Normally at this point, I would be posting the yusho leaderboard. But for today, at least, there really is only Daieisho sitting at 8 wins, with 4 rikishi, including Shodai 2 wins behind, with 12 rikishi at 5-3. Until someone puts dirt on Daieisho at least twice, there is no real competition for the yusho. It’s an odd state of affairs, and I would expect that he will take at least once loss between now and senshuraku. During week 2, the pressure of being the presumptive yusho winner will start to eat at the mental state of most rikishi, doubly so if they have never won a yusho before.

In a much worse position was the first real Yokozuna candidate we have seen in 3 years, Takakeisho. Forget his rope run, I fear there is something genuinely wrong with him. I myself have guessed he is having some kind of metabolic / pulmonary problems related to his weight, but it’s really impossible to know at the moment what has taken the lead Ozeki and put him in such weak condition. I do hope he can bounce back in March.

What We Are Watching Day 9

Yutakayama vs Shohozan – Welcome dear Shohozan, we were sad to see you leave the top division, but like so many battle scared veterans in the last couple of years, you seem to be on the exit ramp now. Thanks for all the wonderful sumo. If you can’ please give Yutakayama one last “Big Guns” battle.

Hoshoryu vs Terutsuyoshi – Now that Hoshoryu has a couple of wins in his favor, I would like to see him rally and take 5 out of the last 7 for a kachi-koshi. It would show massive amounts of fighting spirit and drive. He won his only prior match against Terutsuyoshi.

Midorifuji vs Kotoeko – In spite of fighting well, with mountains of energy on display each day, Kotoeko is getting terribly close to a make-koshi now at 2-6. Could he turn things around? Of course, but for whatever reason, he seems to be a bit under powered this tournament. Maybe we will get another Midorifuji special today?

Akiseyama vs Aoiyama – Once again Akiseyama is in a battle of the mega-fauna. Aoiyama is struggling to get his opponents in the right spot for him to apply “his brand of sumo”. Which involves hitting people, quite a lot. I will look for him to try a quick stand them up / slap them down opening gambit.

Shimanoumi vs Sadanoumi – Sadanoumi holds a 5-0 career record vs Shimanoumi, and he could really use a win. I worry his knees and associated undercarriage are too banged up now for him to do much better than where he is right now.

Kotonowaka vs Myogiryu – This one has a lot of potential, and they are both solid oshi-zumo men who are part of the massive herd of a dozen rikishi with 5-3 records starting day 9. Myogiryu will have a slight edge, as he is naturally a bit lower due to his shorter legs.

Ichinojo vs Kiribayama – First time match, and we have to wonder which Ichinojo is going to mount the dohyo today. He out weighs Kiribayama by almost 100 kg, and frankly if Ichinojo decides to move forward against Kiribayama, there is nothing Kiribayama can easily do to stop him.

Akua vs Tobizaru – The more I considering Akua suffering from lingering COVID symptoms, the more I think that is probably what has happened to him. It’s a real shame because I was delighted to see that he would be returning to the top division. Maybe he can pick up his second win if Tobizaru gets too energetic and out of contol.

Tokushoryu vs Okinoumi – Their eight prior matches favor Okinoumi 5-3. Tokushoryu has not shown much good sumo this January. He has other sekitori at Kise heya to train against, so I am surprised that he is struggling.

Tochinoshin vs Meisei – Tochinoshin is banged up enough that Meisei should have this one if he can stay focused and keep his feet heavy. Even if Tochinoshin should manage a mawashi grip, it may not really turn into a Tochinoshin advantage, such is the state of the former Ozeki’s body.

Kotoshoho vs Onosho – Well, this certainly looks like an Onosho pick up. His opponent, Kotoshoho, is already make-koshi, and has struggled since the opening day. In addition, Onosho has won both of their prior matches.

Takarafuji vs Daieisho – It’s easy to say “Daieisho is on a hot streak, he will take this match”. But Daieisho’s matches have largely been him overwhelming his opponent with his oshi-zumo. Takarafuji is a master of defense, and if he can extend the match, we will see how well Daieisho can hold up. They have 13 prior matches, with the 7-6 advantage belonging to Takarafuji, who has won the last 3 in a row.

Hokutofuji vs Mitakeumi – Both of these guys seem to be gunning for a big, grand make-koshi full of glorious sumo defeats. It would be fitting if after dispatching his 3rd Ozeki of the tournament, Mitakeumi takes a loss from Hokutofuji.

Kagayaki vs Takanosho – Takanosho, another member of massive 5-3 crowd, gets to show some Sekiwake sumo to Kagayaki. Normally I am a Kagayaki booster, but he is not fighting well, and many of his good sumo habits seem to have been left in the akeni. I hope in March we see him return to fundamentals based sumo. I recommend 2 hours of Kisenosato match videos a day for 30 days.

Terunofuji vs Ryuden – Ryuden seems to have gotten is sumo locked in at last, and I would not be surprised to see him give a challenge to Terunofuji today. Terunofuji is still mathematically headed toward double digits, if he wins 5 of his last 7.

Tamawashi vs Shodai – Tamawashi does tend to apply a decent amount of doom to Shodai given his 9-5 career advantage. Most of this was pre-Ozeki, but I think the mechanics may still apply on day 9 of Hatsu 2021. Shodai’s defensive form is now consistently good, where in prior years it would come and go, sometimes in just a single match. Tamawashi will have his work for the day.

Takakeisho vs Endo – Endo’s likely to get his frontal mawashi grab, and roll Takakeisho around before he bounces back out into the zabuton section of the Kokugikan stands. He’s only take 2 of their prior 9 matches, but I have not seen Takakeisho this poorly since he went kyujo in July.

Asanoyama vs Takayasu – Way to pick a big battle to end the day. Asanoyama is still day to day in my book, and both of these rikishi are part of the 5-3 herd. Only one of them will join whatever group remains at 6-3 at the end of the day. If Takayasu can dial back the roaring shoulder blast tachiai, he can probably take this one from the Ozeki. But what are the chances of that?

With the middle day in the record books, its all a rocket ride to next Sunday at the final matches of this January tournament. There were a number of fans who worried that the COVID surge happening in Japan and around the world would lead to the cancelation of this tournament before it started, or certainly sometime before the final day, but I would guess they are going to get this one done. I, for one, am delighted to have sumo right now as a worthy topic to push the nonsense out of my attention for a couple of weeks.

As the bow twirler stepped off the dohyo today, Daieisho had his kachi-koshi, and a 2 win lead over the closest chasers. While the concept of 2 losses for Daieisho in the next 7 days is not impossible for Daieisho, I would say that given how well he is fighting, it’s unlikely. He has beaten all the named ranks, and it’s up to the rank and file to give it their best shot. Should he prevail, we would once again see a Hatsu yusho winner from the rank and file.

Highlight Matches

Daiamami defeats Kotonowaka – A fairly straightforward yotsu match, not sure what happened here with Kotonowaka, he did not seem to really have much stamina. Daiamami goes back to Juryo after his visit with a 4-4 record.

Yutakayama defeats Ichinojo – Yutakayama came in strong at the tachiai, and for some reason I can’t identify, Ichinojo repeatedly tried to slap him down. That lack of any resistance to Yutakayama’s advance made the formidable Ichinojo manageable for Yutakayama, and he was quickly dispatched. Both end the day 5-3.

Sadanoumi defeats Terutsuyoshi – Terutsuyoshi’s attempt at an arm bar throw stalls out at just the wrong time, leaving Sadanoumi behind him as Terutsuyoshi’s feet are at the tawara. Its a quick trip into the fans for Terutsuyoshi as Sadanoumi improves to 4-4. That left arm of Terutsuyoshi looks like it needs direct medical attention. Man, sumo and injuries is a triggering subject some days.

Shimanoumi defeats Midorifuji – Midorifuji got a good position at the tachiai, but for some reason latched on to the notion of pulling Shimanoumi down, and would not switch to plan “B”. Without much forward pressure, the second Isegahama rikishi in a row heads for the bleachers as Shimanoumi improves to 5-3.

Hoshoryu defeats Aoiyama – Aoiyama’s tachiai was a bit messy, and Hoshoryu’s was solid. Hoshoryu took the inside position, and was too close for Aoiyama to bash about. With Hoshoryu in close, he ran Big Dan out to improve to 3-5.

Myogiryu defeats Akua – Yet again Akua fought well, but could not win. This gives me concern. If Akua is down, lets say, 20% from his normal power due to lingering effects of his December bout with COVID-19, what can we guess about Hakuho? Many people who have endured a run in with the SARS-COV2 bug have had fatigue, lethargy and various challenges weeks or months after the virus has cleared out of their body.

Kiribayama defeats Kotoeko – Kotoeko was pushed back at the tachiai, and struggled to gain offensive traction against Kiribayama. A risky pull attempt from Kiribayama payed off, and sent Kotoeko off balance and over the edge. Kiribayama improves to 6-2.

Meisei defeats Akiseyama – Akiseyama has now lost 2 in a row, and is not realistically in consideration for the yusho race. Meisei had all the energy today, moving straight from the tachiai and driving relentlessly forward. Both end the day 6-1.

Tobizaru defeats Tokushoryu – This was the first time in 7 attempts that Tobizaru has been able to beat Tokushoryu. There was no mad Tobizaru rush at the tachiai, in fact he greatly reduced his normal jumping about and focused on keeping square to Tokushoryu’s body. It payed off brilliantly as Tobizaru improves to 3-5.

Onosho defeats Takarafuji – Takarafuji loves to frustrate opponents with solid, calm defense. He had no chance against Onosho today who can focus a remarkable amount of thrust through his hands. When those hands find your chest, it’s time to move. I counted 4 steps from the shikiri-sen to the win. Onosho improves to 5-3.

Ryuden defeats Hokutofuji – This version of Ryuden is a contender. I wish he would have gotten into his battle mode earlier, but I am happy he is here now. He got Hokutofuji off balance early and kept working the throw, eventually rolling Hokutofuji to the clay. He improves to 3-5.

Daieisho defeats Kagayaki – Points to Kagayaki for really putting out maximum effort. He had Daieisho moving back, but maybe Kagayaki got a little over eager, extending his balance forward to try to finish Daieisho off. Daieisho had a firm grip on Kagayaki’s arm, and threw him forward, out of the ring. Daieisho remains unbeaten at 8-0, securing his kachi-koshi on day 8.

Takayasu defeats Kotoshoho – Kotoshoho, no wins in 8 days, and make-koshi. For the Sadogatake heya’s top man, that’s really grim. I have no idea what is wrong with the guy, but I hope he can bounce back soon. Takayasu’s footwork was sloppy again today, but he had a fairly low power opponent. Takayasu improves to 5-3.

Terunofuji defeats Okinoumi – Okinoumi is a tough man to contain, but Terunofuji bracketed him early. A leg trip attempt by Okinoumi was ultimately pointless as Terunofuji completely dominated this match, improving him to 5-3.

Takanosho defeats Tochinoshin – Tochinoshin bounced off at the tachiai, and Takanosho charged in to keep him moving. It worked brilliantly, sending Tochinoshin into the tate-gyoji for the extra point conversion. Takanosho joins the crowd of 12 at 5-3.

Tamawashi defeats Takakeisho – Watching Takakeisho right now is painful. I can only imagine being Takakeisho is much more so. Tamawashi slaps him around, spins him right round, like a record baby, and pushes him stumbling out for some 1:1 time with a lucky fan. Tamawashi improves to 5-3.

Asanoyama defeats Endo – Asanoyama wisely forgoes the yotsu battle with Endo, and reverts to his early catalog of oshi-zumo. The pushing attack works a treat, and Endo is off balance and moving back when Asanoyama grabs him and puts him across the bails to improve to 5-3.

Mitakeumi defeats Shodai – As expected, Mitakeumi rallies against another Ozeki opponent, defeating all 3 of them. But losing to 5 other rikishi. Shodai threw everything at Mitakeumi, but could not shake the original tadpole, who kept Shodai centered, stayed low and constantly looking for an avenue to attack. Mitakeumi improves to 3-5.

Welcome to nakabi! For those who don’t know the term, it’s the middle day of a 15 day tournament. It’s the earliest possible day a rikishi in the top division can reach kachi-koshi (or make-koshi, as well). There is one soul who has the chance to reach 8 today, and that yusho race leader Daieisho. Right now I expect him to keep fighting well, at least into week 2, when the distraction of “hey, I could this thing” starts to distract some people from their sumo. Though it is possible, I don’t think we are likely to see Daieisho go 15-0, in spite of the fact that he has beaten all named rank rikishi.

Sadly, there is one rikishi, Kotoshoho, who is now 0-7, and is quite possibly going to hit make-koshi in the minimal amount of time possible. Kotoshoho is not short of skill, strength or energy in normal circumstances. His last three tournaments have been 8-7, 10-5 and 8-7. Prior to this basho, he has only had a single make-koshi out of 19 tournaments since he started sumo. I hope whatever is damaged can be healed, as he has a bright future ahead of him.

Abbreviated preview today, as Bruce is in a bit of a time crunch.

What We Are Watching Day 8

Daiamami vs Kotonowaka – Kotonowaka is putting together a solid kachi-koshi for January, and today he gets to take on Juryo visitor Daiamami, whom he holds a 3-1 career advantage against.

Ichinojo vs Yutakayama – Yutakayama has been fairly strong, not quite at his former levels, but strong. Not going to matter against Ichinojo, who is going to give him the “bad pony” treatment today, I predict.

Sadanoumi vs Terutsuyoshi – Both of them are fighting better than their matching 3-4 scores would indicate. Thankfully one of them will advance to 4-4, and frankly this tournament Terutsuyoshi has been fighting better.

Shimanoumi vs Midorifuji – First time match, and I want to see another Midorifuji under-shoulder swing down. Maybe Shimanoumi can oblige.

Hoshoryu vs Aoiyama – Big Dan and the V-Twin attack against a man nearly 100kg lighter. Will Hoshoryu get airborne on the second blow?

Akua vs Myogiryu – First time meeting between these two. I saw some fan suggest that possibly Akua is suffering from long running effects of a COVID-19 infection in December. As Andy can attest, the plague can leave you at reduced capacity months after the last signs of the virus are clear. It could explain much.

Kotoeko vs Kiribayama – Even though Kotoeko fights like a wild creature, it’s going to be Kiribayama’s match today. Just a hunch.

Meisei vs Akiseyama – That unsightly crease in the middle of Akiseyama’s vast and horrific belly fat. If you come in contact with that, he sucks the sumo force right out of you, and claims it for his own. Hopefully Meisei can steer clear before it leaves him a tired, confused husk.

Tokushoryu vs Tobizaru – With the amount of active motion in a typical Tobizaru match, Tokushoryu must feel like he’s got it far too easy. As Tobizaru rushes in, Tokushoryu tosses him about. In fact he holds a 6-0 record over Tobizaru, who has never won a match against Tokushoryu in 6 attempts.

Takarafuji vs Onosho – A good match with both men at 4-3 indicates that this is going to be one to pay attention to. Onosho has gotten his balance in better shape, though he still tends to get too far forward. These are the kinds of habits that Takarafuji excels in exploiting. Their career record of 5-6 favors Onosho.

Hokutofuji vs Ryuden – The loser of today’s match will have the lead in earning the coveted title of “Most powerful make-koshi of the Hatsu basho”. Normally Hokutofuji has the inside track on this prestigious award (that comes with no extra money, and a demotion in rank), but Ryuden decided that his funky butt needed some of that action. Hokutofuji leads the series 7-4.

Kagayaki vs Daieisho – I like Kagayaki’s sumo most days. Its simple, its strictly fundamental, and it gets the job down. But I expect that Daieisho going to thump him today, possibly with the same explosive right hand thrust that sent Takanosho flying.

Takayasu vs Kotoshoho – I am expecting Kotoshoho make-koshi today. I take no joy in that, but at least Takayasu is going to get a step closer to his 8. Maybe Kotoshoho can go kyujo following.

Terunofuji vs Okinoumi – Okinoumi is a solid journey man rikishi. Terunofuji is clearly struggling with his injured body this January. I would not be surprised if the cold, damp weather of Tokyo in the winter is not hell on his knees. But given the 11-3 career advantage Terunofuji holds over Okinoumi, I am guessing its a win for Terunofuji.

Tochinoshin vs Takanosho – What do do with this match. Maybe Takanosho will take Tochinoshin’s invitation to a mawashi fight, and they will grapple early. If that happens, maybe we can see a bit of Tochinoshin sumo.

Takakeisho vs Tamawashi – Honestly, I don’t want to watch this one. Every time Takakeisho mounts the dohyo this January, I am worried. He’s not all there.

Asanoyama vs Endo – I honestly think Asanoyama is only at about 80% of normal genki power. Is that enough to dispatch Endo? It will come down to grip. I know both of them are going to go yotsu from the start, and if Endo gets his shallow / frontal grip, I can see Asanoyama having a lot of trouble today.

Mitakeumi vs Shodai – It would be very interesting of Mitakeumi could rally to defeat all 3 Ozeki this January, and basically lose every other match. He has the skill and the heft to take down Shodai, but Shodai is looking very good and using a lot of nice defensive sumo. A Shodai loss would certainly make the yusho race a puzzler.