Ozeki: Sumo’s second highest rank. It’s an elite group that have made it to this level, and today those that have or have worn the Ozeki rank took it in the pants. Ozeki are some of the most motivated and ambitious rikishi in the sport, they have to be to get to Sekiwake, and then press for 33 wins. But today’s action on the clay saw the Ozeki, and at least one Ozeki hopeful, lose their matches. Brutal stuff.

Highlight Matches

Ichiyamamoto defeats Okinoumi – Ichiyamamoto set up his tsuppari train, and kept landing blows against Okinoumi’s chest. The pressure was enough that Okinoumi tried a pull, and that ended his offense, and three steps later, the match. Ichiyamamoto improves to 6-3.

Kotoeko defeats Atamifuji – Atamifuji attacked well, getting a right hand inside grip, and taking Kotoeko to his chest. He looked to be in control, and set about getting Kotoeko backed up to the tawara. Atamifuji rotated to throw, and Kotoeko collapsed the move, sending Atamifuji onto his back. Nice come from behind win for Kotoeko, and he is 5-4.

Kagayaki defeats Kotoshoho – Kotoshoho showed that he had the better attack form, getting his hands inside and pushing Kagayaki with good effect. As Kotoshoho moved to deliver a finishing push to Kagayaki, Kagayaki was able to set to the side, sending Kotoshoho out. Kagayaki improves to 6-3.

Oho defeats Onosho – Solid match, beautifully played by Oho. He allowed Onosho to open with his big forward attack, and even to absorb the follow up attack too. By that time, Onosho was over committed, too far forward, and ripe for defeat. Oho steps to the side, and gives Onosho a shove from behind to take the match. That’s win number 8 for Oho, and he is kachi-koshi for November.

Hiradoumi defeats Aoiyama – Hiradoumi was clearly paying attention on prior days. He endured Aoiyama’s hitting about the head and neck, stepped inside and pushed Big Dan around. This did not take too much effort once he was able to make contact, and he put Aoiyama out by oshidashi. Hiradoumi now 6-3.

Azumaryu defeats Takarafuji – Probably the best match for Takarafuji thus far, he was able to get a left hand inside grip, and lock up Azumaryu chest to chest. From that stalemate, both men tested each other out a bit, but mostly stayed in the center of the ring for a good amount of time. But in time Azumaryu lifted and marched forward, carrying Takarafuji over the tawara. Azumaryu advances to 5-4.

Myogiryu defeats Chiyoshoma – Myogiryu immediately set up a right hand outside grip, and Chiyoshoma responded with a weak pull attempt before settling in chest to chest. Myogiryu took a moment to consolidate his position, then lifted and moved forward, carrying Chiyoshoma out from the side. Myogiryu now 6-3.

Endo defeats Terutsuyoshi – As with Takarafuji, this is the closest Terutsuyoshi has come to actually competing so far this November. He had a couple of good combos, and genuinely had Endo working to overcome his attacks. But Terutsuyoshi paused for a moment, Endo settled into the match, then counter attacked from the side, driving Terutsuyoshi out and dumping him into the salt basket. Endo with the much needed win at 3-6.

Ryuden defeats Takanosho – Takanosho with a strong initial effort, but Ryuden sets up a strong left hand frontal grip, and he is easily able to lift Takanosho up, and run him out. Easy payday for Ryuden who is now 6-3.

Nishikigi defeats Tochinoshin – Tochinoshin came out of the tachiai to find Nishikigi immediately at his chest with a right hand inside grip. Rather than place his own hands, Tochinoshin tried to pull, and that took him out of match. Nishikigi improves to 4-5.

Nishikifuji defeats Abi – Nishikifuji expertly gets in between Abi’s thrusting attacks, get a hold of an arm and pulls. Abi is completely disrupted, staggers forward, off balance. Nishikifuji finishes him with a push from the side, and Abi is knocked out of the leader group. Both end the day 7-2.

Hokutofuji defeats Ichinojo – Hokutofuji getting low and attacking big Ichinojo from underneath never gets old. He does it with such flair, and a little flourish at the end. Ichinojo lands in the front row with an audible thud, as Hokutofuji improves to 6-3.

Meisei defeats Takayasu – Impressive sumo from Meisei, he kept Takayasu off balance, and out of sync with his offense. By the time that Takayasu started to set up a grip and get himself in fighting position, Meisei already had him one step from the tawara. Takayasu drops out of the leader group, and Meisei advances to 5-4 by spoiling the spoiler on day 9.

Kiribayama defeats Kotonowaka – Kotonowaka genuinely did not look ready to fight as Kiribayama gave him two good volleys, and Kotonowaka did not really respond. Kiribayama established a hold, and still Kotonowaka did not look ready to fight, so Kiribayama threw him to the clay, taking the win and is now 6-3.

Tamawashi defeats Ura – Ura gets in some mischief at the tachiai, and nearly upends Tamawashi with a leg grab. But Tamawashi breaks contact and snaps into his attack form. Three quick moves later, he throws Ura down with the seldom seen kimarite gasshohineri, a clasped hand twist down. Ura hits the deck and is make-koshi while Tamawashi improves to 2-7.

Hoshoryu defeats Sadanoumi – Well, Hoshoryu, that was some weak sauce, sir. Not quite a henka, but close enough. He picks up his 8th win and is kachi-koshi.

Midorifuji defeats Wakatakakage – Trouble came early as Midorifuji set up a double inside grip on the second step after the tachiai. Wakatakakage worked hard to break contact, probably too hard, and lost his balance. At the moment he was unweighted, and attempting to recover, Midorifuji presented one of his delightful katasukashi, and Wakatakakage hits the deck. That “oof” noise you heard was Wakatakakage’s Ozeki run gasping for air.

Wakamotoharu defeats Mitakeumi – Wakamotoharu endured Mitakeumi’s initial disrupting attack, and kept contact, getting a left hand inside grip on Mitakeumi’s belt. At that moment, Wakamotoharu had the initiative, and chose to lift and push forward. Mitakeumi was able to resist for a moment, but lost traction and stepped out. Mitakeumi’s return to Ozeki joins Wakatakakage’s Ozeki bid in the emergency room, Wakamotoharu now 5-4.

Daieisho defeats Shodai – Daieisho continues his dominance over Shodai, now 14-8. Daieisho delivers a quick opening combo, raising Shodai up, then repeats adding pressure, which walks Shodai back. On the final shove, Shodai seems to go soft and just embrace his defeat. Both end the day 4-5.

Tobizaru defeats Takakeisho – Oh wow, Tobizaru was able to out push Takakeisho. I even thing I saw that crazy flying monkey use a volley of the old “wave action tsuppari”. A tough day in Ozeki and former Ozeki land indeed, and Tobizaru improves to 5-4.

It’s on to week 2 for the final basho of 2022. We can expect that the named ranks will head into their “difficult” matches, having faced most of the Maegashira at this point. Rikishi in the named ranks with middling records, such as the 4-4 crowd of Shodai, Mitakeumi and Tobizaru are going to have tough work ahead of them if they want to reach kachi-koshi. For Shodai, 8 wins means clearing kadoban, and 8 losses means following Mitakeumi down to Sekiwake. On the subject of Mitakeumi, the odds are now long indeed that he will get the 10 wins he needs to return to Ozeki, and he may in fact struggle to reach 8. I am not sure what is plaguing him, but to me it’s sad to see a man who has worked as hard as he has toward the goal of becoming an Ozeki be unable to fight well enough to sustain it.

We may see our first kachi-koshi for November minted today, as Hoshoryu, Takayasu, Abi, and Oho are all up for a potential 8th win. Sadly, we don’t have a group that has distanced itself from the peloton yet, so no real leaderboard today. Possibly tomorrow if things work out as they may. But all of the men currently at 7-1, should one of them prevail, would be first time yusho winners. One thing is certain, unless something very odd happens, we will once again have 6 basho for 2022, with 6 different yusho winners. For your consideration:

• Hatsu – Mitakeumi
• Osaka – Wakatakakage
• Natsu – Terunofuji
• Nagoya – Ichinojo
• Aki – Tamawashi

What We Are Watching Day 9

Okinoumi vs Ichiyamamoto – These two have fought twice before, with both matches being this year, and both won a match. Ihciyamamoto’s win was by hatakikomi, and Okinoumi by oshidashi. We can be certain that Ichiyamamoto will favor his double arm thrusting style, and that Okinoumi’s mobility is a bit less than his prior tournaments this year.

Kotoeko vs Atamifuji – Another first time match for Atamifuji, ranked at M15W, and not fighting nearly as well as he did in September, he may have to drop back to Juryo and try harder his second run at the top division. I have to wonder what kind of trouble there is at Isegahama with so many kanban rikishi all underperforming. Maybe they had some illness rip through the stable just before the basho and everyone is struggling to bounce back.

Kagayaki vs Kotoshoho – Both men come in at 5-3 today, and both of them have won their last two. Kagayaki in fact picked up a win on day 8 with his fusensho over the now retired Chiyotairyu. The career record of 2-0 favors Kotoshoho, who has won both by yorikiri.

Onosho vs Oho – This is a match I have been waiting to watch, we get 7-1 Oho, part of the leader group, against 5-3 Onosho, who is ranked and fighting far below his abilities. Will he rally today and give Oho a big meaty tadpole fight? Oho won the only prior match, on day 5 in Nagoya this year.

Aoiyama vs Hiradoumi – Aoiyama won their only prior match during Aki. He’s slightly worse off in terms of his lower body now, but I am going to guess that Hiradoumi may be one of those rikishi who don’t like to get smacked in the face 15 times in the course of a 20 second fight. Hopefully we will see him employ a lot of lateral movement to combat Aoiyama’s attack style.

Takarafuji vs Azumaryu – The sad tale of Takarafuji advances to day 9, we can only hope that maybe, somehow, he can squeeze out a win somewhere. He has beaten Azumaryu before, but not in this condition, so I am expecting 4-4 Azumaryu to pick up a much needed win today.

Chiyoshoma vs Myogiryu – Chiyoshoma (3-5) needs to 5 of the last 7 matches to reach 8, which might be kind of a tall order. He’s been near par with 5-3 Myogiryu in the past (6-5 record), so this is an even contest for the win today. Myogiryu is on a bit of a streak, having won 4 of his last 5 matches.

Endo vs Terutsuyoshi – Like Takarafuji, the Terutsuyoshi tragedy is going to be a part of every day of the rest of this tournament. He has never won against 2-6 Endo, and its quite unlikely that he will change that outcome today. Frankly, Endo could use the win.

Takanosho vs Ryuden – A mirror record match with 3-5 Takanosho against 5-3 Ryuden. They are normally evenly matched (2-3), but Takanosho is struggling right now, and may not be even. 80% of his normal sumo power.

Nishikigi vs Tochinoshin – We know that these two will go chest to chest at the tachiai, and if Tochinoshin can get his left hand outside grip, he will probably dominate the match. So I will look for a right side ottsuke from Nishikigi, in an effort to shut down Tochinoshin’s preferred offense. Both start the day at 3-5.

Abi vs Nishikifuji – Abi has won both prior matches against 6-2 Nishikifuji, and will want to pick up a win today to stay in the leader group that started the day 7-1. A win today by Abi would mark his kachi-koshi for November, and would be his 4th this year (he sat out Aki with an injury)

Hokutofuji vs Ichinojo – In spite of his 2-6 record, I don’t think that Ichinojo is too far in the hole to finish with 8 wins. When he is dialed into his sumo, he is close to unstoppable. But having lost his last 4 in a row, it would take a rather amazing turn about to put that in play. Then there is the detail that 5-3 Hokutofuji has beaten him 9 times out of their 13 career matches.

Takayasu vs Meisei – The next member of the 7-1 leader group to try for his kachi-koshi today is Takayasu, who I think will dispatch 4-4 Meisei without too many problems. Meisei has beaten both Ozeki already, and Tamawashi, the other Komusubi. But right now, Takayasu is in this happy place, and I expect him to dominate today.

Kotonowaka vs Kiribayama – This may be the big fight of the day. Both of them come into day 9 at 5-3, and both have been fighting well, in spite of Kiribayama dropping a big match against Takayasu on day 8. Kiribayama holds a 4-2 career record against Kotonowaka.

Tamawashi vs Ura – An interesting match up, as both of these kanban rikishi are coming into today 1-7. The loser will earn their make-koshi for November. Both are high-output, and thus far we have not seen any explanation from either man on what is not working properly for them. Tamawashi has a 2:1 advantage in their career records.

Sadanoumi vs Hoshoryu – Sadanoumi (4-4) has once again surprised some opponents. Today he’s the match for the final man in the leader group, who is eligible to earn his kachi-koshi today, Hoshoryu. This is Hoshoryu’s best start to a tournament, ever, and even if he should get started on a losing streak today, he’s done surprisingly well. I don’t think Sadanoumi’s tremendous speed will make too much of a difference today, as Hoshoryu has the stability to work around Sadanoumi’s antics.

Wakatakakage vs Midorifuji – Wakatakakage’s goal of reaching double digits will require him to win 5 of the final 7 matches of this basho. We know he is capable, as he had an 11-1 streak last tournament, including 8 in a row in the middle of the basho. He’s won the only prior match against 3-5 Midorifuji, and I would love to see Wakatakakage build on his day 8 win against Daieisho, and aim for 8 consecutive wins to finish the year.

Wakamotoharu vs Mitakeumi – Mitakeumi’s path to double digits is even more tenuous than Wakatakakage. He needs 6 of the final 7 to get his 10, and regain the Ozeki rank. In November of 2021, along with January and March of 2022 he put together such a winning streak, so we know he can make it happen under the right conditions. But the path runs directly through Wakatakakage’s brother Wakamotoharu. Both men are 4-4, and Wakamotoharu won their only prior match.

Daieisho vs Shodai – Shodai (4-4) is in a tight spot. He would not want to follow Mitakeumi down to Sekiwake, but he needs to find 4 more wins in the final days of this tournament to clear Kadoban. He faces Daieisho (3-5) who would like to pick up a win, but has a large 13-8 career advantage over Shodai. In fact, Daieisho has won 5 of the 6 most recent matches against Shodai.

Takakeisho vs Tobizaru – It’s time for Takakeisho to toss Tobizaru around, and hope that sumo’s “Flying Monkey” does not somehow get beside or behind the Ozeki, and get a mawashi grip. He’s only beaten the Ozeki once in 5 tries, on day 9 of the tournament held in November of 2020 in place of the Kyushu basho.

With the middle day of the basho behind us, we are on to the second half. We still don’t quite have a real yusho race, but it seems likely that one of the six men who are at 7-1 or 6-2 will take home the cup. The four men at 7-1 are:

• Hoshoryu
• Takayasu
• Abi
• Oho

Some or all of them will likely get their 8th win tomorrow, and with kachi-koshi in hand their thoughts will turn to the race for the emperor’s cup. This second half is when, for some rikishi, they begin to lost focus on their sumo, and worry about how to win the tournament. This is why the yusho race can see strong, competent fighters like Takayasu sudden go stone cold and loose matches they should be winning. None of these men had won a yusho before, and so I have my eye on 6-2 Takakeisho. True it would take some losses in that 7-1 group to bring him into contention, but the scheduling committee is going to do their best to give both Oho and Abi some big challenges in the coming days.

But for Takayasu’s fans, he’s once again putting himself in position to finally take his first yusho.

Highlight Matches

Okinoumi defeats Yutakayama – When I talking about Okinoumi being a walking sumo technique library, this match is an example of what I mean. Yutakayama has a good start to the fight, and is working to get his hands inside and attack Okinoumi’s chest. But Okinoumi takes a step to his left, shifts his grip and unloads a katasukashi that sends Yutakayama tumbling to the clay. Nice move, both end the day 4-4.

Oho defeats Atamifuji – Bit different between these two today. Atamifuji is trying to attack Oho, but Oho is attacking Atamifuji. Oho was able to get his hands inside, and never gave up the thrusting lane, taking Atamifuji out with a steady wave pushing, he remains part of the leader group at 7-1.

Hiradoumi defeats Kotoeko – Impressive sumo from Hiradoumi, he grapples Kotoeko immediately, and once he has both hands holding Kotoeko, rushes forward before Kotoeko can respond with any defense or counter attack. Excellent work, Hiradoumi now 5-3.

Onosho defeats Terutsuyoshi – My compliments to Terutsuyoshi, given his diminshed state, that was a solid effort. Onosho came at Terutsuyoshi full speed, and Terutsuyoshi responded with an utchari attempt at the bales. He did not quite get the rotation complete in time, and the gumbai went to Onosho, who finishes the day 5-3. Sadly, the 8th loss for Terutsuyoshi and he is now make-koshi.

Kotoshoho defeats Ichiyamamoto – Kotoshoho’s hit and shift gambit at the tachiai failed, and Ichiyamamoto attacked in force, almost driving Kotoshoho from the ring. With his heels on the tawara, Kotoshoho rallied and launched forward, breaking Ichiyamamoto stance, and running him across the ring and out. Both are 5-3.

Azumaryu defeats Chiyoshoma – Moments after the two went chest to chest, you could see that both of them were working to set up a throw, and the question was whose would happen first. The answer was Azumaryu, though Chiyoshoma tried to bring Azumaryu down first. The resulting tangle went over the edge of the dohyo, landing in a heap. Azumaryu took the win, improving to 4-4.

Aoiyama defeats Takarafuji – Aoiyama gives Takarafuji no quarter, and quickly uses his potent thrusting attacks to send Takarafuji out, that loss number 8 for Takarafuji, and he is make-koshi. Aoiyama is now 4-4.

Abi defeats Endo – Endo attempted to break Abi’s double arm thrusting attack by hitting him underneath at the elbows, but could not quite break through before Abi had him completely off balance and staggering backward. Abi pick up his 7th win and stays in the 7-1 leader group.

Ryuden defeats Tochinoshin – Ryuden does a masterful job of constraining Tochinoshin’s attack options, robbing him of nearly any sumo save to try and hold ground with that damaged knee. With Tochinoshin little more than ballast, Ryuden walks him out for the win, and is now 5-3.

Hokutofuji defeats Myogiryu – A solid stalemate at the tachiai left both men leaning against each other, with their hands slapping and trying for any grip. A Myogiryu pull attempt failed, but unleashed Hokutofuji’s forward drive, and Myogiryu never had a chance to recover his footing. Both end the day 5-3.

Nishikifuji defeats Takanosho – Takanosho seems to come up 10%-20% short each day, and it looks like its very frustrating to him. Today Nishikifuji keeps him on defense, and keep himself moving. The loss comes when Takanosho loses his balance and touches the clay with his right hand. Nishikifuji improves to 6-2.

Midorifuji defeats Nishikigi – Nice upper body rotation and ottsuke by Midorifuji to shut down Nishikigi’s attempt at a right hand inside grab. Midorifuji holds Nishikigi in place for a moment, then pulls on that right arm, bringing Nishikigi forward and circling behind. Midorifuji then walks Nishikigi out, great sumo there, and a bold move. Both end the day 3-5.

Ura defeats Ichinojo – Ura finally gets his first win of the basho. Ura kept Ichinojo in motion, and prevented him from getting a stable hold to set up his offense. Points to Ichinojo for maintaining contact, and driving Ura back. But Ura rallied the moment he could get both hands against Ichinojo’s chest, and ran him out of the ring. Ura improves to 1-7.

Takayasu defeats Kiribayama – I think Kiribayama gave Takayasu one of the best matches he’s had in the past few days. He actually blunted Takayasu’s attacks, and hand him out of position and off balance twice. But Kiribayama decided to grapple, set up a nodowa, and dial down the tempo. This favored Takayasu, let him consolidate his sumo and renew his attack. Kiribayama was undone by a massive right hand shove that sent him sprawling to the clay, nice power move from Takayasu. He improves to 7-1 and stays in the leader group.

Meisei defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi was fighting better today than he has recently, but he was undone by what the great Kintamayama might call a “slippiotoshi”, losing traction and hitting the clay. Meisei picks up a much needed win and is now 4-4.

Wakatakakage defeats Daieisho – Some sort of flying pull attempt by Daieisho went terribly wrong, giving Wakatakakage a double inside grip, and the Ozeki hopeful rapidly ran Daieisho off the dohyo. Wakatakakage improves to 5-3.

Kotonowaka defeats Mitakeumi – Mitakeumi is forward of his toes at the tachiai, and Kotonowaka immediately pulls him down. It’s all over in a second, and Kotonowaka is up to 5-3.

Hoshoryu defeats Tobizaru – Dear readers, that was some fine “kitchen sink” sumo. Both men were attacking with almost anything that came to mind or came available, and the battle ranged across the ring. Hoshoryu attempted an uwatenage, but Tobizaru nearly shut it down. What a battle! Hoshoryu stays with the leader group at 7-1.

Takakeisho defeats Wakamotoharu – The clash of styles favored Takakeisho today, he was able to keep Wakamotoharu from his belt, and landing three volleys against his chest, pushing him off the dohyo and into a waiting Shodai. Takakeisho improves to 6-2.

Sadanoumi defeats Shodai – Sadanoumi very effective today, disrupting Shodai’s offense and keeping him from taking control of the match. Shodai needs to win 4 of the last 7 matches to clear kadoban, as both end the day at 4-4.