I am hugely excited for the kick off of act 3 of this basho tonight. Act 3, we are going to sort everyone in make and kachi-koshi, and crown a tournament champion. Right now, the safe money is all on Terunofuji, who continues to exceed any realistic expectation of a man who a few years ago was ejected from his Ozeki rank due to crippling effects of diabetes and having no knees to speak of. Yet here he is; the toughest man in the tournament again, more or less putting up Yokozuna class results and tossing all challengers out with a hearty shove. Starting day 12, we are likely to see the Ozeki being to face each other round-robin style, and this will be some of the toughest matches of the tournament for them. If we are going to see someone put dirt on Terunofuji, this will be the time it could happen.

But realistically, the talk right now is not about if Terunofuji can win the cup, it is can he do it with a perfect 15-0 zensho.

Natsu Leaderboard

Terunofuji would need to lost twice in his final 5 matches for anyone to have a chance to take the yusho from him. I am sure Isegahama oyakata is going to be planning a big party soon.

Leader: Terunofuji
Hunt Group (2 wins behind): Takakeisho, Endo

5 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 11

Enho vs Chiyomaru – Welcome back to the top division Enho. I am very sad that there is a fair chance this is the day you are going to be make-koshi, but at least the global fans will get to see it happen. The bulbous Chiyomaru holds a 4-2 career lead, and is fighting well this May. So I am guessing it will another Enho crumple zone.

Kotonowaka vs Kaisei – Matching 5-5 records up today, with a small advantage to Kaisei. If he decides he is going to be mobile, I am sure Kotonowaka will have no means to escape him. But Kaisei sometimes just fights be being huge.

Tamawashi vs Okinoumi – Two long serving, battle scared vets? Yes please! there are 24 matches between them, split right down the middle. Both of them are well on their way to kachi-koshi, neither one of them in the midst of a losing streak, so I am expecting some fun sumo from them today.

Chiyoshoma vs Kagayaki – Chiyoshoma, given his current state and the state of his opponent, is likely to shove Kagayaki around the dohyo for a while and then send him back to dressing room in a heap. I love solid Kagayaki sumo. Does anyone know where I might find some today?

Shimanoumi vs Ishiura – Shimanoumi / Shamble-no-umi… 3 losses in a row, on the road to make-koshi or a Darwin match. Pull yourself together man! I think Ishiura can win 2 of his last 5 and hit the safety of 8, but should he succumb to the shambles today, it will be almost impossible for him to escape the Juryo barge.

Chiyotairyu vs Endo – It gives me the giggles that the scheduling crew made it so Chiyotairyu had to win against Endo to get his kachi-koshi. If they are hitting the sake in that room where they draw it up, please make sure they have as much as they want. This is the kind of match-making that lets the fans know you care. Chiyotairyu’s damaged elbow seems to have been funneling him towards yotsu-zumo, which against Endo is suicidal.

Tsurugisho vs Akua – Akua needs to win 4 of his last 5 to ensure he remains in the top division for July. That’s a tall order, and its made even taller that one of those wins should probably come today against the massive Tsurugisho. Tsurugisho will have extra motivation as a loss today sends him make-koshi for May.

Daiamami vs Takarafuji – Daiamami is struggling, having lost 3 of his last 5, and looks to be headed straight for Darwin on day 15. He will get no comfort from Takarafuji, who can only hope he fares well enough to face off against another 7-7 rikishi on the final day.

Kotoeko vs Ichinojo – Much as I love Kotoeko’s sumo, it’s high time for Ichinojo to get his 8th win. He has won all 4 prior bouts against Kotoeko, and as long as he can keep his shoulder lined up against Kotoeko, he won’t be beat today.

Hidenoumi vs Terutsuyoshi – Two more find candidate for Darwin in a few days, they are both struggling to even get to even, and whomever loses today will be one step away from make-koshi. they have matching 4-6 records, but I would give a slight edge to Terutsuyoshi today as he seems to have re-connected with his spirit guide – an angry gnome spirit that picks fights with the other ghosts.

Kiribayama vs Tochinoshin – Kiribayama is already make-koshi, and a win today would give Tochinoshin the same outcome. The former Ozeki really is a day by day case, as we have no idea what kind of function he will be able to get out of his right knee over the course of any match.

Aoiyama vs Tobizaru – If there is one rikishi in this tournament that can really send Tobizaru out to visit the fans, its going to be Aoiyama. Bit Dan’s V-Twin attack packs a lot of thrust, and with Tobizaru ready to fly at any moment, we could see record setting air time out of sumo’s flying monkey.

Wakatakakage vs Hoshoryu – We highlighted these two as rising stars a few days ago, and now the drinking club that passes for a scheduling team have decided to have them battle out. We could not agree more. True Wakatakakage holds a 2-0 career record against クラーク・ケント, but both of them should be at about peak genki right now, so expecting great things….

Meisei vs Daieisho – Two more I am watching for signs of Darwin, they both have that magical 4-6 record that makes me want to start cooking chanko and putting a big as bottle of Dassai otter festival sake in the fridge for Saturday night. Sure, Meisei has never won against Daieisho. But these guys need to strive to even qualify for Darwin now.

Mitakeumi vs Hokutofuji – Come on, Mitakeumi, you can do it. Send that guy with the comically huge bandage over his eye to where you know he belongs, (say it with me now…) “The most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo”. I am talking about a make-koshi that can move mountains, a losing record so strong that the mae-zumo kids wish they could have one too. Mitakeumi, oh lofty original Tadpole, please make it so.

Takayasu vs Takakeisho – Wait, wait, don’t tell me. Takayasu, having reverted to his ancient, more potent form on day 10, goes right back to his spazzo, all over the map, flailing sumo, and gets clocked by a well timed shove from Takakeisho? Well, lets see. The other outcome is that he stays with the day 10 plan, grabs the grand tadpole with that vice-like left hand and pitches him like a bale of rice straw all the way back to his lily pad Hyogo in one long, graceful arc.

Asanoyama vs Takanosho – Well, Asanoyama, what is it going to be? will you show us your real Ozeki form a few more times before the last day? We are all hoping you will. I worry that you psyche yourself out some days, and you sell yourself short. You are the rikishi with the most upside potential on the dohyo today (yes, more than the great Terunofuji, too), if you will just put it to work.

Myogiryu vs Terunofuji – Is Myogiryu even really ready for this match? No, nobody is quite ready to face the kaiju right now. But someone has to get in the ring with him and put on the best possible fight. Right now Terunofuji really just needs 3 more wins to force a playoff. But I doubt either Endo or Takakeisho can finish with a 13-2 record this May. So realistically, 2 wins. Try to leave at least a few of his bones for his family to enshrine, please, sir!

Shodai vs Onosho – If Shodai can’t take down Mr Mega-thrust junior tadpole, then he’s going to have a sewage sandwich to eat the last 4 days. He needs 3 wins to clear kadoban.

Bruce got happy seeing Takayasu revert to his earlier, yotsu-centric form of sumo against Shodai. This was once his stock and trade, and coupled with his nearly infinite endurance, it’s what made me a Takayasu fan. That sumo took him all the way to Ozeki. But almost as soon as he assumed sumo’s second highest rank, he began the use of a wild, unbalanced oshi-form that packed a lot of power, but was difficult for him to manage. His consistency suffered, and he could not predictably deliver winning matches. This arrested his climb up the banzuke, and in time, injury dislodged him from the Ozeki rank. As a Takayasu fan, I would be delighted if we saw more of this kind of sumo from him, as it plays to his natural strengths.

Would you like to see an example? This one has all the elements of Takayasu’s excellent form

Highlight Matches

Akua defeats Azumaryu – Neither one of these two looked like they wanted to compete today. This was a low velocity “going through the motions” kind of match, but I did like the odd arm-length side-nodowa from Akua that set up his win. He advances to a less miserable 4-6.

Okinoumi defeats Ishiura – Ishiura seemed to have the advantage at the tachiai, but a flying pull attempt gave Okinoumi everything he needed to send Ishiura out for a loss. Okinoumi improves to 7-7.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Chiyomaru – At the tachiai, Chiyomaru attacked high, Terutsuyoshi attacked low, and that made all of the difference. With Chiyomaru attacking his head, Terutsuyoshi got a frontal mawashi grip and used Chiyomaru’s spherical shape to roll him to the clay. Terutsuyoshi improves to 4-6.

Kaisei defeats Shimanoumi – Kaisei was somehow roused today from his typical torpor, giving chase to Shimanoumi, and driving him from the ring. Shimanoumi had one brief opening to turn the tide of the match, but could not turn his arm hold into any effective offense. Kaisei improves to 5-5.

Kotoeko defeats Kagayaki – Kagayaki’s tachiai was completely out of sorts, standing nearly upright when Kotoeko connected and drove his hands inside for an immediate grip. From that moment on, Kagayaki was on defense and struggled to prevent Kotoeko from finishing what he started at the tachiai. Kotoeko improves to 6-4.

Tsurugisho defeats Chiyotairyu – Yet again today, Chiyotairyu chooses to go chest to chest. But he lumbered into Tsurugisho’s arm bar hold that quickly transitioned to a kotenage. In a moment, Tsurugisho had Chiyotairyu tossed from the dohyo to improve to 3-7. Chiyotairyu’s kachi-koshi will need to wait for another day.

Endo defeats Kotonowaka – To me, it looked like Endo won this match well before the tachiai. Kotonowaka clearly was only prepared to defend, allowing Endo to just push him around and out without too much work. Endo picks up his 8th win and is kachi-koshi for May.

Tochinoshin defeats Daiamami – Much to my surprise, Tochinoshin managed to get enough life back in that right knee to return to the dohyo today, and won against Daiamami. It was a head lock tsukiotoshi immediately at the tachiai that did the bulk of the work for Tochinoshin, but I am sure he was happy to pick up his 3rd win.

Tamawashi defeats Hidenoumi – Tamawashi established a nodowa at the tachiai, and just walked Hidenoumi directly out. Not sure where Hidenoumi was today, but he was not ready to compete. Tamawashi improves to 6-4.

Chiyoshoma defeats Ichinojo – I really liked Chiyoshoma’s opening combo, a push / pull / push series that completely disrupted whatever Ichinojo had in mind. Finding himself upright, turned about and a bit off balance, Ichinojo went soft and walked over the bales, as is his custom. Chiyoshoma improves to 6-4, and looks like a serious rikishi.

Takarafuji defeats Aoiyama – Big Dan Aoiyama cranked up the forward pressure from the tachiai, but Takarafuji mounted enough of a defense to stop his advance. With Aoiyama continuing to push, Takarafuji stepped to the side and assisted Aoiyama’s drive forward over the bales with a jaunty shove. Takarafuji pick up a much needed win to advance to 4-6.

Myogiryu defeats Tobizaru – A tsuki-battle supreme, we managed to see Tobizaru switch to offense twice. But the match favored Myogiryu from the start, and it ended with Tobizaru taking another excursion into the zabuton. Myogiryu improves to 4-6, Tobizaru down to 1-9, and I have to wonder how many losses he is going to rack up.

Hoshoryu defeats Hokutofuji – I was hoping we would see some big effort from both in this match, and they did not disappoint. Hokutofuji’s handshake tachiai found Hoshoryu’s neck and delivered a brutal shove. Both of them went into nearly picture perfect battle crouches, and attacked. Hokutofuji put all of his chips on that right arm neck attack, leaving his body open. Hoshoryu attacked Hokutofuji’s arm underneath three times, and on the third broke that neck grip. Switching to attack, he opened his stance, grabbed the back of Hokutofuji’s head and pulled with everything he could muster. Hokutofuji lost balance, and Hoshoryu circled behind and drove him out. Hoshoryu improves to 5-5 while Hokutofuji takes another step toward his expected make-koshi.

Wakatakakage defeats Daieisho – Daieisho had his hands inside at the tachiai, and converted it to a solid opening combo. Wakatakakage kept his feet, and minimized the ground lost while he tangled up Daieisho’s arms. With Daieisho neutralized, Wakatakakage advanced and drove him from the ring. Wakatakakage improves to 6-4.

Takanosho defeats Meisei – Takanosho takes his first ever win over Meisei in 7 attempts. Meisei started, and Takanosho answered at about 2x power. The match finished quickly with Takanosho landing face down as Meisei fell. The monoii upheld the gyoji’s call, and Takanosho walked away with his 4th win as both finish the day at 4-6.

Asanoyama defeats Mitakeumi – excellent mawashi defense today from Asanoyama, as Mitakeumi did a masterful job of taking the fight to the Ozeki in a solid chest to chest battle. He was able to get his left hand outside grip on his third grab attempt, and that made all the difference. Asanoyama improves to 6-4.

Terunofuji defeats Kiribayama – Much respect to Kiribayama for putting up a valiant effort, but Terunofuji took Kiribayama to his chest, and it was then just a question of how Terunofuji was going to finish him. The camera did not really show it, but it looks like Terunofuji’s right hand kept a hold of Kiribayama’s mawashi while his left hand thrust upward. The result was a lifting, blend between yorikiri and okuridashi. Terunofuji remains perfect at 10-0 while Kiribayama is make-koshi at 2-8.

Takayasu defeats Shodai – I like that Takayasu went for a left hand outside at the tachiai. Far too frequently he would lead with a left arm or shoulder strike, which just seems to leave him off balance. With Shodai captured, it removed about 70% of possible cartoon sumo moves. Shodai gyrates a bit, but can’t break Takayasu’s grip, which moments later is leads to Shodai’s ejection from the ring. Why don’t we see this Takayasu mode more frequently? This is the kind of sumo that took him to Ozeki. Takayasu improves to 7-3. Shodai needs to win 3 of the last 5 to clear kadoban, he has now lost 3 in a row.

Takakeisho defeats Onosho – Takakeisho brought twice as much power to this match as Onosho did. This was made worse when Onosho attempted to leap to the side just before the 3rd volley, catching Takakeisho’s double arm blast mid-flight and sailing over the tawara. The win delivered Takakeisho’s kachi-koshi.

We find ourselves at the end of act 2, with the middle third of the tournament almost spent. 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. its now crystal clear that Terunofuji has the potential to run away with the yusho, and may even have a shot at a perfect 15-0 result. He has the toughest part of the schedule yet to complete, but as of today, nobody can approach his level of competition.

Natsu Leaderboard

With Takakeisho’s loss day 9, nobody is close to Terunofuji now. He could just walk away with this thing.

Leader: Terunofuji
Hunt Group (2 wins behind): Takakeisho, Mitakeumi, Ichinojo, Endo, Chiyotairyu

6 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 10

Akua vs Azumaryu – Today it’s Azumaryu’s turn to visit the top division, but he is not in any position to be considered for return to his former Maegashira rank. He has a 4-0 career record with Akua, and the two of them have matching 3-6 records. So very much a scratch-n-dent match to open day 10’s top division bouts.

Ishiura vs Okinoumi – These two have not fought since September of 2018, so it’s going to be a lot like fresh ground for both of them. The past couple of days, we have seen improving sumo from Ishiura, and we have seen Okinoumi drop a match to Ichinojo. So I am expecting them both to come in at full power and ready to win.

Chiyomaru vs Terutsuyoshi – I am looking for Terutsuyoshi to put a lot of energy into getting Chiyomaru off balance, and maybe bouncing like an errant weather balloon. All he needs to do is start that guy rolling, and he may make it all the way to the Sumida river.

Shimanoumi vs Kaisei – Both of these guys are on course for a mild make-koshi, but Kaisei needs to try to dodge that outcome given his M15e rank. True, there are rikishi in worse shape who may muscle themselves in line ahead of him on the Juryo barge of the damned, but why tempt fate? Shimanoumi has lost his last 2, so he may have picked up a problem in week 1,

Kotoeko vs Kagayaki – Kagayaki holds a 10-3 career record over the muscular Kotoeko, but he’s been fighting quite poorly this basho, and that may not indicate much going into this day 10 match. I would love to see Kagayaki return to form, but right now that does not seem to be probable.

Tsurugisho vs Chiyotairyu – Both of them are big, round fellows, and both of them have been able to bring a hefty pile of explosive energy into the early moments of their matches. But I am going to eagerly see if yet again Chiyotairyu chooses to fight via the mawashi rather than his prior normal of tsuki/oshi sumo. Chiyotairyu comes in with a 7-2 record, where as Tsurugisho is at a humble 2-7, and faces the real possibility of make-koshi today.

Kotonowaka vs Endo – It’s school time on the dohyo as youngster Kotonowaka gets to take a short class with a master sumo tactician. Kotonowaka has never won a match against Endo, and there is little chance that this will change today.

Tochinoshin vs Daiamami – This first time match runs the real risk of being a last-time match as well. Tochinoshin really seemed to have significantly re-injured his damaged knee on day 9, and I would not be surprised to see him withdraw from the tournament prior to today’s match. His next loss would send him to make-koshi. He’s ranked M7e, so the chances of him dropping out of the top division are minimal. The worry is that once Tochinoshin’s knee gives out, there may be no route back for him to fighting form.

Hidenoumi vs Tamawashi – A surprisingly well balanced match, these two are roughly equivalent size and strength. Tamawashi tends towards higher intensity, and Hidenoumi toward higher endurance. Their prior matches are split 1-1, so it’s going to be a solid clash of styles.

Chiyoshoma vs Ichinojo – Chiyoshoma holds a 5-3 career record over Ichinojo, but has lost the last 3 in a row. So let’s see if Chiyoshoma’s new no-nonsense sumo baffles Ichinojo and carries the day.

Aoiyama vs Takarafuji – This one is going stink, and I am sure we will be able to feel it all the way in Dallas. Takarafuji is not fighting well, he’s 2 losses away from make-koshi. Aoiyama just came back from a first half kyujo. He’s rested, and ready, and can bludgeon just about anyone into tapioca pudding on a given day. He also has a 21-4 career record over Takarafuji. Ouch…

Myogiryu vs Tobizaru – Now that Tobizaru is safely make-koshi, will his sumo improve? If it does, it would not be the first time that this has happened. If it helps at all, Myogiryu has been fighting poorly as well, and may not be able to offer too much offense.

Hoshoryu vs Hokutofuji – I am excited to see if Hoshoryu can keep his win streak rolling. Hokutofuji is making some kind of move to NOT end up with the “Most Powerful Make-Koshi In All of Sumo”, and that simply will not do. So please, Hoshoryu, help that fellow reach his destiny.

Wakatakakage vs Daieisho – Wakatakakage needs to win 3 of the last 5 to hit kachi-koshi for May, which would be quite an achievement for his first visit to the top of the rank and file. But today he draws Daieisho, who is fresh from putting his friend Ozeki Takakeisho into the dirt on day 9. They have 2 prior matches, which they split 1-1.

Meisei vs Takanosho – Fans on social media are starting to wonder (on Tachiai as well): “What happened to Takanosho?”. It’s a fair question, his performance has taken a measurable dip, and he’s now 3-6, and sailing for a removal from the Sekiwake slot he has held for almost a year. Meisei holds a 6-0 career record over this Takanosho, so it could get ugly today.

Asanoyama vs Mitakeumi – It’s time for the spicy meatball sandwich at the end of the top division, where the Ozeki are facing increasingly potent opponents. Let’s start with this saucy morsel, where struggling Ozeki Asanoyama has to overcome perpetual spoiler Mitakeumi. Coming in with a 7-2 score for Natsu, and a 6-4 career match lead, it’s going to be a bit of a hill to climb for Asanoyama today.

Kiribayama vs Terunofuji – Well, to be honest, I don’t expect Kiribayama to offer much of a fight today, unless he has one of those flashes of brilliance we know he is capable of. Stand by, Kiribayama, the Kaiju is a’commin through.

Shodai vs Takayasu – Back to the next spicy number for our supper on day 10, it’s this box-car of sumo doom. Normally Shodai uses some of his best cartoon sumo against wild and crazy Takayasu. But his sumo mechanics are so off normal right now, it’s tough to know what he can muster. Shodai does have a 12-8 career record against the hairy one, but I think I give an edge to Takayasu today.

Onosho vs Takakeisho – What better way to end the day with a good old tadpole battle. It’s the Grand Tadpole vs the Mega-thrust, and it’s going to come down to the tachiai. I am looking for Takakeisho to hit and deflect early, and try not to let Onosho square his shoulders against Takakeisho’s body. May the best bull frog win!

To my delight, this tournament it turning into a bit of a coming out party for a couple of promising rikishi, as they are squarely in the joi-jin for Natsu, and seem to have found a formula that lets the credibly compete. in the case of Wakatakakage, he beat two Ozeki and two Sekiwake. That’s potent sumo from a Maegashira 1, who typically end up with deep make-koshi their first time ranked at the top of rank and file. Likewise, Hoshoryu now has 2 wins against Ozeki, but has yet to face the rest of the San’yaku. My advice to them is to be on your toes, as Hoshoryu is a credible competitor. Hoshoryu suffers a bit from being in the shadow of his Yokozuna uncle, Asashoryu. Usually the first thing that comes up with discussing Hoshoryu is his connection to his uncle. For myself, I am well past that one, and I am now far more interested into how his sumo develops. He has even found himself the topic of interest by sumo association chief, Hakkaku Oyakata:

"I don't know if he was scolded by his shisho or not, but his tachiai was good. He attacked first. It all flowed from the good tachiai. He was also using his legs well."

(2/3)

— ヘルット (@SumoFollower) May 16, 2021

Plus, look at that banner picture – a strong “Clark Kent” vibe all over this guy.

Highlight Matches

Chiyotairyu defeats Hakuyozan – I really like that Chiyotairyu has been showing us yotsu-zumo this tournament. As a guy primarily known for explosive tachiai followed by thrusting, this variation makes him tougher to fight, as opponents don’t know what quite to defend against. Today he improves to 7-2 by grabbing a hold of Juryo visitor Hakuyozan and walking him out.

Akua defeats Kotoeko – Massive effort by Akua gets him his 3rd win of the tournament. Kotoeko was fighting with all he could muster, but I saw him lose his balance at least twice in that match. Akua used almost the entire length of the dohyo to execute that hatakikomi, teetering on the bales as it finished. He improves to 3-6.

Ishiura defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma got the better of the tachiai, and was initially in control of the match. But Ishiura closed in and got a left hand grip, which served as the basis for a shitatedashinage which won the match. Both end the day at 5-4.

Chiyomaru defeats Tamawashi – Chiyomaru gave up a lot of ground at the tachiai and immediately following. Tamawashi advanced with gusto, chasing him down to secure teh win. But Chiyomaru is a wily fellow, reversing Tamawashi at the bales and delivering one massive shove to center mass to recover the win. He improves to 6-3.

Daiamami defeats Shimanoumi – Daiamami left Shimanoumi no room to work, bundling him up and moving him back and out for his 5th win, he ends the day 5-4. This match turned when Shimanoumi gave up his inside hand position, and let Daiamami take offensive control.

Endo defeats Kaisei – There are days when Endo is healthy and fighting well, it’s fun to just pause video of him in random spots and examine his body position. Normally he wants to go left hand shallow at the tachiai, but today you can see him bring that right hand in first. Kaisei is higher and has both hands low to guard against such opening gambits. But it left him completely invested in a lot of forward pressure, which Endo does not supply. He tumbles forward and Endo picks up his 7th win.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Tsurugisho – Great big man / little man sumo. Tsurugisho is a bit resereved in the tachiai, not knowing what kind of sumo Terutsuyoshi was going to start with. It turns out it is a left hand frontal grip. Terutsuyoshi tries to overcome Tsurugisho’s mass advantage with a surge of strength, but Tsurugisho is just too heavy. When force won’t work, leverage will have to do. Terutsuyoshi lifts a foot, set up the kakenage, and advances to 3-6. Great match from Terutsuyoshi today.

Kotonowaka defeats Takarafuji – One of the worst matches I have seen from Takarafuji, pretty much ever.
He chooses a turn to the side, allowing Kotonowaka to circle behind and drive him out from the rear. Kotonowaka improves to 5-4.

Ichinojo defeats Okinoumi – In the preview, I had guessed that Okinoumi would benefit if the two went chest to chest at the tachiai. But Ichinojo seems to be dialed in an strong right now, and he made fast work of Okinoumi to advance to 7-2. When that much Mongolian is on the move, there is little that anyone can do to stop him.

Kagayaki defeats Hidenoumi – Kagayaki seems to have found his sumo at last. He was focused and strong today, fighting Hidenoumi, whose toes are still causing him visible pain. Kagayaki advances to 4-5, and may be able to end an acceptable score from this basho.

Myogiryu defeats Tochinoshin – Its a little heartbreaking to see Tochinoshin serve as ballast for the likes of 3-6 Myogiryu, but that’s what we have now. Today we saw him struggle to keep his feet following the match after Myogiryu stampeded him over the bales in a shockingly easy win. Myogiryu improves to 3-6.

Aoiyama defeats Kiribayama – Welcome back to Big Dan, nice to see you ready with your go-to sumo: stand him up, slap him down. It took just a second or two, and Kiribayama got a face full of clay.

Meisei defeats Tobizaru – Interesting to watch these two start a frantic slapping match, and gradually watch the intensity fade ad both of them start to fade. As both continue to tire, Tobizaru ends up too far forward, and Meisei slaps him down, giving him his 8th loss and make-koshi. Meisei improves to 4-5.

Mitakeumi defeats Wakatakakage – Wakatakakage seems to have been expecting a huge body slam at the tachiai, and was ready to absorb Mitakeumi’s big hit. Instead Mitakeumi shifted to his left, grabbing Wakatakakage’s mawashi with his left hand and spinning him down to the clay. Henka? more or less, yes. But it’s still a win and Mitakeumi improves to 7-2.

Hokutofuji defeats Takanosho – Hokutofuji really has me worried now. Unless he picks up 2 more losses, he’s not going to get his make-koshi at all. The big difference is that Hokutofuji’s nodowa seems to have worked today, and he used it to shut down any offense that Takanosho might have had in mind. Both end the day with 3-6, but Takanosho has now lost 5 in a row.

Terunofuji defeats Takayasu – Takayasu was focused on keeping Terunofuji away from his belt, which led Takayasu to batter the Ozeki’s head and face repeatedly. It worked for a time, as Terunofuji could only endure the attacks and work to open a gap to switch to offense. But Takayasu’s focus on Terunofuji’s head lead to his hand getting tangled in Terunofuji’s mage. It would have been called as a hair pull, but moment’s later Takayasu hits the clay from a Terunofuji hatakikomi. The Kaiju remains perfect at 9-0.

Hoshoryu defeats Shodai – Wow, two days in a row for Hoshoryu and a second Ozeki scalp. He may end this tournament with a make-koshi, but we have now seen what he is capable of, and it’s a matter of him refining his sumo now, and gaining constituency. Shodai was high and soft at the tachiai yet again, and put up strong resistence to Hoshoryu’s attacks. But as with yesterday, Hoshoryu’s agility was on display as today he used an outside leg trip (sotogake) to topple the Ozeki, as Hoshoryu improves to 4-5.

Daieisho defeats Takakeisho – Sadly, Takakeisho went down today at the hands of his friend, and picked up his second loss. This leaves Terunofuji 2 wins ahead of everyone and everything for May. Hopefully Isegahama put his order in at the fish market on the way home. Takakeisho put himself out of position and off balance today, in stark contrast to his high efficiency sumo from the past week, and Daieisho made him pay. Daieisho improves to 4-5.

Asanoyama defeats Onosho – Asanoyama struggled to recover this one, after he was too high at the tachiai, and not ready to defend against Onosho’s mega-thrust. But you can count on Onosho to be off balance during these attacks, and Asanoyama was able to grab his arms and keep him from centering his feet. The rest was sumo mechanics, and a win for Asanoyama. He improves to 5-4.