When everyone in the yusho race are ranked below san’yaku, odd things can happen. These are rikishi on a “hot streak”, much like Ichinojo in July, and the hot streak rikishi will carry forward as far as they can. But eventually those hot streaks may falter. So today, we had a big re-rack of the yusho race. Tamawashi took a loss, then a number of other people won, with the crucial fight being Hokutofuji’s loss to Takakeisho. This leaves Tamawashi as sole leader, but now there are 4 rikishi just one win behind, and a further 4 two wins behind the leader. This is a bit chaotic to the start of day 13, but it is still Tamawashi’s yusho to lose. We now know the winning score will be no higher than 13-2, but I expect it to be no higher than 12-3 when they toss the gyoji at the end of day 15.

Highlight Matches

Okinoumi defeats Yutakayama – Yutakayama put Okinoumi on defense at the tachiai, and kept him from using a right hand inside grip. One thing that may not get discussed much, but many rikishi really almost insist on a certain inside / outside grip to do much in the way of powerful sumo. Locking Okinoumi out of using his right hand inside, Yutakayama kept Okinoumi from “getting comfortable”, would be my closest choice of words. Okinoumi has been doing this for a long time, and adapted. It was a bit clumsy, as he could not get his throw attempt to work “backwards”, but he managed a yorikiri anyhow. Okinoumi finishes day 12 6-6.

Kotoshoho defeats Mitoryu – Today, Mitoryu’s sumo was interesting to watch. He was not really able to generate any offensive or forward power, but he was doing a masterful job of evading every move Kotoshoho employed to try and get him out. Sometimes, winning a sumo match can be done by simply not losing, and it looks like that may have been Mitoryu’s strategy today. But eventually Kotoshoho managed to box him in and get him out, giving him his 8th loss and Mitoryu is make-koshi for September. Kotoshoho improves to 7-5.

Takanosho defeats Chiyoshoma – Onigiri-kun Takanosho continues his rehabilitation basho, he’s now won the last 4 in a row, and locked in kachi-koshi for September. I think the defining moment of this match was when Takanosho shoved Chiyoshoma away, just as Chiyoshoma was about to get a grip and set up his attack. Nicely done, sir! Takanosho is now 8-4. Kimarite is listed as tsukite, as Chiyoshoma lost his footing, and touched the clay as he recovered balance.

Myogiryu defeats Oho – Oho has now lost 2 in a row, and 3 of the last 4. Did he get hurt? Or is he just having some kind of 2nd week struggle? He was fighting well, evenly balanced against Myogiryu, and then tried to pull. Of course Myogiryu had a plan for that, and took control of the match, putting Oho out by oshidashi three steps later. Both end the day at 7-5.

Ryuden defeats Kotoeko – Kotoeko could not maintain the block against Ryuden getting his left hand inside, and on Kotoeko’s mawashi. He did manage to prevent Ryuden’s attempt to throw, but just ran out of dohyo to attempt any evasion. Ryuden scores his 8th win, and is kachi-koshi for September at 8-4. Welcome back to the top division, sir. Glad you will be sticking around.

Hiradoumi defeats Tochinoshin – Holy smokes, where as this edition of Hiradoumi been? Granted, Tochinoshin is not able to fight with the strength of a bear, that has a strength of two bears any more, but what a combo from Hiradoumi. Did he hulk out when Tochinoshin broke his attack and shoved him away? It almost looked like it. Sadly Tochinoshin is now make-koshi at 4-8, while Hiradoumi is 6-6.

Chiyotairyu defeats Aoiyama – I would describe this match as tentative and obligatory. They needed to compete, they are both make-koshi, and they are both in sub-par condition. They tried to move as little as possible with their lower bodies, and just bludgeon the other one into submission. It was a close call, but Chiyotairyu managed to thrust Aoiyama down to improve to 4-8.

Onosho defeats Terutsuyoshi – Another day, another low tachiai from Terutsuyoshi, in fact too low. He gets hand placement, can’t hold on and gets rampaged out by Onosho. Both end the day 5-7. I have seen better sumo in Makushita.

Endo defeats Ichiyamamoto – Ichiyamamoto tries his “one weird trick” on Endo, and it’s not working. So, if you are one dimensional, you do it again except much harder. Endo is unmoved, and gives Ichiyamamoto his walking papers. Endo advances to 6-6.

Tsurugisho defeats Takarafuji – In act 3 you tend to see these “battle of the disastrous record” matches. I get it that these guys need to continue to compete, and if they can pick up wins. I liked Tsurugisho’s try for a katasukashi, but he could not complete the move and converted it into a tsukiotoshi. Tsurugisho now 4-8.

Wakamotoharu defeats Tamawashi – Oh, Tamawashi. I am sure you have already asked yourself, but when your right hand broke contact, why did your left hand try to pull Wakamotoharu? Wakamotoharu is good enough that he did not waste a moment powering forward and putting you away. Tamawashi gives up the lead as Wakamotoharu improves to 7-5.

Tobizaru defeats Nishikifuji – A big compliment to Nishikifuji for his match plan. Spam the daylights out of Tobizaru with everything you can throw at him, and maybe overwhelm him. It certainly delivered on rapid action. I have not seen a pugilistic display like that since the last time my cat go into the weapons grade catnip. But when your opponent is basically a fox spirit in human form, none of that is going to work at all. Tobizaru absorbs the chaos, and it only makes him stronger. He grows weary of the hitting and shoves the still flailing Nishikifuji out. Both end the day 9-3. Nishikifuji falls back to remain one behind Tamawashi. Tobizaru closes the gap to the leader, and is now in the chase group.

Ura defeats Midorifuji – Another chaos spirit fighting an Isegahama rikishi? Sure, let’s do that please. When Ura lines up “all the way downtown” you know that it’s going to be a special day. Ura seems to be working on some kind of attack, but Midorifuji steps out. They call it a kimedashi, which is close enough. It’s 7-5 for Ura.

Meisei defeats Ichinojo – I can only describe Ichinojo as “flaccid” for today. It amazes me that a guy that big can be moved about so easily by a person the size of Meisei. Testament to Meisei’s sumo. But seriously, where is the Ichinojo who was so gloriously immobile in July? I want my Snorlax back. Meisei delivers Ichinojo his make-koshi, and demotion out of the named ranks, while improving to 5-7.

Kiribayama defeats Kotonowaka – Unwilling to pick up his third loss in a row, Kiribayama fought like he meant it today. I liked the morozashi, loved the drive and happy he finally powered Kotonowaka over the bales. Both end 7-5, and will probably get their kachi-koshi tomorrow.

Takayasu defeats Wakatakakage – Takayasu fought with a lot of power, but really did not look focused, on balance or very tidy at all. But sometimes the wild man sumo style can get you a win. He breaks Wakatakakage’s win streak at 8, and improves to 9-3, now one win behind Tamawashi.

Daieisho defeats Sadanoumi – Daieisho is not quite ready to accept make-koshi today, and puts up a fight against speed demon Sadanoumi. I really liked Sadanoumi’s interview the other day. His voice was like a character from a historical drama. In fact when he’s done with sumo, he should go be a voice actor, he has a great set of pipes. I wonder if he can sing as well? Daieisho ignores his Sadanoumi’s glorious voice, and pushes him back and out. Daieisho now 5-7.

Hoshoryu defeats Shodai – Good golly – Hoshoryu just bulls his way into a kubinage against Shodai. Granted, this is a highly diminished version of Shodai, but at somewhere around 170kg, that’s a lot of daikon to toss over your shoulder like that. I note the gasp that escapes Shodai as he hits the clay. Can we assume Shodai is having back problems this September? Hoshoryu improves to 6-6.

Takakeisho defeats Hokutofuji – Ole! A single touch from Takakeisho as Hokutofuji’s big tachiai goes roaring past like to Tohoku Shinkansen ripping through Ueno. Hokutofuji gets completely airborne, as Takakeisho looks at him sail past. Glorious henka deluxe today. Takakeisho picks up his 8th win and is kachi-koshi. With this loss Hokutofuji joins the 9 win crowd now one behind Tamawashi.

Mitakeumi defeats Nishikigi – This first fight was far closer than it should have been for Mitakeumi, and for a time Nishikigi had his preferred set up. The mutual throw that ended the match resulted in a monoii and it was determined they landed together, time for a rematch. The second fight, Mitakeumi did a better job at keeping Nishikigi contained. Mitakeumi caught Nishikigi reaching for a belt grip and dumped him to the clay with a tsukiotoshi. Mitakeumi improves to 4-8.

It seems like for the past few years, we have faced a parade of non-durable Ozeki. I am sure that competing at the highest levels of sumo takes a heavy toll on thee athlete’s bodies, it’s been a shame to see the likes of Tochinoshin, Takayasu, now Mitakeumi and maybe soon Shodai fade out after what seems like far too short a time. One has to wonder, is this a failure in training? A side effect from whatever happened during COVID? Lack of cats in the heya?

I wish I knew, as I would love to see a set of 3-4 Ozeki show up and win 8 to 10 matches every basho for about 3 or 4 years. In my mind, that is what the Ozeki corps should be. The classical impenetrable barrier that all of the rest of the rikishi face every 2 months to test their mettle. May I live long enough to see this come to pass.

It’s an odd day of sumo, as we have a single leader without a clear path for anyone to challenge him other than the “on any given day” fluke of events. But I have high hopes that one gain the matches in the middle of the fight card are going to be the ones to watch. Let’s go!

Aki Leaderboard

Tamawashi alone atop the leaderboard, His only real competitor at this point might be Hokutofuji, but someone would have to beat Tamawashi and then hope for a playoff. Quite likely we will see a second Tamawashi yusho at this point. It’s still possible for him to finish 14-1, that’s Yokozuna grade sumo from a 37 year old man. Amazing.

Leader: Tamawashi
Chasers: Hokutofuji, Nishikifuji
Hunt Group: Wakatakakage, Tobizaru, Takayasu

4 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 12

Okinoumi vs Yutakayama – Yutakayama (3-8) has reached make-koshi, but it still remains to be seen how many losses he will have when Aki is done. As a member of the bottom third of the rank and file, a deep enough losing record could nominate him for a unsightly return to Juryo. He has only beaten Okinoumi (5-6) once in 7 tries, so this may be loss number 9 for Yutakayama.

Kotoshoho vs Mitoryu – If 6-5 Kotoshoho can win today, it will give 4-7 Mitoryu his 8th loss, and make-koshi for September. Kotoshoho has won the last two in a row, and just maybe he has shaken off whatever caused his 0-3 start. He needs to win 2 out of the remaining 4 matches to reach his 8 and make a case for higher rank.

Chiyoshoma vs Takanosho – Sort of a “mini Darwin” today, with both rikishi at 7-4, and the winner getting not just the white start, but a glittering new kachi-koshi to boot. My challenge is that I want both of them to end with winning records this September, but frankly we need a renewed Takanosho back in the higher reaches of the banzuke. Given the Onigiri-kun prefers tsuki/oshi and Chiyoshoma yotsu, there is a lot of ways this match might go.

Myogiryu vs Oho – Oho (7-4) will try again today to get his 8th win, after losing day 11 to Hiradoumi in a match he probably should have won. He faced Myogiryu (6-5), who lost their only prior match, in May of this year.

Ryuden vs Kotoeko – Another match featuring a 7-4 (Ryuden) vs 5-6 (Kotoeko) match up. If Ryuden gets the win, he’s kachi-koshi and good to move higher up the ranks for November. These two last fought in March of 2021, and Kotoeko has won the last three matches, going back to Aki 2020. Ryuden will have his work cut out for him.

Tochinoshin vs Hiradoumi – A first time match for the long suffering veteran Tochinoshin (4-7) against top division debutante Hiradoumi (5-6). Tochinoshin is one loss away from make-koshi, where Hiradoumi needs to win 3 of the last 4 matches to reach 8 wins. As the last man on the banzuke, he would be the first in line to return to Juryo should he fail to get his 8th win.

Aoiyama vs Chiyotairyu – Both miserable mega-fauna men are at 3-8. Both are hurt, and both are fighting with a fraction of their normal intensity. So why not put them head to head. The 14=9 career record favors Aoiyama, but that won’t matter today, as they are both injured.

Terutsuyoshi vs Onosho – Long term sumo fans know that Onosho (4-7) has hot and cold streaks. After at 10-5 hot streak in Nagoya, he’s back to cold mode, and today a loss against Terutsuyoshi (5-6) would be his 8th, and render him make-koshi for September. Career record is 3-2 in favor of Onosho.

Ichiyamamoto vs Endo – Both men are 5-6, both need 3 wins out of the final 4 matches to reach 8, and both should be fighting with a lot of gusto today. Will Ichiyamamoto’s long arm thrusting attack or Endo’s down and under tachiai be the key today? Endo won their only prior match on day 9 of Aki last year (2021).

Takarafuji vs Tsurugisho – Both are 3-8, both are make-koshi, and both are probably injured. Tsurugisho is almost certainly headed back to Juryo, and Takarafuji is getting to the age where these sports injuries are becoming much slower to heal. Takarafuji has a 3-1 career record, with their last match being day 3 in Nagoya.

Tamawashi vs Wakamotoharu – Yusho race leader Tamawashi (10-1) gets Wakamotoharu (6-5) for a first ever match up, pitting super genki tsuki/oshi vs yotsu styles. Even if Wakamotoharu can manage to get any kind of hand hold on Tamawashi or his belt, I am not sure it would make matters better for him. Likely to be in number 11 for sumo’s iron man.

Tobizaru vs Nishikifuji – While the prior match seems somewhat obligatory (Tamawashi has to fight somebody), this one seems quite inspirited. Take the man 1 win behind the leader in Nishikifuji (9-2), and put him up against a very unpredictable Tobizaru (8-3) for their first ever match on the dohyo. This will be very instructive for Nishikifuji, as you can never tell what kind of hybrid sumo Tobizaru is going to throw into any given day.

Ura vs Midorifuji – In a similar theme, we are going to see highly innovated Ura (6-5) battle struggling Maegashira 1 (Midorifuji) in a first ever match to see who has a better chance of making it to 8 wins this September. Ura needs 2 wins, Midorifuji 3 wins out of the remaining 4 matches.

Meisei vs Ichinojo – Another mini-Darwin, with both rikishi having 4-7 scores to start the day. The loser ends the tournament with a make-koshi for their troubles. Seems odd that July yusho winner Ichinojo is in this situation, but it underscores why people like myself were aghast that he was able to take the cup in Nagoya. Meisei has a 7-4 career lead over the Mongolian Behemoth.

Kotonowaka vs Kiribayama – These two both should reach 8 wins at a minimum this month, thought I expect 7-4 Kotonowaka to possibly reach double digits. He’s got a fair chance of besting 6-5 Kiribayama today, who as surprisingly lost the last 2 in a row, and 3 out of the last 4.

Wakatakakage vs Takayasu – Both rikishi are 8-3 to start the day, though the trend tells the difference. Wakatakakage has had 8 straight wins, and Takayasu dropped an all important match against Myogiryu on day 11 to stumble out of the yusho race. A real shame for him, but as a long suffering Takayasu fan, he’s more or less the Chicago Cubs of sumo at the moment. Wakatakakage holds a 6-2 career advantage in competition, so this may be kind of ugly.

Daieisho vs Sadanoumi – I think I will start to call these matches “Newton Matches” as an adjunct to “Darwin Matches”. We have 4-7 Daieisho up against 7-4 Sadanoumi. A Sadanoumi win would make him kachi-koshi while at the same time making Daieisho make-koshi. So an equal and opposite reaction. There is a 6-4 career record that favors Daieisho, but right now I can’t help notice that Daieisho is not fighting well, and Sadanoumi is possibly at peak performance.

Hoshoryu vs Shodai – I refuse to try and consider what is or is not going on with Shodai (2-9). I do know what Hoshoryu (5-6) needs to win 3 out of the last 4 matches to keep his Sekiwake rank, So I consider him well motivated today. He typically gives Shodai a strong fight, but the last three matches in a row have all gone to Shodai. Maybe he can muster enough daikon to win again today.

Takakeisho vs Hokutofuji – An advantage that Tamawashi has in the yusho run – he has already faced the Ozeki corps. Not that the Ozeki are much of a barrier this tournament. But Hokutofuji (9-2) may have some trouble with them, and might be expected to pick up a couple more losses. He has a 22 match history against Takakeisho (7-4), with a 10-12 record. Takakeisho still needs one more win for kachi-koshi, which would make him the only Ozeki to reach 8 wins this September.

Nishikigi vs Mitakeumi – Future Sekiwake Mitakeumi (3-8) (how dreadful that is) provides Nishikigi (5-6) his next stop on the “Magical Mystery Tour”. Oddly enough, he has a better chance of reaching kachi-koshi for September (needs 3 wins) than Mitakeumi does (not possible, already make-koshi). What is the sumo world coming to?