Welcome to act 2 of this November basho, being held this year only in Tokyo. Act 2 is where we narrow the field to find out who has what it takes to compete for the yusho, and to start sorting the survivors from the damned. This tournament is a wild one. We started with a no-kazuna situation (No Yokozuna), and are now dangerously close to Nozeki as well! Only Takakeisho survives as the top ranked man competing in November. I sincerely hope he can hold it together for the next 10 days. It does make for some interesting schedule choices. I think we will see the Sekiwake, and the kaiju saved for week 2. Until then Takakiesho will need to bide his time shoving around lower ranking Maegashira and taking their walking around money.

What We Are Watching Day 6

Chiyotairyu vs Shohozan – With Shodai out, the banzuke gap returns, and dear Shohozan visits from Juryo to take a look around his old haunts. Shohozan is suffering terribly in Juryo, with just a single win. He is facing Chiyotairyu, who has beaten him 11 times out of their 15 career matches. Oof, this could be ugly.

Shimanoumi vs Ichinojo – Shimanoumi’s performance in act 1 is white hot, as once again the last man on the banzuke seems to have some enchanted power within their sumo. He’s up against the struggling Ichinojo, who has but a single win thus far, and is not looking fierce or healthy.

Yutakayama vs Chiyoshoma – I am not optimistic about Yutakayama, who has the potential to be a major factor in the top division. But he can’t seem to keep his body in proper working order following his kyujo in September on day 8. I am pretty sure he is still fairly hurt, and I would not be surprised to see him end the tournament with 5 or fewer wins.

Kotonowaka vs Kaisei – I think Kaisei is going to dominate this match, simply because he has a great deal more mass than Kotonowaka can contend with – yet. Kaisei leads narrowly (2-1) over their short career match roster.

Sadanoumi vs Akua – Both of these rikishi are having a dreadful tournament, each having a 1-4 record coming into their first ever match. Akua has been uncharacteristically lethargic, and I think that gives Sadanoumi a distinct edge today.

Chiyonokuni vs Enho – If there was a way to stack super-genki against the anti-genki, this would be the match. Given the opposite ends of the sumo spectrum these two currently occupy, there must be some safeguards taken to make sure that they don’t form some kind of exotic matter during the tachiai, opening a portal to a parallel universe Kokugikan. I will entertain guesses which rikishi would step through this portal, and why. No fair guessing dai-Yokozuna Shodai.

Tokushoryu vs Hoshoryu – Ryu-ryu-ryu your boat.. Oh wait. No no no. So Mr Bulky is going to take on dinosaur Jr. My money is on Hoshoryu today. He has gotten spanked the last two matches and I think he is going to bounce back.

Aoiyama vs Meisei – Historically, Big Dan has a 5-1 career advantage over Meisei. If he drops today’s match, its officially a train-wreck for Aoiyama. Big Dan tends to stand Meisei up, and immediately slap him down.

Ryuden vs Terutsuyoshi – Dear Ryuden: Some guidance from the great Eddie Murph

Tochinoshin vs Kotoeko – I think this is the big test on how much fighting spirit Kotoeko can summon for a match. Tochinoshin is a fraction of his former power, but he is still an enormous, heavy fellow. I suspect that Tochinoshin has just enough left in that knee to take this one.

Myogiryu vs Tamawashi – Tamawashi holds a 9-5 advantage over Myogiryu, add to that that Myogiryu has a crummy 1-4 record thus far, an seems to be on a trajectory for a deep make-koshi.

Endo vs Kotoshoho – First time match, and I have to give the advantage to Endo who’s sumo is sharp and strong right now. He seems to have gotten his body into working shape, and his sumo skill remains as sharp as ever.

Takarafuji vs Tobizaru – Yet another glorious first time match, and this one should be an eye opener. I doubt that the bright rising start in Tobizaru has had a chance to endure the “Defend and Extend” that is Takarafuji-zumo. I want to see how long he can last before he gets tired, makes a mistake and ends up collapsed in one of the corners of the dohyo.

Onosho vs Daieisho – Onosho, I hate it when you start a tournament with a strong of “almost” losses. But it looks like he may be on course for another crummy basho like the 2-13 result in July. I heavily favor Daieisho in this match, who in spite of his 3-2 record is fighting quite well.

Terunofuji vs Kiribayama – A first time match, and my condolences are on offer to Kiribayama. I guess Terunofuji will give him a quick encounter and maybe a bit of a flying lesson. I expect Terunofuji to shred all challengers until week 2.

Wakatakakage vs Takayasu – Both have matching, sad, 1-4 records. Both had a lot of hopes on them coming into this tournament, and both are massively under-performing their potential. Surprisingly, Takayasu is 0-2 aghast Wakatakakage. Oh dear.

Mitakeumi vs Okinoumi – Its clear to me that Okinoumi is taking this tournament, and himself, quite seriously. There was an interview that was posted before the basho where Okinoumi was in disbelief of Shodai’s promotion (see, I am not the only one), and it motivated him. So I think he has an edge today over Mitakeumi, he wants this win more.

Hokutofuji vs Takanosho – Hokutofuji comes in with a 2-0 career lead, a 4-1 record, and a strong desire to get back to San’yaku. Now I think San’yaku at Hatsu is going to be a nightmare, but Hokutofuji does not strike me as one who cares much about hardship. So I think he’s got the edge today over Takanosho.

Takakeisho vs Kagayaki – Kagayaki holds a 4-2 career advantage over Takakeisho. Should he prevail today, it would turn this weekend’s first look at the leader-board into a murky swamp dominated by a powerful, glowering Mongolian.

The November carnage continues, as Shodai is now out as well after hurting his left leg and foot on day 3. That is 2 injured, kadoban Ozeki who will be fighting in January to keep their rank, and 2 injured Yokozuna with “win or retire” ultimatums fighting it out. Week 2 of Hatsu is going to see doom stalking each of the last 4 matches of every day, as I suspect that both Asanoyama and Shodai won’t be 100% by New Year’s day. In addition, I don’t think Hakuho is going to settle for 8-and-out. His ego will drive him to run up the score. I pity the rikishi who end up in the top Maegashira slots for the next basho. Sumo can be a brutal sport, and January promises to be a real meat grinder.

Highlight Matches

Shimanoumi defeats Kotonowaka – Wow, Shimanoumi starts 5-0 from the bottom of the banzuke. There seems to be some kind of magic about that slot this year, and Shimanoumi is working it for all its worth. Kotonowaka opened strong and had Shimanoumi on the run, but Shimanoumi rallied for the win. Fantastic sumo.

Ichinojo defeats Akua – Ichinojo finally gets his first win for November, and does it in fine Ichinojo style – staying nearly stationary and being huge. Then, at the right moment, toppling over on top of your opponent like a building collapse.

Chiyoshoma defeats Hoshoryu – Chiyoshoma wins again as Hoshoryu’s balance fails him as he goes on the attack following the tachiai. There is a fine line between moving forward with power and getting too far past your toes, and Hoshoryu was on the wrong side of that line. Chiyoshoma improves to 3-2.

Chiyotairyu defeats Kaisei – Chiyotairyu got a right hand nodowa at the tachiai, and Kaisei’s sumo was completely disrupted. Chiyotairyu marched Kaisei around and then battle-hugged him out. Chiyotairyu up to 3-2, and looking steady this basho.

Chiyonokuni defeats Sadanoumi – A simple “stand him up and slap him down” opening gambit from Chiyonokuni advances him to 5-0. Sadanoumi having a terrible 1-4 start to November.

Meisei defeats Yutakayama – Yutakayama is clearly fired up and intent on brining a lot of power to the match. Meisei reads this well, meets Yutakayama’s tachiai, then as Yutakayama charges again, steps aside and allow him to blow by and crash over the edge of the dohyo. Meisei up to 3-2, and Yutakayama at a dismal 1-4.

Ryuden defeats Enho – The bounce is not quite as extreme today, but it’s still happening. But Ryuden seasoned it with his multi-matta pre match disruption routine. Enho ran the same battle plan today as the prior 4 days, and its still worthless. Down he goes to 0-5 and a thousand hearts break across Japan. Ryuden butt-bounces to 4-1.

Terutsuyoshi defeats Kotoeko – Terutsuyoshi drove inside at the tachiai, and had his right hand squarely against Kotoeko’s chest. Kotoeko rallied and drove forward into Terutsuyoshi’s slap down. First loss for Kotoeko, dropping him to 4-1. Terutsuyoshi picks up win #2.

Tokushoryu defeats Tochinoshin – Tokushoryu took the fight directly to Tochinoshin, applying maximum pressure to the former Ozeki’s chest. Typically a rikishi would push back to blunt the attack, but Tokushoryu is too heavy and Tochinoshin’s knee to damaged for him to do much. A moment later Tochinoshin stepped over the bales, and he picked up his 3rd loss.

Tamawashi defeats Aoiyama – Aoiyama continues to be blanked, unable to generate much offense at all. Tamawashi powers into his chest with both hands and sends him out. I am going to guess that Big Dan is hurt, and will struggle for the next 10 days.

Takarafuji defeats Endo – As expected this was a highly technical see-saw match. Neither man held advantage for more than a moment, and Takarafuji’s win came as he was able to turn Endo around and push from behind. Both leave the day with a well deserved 4-1 record at the end of act 1.

Kotoshoho defeats Tobizaru – I am starting to worry about Tobizaru, yes a weak 1-4 start indicates some mechanical injury, but I am also concerned that he may lose the “fire” that drove him to 11-4 in September. Kotoshoho attempted to pull him down, which was not entirely successful, but left Tobizaru off balance and an easy mark for a clean up attack. Kotoshoho advances to 2-3.

Kagayaki defeats Myogiryu – With Kagayaki’s ring rust removed, he’s back in touch with his sumo, and we can see his fundamentals at work again today. Myogiryu blasted ahead at the tachiai, but could not finish the attack. Kagayaki’s right arm ottsuke shut down Myogiryu’s attack, and Kagayaki’s excellent offensive footwork powered the win.

Okinoumi defeats Takayasu – Much as I have been a follower of Takayasu, he may not yet be ready to stay in the joi-jin. It’s sad that his injuries have reduced his once Ozeki level sumo this much, but it’s obvious now. I noted that Okinoumi kept braking Takayasu’s grip, and Takayasu spent precious time and dohyo territory working to keep that left hand on Okinoumi’s mawashi. They went to a leaning contest, which favors Takayasu, but Okinoumi was up to the stamina challenge, and kept working his left hand inside. That left hand finally found it’s target, and a low speed roll sent Takayasu to the clay. He drops to 1-4.

Terunofuji defeats Hokutofuji – Hokutofuji had zero chance to use his superior maneuverability today, and it was Terunofuji’s brand of sumo from the tachiai. Hokutofuji stayed strong, and his foot placement shut down Terunofuji’s first attempt at an uwatenage. Undaunted, Terunofuji tries again, but rather than using Hokutofuji’s left leg as a pivot, he just adds a lift and bodily throws Hokutofuji to the clay. Terunofuji remains undefeated at 5-0, and kaiju mode is still active.

Takanosho defeats Kiribayama – Takanosho got a slightly early jump at the tachiai, and Kiribayama struggled to set up any offense. Kiribayama tried plans B and C, and each time was a bit more off balance. Takanosho waited for his chance and drove Kiribayama out with a strong shove to his chest for his 3rd win.

Mitakeumi defeats Wakatakakage – Ah good, that was closer to what fans expect from Mitakeumi. He was able to use his huge body to overwhelm the smaller Wakatakakage, and pin him against the tawara before lifting him out. Mitakeumi advances to 3-2.

Takakeisho defeats Daieisho – Textbook Takakeisho, he has his hands inside at the tachiai, shrugs off Daieisho’s opening combo and drives with everything he can deliver. It’s a short trip to the bales and Daieisho is expelled with a hearty shove. Takakeisho, the highest ranking survivor at the end of act one, remains undefeated at 5-0.

Welcome to the end of act 1 of the November basho, held this time in Tokyo. We divide the 15 day basho into 3 acts, each lasting 5 days. Act one’s goal is to remove any ring rust, and figure out who is hot, and who is not. There has been a surprising lack of ring rust this tournament, and most rikishi turned up ready to fight. In terms of who is hot – I have to call out Takakeisho and Terunofuji at the top of that list. Both are 4-0 to start, and are looking strong. Close behind is Hokutofuji, Endo, a surprisingly genki Kotoeko, Chiyonokuni and all the way at the rump end of the banzuke, Shimanoumi!

The not list, well, it’s rather sad. We have Onosho, Aoiyama, Enho, and Ichinojo. All of them are capable, but I am sure that Enho fans around the world (and they are legion!) cry out in despair at his winless start to November.

What We Are Watching Day 5

Shimanoumi vs Kotonowaka – It’s another day to put Shimanoumi’s hot streak to the test. He has yet to win a match (0-2) against Kotonowaka, so this will be a good test. Both of them come in with solid winning records, and are fighting well for the start of the basho.

Akua vs Ichinojo – A first time match, and both of them are suffering cold starts to the November basho. I would give an edge to Ichinojo simply on dry bulk tonnage and turning radius. But lord knows which one of these two is going to have a worse day.

Hoshoryu vs Chiyoshoma – Come on Chiyoshoma, give us your best henka! I want to see if Hoshoryu’s reflexes are up to the challenge of staying in the match when you do it. Hoshoryu lost their only prior encounter which was (I am pretty sure) a henka.

Chiyotairyu vs Kaisei – Kaisei holds a 15-4 career advantage over Chiyotairyu. I think because Chiyotairyu normal stampedes off the shikiri-sen at maximum power, and quickly splats against the edifice that is Kaisei. But Chiyotairyu has been using a low velocity tachiai thus far, and I want to see if to causes the dynamic of their matches to change.

Sadanoumi vs Chiyonokuni – Chiyonokuni is on a hot run, he’s fighting well and shown excellent versatility. I want to see him cope with Sadanoumi speed. I know Chiyonokuni is fast on the attack, but Sadanoumi is almost in his own class in his ability to move safely around the dohyo. Chiyonokuni holds a 5-3 advantage in career matches.

Yutakayama vs Meisei – Yutakayama needs to find a winning formula. His sumo mechanics are still working, but he seems to be about 25% below where he should be on power output. He trains daily with Shodai, but that is maybe not enough for him. Meisei holds a 4-1 career advantage.

Ryuden vs Enho – Will Enho be entranced by Ryuden’s pelvic display? Will anthropologists now swarm the Kokugikan trying to catch a glimpse of this human exhibition? I keep thinking that today will be the day that Enho will get his first win. I am going to hope day 5 will be that day.

Kotoeko vs Terutsuyoshi – Both are compact power rikishi, but Kotoeko is currently rated genki+ in my list, so I think he will have a strong advantage against Terutsuyoshi today, whose sumo seems to have been figured out by everyone he is facing thus far.

Tochinoshin vs Tokushoryu – Tokushoryu is too bulk for a sky-crane, even in the best of times for Tochinoshin’s knees. In its current state, the big Georgian’s right leg is going to struggle to relay much power to ground. May I suggest an early slap down, sir?

Aoiyama vs Tamawashi – A number of readers have been commenting that Tamawashi had his “arm breaker” kotenage set up for day 4 against Endo, and chose not to unleash it, and took the loss instead. This is not the first time this has happened, and I think Tamawashi is not willing to think of hurting another rikishi. Big Dan Aoiyama needs to find something to give him a win. Maybe he needs a big plate of pierogis to get his engine running.

Takarafuji vs Endo – These two have a career 8-9 record – 17 total matches. They are excellent counters for each other’s sumo. Endo is always looking at multiple ways to attack. Takarafuji has multiple ways to shut down any attack you might deliver, all the while draining your stamina. They are both fighting well, and this has a high potential to be the match of the day.

Kotoshoho vs Tobizaru – Both of these bright new faces are at 1-3 for this basho, and really need to turn things around. At least one of them will get their second win today, and we can take some happiness in that. They have split (2-2) their 4 career matches.

Kagayaki vs Myogiryu – Both picked up their first wins of the basho on day 4, and immediately get to face each other on day 4. One of them will leave the dohyo improved to 2-3. I give an edge to Kagayaki, who hopefully is over his typical slow start.

Okinoumi vs Takayasu – Takayasu has a 15-3 career lead over Okinoumi, so I am going to think he stands a good chance of scoring his second win of November. Takayasu is back to being a bit wild with his sumo, and that creates a fair number of openings for a skilled opponent like Okinoumi to attack.

Terunofuji vs Hokutofuji – A pair of 4-0 Fujis, and I don’t care that Hokutofuji holds a 3-1 career lead over the kaiju. Since is 2020 rebound, there has been 1 match, and it was all Terunofuji.

Kiribayama vs Takanosho – Looking for Takanosho to dominate this match, and to likely get his 3rd win. He has a 4-1 career lead over Kiribayama, who had to face (and loose to) all 3 Ozeki.

Mitakeumi vs Wakatakakage – I think this is a great opportunity for Wakatakakage to pick up a much needed second win. Mitakeumi is a big, round, strong opponent, but we know Wakatakakage has enough skill and agility to overcome that deficit.

Takakeisho vs Daieisho – I sincerely hope that Takakeisho can safely make it to 8 wins and stay out of the “Thunder Dome” contest that is shaping up at the top of banzuke for January. He is fighting well right now, and I want him to stay that way. Daieisho is not an easy mark for him, they have split their 11 career matches. Both will be blasting away in tsuki/oshi mode from the start.

Shodai vs Onosho – The big ugly question mark – can Shodai must enough to overcome the pain of that injured ankle or leg and keep fighting. Onosho has been having balance problems since day 1, so he may not be too big of a challenge if Shodai can get to the side. But Onosho, in spite of his losses, has kept himself square against each of his opponents thus far.