When we previewed day 8 last night, the chase group (one behind the leaders) had seven rikishi. Each and every one of them lost today, for a complete and utter wipe out on the leaderboard. Likewise, 2 of the 3 co-leaders hit the clay today, resulting in one of the most drastic reworking of an early yusho race I have seen in some time.

With nakabi behind us, its on to week 2. From here on the matches for the top rankers grow in challenge as they face off against each other. The big stories for March, Takakeisho still needs 3 more wins to clear kadoban, and Terunofuji needs 4 more wins to punch his ticket back to Ozeki. Both of them are positioned to make that happen, and I am going to love watching the last week of this tournament unfold.

Highlight Matches

Chiyonoo defeats Kaisei – A couple of impressive strength moves from Chiyonoo today, lifting and swinging the massive Kaisei around to set up the uwatenage. At this point, I am hoping Chiyonoo can end with 9 or 10 wins and re-attain a Maegashira rank for the first time in 4 years.

Yutakayama defeats Chiyoshoma – An ugly sumo win is still a win, especially when you are as far down the banzuke as Yutakayama is. Chiyoshoma seems to have expected to have an easy route to attack Yutakayama today, but found the flagging member of the Freshmen cohort putting what power he could muster squarely on center-mass. A bad step from Chiyoshoma, and he hit the clay. Yutakayama improves to 3-5, and Chiyoshoma drops from the chaser group.

Daiamami defeats Akiseyama – Daiamami continues his career dominance over Akiseyama, who can’t seem to find a way to switch in any offense today. Daiamami lugs him about for a time, then crumples him in place just over the bales. Both end the day at 4-4.

Tsurugisho defeats Aoiyama – After a roaring start in March, Aoiyama has now lost 3 in a row. He looked in form today, and drove forward against Tsurugisho’s somewhat underpowered counter-blows. But Tsurugisho stepped aside at the tawara, a move Aoiyama should have counted on. Tsurugisho improves to 3-5.

Chiyotairyu defeats Kotoeko – Straightforward Chiyotairyu sumo – stand Kotoeko at the tachiai and immediately bring him down. Kotoeko had poor foot placement, and I am beginning to think that north-west quadrant of the dohyo is starting to get slippery. Kotoeko’s shifting tachiai probably supplied a good portion of the effort needed to bring him to the clay.

Ryuden defeats Hidenoumi – Hidenoumi still cannot find a formula to beat Ryuden, as Hidenoumi gives Ryuden a much needed white star on day 8. Ryuden connected with his right hand on Hidenoumi’s mawashi early, and nothing that Hidenoumi could broke that grip for more than a brief moment.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Tobizaru – Tobizaru seems to be experimenting with turning these matches into mid-range endurace contests, which is an interesting wrinkle. It’s not effective every time, but I like the experimentation with technique. Terutsuyoshi outlasts his battle-hug, and continues his career dominance over Tobizaru, who drops from the chaser group.

Midorifuji defeats Tochinoshin – Tochinoshin could not set up any defense, and found Midorifuji with a working frontal mawashi grip before the big Georgian could do much. That left hand on the front of Tochinoshin’s mawashi moved downward, and Tochinoshin’s enormous frame followed along, taking him to the clay.

Tamawashi defeats Hoshoryu – Tamawashi drove hard against center-mass, and Hoshoryu had no chance to return in kind. I counted 4 thrusts as all it took to send Hoshoryu out and for Tamawashi to advance to 5-3.

Ichinojo defeats Chiyonokuni – Chiyonokuni is dropped from the leader group when Ichinojo decided that this match had gone on quite long enough. Points to Chiyonokuni for keeping busy, and putting a lot of brave energy into lifting and moving Ichinojo. But he failed to take into account that as a young lad on the steppes, Ichinojo would wrestle his ponies for fun. Joking aside, you can see elements of that in Ichinojo’s sumo today. Just as Chiyonokuni begins to rally after breaking contact, Ichinojo seems to decide his opponent is a “Bad Pony!” and needs a time out. Ichinojo advances to 5-3.

Endo defeats Kagayaki – I am sure both men had well thought out plans for today’s match. Kagayaki’s hands went for the shoulders, and left his mawashi wide open. Endo seldom passes up an invitation like that. With his favorite frontal grip, Kagayaki was quickly dispatched by oshidash as Endo advances to 4-4.

Kotonowaka defeats Okinoumi – Pretty frustrated with Kotonowaka’s sumo again today (yes, he won..) as he went for a pull within the first few steps. A win is a win, but I know Kotonowaka is capable of strong sumo, even against these guys in the top division. He improves to 3-5.

Shimanoumi defeats Hokutofuji – Some fans on twitter have noticed that the rate of non-winning techniques seems high in the top divisions this March, and I have to agree. Hokutofuji was doing strong sumo today, and launched Shimanoumi into the zabuton, but on his way there, put his left foot blatantly across the bales. A monoii reversed the gyoji’s decision, citing isamiashi, and Shimanoumi picked up his second win of March. This also knocked Hokutofuji out of the chase group.

Wakatakakage defeats Onosho – Onosho loses again, and I am starting to see the same dejected, disappointed look he had in prior disastrous performances, like this past July (2-13). Wakatakakage grabbed Onosho’s right arm at the tachiai, shutting down the thrusting attack. With Onosho’s right arm completely immobilized, Wakatakakage pivoted and shoved to advance to 4-4.

Mitakeumi defeats Takarafuji – Takarafuji’s defensive technique is as sharp as always, but seems to lack a fair measure of strength and stamina that he uses to back it up and make it work. Today, Mitakeumi was able restrain and contain Takarafuji, and moved him out for his 4th win.

Takayasu defeats Terunofuji – The BIG match, it could have gone either way in the first moments. Takayasu got both arms around Terunofuji early, and Terunofuji attempted to rotate and bring Takayasu down. But Takayasu froze that move, and for the rest of the match, Terunofuji was unable to square his hips or shoulders against Takayasu. A bit at a time, Takayasu consolidated his hold, and finished by bodily forcing Terunofuji from the ring. Takayasu ends the day at 7-1 and the sole leader for the day.

Meisei defeats Takanosho – Onigiri-kun Takanosho gets a rough ride, and drops from the chase group after Meisei makes quite sure Takanosho continues to not have a single win against him. Meisei’s right hand was he tkey here. It may look simple and obvious, but he used it to great effect. Both men end the day 5-3.

Shodai defeats Kiribayama – At no point did Kiribayama attempt his super-luminal trick from day 7, and Shodai made sure to take him to his chest in the second step, and prevent Kiribayama’s superior speed and mobility from playing much of a role in this match. Kiribayama’s loss came when he tried to shift his grip, and his hands lost any purchase on Shodai’s body. Shodai advances to 4-4.

Takakeisho defeats Myogiryu – Textbook Takakeisho thrusting match today. Once he had lock-on against Myogiryu, it was just a question of how many volleys it was going to take. 7, the answer was seven. Both end 5-3, and Myogiryu joins the curse of the chase group and loses on day 8.

Daieisho defeats Asanoyama – For the second day in a row, Ozeki Asanoyama is ejected at speed from the dohyo. Maybe the January mode is re-engaged in Daiesiho’s sumo? That would be quite something for him to put on a second half surge. He makes sure that the wipe out of the chase group is complete, sending Asanoyama to 5-3 to end the day.

Welcome to Nakabi! The middle day of the tournament, when everything pivots to driving the top performers toward the yusho race, and the competition for the emperors cup. With Tachiai, it’s also the day we start to track the leaderboard, and map out who may take home the the prizes this March. Today, we start with 3 rikishi in the lead, only one of which has earned the top division yusho before – Terunofuji.

With both Yokozuna out, it is up to the Ozeki to provide the final obstacle for anyone trying to reach day 15 with the most wins, including to each other. But sadly the Ozeki are all struggling to some degree or other, and day 8 marks a turn from what is normally considered the “easy” portion of the schedule to the “hard” part. But again, with both Yokozuna out, possibly for good, they won’t have to find a way to beat Hakuho or Kakuryu this March. While it is possible for Asanoyama to compete for the cup late in week 2 if he can improve a bit, the others are just hoping to get their 8 and end in suno’s good graces.

Haru Leaderboard

The pack is broad and rowdy at the start, and I am keen to see who can remain in competition. In fact, some of today’s matches are purpose-built to thin the ranks….

Leaders: Terunofuji, Takayasu, Chiyonokuni
Chasers: Asanoyama, Takanosho, Hokutofuji, Myogiryu, Tobizaru, Chiyoshoma, Kotoeko
Hunt Group: Takakeisho, Meisei, Tamawashi, Ichinojo, Hoshoryu, Akiseyama ,Aoiyama, Terutsuyoshi, Hidenoumi, Kaisei

8 Matches Remain

What We Are Watching Day 8

Kaisei vs Chiyonoo – There is a very tiny chance that Chiyonoo could find himself back in the top division in May, which would be the first time since 2017. But to reach that goal he needs to dial up the sumo another notch. He’s not got an easy road on day 8, with enormous Kaisei looking fairly genki.

Yutakayama vs Chiyoshoma – In spite of Yutakayama’s 8-3 career advantage, I am looking to Chiyoshoma for dominate this match, and further add to Yutakayama’s woes. Near the bottom of the banzuke, a strong make-koshi will likely demote him to Juryo for May.

Akiseyama vs Daiamami – That situation is more precarious for Daiamami, who is the last man on the top division banzuke. He needs to find 5 more wins, or pack his bags for the junior division. Akiseyama started March strong, but has won only one of the last 3.

Tsurugisho vs Aoiyama – It’s almost impossible to know day to day how Tsurugisho will perform. His body is in tenuous condition, and that knee could blow up during any given match. He’s never beaten Aoiyama, who started strong, but has dropped both of his last two matches. I do hope that he can get his sumo back in working order.

Chiyotairyu vs Kotoeko – Kotoeko is genki enough right now to be one win behind that leader group. I don’t know how long that will last, but its an indication that he is having a fairly good tournament. He and Chiyotairyu have an even 3-3 career record.

Hidenoumi vs Ryuden – I dearly want Ryuden to rally, but I worry that he’s hurt and the best he can do is suffer through the last 8 days of this tournament. If he drops this match to Hidenoumi today, whom he has never lost to, it will be as strong indication that he is far from full power.

Terutsuyoshi vs Tobizaru – Tobizaru is also in the elite group 1 win behind the yusho race winners. He struggles in his matches with Terutsuyoshi (3-5), losing 4 of the last 5. If the flying monkey wants to once again challenge for the cup, like he did in September, he needs to really dig in and find another level of strength now.

Tochinoshin vs Midorifuji – A first time match, and 91kg Midorifuji is little more than a bite sized delicacy for the raging bear that is Tochinoshin. I expect a lift, hoist and toss into the 2nd row.

Tamawashi vs Hoshoryu – Hoshoryu, do NOT pull against Tamawashi. He loves it when young rikishi employ that cheap move. This is their first ever match, and I am keen to see which version of Hoshoryu shows up today.

Chiyonokuni vs Ichinojo – Chiyonokuni hurt his right hand on day 6, and as a right-hand dominant fighter, he is in a tight spot without his primary weapon. Hey, I know. Lets give him Ichinojo! Sadly Ichinojo could not keep his strong start rolling, and has dropped 3 of his last 4 matches. Still, a one handed Chiyonokuni may not provide much of threat, we shall see.

Endo vs Kagayaki – After an ice cold start, Endo has won 3 of his last 4 matches, and may actually be able to salvage a kachi-koshi over the last 8 days. He will have goth-mode Kagayaki today, and I am sure there will be some well calculated counter-attack moves at the tachiai to prevent Endo from achieving his preferred front grip.

Kotonowaka vs Okinoumi – First time meeting between two rikishi having fairly miserable tournaments. Okinoumi lacks much forward power this March, and Kotonowaka is all over the map. It is at this point I will probably go refill my sake glass.

Hokutofuji vs Shimanoumi – Hokutofuji needs just 3 more wins for kachi-koshi, which would repeat an odd cycle for him. One tournament he earns a kachi-koshi, the following he achieves “The most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo”. I expect him to splatter hapless 1-6 Shimanoumi, and maintain his spot 1 behind the leader group.

Wakatakakage vs Onosho – A 2-5 record at the halfway mark is a miserable record for Onosho. It was last July (Maegashira 2), where he ended 2-13, and frankly I wondered if he was gonig to need a trip to Juryo to rebuild. But at Maegashira 1, he is 2-5. He has won both prior matches with Wakatakakage, so maybe he can bring that win number to 3.

Takarafuji vs Mitakeumi – Both of these veterans are under-performing this March. I would be interested to see how much mojo Takarafuji can muster today after Takayasu rode him hard and put him away wet on day 7. Mitakeumi holds a 7-3 career advantage over Takarafuji, winning 3 of the last 4.

Terunofuji vs Takayasu – The big match! Two men in the leader group face off, with 18 prior matches. Takayasu is too big and too burly for Terunofuji to use as dead weight and heave about. Takayasu has won each of their last 3, and holds a 11-7 career lead. Both are genki and fighting well, as their 6-1 record describes. This could be one hell of a match.

Meisei vs Takanosho – Takanosho got spanked by Daieisho on day 7, and if he was hoping to have an easier run on day 8, he has to contend with Meisei, whom he has never beaten (0-5). At some point, he’s going to need to win one, but will Sunday be the day?

Shodai vs Kiribayama – Admit it, you want to see Kiribayama execute that relativistic sumo again. I know I do. But then again, I want Shodai’s strong rally to overcome Shimanoumi’s attack to be the point in the Haru basho where Shodai remembers his sumo, and fights strong. Shodai holds a 2-0 series lead, but has bee fighting poorly, and cannot even claim a winning record for the first half of the basho.

Takakeisho vs Myogiryu – Takakeisho has had 11 matches against Myogiryu, and won them all. I want to see him clear kadoban, so I am hoping that the Grand Tadpole can knock Myogiryu out of the group 1 behind the leaders.

Daieisho vs Asanoyama – We saw a hint of the yusho winning Daieisho on day 7, and if he shows up again on day 8, Asanoyama will have his hands full. To me, Asanoyama banks too much on getting his favored hand hold, and seems to be slow to shift to “Plan B” at times. This is a change he must make if he wishes to become a Yokozuna at some point.

I always love the middle weekend of a basho. With work on a 2 day pause, I get a chance to really watch the matches in detail, pausing on some frames, re-winding some battles, enjoying the slow motion / multiple angle footage. Today was a great day to savor, as there are some first class matches to enjoy. But the action was marred twice by gyoji. In two matches, the referee found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, and disrupted the fight by being an obstacle. The gyoji have a devilishly tough job, and I don’t really fault them too much. But one wrong shift and they find themselves in the middle of the fight.

If today had a theme – don’t underestimate the littler guy. Both Hoshoryu and Tobizaru really ramped up the power today, and came away with hard fought and well earned wins. I would also say, never try to out-last Takayasu. We have seen this dozens of times over the years. The guy simply does not tire. I think that comes from thousands of practices matches with Kisenosato during that era. I am also now curious if we will see Shodai fight like he means it. There was an evolution in today’s final bout, and I am hoping it signals a return to good form.

Highlight Matches

Daiamami defeats Akua – For a brief moment following the tachiai, the two drove against each other, ramping up the pressure. Akua gave way first, and was granted no opportunity to stop Daiamami’s stampede to his 3rd win. Both end the day 3-4.

Yutakayama defeats Kaisei – Somehow Yutakayama rallied from his miserable March funk and overpowered Kaisei today. The look on Yutakayama’s face following the match, he looked miserable. I am glad he found a way to pick up a second win, but I have to wonder what is plaguing him.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Hidenoumi – Hidenoumi worked to overpower Terutsuyoshi at the tachiai. But while he was busy establishing a grip on Terutsuyoshi’s shoulders, Terutsuyoshi’s right and went deep and found Hidenoumi’s belt. In a moment, Hidenoumi was too high and balanced on one foot as he was taking a step forward. Terutsuyoshi rotated and took the match with a shitatenage. Both exited the dohyo at 4-3.

Chiyotairyu defeats Tsurugisho – Chiyotairyu loves to use the combo of “stand them up, slap them down”. Tsurugisho bought it hook, line and sinker today, and received a face full of Kokugikan clay as a reward. Chiyotairyu advances to 3-4.

Kotoeko defeats Ryuden – Ryuden drove hard for a left hand shallow grip at the tachiai, and missed by a centimeter. Kotoeko shifted left as he drove his left hand inside. Ryuden was forced to defense, finding himself with no way to grip Kotoeko. Kotoeko went on to establish an arm lock, and drove forward to pick up his 5th win.

Chiyoshoma defeats Midorifuji – Fast match today for these two. Chiyoshoma’s took the better half of the tachiai, and a step later Midorifuji lost traction as he attempted to break the hold. Both went crashing to the dohyo, but Midorifuji touched down a fraction of a second before Chiyoshoma, and Chiyoshoma picked up his 5th win.

Hoshoryu defeats Aoiyama – Honbasho days come and go where I think Hoshoryu has maxed out, and it will be some time, if ever, before we see him expand his range of sumo and his ability to win. But Hoshoryu are given hope by days like today, where he endures a punishing storm of hits from Aoiyama, and rallies to put the big man out. Aoiyama piled in everything: thrusts, throw attempts, yorikiri attempts, all of it came up just a bit short. That was some “grade A” sumo from Hoshoryu today.

Chiyonokuni defeats Akiseyama – Chiyonokuni seems to be trying to work without his injured right hand today, and I think he surprised Akiseyama (and myself) by going left hand dominant. It payed off, as Akiseyama was geared up to attack left at the tachiai, and found himself opening his right side into Chiyonokuni’s left arm attack. Chiyonokuni advances to 6-1, impressive flexibility from Chiyonokuni today.

Tobizaru defeats Ichinojo – Barn burner of a match! Ichinojo’s opening gambit was against Tobizaru’s head. This is always a big gamble, as it leaves your body wide open to your opponent. Tobizaru obliged and went for the armpits, and drove inside. Ichinojo found himself without a viable attack route, but enough mass to keep Tobizaru’s offense blunted. Ichinojo made the mistake of pulling, and Tobizaru responded with a round house face slap that set up the end of the match, with Ichinojo dropping his hands to the clay. Tobizaru improves to 5-2.

Tamawashi defeats Kotonowaka – Kotonowaka had a powerful offense up and running, and then inexplicably decided. “hey, let’s pull against Tamawashi!”. This has to be a youthful mistake, as Tamawashi may be on the downward slope of his sumo career, but he is an ace oshi-zumo practitioner, and his balance is impeccable. With forward pressure against him released, Tamawashi charged forward, sweeping up the completely disrupted Kotonowaka and depositing him over the edge of the dohyo. Expensive lesson there, Kotonowaka, please hold it dear.

Kagayaki defeats Okinoumi – Not sure you can get much more fundamental than this match. Sadly, my hoped for spectral possession by ancient legends of the sumo past did not take place, but Kagayaki did everything right, and never allowed Okinoumi to plant his feet and set up a defense.

Endo defeats Tochinoshin – Endo loaded up a step to the side at the tachiai, which left Tochinoshin literally on the wrong foot. As he pivoted on his bad knee to re-engage, Endo grabbed and pulled down for his 3rd win.

Wakatakakage defeats Myogiryu – This is the kind of match that really makes me love sumo. Myogiryu opened strong, but could not find enough advantage to win, as Wakatakakage answered him blow for blow. Both men came painfully close to losing the match as the initiative shifted multiple times, and the battle raged around the dohyo. I have to think that Wakatakakage’s youth and better endurance played a role here, and he simply outlasted Myogiryu to pick up his 3rd win of March. Bonus? the winning move was a nice tottari. I have not seen one of those in a while, thanks Wakatakakage!

Hokutofuji defeats Onosho – Onosho allowed Hokutofuji to box him in, and was dreadfully short of real estate to set up an effective offense. With only inches to work with, Onosho pushed back against Hokutofuji with everything he could muster. But Onosho’s offensive style requires a fair amount of mobility, and it was Hokutofuji’s match to win. He picks up his 5th to advance to 5-2.

Takayasu defeats Takarafuji – It’s always great to see these two fight, as Takarafuji’s brand of sumo is to put up a frustrating defense and encourage his opponent to dump his energy into ultimately fruitless offense, get tired and then be picked off when he is worn down. This works brilliantly most days, but then there is Takayasu. As I have stated before, Takayasu possesses in-human endurance. He’s always had it, but his training has greatly amplified this facet of his life. Long ago, in a happier age when people crowded sumo tournaments and yelled their hearts out, there were exhibition tournaments in addition to honbasho. One of them featured an air conditioner as part of the prize package to the last man standing, which was frequently Kisenosato. What does a guy who lives in a heya do with like 6 air conditioners? Well, I suspect at least one of them went to Takayasu, who probably took his post lunch naps holding one aloft, and slept comfortably that way. … THIS MATCH WENT ON FOR THREE MINUTES! It was Takarafuji who lost stamina, and Takayasu tossed him down, completely spent.

Daieisho defeats Takanosho – We have not seen the explosive power that is the hallmark of Daieisho’s sumo much this March, but here it was today. I swear that match may have knocked lose any fillings Takanosho may have had in his teeth. That’s only the second win for Daieisho, and maybe it signals a return to his yusho winning form from January.

Terunofuji defeats Mitakeumi – I had high hopes for a grand battle from these two, but Terunofuji quickly set up a front grip on Mitakeumi, and gave him gave him a solid “bushel basket” finish. Terunofuji remains in the leader gorup at 6-1.

Meisei defeats Takakeisho – Takakeisho let Meisei get in the driver’s seat on this match, and never recovered. Yes, he rallied for 3 whole steps, but that just set up his loss. Tactical mistake at the tachiai, and is so frequently the case in a pushing match, there are few ways to take back control if your opponent is on their game. Both end the day 4-3.

Kiribayama defeats Asanoyama – Kiribayama has not shown us this aspect of his sumo in a while: brutal, fast and effective. He put a hit and shift in at the tachiai, leaving Asanoyama needing to turn to engage. He never got a chance, as Kiribayama latched his left hand on the Ozeki’s black mawashi and ran him across the tawara for an okuridashi. He improves to 3-4.

Shodai defeats Shimanoumi – Shodai looked well on his way to losing his 5th match. He found his heels on the tawara, his body position soft, his hips high. Then something engaged, and you could see his entire body shift into an attack mode we have not seen since January. His hands shifted inside, that big right foot stepped forward and the fight was joined. It was all power sumo from there, and Shodai punctuated the win with a saucy uwatenage to finish Shimanoumi off. Is this the point where Shodai wakes up and fights? I do hope so.