The Japanese media is reporting Abi will not return to the July tournament. He is also exhibiting at least one symptom of COVID, a fever. Multiple outlets report the fever was 37.6 Celsius, 99.7 degrees F. He had gone out with another wrestler from a separate heya who was already kyujo. It has now come out that the other night was not the first “adventure” for Abi, the newly wed, to “a night business” (夜の街) during this pandemic lockdown. He had gone at least once, prior to the tournament.
Bravo, Shikoroyama oyakata. Abi is not returning this basho.
Turns out it was his second outing to a "place of entertainment". He also went just before the basho (which explains how he has a fever now).
— ヘルット (BASHO SPOILERS!) (@SumoFollower) July 26, 2020
Night business is a euphemism for the variety of host/hostess clubs and “cabaret” clubs and night clubs around Tokyo. I do want to be clear that this does not mean that Abi went to a brothel or some red light district. A lot of these places are very PG-13 or R-rated. But they CAN be rather seedy and the point of them is to be in close contact with other people. Exactly how close, though, umm…well…that depends and is outside the scope (thankfully) of this update. Let’s just close with the certainty that they’re not the kind of place the Kyokai wants its staff frequenting during a pandemic, and they are often cited by officials as COVID hot spots.
Also, due to my misunderstanding of the type of test he had taken, I incorrectly tweeted that he’d had a PCR test because it wasn’t an antibody test. He’d had, as Herouth correctly noted, an antigen test which are often used when urgent, quick results are needed. One hopes Abi’s antics do not lead to more infections in the sumo world. It is good to see them taking this event seriously and apparently taking appropriate precautions to avoid any spread of whatever ails Abi.
The first week of the tournament over and we have quite the entertaining show on our hands. Unfortunately, before today’s action we received word that promising Kotonowaka has withdrawn due to a knee injury. Herouth sussed out the reason and it sure sounds painful. The young man had soreness after his bout with Kaisei yesterday and couldn’t bend his knee this morning. As a result he has pulled out.
Kotonowaka is kyujo today due to internal derangement of the left knee joint.https://t.co/9KDc5zSCgn
— ヘルット (BASHO SPOILERS!) (@SumoFollower) July 26, 2020
Highlight Matches
Terunofuji (7-1) defeated Nishikigi (2-6): Terunofuji succeeded in grabbing Nishikigi’s belt with his left hand just out of the tachiai. His right arm was just under Nishikigi’s left arm pit, forcing Nishikigi’s left arm into an awkward and useless raised position. Even in this awkward position, Nishikigi was able to resist Terunofuji’s first drive to the edge. However, he was unable to improve his position so the second drive to the edge proved decisive. Yorikiri.
Kotoeko (6-2) defeated Takayasu (4-4): As Bruce predicted, Kotoeko focused on Takayasu’s left arm and immobilized it. He continued to drive confidently into Takayasu, fishing for the belt. For a few seconds, Takayasu was able to get Kotoeko off and force an oshi battle but Kotoeko dove time and time again for the belt. Takayasu grimaced after a kotenage attempt on the arm and shortly afterward Kotoeko edecuted a throw. Uwatenage.
Sadanoumi (4-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-2): After a strong tachiai, Sadanoumi locked up Kotoshoho’s belt with his left hand. Keeping action in the center of the ring, Sadanoumi lulled Kotoshoho to sleep and then executed a wonderful left-handed throw. Uwatenage.
Wakatakakage (4-4) defeated Shohozan (2-6): Shohozan’s intimidation stare down was ineffective. At the tachiai, Wakatakakage drove for the shoulder. The slight shift forced Shohozan into an awkward sideways position and his own thrusts missed. Wakatakakage pushed forward with Shohozan’s left arm up, forcing Shohozan to slide over sideways and out. Oshidashi. *I miss Tochiozan.
Tochinoshin (5-3) defeated Kotonowaka (4-4): Kotonowaka’s sudden kyujo handed Tochinoshin the walk-over win. The reason for the kyujo is listed as an injury, not dinner. It appears his left knee was injured after yesterday’s bout. Fusen.
Kotoyuki (2-6) defeated Kaisei (3-5): Kotoyuki was the aggressor on this bout, forcing an oshi battle. The strong tachiai led to a quick pull attempt, forcing Kaisei off-balance. Kaisei just barely stayed up but Kotoyuki kept up the offensive, forcing Kaisei around the ring. Tsukidashi.
Chiyomaru (2-6) defeated Myogiryu (6-2): Chiyomaru found his sumo and charged out on the offensive. A strong tachai drove Myogiryu back and then a quick pull unsettled Myogiryu. He got a rare vocal response from the crowd with his well-timed decisive shove. Shoving with his left hand into Myogiryu’s right shoulder, Myogiryu landing on the bales. The impressed “Oooo” reminded me of the crowds of old…followed by the applause brought me back to reality. Tsukiotoshi.
Ishiura (3-5) defeated Shimanoumi (2-6): Ishiura gets more “Oooo” reactions from the crowd with a well-timed left foot trip. His left-handed belt grip rotated Shimanoumi into a spin, once he completed a full rotation, he slipped that left foot behind Shimanoumi’s right leg and then rotated backwards. Having successfully fumigated the dohyo, Ishiura seemed to regain his confidence. Susoharai.
Kotoshogiku (6-2) defeated Chiyotairyu (3-5): A quick belt grab and drive, Kotoshogiku bulldozed Chiyotairyu over the edge with little resistance. Perhaps it was the angle that left Chiyotairyu unable to counter? Yorikiri.
Halftime? (I Lost Track)
Terutsuyoshi (4-4) defeated Ikioi (2-6): “ちくしょう.” A slight deflection from Terutsuyoshi at the tachiai but Ikioi was ready. After a short oshi battle, Ikioi reached around Terutsuyoshi to attack from the back but Terutsuyoshi countered with the same attack to Ikioi’s back was able to push Ikioi out awkwardly. Yorikiri.
Tamawashi (6-2) defeated Tokushoryu (4-4): A bout of champions. Tamawashi’s right-hand in Tokushoryu’s face forced Tokushoryu high. He then followed with a well-timed pull, Tokushoryu in a heap at the center of the ring. Hatakikomi.
Takarafuji (3-5) defeated Ryuden (3-5): Ryuden pitched too far forward trying to get that left-hand in. Takarafuji twisted and shoved into Ryuden’s right side. Tsukiotoshi.
Kiribayama (3-5) defeated Enho (4-4): Enho missed with his slap at the tachiai but connected with the belt. Kiribayama’s right hand grip from above and Enho’s left-hand grip from below. Twice Enho pulled and almost got Kiribayama off balance but each time Kiribayama recovered. When it was Kiribayama’s turn to go on the offensive, he did not disappoint, pulling Enho across the ring and into the dirt. Uwatenage.
Takanosho (5-3) defeated Yutakayama (0-8): Onosho kept up solid pressure on Yutakayama after a brief oshi-battle. Yutakayama extended a bit awkwardly with his right and Onosho’s sustained effort forced the mountain out over the bales and to an early make-koshi record. Yorikiri.
Sanyaku
Daieisho (5-3) defeated Onosho (0-8): After the tachiai both rikishi attempted to decapitate each other with matching facial shoves. Onosho tired of the nodowas, turned his head, perhaps searching for the exit. One final shove from Daieisho and Onosho capitulated, joining Yutakayama as make-koshi. Okuridashi.
Okinoumi (4-4) defeated Endo (2-6): Okinoumi’s solid tachiai worked Endo back a step. His height meant his extended body was too long for Endo to secure that right-handed belt grab. As Endo kept reaching, Okinoumi drove forward, forcing an impotent Endo over the edge and into the crowd empty purple mats. Endo left running away from the dohyo, as seems quite common. Yorikiri.
Shodai (7-1) defeated Mitakeumi (7-1): No wild, cartoon nonsense from Shodai today. Solid tachiai. Perhaps the shoulder blast stunned Mitakeumi? Mitakeumi forced Shodai high but couldn’t follow with a real attack and seemed lost. So, he lost. Shodai’s left arm under aite’s right armpit gave him leverage to bring high-flying Mitakeumi back to Earth. Tsukiotoshi.
It’s a two-horse race for now. How will Asanoyama and Hakuho respond?
Hokutofuji (5-3) defeated Takakeisho (5-3): Takakeisho’s scowl vs Hokutofuji’s stomp. Stomp wins quickly with a sudden sidestep. Solid tachiai but Hokutofuji shifted left and brought his right arm down on Takakeisho’s head. Takakeisho could not find a way to pull. Rather, it was Hokutofuji. Hatakikomi.
Asanoyama (8-0) defeated Aoiyama (3-5): Asanoyama did not let Aoiyama’s thrusts dissuade him from latching on to Aoiyama’s belt. Once Asanoyama grabbed that belt, Aoiyama knew it was over and the V-twin went into reverse, stepping out. Yorikiri.
Hakuho (8-0) vs Kagayaki (3-5): Hakuho derives his power from that copper-infused mawashi. A strong tachiai from Kagayaki but the blow to the face really angered the master. Hakuho decided he did not need to mess with a belt grab and instead grabs Kagayaki’s head and shoved it to the clay. Bruce was prescient. Wakanohana wonders, “who can stop Hakuho?” Aoiyama?
OK, It's Nakabi, and you know what that means: we have a yusho Arasoi!
Welcome to nakabi! It’s the middle day of the July basho being held in Tokyo, and we are still on track to see the three leaders of the yusho race possibly get their kachi-koshi today. But before we dive into the creamy goodness that the scheduling team has cooked up for the middle Sunday, a few thoughts on day 7…
It seems that others are starting to wonder if Shodai is actually some kind of cartoon character who has escaped from toon town. He seems to at least have some built in chaos generator that he engages when he’s not sure what to try next, and unlike most rikishi who end up with some horrible, mangled loss, his opponents end up falling over, stepping out, or otherwise ending the match with a black star. I am not sure what kind of trans-dimensional conduit he is using to generate an improbability field, but don’t be surprised if two disheveled looking fellows pop out of the air on a Chesterfield sofa in the middle of today’s match.
Abi kyujo? For being a gibbering moron? You don’t say… Did you see Mitakeumi’s face? A combination of puzzle and disappointment, as I honestly think he was looking forward to stuffing Abi into the salt basket today.
With the arrival of nakabi, it’s time for us to take our first serious look at the leader board
Nishikigi vs Terunofuji – Oh sure, Nishikigi won their only prior match, but does anyone doubt that Terunofuji is going to carry around Nishikigi like a toddler in a grocery store? Terunofuji seems to be a man on a mission right now, and that mission one I am enjoying.
Takayasu vs Kotoeko – If Kotoeko follows form, he is going to put a portion of his focus on trying to re-injure that left elbow. I keep being annoyed and disappointed by this, but I know that’s part of sumo. Right now I am just hoping that Takayasu is going to find a path to 8 wins. Oddly enough this is their first ever match, and I have to worry it’s going to be Kotoeko with the advantage.
Sadanoumi vs Kotoshoho – Another of the 4 first time match ups that grace day 8, and it’s 6-1 Kotoshoho getting a shot at Sadanoumi. I know Sadanoumi is going to try to control the form of the match by getting the first offensive move in at the tachiai. He’s surprisingly fast of the shikiri-sen, and I think the first move will be his to make. Kotoshoho has never had a make-koshi tournament, which I am sure will change, but for his debut in the top division, he seems to be unstoppable.
Wakatakakage vs Shohozan – Another first time match, fading brawler Shohozan vs the leading Onami brother, Wakatakakage. Both of them currently have losing records, and I am expecting Shohozan to finish the tournament with a make-koshi. Time to find out if Wakatakakage’s sumo can stay focused while Shohozan bats him around.
Kotonowaka vs Tochinoshin – Both of them have matching 4-3 records coming into day 8. Tochinoshin needs to focus on keeping Kotonowaka’s mobility down, and getting his offense established. Kotonowaka will try to evade Tochinoshin’s left hand seeking his mawashi.
Kaisei vs Kotoyuki – Kotoyuki’s basho is horrific and grim right now. He’s almost as bad as Onosho and Yutakayama, but not quite. No word from the tsukebito crew searching for his lost sumo, and until it turns up somewhere (did you check the soba shop at the Ryugoku station?), he’s going to struggle. For Kaisei it means that he gets to once again enjoy being huge, and with an 8-4 career advantage over Kotoyuki, it may be win 4 for Kaisei.
Chiyomaru vs Myogiryu – Challenging Kotoyuki for the “have you seen my sumo?” award for July is Chiyomaru, who had not managed a single win until day 7. This is a mirror of Myogiryu, who has only suffered a single loss. While it would be nice to see Chiyomaru rally from a 0-6 start, its more likely he is headed for double digit losses and a early berth on the barge of the damned headed slowly for Juryo.
Ishiura vs Shimanoumi – This match really is likely to require fumigation, as both of these rikishi come in with 2-5 records, and are headed for make-koshi. I am going to count Ishiura among the rikishi who really are suffering this tournament due to lack of sumo practice matches against rikishi of his own calibre. It’s clear his body is not moving well, and his sumo instincts are all but missing. Hopefully in the run up to September the sumo association will be more permissive of training between stables. That is unless Abi does something stupid to ruin it for everyone.
Kotoshogiku vs Chiyotairyu – Two massive bodies are going to impact some time around 4:45 AM Central US time, and it’s possible it may be detected via LIGO, and as such would be the first detection this close to the earth. Now, for it to really work out that way, one of the two would need to complete absorb the other in a flash of radiation, but we can always hope for something unexpected. The resulting Chiyoshogiku would likely continue to absorb most of greater Tokyo, to the horror of the world, at least until he collapsed into a pinpoint and exited the known universe in a dazzling flash of blue light. Kotoshogiku holds a 16-3 career lead.
Terutsuyoshi vs Ikioi – The word I was looking for was “amiuchi”. A rough translating into the barbaric English tough is “What just happened?” I will be looking to see if any other rare words appear on screen following Terutsuyoshi’s day 8 match with Ikioi. Such as “ちくしょう”, “すごい”, “うそ!”, or even “おっと”
Tamawashi vs Tokushoryu – I think Maegashira 7 is a great rank for Tokushoryu, and I would not be surprised to see him finish 8-7 or 7-8 this July. The Hatsu yusho winner still has enough sumo to be a challenge to many of his opponents. Today’s fight is a fairly even match against a somewhat bloated Tamawashi, who is already up to 5 wins.
Takarafuji vs Ryuden – I count Takarafuji as another in the cadre of rikishi who seem to have little or no fighting edge this tournament, and I would peg that on the oft mentioned lack of join training in the days leading up to the first day of competition. Ryuden has also looked vague and uninspired. Lack of a big crowd? Lack of joint training?
Enho vs Kiribayama – The final first time match up of the day, and I would really like to see Enho fold Kiribayama neatly and store him in a clean dry place.
Takanosho vs Yutakayama – Like Onosho in the match following this one, I am fearing a day 8 make-koshi for Yutakayama. I cheered when his hard work to recover from injury and demotion returned him to the joi-jin, but now he is doing so poorly, I wonder if he is hurt again. If not, he has to be one of the most frustrated people in all of sumo right now.
Daieisho vs Onosho – A loss today and that’s make-koshi for Onosho, who really has not found his groove at all this July. He’s far enough up the banzuke that he’s not really in any kind of danger of ending up in Juryo. One has to wonder if he got injured in the first 7 days, or if he has just fallen into some kind of sumo-doldrum. He holds a 7-4 career advantage over Daieisho, but I am not expecting that to make a difference.
Endo vs Okinoumi – I don’t think I have seen Endo get his frontal grip set once this entire tournament. That may be the key to his crummy score (2-5). The other rikishi are watching for it, and can shut it down before he can use it to gain any kind of offensive advantage. Endo has, in the past, been very good with plan b/c/d type sumo, but that seems to not be working for him right now.
Shodai vs Mitakeumi – I think THE match of the day, this one is just too ripe to resist. Its the Sekiwake showdown, and it’s Shodai’s cartoon sumo versus the original tadpole. Mitakeumi looks hard, focused and intense right now, and Shodai seems to be having some sort of reality dysfunction. Their career record is 10-10, so this one is going to be worth staying up for. Bonus points if Shodai gets a delivery from ACME moments before the match.
Takakeisho vs Hokutofuji – I know Takakeisho is on a solid track to get his 8 with and clear kadoban. But given how many Ozekis have been through the grinder in the past 2 years, i get worried. Hokutofuji typically has a solid, wide stance that is resistant to Takakeisho’s oshi zumo, and I predict if Takakeisho is going to get a win, he is going to have to find a way to pull. Dangerous territory for a man with very short arms.
Aoiyama vs Asanoyama – Big Dan Aoiyama seems about a half step slow right now. Against Asanoyama this means he may not be able to initiate his preferred attack mode, which a pushing style I call “V Twin”. Aoiyama has yet to really dial in his sumo this basho, but should be able to make his 8 once he finishes his tour of the named ranks.
Hakuho vs Kagayaki – Hakuho is happy to have these matches with the likes of Kagayaki. He was concerned about the lack of degeiko leading up to the start of this basho, and while his first 8 matches don’t quite make up for not having days of bouts against less rikishi, it’s better than nothing. Now much as I love Kagayaki and his sumo, its going to be a quick and ugly bit of sumo, and we are probably going to get Kagayaki face down in the clay. I am predicting the boss gets his kachi-koshi today while he continues to wait for Mitakeumi and Asanoyama.
The big news of the day is Abi having dinner after yesterday’s bout, violating the current Covid rules. Ass a consequence, he has been grounded in his heya, and was handed a fusen loss. He’ll stay kyujo until the Covid test results come back.
Kyokushuho v Chiyomaru. Finally a first win for His Roundness! Kyokushuho did not much to avoid Maru’s favorite pushing contest and that’s an easy win. Chiyomaru even gets the luxury of being credited of an unusual (for him) yorikiri win.
Wakatakakage v Terunofuji. The Fukushima born boldly goes for the Mongolian’s mawashi and drives forward. As pointed out by Herouth, this might have been part of the plan for Terunofuji, who catches his opponent in a morozashi, and has no trouble lifting him at the bails. That’s a convincing kimedashi win the Terunofuji, and Wakatakakage’s first loss in four days.
Kotoshogiku v Nishikigi. Well, what to say? That was a bit too easy for the former ozeki, who kind of produced his trademark gaburi sumo. He drove forward until Nishigiki was sent out of the dohyo. That’s a good basho for Giku, who increases to 5-2, whereas Nishikigi, 2-5, will have to quickly turn tables to avoid demotion.
Sadanoumi v Kotoyuki. Kotoyuki gets the upper hand early on, driving Sadanoumi backwards using a nodowa. Unfortunately, as this often happens to him, he is shown the door by Sadanoumi. Kotoyuki does not fall out of the ring, but quickly loses by okuridashi. That’s already his sixth loss, and for former sekiwake’s situation is already critical.
Kotoeko v Tochinoshin. Tochinoshin tries to go for the mawashi after the tachi-ai, which his opponent does not allow. The Georgian’s strength seems to prevail as he drives Kotoeko back, but eventually loses ground after a failed pulling attempt. Kotoeko seizes the opportunity to strike back, cleverly raises Tochinoshin’s center of gravity with his arms. As a result, Tochinoshin is powerless against Kotoeko’s frontal, energic sumo.
Shimanoumi v Kotoshoho. Kotoshoho initiates several thrusts after the tachi-ai, sending Shimanoumi backwards. One failed attack gives the Mie-ken born some respite, allowing him to seize Kotoshoho’s belt. But to no avail : in the ensuing yotsu battle, Kotoshoho produces a strong shitatenage with his right arm. Kotoshoho rebounds after yersterday’s first loss.
Takayasu v Myogiryu. Myogiryu uses an easy but effective strategy: targetting the former ozeki’s weak left arm. Having blocked it with his right arm, Myogiryu used a nodowa with his remaining arm. Takayasu ends up losing balance; he survives for a while but ends up losing the following scramble without too much a fight. Myogiryu’s excellent basho goes on.
Kaisei v Kotonowaka. A day to forget for Kotonowaka, whose strategy was a question mark in this bout. He quickly gets pushed out by the imposing Kaisei. That’s a welcome win for Kaisei, after a couple unlucky loses. Kotonowaka has now lost three of his last four bouts.
Shohozan v Ikioi. A fierce battle between two experiences rikishi. Shohozan sends the first blows, but Ikioi avoids the thrusts and Shohozan eventually loses balance on two occasions. Both times, Shohozan recovers in time and both rikishi reunite in the middle of the dohyo. Shohozan eventually sees an opportunity, and breaches Ikioi’s defence with an oshidashi win.
Chiyotairyu v Tokoshoryu. Chiyotairyu quickly goes for his opponent’s throat, but Tokoshoryu efficiently turns tables with his right hand. It proved sufficient to quickly drive Chiyotairyu to the edge. Tokoshoryu finished the job with a few pushes. Oshidashi win.
Ishiura v Ryuden. I firstly thought of a henka. But Ishiura goes frontal, tries to work on Ryuden’s belt, sitting low. But Ryuden breaches his opponent’s defences, seizes his mawashi by the side, and he is the one performing a death spin on the Miyagino resident. He concludes with a clean uwatenage. Quite a paradoxical bout!
Enho v Tamawashi. Enho produces yet another unusual tachi-ai, staying on his feet and waiting for the Mongolian to come. He ends up under Tamawashi’s chest. The former sekiwake tries to pull him down, then a kotenage, but Enho somehow keeps his balance thanks to his trademark agility. Tamawashi’s defences fade as he seeks his way to victory, and ends up being send out of the dohyo. Classic Enho!
Terutsuyoshi v Hokutofuji. Hokutofuji catches Terutsuyoshi at his own game, shifting to the side after the tachi-ai and powerfully driving him back. At the edge, Terutsuyochi remarkably performs an amiuchi. As a results, the pixie flies out of the dohyo, but Hokutofuji lands first. The gyoji awards the Isegahama man the win, and a mono-ii logically materializes. Former Asahifuji, now Isegahama oyakata, announces gumbai dori: a much needed win for his protégé.
Takanosho v Onosho. Takanosho botches the tachi-ai and sees Onosho straight at him. But the former komusubi looks out of confidence and does not manage to push back Takanosho by any means. That’s a quick oshidashi win for Takanosho, now 4-3. Onosho is yet to win.
Endo v Yutakayama. These two hold terrible records: apart from Endo’s initial win against Kakuryu, their scoresheets only contain black stars. Endo wins the tachi-ai, staying firmly on his legs and driving Yutakayama backwards. His opponent has to lean forward to avoid being driven out, an dit ends up with a welcome hatakikomi win for Endo. Yutakayama looked distraught after that loss.
Daieisho v Okinoumi. The komusubi battle, both fa ring decently at 3-3. Daieisho cannot send Okinoumi backwards at the tachi-ai. As a result, a yotsu battle takes places, which favours Okinoumi’s sumo. Curiously enough, Daieisho is the first to seize his opponent’s mawashi, as Okinoumi cannot do the same. And that’s Daieisho twenty second yorikiri win of his career!
Abi v Mitakeumi. Fusen win for Mitakeumi, now 7-0. He is more than ever in the yusho race, and will prepare tomorrow’s sekiwake battle.
Shodai v Aoiyama. This is weird stuff from… the gyoji. He asked Kiribayama to move his hands behind the marks yesterday, but did not ask the same to Aoiyama, who did the same… Anyway, Shodai is slow at the tachi-ai yet again, and quickly has to face his strong opponent. Aoiyama pushes hard, and it’s impossible to say how Shodai stays on the dohyo… Aoiyama insists, and the inevitable comes: Shodai finds a quarter second to recover and shows the Bulgarian the door. A hard fought tsukiotoshi win for Shodai, who stays one off the pace.
Takarafuji v Asanoyama. Takarafuji, a solid yotsu wrestler, was promised a hard time facing the strong ozeki. Asanoyama drives forward, stays on his feet despite Takarafuji’s tricky shifts, and cleanly wins by yorikiri. He stays undefeated, while Takarafuji sees his fifth loss of the basho.
Takakeisho v Kagayaki. Takakeisho has not been taken out of his comfort zone at all. Some pushes exchanges saw the ozeki staying calm on his feet. Takakeisho shifts to his left, and Kagayaki falls to the clay. Three more wins, and the ozeki erases his kadoban status.
Hakuho v Kiribayama. For his first musubi no ichiban, Kiribayama quite understandably looked a bit nervous. He was caught napping by Hakuho at the tachi-ai. Curiously, neither the yokozuna’s attempted face slap, nor the attempted shoulder blast worked, as Kiribayama was still in his bed. Anyway, in the blink of an eye, the yokozuna wins by yorikiri. Hopefully, tomorrow will allow Kiribayama to settle down more conveniently. I twill be quite a challenge, though, as he will face another Miyagino resident, namely Enho.
