It was oshidashi day today, as the fontal push out seemed to be everyone’s favorite for day 3. We got to see Shodai score his first win of Hatsu with and oshidashi. Tamawashi employed a nodowa to set up his oshidashi, and everyone enjoyed Onosho’s oshidashi so much, they made him do it twice.

For the third day in a row, Hoshoryu dominated his match, today against a resurgent Mitakeumi. I am not sure if Hoshoryu is having a good tournament, or if this is his new normal, but it looks very good and is working wonderfully well. The only knock I have against him today is he did not read the fax before coming to the Kokugikan, and won by yorikiri rather than the default oshidashi.

Highlight Matches

Takarafuji defeats Azumaryu – Its great to see Takarafuji back in some manner of fighting form. Ranked this low on the banzuke, he is going to do a lot of damage. In addition, he is not using his “defend and extend” approach, he is taking the fight to his opponents and hustling them out of the ring. He took care of Azumaryu with out much trouble, and is now 3-0.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Chiyomaru – Chiyomaru brought nothing but a sore foot to today’s match. He deployed a half hearted attempt at a head slap to try and set up a pull, but he found Ichiyamamoto ready to engage, quickly landing volleys of thrusts into his chest, rapidly sending him out. Ichiyamamoto picks up his first win and is 1-2.

Mitoryu defeats Kotoeko – Kotoeko tried for a right hand face slap at the tachiai, leaving his chest wide open for Mitoryu to grab a hold, and toss him out like a bag of potatoes. I am not sure Mitoryu took more than two steps. Both end the day 1-2.

Kotoshoho defeats Tsurugisho – Tsurugisho was in a hurry to put Kotoshoho out, preferably with something along the lines of an oshitaoshi. But it looks like Tsurugisho needed one more step forward to make it work, and instead he dropped slightly faster than Kotoshoho, hitting the clay before Kotoshoho stepped out. Had they been spherical rikishi in a vacuum, they likely would have landed at the same time. A monoii was called to confirm this, and it was verified by the Center for Computational Science in Kobe that because Tsurugisho is more spheroid, he did in fact hit first. Kotoshoho unbeaten at 3-0.

Tochinoshin defeats Okinoumi – Three words to define this match: Left hand outside. Tochinoshin got his favorite grip, and went to work. Okinoumi shut him down at the tawara for a rather impressive length of time, but to no avail. Tochinoshin now 2-1.

Kagayaki defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma had this match won, but stepped out at the moment he cleared Kagayaki. Poor execution at the edge cost him his first win, as Kagayaki picks up the white star by oshidashi, and is 2-1.

Endo defeats Hiradoumi – Nice switch to plan B by Endo when his initial mawashi grab went wide of the mark. The initial attack may have failed, but it caused Hiradoumi to change his focus, momentarily leaving the inside lane wide open. Endo took that gift, and pushed Hiradoumi across the bales for a win. Endo now 2-1.

Aoiyama defeats Takanosho – Big Dan is looking healthy, and so we are probably going to see him in the mix in week 2. Currently unbeaten, he has not looked this good since May of last year when he finished 10-5. Normally, pulling is a big gamble, but for some reason Takanosho was not quite able to charge forward and exploit that move. As a result he is knocked about, tossed off balance and ends up on all fours. Aoiyama now 3-0.

Ura defeats Oho – An early start for Oho, he grabs Ura’s head and pulls back with all he can muster. What the hell was that? Of course Ura thanks his lucky stars, puts his hands into Oho’s chest and runs him out of town like a bank robber on Sunday morning. Oho needs better tactics. Ura now 2-1.

Onosho defeats Myogiryu – GUYS! Stop pulling Onosho, I know its a trope that he’s got some kind of “cab forward design” that makes him front loaded and ready to fall over in the slightest breeze. But that’s now three days in a row his opponent has tried to pull him, and been basted into the zabuton. There is a monoii that decides they want to see if Onosho can do it again. He’s happy to oblige, and a quick three step charge forward puts Myogiryu across the bales in short order, advancing him to 3-0. He has Endo on day 4, who hopefully will try something else.

Sadanoumi defeats Ryuden – Sadanoumi finally gets his first win of Hatsu, he beat Ryuden off the mark at the tachiai, got his hands inside and rushed forward. Three steps later Ryuden is out, and Sadanoumi is 1-2.

Hokutofuji defeats Nishikifuji – I really like Hokutofuji’s sumo today. You can see him start by both pushing and pulling Nishikifuji at the same time, which breaks his stance and gets him moving. Hokutofuji continues to the disruption, until Nishikifuji drops his hands, opens his chest, and Hokutofuji switches to attack. Two steps later Nishikifuji is out, improving Hokutofuji to 2-1.

Nishikigi defeats Midorifuji – I am not sure what Midorifuji had in mind, but the tachiai went poorly for him, and he found himself without any defensive foot placement at the exact moment Nishikigi applied the pressure to his chest. Quick and effective, he’s out by oshidashi and both end the day 2-1.

Kiribayama defeats Wakamotoharu – Kiribayama performed an important clinical service today, making sure that Wakamotoharu’s head was securely fastened to his neck. After a brutal inspection, it was deemed well connected, and Kiribayama used the entire head-neck assembly of Wakamotoharu to hurl him to the clay. Get that guy to a chiropractor. Kiribayama now 2-1.

Abi defeats Meisei – I give credit to Meisei, he had a couple of good disrupting attacks in the opening moments of the match that degraded Abi’s thrusting attack. But Abi is good enough at this point he recovered quickly, dialed up the power and put Meisei into the front row. Abi improves to 3-0, and is one to watch for the middle weekend.

Hoshoryu defeats Mitakeumi – The kanban bout of the day was brief but excellent. I was impressed by Hoshoryu’s ottsuke today, as he kept Mitakeumi from getting any kind of working hold on Hoshoryu’s body. Hoshoryu countered with a front grip outside, and it was enough to lift and move the former Ozeki back. Outstanding sumo today, and he is 3-0.

Wakatakakage defeats Tobizaru – Tobizaru and Wakatakakage exchanged right hand inside grips at the tachiai, but Wakatakakage’s was a bit deeper, and more useful. Tobizaru realized this, and quickly tried to find some way to employ his superior mobility, but was caught. A second move to break contact instead disrupted Tobizaru’s stance, and Wakatakakage threw him out. Wakatakakage now 2-1.

Shodai defeats Kotonowaka – I am glad to see Shodai finally win a match, and against an opponent who had dominated him in the past. Perhaps there is hope after all? Kotonowaka initial set up in the tachiai and on the second step was poor, and Shodai was able to take charge and command the match. A glimpse of the old Ozeki in there? Good… Oshidashi win for a shonichi and he is 1-2.

Tamawashi defeats Takayasu – A lot of fans had hopes for Takayasu this tournament. All of you (including myself), please put them back in the box, and put the box back in the closet. After a couple of back to back strong performances, we will be lucky if he can reach kachi-koshi this time. His opening move missed its mark, and he conceded the initiative to Tamawashi. Tamawashi applied a nodowa, and walked Takayasu back, shoving him out at the bales. Tamawashi perfect at 3-0.

Takakeisho defeats Daieisho – Takakeisho and Daieisho have been competing against each other in sumo since they were children, and Takakeisho read this one from across the room. Yes, Daieisho will get a cascade of “mega thrusts” going, yes, it can move mountains. But his attack tempo is so regular and so predictable, and Takakeisho so used to it, he stepped clear at the worst possible time, and Daieisho hit the clay. Both end the day 2-1.

The big, ultra wide mega match of the day is a pair of 2-0 rikishi who have been fighting well above their rank so far. It’s Ozeki hopeful Hoshoryu vs recently demoted Ozeki Mitakeumi. This could be the highlight match for the first week if the stars align, and I am eager to see how it plays out. Hoshoryu has the speed and power to put Mitakeumi away at the tachiai. If the match goes longer than that, I am looking for Mitakeumi to summon is tadpole power and dominate the much smaller Hoshoryu. I hope we may see both of them contend for the cup in week 2.

On the trail of Ozeki hopefuls, dear old Takayasu is looking very humble. His wild man sumo that served him well last basho has him looking a shambles right now. Its still possible for him to get on the path to success, but he has to overcome his arch competitor Tamawashi today to turn thing around.

All in all, a surprisingly important day of sumo for it only being day 3.

What We Are Watching Day 3

Takarafuji vs Azumaryu – Lower rungs of the banzuke are at times an interesting place, they collect the damaged and the up and comer alike. Today we have Takarafuji who is in an 8 wins or head to Juryo situation up against Azumaryu, a long serving vet who has yet to have his first time division kachi-koshi. Both have a 2-0 start, and one of them will take their first loss today. If Takarafuji is still in fighting form, he should be able to dispatch Azumaryu without too much worry.

Ichiyamamoto vs Chiyomaru – In contrast, two men who are 0-2, both hoping to be the one that will receive their first win today. Ichiyamamoto has a narrow 3-2 career lead, and he’s going to be up against the sumo spheroid, Chiyomaru. Chiyomaru is thus far not fighting well, and may be facing an immediate return to Juryo if he can’t shake off the ring rust and fight with more skill.

Mitoryu vs Kotoeko – Mitoryu at 0-2 has had a tough pair of matches to start the new year, losing to super-jumbo Tsurugisho, and then Azumaryu. He has not won against Kotoeko, with 2 tries, and today looks to be another rough day on the clay for Mitoryu.

Kotoshoho vs Tsurugisho – Speaking of Tsurugisho, he faces Kotoshoho, both of whom are 2-0. They have split their two prior matches. Tsurugisho as an enormous size advantage, and Kotoshoho does too, in that he does not have nearly 200 kg of stored chanko nabe to cart around the dohyo.

Okinoumi vs Tochinoshin – Two long-serving veterans with 23 career matches between them, split 11-12, narrowly favoring Tochinoshin. With 0-2 Okinoumi looking much worse right now than 1-1 Tochinoshin. Okinoumi’s best attack path is to follow what Hiradoumi did on day 2, deny Tochinoshin that left hand outside grip and wait for him to get off balance.

Chiyoshoma vs Kagayaki – To me this is a high interest match. Kagayaki (1-1) has the mass and strength, and Chiyoshoma (0-2) has the overwhelming urge to henka. I know it will make the readers howl, but I think he should deploy the henka today. Mostly because Kagayaki is likely to buy it wholesale.

Hiradoumi vs Endo – When they fought for the first time in November, Hiradoumi surprised Endo with his power and speed. I am keen to see if he will approach today’s match with Hiradoumi with more caution, and a plan to draw Hiradoumi into an ill considered move. Both are 1-1.

Takanosho vs Aoiyama – Takanosho (1-1) continues to be hit or miss so far, with a solid opening day against Endo, and a severe miscalculation against Onosho on day 2. Aoiyama (2-0) has dominated both of his prior matches. If he is healthy, we have to look for him to rack up the wins this far down the banzuke. They have an evenly split 3-3 record.

Oho vs Ura – 0-2 Oho has been fighting with a lot of vigor, and nothing to show for it. Perhaps he will find the sumo today to take his first win against 1-1 Ura, who has beaten him both prior matches. Given Oho’s performance in November, we now know he has all the pieces for a solid Maegashira, if he can just put them together. Thus far in January, he cannot.

Onosho vs Myogiryu – I know when I comment on Onosho (2-0), I tend to cite his habit of being too far forward. So far his opponents have all seemed to assume that he is so far forward, he is an easy pull down target. Both times so far this basho, it has been a costly mistake. Today we will see if 1-1 Myogiryu will follow the crowd, or time something else. Hint: try something else.

Ryuden vs Sadanoumi – Sadanoumi at 0-2 is having is worst start since July of 2022, and I would like to think he’s going to find his first win some time in act 1. But he’s not got a strong record against 1-1 Ryuden, who wants to bounce back after his loss on day 2 to Midorifuji.

Nishikifuji vs Hokutofuji – A battle of the ‘fuji crew. Both of them come to the dohyo on day 3 at 1-1, and I expect both of them to be 7-7 at the end of day 14. They have each won one of their two prior matches, with both of them in the two prior tournaments.

Nishikigi vs Midorifuji – Nishikigi (1-1) will have a tough opponent in Midorifuji today (2-0). Not only is katasukashi specialist undefeated so far this month, he also holds a 2-5 career lead. Nishikigi’s typical fight style is battle hug and dance. This does tend to leave the door wide open for the katasukashi, which I would not mind seeing for two days in a row.

Kiribayama vs Wakamotoharu – Wakamotoharu spent 2022 quietly climbing the banzuke, happy to let his brother Wakatakakage attract all of the attention. But now he finds himself as a Komusubi, its nothing but tough matches all day every day for 15 days, thus the 0-2 score. He’s held his own against Kiribayama (1-1) in the past (3-3), with Wakamotoharu winning 2 of their 3 matches last year. Should be a good fight.

Meisei vs Abi – At this point I am expecting 2-0 Abi to contend in week 2. So his opponents this week are more or less training ballast. He has a 4-4 career record against Meisei (0-2), but I don’t think that’s going to count for much on day 3. They split their two matches in 2022, but right now Meisei has yet to find his first win, and with Abi’s sumo looking very sharp, he may not get his shonichi today.

Mitakeumi vs Hoshoryu – In my opinion, the big match of the day. This might have been a miserable watch in November, but in the early stages of the 2023 Hatsu basho, this one is red hot. Both of them come in at 2-0, both of them are fighting quite well, with Hoshoryu’s sumo bordering on brilliant. Although dethroned from his Ozeki rank, the Original Tadpole has plenty of fight left in him, and I am looking for him to use his big body to counter Hoshoryu’s speed an agility.

Wakatakakage vs Tobizaru – Wakatakakage had a tough fight day 2 against a resurgent Mitakeumi, but I still think he is going to be pushing for double digits this January. Tobizaru is a surprisingly good match for him, as sumo’s flying monkey is able to dodge and weave better than most of the opponents Wakatakakage faces. Their 12 prior matches have includes a couple of brilliant “kitchen sink” battles that were part of the highlight reels, but Tobizaru’s record against Wakatakakage since joining the top division is only 2-5. Both come into today 1-1.

Kotonowaka vs Shodai – All of Shodai’s easy days are behind him. Much as I would love to see him rally, and for the ur-Shodai to rise and summon the Wall of Daikon to crush his opponents, I don’t think it’s going to happen. Instead these two 0-2 rikishi will battle it out today to see who will get their first win of the basho. But it should be mentioned that Shodai has only beaten Kotonowaka once in six attempts.

Takayasu vs Tamawashi – Thirty Three (33!) career matches between these two, including one where Tamawashi wrecked Takayasu’s arm. The come in with mirror image records: Takayasu at 0-2, Tamawashi at 2-0. Given how they have performed in the first two days of Hatsu, I think Tamawashi will be the favorite today.

Daieisho vs Takakeisho – These two long time friends are nose to nose today on the clay. I have not seen Daieisho in this kind of form since his 11-4 finish in May of 2022. Takakeisho day 2 loss to Tobizaru is a head scratcher, but anyone can have an off day. Takakeisho holds a 15-6 career advantage on the clay.

Much as I worry about Hoshoryu and his big attitude, so far this January he has shown that he is the best of the named ranks. Two days in a row he fought like a champion, and prevailed. Day one he delivered the kind of speed and power I have not seen on the clay in many months. Today we saw him wait out a skilled opponent, and then turn the tables on him when it was to his best advantage. Today’s sumo reminded me of dear departed Harumafuji in many ways, including the little right hand pick, that set up the shitatenage. I hope he can carry this power forward through the rest of the 15 days.

I also must note that after a brutal absence that saw him stripped of Ozeki, the “good” Mitakeumi is back on the dohyo. When this guy is healthy, he so very potent. His big body and surprisingly good balance shut down so many avenues of attack that are normally open, as Wakatakakage found out today. Underestimate him at your own peril.

I think the schedulers see it this way too. We get Hoshoryu vs Mitakeumi on day 3…

Highlight Matches

Tsurugisho defeats Chiyomaru – Chiyomaru’s initial attacks were high, as was his body. He was wide open to Tsurugisho’s left hand, which latched on with an iron grip and gave Tsurugisho control. There were a couple of good attempts by Chiyomaru to break that grip, but it was all done 4 steps later. Tsurugisho advances to 2-0.

Takarafuji defeats Ichiyamamoto – It’s great to see Takarafuji back in fighting form. Today he prevented Ichiyamamoto from running his double arm thrusting attacks by continuing to close in and rob Ichiyamamoto of a full arm extension. I saw a couple of nice forearm blocks, and that right hand pushing back against Ichiyamamoto’s chest. Ichiyamamoto rallied for a moment, and looked to take control, but Takarafuji kept focused, saw that Ichiyamamoto had left his feet back, and delivered an hatakikomi to send Ichiyamamoto to the clay. He starts Hatsu with 2-0.

Azumaryu defeats Mitoryu – An outstanding, if sloppy, yotsu-zumo battle. Mitoryu had the advantage at the start of the match, but Azumaryu kept his balance centered and his stance wide. As Mitoryu kept working to get Azumaryu off balance, he missed the uwate, Azumaryu rotated into the throw and put Mitoryu down, giving him a 2-0 start.

Kotoshoho defeats Kagayaki – Oh dear, just what I have hopes that Kagayaki has his sumo straightened out, along comes this match. He opens up attacking Kotoshoho’s face. Sure that my be fun, but its not really as effective as Kagayaki’s better attack route to the chest. Its double frustrating in that Kotoshoho left his chest exposed twice, but Kagayaki just had to attack the face. Of course everyone knew that face attack was trying to set up a pull, and when it came Kotoshoho rammed him out in a hurry. Kotoshoho picks up a second win and is 2-0.

Kotoeko defeats Okinoumi – Much more true to form sumo from Kotoeko today. I like how he broke Okinoumi’s grip, and moments later his stance. Off balance and out of contact with Kotoeko, Okinoumi was not too tough to push out. Kotoeko’s first win puts him at 1-1.

Aoiyama defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma chose to bash Aoiyama in the face for a bit. Unfortunately for Chiyoshoma that is interpreted by “Big Dan” as flirtation. This was not helped when Chiyoshoma put both hands around Aoiyama to apply a battle hug. Aoiyama clamped onto Chiyoshoma’s arms, and muscled Chiyoshoma out 2 steps later. Aoiyama with a solid 2-0 start.

Hiradoumi defeats Tochinoshin – That may not have looked like much, but I was well impressed with Hiradoumi’s sumo today. He bet that if he could deny Tochinoshin a left hand outside grip, that the former Ozeki would be completely driven to set that up. Indeed Tochinoshin ignored multiple opportunities to keep reaching with his left, so much so that it left him perilously off balance. Hiradoumi finished the job with an uwatenage to swing Tochinoshin to the clay, and score his first win to improve to 1-1.

Onosho defeats Takanosho – What he hell was that? Two days in a row someone gambles that Onosho is going to be off balance and instead finds themselves launched off the dohyo. Don’t pull this guy right now, he seems to be dialed into his sumo for January. Onosho now 2-0.

Endo defeats Oho – This was a fine match indeed. I had hoped that Endo could employ his experience to out-wit Oho, and he played it just right. Oho brought a lot of power and eager attacks to the match. Endo kept him from winning and waited for an opening, which happened when Oho’s body was out of position, and already half way to the clay. Endo finished him with a shitatenage to score his first win, improving to 1-1.

Ura defeats Hokutofuji – Ura continues his dominance over Hokutofuji, now with a 9-1 career lead. Beautiful focus on center-mass, he seems to have caught Hokutofuji by surprise. There was no recovery and three steps later Ura had the win. Both finished the day 1-1.

Nishikigi defeats Myogiryu – I feel for Myogiryu. That matta tipped his tachiai plan, and he really struggled to pull it off the second time. Nishikigi countered well and just waited Myogiryu out, charging forward when he got the chance and winning by oshidashi. Both are now 1-1.

Nishikifuji defeats Sadanoumi – Excellent, sharp tachiai from Nishikifuji. It seems to have triggered a half step forward from Sadanoumi, leaving him off balance. Nishikifuji ripped into an hatakikomi in response and sent Sadanoumi tumbling. Wow, that was fast and aggressive sumo from Nishikifuji, he is now 1-1.

Midorifuji defeats Ryuden – No, no indeed. That katasukashi never gets old, and I love it each time Midorifuji puts it to work. Today’s passenger was Ryuden, who I hope enjoyed it as much as the rest of us did. Midorifuji opening perfect with 2-0.

Abi defeats Wakamotoharu – It started as Abi-zumo punishing Wakamotoharu, but credit to Wakamotoharu, he was able to grab a hold and shut it down. From then on it was a straight up playground brawl, with both men hitting the clay more or less together. A monoii resulted, and replay showed Abi touching down last. Having started now at 2-0, we have to wonder if Abi is going to be strong through week 1. Could be an interesting wrinkle to the story line.

Tamawashi defeats Meisei – It was almost denshamichi, with Tamawashi playing the part of the Tohoku Shinkansen. Meisei ended up in Aomori without a return fare. Tamawashi now 2-0.

Mitakeumi defeats Wakatakakage – As much as I loved this match, I wish we could have seen this in November. Mitakeumi is clearly back in fighting form now, and he’s using his tadpole body to full advantage. He basted Wakatakakage back at the tachiai, and dominated him even when Wakatakakage managed to rally and fight back. A poorly constructed throw attempt was greeted with Mitakeumi bodily pushing him from the ring. Mitakeumi now 2-0.

Daieisho defeats Shodai – Its been a while since Daieisho was in good form, but this is his sumo when he’s dialed in. Shodai left his chest wide open, and Daieisho decided, “sure why not”. The windmill thrusts where more than Shodai could absorb, and there was no sign of the “Wall of Daikon”, which would have saved him. Daieisho starts 2-0.

Kiribayama defeats Takayasu – What could be more Takayasu than being on the cusp of an important winning streak, and starting 0-2? Again we had Takayasu wild man sumo, and his balance was all over the map. Kiribayama took full advantage of this, and kept Takayasu from regaining control. He picks up his first win and is now 1-1.

Hoshoryu defeats Kotonowaka – Second day in a row we see Hoshoryu really dominating his match. Even when Kotonowaka had what looked to be a commanding hold. Hoshoryu waited him out and put him down like a rookie in this first basho. Hoshoryu now 2-0, and looking like maybe he has taken the next step. We should know better by nakabi.

Tobizaru defeats Takakeisho – I have to wonder if Takayasu landing on Takakeisho earlier may have put the lone Ozeki off of his sumo. He missed the initial strike against Tobizaru, and Tobizaru proceeded to keep Takakeisho out of thrusting range, and turning to face him. It did not take too long for there to be a lost of balance, and Tobizaru finished him with a hatakikomi. Both end the day 1-1.