Act 1 comes to a close with 4 rikishi in the undefeated category. We finally get to see Terunofuji face a bit of a powerful test, and the stage is set for the middle weekend and the start of the yusho race. I for one can’t wait to see Asanoyama fight Wakamotoharu. There is no guarantee that it will happen this basho, but we all know its coming some day this year, baring an injury. I still favor Asanoyama as an early leader in this weekend’s yusho race, as he continues to have an easier torikumi ahead of him until act 3, and he has been showing us at least san’yaku if not ozeki sumo in act 1.

Highlight Matches

Mitoryu defeats Kagayaki – Another day where we get to see Kagayaki align his feet left to right, giving up all ability to control forward or backward movement. Credit to Mitoryu for recognizing this and giving Kagayaki a flying lesson, getting him airborne as he flies across the tawara en-route to his 4th loss. Mitoryu improves to 4-1.

Tsurugisho defeats Tohakuryu – Juryo vistor Tohakuryu decides for some reason to see if that “line your feet up and push forward” trick really works to help you lose a match. By golly it does! Tsurugisho knocks him down with a single meaty blow, advancing Tsurugisho to 3-2.

Oho defeats Ichiyamamoto – What is it with these guys and simple physics? Look, place one foot a bit in front or in back of the other one. It works wonders to give you a stable stance. No, Ichiyamamoto tries the “feet in a line” position too, and Oho slaps him down. Oho now 2-3.

Myogiryu defeats Kotoeko – Four matches in, and we finally get competitors who understand the defensive utility of foot placement. Myogiryu does manage to get Kotoeko forward, but has to apply a rather significant pull break his balance. But the hatakikomi sends him sprawling forward into a splits position on the wrong side of the tawara. Myogiryu now 3-2.

Asanoyama defeats Aoiyama – The now customary heavy bandage on Aoiyama’s left knee tells the story of this match, and maybe the Natsu basho for him. Aoiyama did a masterful job of using a forearm at the tachiai to keep Asanoyama from closing the gap and going chest to chest. But under the former Ozeki’s forward pressure, Big Dan folds up and steps out. Asanoyama remains unbeaten at 5-0.

Chiyoshoma defeats Daishoho – Chiyoshoma lands a couple of face slaps to disrupt whatever Daishoho’s match plan was, and ends up with a right hand inside belt grip. It’s at this moment it seems Daishoho decides that Chiyoshoma’s not going to have the muscle to lift and shift him, but oh surprise he does! Chiyoshoma now 2-3 by yorikiri.

Hokuseiho defeats Hiradoumi – A bit more vigorous action from Hokuseiho in today’s match over day 4. But I will be damned if he doesn’t beat Hiradoumi with just one hand for the most part. That finishing double arm thrust put Hiradoumi in the second row. Hokuseiho improves to 4-1.

Takarafuji defeats Takanosho – Takarafuji has a good day, and looks like he was able to hold ground against Takanosho’s forward pressure, a noticeable change from prior days. After a bit of “defend and extend” Takanosho realizes that he allowed Takarafuji to execute “his brand of sumo”, and attempts to break contact and attack. Takarafuji is able to endure this probing attack, and ends the match walking Takanosho out, to improve to 3-2.

Ryuden defeats Sadanoumi – Ryuden’s attempt at a frontal grip from the left at the tachiai fails, but gives him an inside hand placement anyhow. Sadanoumi attempts a pull against this forward pressure, and throws the match to Ryuden who rushes him out. Both end the day 3-2.

Onosho defeats Tamawashi – Good form from both of them, but it seems Tamawashi just can’t generate much forward pressure right now. Onosho overpowers him and escorts him to the tawara for a win by oshidashi, improving to 2-3.

Mitakeumi defeats Kotoshoho – Mitakeumi’s match plan – deliver maximum punishment to Kotoshoho’s face. Kind of brutal, but it worked. I was surprised by just how much punishment Kotoshoho’s face was willing to endure. Turns out to be quite a lot. But Mitakeumi was relentless, and eventually Kotoshoho took a bad step attempting to escape and fell to the clay. Hopefully that knee was not injured in this fight. Mitaekumi now 3-2.

Hokutofuji defeats Kinbozan – Classic Hokutofuji “handshake tachiai” – that right hand leads and finds Kinbozan’s neck early, and ramps up to maximum pressure. To break that hold, Kinbozan pivots and opens his back to Hokutofuji, who happily runs him out to win by okuridashi. Hokutofuji improves to 2-3.

Meisei defeats Nishikigi – Meisei took control early in the match with a double inside mawashi grip, and you can just tell that Nishikigi understood the challenge he had. His attempt to use an arm-bar to hold Meisei back failed, but did manage to swap his grip to a right hand outside. But this only set up the throw that Meisei used to put him on the clay. Meisei remains unbeaten at 5-0.

Nishikifuji defeats Endo – Nishikifuji finally gets his first win for May, putting winless Endo on the clay. Nishikifuji moved to grip Endo’s head at the tachiai, and it seems to have disrupted Endo’s balance. He went down two steps later by something between a tsukiotoshi and a slippiotoshi. But a win is a win, and Nishikifuji is now 1-4.

Wakamotoharu defeats Midorifuji – Excellent tachiai from Midorifuji, he had Wakamotoharu on defensive for two steps, but Wakamotoharu stayed balanced, calm and found a couple of strands of Midorifuji’s belt. From there it was all down to Wakamotoharu’s superior yotsu-zumo technique, as he lifted the smaller Midorifuji and walked him out. Yorikiri win for Wakamotoharu, he remains perfect at 5-0.

Abi defeats Daieisho – Daieisho knew better. Abi side steps the tachiai, but Daieisho was ready for it. But Daieisho was never able to really recover his match plan and succumbed to Abi’s second side step as Daieisho lunged to try and finish Abi off at the bales. I wondered about a hair pull at the tachiai, but I guess the judges were not going to review it. Abi now 2-3, handing Daieisho his first loss of May.

Hoshoryu defeats Shodai – Well played, Hoshoryu. He attacks Shodai to the point that Shodai tries to use his go-to defense, the “Wall of Daikon”. But for some reason, he stands almost upright when he employs it. Standing tall with a firm grip on his opponent, Shodai is perfectly placed for the uwatenage Hoshoryu was ready to deliver. Hoshoryu now 4-1.

Kiribayama defeats Kotonowaka – Kotonowaka opens strong, and owns the offense at the start of the match. But he’s a bit too eager to finish Kiribayama off. Kiribayama waits for him to get forward over his toes, and counters with a beltless arm throw to bring Kotonowaka down. Kiribayama stays hot at 4-1.

Tobizaru defeats Takakeisho – Tobizaru manages to capture Takakeisho’s mawashi, and endure the Ozeki’s attempt at a throw to land last and take the match. For folks who want to see Takakeisho endure as an Ozeki, this is going to be a white-knuckle basho, as I think he will struggle all the way to senshuraku. Tobizaru heads to the interview room 2-3.

Terunofuji defeats Ura – Oh Ura, you must know to never go morozashi against the kaiju. He loves it when people do that. Ura gives Terunofuji a double arm battle hug, and the Yokozuna counters with a double arm bar against the man in pink. Everyone knows where this one is going, but points to Ura for giving it one really energetic surge to try and break the hold he worked so hard to achieve. No sir, up and out you go by yet another Terunofuij kimedashi. He remains unbeaten at 5-0.

Welcome to the end of act 1! At Tachiai, we divide each 15 day honbasho into 3 distinct acts, each with its own goals and purpose. For act 1, its: remove ring rust, see who is hot and who is not. We can already see that Daieisho and Wakamotoharu are in the “hot” column, with Meisei and Asanoyama likely to be grouped in there too. I declare it’s still too early to tell with Terunofuji, even though he starts day five with a perfect 4-0 record. The “not” column must include the hapless Endo, along with stable mates Midorifuji and Nishikifuji. The string of bad luck for Isegahama is noteworthy, and a shame. Both of these rikishi are high skill, ace competitors that are working through chronic and performance limiting injuries.

What We Are Watching Day 5

Mitoryu (3-1) vs Kagayaki (1-3) – Don’t be surprised when the first match of the day does not feature a Juryo rikishi. No, nobody new went kyujo (at least at the time I wrote this), he’s in the second match of the day. Instead we get to watch a fairly genki Mitoryu likely trash an ailing Kagayaki. I am not sure where his sumo went, but it’s been MIA since Kyushu. Probably an injury. Mitoryu won their only prior match which was Nagoya 2022.

Tohakuryu (2-2) vs Tsurugisho (2-2) – Juryo 2 West Tohakuryu is our visitor today. He started pro sumo in 5 years ago at Natsu 2019 as a Sandanme 100 tsukidashi.He hit Juryo 18 months later, but has struggled to earn a kachi-koshi in the promotion zone. He comes into today with a middling 2-2 record, and has a 1-4 career deficit against bulky Tsurugisho.

Ichiyamamoto (2-2) vs Oho (1-3) – Its tough when you have a hit-or-miss (mostly miss?) rikishi like Oho, you don’t know if he’s hurt, distracted or just has reached the limit of his sumo. I would like to think he could improve both in form and rank, but he seems tone continuing his poor performance tha that started at Hatsu. He has an even 4-4 record against Ichiyamamoto.

Myogiryu (2-2) vs Kotoeko (2-2) – This is a match with a lot of potential. Sure Myogiryu has a 10-3 career advantage, but both rikishi are fighting really well right now, and I think we could see fireworks for this one.

Aoiyama (2-2) vs Asanoyama (4-0) – It’s a ‘Yama battle for the 5th match, and all of my chips are on Asanoyama. He has a 5-3 career lead against Big Dan, and the kimarite all come down to Asanoyama getting a grip. If Aoiyama can keep him away and pound him like a tough piece of steak, he might take this match, but given the fact that his knee has already given out once, he might be limited in what he can do against Asanoyama today.

Chiyoshoma (1-3) vs Daishoho (1-3) – Both are surprising me with their 1-3 score, as both of them are capable of doing a fair bit better than their scored would indicate. But we see a number of same-score pairings today, maybe its just time to do it. I don’t know who has an advantage in this fight, probably Chiyoshoma.

Hokuseiho (3-1) vs Hiradoumi (3-1) – Another same-score pairing, there are commenters on this fine web site, and on social media, who think Hokuseiho’s matches are more boring than Ichinojo’s were. I encourage them to amplify their sense of humor and look at it as Hokuseiho trolling everyone with his “statue of Buda” sumo style. Hey, it could catch on! Hokuseiho has won both prior matches.

Takarafuji (2-2) vs Takanosho (1-3) – Takanosho holds a 9-2 career advantage over Takarafuji, who seems to be fading a bit now. I will be curious to see if he can withstand any forward pressure from Takanosho today. If not, he’s more or less in the same condition he was in during Osaka, and that’s bad news for his rank in July.

Sadanoumi (3-1) vs Ryuden (2-2) – I wonder if Ryuden is still trying to figure out what he could have done to move Hokuseiho around. Give it up Ryuden, just relish in the fact you are still shin-Ikioi. He showed great stability and endurance in that day 4 match, and he’s likely to need it again against Sadanoumi, who is fighting quite well this month indeed. They share a 7-6 career match record, with Sadanoumi taking both prior matches this year.

Onosho (1-3) vs Tamawashi (1-3) – Back to same-score pairing, both of them are likely to have crummy scores a week from Sunday. Onosho because I think he needs a front end alignment to get his balance back, and Tamawashi because he’s an old guy and his body is trying to tell him that it’s time to head off into the sunset. They share an even 6-6 career score.

Mitakeumi (2-2) vs Kotoshoho (1-3) – On paper, I would think that Mitakeumi should win this. But statistics tend to blur facts together into an averaged out mush. In reality, Mitakeumi has not been his normal self for a while now, and may be beatable by the likes of Kotoshoho. He won their only prior match when Mitakeumi was a Sekiwake, on day 10 of the November 2020 tournament.

Kinbozan (2-2) vs Hokutofuji (1-3) – First ever match, and we have young rising start Kinbozan going against the man with the most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo. In spite of his 1-3 record, Hokutofuji can win any match on any given day, if his sumo can find the right opening and he is able to press the attack. This one might also have a lot of potential

Meisei (4-0) vs Nishikigi (1-3) – Red-hot unbeaten Meisei will give Nishikigi an opportunity to improve on his somewhat miserable 1-3 score. The normally near sighted Nishikigi works best when he can grapple his opponent. History shows that against Meisei, if he can get a hold, he has a chance. They share a 3-3 career record.

Nishikifuji (0-4) vs Endo (0-4) – Perhaps the most miserable of the same-score pairings today, these two winless guys face each other and we hope one of them finds a win. Honestly, not sure why Endo’s score is this low. Nishikifuji is still hurt. Maybe Endo is too?

Midorifuji (0-4) vs Wakamotoharu (4-0) – When you can’t do same-score pairing, let’s try mirror score instead! Lossless Wakamotoharu gets a chance to knock winless Midorifuji around. A healthy Midorifuji can give Wakamotoharu an even match, but I am pretty sure that something is keeping him from competing at full power.

Daieisho (4-0) vs Abi (1-3) – Battle of the big thrusters, with both of these guys able to launch the other one off the dohyo just from oshi power alone. Out of their 15 prior matches, Daieisho has won 9, and has won 5 of the last 6 against Abi. Ooof.

Shodai (1-3) vs Hoshoryu (3-1) – Another mirror image score match, but this one features the hapless Shodai who is once again struggling to compete with anyone in the named ranks. Frankly his sumo has been all over the place, and not the cartoon sumo that won him matches from nowhere. This is just mad cap “try anything” sumo that turns ineffective quickly and looks terrible. I do hope he can pull it together and defend his Komusubi rank this May.

Kiribayama (3-1) vs Kotonowaka (3-1) – After the henka-non-henka double header on day 4, I have new appreciation for Kiribayam’s sense of humor. As Kakuryu’s deshi, I assumed he would be skilled, but that choice was not something he was likely taught. Both of these guys are talked about in terms of future Ozeki material, neither of them have fought Terunofuji in 6 months, so we will have to see how that plays out later in the basho.

Tobizaru (1-3) vs Takakeisho (3-1) – Takakeisho struggles with the high mobility Tobizaru, and I think given the questionable state of Takakeisho’s lower body right now, it must be a concern. True, Tobizaru has only won a single match so far in this tournament, but all he needs to do is catch Takakeisho without his feet set for defenses for a split second, and he may add a second loss, or worse yet an injury, to Takakeisho’s May outlook. They share a 4-4 career record.

Terunofuji (4-0) vs Ura (3-1) – I don’t think Terunofuji is going to have much trouble with Ura today. Much as I would love to see the man in the pink mawashi pick up another kinboshi this May, I don’t think we will see Terunofuji be at real risk of losing matches until he faces the san’yaku. So likely a win to pad is 4-1 career record against Ura.

It’s a joy to wake up to a full 2 hours of glorious sumo, especially when you have as much fun as day 4 turned out to be. Some great matches, a glimpse of the kaiju of old, and a glorious henka-non-henka double header, and Hokuseiho showing just how big big can be. Bonus for Ura showing what everyone should do when a scrappy fellow grabs for your crotch.

Highlight Matches

Mitoryu defeats Azumaryu – Whatever physical problems led to Azumaryu’s 4-11 finish at Osaka seem to still be in full effect. He looks technically good, but has zero power to move Mitoryu in any direction. Mitoryu figures this out, and escorts Azumaryu out without much fanfare. Mitoryu now 3-1.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Kagayaki – Kagayaki was likewise technically good today. His hand placement was a bit all over the place, but eventually got a left hand against Ichiyamamoto’s chest. But the moment he was ready to start pushing, Ichiyamamoto grabbed and took Kagayaki to his chest. From there it was three steps to the tawara, and Ichiyamamoto picked up a yorikiri win to finish the day 2-2.

Asanoyama defeats Oho – Ozeki class sumo today from Asanoyama. Asanoyama gets a right hand in at the tachiai, and catches Oho completely unweighted. With Asanoyama at his chest, Oho seemed to not know quite what to do, but he was nearly upright and caught the point blank thrust full in the chest. Asanoyama stays unbeaten at 4-0.

Tsurugisho defeats Myogiryu – Compliments to Tsurugisho for today’s rock solid sumo. Excellent lower body defensive work, outstanding effort to set up and maintain that right hand inside frontal hold. Myogiryu worked hard to break Tsurugisho’s balance, or at least that hold, but Myogiryu was thwarted every time. Running low on energy, Myogiryu tried a grip switch, and that moment Tsurugisho surged forward to score a yorikiri win. Both end the day 2-2 after an excellent match.

Chiyoshoma defeats Aoiyama – Chiyoshoma with over the top tenacity today. He set up a hold early, and grabbed on against after Aoiyama broke his grip. Chiyoshoma went to set up a throw, and it looks like Aoiyama’s knee gave out. They scored it as an uwatehineri, but that was that bandaged left knee failing. Chiyoshoma gets his first win and is 1-3.

Kotoeko defeats Daishoho – It looked like Daishoho’s match plan was to stay wide, stable and just shut down all of Kotoeko’s mobility. It worked well for a short time, but his broad stance left his feet too aligned, and Kotoeko countered with a throw to bring Daishoho to the clay. Excellent choice at the right time, Kotoeko now 2-2.

Hokuseiho defeats Ryuden – Sure as I complain about Hokuseiho’s sumo technique resembling that of a 8 story apartment block, he shows me once again why that is in fact a valid sumo strategy. Hi, Ryuden! Say, let me put this right arm across you and take a hold. You do what you need for a while, I am going to take it easy and admire your efforts. Literally, Hokuseiho looks like he is just hanging out near Lawson’s shooting the breeze with his friends while Ryuden is applying maximum force any way he can. Being a polite fellow, Hokuseiho checks on him from time to time to make sure Ryuden feels he is making progress, but like any 8 story apartment block, he’s not going anywhere. Ryuden starts to tire, and Hokuseiho starts trying to rotate with that right arm, but only with a small amount of force. Hokuseiho does this every so often, and when Ryuden resists, Hokuseiho goes back to calmly standing around. Ryuden does wear out, and Hokuseiho finishes him with the uwatenage we saw coming from last week. Hokuseiho now 3-1 and declared ready for occupants.

Hiradoumi defeats Takarafuji – Sadly Takarafuji is back to being unable to withstand much if any forward pressure. Hiradoumi connects well at the tachiai, and immediately gets Takarafuji moving back. Three steps later it’s oshidashi time, and Hiradoumi is now 3-1.

Sadanoumi defeats Onosho – Onosho seems to be having one of his “cold” basho this May. He moves well enough, but Sadanoumi owns this match from the initial merge to the uwatenage three steps later, advancing to 3-1.

Takanosho defeats Tamawashi – Great effort and power from both today, a very evenly matched fight. Both had moments where it looked like the next hit would win the match, just to have their opponent rally. It ended with an odd mutual twisting fall, with each rikishi the mirror of the other. It was called a tsukiotoshi, which seems to be ancient yayoi for “damned if I know..” Clearly time for a rematch. The second try sees both men a bit more off balance an out of control, but it is Takanosho who keeps his feet. Takanosho gets his first win of May and both exit the dohyo 1-3.

Meisei defeats Hokutofuji – Can someone send me the recipe for whatever is in Meisei’s chanko? I could use that kind of boundless energy right now. I liked how he absorbed Hokutofuji’s opening combo, and converted that into controlling the match. Another day of excellent defensive lower body work by Hokutofuji, but Meisei had this one locked, he remains unbeaten at 4-0.

Kinbozan defeats Mitakeumi – This was their first ever match, and Mitakeumi made some solid tactical choices. But Kinbozan did a masterful job of deflecting Mitakeumi’s third combo attack, and turning Mitakeumi’s back to the tawara, and moment later stepping him out for a yorikiri. Well done, Kinbozan. Both are now 2-2.

Nishikigi defeats Kotoshoho – Kotoshoho knew what his job was; keep Nishikigi away from his belt. He succeeded for the a couple of volleys, but Nishikigi found a hold, and proceeded to take control. Kotoshoho nearly broke the hold, but a moment later Nishikigi put Kotoshoho on the deck. Nishikigi finds his first win of Natsu, and both end the day 1-3.

Ura defeats Midorifuji – Wonderful example of what I mean when I talk about Ura employing “grab and tug” sumo. He knows Midorifuji is going to try to reach in for a katasukashi, and as soon as that hand comes down for Ura’s groin, he latches on with that impossible grip strength. Points to Midorifuji for trying his best to escape, but Ura has him and walks him out for a yorikiri. Ura improves to 3-1.

Daieisho defeats Shodai – Shodai provided as much sumo power as a bowl of noodles today, with Daieisho completely dominating this match from start to finish. At no point was Shodai able to make any move save trying to keep his feet under Daieisho’s withering thrusting attack. Perfect 4-0 for Daieisho, as he finishes off Shodai with a hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu defeats Abi – Abi established and then lost control of this match. Excellent defensive side step by Hoshoryu caught Abi unable to defend against pressure from his left. A quick push and a shove, and it was oshidashi time, with Hoshoryu improving to 3-1.

Kiribayama defeats Nishikifuji – Some sumo fans on social media were up in arms about Kiribayama’s opening move. I thought it was tremendous! A Harumafuji style henka-non-henka that disrupted whatever Nishikifuji had in mind. It left Nishikifuji standing without any active defense, and an easy mark for Kiribayama’s follow up attack. A monoii was called, and the shimpan declared, “do that again, with none of that Harumafuji stuff”. Oh noes!! Kiribayama did it again! What the hell, Nishikifuji? How do you swallow that for the second time on the same day? I think at this point Nishikifuji is outranged, and his sumo goes a bit wild. Kiribayama steps out of the way at the right moment, and Nishikifuji falls to the clay. Kiribayama now 3-1.

Wakamotoharu defeats Kotonowaka – Wakamotoharu, by contrast, will have none of that evasive stuff in his match. Kotonowaka puts up an excellent fight, but Wakamotoharu hulks out and brutes his opponent out of the ring by oshidashi. Wow, what power that guy has! He remains unbeaten at 4-0.

Takakeisho defeats Endo – Ok, what the hell was that Endo? Takakeisho rotates to his right in the tachiai and just shunts Endo forward and down. Good enough for another win for the Ozeki. Takakeisho now 3-1.

Terunofuji defeats Tobizaru – To me Terunofuji still looks rather tenuous, but we did get to see a glimpse of kaiju form today, as the Yokozuna bodily lifts the smaller Tobizaru and carries him away. It’s been a while since we were treated to a Terunofuji kimedashi, but the Yokozuna delivered. He is also unbeaten at 4-0.

Day 4 is about to start, and there are some key matches waiting for us overnight US time. As I have a hunch that Asanoyama is going to be part of the yusho race given his low ranking and somewhat “easy” schedule, I want too see if he can bounce back from that loss to Oho last basho. I am also looking to see if Kiribayama will let his day 3 loss to Abi break his winning rhythm. Of course the battle of the san’yaku 3-0 rikishi: Kotonowaka and Wakamotoharu. Last and quite importantly, possible the first real test for Terunofuji’s condition as he takes on Tobizaru. Lots of great action in store for sumo fans today!

What We Are Watching Day 4

Mitoryu (2-1) vs Azumaryu (0-3) – With the banzuke gap persisting thanks to Takayasu’s kyujo, today we get Azumaryu up for a visit. He was clearly hurt in Osaka, ending that basho with a terrible 4-11 score. He’s not in any better form now, starting Natsu 0-3. I think this will be a 3rd win for Mitoryu.

Ichiyamamoto (1-2) vs Kagayaki (1-2) – Both start the day with 1-2 scores, and both of them have struggled to keep their footing so far this May. Kagayaki has had two consecutive make-koshi tournaments, and is struggling in the opening act of Natsu. I regarded his remaining in the top division as remarkable banzuke luck, but as the last man on the roster, a losing record will send him to Juryo as sure as the sun rises.

Asanoyama (3-0) vs Oho (1-2) – Asanoyama has fought Oho once before, on day 12 in Osaka where Asanoyama lost by yorikiri. I wonder if we will see Oho rally today, and give Asanoyama his first loss of the tournament. Probably not, no. As long as Asanoyama can prevent underestimating any given day’s match, he has an easy route to a leading position in the yusho race next week. One day at a time.

Tsurugisho (1-2) vs Myogiryu (2-1) – Myogiryu looks to be in much better form than he did in March, and if his health problems are behind him, he is sure to run up the score at this rank. He struggles to win against Tsurugisho, because there is just so darn much of him. Tsurugisho has a narrow 3-2 career record, winning the last 3 matches against Myogiryu, including both prior matches this year.

Aoiyama (2-1) vs Chiyoshoma (0-3) – I think Chiyoshoma should have saved his henka for this fight. Not that he could not do it again today, but I am sure Aoiyama is watching for it. Chiyoshoma will win this match if he can establish a belt hold. If Aoiyama can keep him in range of the V-Twin, Chiyoshoma is just ballast today.

Kotoeko (1-2) vs Daishoho (1-2) – Much as I liked that Asanoyama picked up a day 3 win to be 3-0, I think Kotoeko got robbed. I do defer to the judges sitting with a perfect view of the action. He has a chance to put up his second win today if he can overcome Daishoho’s sumo.

Ryuden (2-1) vs Hokuseiho (2-1) – Readers may have guess that I am perplexed by Hokuseiho. I get that his enormity has given him a basic sumo tool kit, and he seems to handle that well. Well enough to be kachi-koshi in a top division tournament. But I am still wondering as I watch him fight how the former Hakuho has not been able to impart the fundamentals on this guy. Ryuden won their only prior match, on day 13 of Nagoya last year. Maybe he will yet again get a hold and walk this big fellow out.

Takarafuji (2-1) vs Hiradoumi (2-1) – First ever match, both start the day 2-1. I have hopes that Takarafuji’s mess of a match on day 3 against Daishoho was a one time event, and we see more solid sumo from him today.

Sadanoumi (2-1) vs Onosho (1-2) – Onosho comes into this match with a 6-2 career advantage, but he really is not yet fighting well this basho. He does go through hot and cold streaks, and this one looks fairly chilly. Sadanoumi, in contrast, does look dialed into his fighting form.

Takanosho (0-3) vs Tamawashi (1-2) – Takanosho still has yet to score his first win, and that’s a big worry. He is up against Tamawashi, who is likewise underperforming this month. Takanosho holds a 5-2 career advantage, but with both of them in the sumo doldrums, it’s anyone’s guess if there will be an advantage at all.

Meisei (3-0) vs Hokutofuji (1-2) – Meisei has a flawless 3-0 start, and he’s up against the man with the most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo today. That means that even if he loses, I expect Hokutofuji to really give him a challenge. This is underscored by their even 4-4 career record, though the last 2 have been won by Meisei.

Kinbozan (1-2) vs Mitakeumi (2-1) – First ever match against Mitakeumi for fast rising start Kinbozan, who has yet to have a losing record in any pro tournament. After a long period of pathetic sumo, Mitakeumi is looking a bit more ready to fight this May, and I sincerely hope we can get him back as a steady competitor.

Kotoshoho (1-2) vs Nishikigi (0-3) – A fine “scratch and dent bin” match. Both of them have losing records right now, and Nishikigi would love to find his first win of May. He has a fairly even (5-6) record against Kotoshoho, who has been out classed the last two days.

Ura (2-1) vs Midorifuji (0-3) – Likewise, I continue to wonder when Midorifuji is going to find his first win. He has split the 2 prior matches with Ura, who gave us a remarkable demonstration of his ability in his day 3 win over Kotoshoho. I am guessing both will go low at the tachiai, and may spend most of the fight trying to get under their opponent.

Daieisho (3-0) vs Shodai (1-2) – Daieisho has a 16-8 career record against Shodai, and comes into today 3-0. He is looking strong, capable and ready to defeat everyone on the banzuke. Shodai is back to his mode where he is lost, confused and his body looks to be operating on its own non-sumo plan. Should be win #4 for Daieisho.

Abi (1-2) vs Hoshoryu (2-1) – Hoshoryu caught a surprise on day 3 with his loss to Tobizaru. This has not derailed his Ozeki march, but it may have given him a chance to consider his match strategies. He has taken to dialing up the speed of his tachiai as of late, and that gives him little room for any “plan b” should his opponent not do what Hoshoryu expects. Abi, however, is fairly predictable, and will double arm blast out of the tachiai. Hoshoryu holds a 5-2 career advantage.

Kiribayama (2-1) vs Nishikifuji (0-3) – Likewise Kiribayama took his first loss on day 3, but I don’t think it should have the same effect for him. Kiribayama’s approach is good enough, he just got beaten. He should put that aside and continue his march toward double digits. He won the only prior match against Nishikifuji, but that was (get this) at Kyushu in 2017 when both were at the bottom of Makushita.

Kotonowaka (3-0) vs Wakamotoharu (3-0) – One of these two will score their first loss today. Both have been fighting exceptionally well, but to my eye I can’t find anything wrong with Wakamotoharu’s sumo. Some of the best yotsu favored sumo in many years. I hope he can keep this up. Kotonowaka does come into today with a 6-2 career lead against Wakamotoharu.

Endo (0-3) vs Takakeisho (2-1) – Endo has yet to score a single win, and I still can’t figure out what he was doing against Terunofuji on day 3. Maybe it comes down to this – he hates interviews, and he suddenly realized that as a rank and file rikishi, a kinboshi win would require him to stand in front of the NHK cameras to talk about it. I am interested to see how he fares against the injured Takakeisho, who is still somehow managing to pull wins out of his mawashi.

Terunofuji (3-0) vs Tobizaru (1-2) – Is today the day we finally get to see if Terunofuji can put up a solid fight? Yes, he was won the past 3 days, but none of them have been much of a battle. With Tobizaru’s high agility and remarkable balance, he can cause a lot of trouble for a many with limited knee endurance. Terunofuji does had a 5-2 career advantage, but Tobizaru won their last match during Aki 2022.