinoumi have a distinct 17-11 advantage.

Tobizaru vs Terutsuyoshi – Good golly! This one has battle deluxe written all over it. Terutsuyoshi bashed the stuffing out of Ura on day 2, and I wonder if we are going to see more of that kind of sumo against Tobizaru today. I very much believe that Tobizaru would return in kind. Get the bandages ready…

Ura vs Onosho – Ura is looking decidedly flat at the start of Aki. His tachiais have been tentative, his sumo vague and minimally aggressive. But I think Onosho is going to struggle with Ura today, as Ura’s sumo does not accommodate Onosho’s preferred “mega thrust” attack.

Shimanoumi vs Takarafuji – Takarafuji should control this one from the start, and will likely shut down any offense Shimanoumi may try to deliver.

Tamawashi vs Daieisho – Daieisho can still deliver oshi/tsuki sumo at a frantic pace, but to my eye it’s lost quite a bit of its power. I contrast that with Tamawashi whose advancing years may have slowed his pace of attack, but has removed none of its power. For today, I think power will carry the match.

Chiyoshoma vs Kotonowaka – Kotonowaka has never dropped a match to Chiyoshoma, and I don’t see any reason for that to change today. A kachi-koshi at this rank would be a nice achievement for young Kotonowaka, and I look forward to see how he fares against some of the named rank rikishi.

Takayasu vs Kiribayama – Normally I would say, “Time for Takayasu to pick up a few wins”, but Takayasu is not yet fighting well, and Kiribayama is. Takayasu holds a 4-1 career advantage, but Kiribayama won their last match, at Nagoya, in solid fashion.

Wakatakakage vs Meisei – I was excited to see Meisei at Sekiwake, but so far he has not been able to produce much if any offensive sumo. Wakatakakage, in contrast, dispatched both Komusubi and seems to be working toward higher rank for November.

Mitakeumi vs Hoshoryu – Mitakeumi needs to get his sumo dialed in, and stop messing around. Hoshoryu is noticeably better with each no basho, and it’s clear he has the potential to be a mainstay of the named ranks soon, if not now. So this will be a nice test match. Their only prior fight was 2 months ago and went for Mitakeumi.

Ichinojo vs Takakeisho – Under normal conditions, Ichinojo represents nothing but square acreage to deliver overpowering tsuppari, leaving him a ripe, juicy target. But even in his COVID weakened state, I think Ichinojo may have the upper hand today against Takakeisho. Both men are 0-2, and 8 wins looks a long way from here.

Shodai vs Hokutofuji – Which Shodai shows up today? I want it to be the day 2 Shodai with the solid defense and the breakable ottsuke. The good news is that Hokutofuji’s lower body could care less. Even if Shodai can shut down Hokutofuji’s upper body thrusting offense, his legs and feet will find some way to make it competitive.

Takanosho vs Terunofuji – Takanosho actually has a 4-3 career advantage over Terunofuji. At this point, what are you going to do? The Kaiju hungers for more! With onigiri-kun being the next plate on the conveyor belt.

Mark the day, I am going to say that some of the best sumo today came from Shodai. That ottsuke was simply excellent, and he used it against Kisenosato’s long term training partner Takayasu. The same could not be said for kadoban Ozeki Takakeisho who once again tried to pull down his opponent in the first moments of a match. To me this indicates that he quite possible is still in less than Ozeki condition, and may set up a demotion to Sekiwake for November. Fans are already starting to worry about an aggressive thinning of the Ozeki ranks. Yes, this is all part of the transition era, and we may see things get a bit weedy at the top end for a time.

But wait, what’s this? Long time master bow twirler Satonofuji makes at least a brief return to the closing ceremony of day 2. Considered by many sumo fans, including myself, to be the best yumitori-shiki in recent history, he stepped in when the current bow twirler, Shohoryu, is kyujo. What a treat!

Highlight Matches

Chiyomaru defeats Akua – A surprisingly vigorous match from them both. Chiyomaru tries for his tradition “Grab your face and toss you to the clay” battle plan, but Akua instead decided to try and win. After a couple of stanzas of the dohyo dance, Chiyomaru tries it again, and takes Akua down to improve to 2-0.

Chiyonokuni defeats Ichiyamamoto – Chiyonokuni goes inside first, stands Ichiyamamoto and immediately slaps Ichiyamamoto down. It’s yjr hatakikomi two for one deal! Two hatakikomi, two rikishi with 2-0 records.

Chiyonoo defeats Tokushoryu – Chiyonoo watched too many Tokushoryu match videos. He goes left hand inside, gets Tokushoryu on the move, and side steps with a thrust down at the tawara. This move, over the course of 15 days a couple of years ago, won Tokushoryu a yusho. Chiyonoo is 1-1.

Kagayaki defeats Yutakayama – Kagayaki kept his focus center-mass while Yutakayama was hell bent to land that nodowa again. Kagayaki endured it much better than Kaisei did on day one, and drove forward under Yutakayama’s attack. Kagayaki joins the 2-0 crowd.

Kaisei defeats Tsurugisho – Straight ahead sumo today. No surprise that given each man is huge, there is little chance for controlled lateral movement. Kaisei started strong, and finished strong with a loud grunt to lift Tsurugisho across the tawara. Kaisei gets his first win.

Endo defeats Tochinoshin – As predicted, Endo went for an early shallow right hand grip. He locked it in with no problems or fuss, and immediately marched Tochinoshin out of the ring. Endo looking much more like himself today and improves to 1-1.

Myogiryu defeats Kotoeko – Kotoeko had nothing today. I have to wonder if whatever injury took him to 2-13 in July continues to rob him of his sumo. I do feel sorry for the guy, as he has the capacity to be a solid performer in the top division. Myogiryu starts 2-0.

Hidenoumi defeats Aoiyama – Hidenoumi was able to close the gap and stay inside Aoiyama’s effective minimum thrusting range. Big Dan did get a few pushes in, but to his credit Hidenoumi stayed locked in and wait it out. When the chance came, Hidenoumi applied a throw and brought Aoiyama down for the first time in 4 attempts. Hidenoumi improves to 1-1.

Tobizaru defeats Chiyotairyu – Chiyotairyu went with a tentative tachiai to avoid any flying monkey business at the start of the match. Tobizaru’s initial attempt at capture went astray, and Chiyotairyu went to work slapping and thrusting. Tobizaru kept his feet, kept focus and worked for his opening, eventually getting under the thrust plane, getting a right hand mawashi grip, and rolling Chiyotairyu left and down with a shitatenage for the win. Tobizaru also joins the 2-0 group.

Shimanoumi defeats Okinoumi – Quick match, Okinoumi the aggressor at the tachiai, but gets his balance too far forward, and is easy to bring down with a simple hikiotoshi, Both exit the dohyo 1-1.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Ura – Terutsuyoshi street fighter mode, repeatedly bashing Ura’s head with long-arm right hand blows. Ura endures it and maintains stalemate until he gets his chance, and lunges forward to move Terutsuyoshi. Nice move by Terutsuyoshi to step to the side and hurl the onrushing Ura to the clay. Terutsuyoshi leaves the dohyo with his first white star, and Ura leaves with a bloody nose.

Onosho defeats Takarafuji – I loved watching Takarafuji work hard to stay stabled, keep his feet steady and absorb Onosho’s mega-thrust attack. But when the junior tadpole gets rolling, he’s going to push right through you, and eventually even the immobile Takarafuji gives ground, and catches a big push to step out for a loss. Onosho with a solid 2-0 start.

Tamawashi defeats Chiyoshoma – Both men went straight for the neck at the tachiai, but Tamawashi was inside and had his elbows lower. Two big double arm thrusts, and a pull down from the right ended the match after the third step. Tamawashi at 2-0, and Chiyoshoma sill looking for his first win.

Kotonowaka defeats Daieisho – Kotonowaka does a masterful job of sapping most of Daieisho’s thrusting power by directly attacking Daieisho’s arm pits. The thrusting mechanics are still working, but the energy is gone. With his hands lower and inside, Kotonowaka was able to get a few big pushes to connect center-mass, sending Daieisho out. Both end the day 1-1.

Wakatakakage defeats Ichinojo – Sad to say that thus far, the mighty version of Ichinojo has not mounted the Aki dohyo. My friends who have endured COVID tell me it leaves you diminished, some time for months, following the initial recovery. I do hope that Ichinojo is not suffering lingering effects of his early bout with the virus. But in his diminished state, he has little to offer against a sharp and effective Wakatakakage, who picks up his second win by throwing the massive Ichinojo to the dohyo.

Hokutofuji defeats Mitakeumi – Hokutofuji launched a bit early at the tachiai, catching Mitakeumi still flat on his feet. To try to clear Hokutofuji, Mitakeumi dialed up the forward power and pressed forward, but did not meet resistance as Hokutofuji moved away. Mitakeumi was unable to slow in time, and stepped over the bales for a loss. Hokutofuji joins the 2-0 group.

Takanosho defeats Meisei – A textbook example of the advantage of focusing thrusting power center mass. Takanosho gets Meisei uprooted, and then keeps pouring on the force to bring the shin-Sekiwake down. Takanosho picks up his first win to improve 1-1, and Meisei seems to be suffering a cold start with 0-2.

Shodai defeats Takayasu – Kind of surprising that Shodai was able to control Takayasu’s offense with what looked to be a really outstanding ottsuke, given that is / was Kisenosato’s trademark. Takayasu could not find a route to get his hands into any kind of attack position, and had to settle for stalemate, and a test of stamina. With control of the inside, it was up to Shodai to make his move, and almost at once, Takayasu gets onto one foot, and hands Shodai his first win.

Kiribayama defeats Takakeisho – For a second day, kadoban Ozeki Takakeisho cant hold his feet to the clay and gets put in motion and loses. Takakeisho did much of the work, with an early pulling attempt (same as day 1) which released whatever defense Takakeisho may have had. It’s either a thick layer of ring-rust, or Takakeisho is still healthy enough to compete as an Ozeki. Failure to pick up 8 this September will see him demoted to Sekiwake for November. Kiribayama starts 2-0 for Aki.

Terunofuji defeats Hoshoryu – Did anyone else notice that for a moment there toward the end, Hoshoryu had a morozashi double inside grip? It did exactly nothing for his chances, as Terunofuji had him boxed and shipped before Hoshoryu mount a credible attack. The lone Yokozuna improves to 2-0.