After 6 days and 3 rounds of bouts, let’s take a look at the action in Makushita, where exciting newcomers mix it up with veterans for a shot at the salaried ranks.
As a reminder, the Makushita yusho race is essentially a seven-round single-elimination tournament in which the 120 or so rikishi are reduced by half over two-day rounds until one man with a 7-0 record takes the title (occasionally, same-heya rikishi and other wrinkles throw a wrench into the works, and we end up with a playoff and a 6-1 champion). A 7-0 record from Ms1-Ms15 is a near-guarantee of promotion to Juryo, which otherwise usually requires a winning record from Ms1-Ms5. Three rounds have been completed so far, and we are left with 15 undefeated wrestlers. The next round, unfolding over Days 7 and 8, should reduce the number to 8.
The obvious headliner among the undefeated rikishi is former Ozeki Asanoyama (Ms4e). He fought a bonus bout today as the Juryo visitor and easily defeated Tokushoryu to move to 4-0 and into the final eight. Asanoyama should next face the winner of tomorrow’s bout between Ms1w Shononnoumi, who is seeking to clinch a Juryo debut, and former sekitori Ms11e Chiyonoumi. Other notable names in the 3-0 bracket include Ms13e Kawazoe from Miyagino beya, who entered ozumo at Ms15TD in September, teenagers Otsuji and Setonoumi, ex-Kisenosato’s protege Kayo, and comeback kid Oshoumi, the September Sandanme champion.
After only 3 rounds of bouts, all 10 active wrestlers in the Ms1-Ms5 promotion zone are still technically in contention for a Juryo spot, but it’s already a long shot for Ms2e Tsukahara (0-3) and an even longer one for Ms4w Asanowaka (0-3), who still seems to be suffering from long-term COVID aftereffects that kept him out of Aki. The winner of tomorrow’s bout between Ms1e Shiden and Ms2w Fujiseiun in the 2-1 bracket will find himself in excellent shape going into round 5.
I’ll try to keep these reports coming every two days or so, as additional rounds of bouts are completed.
It’s high time to call out Takayasu for impressive performance this November. Even if for some reason he needs to withdraw later this basho, he’s been a solid performer for the first 6 days. Rather than worry about his score, he seems to be focusing on each day delivering the best sumo he can. This has allowed him to deflate the records of a wide variety of high ranking rikishi, including Wakatakakage (put a dent in his Ozeki bid), Takakeisho (knocked him out of the leader group), Tamawashi (what yusho was that?), and today he gave Mitakeumi another black mark on his run for 10 wins.
When this guy is in his sumo, he’s great to watch. After so many tournaments where he just seems to not quite be fighting well, it’s a joy to get to watch him take it to the upper ranks and come away with wins.
Highlight Matches
Kagayaki defeats Hiradoumi – We used to see excellent fundamental sumo from Kagayaki every match, and it makes me happy to see him in that form today. His sumo is simple in this match, but so very effective. Feet steady, hands inside and power into Hiradoumi’s chest. Hiradoumi can’t withstand the force, and gets ejected from the ring three steps later. Both end the day 3-3.
Mitoryu defeats Ichiyamamoto – Juryo visitor Mitoryu absorbs the double arm attack style of Ichiyamamoto, but is clearly on the path to defeat. But for reasons no one may be able to explain, grapples Mitoryu, and rushes forward to send him out. Suddenly, Mitoryu has an opening, and converts Ichiyamamoto’s forward rush into a kotenage, it works a treat, and Mitoryu snatches victory from Ichiyamamoto to improve to 3-3.
Okinoumi defeats Azumaryu – He may be hurt, he may be “too old for this stuff”, but Okinoumi has the sumo chops to come back from Azumaryu’s arm-bar hold taking him to the tawara a couple of times, and still muster the technique to steal the win by sukuinage. I am happy he got that win, improving him to 3-3.
Oho defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi continues to be injured, and winless. I do admire that he put a lot of effort and cunning into this match, and withstood Oho trying to pop his head off like the cap from a coke bottle. But whatever inside throw he was attempting was read and shut down by Oho, who collapses him into a heap on the West side, he improves to 5-1.
Chiyotairyu defeats Atamifuji – This was their first ever match, so Atamifuji can be forgiven for not having Chiyotairyu countermeasures. I counted at least twice that Chiyotairyu his standard sequence of “stand him up, pull him down”. Chiyotairyu picks up a much needed win and is now 2-4.
Kotoeko defeats Aoiyama – Good for Kotoeko. He knew he was going to get pounded in the face quite a bit, but he stuck with it and kept driving to get inside, knowing that Aoiyama’s left leg is a wreck. He got his prize, a right hand inside grip, and took care of Big Dan two steps later. Kotoeko earns his pay today, and advances to 4-2.
Takanosho defeats Chiyoshoma – Hey, Takanosho – where have you been keeping that sumo? Please bring that kind of focused power and forward drive as frequently as you can, sir. He dispatches Chiyoshoma without too much fuss, robbing Chiyoshoma of any hand hold or any real offense as he plowed him out of the ring. Takanosho now 3-3.
Abi defeats Kotoshoho – Abi at this rank is like a white star factory. He just disrupts for a moment, then puts his opponents on the deck. Much as I like Kotoshoho, he’s not fighting to the extent of his potential at the moment, and that’s a shame as he is quite talented. Abi advances to 5-1.
Tochinoshin defeats Onosho – Tochinoshin borrows Chiyotairyu’s sumo today, blasting Onosho at the tachiai enough to get his balance back, then slaps him down with a hatakikomi. Quick, effective, and good enough to send Tochinoshin to join the rest of the crowd at 3-3.
Nishikigi defeats Takarafuji – With Takarafuji fighting Nishikigi, you could probably guess it was going to be yotsu-zumo from the start. For a brief moment, I had a ray of hope that Takarafuji might pick up his first (and maybe only?) win of the basho. But Nishikigi tried for a grip change that disrupted Takarafuji’s balance, and in this state he was easy to drive back and out. Nishikigi opts into the 3-3 club.
Hokutofuji defeats Endo – Hokutofuji shut down all attempts by Endo to get any sort of grip, and in true Hokutofuji form, while his upper body was playing patty-cake with Endo, his lower body was winning the match. When Hokutofuji is dialed into his sumo, he’s really a treat to watch. He stamps his ticket to the 3-3 club.
Myogiryu defeats Nishikifuji – Its a good day of sumo when we get to see Myogiryu run on fast forward. It’s like normal sumo, but at 1.25x speed. The rapid pace of his strong attacks overwhelmed Nishikifuji, and Myogiryu was able to drive him out before Nishikifuji could rescue himself with a throw. Both ended up landing outside of the ring, and Myogiryu was a bit slow to get up. Hopefully both are ok. Both shows themselves a cut above by ending the day at 4-2.
Ryuden defeats Sadanoumi – What a battle! It was largely yotsu with a heavy emphasis on trying to throw, and the result was both men landing iron grips, swinging the other about in any attempt to disrupt their balance. It was Ryuden who converted first, landing a shitatedashinage, rolling Sadanoumi to the clay. He is now 4-2.
Wakamotoharu defeats Meisei – You could see Wakamotoharu’s frustration ramping higher as he tried everything to land a left hand inside grip. I give credit to Meisei for understand this was key to his match plan, and masterfully shutting every attempt down. Sadly for him, Wakamotoharu caught him too far forward, and a hatakikomi ended the match. Wakamotoharu joins the group at 4-2.
Kotonowaka defeats Tobizaru – After a strong start, Tobizaru has now lost the last 3 in a row. He got a right hand inside grip at the tachiai, but could not convert that into any sort of advantage. Kotonowaka works to disrupt Tobizaru’s defensive stance by turning him, then rotates back into a kotenage for the win. Both join the overflowing group at 3-3.
Kiribayama defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi put a lot of power into this match, but it came down to Kiribayama being able to take the blows to the head, and continue to drive his hands agains Tamawashi’s chest. What Tamawashi was doing probably hurt more, but what Kiribayama was doing was more effective, and won the match. He advances to 4-2.
Hoshoryu defeats Daieisho – Looks like Daieisho decided to try the same tactic, power against Hoshoryu’s head, this time in the form of a nodowa. Meanwhile, Hoshoryu was focusing on fundamentals, and waited for a chance to step to the side, and keeping his feet. He did not have to wait long, and the counter attack from Hoshoryu was quick and effective. Hoshoryu stays in the leader group at 5-1.
Wakatakakage defeats Ichinojo – Big opening combo from Ichinojo. I can’t imagine what 200kg + on the move must be like to absorb. Faced with a rampaging monolith, Wakatakakage does what he can, he wraps up Ichinojo and stalemates him at the center of the dohyo. Wakatakakage is low, but Ichinojo has superior body position. It devolves into a stamina battle, and I was impressed that Ichinojo had the focus to wait him out. When Ichinojo made his move, Wakatakakage evaded just enough to load a throw, which put Ichinojo in the front row. Massive sumo from both me today, and a great fight. Wakatakakage improves to 4-2.
Takayasu defeats Mitakeumi – Takayasu is continuing his role as spoiler this basho. Like his sempai before him, he’s at his best when he’s disrupting someone else’s tournament. Today it was time to put a dent in Mitakeumi’s campaign for 10 wins. Excellent hybrid attacks form today for Takayasu, he starts with a few bashers, grabs the mawashi and gets to work. He grinds Mitakeumi back an inch at a time, and there is nothing Mitakeumi can do about it. Takayasu at 5-1. I am nominating Takayasu for a special prize after this one.
Takakeisho defeats Ura – Ura’s got nothing this basho, and he’s getting beaten handily each and every day right now. As a fan of Ura, it’s tough to watch, but he’s bold enough to continue to mount the dohyo and give battle to his opponents. Takakeisho rips through him with little trouble, sending him into the salt basket by oshidashi. Takakeisho improves to 4-2.
Shodai defeats Midorifuji – Shodai was all over the dohyo doing everything more or less at the same time. It was cartoon sumo on full display for us to enjoy for the first time in quite some time. With a 4th loss winding up to kick him in the mawashi, he deployed the Wall of Daikon” and suddenly Midorifuji found himself trapped against the bales, and crushed into the front row into Tamajiro’s lap. Shodai holds onto hope of clearing kadoban at 3-3.
With act 1 for the final tournament of 2022 now in the record books, it’s time for us to start act 2. Act 2 is where we narrow the field to find out who has what it takes to compete for the yusho, and to start sorting the survivors from the damned. Right now there are eight rikishi who have a single loss, and I would expect the yusho race to emerge from that group. We already know that the winner will have at least 1 loss, and I would guess maybe even more than that. None of the Ozeki are in that group, unless you could Mitakeumi who is what we call an “Ozekiwake”. It’s still too early for the schedulers to do any work on narrowing that field in a major way, but if this pack of 8 holds together, we could have some great matches for the middle weekend coming up on days 7 and 8.
As long as we are on scores, with the start of day 6, nearly everyone has either a 3-2 or a 2-3 score. I am still hoping someone can turn up the intensity on this basho, and maybe deliver something other than everyone taking turns winning and losing.
What We Are Watching Day 6
Kagayaki vs Hiradoumi – After his unimpressive performance in September, Hiradoumi is at least fighting well this tournament. I think he has a distinct edge against Kagayaki today, and may end up kachi-koshi this time around.
Ichiyamamoto vs Mitoryu – Coming in with a rare 4 win record (at least for this crowd), Ichiyamamoto is not really doing anything different than September (6-9 finish), but it seems to be working a bit better this time out. He needs 4 more wins for kachi-koshi, and may get win #5 against Juryo visitor Mitoryu today.
Okinoumi vs Azumaryu – Matching 2-3 records, both of these rikishi need to get their sumo in gear starting today. Okinoumi is having one of “those” tournaments, where he’s showing up, fighting as best he can, but his body is just not the same sumo engine it was 5-7 years ago. Probably advantage Azumaryu.
Terutsuyoshi vs Oho – Terutsuyoshi is hurt, and if he could not convert his match on day 5 against Okinoumi, I am not sure how he might pick up any wins this time, as he won’t fight the equally injure Takarafuji. He has not beaten Oho in either of their prior matches, plus Oho seems to have come around to the notion that the sport of sumo requires fighting.
Atamifuji vs Chiyotairyu – I am glad that after his day 5 fight against Kagayaki, Atamifuji is done being polite and dropping matches. The guy is big, strong and powerful, and it’s high time that he started to clear the road ahead of him. He’s got a bulky obstacle in the form of Chiyotairyu to handle today. But unforntunately for those of us who are fans of sumo’s Thunder God, Chiyotairyu is hurt and fighting on par with Terutsuyoshi right now
Aoiyama vs Kotoeko – Kotoeko needs to use his agility and mobility to keep Aoiyama from bringing his big brawling arms into the match. Chiyoshoma was able to do that and win on day 4, Kotoshoho could not on day 5 and lost. They share an 11 match history that favors Kotoeko narrowly, 5-6.
Takanosho vs Chiyoshoma – Sadly, I laughed at Takanosho’s loss to Abi day 5. I am sure it was a big contest on the clay, but to those of us at home, it underscored that Takanosho seems to have lost some of his sumo, and hopefully he can get it back soon. Chiyoshoma comes in today with a matching 2-3 record, but a 3-5 career deficit.
Kotoshoho vs Abi – Abi is another member of the elite 4-1 club, and given his position lower down the banzuke, must be considered a contender to run his score into double digits, or even compete for the up next week. I don’t thing he’s going to have too much trouble with 3-2 Kotoshoho, who has dropped his last 2 matches in a row.
Onosho vs Tochinoshin – A tough aspect of being a fan of Onosho; he is either hot or cold, not usually in between. So far he has been very sharp this basho, and I think he’s got a real chance to win against Tochinoshin today. Tochinoshin is, if anything, less mobile this November than I have seen him in some time, and tends to go soft at the first element of lateral motion in this opponent’s sumo.
Nishikigi vs Takarafuji – Much as I like Nishikigi’s sumo, I am already weary of watching an injure Takarafuji struggle each day on the clay. I know he’s keeping his perfect record intact, but at some point, it’s sunset days for you sir, and maybe you should know when to heal up to stave off that sad day (at least for his fans) a bit longer.
Hokutofuji vs Endo – Endo can’t seem to muster his sumo right now, and has had a lack-luster year. Thus far he has been make-koshi for all tournaments save a 8-7 in Osaka. As such, he may be an easy mark for Hokutofuji today, who could really use the win.
Myogiryu vs Nishikifuji – Myogiryu has won both their prior matches, but right now I would sort Nishikifuji into the “hot” category in terms of his sumo. Both of them won their day 5 matches, and both of them are fighting well. This could be a solid match.
Ryuden vs Sadanoumi – A pair of 3-2 rikishi, who have an even 5-5 career record. Both are fighting a bit better than their middling score might indicate. Given their different sumo styles, the longer this match goes on, the more it will favor Ryuden.
Meisei vs Wakamotoharu – First ever match between these two, and I would have to think that Wakamotoharu wants to bounce back after that day 5 loss to Kotonowaka. Should be doable if he keeps his body calm and takes his time. Meisei maybe a bit over-promoted at M2E, but the banzuke this November was a mess.
Tobizaru vs Kotonowaka – Tobizaru had been part of the elite pack leading this mess of a basho, but his day 5 opponent, Mitakeumi, is a man on a mission. I am looking for hime to bounce back today against Kotonowaka, who has won the last 2 in a row, They share a 3-3 career record, so this might be a high-energy fight.
Tamawashi vs Kiribayama – Tamawashi seems to be on a fairly straight road to a make-koshi this time out. It could be one of any number of explanations, but he’s going to have 10 more matches to senshuraku. He has only won one match in six attempts against Kiribayama, so this may be another tough day for the September yusho winner.
Daieisho vs Hoshoryu – Daieisho is not quite in his best form, but this November, when he does connect, it seems to be with authority. Hoshoryu share a slice of the 8 way lead right now, and needs to recover at least his pride today after Midorifuji unloaded that kawazugake to win the match.
Wakatakakage vs Ichinojo – I am honestly surprised that Wakatakakage is part of the gray mass that is the 2-3/3-2 crowd starting act 2. He has not quite had his habitual cold start, but he has thus far failed to distinguish himself from the pack. He’s up against 2-3 Ichinojo, who is either strong or passive on a day to day basis. They have split their prior 8 matches 4-4.
Takayasu vs Mitakeumi – This has potential to be my favorite match of the day. These two have had 29 career fights, they are both part of the 4-1 group, and they both are keen to win. Mitakeumi because he needs to make his 10 to get his Ozeki rank bank, Takayasu because he seems to be playing spoiler this November. The career stats favor Takayasu 20-9, but Mitakeumi is a man on a mission.
Takakeisho vs Ura – Not sure where Ura’s sumo is this November, maybe enjoying the onsen somewhere near Osaka, but it is certainly not with him in Fukuoka. I expect that Takakeisho will expand his 10-3 career record against Ura today.
Midorifuji vs Shodai – Shodai needs to buckle down and fight like he means it starting now. He’s got Midorifuji who just completely pants’d Hoshoryu on day 5, and if he’s not careful, that spritely fellow will perform some witchcraft via his sumo and turn him into a newt.
We’ve got a great day of action here for you to close out the first Act of the Kyushu basho. Unfortunately, several fan favorites are still searching for their first win. Lots of surprises in store. Let’s not dally and just get to the action.
Selected Juryo Bouts
Daiamami defeated Enho: Oshitaoshi. Daiamami seemed to be the nervous one coming into this bout but he played Enho perfectly. He kept the spritely lad at arms length and expertly shut off access to the dohyo. It’s surprising to think that someone could be “cornered” in a circular dohyo but that’s exactly what Daiamami was able to achieve. With nowhere for Enho to go, Daiamami gave a simple shove to send Enho sprawling backwards. Both men are 3-2.
Daishoho defeated Kinbozan: Uwatenage. Kinbozan semms hurt bad enough to need to go kyujo. He was unable to press forward with his left leg and unable to use his left arm. After the tachiai, he latched on with his right and kind of hung, limply on Daishoho for support. Daishoho simply used his leverage, twisted, and threw Kinbozan…who then finally used that left hand to touch the dirt and keep himself from falling. Both men are 2-3.
Chiyonokuni defeated Tochimusashi: Tsukidashi. Chiyonokuni hit Tochimusashi so hard at the tachiai, both men were almost knocked off their feet. While Tochimusashi was still trying to figure out which city he was in, Chiyonokuni recovered his senses first and flew back across the dohyo into his opponent, blasting him over the tawara. Chiyonokuni
Akua defeated Churanoumi: Oshidashi. Akua was dominant at the tachiai. He quickly, and forcefully, shoved out Churanoumi who had no time to counter, much less mount an offense. Akua looks determined and improves to 5-0.
Makuuchi
Atamifuji (3-2) defeated Kagayaki (2-3): Hatakikomi. Kagayaki bloodied Atamifuji, leading with that head at the tachiai. Atamifuji seemed stunned, trying to stay upright while Kagayaki methodically drove forward, cutting off escape routes, forcing Atamifuji backward to the tawara. At the tawara, though, Atamifuji brought down the hammer and Kagayaki fell to the dirt. Both men started the day at 2-2 but Atamifuji improved to 3-2 while nursing his bloody nose. Kagayaki fell to 2-3.
Tsurugisho (5-0) defeated Azumaryu (2-3): Yorikiri. I don’t understand the weak harite at the tachiai. I’ve seen Hakuho do it, sometimes, too. It’s like a reminder that, “I could have slapped you but I just wanted to check if you shaved this morning.” Tsurugisho served up one of these touchy-feely “harite” while Azumaryu focused on locking in on his opponent’s belt. Once Tsurugisho got the morozashi, it was curtains for Azumaryu.
Ichiyamamoto(4-1) defeated Hiradoumi (3-2): Hatakikomi. Well executed Abi-zumo here from Ichiyamamoto. Repeated tsuppari, those strong forceful thrusts to keep Hiradoumi upright and off the belt. As Hiradoumi tried to advance through the torrent of slaps, Ichiyamamoto shifted and Hiradoumi’s momentum carried him over the bales.
Okinoumi (2-3) defeated Terutsuyoshi (0-5): Kainahineri. “Nokotta, Nokotta!” Okinoumi and Terutsuyoshi engaged at the tachiai and locked in together with Okinoumi twisted to his left and Terutsuyoshi to his right. Okinoumi was the aggressor, driving Terutsuyoshi around the ring and eventually back to the tawara but he couldn’t quite finish him. Then, it was like a light-switch and Okinoumi snapped and shifted the other way, rolling Terutsuyoshi over. Okinoumi picked up his second win while Terutsuyoshi is winless. These Isegahama boys are hurting.
Oho (4-1) defeated Kotoeko (3-2): Tsukiotoshi. Kotoeko had one plan, launch into Oho’s face and shoulders with everything you’ve got. Oho seemingly just tried to survive. As the pair moved across the ring, Oho just tried his best to stay in, a couple of times almost stepping out. Kotoeko tired, though, and suddenly wrapped Oho up for a grapple. That was a mistake because Oho then flung the smaller man from the fighting surface by his lavender mawashi.
Onosho (4-1) defeated Chiyotairyu (1-4): Oshidashi. Chiyotairyu got his elbow up into Onosho’s face and tried to mount an attack with his right hand but Onosho simply pushed forward and easily walked Chiyotairyu out.
Aoiyama (2-3) defeated Kotoshoho (3-2): Hatakikomi. Aoiyama sumo was greater than Kotoshoho sumo. It was as simple as that. Kotoshoho tried to push Aoiyama out but Aoiyama just kind of walked around the tawara, slapping Kotoshoho back and occasionally going for a pull. The final pull worked. Simple as that. Kotoshoho needed to be either much more powerful or he needed another tactic. I got the sense Aoiyama could have weathered the shoves all day.
Abi (4-1) defeated Takanosho (2-3): Hatakikomi. Not to be outdone by Ichiyamamoto or Aoiyama, Abi pulled and forced Takanosho down. Abi-zumo. Simple as that.
Chiyoshoma (2-3) defeated Tochinoshin (2-3): Okuridashi. No henka here. I’m a little surprised. Instead, we got a solid tachiai and both men locked up for a grapple. Chiyoshoma worked Tochinoshin to the edge, then suddenly Chiyoshoma tugged Tochinoshin to the left while he jumped back and got behind, pushing him out from the back.
Myogiryu (3-2) defeated Endo (1-4): Okuridashi. The Endo ATM coughed up another stack of envelopes today. Myogiryu brought his hands down hard on the back of Endo’s head at the tachiai. This almost brought Endo down but as he struggled to maintain his balance, Myogiryu just followed, letting Endo’s momentum carry him off the dohyo.
Ryuden (3-2) defeated Takarafuji (0-5): Okuridashi. Three Okuridashi in a row. Wow. Ryuden got up a strong headwind, blowing the Takarabune back to the tawara before a sudden shift of direction allowed Ryuden to get in behind and usher Takarafuji out. The ships in Isegahama harbor are starting to look as aged and banged up as Russia’s Black Sea fleet.
Nishikifuji (3-2) defeated Hokutofuji (2-3): Hatakikomi. Nishikifuji had enough of my naval references and wanted to get back to celebrating Hatakikomi Day. So he quickly yanked Hokutofuji down at the initial charge for a quick win.
Sadanoumi (3-2) defeated Nishikigi (2-3): Oshidashi. Well, that was power. Sadanoumi pressed forward perfectly into a pulling Nishikigi, forcing the latter to lose his balance and crash off the dohyo.
Kotonowaka (2-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-2): Oshitaoshi. Kotonowaka used his powerful left hand on Wakamotoharu’s right shoulder to quickly, and roughly spin the middle Onami brother to the floor.
Sanyaku
Daieisho (3-2) defeated Kiribayama (3-2): Hatakikomi. A solid, forceful tachiai and an aggressive Kiribayama powerfully drove Daieisho back to the tawara. Just when Kiribayama thought he was going to win, Daieisho reminded him that it was Hatakikomi Day! Hurray!
Takayasu (4-1) defeated Tamawashi (1-4): Yorikiri. I was expecting a great oshi/tsuki battle here. What the hell? Both men locked each other up by the mawashi after a bruising initial clash. Takayasu was clearly more comfortable with this arrangement, quickly driving Tamawashi back and off the dohyo.
Wakatakakage (3-2) defeated Ura (0-5): Oshidashi. Ura tried power sumo as he was matched up with someone relatively close in size. He needed to do something new, having never beaten Wakatakakage. At the edge, Ura brought his hand down and went for a pull. However, Wakatakakage was prepared and maintained his balance as he drove forward into the retreating Ura. Both men flew across the dohyo, tumbling to the other side. Mono-ii. Video replay confirmed that Ura’s foot touched out first and he’s still searching for that first win against Wakatakakage.
Mitakeumi (4-1) defeated Tobizaru (3-2): Tsukiotoshi. You’ve got to see this one. My words would fail to do this bout justice. I saw today from Mitakeumi what I wanted to see from Shodai. WILL. Back against the wall, facing a tough loss, he was determined to win. At that final moment, he twisted and shoved Tobizaru down to the floor.
Frankly, I was shocked to see Tobizaru locked up, toe-to-toe with Mitakeumi. I mean, this was a bout where I was really impressed with both men. I never would have thought I’d see Tobizaru take on a guy like Mitakeumi on the belt. If he keeps this up, he’ll beat Wakatakakage to Ozeki.
Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Midorifuji (2-3): Kawazugake. Hoshoryu locked up Midorifuji. As Midorifuji tried to get a better belt grip, Hoshoryu expertly brought his foot around and forced both men back. Well, frankly, that’s a kimarite you just have to see for yourself.
Meisei (2-3) defeated Shodai (2-3): Yorikiri. Meisei showed all of the aggression and power here. The only thing Shodai seemed concerned with was making sure he didn’t land on one of the fans as he tumbled off the dohyo. I would struggle to point out what offense Shodai attempted in this bout and yet you still get the sense that he was the more powerful of the two on the dohyo. That if he’d given an ounce of effort, Meisei would have been toast. Tobizaru will make for a more capable Ozeki one day.
Takakeisho (3-2) defeated Ichinojo (2-3): Oshidashi. Ichinojo’s a little too eager, jumps early. But it’s Takakeisho with the side-step…almost a henka there from the Ozeki? Then, as he pushed forward, he was doing almost more with his legs than with his arms. We didn’t really see wave action and I felt I was seeing more gabburi hip action there. Interesting.
