The highlight of the day is, without a doubt, Hoshoryu’s ipponzeoi. He was a heartbeat from his 7th loss, when he turned the tables on Wakatakakage and threw him over his shoulder. These two are the future of sumo, and I am delighted to see the seeds of a strong rivalry start.

There are times when I look at the nightly preview posts and wonder what the hell. I think the topic that comes to mind first was the discussion of the “Darwin Funnel” that worked with terrible purpose in May and July. It was clear the schedulers were going to try it again at Aki. But reality had a different idea, as most of it fell to bits today, leaving only 12 rikishi in the funnel at the end of the day. The bulk of the X must win and Y must lose set ups went against the career trend, and many of the rikishi at the bottom end of the funnel lost their matches and are on firm make-koshi paths.

That being said, I am sure there will be a few Darwin matches on day 15, but the funnel may not be possible this time.

But then the musubi-no-ichiban stole all the excitement from a fairly exciting day of sumo, when Daieisho found a narrow opening in Terunofuji’s defense and blew a kaiju sized hole in the yusho race. It’s Terunofuji’s first kinboshi, and it was well earned. Even in his ultra genki state, Terunofuji can and sometimes will make choices in a match that lead to less than winning results. We all hope he does not let this loss worry him, and returns day 10 with power and poise against Ura.

Highlight Matches

Chiyonokuni defeats Tokushoryu – Chiyonokuni found that Tokushoryu was a bit too massive to push back at the tachiai. After a second volley, and with Tokushoryu advancing, Chiyonokuni pulled from Tokushoryu’s shoulders, which is a bit unusual. It worked well enough, and Tokushoryu fell over the edge of the dohyo. Chiyonokuni improves to 7-2.

Kagayaki defeats Kaisei – Kagayaki used a nodowa to start Kaisei moving backward. I swear, Kaisei catches more neck holds than anyone, it must be painful and annoying. Kagayaki finished him with a push against Kaisei’s chest, improving to 5-4.

Tochinoshin defeats Chiyonoo – Tochinoshin got a right hand inside grip, but never did connect with his left. Normally Tochinoshin will hold off from any kind of offense until he can get his left hand involved, but today he was able to take care of Chiyonoo without it. Both end at 3-6.

Kotoeko defeats Tsurugisho – Kotoeko has shown this good form for most of the 9 days at Aki, but today he was able to bring it together with some strength. He moved 200kg Tsurugisho around for his 3rd win (3-6), assuring that he will have a better score than his 2-13 in Nagoya.

Endo defeats Ichiyamamoto – Ichiyamamoto made first contact at the tachiai, with his hands at Endo’s neck. Endo grabbed the nearest arm and gave it a solid tug, sending Ichiyamamoto to the clay. Endo now at 7-2.

Chiyomaru defeats Hidenoumi – Great example of a “kitchen sink” match, its Chiyomaru on offense, throwing combos at Hidenoumi trying to get him out or down. Chiyomaru attacked high, low, from the side, on the belt and finally got Hidenoumi to step over the bales. Chiyomaru improves to 6-3.

Okinoumi defeats Tobizaru – Not so sure about this match. Okinoumi was clearly overpowering Tobizaru, but fell to a slap down the moment that he forced Tobizaru out of the ring. That timing will come eventually for Tobizaru, but today Okinoumi takes the win to improve to 7-2.

Yutakayama defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi was caught trying to exchange brute pushing force with Yutakayama, and given their mass difference, it was never really going to work. Yutakayama’s win came when he reached around Terutsuyoshi’s shoulder, grabbed the back of his neck and propelled him forward and out. Yutakayama improves to 5-4.

Shimanoumi defeats Aoiyama – Aoiyama opened strong, and we got to see him finally use some of his double arm thrusting attacks. He looked like he was about to put Shimanoumi out, and then for some reason decided to pull. Shimanoumi was ready for this, and rushed forward to dump Aoiyama out. Both end the day 4-5.

Onosho defeats Myogiryu – The junior tadpole drops the man 1 win behind the Yokozuna. Myogiryu decided to pull against Onosho’s big initial thrust out of the tachiai. This is aways a poor gamble with Onosho, as he tends to not be off balance until his third step. As it was, he not only caught the full blast, but amplified it with his pull. Both end the day 7-2, joining an increasingly broad group behind Terunofuji.

Chiyotairyu defeats Ura – Traditional Chiyotairyu sumo – stand him up, then slap him down. Ura lasted just a moment before eating Tokyo clay. Chiyotairyu improves to 5-4.

Takarafuji defeats Kotonowaka – Everybody knew this would be a battle of strengths, chest to chest, pitting their endurance and balance against each other. Kotonowaka tired first, standing progressively higher, until he was nearly upright. I think he understood it was now or never and his attempt swing Takarafuji into a throw only powered his defeat. Takarafuji improves 5-4.

Hoshoryu defeats Wakatakakage – We expected big offenses from these two, and they certainly supplied. The match began with a furious slapping fest that favored Wakatakakage, who got a left hand deep, and turned Hoshoryu to the side. Normally this is the moment that Hoshoryu is completely doomed. But Hoshoryu rallied, and took advantage of Wakatakakage to unleash a spectacular shoulder throw, ipponzeoi. Hoshoryu improves to 3-6 with that amazing recovery.

Takanosho defeats Ichinojo – Ichinojo could not maintain forward pressure against Takanosho, and found himself backed up and forced out in short order. Takanosho improves to 5-4.

Meisei defeats Tamawashi – Tamawashi had more offense to start, but was unable to keep his hands inside. Meisei took the opening and never gave it back. A few combo thrusts and a Tamawashi off-balance thrust later, and he was out. Meisei improves to 4-5.

Kiribayama defeats Mitakeumi – Kiribayama gives a leap to the side at the tachiai, landing to Mitakeumi’s right side. A quick push from behind, and the original tadpole steps out of the ring. Both end the day at 6-3.

Takakeisho defeats Takayasu – Takayasu seems to really be off of his sumo now. He gets a big hit in at the tachiai, but leaves himself wide open to attack, and Takakeisho is happy to supply. Did you see Takayasu get on one foot a few times? No way to defend against that level of tsuppari unless both feet are firmly connected to earth. Takakeisho improved to 5-4, and needs just 3 more wins to clear kadoban.

Shodai defeats Chiyoshoma – Points to Chiyoshoma for a strong opening and bashing Shodai back to the bales. But the Ozeki rallies, and finds some power to advance. It did not help that Chiyoshoma threw a pull in there too, Shodai improves to 6-3, and Chiyoshoma is now make-koshi at 1-8.

Daieisho defeats Terunofuji – The subject of our day 9 preview was “who hand Terunofuji his first loss?”. It turns out we did not have to wait long. The first portion of this match was solid Terunofuji sumo. He shut down Daieisho’s opening gambit, and calmly advanced to control the center of the dohyo. But there is a moment where Daieisho gets one thrust combo to land from underneath. In response, Terunofuji returns the thrust but opens his chest to Daieisho. That was all it took. Terunofuji’s defenses were down, and Daieisho had a clear route to attack at full power. The Yokozuna had no chance to recover, and three steps later was across the tawara for his first loss of September. That’s a kinboshi for Daieisho, and he improves to 8-1.

With 7 days of competition left in this basho, the question is – who can put dirt on the Yokozuna? Short of a challenge being able to take a win over Terunouji, he will take the cup. With zero losses, he is one win ahead of Maegashira 10 Myogiryu, and 2 wins ahead of any credible challenger. The most eligible rikishi is none other than Sekiwake 1E, Mitakeumi. But a quick look across their match history shows just one win for Mitakeumi in 7 attempts during the current Terunofuji era. Shodai does not fare any better, with a 1-4 record since Terunofuji’s return. But Takakeisho, it’s an even 3-3 record. If everything goes according to convention, he should face Takakeisho on day 14. But Takakeisho of Aki 2020 is not operating at full power today, let alone on day 14 or 13. Then there is Takayasu, at 4-2. Yes, a distinct winning record over Terunofuji. This is probably the match with the greatest potential to bring a first loss to the Yokozuna, and put some spice into the yusho race.

Lastly, its time to talk about “The Funnel”. It a pattern that has shown up as of late, given that the broad field of competition in the top division seems to have even less differentiation than usual. At times its like Juryo plus with named ranks thrown in for flavor. In light of that, the crew that make up the torikumi (fight cards) have decided to treat them like they do rikishi in the lower divisions. They try to get as many of them as possible to 7-7 records on day 15, and let them fight it out for kachi-koshi. This is that I call “The Funnel”. Once you are in it, the only way out is to accept make-koshi and demotion. It’s one of the more brutal aspects of sumo, and it’s fascinating to watch.

Aki Leaderboard

Right now, it looks like Terunofuji’s cup.

Leader: Terunofuji
Hunter: Myogiryu
Chasers: Mitakeumi, Onosho, Okinoumi, Endo, Chiyonokuni

7 matches remain

What We Are Watching Day 9

Chiyonokuni vs Tokushoryu – I am going to mark this as a likely Chiyonokuni win. His power and agility tend to overwhelm Tokushoryu. He holds a 9-2 career advantage over Tokushoryu, and Chiyonokuni continues to fight really well.

Kagayaki vs Kaisei – I would say that both of these rikishi are likely to be driven into the funnel starting tomorrow. Kagayaki at 4-4 is right on the make/kachi-koshi line, and a loss today to Kaisei would leave them both at 4-5, which is prime for punishment in the last week.

Chiyonoo vs Tochinoshin – The best that Chiyonoo can hope for right now is to pick up a win today against the diminished Tochinoshin. That would leave him with a 4-5 record, too, and put him at the top of the funnel.

Tsurugisho vs Kotoeko – I don’t know what kind of injury or problem has taken Kotoeko’s sumo and turned it down to little bo peep land, but its brutal to watch. This guy should be knocking heads at this rank. Instead he has a paltry 2 wins, and may be on track for double digit losses once more.

Endo vs Ichiyamamoto – A high interest match next, this is their first time head to head. While Endo has a big advantage, I want to see what kind of sumo Ichiyamamoto is going to try. I am sure he is going to have some defense to the mawashi grip at the tachiai, maybe something creative?

Chiyomaru vs Hidenoumi – If we get a Hidenoumi win today, both of them will enter the top of the funnel on day 10. Their career record is an even 5-6, but Chiyomaru is clearly stronger this September.

Okinoumi vs Tobizaru – I look at Tobizaru’s 4-4 record, and I think about how he needs to win at least 4 of the last 7, and while he has a career lead over Okinoumi at 3-1, Okinoumi has been fighting better this September, and I think comes into today’s match with an edge.

Yutakayama vs Terutsuyoshi – I am hoping we get something along the lines of a tottari from Terutsuyoshi today, his sumo has been rather mild, and he has lost 3 of the last 4. Time to rally sir! You need 5 of the last 7 to get your kachi-koshi.

Shimanoumi vs Aoiyama – Big Dan Aoiyama is fighting well enough, but he is not quite as genki as we recall from a few years ago. This happens, the fade from too many injuries not completely healed. At 4-4 he is a prime funnel candidate, but if Shimanoumi can manage to win, well they both go into the funnel starting tomorrow.

Myogiryu vs Onosho – Its time to see if Myogiryu can be knocked back for a win. He has a 3-8 career record against Onosho, who is having a good tournament. My money is on the tadpole!

Ura vs Chiyotairyu – Both of them are 4-4, both are them are headed for the funnel. Ura lost their only prior match, and his sumo has gotten increasingly odd. He still wins with it, but it’s a style all of its own.

Takarafuji vs Kotonowaka – Takarafuji is almost always in the funnel each basho. He straddles the make/kachi-koshi line nearly every time. He has yet to win one over Kotonowaka in 2 tries, and a Kotonowaka win today sends them both into the funnel tomorrow.

Hoshoryu vs Wakatakakage – At this point, Hoshoryu is working to rack enough wins to cushion the fall down the banzuke. The role of M1E is really a tough billet, and I think that he has done well enough. If he can get his body back in good form for November, we could see him do a lot of great sumo.

Takanosho vs Ichinojo – Takanosho needs to try like hell to win this one. He has a decent chance to get out of the funnel, as he has his “easy” week ahead of him. I think 2 wins with 0 losses in the middle would make it happen. Ichinojo is on the wrong side of the funnel, but he too faces an easier schedule than he had week 1.

Tamawashi vs Meisei – Winner gets to join the funnel, loser gets kicked a fair part of the way to make-koshi. I would think that Meisei holds a slight edge today, as Tamawashi is finding himself about 15% down in power from his peak.

Mitakeumi vs Kiribayama – Kiribayama has shown himself to be a real challenger this tournament. He has a slight edge in career record over Mitakeumi, and the original tadpole is going to need to be careful to not let him drag the match on. Stamina is not one of Mitakeumi’s strengths.

Takayasu vs Takakeisho – Career record comes up an ever 7-7 between these two. Both of them are very much hit-or-miss this September. There is nothing more sad than a kadoban Ozeki in the funnel, but I fear that is the best possible case for Takakeisho now.
Career Record (7-7) :

Shodai vs Chiyoshoma – Shodai’s soft tachiai is an excellent defense against a henka, so I don’t think we will see Chiyoshoma unleash one today. He’s going to need to find a way to overcome Shodai’s new “wall of daikon” offense if he wants to score his first ever win against the Ozeki. Nope… don’t think he will.

Daieisho vs Terunofuji – Hey, Daieisho – good luck against the Kaiju. He’s really something else to watch these days, and you will get the best view of all the action. Enjoy.

With the middle day of Aki 2021 now behind us, its a race to senshuraku, and the yusho. Starting with tonight’s preview, we will be tracking the yusho race as it unfolds. At the start of this process, Yokozuna Terunofuji seems completely unassailable. The only rikishi within striking distance is Maegashira 10W, Myogiryu. They have had 16 prior matches, and Myogiryu has won 4 of them, with the record being 1-3 in the most recent Terunofuji era. Their last match was a Myogiryu win, in May of this year.

Regardless of how the yusho race turns out, Terunofuji made his 8th win on the 8th day. An expected outcome for a Yokozuna. Terunofuji always had a big helping of raw talent on the dohyo, but he has refined that into being an absolutely overwhelming sumo power right now. I think after day 15, the biggest disappointment of Aki will be that we did not get to see the rematch between Hakuho and Terunofuji to end it all. As of right now, that match will be Terunofuji vs Shodai, which (it goes without saying) strongly favors Terunofuji.

Highlight Matches

Chiyomaru defeats Kaisei – Chiyomaru needed to get his attack to done quickly, before Kaisei could set up any defense. His pull attempt was expected, but he converted it to a pull/push attack on Kaisei’s chest and right arm which broke his balance and sent him tumbling to the clay. Chiyomaru improves to 5-3.

Tokushoryu defeats Kagayaki – Excellent work by Kagayaki in keeping Tokushoryu from closing in enough to make the match chest to chest for a good long while. But eventually Tokushoryu captures him, and the match ends shortly after that with Tokushoryu throwing Kagayaki out of the ring. Tokushoryu improves to 3-5.

Tsurugisho defeats Yutakayama – Tsurugisho absorbed Yutakayama’s thrusting attacks, unbalanced him, and thrust him to the claim. Yutakayama had a solid match plan, but got too far forward of his toes. Both end the day 4-4, and are good candidates for the funnel.

Ichiyamamoto defeats Tochinoshin – Ichiyamamoto kept the former Ozeki away from his belt, and that was the critical element of this match. Robbed of his primary offense and defensive weapon, Tochinoshin resorted to some improvised slapping attack that was really not effective. Ichiyamamoto improves to 3-5.

Chiyonokuni defeats Kotoeko – Chiyonokuni overpowered Kotoeko from the tachiai, and by the second thrusting wave, there was no recovery for Kotoeko. He went dashing back down the hanamichi with the yobidashi watching him leap past. Chiyonokuni improves to 6-2.

Myogiryu defeats Chiyonoo – Myogiryu had this won early until Chiyonoo rallied at the bales. Locked up chest to chest, Chiyonoo waited for Myogiryu to make his move. When it came, Myogiryu deftly lowered his hips, moved forward and picked up his 7th win. He remains the only rikishi within striking distance of Yokozuna Terunofuji with 7-1.

Okinoumi defeats Chiyotairyu – Chiyotairyu is not effective in yotsu-zumo, so Okinoumi worked hard to bring them chest to chest. Once Chiyotairyu was in a secure hold, it was a matter of wearing him down, and them walking him across the ring. Okinoumi improves to 6-2.

Endo defeats Shimanoumi – I am happy to see Endo get into his sumo into the second act. He’s pretty far down the banzuke for a rikishi of his skill and power. He should be enjoying himself and taking white stars from everyone down here. Point to Shimanoumi for keeping Endo away from his mawashi, but Endo just converted to thrusting, got Shimanoumi turned to the side and ran Shimanoumi out from the rear. Endo improves to 6-2.

Aoiyama defeats Terutsuyoshi – Aoiyama was wisely on guard against any attempt at ashitori from Terutsuyoshi, keeping the smaller man at arms length and hitting him repeatedly. This brought Aoiyama’s size difference into play, and really made Terutsuyoshi little more than ballast for Aoiyama to bat about. Aoiyama improves to 4-4.

Ura defeats Tobizaru – Given these two, there was zero chance it would be straight ahead sumo. The tachiai reminded me of two spiders warily approaching each other, with Tobizaru at least applying some cursory slaps to Ura’s shoulders. After continuing to probe, Ura attempted a pull, and switched to attack mode, quickly driving Tobizaru from the ring. But after he had Tobizaru out, he fell, and it look like he twisted his injured knee. He could walk after that, but it’s always a concern. Both end the day at 4-4.

Onosho defeats Hidenoumi – The match started with a matta-henka, but Konosuke called it back. Second attempt? Nope! The third attempt saw Hidenoumi’s match plans completely discarded, and Onosho applied maximum forward pressure. Hidenoumi was out 3 steps later, and Onosho improved to 6-2.

Wakatakakage defeats Takarafuji – Really crisp execution today by Wakatakakage, he did not give Takarafuji space or balance to take his important step back to plant his feet and set his defense. Instead, Wakatakakage kept him on his heels, and kept moving him back. A quick win for Wakatakakage, and both end the day 4-4.

Takanosho defeats Kiribayama – Takanosho put up a strong and solid defense against Kiribayama’s yotsu attack, and waited for his chance. It came a short time into the match when Kiribayama advanced, but broke contact. Suddenly open to thrust, Takanosho went to work. Three big hits later, Kiribayama was out. Takanosho improves to 4-4.

Chiyoshoma defeats Takayasu – There are days when a flying henka is just what is needed. And who better than Chiyoshoma to deliver the gymnastics. Smooth, fluid, he lept to the side and chucked Takayasu out and down by the mawashi knot. That’s how you do it! He even seems to have dropped gyoji Shotaro in the process somehow. A two-fer! That’s Chiyoshoma’s first win of Aki, though in my book it should count for at least 2.

Hoshoryu defeats Ichinojo – Hoshoryu took some solid head hits in the opening moments of the bout, as Ichinojo performed some sort of post-tonsillitis safety check. Satisfied that Hoshoryu’s was still firmly attached, he discovered that Hoshoryu had a solid right hand mawashi grip. Given Ichinojo’s size, it’s not really usable. The two end up throwing each other down at the same time. A monoii is convened, and a rematch is the verdict. The second match, Ichinojo comes out strong, and drives into offense immediately. He nearly has Hoshoryu beat, but Hoshoryu rallies and uses Ichinojo’s momentum to toss the giant out for a hard fought win. Hoshoryu improves to 2-6.

Mitakeumi defeats Meisei – Mitakeumi wins the Sekiwake derby for Aki 2021. The two trade volleys of combo thrusting attacks, and Mitakeumi peppered his with a pull at the end. It works a treat and Meisei hits the clay for his 5th loss. Mitakeumi improves to 6-2.

Kotonowaka defeats Shodai – In their first ever match, Kotonowaka surprises the Ozeki. Shodai tried his “wall of daikon” body attack that has worked well for him this September. But as Kotonowaka nears the tawara, he pivots and throws the Ozeki. Shodai seemed completely unprepared for such a last minute move, and took a trip down to visit tate gyoji Shikimori Inosuke. Kotonowaka improves to 3-5.

Takakeisho defeats Daieisho – Solid opening attack from Takakeisho with an immediate transition to a pull down. Daieisho was in reactive mode the entire time, and had no offense to speak of today. Takakeisho improves to 4-4, and needs to win 4 of the last 7 matches to hold his rank.

Terunofuji defeats Tamawashi – Points to Tamawashi, who knew if he were to do anything, it would need to be at the tachiai, and would need to be quick. He got to the side, and applied a solid nodowa. He nearly had Terunofuji out, but the Yokozuna rallied at the bales, lowered his hips and took 3 steps to place Tamawashi gingerly across the tawara. That’s kachi-koshi for Terunofuji, and he remains undefeated at 8-0.