Osaka Day 11 Preview

Welcome to the start of act 3, the final five days of a basho. In act 3, we sort everyone into make-koshi and kachi-koshi, and crown the yusho winner who takes home the Emperor’s Cup. The final act is where we get to see more matches that pair high performing rikishi against each other, and in this tournament, we should see Midorifuji take on a spread of named rank opponents. Sadly there is no Ozeki or Yokozuna to challenge this Maegashira 5 upstart who looks like he very well could take it all the way to day 15 and bring home the trophy to Isegahama.

We have six rikishi up for a possible kachi-koshi today: Hoshoryu, Kiribayama, Wakamotoharu, Takayasu, Kinbozan, and Chiyoshoma

Haru Leaderboard

The closest competitor is 2 wins behind Midorifuji, making the odds of him being challenged for the cup fairly long. It has happened before that a red hot rikishi from the middle or lower ranks suddenly faces stiff competition and falters, but the “stiff competition” is not very potent right now, so I am expecting him to completely dominate the next few matches. He still has not faced Daieisho though…

Leader: Midorifuji
Hunt Group: Daieisho, Endo, Kotonowaka

5 Matches Remain

What We Are Watching Day 11

Oshoma (4-6) vs Tsurugisho (6-4) – Oshoma visits from Juryo to work on getting himself back into winning territory. He won his only prior match against Tsurugisho which happened on day 11 of Kyushu last year. I expect Tsurugisho to win this one.

Daishoho (6-4) vs Kinbozan (7-3) – Looking forward to both of these rikishi hitting their 8 wins (or more) and making a lasting mark in the top division. I think Kinbozan has had some stand out matches this March, and I think if he can stay healthy we will see him continue to grow in power and strength. Daishoho has won 2 of their 3 prior matches, but it was Kinbozan who won their last match in January on day 2 of Hatsu. A Kinbozan win will be kachi-koshi for him.

Kotoeko (6-4) vs Takanosho (6-4) – Both have matching 6-4 records, and I think at least for this tournament, this is a very even match. They have a six match record, but only two matches were fought since 2020, with Takanosho taking them both. The most recent being day 2 of Aki 2022.

Azumaryu (1-9) vs Mitoryu (5-5) – With his 1-9 score, Azumaryu is very much at risk of being relegated back to Juryo not long after his first career kachi-koshi in the top division. He managed his first win on day 10, to everyone’s relief, and now the question is: can he claw his way back with enough wins to make the case to stay near the bottom of the Makuuchi banzuke? He has a career record of 9-3 against Mitoryu.

Chiyoshoma (7-3) vs Nishikifuji (6-4) – An interesting match, as you have Chiyoshoma fighting for kachi-koshi against another high agility rikishi in Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji took both of their matches last year, in an overall 1-2 career match up history. I still think Chiyoshoma can find his 8th win today, but he is going to have to work for it.

Myogiryu (4-6) vs Hokuseiho (6-4) – A first ever match, with both rikishi presenting mirror image scores of the other one. Myogiryu has lost 3 of the last 4, which is only slightly worse that Hokuseiho, at 2-2. The more I watch him, the more it seems that Hokuseiho is still trying to figure out what “his brand of sumo” really means. There are just not that many enormous, plodding rikishi to model your fighting techniques after.

Bushozan (4-6) vs Hiradoumi (5-5) – Hiradoumi has this odd “win on even days, lose on odd days” pattern going on. Given that 11 is an odd number, I expect a loss today against Bushozan, which will make Bushozan quite happy.

Aoiyama (4-6) vs Oho (4-6) – With both rikishi starting the day at 4-6, the one who wins this match will take a step closer to a possible Darwin match on day 15, and the loser will move one loss away from make-koshi. Ugly position to be in, but sumo is a brutal, zero-sum sport. It forces every outcome to be tallied toward a final reckoning on day 15. It’s both terrible and glorious at the same time.

Ichiyamamoto (3-7) vs Kagayaki (4-6) – Ichiyamamoto had a nice 3 match win streak bracketed by a swarm of black stars, which resumed with his surprising day 10 loss to Azumaryu. I think we will see Kagayaki step up and hand Ichiyamamoto his 8th loss for a make-koshi today.

Takarafuji (3-7) vs Sadanoumi (3-7) – Both of these long serving top division stalwarts are teetering on the edge of make-koshi. The loser today will seal the deal, and the winner will survive for another day. The 14-6 career record would seem to heavily favor Takarafuji, but with Takarafuji fighting poorly this March, it’s tough to know how to sort this one.

Kotoshoho (2-8) vs Ryuden (1-9) – Both are already make-koshi, so this content is to see how far they will drop down the ranks for May. Frankly, I think Kotoshoho has a bit of an edge here, as I think he is somewhat less injured.

Abi (5-5) vs Nishikigi (2-8) – Nishikigi is already make-koshi, but if he get a solid hold of Abi, may force Abi to execute some rarely seen yotsu-zumo. That would be quite the treat! Abi holds a 5-2 career advantage in their match ups.

Ura (5-5) vs Shodai (6-4) – I am a bit disappointed that Shodai is not going to make a bid for the yusho this March. Him losing Ozeki rank, then winning the yusho would be a perfect “20202s sumo” theme. It’s always crummiest just before it gets dumb. Ura holds a narrow 4-3 edge in their career match ups, but given how they are fighting this tournament, I think I would pick Shodai as the more likely winner.

Tamawashi (2-8) vs Mitakeumi (4-6) – Thirty three (33) career matches between these two, and its Mitakeumi who is heavily favored, 27-6. Add to that that Tamawashi is already make-koshi, and seems to be injured, and it looks like Mitakeumi may find a much desired 5th win to bring him closer to the make/kachi koshi line today.

Hokutofuji (6-4) vs Kotonowaka (8-2) – It’s Hokutofuji’s turn to visit some san’yaku rikishi. He still needs two more wins the reach the safety of 8, and he’s got his work cut out for him today against Kotonowaka, who is already kachi-koshi. Kotonowaka has won every match against Hokutofuji in the past year, so this is a tall order for “ole Stompy” today.

Wakamotoharu (7-3) vs Midorifuji (10-0) – It’s Wakamotoharu’s turn to try and put dirt on Midorifuji. They share a 2-2 career record with the last bout being a Midorifuji win on day 12 of Hatsu 2023. I would expect that if Wakamotoharu can get a working grip, his power sumo will take hold and he should win the match. If Midorifuji can stay mobile, I think the white star will go to him. Should be a fun opening few seconds.

Daieisho (8-2) vs Takayasu (7-3) – Takayasu is fighting for kachi-koshi today, with a generous side helping of knocking Daieisho out of any hope to take the cup. Whatever hope there is is on the paltry side, as Daieisho is 2 wins behind Midorifuji at the start of day 11. He has a 6-11 career record against Takayasu.

Wakatakakage (4-6) vs Tobizaru (4-6) – Both are 4-6, and two losses away from make-koshi. At one point, recently, Wakatakakage was hoping to elevate his record that he might be considered for promotion to Ozeki. But an 8-7 finish in November, a 9-6 finish in January, and a possible make-koshi in Osaka have run these hopes aground. Now he has to fight Tobizaru for a chance to brawl his way up to a likely Darwin match. Ouch.

Kiribayama (7-3) vs Meisei (4-6) – Kiribayama is trying for his 8th win today, and kachi-koshi against Meisei, who seems to have some magic power over Kiribayama, holding a 6-3 career advantage. With Meisei’s score, he really could use the win.

Endo (8-2) vs Hoshoryu (7-3) – If Hoshoryu wants a kachi-koshi today, he will need to take a white start from already 8-2 Endo, who is having one of his “good” basho, an increasingly rare event. They have an even 3-3 career record, and they last ought on Aki day 15 in 2022, where Hoshoryu won by oshitaoshi.

Promotion/Demotion Picture, Day 10

With 10 days of action in the books, let’s take a look at where things stand.

San’yaku

I don’t think we’ll see any Ozeki promotions this time, but if the NSK is desperate enough, they could consider S1w Hoshoryu (11-4, 8-7, 7-3, all at Sekiwake) or S2e Kiribayama (8-7 K, 11-4 K, 7-3 S) if either can really run up the score. With 7 wins apiece already, they’ll be ranked no lower than Komusubi in May, and one more win would keep both at Sekiwake. Top-ranked S1e Wakatakakage (4-6) needs to win 4 of 5 to maintain rank for the 8th straight basho, and 3 of 5 to stay in San’yaku.

Two of the four Komusubi, K1w Kotonowaka and K2e Daieisho, sport 8-2 records that will at least keep them at the rank; they can make Sekiwake either if spots open up or if they can reach 11 wins. K1e Wakamotoharu (7-3) is a win away from holding rank, while K2w Tobizaru (4-6) has a lot of work left to do.

It’s not clear how many, if any, regular San’yaku slots will open up. The yusho race leader M5w Midorifuji (10-0) is the clear frontrunner for one, with M1w Shodai (6-4) next in line.

Makuuchi-Juryo Exchanges

No one has confirmed a seat on the Juryo barge yet. M11e Azumaryu (1-9) is in the worst shape, needing 4 wins for safety. M17e Mitoryu (5-5) and M15w Oho (4-6) need 3 apiece, while M14w Bushozan (4-6), M12w Takarafuji (3-7), and M16w Tsurugisho (6-4) need 2.

J1e Asanoyama (9-1) has done more than enough to ensure a return to Makuuchi after two years. J3e Ichinojo (9-1), who is also in the second division only for disciplinary reasons, should likewise be on his way back up, unless there is absolutely no room. J6e Gonoyama (8-2) and J3w Shonannoumi (6-4) are in with a chance, while J1w Tohakuryu (4-6) and J5w Enho (6-4) are long shots who need a lot of wins and help.

I’ll take a separate look at the Juryo-Makushita exchange picture in the near future.

Osaka Day 10 Highlights

Today was the day that the Great Sumo Cat decided to paw the yusho race off of the top shelf and watch it fall. These chaos days happen in sumo, and it took hold earlier in the day when former Ozeki Tochinoshin surrendered his match when his shoulder or pectoral suddenly gave out. He went soft in his match against Oshoma, who had the presence of mind to ease up on Tochinoshin and let him step out. There’s no word on how seriously he is injured, but I expect that if it’s bad enough, this will end his career. Furthermore, it was to his left shoulder, which is essential to his primary weapon, his left hand outside.

Past that, we saw Daieisho lose, Midorifuji win, and end the day 2 ahead of everyone else. It’s still possible for someone to catch Midorifuji, but the odds are longer now that anyone will, as it would require 2 losses for him while someone in the hunt group maintains a winning streak. Possible, but unlikely. Should this come to pass, we will once again see just how flat the competition is in the top division now. Anyone can take the cup, as none of the upper ranks are dominant enough to dominate anyone consistently. Lets call it Makujuryo.

In the headlines of “Should have happened last basho”, Asanoyama is now 9-1 at Juryo 1 East, he will return to the top division in May, and now we are just going to wait and see if he can run up the score and place higher than the bottom rung. Welcome back, sir. Please stay healthy.

Highlight Matches

Mitoryu defeats Tohakuryu – Tohakuryu sent back to the 2nd division with a loss. I thought he stepped out much earlier than the match ran, but I was not on the dohyo. Mitoryu has little fuss in capturing him, turning him to the East and stepping him out to improve to 5-5.

Kagayaki defeats Oho – Oho chooses to open with a hazu-oshi, but can’t maintain the hold as Kagayaki disrupts his upper body and hand placement, sending him off balance. A moment later the hikiotoshi lands an Oho is on the clay. Both end the day 4-6.

Takarafuji defeats Bushozan – Faced with a make-koshi, Takarafuji finds an escape move at the edge to stave off a losing record another day. Bushozan only takes a pair of volleys to break through Takarafuji’s normally solid defense and get him moving. Bushozan pursues, but finds himself on the dohyo the moment he lunges forward to finish off Takarafuji. Takarafuji improves to 3-7.

Tsurugisho defeats Takanosho – Solid sumo from Tsurugisho halts Takanosho’s climb back to the top ranks, at least for today. It was all in Tsurugisho’s left hand grip which he landed early. Three steps later, and he wins by yorikiri, both finish 6-4.

Chiyoshoma defeats Myogiryu – Chiyoshoma launched into the tachiai a bit early, and stayed on his feet when Myogiryu tried to pull him down. The match featured an awkward staring contest that lasted a few seconds in the middle before Chiyoshoma slapped Myogiryu to bring him back to the fight. Myogiryu charged, and Chiyoshoma slapped him down, improving to 7-3.

Daishoho defeats Nishikifuji – Nishikifuji did not have the mass or the power to break Daishoho’s solid defensive stance, Daishoho counter attacked, and launched Nishikifuji out by oshidashi for the win. Both end the day 6-4.

Hiradoumi defeats Kotoeko – Hiradoumi is able to deliver a lot more power than I tend to expect form him. Plus he is on this very unusual pattern of winning on even days, losing on odd days going on right now. As day 10 is even, I guess it was time for him to win. He powers up against Kotoeko and walks him out, improving to 5-5.

Azumaryu defeats Ichiyamamoto – Azumaryu finally gets his first win of the tournament. He still can’t hold ground, but Ichiyamamoto is so helter skelter this March that Azumaryu just needed to stay one step ahead of him, and wait to apply the slap down. He improves to 1-9.

Hokuseiho defeats Ura – Do you ever have a day where you need to get at that box of papers on the top shelf in your closet? But it’s underneath a bunch of other boxes and there is stuff that is threatening to fall on you as you try to work it out of it’s spot without causing a concussion? Now imagine the closet is fighting you back. That is what comes to mind watching Ura fight from his ultra low stance against the vertically generous Hokuseiho. Ura throws the kitchen sink into this match, but Hokuseiho the closet is not giving in, and Ura is not getting that box of papers. Ura pauses for a moment, to think through if he really needs those papers, remembers it’s almost tax time, and goes at it again. This time the closet is done messing around, and it’s over by yorikiri before Ura can file an extension. Hokuseiho now 6-4.

Hokutofuji defeats Aoiyama – That was more forward power from Aoiyama than I think I have seen the entire basho. He did well to fend off Hokutofuji at first, but in true Aoiyama style, he resorted to a pull after a time. Hokutofuji was prepared, and rushed “Big Dan” for the exit, improving to 6-4. Six straight wins after an 0-4 start.

Kinbozan defeats Takayasu – This match was all down to Takayasu’s lack of balance and connection to earth. He starts with his pointless shoulder blast, only to find that Kinbozan is not really effected. Takayasu attacks with oshi-zumo, but it’s not really effective, so he tries to pull Kinbozan. Sadly, that does not work either a Kinbozan keeps his feed and runs Takayasu out. Every moment that Takayasu had a choice to make today, his choices turned out poorly. He’s eliminated from even theoretical competition for the cup, as both end the day 7-3.

Sadanoumi defeats Nishikigi – Sadanoumi accepts Nishikigi’s invitation to yotsu-zumo, and proceed to call the tune. Nishikigi never can set his feet defensively, and Sadanoumi swings him around and rolls him to the clay by sukuinage. Nishikigi now make-koshi at 2-8 while Sadanoumi improves to 3-7.

Tamawashi defeats Ryuden – We finally get to see some solid forward power from Tamawashi in today’s match. Ryuden is in terrible condition right now, and can’t offer more than token resistance to Tamawashi’s oshi attack, and is out in a hurry by oshidashi, with Tamawashi advancing to 2-8.

Endo defeats Shodai – Endo stays in the hunt in this solid match. We got to see a good opening gambit from Endo, the “Wall of Daikon” from Shodai, and then Endo counters with a well timed sukuinage. That’s a real risk to Shodai’s favorite move, if you can get a hand around that big body, you can swing him down for a win. Endo now 8-2 and kachi-koshi.

Wakamotoharu defeats Meisei – Outstanding defensive effort from Meisei today. He was masterful in his approach to locking out as much of Wakamotoharu’s sumo as he could, preventing Waka from getting much of a grip for most of the fight. But eventually Meisei had to pause. Wakamotoharu consolidated his grip, lifted Meisei and walked him out for a win by yorikiri, he is now 7-3.

Midorifuji defeats Tobizaru – Valiant effort by Tobizaru, but it seems Midorifuji is untouchable right now. He sacrificed his hit and move sumo for a solid right hand inside grip, and proceeded to try and find some way to break Midorifuji down. For just a moment, it looked like Tobizaru had found an advantage, he advanced. But, Midorifuji countered with a seldom seen move – a waridashi, or upper arm force out. That’s 10-0 for Midorifuji. Wow.

Kotonowaka defeats Abi – Abi-zumo seems to have once again run out of gas for now. I am sure he will be back with a variation that will cause all kinds of trouble later this year. But Kotonowaka shuts down his offense, lands a couple of big pushes center mass, and drops Abi on his back. Kotonowaka now kachi-koshi at 8-2.

Kiribayama defeats Mitakeumi – Impressed that Kiribayama was able to get a double hand inside grip and lift the bulky tadpole body of Mitakeumi up and buck him out of the ring. That’s quite a lift for anyone. Kiribayama now 7-3.

Hoshoryu defeats Daieisho – This is the point where the yusho race fell apart. It was a lot of expect of Daieisho to stay on a winning streak against some of the toughest men still fighting in this tournament. Daieisho put all of his chips on a thrust and pull strategy which failed. It was predictable, and likely trained for this morning. He was then gabbed bodily by Hoshoryu, and it was all over except for the kensho at that point. Hoshoryu improves to 7-2.

Kotoshoho defeats Wakatakakage – Ok, what the hell was that? Kotoshoho has been fighting like a top contender in Jonidan for most of this tournament. But he shuts down the one time Ozeki hopeful, discombobulates his sumo utterly, and then shoves the resulting mess out of the ring. Oh, 2020s sumo – never change! Kotoshoho now 2-8.

Osaka Day 10 Preview

With the arrival of day 10, we are at the end of 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. There are 5 in contention for the cup, and only one of them has prior yusho experience, Daieisho. He last hoisted the Emperor’s Cup in January of 2021, with a 13-2 final score as a Maegashira 1. On his road to the yusho, be beat all 3 Ozeki at the time and then the entire san’yaku before the first week was done. The only rikishi who bested him were Takarafuji and Onosho. One of them today is kyujo with a knee injury, the other fading out before our eyes on the lower rungs of the banzuke. He managed a jun-yusho in May of last year with an 11-4 score from the Komusubi rank. In between those two were a spread of make-koshi and kachi-koshi tournaments, with 4 winning records and 3 losing records.

Daieisho’s biggest problem is one of consistency. When his sumo is working just right, he’s tough to beat, especially in this age where almost everyone is an adherent to the oshi/tsuki form. But his peak power is in a fairly narrow band, and it’s tough for him to maintain that intensity over 15 days, it seems. If he finishes with 10 or more wins this March, it will be only the 6th time out of 42 top division basho where he has reached such a mark. Best of luck to him as he vies for the cup.

Haru Leaderboard

One man in the lead, one a loss behind him, and three 2 losses back. I do expect that Midorifuji will take his first trip to the clay in the next few days, and then the race is one. The schedulers goal is to keep it close going into the final weekend to give us a thrilling end to this basho.

Leader: Midorifuji
Chaser: Daieisho
Hunt Group: Kotonowaka, Endo, Takayasu

6 Matches Remain

What We Are Watching Day 10

Mitoryu (4-5) vs Tohakuryu (4-5) – With Onosho out, we once again have a banzuke imbalance, and so we get more visitors from Juryo. Today it’s Tohakuryu’s turn to come to the top division, possibly for a right good thumping. He has never won against Mitoryu, and I see no reason today might be his first. Both men are in need of wins to stave of make-koshi in a few days, so I expect a lot of action in the first match of the day.

Kagayaki (3-6) vs Oho (4-5) – Somehow Oho has a better record that Kagayaki right now, but the numbers do not lie. There is a solid chance for Kagayaki to even things up if he can overcome his 1-3 career disadvantage against Oho and get him out of the ring or on the clay. A Kagayaki loss today will put him one match away from make-koshi. I hope this helps focus his mind.

Bushozan (4-5) vs Takarafuji (2-7) – Today may likely be make-koshi for dear Takarafuji. He’s only been able to find 2 wins so far, and I worry he’s in real danger of demotion back to Juryo. Bushozan won their only prior match, which was day 7 of Hatsu.

Tsurugisho (5-4) vs Takanosho (6-3) – Takanosho is far enough along that I think he might be able to hit double digits this March, which would do a lot to propel him back toward the top end of the banzuke, which is where he belongs when he is healthy. He’s only won once against Tsurugisho in 3 attempts, but the only prior fight in the top division was day 12 of Hatsu, which went to Tsurugisho.

Myogiryu (4-5) vs Chiyoshoma (6-3) – Normally these two would be an even match. But this March Myogiryu is fighting poorly, and struggling to keep himself on the kachi-koshi path. I also put a bit of an asterisk next to Chiyoshoma’s score, given that some of his win column comes from a henka, which is no indicator of actual sumo performance. They share a 6-6 career record.

Daishoho (5-4) vs Nishikifuji (6-3) – With a 7-1 career advantage, this one should go to Nishikifuji. The fought twice in 2022, in January and May, both going to Nishikifuji. The only Daishoho win came in Kyushu 2021, where Daishoho was able to get a solid hold on Nishikifuji’s mawashi and put him out of the ring by yorikiri.

Kotoeko (6-3) vs Hiradoumi (4-5) – Another of the great contrasts in today’s Torikumi, we get Kotoeko with the higher score going against lower scored Hiradoumi, against whom he has never won. I would like to think Kotoeko has a chance, given the quality of his sumo this March.

Ichiyamamoto (3-6) vs Azumaryu (0-9) – Someone had to fight Azumaryu, as he seems unwilling to own up to whatever injury is plaguing him and go kyujo. Given Ichiyamamoto’s day 9 performance, he should be able to win this one – if he does not fall over on his own first.

Hokuseiho (5-4) vs Ura (5-4) – First ever match between two rikishi with matching scores, and radically different approaches to sumo. Will Hokuseiho stand around being huge, and wait for Ura to unleash some new quantum sumo straight from the UC Berkley labs? Or Hakuho’s biggest recruit going to get in gear and fight today?

Hokutofuji (5-4) vs Aoiyama (4-5) – Hokutofuji leads the series 15-2, and he should be more than able to dispatch the injured Aoiyama in the first 15 seconds of this match.

Kinbozan (6-3) vs Takayasu (7-2) – First ever match for these two, with a 7 rung banzuke gap between them. I hope Takayasu approaches this fight with caution, as his wild man sumo would provide a lot of attack options for Kinbozan to exploit.

Sadanoumi (2-7) vs Nishikigi (2-7) – Loser is make-koshi. This time out, Nishikigi is doing quite a bit worse than I thought he would. Mostly I think due to over-reliance on that arm bar / kotenage combo he used quite a bit in the first act. It became predictable, and injured a few folks. I expect Sadanoumi to shut that down at the tachiai.

Tamawashi (1-8) vs Ryuden (1-8) – A match of great sadness, we are only on day 10 and we see a battle of two rikishi with a single win each. Both of them are solid competitors when healthy, but are all but banzuke ballast this March. Maybe they should ask to reconvene this match at a nearby izakaya instead.

Endo (7-2) vs Shodai (6-3) – This is, at least to me, a high interest match. Shodai is fighting well, Endo is fighting well. They have a 17 match career record that favors Shodai 11-6. I am keen to see if Shodai is focused enough this March to shut down Endo’s match plan. I sort of thing that today, he can.

Wakamotoharu (6-3) vs Meisei (4-5) – I would love to see Wakamotoharu end this tournament with third double digit score in the last 4 tournaments. He has no losses to Meisei in 2 prior matches, so I expect he may find his 7th win today.

Midorifuji (9-0) vs Tobizaru (4-5) – Time for Midorifuji to face some higher ranked opponents! He gets Tobizaru, who he has beaten in 3 of 4 prior attempts. The numbers only tell part of the story, as Tobizaru always seems to be fighting at his most intense for the “big” matches, and a chance to knock the leader out of sole possession of the yusho and back into a tie with Daieisho is indeed a “big” match. Oh, and the man just behind Midorifuji? Yes, Daieisho, he’s Tobizaru’s stable mate.

Abi (5-4) vs Kotonowaka (7-2) – A Kotonowaka win today is kachi-koshi for him, and he will start to apply pressure to take any Sekiwake rank that might become available. I personally think he will end up with at least 10 wins, so please Kotonowaka, run up the score.

Kiribayama (6-3) vs Mitakeumi (4-5) – As a fan who has appreciated Mitakeumi’s sumo, its tough to watch him unable to execute on most match days. He has a 6-8 career deficit against Kiribayama, and there is nothing to indicate that Mitakeumi would bring any advantage to the dohyo today.

Daieisho (8-1) vs Hoshoryu (6-3) – Should Tobizaru be able to pull off a win, it’s up to Daieisho to do his part against Hoshoryu. Their seven match career history would seem to indicate that if Hoshoryu can get a hand hon Daieisho’s belt, he has a solid chance to win. Should we see Daieisho break Hoshoryu’s balance in the first or second volley, it is going to go his way.

Wakatakakage (4-5) vs Kotoshoho (1-8) – Well, Wakatakakage had to fight someone. If he wins today (and he had better win today), he is 0-5 followed by 5-0. No, don’t ask me, I have no clue either.