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.

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.