Kyushu 2025: Day Nine

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , , ,

News from the infirmary is that Maegashira 16 Meisei will fight tomorrow. He will take on Nishikifuji in his return. That means we will not have a Juryo visitor on Day Ten.

In Juryo, Hakuyozan is the first opponent to defeat Fujiryoga as he thrust the big man backward over the bales with a powerful shove. Fujiryoga falls to 8-1, tied with Daiseizan. Hatsuyama chases with two losses. Asanoyama’s winning streak ended today against Hitoshi.

The NHK videos are here. Their Day Nine page includes the Hakuyozan-Fujiryoga bout if you scroll down to the bottom. Remember, when you click the link, the videos are hidden. You have to find the little button that says, “続き読む”. Click it and the list of videos will open up. Let me know if you have any issues finding it. If you want to find any videos from past days, all of the links are located here.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (6-3) defeated Tochitaikai (Juryo 4-5). Asakoryu hit Tochitaikai at the tachiai but immediately shifted to his left and slapped Tochitaikai down. Tochitaikai had hit the ground before he knew what happened. Tsukiotoshi.

Sadanoumi (3-6) defeated Mitakeumi (4-5). Sadanoumi was able to get his favored migi-yotsu grip. This allowed him to swing Mitakeumi around, drive to the bales, and usher Mitakeumi out. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (6-3) defeated Oshoumi (1-8). Oshoumi shifted to his right at the tachiai but still took the full force of Gonoyama’s charge. Oshoumi tried a slapdown but Gonoyama adjusted well and bulldozed Oshoumi out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Tomokaze (3-6) defeated Shonannoumi (2-7). Tomokaze kept shoving Shonannoumi back. Shonannoumi tried a lumbering last-moment pull and walked himself over the bales. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (7-2) defeated Fujinokawa (6-3). Tokihayate was able to sneak that left-hand inside to join his right-hand inside. The double-inside grip, morozashi, helped him corral Fujikawa, drive him to the edge and force him over. Yorikiri.

Roga (5-4) defeated Nishikifuji (6-3). Roga held Nishikifuji’s advance as he tried to get a belt grip that never came. Nishikifuji charged forward and Roga slipped to his left and slapped Nishikifuji down. Hatakikomi.

Shishi (3-6) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-4). Chiyoshoma grabbed Shishi’s arm and tried to pull Shishi forward. But Shishi gave Chiyoshoma the lumber and drove him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (5-4) defeated Ryuden (4-5). Ichiyamamoto’s first slapdown attempt failed. He moved inside to get a belt grip but them pulled again and slapped Ryuden down. It seemed to me that he used his legit yotsu skills as a feint to sucker Ryuden for the slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Abi (4-5) defeated Kotoshoho (5-4). Abi kept up his tsuppari and eventually blasted Kotoshoho over the bales. Abi’s excellent footwork rendered Kotoshoho’s shifting and pulling strategy completely ineffective. Kotoshoho kept absorbing Abi’s thrusts with his heels along the tawara until Abi shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (5-4) defeated Tobizaru (4-5). Tobizaru tried a pull and slapdown but Churanoumi shifted right along the bales with Tobizaru to shove him over. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (4-5) defeated Kinbozan (3-6). Onokatsu kept his head down and stayed lower than Kinbozan to get the leverage he needed to win. He chugged forward and forced Kinbozan over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Atamifuji (6-3) defeated Daieisho (5-4). Atamifuji charged forward and forced Daieisho over the bales. Daieisho tried a last second shift along the bales but it was poorly timed. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (4-5) defeated Shodai (3-6). Shodai chugged forward and looked like he had Midorifuji at the edge. Midorifuji was able to grab Shodai’s right arm, shift left, and haul Shodai over the bales. A crowd-pleasing amiuchi.

Ura (4-5) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-5). Ura took a bruising from Wakamotoharu’s tsuppari but stayed in it. He eventually found an opening to grab at Wakamotoharu’s leg. That forced Wakamotoharu to pull up and move back. Ura chased and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (5-4) defeated Hakuoho (3-6). Hakuoho charged forward as Kirishima slid left along the bales. Hakuoho never established “contain” on his right. Kirishima slipped to the side again and slapped Hakuoho down over the bales. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (4-5) defeated Takayasu (5-4). Takayasu fought back admirably after Wakatakakage shifted left and drove Takayasu quickly to the bales. Takayasu resisted and charged back toward center. Takayasu tried to use his left-hand inside to haul Wakatakakage over but his center of gravity was too high and he could not get leverage. WTK continued to press forward and threw Takayasu with that right hand over-arm grip. Uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Oho (4-5) defeated Tamawashi (4-5). Steady tsuppari from both men to start this brawl. Tamawashi charged forward on the attack but Oho hit him in the shoulder and shoved him hard to the left. Tamawashi got turned and that spelled trouble. Tamawashi spun back around but now had to fight back from the bales. Oho used the opportunity to pull and slap Tamawashi down. Hatakikomi.

Aonishiki (8-1) defeated Hiradoumi (2-7). Hiradoumi spent the second half of this bout perched on one leg, somehow avoiding a fall. Aonishiki had a rock-solid left-hand inside grip. He drove face first into Hiradoumi’s trunk and forced him to fall out of the ring. Yoritaoshi.

Kotozakura (4-5) defeated Takanosho (2-7). Takanosho charged forward into a retreating Kotozakura but Kotozakura danced left along the bales and slapped Takanosho down to his right. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (7-2) defeated Yoshinofuji (6-3). Hoshoryu turned Yoshinofuji around by shifting to his right while hitting Yoshinofuji’s left shoulder. Hoshoryu came in from behind and looked to drive Yoshinofuji out. When Yoshinofuji put his legs out to brace against the tawara, Hoshoryu reversed and threw him to the ground. Okurinage.

Onosato (9-0) defeated Oshoma (3-6). Blink and you missed it as Onosato shoved Oshoma back and off the dohyo. Well, ok. I admit, two shoves. One to force him to the bales and one to send him over. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Onosato leads, Aonishiki follows with one loss. Our chase group has been whittled down to Hoshoryu and Tokihayate on two losses.

Onosato was as dominant as Oshoma was absolutely clueless. Oshoma demonstrated nothing today. If he had hoped for some tawara dancing or sukuinage, he did not show it. His decision making in this bout seemed limited to finding a spot to land. Aonishiki, on the other hand, picked up his kachi-koshi in yet another great, entertaining bout. At the moment, he’s the only one ensuring this is not a runaway yusho for Onosato.

Our sanyaku bouts tomorrow start with Takanosho against Ura, followed by Takayasu against Kirishima. Then, Aonishiki will fight Tamawashi in a headline bout. Aonishiki leads their head-to-head with two wins and no losses. An upset from the Iron Eagle would be big.

Kotozakura will fight Oho. Oho would love to play spoiler and move closer to kachi-koshi himself. Both men stand on five losses and neither have faced the Yokozuna yet. So, tomorrow’s loser will have to upset a Yokozuna in order to earn kachi-koshi. These guys are both in serious danger.

Onosato then fights Yoshinofuji in their first meeting. Yoshinofuji’s calf was taped up again today and Hoshoryu took advantage of the fact that Yoshinofuji couldn’t use that right leg. Onosato will be looking at tomorrow as an easy win, if Yoshinofuji shows up.

Finally, Hoshoryu will face Oshoma. Hoshoryu has lost twice but has looked really solid for the last several days. This is perfect timing for someone out of the blue to pull something surprising on the edge if Hoshoryu is over eager or not careful.

Makushita Race, Round 5, Kyushu 2025

lksumo Nagoya 2025

Four rounds of third-division bouts have been completed, and we are left with 7 men with 4-0 records. The quarterfinals will take place on day 9, with the highest-ranked undefeated Sandanme rikishi filling out the bracket. Here are the matchups:

Ohata has spent 11 years bouncing back and forth between Makushita and Sandanme, with a career-high rank of Ms31. He did beat Ieshima in their one prior meeting in Sandanme in July of last year. Daiyusho and Ryusho both hail from the Oitekaze beya, which is why they’re fighting lower-ranked opponents rather than each other. Daiyusho is fighting at his highest rank in an injury-marred seven-year career, while Ryusho debuted at Ms60TD in July and has a 14-4 career record. Their opponents, Hokutenkai and Shiroma, are both from Onoe beya, but the winners of these two bouts should be in opposite halves of the bracket for the semifinals. Hokutenkai has an interesting backstory—he is Takanoiwa’s nephew. Shiroma started two years ago as a hot prospect, with consecutive yusho in Jonokuchi and Jonidan, but has struggled in the upper half of Makushita.

And then we have the bout between the presumptive favorites. Kazuma obliterated fellow Ms60 tsukedashi Fukuzaki and is looking like an absolute beast. Former sekitori Tochimusashi used his experience to outmaneuver Seihakuho. Kazuma should have the power edge in this matchup, but those of us who remember Tochimusashi know that he will do whatever it takes to win, so his opponent better be on his toes tomorrow.

Kyushu 2025: Nakabi

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , , , ,

Maezumo Shinjo Introductions are on Nakabi. The new recruits don borrowed kesho mawashi and climb the dohyo together, taking turns to stand for their introduction. Asahifuji is the much-hyped Isegahama recruit on the far left, then Tenshoyama, Seki and Takeda.

Nikkan Sports is among those calling him “the strongest recruit in history.” He’s basically been living and training at Isegahama-beya for four years while waiting for Terunofuji to retire, so he’s been honing his craft for a good while. But the rubber meets the road in January. I’m calling a Day One henka loss at the hands of Mongolian compatriot, Tenshoyama.

Fujiryoga easily defeated Tohakuryu, driving him backward and out to remain undefeated. Kachi-koshi acquired, Fujiryoga knows he will be sekitori in January and has the whole week to pick up more wins to propel himself higher up the banzuke. A zensho yusho will not allow him to leapfrog everyone and move directly into Makuuchi but it will move him toward the top of Juryo.

Asanoyama defeated Fujiseiun. Six straight wins has put him in a great place at the start of week two as he tries to climb back into the top division. Fujiseiun’s hopes are still alive, too. He just needs a kachi-koshi.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Chiyoshoma (5-3) defeated Oshoumi (1-7). Henka! Oshoumi seemed to react well but Chiyoshoma stayed on the attack relentless with his slapdown attack. Eventually he dragged Oshoumi toward the bales and slapped Oshoumi down. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (6-2) defeated Sadanoumi (2-6). Nishikifuji jumped Sadanoumi in a dark alley and blasted away with tsuppari until Sadanoumi left the ring. Oshidashi.

Hatsuyama (6-2) defeated Ryuden (4-4). Hatsuyama stood Ryuden up with strong tsuppari and then pulled, slapping Ryuden down. Hatakikomi.

Tokihayate (6-2) defeated Asakoryu (5-3). Tokihayate withstood Asakoryu’s attack and dragged him over to the edge of the ring. Both men tried to topple the other but Tokihayate had better balance and position. He got behind Asakoryu, grabbed his belt and shoved him forward, over the tawara. Okuridashi.

Mitakeumi (4-4) defeated Shonannoumi (2-6). Mitakeumi pushed Shonannoumi over the bales rather easily. Oshidashi.

Tomokaze (2-6) defeated Fujinokawa (6-2). Tomokaze gave Fujinokawa a few good slaps before wrapping his hands up behind Fujinokawa’s head for a slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Gonoyama (5-3) defeated Roga (4-4). Gonoyama blasted Roga at the tachiai and drove him straight back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (3-5) defeated Shishi (2-6). Shishi was ready for Midorifuji’s katasukashi but he wasn’t paying attention when Midorifuji locked on with a left hand over arm grip. Midorifuji used that to drag Shishi down. Uwatedashinage.

Kotoshoho (5-3) defeated Churanoumi (4-4). Churanoumi pulled for a slapdown attempt but Kotoshoho pressed through it and shoved Churanoumi from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Abi (3-5) defeated Daieisho (5-3). Abi of old here. Abi blasted Daieisho and did not let Daieisho attack. Abi hit Daieisho with a nodowa and forced him back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (4-4) defeated Atamifuji (5-3). Tobizaru pulled and Atamifuji obliged, advancing toward the bales. At the edge, Tobizaru twisted to his left and used his left arm inside grip to pull Atamifuji down. Sukuinage.

Halftime

Ichiyamamoto (4-4) defeated Onokatsu (3-5). Ichiyamamoto’s “Phase One” attack overpowered Onokatsu, drove him back to the edge. Onokatsu tried to dance along the bales but clumsily touched outside of the ring with his right foot. Ichiyamamoto didn’t notice and “played to the whistle,” so even though Onokatsu let up, Ichiyamamoto continued his attack and drove him out (as he should). Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (3-5) defeated Shodai (3-5). Kinbozan hit Shodai. Shodai pivoted but Kinbozan followed to the left and drove Shodai out. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (4-4) defeated Yoshinofuji (6-2). Yoshinofuji tried to blitz Wakamotoharu but Wakamotoharu resisted at the tawara and used his hidari-yotsu to force Yoshinofuji back. Yoshinofuji pivoted and tried a kubinage but Wakamotoharu stuck with him, drove him back and slammed him over the edge. Crucial to all of this was the fact that Yoshinofuji had attacked on one foot. He cannot put full weight on his right leg and his calf was heavily taped. As a result, his right leg spent most of the bout hovering in the air above the dohyo. We will watch the wires for a kyujo notice…but it probably won’t come. Oshitaoshi.

Wakatakakage (3-5) defeated Oshoma (3-5). Wakatakakage wrapped Oshoma with a bear hug, drove him back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Takanosho (2-6) defeated Kirishima (4-4). Takanosho staggered Kirishima with a powerful thrust to the chin. With Kirishima on the back foot, Takanosho kept his attack up and thrust Kirishima out of the ring. Tsukidashi.

Takayasu (5-3) defeated Hakuoho (3-5). Takayasu hit Hakuoho with a flurry of tsuppari, driving him back and out. Tsukidashi.

Aonishiki (7-1) defeated Oho (3-5). Aonishiki demonstrated patience. He was not going to be baited into a pull or make any mistakes. Aonishiki drove Oho to the edge. As they approached the tawara, Oho pivoted but Aonishiki shifted with him so his left foot stayed firmly in the dohyo and not in danger. As Oho went out, Aonishiki grabbed at his right leg. Watashikomi.

Kotozakura (3-5) defeated Hiradoumi (2-6). Hiradoumi drove forward to the bales. As they neared the edge, Kotozakura shifted right along the tawara and brought Hiradoumi’s left shoulder up while shoving his head down. Sukuinage.

Onosato (8-0) defeated Tamawashi (4-4). Tamawashi’s fierce tsuppari attack and brutal nodowa got Onosato moving backwards. This is where Onosato gets a bit reckless with his footing. Today, though, Onosato slapped Tamawashi down as he retreated along the tawara. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (6-2) defeated Ura (3-5). Hoshoryu battered Ura and then pulled him forward. Ura stumbled by and Hoshoryu tried to push him out from behind. Ura, being Ura, did not give up at the edge and tried to escape to his left along the bales. Hoshoryu grabbed Ura’s leg and finished him off by throwing him off the dohyo. Ashitori.

Wrap-up

Today was probably the first day of the tournament where Onosato looked shakier than Hoshoryu, maybe even shakier than Kotozakura. Tamawashi was that close to picking up a Birthday kinboshi. You could tell he could taste it as he sat ringside after the bout with a thousand yard stare, contemplating what might have been.

Regardless, Onosato picked up his kachi-koshi and remains in sole possession of the lead. With Fujinokawa and Yoshinofuji losing today, Aonishiki is the only chaser with one loss. Hoshoryu leads a pack of five with two losses, joined by Yoshinofuji, Fujinokawa, Tokihayate, and Nishikifuji.

The Day Nine torikumi looks like this for our boys in sanyaku: Onosato will fight Oshoma tomorrow while Hoshoryu will take on Yoshinofuji. Takanosho will fight Kotozakura. Aonishiki will face Hiradoumi. Tamawashi will fight Oho and Takayasu will battle Wakatakakage.

Aonishiki probably has the toughest challenge here with Hiradoumi.

Meanwhile, the wife and I will take a class on how to make yuzu-kosho: the Hakuho of condiments. I’ll tell you how it goes. See you tomorrow!

Kyushu 2025: Day Seven

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , , ,

Check out Leonid’s update on the Makushita race. I was bummed to see Enho lose the other day but he faced a stiff challenge in Kazuma. Seihakuho could also make it to sekitori before long. No news to report on the kyujo front in either of the sekitori divisions. Fujiryoga continues to steamroll through Juryo and stands at 7-0. Shirokuma and Daiseizan chase with one loss. Fujiryoga will fight Tohakuryu tomorrow while Shirokuma will face Shiden and Daiseizan will fight Kotoeiho.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Nishikifuji (5-2) defeated Asakoryu (5-2). Henka! Asakoryu jumped to the left but Nishikifuji caught him. Asakoryu followed up with a blitzing and shoving attack which Nishikifuji withstood and then began his own attack. Asakoryu spent much of the rest of the bout in retreat around the edge of the ring until Nishikifuji caught up and shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (Juryo 5-2) defeated Tokihayate (5-2). Asanoyama fought hard to get his right hand inside Tokihayate’s left. Tokihayate, like Asakoryu, entered retreat mode and Asanoyama used that hard-earned right hand inside to usher him over the bales. Asanoyama supporters were out with their hand towels, delighted in his victory. Asanoyama is determined to earn his return to makuuchi this tournament. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (2-5) defeated Ryuden (4-3). Sadanoumi acquired a morozashi, double-inside grip, lifted, and drove Ryuden back and out. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (4-3) defeated Mitakeumi (3-4). This was a one-sided affair as Chiyoshoma attacked Mitakeumi, drove him to the edge, got a morozashi and lifted the former Ozeki out. I had chosen a good bout to watch from the kitchen while getting tea. Yorikiri.

Roga (4-3) defeated Oshoumi (1-6). Roga locked in quickly on the newbie with his left hand over-arm grip (uwate). When he locked on with the right hand inside, he rolled clockwise and hauled Oshoumi down to the clay. Uwatenage.

Shishi (2-5) defeated Shonannoumi (2-5). Shishi buried his head in Shonannoumi’s breast and followed him everywhere he went. When Shonannoumi grew tired of this Kuato, he pulled again and Shishi walked him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (4-3) defeated Kotoshoho (4-3). Gonoyama kept pace with Kotoshoho’s retreating style. At the bales, Gonoyama shoved Kotoshoho out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (5-2) defeated Tomokaze (1-6). Tomokaze pulled and Daieisho drove him out. No pivot, no win. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (6-1) defeated Tobizaru (3-4). Fujinokawa resisted Tobizaru’s twisting throw attempt and used his right hand inside to shove Tobizaru over the bales. Oshitaoshi.

Churanoumi (4-3) defeated Abi (2-5). Abi grabbed a hold of Churanoumi’s arm and pulled him toward the edge. It wasn’t a firm grip, though. When Churanoumi took his hand back, Abi let up because knew he was cooked. Churanoumi gently finished Abi off with a shove from behind. Okuradashi.

Onokatsu (3-4) defeated Midorifuji (2-5). Onokatsu deliberated the kimedashi hold but that would give Midorifuji a dangerous morozashi. Onokatsu then resolved to work his right hand inside. Migi-yotsu. With his firm hold, Onokatsu followed Midorifuji everywhere he went. Midorifuji missed a step and his leg finally gave out in retreat. Onokatsu rode him to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Halftime

Kinbozan (2-5) defeated Atamifuji (5-2). Kinbozan quickly locked on to Atamifuji’s belt, pivoted on his left foot and dumped Atamifuji on the tawara. Uwatenage.

Shodai defeated Ichiyamamoto. With a right hand inside grip, Shodai entered attack mode and hauled Ichiyamamoto over to the bales. Ichiyamamoto scampered right along the bales trying to lose him but Shodai kept up. Ichiyamamoto gave a half turn to twist and get away but Shodai was determined and drove Ichiayamamoto out, delighting the home crowd. Shodai is from Kumamoto prefecture. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (6-1) defeated Hiradoumi (2-5). Hiradoumi showed now ill effects after getting hit by a truck yesterday. Yoshinofuji was too strong, though. He forced Hiradoumi to the edge. When Hiradoumi resisted at the bales, he twisted and hauled Hiradoumi around with his left hand uwate. He tried to get Hiradoumi down with his big paw on Hiradoumi’s head but settled for shoving him out. Yorikiri.  

Hakuoho (3-4) defeated Oshoma (3-4). Solid yotsu from Hakuoho as he drove Oshoma back with his left hand inside. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (2-5) defeated Takanosho (1-6). Once Wakatakakage withstood Takanosho’s initial driving attack, Takanosho really didn’t have a follow-up. WTK resisted at the bales and drove his way forward, settling with Takanosho’s heels on the bales at the opposite side of the ring. After a bit of a lean, Wakatakakage twisted and knocked Takanosho in the right shoulder, causing Takanosho to stumble to the left. Wakatakakage easily shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Kirishima (4-3) defeated Oho (3-4). This was a great brawl. A fairly even matched exchange of tsuppari, and some headbutts. Kirishima finally got his right hand inside Oho’s left arm and drove Oho back to the bales. When Oho resisted, Kirishima then twisted and forcefully threw him to the ground. Oshitaoshi.

Aonishiki (6-1) defeated Takayasu (4-3). This was a great, spirited fight. Lots of tsuppari, twists and feints. Takayasu got a right hand uwate and tried to haul Aonishiki over the bales but Aonishiki tripped him up just enough to cause Takayasu to stumble a bit. Aonishiki used his own left hand inside grip to push Takayasu over the bales first. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-5) defeated Kotozakura (3-4). A bout that Kotozakura could not lose, and he lost it. Kotozakura pressed forward with his right hand inside. But Wakamotoharu pivoted at the edge and used his left hand uwate to dump the Ozeki to the ground. Uwatenage.

Hoshoryu (5-2) defeated Tamawashi (4-3). Hoshoryu fought like a Tamawashi-clone, both men hitting the other with brutal thrusts as they twisted and brawled around the ring. Like a pair of Tasmanian Devils, the two blasted each other until they both stood, rather gassed, opposite each other at the center of the ring. Hoshoryu seemed to taunt Tamawashi. “Well, bring it old man.” Tamawashi obliged and engaged for a final charge but Hoshoryu locked him up with his right hand inside and easily drove the exhausted Tamawashi back and out. Yorikiri.

Onosato (7-0) defeated Ura (3-4). Ura showed that you have to get low to drive Onosato back. Ura tried to get Onosato’s leg but missed and had to settle for the belt. Onosato reached over Ura for the back of his belt and pulled. He had enough space behind him to run Ura to ground before leaving the dohyo himself. Uwatehineri.

Wrap-up

Even in the loss, Tamawashi draws level with Kaio, tied for second place all-time with 1444 bouts in the top division. Only Kyokutenho has more (1470). Tamawashi is on pace to break Kyokutenho’s record in Osaka next year.

I feel like Hoshoryu won their bout because he was patient and didn’t try to rush anything. None of Tamawashi’s parries were able to shake the Yokozuna. But Hoshoryu had more gas in the tank. He will need to refuel to be ready to face Ura tomorrow on Nakabi in the musubi-no-ichiban.

Onosato will take his turn to fight Tamawashi as Tamawashi takes sole possession of second place in his 1445th makuuchi bout.

If Kotozakura shows up tomorrow, he will fight Hiradoumi. The Ozeki is digging a massive hole for himself which is likely already impossible for him to climb out of. He needs six wins in eight days against the heart of his schedule…just to avoid kadoban.

Aonishiki will fight Oho, Hakuoho will fight Takayasu, and Takanosho will give it the old college try against Kirishima.

There are two rank-and-filers tied with Aonishiki, Yoshinofuji and Fujinokawa. Fujinokawa will fight Tomokaze who withered quickly against Daieisho today. Tougher fights will likely come in the following days. Yoshinofuji on the other hand, is already in the thick of it. He will fight Wakamotoharu tomorrow.

See you on Nakabi!