I am both impressed and delighted at the rate at which the scheduling crew is busy throwing matches in that have daily impact to the story lines. I know what’s what they are supposed to be doing, but I have seen more than once that this gets saved up for the last 3 days. This is also the time when the numerologists in the schedule crew start to have fun, play games or make number jokes with the matches and the schedules. It’s subtle, it’s dumb, it’s nerdy, and so very Japanese.

On deck for a try at kachi-koshi today: Kiribayama, Kotonowaka, Ryuden, Onosho and Hiradoumi.

I am eager to see how matters with Wakatakakage play out. His performance has not been Ozeki level this November, but as documented elsewhere on Tachiai, the NSK may be in dire need of another Ozeki before too long, and he is the only option they have at hand. But it’s all for naught if he can’t consistently win 2 matches out of every 3. The last thing we need is a repeat of Shodai or worse yet poor Mitakeumi.

I have no misconceptions. Sumo is going to be just fine. But sumo fandom is harder now than it was 5 years ago. Welcome to the post Hakuho era.

Kyushu Leaderboard

Significant changes since day 11’s preview – we now have a single leader for the cup. He’s not had prior yusho experience, so for the final 4 matches, it’s mostly a mental battle between his ears. Can Hoshoryu calm his inner self and continue to excel? We will know more at the end of day 12…

Leader: Hoshoryu
Chasers: Takayasu, Oho
Hunt Group: Takakeisho, Nishikifuji, Abi, Kagayaki

4 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 12

Onosho vs Kotoshoho – A win today, and Onosho has a kachi-koshi for November. He’s not fought that well, and frankly I would not be surprised to see him struggle to cross the finish line to get a winning record. Kotoshoho has been unimpressive at 6-5, and has been struggling to fight above the broad average for the entire year. Onosho holds a 3-1 career advantage.

Aoiyama vs Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi (0-11) is running out of chances to avoid the dreaded zenpai. Maybe his best last opportunity is a match against 4-7 Aoiyama today. Terutsuyoshi holds an 8-5 career lead, but I don’t have high hopes that Terutsuyoshi will be able to muster the lower body fortitude to keep him in the match more than a few seconds.

Atamifuji vs Chiyoshoma – Atamifuji (3-8) is already make-koshi, and likely headed back to Juryo to regroup. Isegahama has had a real dud of a tournament in Fukuoka this year, I wonder what happened for so many of their top performers to all be in terrible fighting form all at the same time. He has a first time match against Chiyoshoma, who is one loss away from make-koshi (4-7).

Okinoumi vs Tochinoshin – A pair of 5-6 rikishi who share a 22 match career record, favoring Okinoumi narrowly at 10-12. During 2022, both of these grizzled veterans get into pretty sore and depleted condition around about this time of a basho, so this match may be who has enough fuel left to fight stronger today.

Ichiyamamoto vs Myogiryu – On to a pair of 6-5 rikishi, both of whom have a worrisome 3 losses in the last 4 matches. Looks like today will be to see who gets to make that 4 losses out of 5. Ouch!

Nishikigi vs Azumaryu – At this point, I am really pulling for 35 year old Azumaryu (6-5) to finally get his first ever top division kachi-koshi. If that means 5-6 Nishikigi needs to eat some clay, that’s a price I am willing to pay.

Hokutofuji vs Hiradoumi – Oh goodie, the first high interest match crops up before half time. They have never fought, and I have been impressed by how well, and how strongly 7-4 Hiradoumi has fought this November. He’s got ol’Stompy 6-5 Hokutofuji, who on any given day, unleash some impressive sumo. But as he has aged, Hokutofuji’s range of when he can unleash that wonderful stuff seems to grow more narrow, which is a shame. A Hiradoumi win today would be kachi-koshi.

Ura vs Takanosho – Two high interest matches in a row! Sure, both of them are fighting poorly, but I like both of their sumo styles, and maybe we can get a good match from them today. Its already make-koshi Ura at 2-9 against about to be make-koshi Takanosho at 4-7. May the best man lose!

Meisei vs Kotoeko – Both are 6-5, both still have a strong chance to end the year with a winning record, and both of them are just as likely to end up in a day 15 Darwin match. You didn’t think I forgot about that, did you? Oh heavens no. Sure Kotoeko is dashingly handsome and has a 10-6 career lead over Meisei, But I think this one is going to be a brawl.

Takarafuji vs Ichinojo – Just about half way through the torikumi, we get this dud of a fight. Both are already make-koshi, both are having a poor tournament, and both will struggle to do any sumo today. But whose sumo will stink worse? 1-10 Takarafuji, or 2-9 Ichinojo. Before you answer that, Ichinojo is slightly less banged up, and holds a 17-3 career lead.

Takayasu vs Ryuden – But now they schedulers make up for that stink burger, with this gem. I think a lot of sumo fans want to see Takayasu (9-2) take the cup once before he retires. He’s one win behind Hoshoryu, and needs to keep winning and hope that someone can put dirt on the yusho race front man. To reach that admirable goal, he’s got to best 7-4 Ryuden today. Not out of the question, but I do hope that Takayasu’s sumo is a bit more balanced and under control today.

Kagayaki vs Kotonowaka – Let this one sink in – Kagayaki is kachi-koshi (8-3), and on the leader board. Not that his performance is amazing right now, just that’s how weak the leader board is. If rising star Kotonowaka (7-4) can’t beat him up and take his lunch money, I will be surprised. A Kotonowaka win today would be kachi-koshi for him.

Tobizaru vs Wakamotoharu – Oh, just when my interest was starting to wane, here we have a fine example of scheduling. Tobizaru (5-6) has lost 3 of the last 4, and needs to win three out of the last 4 to reach kachi-koshi (see what they did there?) He’s up against Wakamotoharu (6-5) who is the polar opposite of Tobizaru’s wild, frantic sumo. Can’t wait.

Tamawashi vs Endo – Big match of people who we all wish were fighting better. Perennial favorite Endo (5-6) has only had one kachi-koshi this year, a 8-7 at Osaka. He’s up against September yusho winner Tamawashi (3-8), who I can only image is hurt and just can’t fight at his normal level of power. They have a 30 match history between them – wow.

Midorifuji vs Daieisho – Back to a pair of middle of the road fighters, we have 6-5 Midorifuji, and 5-6 Daieisho. I am still impressed that Midorifuji is able to be competitive at this rank in only his 4th top division basho, he only won their only prior match.

Oho vs Hoshoryu – You might say, hey, what’s this match? An M13 fighting off against a Sekiwake? Well, the Maegashira 13 is Oho, and one behind the leader, 10-1 Hoshoryu, who is his opponent today. Oho (9-2) is kind of a surprise this basho, and if he manages a win today, would throw the yusho race into chaos, by drawing even with Hoshoryu, and should Takayasu also win, turn this into a 3 way fight to the end. Surprisingly, they have had three prior matches, which Oho won 2 of them. Welcome to the big leagues, Oho.

Wakatakakage vs Abi – We just had a key match to shape the yusho race, what can we do next? Oh yeah! Lets try to take Wakatakakage’s Ozeki bid and see if we can run it aground! Abi is already kachi-koshi at 8-3, against 6-5 Wakatakakage, who I expected to be in the yusho race at this time. Wakatakakage has a narrow 2-1 career edge.

Sadanoumi vs Mitakeumi – Now that we had our fight, we can have our wake. Mitakeumi’s Ozeki career is done, will he also end this tournament make-koshi? At 4-7, he’s one loss away from that outcome, and I will be a bit surprised if Sadanoumi is the one who delivers the kill shot.

Takakeisho vs Nishikifuji – Both men are 8-3, so they are both securely kachi-koshi. This battle is to see which one of them will stay in the hunt for the cup, though the winner is going to hope that Oho can accomplish the unlikely.

Kiribayama vs Shodai – Just when you think it’s all done, along comes this nugget. Kiribayama at 7-4 can secure a winning record by defeating kadoban Ozeki Shodai (5-6). The problem is, I think we have Yokozuna Shodai from the parallel universe around, at least he was on day 11. If that guy hangs around, it’s wins every day until senshuraku. But if it’s normal Shodai, we may get to see him make-koshi, and follow Mitakeumi rank down the drain.

The anticipated shuffle in the leader board has started, and not a moment too soon. I am sure that the schedulers are looking for a good fight to the finish for the cup this weekend, and they need to get as many rikishi as possible lined up with a chance to fight it out for sumo’s big prize.

I started this basho out be remarking that Oho had yet to show himself, and was underperforming his potential. I think that is no longer entirely the case, but I still think he is sloppy, a bit too conservative in his sumo, and underperforming his potential. But you would be right to respond that he has had a share of the lead in the yusho race, and I am fully of three week old tapioca pudding, and you might have a point. But you can see underneath the flabby, somewhat unfocused sumo tiny flashes of greatness. I don’t know if his coaches are just taking their time with him, or he does not see it himself, or he does not believe it can happen. But I hope against hope that maybe he can help turn this poorly differentiated mass of rikishi that is the Kyushu Maku-no-uchi division into something a bit more exciting next year.

But the day really belongs to Hoshoryu. So far, we have not seen the big attitude this November, just solid, strong sumo. He has sole possession of the lead now, and he has earned it. If he can hold steady for the next 4 days, he will win the cup. But I suspect that if the stars align, Takayasu might still have one more chance to play spoiler.

Highlight Matches

Kotoeko defeats Ichiyamamoto – I just noticed a big piece of tape around Kotoeko’s right thigh, maybe that’s new? He has a rough tachiai, and works to endure Ichiyamamoto’s double arm thrust train. Just as Ichiyamamoto get’s him off balance, Kotoeko grabs onto Ichiyamamoto’s right hand, pulling him down and across. It was enough to make Ichiyamamoto step out first, and both end the day 6-5.

Kotoshoho defeats Azumaryu – Kotoshoho made contact at the tachiai with his right shoulder, standing Azumaryu up, and immediately put his hands behind Azumaryu’s neck and pulled him down. Quick, effective and successful. Both end the day 6-5.

Onosho defeats Hiradoumi – Hiradoumi could not reach around Onosho’s belly to get that left hand frontal grip he tried for at the tachiai, and ended up needing to step back as Onosho’s first thrust connected. What followed was a series of attack-evade exchanges that were impressively good from both men, and especially noteworthy given Onosho frequently having balance problems. When Onosho grappled Hiradoumi to force him out, Hiradoumi nearly escaped again! I am impressed with Hiradoumi’s sumo this November. Both men end the day 7-4.

Kagayaki defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma looked to have a good start, but immedately tried to pull, and Kagayaki responded with a strong advance. Chiyoshoma quickly lost his balance, and Kagayaki had his kachi-koshi at 8-3. Welcome back to the top division, sir.

Abi defeats Oho – Oho continues to have real trouble with Abi-zumo, and loses for the 3rd time by catching a series of volleys directly to center mass. Oho takes his second loss, and drops out of the leader group for the Cup, and Abi improves to 8-3 and secures his kachi-koshi for November.

Takanosho defeats Terutsuyoshi – Takanosho got to use two finishing moves against Terutsuyoshi, when the first oshitaoshi failed to get the nimble Terutsuyoshi. The second was a bit more forceful, and saw Terutsuyoshi fall from the dohyo and land in front of his oyakata. That’s 0-11 for Terutsuyoshi, and a welcome 4th win for Takanosho, and he is now 4-7.

Tochinoshin defeats Atamifuji – Atamifuji is low and leaning forward at the tachiai, and is easily dropped by Tochinoshin win a hatakikomi. Not sure where Atamifuji’s sumo went, but it’s not been around Fukuoka since day 5, as Atamifuji has now lost 6 in a row, and is now make-koshi. Tochinoshin improves to 5-6.

Takarafuji defeats Okinoumi – Takarafuji finally picks up his first win, and there will be no zenpai playoff after regulation on day 15 after all. I was kind of looking forward to it. This win was a quick set up at the tachiai into an immediate tsukiotoshi. Takarafuji now 1-10.

Sadanoumi defeats Aoiyama – Aoiyama delivers a couple of big blows to Sadanoumi’s face, but he rotates Aoiyama around, grabs a double handful of rubbery flesh and pushes him right out. Sadanoumi up to 5-6.

Wakamotoharu defeats Myogiryu – Myogiryu put a lot into this match, but could not get Wakamotoharu close to going out, in spite of some rather upright body posture from Wakamotoharu. Wakamotoharu manages to lower his hips, turn Myogiryu around, and turns on the forward power for a yorikiri. Both end the day 6-5.
Myogiryu: 6-5

Endo defeats Ura – Probably the best effort from Ura in the last few days, he gave Endo a solid fight, including some grab and tug sumo, which we have not really seen in Kyushu. Ura tries to lift and put Endo out, but just does not have the power to do it. Surprising given just how strong Ura’s upper body is. Endo responds with an uwatedashinage, taking the win and advancing to 5-9.
Endo: 5-6

Kotonowaka defeats Ichinojo – Kotonowaka got a left hand outside grip early, and used it to stay firmly in the match, even when Ichinojo rallied. The two then locked up and went about testing their endurance in the center of the dohyo. Kotonowaka was able to break the stalemate and get Ichinojo on the move, tossing him out with an okuridashi. Kotonowaka one away from kachi-koshi at 7-4.

Takayasu defeats Nishikifuji – Takayasu looked more out of control in this match than he has all November. He was off balance half of the match, and twice on one leg (briefly). But he was pouring massive power into his attacks on Nishikifuji, and was connecting more than he was not. With a mighty shove he sent Nishikifuji out, improving to 9-3.

Kiribayama defeats Ryuden – Kiribayama thought he had Ryuden out the first time, but failed to finish him, and Ryuden re-engaged, and they ended up chest to chest in the middle of the dohyo. They began to tire out their hands, and Kiribayama advanced, Ryuden attacked, and Kiribayama dropped him with a sotogake. Both end the day at 7-4, solid sumo!

Nishikigi defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi comes in strong with a good series of oshi attacks, completely disrupting Nishikigi’s match plan. Twice Nishikigi tried to recover, and get some kind of grip on Tamawashi, but eventually gave up when he found Tamawashi’s chest wide open. Three big thrusts later, Tamawashi was out, and Nishikigi had his first win against Tamawashi in 7 attempts. That’s 5-6 for Nishikigi while Tamawashi picks up his 8th loss and is make-koshi.

Daieisho defeats Meisei – I am impressed that Meisei was able to absorb Daieisho’s opening volleys, and returned in kind with enough power to keep Daieisho from advancing. Things fell apart from him when it looks like he tried some kind of pull or slap down, missed Daieisho completely, and lost his good balance. Daieisho attacked, and put him out of the ring by oshitaoshi. Daieisho improves to 5-6.

Midorifuji defeats Tobizaru – Blazing combo attacks were the order of the day in this match. It was glorious, and both delivered a lot of power in those blows. Midorifuji ended the exchange by slipping a right hand under Tobizaru’s arm, and throwing him down by sukuinage. Great stuff, and Midorifuji is up to 6-5.

Hoshoryu defeats Mitakeumi – Hoshoryu made fast work of the former Ozeki, getting a shallow left hand grip, lifting Mitakeumi’s considerable bulk, and walking him out. I wish we knew what injury is plaguing Mitakeumi, but we don’t. I just hope it’s something he can eventually recover from. Hoshoryu now the sole leader of the yusho race at 10-1.

Shodai defeats Wakatakakage – Just when you think you know how things are going to turn out, Shodai decided this is a fine day for sumo. Wakatakakage comes in strong, and finds that Shodai actually put some power into his tachiai. Shodai’s stance is wide, low and angled. What is this? He spreads his shoulders wide, it’s the Wall of Daikon! The alternate universe Yokozuna Shodai decided to fight for us today, and he dispatches Ozeki hopeful Wakatakakage without much fuss at all. What the hell? Shodai at 5-6, and may still clear kadoban.

Takakeisho defeats Hokutofuji – So much oshi-zumo power in the opening moments of this match. It was almost enough to set the front row’s hair on fire. But today Takakeisho was able to get Hoshoryu’s lower body off balance and stumbling forward – not an easy task. As Hokutofuji exited the ring and went to go visit the fans, Takakeisho’s record improved to 8-3 and he is kachi-koshi for November.

Ready or not, act 3 here we come. Act 3 is all about the yusho race, and sorting everyone into make-koshi and kachi-koshi. One of the first jobs of act 3 is to take the two men at the top of the leader board, and try to get them dirty. An additional loss each would add a lot of interest to the rest of the tournament, though a fresh face hoisting the Emperor’s Cup is always a possibility. Only one rikishi with prior yusho experience, Takakeisho, is even in the race, and he is 2 wins behind the leaders. Possible, but unlikely.

On the Ozeki subject, Shodai is 2 losses away from following Mitakeumi into the purgatory of Ozekiwake, leaving only one Ozeki (Takakeisho) still competing in the sport. Given that Shodai does not seem to be able to summon his “good” sumo for any reason now, I think this outcome is increasingly likely. The bright spot is that Wakatakakage can still rally and get to double digits, keeping his Ozeki hopes alive.

Kyushu Leaderboard

While we have what passes for a leader board, the overwhelming bulk of the rikishi corps are struggling in the middle of the score range. It’s possible there could be a Darwin list of almost biblical proportions on Sunday.

Leaders: Hoshoryu, Oho
Chasers: Takayasu, Nishikifuji
Hunt Group: Takakeisho, Ryuden, Abi, Kagayaki, Hiradoumi

5 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 11

Kotoeko vs Ichiyamamoto – After having a good start, Kotoeko (5-5) has lost 3 of the last 4, and is squarely on the line between winning and losing. He’s got 6-4 Ichiyamamoto, who is himself close to the center-line for November. They have had 3 prior matches this year, and Kotoeko won 2 of them.

Azumaryu vs Kotoshoho – Another pair who are straddling the line between winning and losing. It’s 6-4 Azumaryu, who is looking for his first ever kachi-koshi in the top division, if he can just find 2 more wins. He’s got a 2-4 career deficit against 5-5 Kotoshoho, who has lost his last 2 matches.

Onosho vs Hiradoumi – A first every match, and the door is open for 7-3 Hiradoumi to pick up his kachi-koshi, his first ever in the top division. He needs to overcome 6-4 Onosho’s big forward power thrusts, which are brutally effective so long as he can keep his feet.

Kagayaki vs Chiyoshoma – These two have a 20 match career history which favors 7-3 Kagayaki by 12-8. Chiyoshoma has not been fighting well, and at only 4-6 he is likewise close the the win/lose line, needing 4 wins out of the final 5 to achieve a winning record. A Kagayaki win today would be kachi-koshi.

Oho vs Abi – A big match for the day, as 7-3 Abi has won both prior matches against 9-1 Oho. An Oho loss today would likely knock him out of the leader group, and either leave Hoshoryu alone at the front of the yusho race, or possible allow Takayasu or Nishikifuji to enter the fray.

Takanosho vs Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi is still on course for the incredibly rare zenpai finish (perfect 0-15), but has a 5-1 career advantage over 3-7 Takanosho. Takanosho is well motivated, as his next loss will be his 8th, and a make-koshi for November.

Atamifuji vs Tochinoshin – Likewise in the 3-7 camp is newcomer Atamifuji, who has his first ever match against 4-6 Tochinoshin. We did get to see Tochinoshin lift and carry Terutsuyoshi on day 10, but I think it’s asking too much for Atamifuji to receive the sky-cane treatment today.

Takarafuji vs Okinoumi – Also in the running for a rare zenpai is 0-10 Takarafuji. He faces 5-5 Okinoumi, who really could use the win. I have to wonder, if you have two rikishi with zensho scores at the end of 15 days, they have a final match to determine who comes out on top. Will they do the same if Terutsuyoshi and Takarafuji both finish 0-15?

Aoiyama vs Sadanoumi – A pair of 4-6 rikishi face off today, with one being pushed to the brink of make-koshi. Aoiyama holds a narrow 11-9 lead across their 20 match career record, but he is not anything close to his normal power and intensity. So this is going to come down to Sadanoumi being able to withstand the bashing Big Dan will deliver long enough to get inside, get a grip, and control the match.

Wakamotoharu vs Myogiryu – Yet another match at the win/lose center line. We have Wakamotoharu at 5-5, who has had some very good matches this month, against 6-4 Myogiryu. Wakamotoharu has never lost to Myogiryu, so I think he will come into this fight with a distinct edge.

Ura vs Endo – I would not be surprised if Ura (2-8) does not get another win this tournament. He’s not fighting at anything close to his normal ability, and so he is struggling quite a bit. In addition, I think Endo (4-6) is less damaged than Ura is, and could really use the win.

Ichinojo vs Kotonowaka – Sadly, 2-8 Ichinojo is having another terrible tournament, and he’s not had much success (1-5) winning against Kotonowaka, so I am looking for the top man in Sadogatake to pick up his 7th win today.

Takayasu vs Nishikifuji – This is one way to shape the leader board. Take both men in second place with 8-2 records, and have them compete to leave just one to challenge. Should Oho lose today, it would give me great delight to see him fight either of these men tomorrow. This is their first ever match, and I doubt Nishikifuji can adequately train would be to stand outside the Isegahama stable while the okamisan drove a mini-truck into him repeatedly for an hour.

Ryuden vs Kiribayama – I have no doubt that 6-4 Kiribayama will get his 8 wins this November. I think this is one of those tournaments where he just needs to hold tight and focus on improving his sumo. He’s not won against 7-3 Ryuden in two attempts, though he may be able to break through today and score his 7th win. A Ryuden victory would be kachi-koshi for him.

Tamawashi vs Nishikigi – High time for 3-7 Tamawashi to rally. He’s never lost to 4-6 Nishikigi, who’s deliberate yotsu-zumo makes him an easy mark for Tamawashi. I think an early thrusting attack followed by a nodowa and a quick run out of the ring for today.

Meisei vs Daieisho – Another match of two rikishi squarely in the middle band of scores with Meisei at 6-4, and Daieisho at 4-6. Daieisho has the overwhelming lead in the series, at 10-2, so I am going to assume he will take the win today, and keep himself closer to the win/loss center line.

Tobizaru vs Midorifuji – Two rikishi at 5-5, and it’s a wonderful match up between two high energy, high mobility rikishi. Midorifuji is on a 3 match winning streak, so he may have a bit of an edge today, in addition to his narrow 2-1 career lead.

Mitakeumi vs Hoshoryu – A bigger match than it might seem, given 4-6 Mitakeumi has lost any chance to regain his Ozeki rank. But he can still play spoiler if he can muster enough energy to give co-leader Hoshoryu (9-1) the business today. He has won 3 of their 4 matches on the clay, and although Mitakeumi only seems to be operating at about 80% of his normal power, I would like to think he could win this one.

Wakatakakage vs Shodai – Another match that is actually bigger than it might appear. With Ozeki hopeful Wakatakakage at 6-4, and kadoban Ozeki Shodai at 4-6, who wins and who loses this match will determine much for 2023. A Shodai loss puts him one away from giving up his Ozeki rank, while at the same time advancing Wakatakakage’s bid to take up that same rank. I know Shodai is capable of winning this match, as their career record favors him 6-4, but something is wrong with him, and there is no telling what.

Takakeisho vs Hokutofuji – Amazingly these two have fought 23 times going back to 2016 when Takakeisho (7-3) was Sato and Hokutofuji (6-4) was Daiki. In spite of the fact one became an Ozeki and the other has never been ranked higher than Komusubi, Takakeisho only holds a 13-10 career lead. They are both oshi-zumo practitioners, so this match could feature a lot big hits and painful impacts.

Two more rikishi picked up their kachi-koshi today, as the bulk of the top division remains somewhere between 4-6 and 6-4. Solid sumo today, with the standout fights being Tamawashi’s win over Wakamotoharu, and Ura finally finding his second white star.

At the end of act 2, we can now say that Mitakeumi will not be Ozeki in January. He was unable to handle Midorifuji, and hit the clay in under 15 seconds during the second half of sumo in Fukuoka. I had always thought that Mitakeumi would hold Ozeki for a good while, as his performance had been rather consistent for over 2 years. But then came July of 2022, and he went kyujo in the middle of the COVID disrupted Nagoya basho, and he has not been the same since. His Ozeki tenure was only 4 tournaments long. To further the Ozekipocalypse story line, Shodai lost his 6th match today when he could find no answer to Horshoryu’s overwhelming initial attack. All around, a rough day in the named ranks.

Highlight Matches

Azumaryu defeats Kotoeko – Kotoeko had a tough time setting up offense today, Azumaryu kept him moving, which it turns out is the right thing to do. A pull attempt by Azumaryu fails, but gets Kotoeko off balance enough that he can shove him out. Azumaryu now 6-4.

Onosho defeats Ichiyamamoto – Onosho gets a good attack from below against Ichiyamamoto’s arms, breaking his double arm pushing attack train. In response it seems Ichiyamamoto loses his cool and pulls against Onosho. Many times this is a safe play, but Onosho had contact, and following Ichiyamamoto, running him out in a hurry to pick up the win. Both end the day 6-4.

Hiradoumi defeats Kotoshoho – Hiradoumi continues to over perform, he deflects Kotoshoho’s tachiai, then boosts Kotoshoho’s forward momentum with a grab on Kotoshoho’s right arm and a swift rotation. They called it tsukiotoshi, but maybe that was not quite right. Any way you call it, Hiradoumi now 7-3.

Oho defeats Aoiyama – Oho was able to avoid the opening blows from Aoiyama, and immediately went into a right hand outside yotsu position. Within moments Oho had both hands on Aoiyama’s belt, and the proceeded to take advantage of Big Dan’s bad knees, walking him back and quickly out. Oho improves to an impressive 9-0.

Okinoumi defeats Takanosho – Takanosho had a great start. He was able to get inside hand placement, he was pushing well and moving Okinoumi back. But his feet were aligned, and a quick pivot by Okinoumi was all it took to drop Takanosho to the clay for his 7th loss. Okinoumi up to 5-5.

Chiyoshoma defeats Takarafuji – Not sure if that was a henka, or a flying mawashi grab by Chiyoshoma to start the match. He gets his deep right hand hold on Takarafuji’s mawashi, and the two go chest to chest. The two exchange probing attacks, and frankly this is a second day in a row where things are trying to line up to give him a win. But Chiyoshoma gets him off balance, rotates and throws him to the clay. Chiyoshoma now 4-6 as Takarafuji is 0-10.

Tochinoshin defeats Terutsuyoshi – The second half of the daily Isegahama defeat double header. Tochinoshin traps him low at the tachiai, and he’s more or less done at that point. He tries to grab Tochinoshin’s leg, but it’s only a matter of time before Tochinoshin picks him and carries him out for the win. Tochinoshin at 4-6.

Endo defeats Atamifuji – For all of the fan enthusiasm around Atamifuji, he has turned out to be not quite ready for the top division. Endo gets a right hand inside, and rides that hold all the way to a win, locking in Atamifuji’s arm, lifting with his back and running him out. Endo picks up a much needed win and is 4-6.

Kagayaki defeats Myogiryu – A simple match that featured Myogiryu getting too far in front of his feet, and Kagayaki reading the situation and letting him fall. My compliments to Kagayaki for keeping his eyes on his opponents, and he is now 7-3.

Ryuden defeats Abi – Abi’s sumo is quite potent, but its very narrow. As soon as his double arm thrusting train is disrupted, he’s an easy mark. Ryuden is able to get off axis against Abi’s attacks, and returns the favor from Abi’s left side. A quick turn and push out from behind, and Ryuden picks up his 7th win. Both are now 7-3.

Ura defeats Nishikigi – I am delighted to see Ura get his second win. It came down to his right hand outside grip that gave him enough control of Nishikigi’s body to prevent Nishikigi from setting up any offense. A quick forward, turn and throw, and Nishikigi hits the clay. Ura advances to 2-8.

Meisei defeats Hokutofuji – Hokutofuji does not maintain contact with Meisei, allowing him to back off and rush forward multiple times. This was the key to disrupting Hokutofuji’s balance, and opened the door to the hikkake that won the match. Both men end the day at 6-4.

Nishikifuji defeats Ichinojo – Ichinojo tries to leverage his height advantage to attack Nishikifuji from above, but Nishikifuji seems to not care one bit. He puts the pressure on against Ichinojo’s chest and moves him back. A last minute attempt to pull Nishikifuji falls short, and Ichinojo is out. Nishikifuji takes his 8th win and is kachi-koshi, while Ichinojo is now make-koshi at 2-8.

Tamawashi defeats Wakamotoharu – It looks to me that Wakamotoharu was so disrupted by Tamawashi’s nodowa attack, that he decided to attempt a pull. This was never likely to work, and only served to set his balance to the rear, and Tamawashi escorted him out, advancing to 3-7.

Kotonowaka defeats Daieisho – Daieisho got his massive pushing attack combo, and succeeded in getting Kotonowaka on the move. But he did not mind his location well, and found Kotonowaka stepping to the side as Daieisho moved to finish pushing him out of the ring. Daieisho takes a fall and Kotonowaka picks up his 6th win to finish the day 6-4.

Takayasu defeats Tobizaru – Takayasu’s mission today – keep Tobizaru from getting mobile and starting to launch his combo attacks. In this case, his big forearm hit at the tachiai worked well, and Takayasu launches a combo of his own that ends in a right hand pull down that hits will full effect against Tobizaru’s neck. He’s on the clay and Takayasu is kachi-koshi at 8-2.

Midorifuji defeats Mitakeumi – Mitakeumi put as much as he could muster into today’s fight, but was unable to protect his body from Midorifuji’s reach in grip attempt. Midorifuji eventually was able to get both hands inside and on Mitakeumi’s belt, and the two locked up in the center of the dohyo. Mitakeumi eventually breaks Midorifuji’s grip, but Midorifuji has his hands inside and pushes hard to move Mitakeumi out. That’s the end of Mitakeumi’s Ozeki chances, and he is down to 4-6. Midorifuji improves to 5-5.

Wakatakakage defeats Sadanoumi – Wakatakakage keeps his Ozeki hopes alive, he traps Sadanoumi’s hands at the tachiai, and immediately puts his lower body to work running Sadanoumi out. It’s quick, it’s effective and it’s done. Wakatakakage up to 6-4.

Takakeisho defeats Kiribayama – Kiribayama twice tried to get a hold of Takakeisho’ and missed both times. Each time, Takakeisho gained a bit of advantage, and the match ended with Takakeisho’s hands clear and inside, applying overwhelming force to Kiribayama’s body. Takakeisho improves to 7-3.

Hoshoryu defeats Shodai – Shodai does a solid job of blocking Hoshoryu’s first attempt at hand placement, but Hoshoryu is just too fast, and gets his hands inside, and immediately pushes forward. Shodai is immediately in trouble, and as he is being rushed out of the ring, he tries to rotate into a rescue throw, but it’s too little too late, and Shodai lands next to the dohyo. Hoshoryu now 9-1.