My initial reaction to day 12 was, “Where to start with this?”. It was a day of intense and pivotal sumo, full of good matches with some surprising results. I think it has to start with the last match of the day, where Meisei surprised the Yokozuna with a blistering tachiai and converted it to a shitatenage on the third step. With that loss, the yusho race expands once again, with 4 rikishi finishing the day 1 win behind the Yokozuna. I still expect Terunofuji to take the cup home on day 15, but the score will be no higher than 13-2.

But earlier in the torikumi, we saw Tochinoshin take on Chiyonokuni in a oshi-zumo battle, and batter the daylights out of the arch pugilist with enough power to knock a filling loose. We don’t see Tochinoshin engage in this kind of sumo much if at all, but that looked like it hurt.

While I am pretty sure the funnel project was set aside earlier, we now have 8 rikishi that go into the final three days with 6-6 records. This could make for a healthy crop of Darwin matches on day 15, but we have to get them (and maybe a few others) to 7-7 two days from now.

Lastly, poor Takayasu literally busted his ass. He is kyujo with an injury to his right side gluteus maximus, and will be out for the rest of the basho. Tamawashi picked up the fusensho and has a 5-7 score at the end of day 12. We hope that Takayasu can find a comfortable position to rest with that one. Man, it must hurt.

Highlight Matches

Daiamami defeats Chiyonoo – Juryo visitor Daiamami has the better hand and body position, and overpowers Chiyonoo for his 8th loss, rendering him make-koshi for September. Chiyonoo has lost 5 of the last 6 matches, and joins the crowd eligible for demotion back to Juryo.

Tochinoshin defeats Chiyonokuni – I do think that Tochinoshin may have found a new form of sumo to enjoy today. Chiyonokuni started with his normal wide, powerful slapping swings, battering Tochinoshin around mercilessly. And then, maybe, the former Ozeki connected with his 12 year old self battling with a sibling back in Georgia, and opened up his own smack-attack. As much upper body strength as Tochinoshin still has, that had to have really been effective. By the 5th volley, Chiyonokuni was clearly feeling it in his head and face, and Tochinoshin made fast work of shoving him out. Tochinoshin improves to 6-6.

Kotoeko defeats Chiyotairyu – Four in a row now for Kotoeko. His fight against Chiyonokuni on day 8 must have snapped whatever was damaged back into place, because he has won every match since after a long streak of losses. Chiyotairyu dictated that the match go chest to chest, which is a bit surprising. Kotoeko was able to mount a strong defense, and worked to get a double inside grip, which he converted to a win moments later. Kotoeko improves to 6-6.

Kagayaki defeats Myogiryu – This may have been intended to a straightforward win for Myogiryu to stay one behind Terunofuji, but Kagayaki got his hands inside, and hammered away against center-mass. Myogiryu could not hold his footing, and Kagayaki pressed forward to thrust Myogiryu out, improving to 6-6.

Yutakayama defeats Aoiyama – Yutakayama was able to get chest to chest with Aoiyama, who seemed to not really have a good formula for shutting down Yutakayama’s advance. Yutakayama made fast work of the match, with a tentative right hand inside position, he moved Aoiyama back and out to improve to 7-5.

Tsurugisho defeats Hidenoumi – Tsurugisho was not quite ready for make-koshi yet. He gets a right hand inside and marched Hidenoumi directly out. It was too slow to be denshamichi, but I think it was quite a good match from a man fighting through the pain on his right leg. Both end the day at 5-7.

Tobizaru defeats Tokushoryu – Tokushoryu was very eager off the line, causing a matta, and then rushing in fast on the second attempt. Tobizaru seemed wary of some kind of mischief from Tokushoryu, who had superior body position, But Tobizaru’s left hand inside and shoulders set up for a kubinage, which came through just as both men crashed across the bales. Tobizaru improves to 5-7.

Shimanoumi defeats Kaisei – Shimanoumi gave Kaisei a welcome start to the match, going chest to chest and keeping the lateral movement to a minimum. After setting up then struggling for hand placement, Shimanoumi established a hazuoshi (armpit attack) and pushed Kaisei across the tawara. Shimanoumi improves to 5-7, Kaisei hits loss #8 and is make-koshi.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Terutsuyoshi – I had expected Terutsuyoshi to dominate this match, but Ichiyamamoto was able to set up a two hand thrust on Terutsuyoshi’s shoulders before the tachiai was complete. Terutsuyoshi never found a way to defend or escape the attack stream, and was quickly thrust out of the ring. Ichiyamamoto improves to 4-8.

Chiyomaru defeats Ura – Ura gets under Chiyomaru’s initial attack, which went high and over Ura’s shoulder. But it put Chiyomaru’s hands in a perfect position for a pull down, and he launched Ura forward to tumble out of the ring. Chiyomaru improves to 7-5.

Wakatakakage defeats Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma was off balance at the second step, and that robbed him of both offense and defense at a critical moment of the fight. Wakatakakage took control and responded with a thrusting combo that caught Chiyoshoma wide open, and unable to compensate. Wakatakakage improves to 6-6.

Okinoumi defeats Kiribayama – Kiribayama fails to reach his 8th win yet again, and his hoped for posting to san’yaku is starting to look a bit more questionable. He put up a hell of a defense against Okinoumi, who was able to get superior body and hand placement, and at once point was pressing against Kiribayama’s chin with everything he could muster. But Okinoumi has enough sumo for any occasion, and sends Kiribayama out with an uwatenage, improving to 9-3.

Daieisho defeats Hoshoryu – Nice to see Daieisho back to his traditional form of sumo. Explosive tachiai, direct connect with maximum power thrust, and follow up with overpowering forward momentum. Hoshoryu had no chance to do anything other than go along for the ride. Daieisho improves to 7-5.

Endo defeats Takanosho – Takanosho had all of the offense in this match, but hit the clay thanks to a last moment hatakikomi from Endo as he was falling out of the ring. I expected a monoii, but I am going to guess the judges had a clear enough view that none was required. Endo improves to 9-3.

Onosho defeats Mitakeumi – When the schedulers put two tadpoles on the dohyo to fight each other, you know there will be sparks. Onosho, when he can be certain that there is enough mass to hold his pressure, can deliver a massive opening volley. He used it today to put Mitakeumi on his heels, and 2 steps later to shove him across the tawara to improve to 9-3.

Ichinojo defeats Shodai – It was a matta fest, as Ichinojo could not get his low speed launch quite right. To be fair, its a bit like launching a JAL 777 headed for Los Angeles. I saw Shodai trying the “big body” wall of daikon technique, and Ichinojo was having none of it. From his great altitude, a slap down is always just a moment away. With Shodai reaching forward to press the attack, Ichinojo reached forward and sent him down to the clay. Ichinojo improves to 6-6. Even Isegahama seemed frustrated.

Takakeisho defeats Takarafuji – I have no idea where Takakeisho found the guts to grind out 8 wins this month after losing the first 3 in a row. It was clear he was not 100%, but he was going to make it work through sheer force of will if necessary. This is why he’s an Ozeki. Takarafuji, to his credit, presents an excellent, stable defense, but can’t stay in with the amount of power Takakeisho is suppling. Takakeisho clears kadoban, retains his Ozeki rank with his 8th win, and his kachi-koshi for Aki.

Meisei defeats Terunofuji – Meisei shook off a poor record going into today to surprise the Yokozuna with a lightning fast tachiai, putting all of his force into a double arm thrust against Terunofuji’s neck, and immediately drove low to put a right hand deep inside. With his right hand on Terunofuji’s mawashi knot, Meisei had advantage, and he did not give Terunofuji any time to defend, rolling into a throw and sending the Yokozuna across the bales. Meisei improves to 5-7.

Some wild matches today, with a lot of potential for big battles. I have a lot of interest in Wakatakakage and Chiyoshoma, Endo and Takanosho, and Mitakeumi and Onosho. I am keen to see Takakeisho pick up his 8th win today and clear kadoban, and I think that Shodai is going to have a tough match if the genki Ichinojo shows up today.

Aki Leaderboard

Leader: Terunofuji
Hunt Group: Myogiryu
Chasers: Shodai, Mitakeumi, Onosho, Okinoumi, Endo, Chiyonokuni

4 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 12

Daiamami vs Chiyonoo – Loser of this match is make-koshi. For Chiyonoo, it nominates him to join the Juryo barge for the slow sail down the Sumida. There could be as many as 5 promotion candidates from Juryo, so it could be a shredder at the bottom of Makuuchi this time, as opposed to some of the more limited exchanges earlier this year.

Chiyonokuni vs Tochinoshin – I am going to guess they will give Tochinoshin any chance that they can to make his 8 and stay in the top division. The sentimental sumo fan in me likes this. This could also be a “how genki is Chiyonokuni” type match. Tochinoshin holds an 8-1 career advantage, so a win today by Chiyonokuni would be a signal that he is going to be in for a good lift in the November banzuke.

Chiyotairyu vs Kotoeko – Chiyotairyu is my pick to win this one. Both men come into to today with a 3 match win streak, and only one of them will make it to 4. Should be Chiyotairyu, he will be kachi-koshi for Aki, with 3 days to go.

Kagayaki vs Myogiryu – Myogiryu continues to be 1 win behind Terunofuji, and this match strikes me as a big of a “gimmie” to keep him in the hunt, and have the thinnest thread of competition in this yusho run for the kaiju. Myogiryu is fighting well, Kagayaki is fighting poorly, and I think this will be a Myogiryu win today.

Aoiyama vs Yutakayama – An evenly balanced match, both of them are ‘yama, both have 6-5 records, and they have an even 4-4 career match record. Both of them want to swat their opponents into next week, so I expect a log of power and maybe some blood today.

Tsurugisho vs Hidenoumi – Tsurugisho’s cellulitis has really sapped Tsurugisho of his offensive sumo. He has lost the last 3 in a row, and is probably hoping to just make it to the end of Aki without double digit losses. Because of Tsurugisho’s poor condition, I am going to give Hidenoumi a clear advantage today.

Tokushoryu vs Tobizaru – Tokushoryu is already make-koshi, and I think is likely captain of that Juryo barge. If he can muster a win today, he would send Tobizaru into make-koshi land. Given Tobizaru’s 1-6 career deficit, that looks somewhat likely today.

Shimanoumi vs Kaisei – Loser of this match is make-koshi, the winner gets to survive another day. Neither man has had a really good match this basho, and for Kaisei, he needs to worry about how deep a make-koshi he ends up with, lest he join the crew on that barge.

Ichiyamamoto vs Terutsuyoshi – The depressing matches continue. Both are already make-koshi, both are fighting hurt, and it’s going to be a battle of who can bring the least damaged sumo to the match. My bet is on Terutsuyoshi, but this one is going to be painful.

Ura vs Chiyomaru – Ura is also in the broad crew at 7 losses, who is on the road to make-koshi. Given his rank at M6, he will stay in the top division in all likelihood. He struggles against Chiyomaru, probably because of his enormous belly, and all of the problems it introduces into Ura’s grab and tug brand of sumo.

Wakatakakage vs Chiyoshoma – Chiyoshoma has won 3 of the last 4, and seems to be on the march toward squeezing out a few more wins before the end of the bahso. Given that Wakatakakage fights with a lot of energy, and is on the wrong side of the make-koshi line, I expect him to be at peak power today. This match has a lot of potential.

Okinoumi vs Kiribayama – Kiribayama is going to get his second shot at reaching 8 wins today, against wily veteran Okinoumi. Okinoumi has won all of their prior matches this year, and I am going to guess that maybe he has a recipe for dominating Kiribayama. We will see in the second half of day 12.

Hoshoryu vs Daieisho – Hoshoryu is already make-koshi, but I expect he is going to keep attacking hard for the last 4 matches. He needs to attenuate his drop down the banzuke, and hope to be able to battle his way back to the top. in the next few tournaments. This is a first time match for these two.

Endo vs Takanosho – Big rank gap (10) in this match, but I honestly think that Takanosho is at risk to finding his 7th win. Endo has been fighting very well, but he’s been fighting quite far down the banzuke. He’s now closer to his normal and expected rank in this match. Takanosho looked very good in his day 11 match against Hoshoryu, and I think Endo is going to need to work for it.

Takayasu vs Tamawashi – I doubt this match happens given that the wheeled Takayasu out on day 11 after his match with Terunofuji. If it does go forward, the loser is going to be make-koshi. They have 29 career matches, with Takayasu holding an 16-13 advantage. But I do expect Takayasu kyujo today.

Mitakeumi vs Onosho – Another tadpole fight! How much fun can this be? This time its the original tadpole against the junior tadpole. Both are kachi-koshi, both are fighting pretty well. Both favor an overwhelming power charge in the tachiai. Mitakeumi has a 9-2 career record against Onosho, so he has history in his favor. This one will likely end in a heartbeat, so don’t blink or you may miss it.

Shodai vs Ichinojo – If I am Shodai, do I let Ichinojo go chest to chest with me? He has a 9-3 career advantage over Shodai, and if he runs the same battle plan he did against Takarafuji on day 11, Shodai’s in for a hell of a fight.

Takarafuji vs Takakeisho – I like Takakeisho’s chances today, and a win would clear kadoban and secure a kachi-koshi. The challenge to Takarafuji is that he needs a moment to set up his defend and extend tactic, and getting a spare moment to set your feet around Takakeisho is tough to do.

Meisei vs Terunofuji – Meisei has yet to win against Terunfuji in 6 attempts. I am going to guess that won’t change today, and Terunofuji will stay at least 1 win ahead of anybody else.

Some tournaments, the last 5 days are a grind of rikishi low on stamina and just going through the motions, hoping to make it through each day. Aki 2021 seems to be a mad cap brawl if increasing intensity. Each day is a bit more energetic than the last, and the sumo just keeps getting better. I am not sure about you, dear readers, but it’s just the tonic I need this fall.

Highlight Matches

Wakamotoharu defeats Chiyomaru – First ever win for Wakamotoharu over Wakamotoharu. He correctly anticipated Chiyomaru’s pull and pushed forward, sending Chiyomaru over the bales in a hurry. Wakamotoharu improves his chances at a kachi-koshi by improving to 5-6.

Tochinoshin defeats Tokushoryu – Tochinoshin finalizes Tokushoryu’s make-koshi, stamping his boarding pass for the Juryo barge of the damned. Again today Tochinoshin could not land his left hand, but made do with his right. Once he had Tokushoryu moving, it was fairly easy to move him out, and hand him his 8th loss. Tochinoshin improves to 5-6.

Endo defeats Kaisei – Endo’s belt grab at the tachiai fell apart, and he released forward pressure and stepped to the side. Kaisei can do many things, but moving to the side is not really one of them. So Endo slipped to Kaisei’s left, reached in from behind and attacked. Endo picks up his 8th win, and is kachi-koshi.

Myogiryu defeats Ichiyamamoto – Myogiryu got the better of the tachiai, putting his hands inside and low while Ichiyamamoto went high. Ichiyamamoto quickly tried to pull Myogiryu down, further degrading his position, and Myogiryu powered ahead to drive him over the bales. Thats loss #8 for Ichiyamamoto, and he is make-koshi, while Myogiryu improves to 9-2, and remains one behind Terunofuji.

Chiyotairyu defeats Tsurugisho – How many days in a row are folks going to let Chiyotairyu execute this move? It’s simple, it’s effective, and some times it’s kind of unstoppable: a big hit at the tachiai and and immediate hikiotoshi. Chiyotairyu improves to 7-4.

Hidenoumi defeats Kagayaki – Kagayaki attacks high, and does not maintain the gap to Hidenoumi, as Hidenoumi takes a half step back; just enough to take Kagayaki off balance, and then slaps him down. Hidenoumi seems to finally be into his sumo, and improves to 5-6.

Aoiyama defeats Chiyonoo – Sloppy set of combo attacks from Aoiyama got the job done, and Chiyonoo could do little other than try to hang on and survive. A big left hand push from a right hand inside position finished Chiyonoo and gave Aoiyama his 6th win, keeping hopes of kachi-koshi alive for him.

Chiyonokuni defeats Tobizaru – As expected, it was a wild match with a lot of agility and motion. Both brought out their attacks at the start, but Tobizaru quickly had to shift to defense. He was unable to stem the blistering volleys from Chiyonokuni, and an attempted escape move became a rout, with Chiyonokuni pushing him out for a seldom seen okuritaoshi. Chiyonokuni improves to 8-3 and has a well deserved kachi-koshi for Aki.

Okinoumi defeats Yutakayama – Yutakayama really wanted this win, he was fast off of the shikiri-sen, and attacked first. Okinoumi gave way and moved to go chest to chest, and soon had Yutakayama settled into a left hand inside position. With Yutakayama captured, Okinoumi worked to improve his grip, then move Yutakayama out for his 8th win, securing kachi-koshi, while Yutakayama gets a loss on his birthday.

Kotoeko defeats Shimanoumi – Its really nice to know the lizard men brought back the genki form of Kotoeko and took their non-sumo executing mandroid back to their secret base miles below Kagoshima. That’s now 3 in a row for Kotoeko, who improves to 5-6.

Chiyoshoma defeats Terutsuyoshi – What the hell, Chiyoshoma! Once he has a mighty make-koshi locked up, suddenly he remembers that he’s good at sumo, and starts winning matches. Maybe he just had to get that henka out of his system and now he’s well again. Hatakikomi mega-swat put Terutsuyoshi on the clay, after Terutsuyoshi really could not close in and produce any offense. Terutsuyoshi is make-koshi and both end the day at 3-8.

Tamawashi defeats Ura – Ura lost his grip as he began to execute a throw, and that turned out to be his best chance to pick up a win today. His second engagement plan fell apart when he lost traction and slipped a foot out early. Both end the day at 4-7.

Wakatakakage defeats Kiribayama – Kiribayama’s dreams of kachi-koshi and a san’yaku ranking in November took damage today when Wakatakakage took control of the center of the ring, putting Kiribayama on defense. With the two chest to chest, it was Wakatakakage who had the better hand placement. He took control, pushing a struggling Kiribayama high and then driving him out to improve to 5-6.

Takanosho defeats Hoshoryu – Takanosho connected hard, and early. With a big hit at the tachiai, he blasted Hoshoryu back on his heels, and followed up with a combo that sent Hoshoryu back, then another volley pushed him out. Zero chance for offense from Hoshoryu, and he picks up his 8th loss and is make-koshi. Takanosho improves to 6-5.

Ichinojo defeats Takarafuji – The two went chest to chest shortly after the tachiai. In a normal match this strongly favors Takarafuji. The different today is the massive size of Ichinojo presented a huge drain to Takarafuji’s stamina, and Ichinojo took the opportunity to stalemate Takarafuji at the center of the dohyo. Four times Takarafuji rallied and tried to move Ichinojo out, but was just too big to move that far, and each rally presented a bit less energy. All Ichinojo had to do was wait. Sensing that Takarafuji was spent, Ichinojo lifted Takarafuji and walked him out to improve to 5-6.

Mitakeumi defeats Daieisho – Daieisho opened strong with a fierce combo, getting Mitakeumi off balance. But the temptation to pull must have been overwhelming, and Daieisho could not resist. Mitakeumi charged into the pull, and ran Daieisho out of the ring at a gallop. That’s win number 8 for Mitakeumi, and he is kachi-koshi for September.

Takakeisho defeats Onosho – Grand Tadpole Takakeisho shows why he is king of this pond, putting junior croaker Onosho on the clay on the second exchange when (no surprise here) Onosho was too far forward over his toes. After a very worrisome start, Takakeisho has gone 5-0, and is one win away from clearing kadoban, improving to 7-4.

Shodai defeats Meisei – Meisei brought some good power to this match, and had Shodai on defense early. But the “Wall of Daikon” took over with a left hand outside grip, and the match evolved to see who could throw whom first. A whirling dance for position ended with a Shodai uwatenage that concluded with a brutal tea-bagging for maximum effect. Shodai is kachi-koshi and improves to 8-3.

Terunofuji defeats Takayasu – This match was a joy at first. Takayasu, whose sumo has been pretty rough this tournament, was sharp, effective and took the fight to the Yokozuna. Terunofuji, as we have seen all of September, took his time, and did not rush to find the win. He appeared content to take Takayasu apart a piece at a time. Takayasu was having none of it, and was likewise satisfied to shut down every advantage that Terunofuji came up, while biding his time and drawing on that enormous stamina of his to wait for his chance. Terunofuji executed a fast pivot, and although Takayasu maintained contact, something seems to have happened to Takayasu’s knee, and he could not maintain forward pressure. Terunofuji pressed forward and shoved Takayasu over the tawara and into Shodai to pick up his 10th win. Out came the big wheelchair, and it seems Takayasu is hurt.