A big day at the Kokugikan, as several of the Ozeki hopefuls find their first loss. We started the afternoon with the early matches featuring a series of rikishi not keeping their feet set, and getting an urgent Tokyo clay facial. Tough breaks, gents. Mind your toes.

At the same time, the injured pair at the top of the banzuke both toughed it out for another day, and both found much needed wins. I am not sure what can be done for Takakeisho long term, but the guy is going to push through May no matter what. In the Musubi no ichiban, we saw Terunofuji benefit from an unexplainable Endo bad move to remain unbeaten so far. I worry that we still don’t know what he will do when he gets a real challenge.

Highlight Matches

Shonannoumi defeats Oho – Ah Oho, he starts off well enough, getting his hands inside and begins a hazu (armpit) attack plan. But he breaks contact and lunges forward without having his feet set. Its a perfect time for Shonannoumi to step to the side, which he does, and Oho has his face in the clay. Shonannoumi returns to Juryo with a 2-1 record.

Kagayaki defeats Tsurugisho – Kagayaki finally wins his first match of Natsu, but I would not go so far as to say his ring rust problems are done. As he grapples Tsurugisho, his defensive footwork is poor, and he struggles to focus power into Tsurugisho’s chest. The match ends as he falls, but pushes Tsurugisho out a moment before. Ok, good enough. Kagayaki now 1-2.

Mitoryu defeats Ichiyamamoto – A good start from Ichiyamamoto, and for the third match in a row, the early attacker gets his feet out of order and hits the clay. Good, patient sumo from Mitoryu to wait for Ichiyamamoto to get off balance, then finish him with a hatakikomi, improving to 2-1.

Myogiryu defeats Chiyoshoma – The answers is “day 3” for the question of “When will we see the first Chiyoshoma henka?”. It was ill considered as Myogiryu has faced Chiyoshoma enough to know to watch for it. Myogiryu slaps Chiyoshoma in the fact with his right while his left hand finds Chiyoshoma’s mawashi. From there it’s two quick steps to the tawara, and Chiyoshoma is out by yorikiri. Myogiryu now 2-1.

Asanoyama defeats Kotoeko – Solid match, Asanoyama ended a half step out of phase, and as a result fell as Kotoeko moved to throw him down. It was very close, and a monoii was called. But that replay, or lord the replay. Watch Asanoyama gauge the distance to the clay in a split second and pull back his arm to give him a chance to land last. Amazing reflexes. The monoii decided that the match was Asanoyama’s, but personally I think it should have been a rematch. Asanoyama improves to 3-0, and if you don’t think this guy is not going to be in the running for the cup next week, you are not watching sumo.

Hokuseiho defeats Aoiyama – Solid match plan from Hokuseiho, even if his form was abysmal today. He was standing straight up, his feet were lord knows where and he lumbered about quite a bit. But it’s a win, and that what counts. Choosing to go chest to chest with Aoiyama is a solid bet, as his knees can’t really handle that kind of sumo right now. Hokuseiho now 2-1.

Daishoho defeats Takarafuji – Impressive forward power from Daishoho in this match. He rocks Takarafuji back not just at the tachiai, but at the second hit as well. Takarafuji never gets a chance to set his feet, and Daishoho maintains control of the match. It’s his first win of May, and Daishoho is now 1-2 on solid sumo.

Ryuden defeats Onosho – Much better balance today from Onosho, but just look at Ryuden put that win together. Excellent body position, very good defensive foot placement and lower body posture. I liked how he kept his shoulders square to Onosho, and never let Onosho land a full force thrust. Ryuden improves to 2-1.

Hiradoumi defeats Takanosho – Sadly, Takanosho is now 0-3, and it’s looking like a cold start to Natsu for him. It’s not for lack of effort, you can see Takanosho really pouring it on in the opening moments of the match. But once Hiradoumi gets his right hand inside hold, he is relentless, driving Takanosho back for a yorikiri and improving to 2-1.

Sadanoumi defeats Hokutofuji – A classic Hokutofuji tachiai, acres of forward power with that right hand hitting first. He had full force into Sadanoumi’s chest, but Sadanoumi is lightning fast. In the blink of an eye, Sadanoumi deflects Hokutofuji and thrusts down, sending Hotkutofuji twisting to the dohyo. Brilliant move on that hatakikomi, and Sadanoumi advances to 2-1.

Mitakeumi defeats Tamawashi – Normally once Tamawashi has an opponent bracketed and moving back, it’s all over except for the kensho. Mitakeumi manages a brilliant escape, and on the second merge takes control of the match, hustling Tamawashi out in a hurry. I worry that Tamawashi’s body has decided he has had enough sumo for one life time, and we are watching him fade out. Mitakeumi now 2-1.

Meisei defeats Kinbozan – Up to this point, Kinbozan has looked unstoppable. I do like that he is getting tough matches from the joi-jin this basho, as it will hone his sumo. I love that Meisei launches volley after volley of disruptive attacks, sweeping Kinbozan’s arms to the side and then stepping away. He finally disrupts Kinbozan enough to land a few thrusts against Kinbozan’s chest, and it’s oshidashi time. Meisei opening strong at 3-0.

Ura defeats Kotoshoho – Good sumo mechanics from both in this match, but as always Ura was ready to deliver something more. That left hand head grab and twist into the katasukashi was great, but that half shiko finish was one of a kind. Ura now 2-1.

Kotonowaka defeats Nishikifuji – Just how banged up IS Nishikifuji? Going winless after 3 days says, maybe more than his left arm wrap would indicate. Kotonowaka makes easy work of him today, with a swift uwatenage straight out of the tachiai. Kotonowaka is unbeaten at 3-0.

Tobizaru defeats Hoshoryu – Tobizaru with the henka-non-henka against Hoshoryu, who bought it at full retail. Hoshoryu tumbles to the clay in his first defeat of the basho, as Tobizaru finally wins one. He is 1-2. Maybe Hoshoryu could ask Harumafuji to work with him a few times on that one.

Abi defeats Kiribayama – Another Ozeki hopeful gets a face full of clay, thought points to Kiribayama, he closes the gap on Abi and attempts to power him out. Sadly Kiribayama is a half step out of phase, and has nothing to support him as Abi steps to the side and slaps him down. Abi gets his first win of Natsu, and is 1-2.

Wakamotoharu defeats Shodai – Wakamotoharu delivers so much power from below on his tachiai against a nearly upright Shodai, that it does in fact lift Shodai completely off both feet for a moment. Impressive rally from that by Shodai, who powers straight into a Wakamotoharu tsukiotoshi. Wakamotoharu, and seem to be doing better each basho he remains unbeaten at 3-0.

Daieisho defeats Nishikigi – I give credit to Daieisho for trying to change things up and go chest to chest at the start of this match. But he rapidly figured out that it’s not going to pan out. He breaks contact and gets his thrusting attach underway, and then quickly dispatches a hapless Nishikigi. Daieisho now 2-0.

Takakeisho defeats Midorifuji – A lot of readers and sumo fans on Tachiai.org, Facebook, and Twitter are on to the apparent struggles Takakeisho is now having with not just his left knee, but perhaps his right one too. Watching this match, I have to really respect that he mounted the dohyo, and bested Midorifuji today. It was not clean, it was not pretty, but he got it done. Takakeisho now 2-1.

Terunofuji defeats Endo – Endo, what the hell was that. There was this out of place spin after the initial strike that left Endo completely defenseless. At least Terunofuji has enough strength and stamina left to be able to attack while Endo was discombobulated. Terunofuji improves to 3-0.

It’s day 3 in Tokyo! Will we get to see just how damaged Terunofuji is? Will we see one of the Ozeki hopeful take their first loss? Will Asanoyama’s low rank give him an advantage to spring boarding into next weeks yusho race? Bring on the torikumi!

What We Are Watching Day 3

Shonannoumi (1-1) vs Oho (1-1) – Today’s Juryo visitor is Shonannoumi, who is making his top division debut. Currently ranked Jury 1W, he’s been on a tear as of late, and can make it to the Maegashira ranks with a kachi-koshi this March. He won his only prior match against Oho, which happened on day 11 of Kyushu 2019, when both were in Makushita.

Kagayaki (0-2) vs Tsurugisho (1-1) – Its tough to watch Kagayaki flounder as he is doing. I have admired his fundamentals-based approach to his sumo for many years, but right now I think this guy belongs in Juryo. He seems to be in some sort of “rank protection program” at the moment, possibly because of his oyakata, and let me tell you, you are not doing Kagayaki any favors. Sure, he might bounce back after he loses his ring rust, but he’s still floundering while ranked at the bottom of the banzuke.

Ichiyamamoto (1-1) vs Mitoryu (1-1) – On to someone who I think will pull their sumo together and bounce back up the banzuke, Ichiyamamoto. His sumo seems to be about as one dimensional as Abi’s, but I think there is room for another double-arm thruster in the top division. He has a 4-2 career lead over Mitoryu, and I think as both of them are 1-1 starting day 3, this is Ichiyamamoto’s chance to pull ahead.

Chiyoshoma (0-2) vs Myogiryu (1-1) – You can look at this match up and ask yourself, what the hell is Myogiryu doing down here fight Chiyoshoma. But the answer is two consecutive make-koshi, including a 5-10 stinker in Osaka. They are fairly evenly matched, with Chiyoshoma having a negligible 7-6 lead. Is today the first henka? We shall see…

Asanoyama (2-0) vs Kotoeko (1-1) – HEADLINE: Former Ozeki pounds the stuffing out of lower ranked rikishi, urges banzuke committee to pick up the pace. Seriously, 4-1 against the compact fellow from Miyazaki. Enjoy the trip and please keep your tray table in the upright and locked position.

Hokuseiho (1-1) vs Aoiyama (2-0) – Now this one is a delightful curiosity. Hulking youngster faces hulking older rikishi. Hokuseiho is finding out that the “just be huge” routine is not very useful from here on out, so he’s going to have to fight. Is Aoiyama healthy enough to introduce him to the V-Twin? I sure hope so.

Daishoho (0-2) vs Takarafuji (2-0) – I am starting to have hope that Takarafuji’s health and mechanical injury problems are behind him for now. If so, we can look forward to him dishing out some great defensive sumo over the next 2 weeks. It’s been since last year that we have seen him in good form, and I hope that is in fact the case. He has a 2-1 career record against Daishoho.

Onosho (1-1) vs Ryuden (1-1) – Circle this one with a big marker, as I think that we will have a sharp fight out of these two. We can assume that Onosho is going to start the match with a big attack, but will Ryuden be there to receive it? They have only fought once since 2020, and that match went to Ryuden by yorikiri during day 5 of Hatsu.

Hiradoumi (1-1) vs Takanosho (0-2) – I hope that whatever is keeping Takanosho from winning matches is nothing more than typical ring-rust. I know he has a lot of natural talent, but has struggled with mechanical injuries since July of last year. He is starting day 3 with a 0-2 record, and I am not sure he’s got the mojo to do too much against Hiradoumi today.

Hokutofuji (1-1) vs Sadanoumi (1-1) – This match is another today that has the potential for a highlight reel. Hokutofuji’s day 2 match against Mitakeumi was completely fantastic. The crowd in the Kokugikan went nuts, and rightfully so. May I just mention how nice it is to see the sumo fans slowly reverting back to form? You put Hokutofuji’s epic stability against Sadanoumi’s lightning speed, and we may get magic. Hokutofuji does hold a 5-3 career lead, with the last 3 in a row going to Sadanoumi.

Tamawashi (1-1) vs Mitakeumi (1-1) – 34 career matches. Long term sumo fans may recall the days they were both in san’yaku and would have big matches that featured painful moves and loud thuds each and every tournament. Tamawashi has won the last 4 in a row, which overlays well on Mitakeumi’s physical problems, so it’s any guess who has the edge today.

Kinbozan (1-1) vs Meisei (2-0) – At Maegashira 5e, we all want to see Kinbozan fight the named ranked rikishi. Yes, he has to wade through his peers on the banzuke right now, and I would not be surprised to see them save those matches for the middle weekend. I know I would. But he has a first ever fight against Meisei, who has started Natsu 2-0.

Ura (1-1) vs Kotoshoho (1-1) – Ura’s day 2 loss to Daieisho came as no surprise, given the clash of styles. Today’s prospects are much better for Ura, as he does have a tool box that can win against Kotoshoho. Even though the score looks even at a career 3-2 Ura advantage, the last 2 matches went to Kotoshoho. To me, Ura is still holding something back, maybe he’s not quite fighting fit this month?

Kotonowaka (2-0) vs Nishikifuji (0-2) – Its probably time for someone to put Kotonowaka on the clay. Nishikifuji has yet to have a win, but I doubt that fact will remain true for much longer and today’s a good a day as any. Their last prior match was Aki day 15 of 2022, and went to Nishikifuji by okuridashi.

Tobizaru (0-2) vs Hoshoryu (2-0) – Likewise, it’s high time for Tobizaru to win his first match, and put a dent into that unbeaten record of Hoshoryu. They have 15 prior matches, stretching back to Juryo in 2019, with Hoshoryu having a 9-6 advantage. If Hoshoryu can capture Tobizaru, we will likely see sumo’s flying monkey visit the crowd again today, but I do hope that he can at least put up a good defense.

Kiribayama (2-0) vs Abi (0-2) – Like Tobizaru, I think it’s a good time for Abi to start winning matches. The slip and fall on the second step of his day 2 match against Terunofuji was a massive disappointment, but as long as he can keep his feet today, I think he will at least get off a couple of good volleys against the Ozeki hopeful. Kiribayama holds a 4-1 career lead, with Abi only winning their first ever match in March of 2022.

Shodai (1-1) vs Wakamotoharu (2-0) – I think its likely they will go chest to chest, and that will even the field for Shodai. He was nearly upright in his day 2 match against Nishikifuji, and as always I think Shodai wins matches in spite of his poor mechanical form. But right now Wakamotoharu’s form is solid enough that I would not be surprised to see him in the yusho race next week. They hold an even 2-2 career record.

Daieisho (2-0) vs Nishikigi (0-2) – To me, Daieisho looks to be very comfortable in his sumo right now, and I would expect that if he can get a clear attack rout to Nishikigi’s chest, it’s a 3rd win for him.

Midorifuji (0-2) vs Takakeisho (1-1) – Takakeisho is hurt. I know it, you know it, and the Great Sumo Cat of the Kokugikan knows it. But is he hurt enough for Midorifuji to overcome his 0-3 career record against the Grand Tadpole? Maybe. We did not see any good offense from Takakeisho on day 2, and that should be a concern.

Terunofuji (2-0) vs Endo (0-2) – Fans likely know that Endo will bring out his best sumo for a “big” match. The chance to take a kinboshi from a less than genki Yokozuna counts as “big”. I would expect Terunofuji to get his first solid test of his condition and his sumo today. He has a 9-5 career lead over Endo.

Day 2 was rematch day, and that’s a mighty fine day in any sumo calendar. We had blistering double fights between Mitakeumi and Hokutofuji, and Shodai and Nishikifuji. The Mitakeumi fight was especially excellent, and I am starting to have hope that maybe the Original Tadpole has some health back, and won’t just hop off into the sunset as I had feared.

On the “Future Ozeki” front, Kiribayama, Hoshoryu and Daieisho all have 2-0 starts, as does former and future Ozeki Asanoyama. At some point later in this tournament, all of those hopefuls at the top of the banzuke will begin a round robin brawl that may eliminate some or all of them. This is where the zero-sum game of sumo really gets brutal, as these rikishi fight it out to see who comes out in front. Add in that both Takakeisho and Terunofuji are fighting hurt and at less than full power, the back half of this basho is a powder keg of sumo.

Highlight Matches

Gonoyama defeats Kagayaki – Much better sumo today from Kakayaki. He was able to keep his weight centered over the arches of his feet, and put up a solid fight against Gonoyama. But once Gonoyama got his hands inside at the start of the third volley, Kagayaki was in trouble. A last moment attempt at a hitakikomi by Kagayaki did not pay off, and Gonoyama returns to Juryo with his second win of the basho at 2-0.

Mitoryu defeats Oho – Oho was late to the tachiai, and hopefully was not too upset that Mitoryu had no intention of waiting for him. Mitoryu took early command with thrusts to Oho’s upper body, and three steps later had him over the tawara. Both end the day at 1-1.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Tsurugisho – Ichiyamamoto continues his absolute dominance over Tsurugisho, with a career record now at 8-0. Tsurugisho’s face slap attempt was ill considered, as it left his body wide open for Ichiyamamoto’s thrusting attack. Tsurugisho’s too big to be batted about easily, but not too big to be slapped to the clay by hatakikomi. Both end the day 1-1.

Asanoyama defeats Myogiryu – Its great to watch, but hopefully no one is surprised. Former Ozeki who is not hurt returns to the top division with Ozeki grade sumo. Who could have known? Hopefully he can score well this basho and climb the banzuke quickly. Asanoyama 2-0 with a textbook yorikiri.

Kotoeko defeats Chiyoshoma – I love this flavor of Kotoeko sumo. Chiyoshoma went for a deep left hand grip at the tachiai, and had an early advantage. Kotoeko bar’s Chiyoshoma’s left arm so he can’t let go, then proceeds to haul Chiyoshoma around by that trapped left arm. Some fancy leg entanglement, and it’s kakenage time! Kotoeko now 1-1.

Aoiyama defeats Daishoho – Daishoho had a superb first hit, but his forward rush to follow up was straight into an Aoiyama hold that quickly turned into step out with a tsukiotoshi finish. For such an enormous fellow, Big Dan really can move. Aoiyama now 2-0.

Takarafuji defeats Hokuseiho – This match is a great example of how much further Hokuseiho has to go. I hope he can improve rather than turn into another Ichinojo – plodding along just being huge. He tries the “I dare you to move me” routine on Takarafuji today, and Takarafuji shows him how what to do with that nonsense. Out you go! Takarafuji with a solid 2-0 start.

Ryuden defeats Hiradoumi – Hiradoumi got the better of the tachiai, resulting in a double inside grip. But look at Hiradoumi’s foot placement. He had zero power with his feet aligned like that. Compare to Ryuden’s stance, which was correct. Hiradoumi eventually gets a better stance, but Ryuden waits him out and wears him down, and then walks him out for his first win of Natsu. Both end the day 1-1.

Onosho defeats Takanosho – Nice opening combo from Onosho. He reaches for Takanosho’s belt and can’t reach it. He immediately recognizes that Takanosho is much too far forward, and fluid side step and thrust down move. Onosho improves to 1-1.

Tamawashi defeats Sadanoumi – Tamawashi puts all of his tachiai chips on a right hand nodowa, and wow did it look brutal. I am sure the plan was to reduce or eliminate Sadanoumi’s excellent mobility, and that neck hold took care of that. Sadanoumi responded with a left hand ottsuke that took time to work, but did break the neck hold, and let him drive forward, but a ring’s edge kotenage won the match for Tamawashi. Both end the day 1-1.

Mitakeumi defeats Hokutofuji – Mitakeumi went for a “stand him up, pull him down” combo that saw both men run for the tarawa locked in battle. The gumbai went to Hokutofuji, and a monoii was called, and a rematch was declared. Second fight was a real brawl, with Mitakeumi focusing of hazu-oshi armpit attacks, and Hokutofuji’s lower body doing its usual amazing job of keeping him in the match. With dominance changing multiple times, Konosuke was up, down, left, right with amazing speed keeping an eye on the action. But with his mawashi coming undone, Mitakeumi managed enough power to shove Hokutofuji out of the ring. Fantastic sumo, they are both 1-1.

Meisei defeats Kotoshoho – Meisei had the better tachiai, and I am not sure what Kotoshoho had in mind, but you can see that his idea was disrupted and he immediately goes into a “try something” mode. Meisei is already thrusting center-mass, and has Kotoshoho on the move by the time Kotoshoho starts to rally. As Kotoshoho leans into a counter attack, Meisei brings him down with a hikiotoshi, improving to 2-0. Yeah, I am surprised that Meisei was able to get Kotoshoho off his sumo for that crucial moment.

Kinbozan defeats Nishikigi – Kinbozan does a masterful job of keeping Nishikigi away from his belt, robbing Nishikigi of his favorite offense. As they spar, Nishikigi does open a route to go chest to chest, but as he lunges in to grapple, Kinbozan slaps him away with a masterful tsukiotoshi. Nicely done, and he is now 1-1.

Shodai defeats Nishikifuji – Nishikifuji gets a hold of Shodai early and stands him up, and runs him out. The final moment was a bit messy, and a monoii resulted in a rematch. The second run through was very similar to the first match, except that we saw Nishikifuji try to load a throw, and step out as Shodai was dialing up the forward pressure. Shodai improves to 1-1 thanks to Nishikifuji’s foot.

Kiribayama defeats Endo – As mentioned in the preview, Endo is a highly skilled, competent sumo technician. He can beat you so many different ways, it’s kind of amazing. But is also, at least now, quite predictable. The oft-seen left hand grab at the tachiai was met with a Kiribayama block that flowed smoothly into a right hand outside hold to balance a left hand nodowa. It was three quick steps to the launch point, where Kiribayama encouraged Endo to go talk it over with waiting gyoji Kimura Tamajiro. Kiribayama continues the march toward Ozeki at 2-0.

Wakamotoharu defeats Tobizaru – Things to love about Tobizaru: 1) Win or lose he seems to be having a wonderful time. 2) Every time he gets tossed off the dohyo, he spends a moment to be nice to the fans. 3) He’s always ready for more sumo. All of these points were important for today’s match, as Wakamotoharu took him out to the curb like the green glass on Tuesday in Sumida. Wakamotoharu now 2-0.

Daieisho defeats Ura – I applaud Ura for trying the grab-and-tug offense, but Daieisho was ready for that, and kept him arms under control for the whole match. When Daieisho is like this, he can really crank up the forward pressure. Daieisho now 2-0.

Hoshoryu defeats Midorifuji – Hoshoryu went into the tachiai very quickly, and that seems to have given Midorifuji a double inside moro-zashi grip. Only excellent defensive foot placement and solid lower body work kept Hoshoryu in that match at the initial merge. Midorifuji could have waited Hoshoryu out for much longer given his set up, but an attempt to change grip gave Hoshoryu the opening he wanted, and he quickly brought Midorifuji down by tsukiotoshi. Hoshoryu improves to 2-0.

Kotonowaka defeats Takakeisho – You could tell this match was going to hell when Takakeisho was not thrusting against Kotonowaka, only trying to hold his ground. Once he had Kotonowaka gain a body hold, it was only a question of how he was going to lose. Kotonowaka improves to 2-0.

Terunofuji defeats Abi – Fans on social media have already noted that we still really don’t know what kind of condition Terunofuji is in. This match had good potential, but ended in a hurry thanks to an Abi slippiotoshi. Terunofuji will gladly take the win, and is now 2-0.

Day one was a bit of a surprise, as it featured very little ring rust. I was happy to see both Terunofuji and Takakeisho win their openers, as they both need to hit at least 8 this basho. I especially liked Kiribayama’s win over Midorifuji, as he used Midorifuji’s favorite technique, the katasukashi, to do it. As long as we are talking Ozeki, how about a few more. Asanoyama is likely to not have too tough a time with any opponents the first week. He’s not really less potent than when he got into trouble, so expect a big, burly Ozeki presence in each day’s match. Lastly, with Takayasu out, we will have daily visitors from Juryo to fill the banzuke gap. At least until someone else goes kyujo, or Takayasu returns.

There are several sumo “superfans” in Tokyo for this tournament, or at least part of it. I salute you all for making that trip, and hope you have an absolutely wonderful time at the Kokugikan and the surrounding Tokyo area.

What We Are Watching Day 2

Kagayaki (0-1) vs Gonoyama (0-0 (1-0)) – Juryo visitor Gonoyama faces Kagayaki for the first time ever. I think this one will come down to Kagayaki getting his balance dialed in, as he was not stable enough of his feet on day 1 to withstand a tsukiotoshi. At M17E, I would expect him to finally head back to Juryo for July if he fails to make his 8.

Mitoryu (0-1) vs Oho (1-0) – Oho managed to win his opening day match against the off balance Kagayaki, but it’s too soon to determine if he has returned to good form. He has never beaten Mitoryu in 7 attempts, so an Oho win today would be a surprise.

Ichiyamamoto (0-1) vs Tsurugisho (1-0) – Like Kagayaki, Ichiyamamoto showed us some balance problems in his day 1 match. If those problems persist today, the trouble will be amplified by Tsurugisho’s massive 60kg weight advantage. Ichiyamamoto has a perfect 7-0 record against Tsurugisho, so I am looking for “Abi-junior” to pick up his first win of the basho today.

Asanoyama (1-0) vs Myogiryu (1-0) – These two have an 11 match career record, with a 9-2 advantage to the former Ozeki. They last fought 2 years ago on day 7 of 2021’s Natsu, where Asanoyama earned a win by sukuinage. In fact, Asanoyama has won the last 7 matches in a row against Myogiryu, going all the way back to 2018.

Chiyoshoma (0-1) vs Kotoeko (0-1) – These two have a 19 match career record, with Kotoeko having a 12-7 lead over Chiyoshoma. I see folks on Twitter are starting to try and handicap which day will see the first Chiyoshoma henka. I think this is a very good candidate day.

Aoiyama (1-0) vs Daishoho (0-1) – Aoiyama won their only prior match, which was an incredible 5 years ago when they were both in Juryo during Hatsu-basho 2018. We got to see Aoiyama fire up the V-Twin on day 1, and I hope he is healthy enough to ride that hawg all the way to a double digit finish this May.

Hokuseiho (1-0) vs Takarafuji (1-0) – Hokuseiho’s slow, plodding sumo style does not mix well with a healthy Takarafuji. Takarafuji tends to be very mobile, tends to focus first and foremost on keeping his opponents reactive, and seldom gets into protracted leaning matches. Both are starting today 1-0, but I think that Takarafuji has the edge.

Ryuden (0-1) vs Hiradoumi (1-0) – It’s hard to tell if Ryuden’s chronic hip injuries are bothering him once more, but I certainly hope that is not the case. After a dreadful 2-13 result in March, he could certainly benefit from at least a kachi-koshi this May. He has won all 4 prior matches against Hiradoumi, so quite possibly he will make it a 2-0 start to Natsu today.

Onosho (0-1) vs Takanosho (0-1) – Onosho was one of the few examples of ring rust we saw on day 1, and hopefully he has gotten his balance and stance to align for today. I think Takanosho underestimated Sadanoumi, and got a face full of clay as a result. Their career record stands at 6-7.

Sadanoumi (1-0) vs Tamawashi (0-1) – Sadanoumi has had two 6-9 make-koshi so far this year, and it’s high time for him to have a winning tournament. Tamawashi did even worse at Osaka, ending with 3-12, and was clearly hurt. It’s hard to tell if he is still hurt, but if he is, it could indicate the beginning of the end of the 37 year old “iron man of sumo’s” career.

Hokutofuji (1-0) vs Mitakeumi (0-1) – To me, Mitakeumi looks like he lost weight. His big round “umi” belly looks a bit slack, and he is not as puffy as he had been. I would imagine a lighter Mitakeumi may be a better Mitakeumi, bu so far that has not panned out. Mitakeumi holds a 14-11 career match advantage over Hokutofuji.

Meisei (1-0) vs Kotoshoho (1-0) – Both come into today’s match with a win on day 1, and I think that this is a solid head to head fight regardless of Meisei’s 4-1 career advantage. Kotoshoho has been indicating for some time that he is ready to make a step change improvement to his sumo, and this may be the basho where that all comes about.

Kinbozan (0-1) vs Nishikigi (0-1) – Both of these rikishi took a loss on opening day, in spite of them being excellent fighters. This is their first ever match, but I give Kinbozan a slight edge as I think Nishikigi will be denied his “battle hug” that gives him a path to a win.

Shodai (0-1) vs Nishikifuji (0-1) – I was very happy to see the “Wall of Daikon” deployed straight away on day 1. Gives me a lot of hope that we can see “good” Shodai this tournament as he follows up his 10-5 strong finish in Osaka. Nishikifuji lost his opening day match, and I have to wonder if he is still less than optimum due to lingering injuries. Shodai won their only prior match in January on day 12.

Kiribayama (1-0) vs Endo (0-1) – Kiribayama is shooting for double digits in a bid to become sumo’s next Ozeki. He’s going to need to be more consistent than his average day to day this May to make it happen. He has an even 3-3 record against Endo, who’s sumo is strong, but predictable. I suspect Kiribayama may get a surprise, as Endo seems to bring out his best sumo for the “big” matches.

Tobizaru (0-1) vs Wakamotoharu (1-0) – Tobizaru lost opening day, and I have to wonder if maybe his high mobility monkey sumo may have run its course for now. I am fairly confident that if Wakamotoharu can get a hand hold, he can shut down Tobizaru and use his superior yotsu-zumo skills to finish him off. However, Tobizaru has a 7-5 career edge over Wakamotoharu.

Daieisho (1-0) vs Ura (1-0) – Much as I love Ura, this one is likely no contest. Daieisho’s mega-thrust sumo is usually more than sufficient to get even the new bulked up Ura airborne. Ura’s one chance is to execute some of his grab-and-tug sumo when Daieisho’s arms are extended, and hurl him out of the ring. He was able to do that in their last match, on day 2 of November’s Kyushu basho.

Midorifuji (0-1) vs Hoshoryu (1-0) – Hoshoryu will have his first match of the basho today, after getting a surprise fusensho against Takayasu on day 1. Midorifuji has a 6-2 career history, and he tends to dominate the future Ozeki hopeful, favoring the use of watashikomi: a thigh grabbing push down.

Kotonowaka (1-0) vs Takakeisho (1-0) – Kotonowaka won their last match, during Hatsu of day 11, where he employed an oshitaoshi to take the Ozeki down. He was one of only 3 people to beat Takakeisho that tournament, as the Ozeki finished 12-3 with his 3rd yusho. Looking forward to this match.

Terunofuji (1-0) vs Abi (0-1) – They have split their prior matches 2-2, with Abi winning the most recent on on day 1 of Nagoya 2022. There are still a lot of questions around Terunofuji’s condition, and we can only hope he’s healthy enough to make it through this basho. No matter what, you can bet this one ends with an oshidashi.