It’s time to start act 3 of the mock Natsu basho. Act 3 is where we sort the rikishi into make-koshi and kachi-koshi, we start speculating about who will get the boot back to Juryo, and we crown our yusho winner. The biggest shock of the day is that both Yokozuna went down to losses from younger rikishi. Both Hakuho and Kakuryu are kachi-koshi, and in no real risk of being recommended for retirement, but it’s the kind of event that has been predicted since we entered the transitional period.

Takakeisho, having reached 8 losses and being consigned to reduction in rank for the next tournament, has wisely withdrawn to focus on recovery of that torn left pectoral muscle. Depending on how severe that tear is, it could be a career limiting or even ending injury. I am guessing the Sumo Kyokai is thankful for promoting Asanoyama following the Osaka tournament. The question now must be asked – we we lose Takakeisho, who is showing any sort of mettle to rise to the challenge of the Ozeki rank?

Last but in no way least, Ishiura’s spell seems to have been broken, as he goes down for the second day in a row. This transforms the yusho race in a five way brawl between Ishiura, Asanoyama, Mitakeumi, Sadanoumi and Tokushoryu. If Tokushoryu can manage to wrack up his second yusho in one year, then 2020 needs to go into the timeout corner and think about what it’s done.

Mock Natsu Leaderboard

Leaders – Asanoyama, Mitakeumi, Tokushoryu, Ishiura, Sadanoumi
Chasers – Hakuho, Kakuryu, Chiyotairyu ,Nishikigi
Hunt Group – Takarafuji, Hokutofuji, Takayasu, Kotoshogiku

4 Matches Remain

Day 11 Matches

Tochiozan (3-7) defeats Chiyomaru (3-7) Katasukashi – Veteran Tochiozan visits the top division to fill the Terunofuji banzuke gap, and delivers a seldom seen kimarite against Chiyomaru. That’s a under shoulder swing down against a man so big and round he was a real risk of rolling all the way back to the dressing room. Of course Chiyomaru helped the cause by getting forward of his toes moments after the tachiai.

Wakatakakage (6-5) defeats Takayasu (7-4) Oshidashi – After a great start, I have my doubts about Takayasu’s health now in the 3rd act. That knee that collapsed so hideously in Osaka may be bothering him again. It certainly limited both his mobility and his power today as Wakatakakage was able to gain control of the match after 15 seconds, and pushed him around the bales until Takayasu stumbled and went down.

Kotoshogiku (7-4) defeats Shohozan (5-6) Yorikiri – Shohozan attempted a henka / hit and shift at the tachiai, placing his hands on Kotoshogiku’s neck and pulling to try and drop the former Ozeki in the opening moment of the match. It failed and Kotoshogiku latched onto Shohozan’s arms and drove forward for a quick win.

Kotoyuki (5-6) defeats Shimanoumi (5-6) Yorikiri – Kotoyuki went high and Shimanoumi went low at the tachiai, with Shimanoumi reaching for the belt and Kotoyuki thrusting to Shimanoumi’s face. Before Shimanoumi could set his feet and begin to attack, Kotoyuki drove forward and sent him out. I think that Shimanoumi was not quite ready at the tachiai, and his improvised opening gambit fell apart in a hurry.

Myogiryu (5-6) defeats Kotoeko (5-6) Yorikiri – This probably should have been a matta, as Myogiryu launched early, and got control of the match before Kotoeko could even stand up. Three steps later, Myogiryu had him over the tawara for a win.

Chiyotairyu (8-3) defeats Kotoshoho (6-5) Tsukiotoshi – Very soft tachiai from Chiyotairyu today, as if he was expecting Kotoshoho to henka or side-step his normally powerful tachiai. Chiyotairyu begins thrusting and pushing but he yielded the inside position to Kotoshoho. Chiyotairyu’s overwhelming power drove Kotoshoho down for Chiyotairyu’s 8th win, and a nice kachi-koshi for our mock basho.

Sadanoumi (9-2) defeats Nishikigi (8-3) Hikiotoshi – Sadanoumi’s lightning fast tachiai had Nishikigi struggling to react, Nishikigi got his hands positioned to enact an arm bar hold, but Sadanoumi shifted his shoulders at the moment Nishikigi reached to grab. Sadanoumi swiftly helped him finish his trip to the dohyo to extend his win count to 9.

Kotonowaka (6-5) defeats Terutsuyoshi (3-8) Uwatenage – Kotonowaka executed a hit and shift at the tachiai, as Terutsuyoshi powered ahead. Getting to the side of his opponent, and landing a left hand mawashi grip, Kotonowaka rolled into the throw and delivered loss number 8 to Terutsuyoshi.

Ryuden (4-7) defeats Tochinoshin (2-9) Yorikiri – Tochinoshin’s loss streak continues, and I have to wonder about risk of demotion to Juryo. With any luck lksumo may look into is formulae and give us an opinion. Tochinoshin can’t seem to generate any forward power, and was only able to deliver token resistance to Ryuden’s attack.

Enho (5-6) defeats Kaisei (3-8) Kainahineri – We love it when Enho produces some of sumo’s more seldom seen winning moves. Kaisei looked like he was ready for Enho to dive in and work deeply underneath, and Enho was happy to supply. As Kaisei reached to place his hands, Enho got both of his on Kaisei’s left arm. In response, Kaisei took a deep grip on Enho, and held on just long enough for Enho to pivot and twist, bringing Kaisei down. That was loss number 8 for Kaisei, and he is now make-koshi.

Hokutofuji (7-4) defeats Ikioi (2-9) Oshidashi – Ikioi launched out of the tachiai a half beat earlier than Hokutofuji, and Hokutofuji was not able to get his right hand up and ready to establish a neck hold. Instead Ikioi got his left hand inside and struggled to grip against Hokutofuji’s ottsuke. Showing excellent form, Hokutofuji kept his hips lower, his shoulders square to his opponents, and pressed against Ikioi’s right shoulder to break the grip attempt. The thrust was so effective it moved Ikioi back, and Hokutofuji followed through, shoving Ikioi out for the win.

Abi (6-5) defeats Tamawashi (4-7) Oshidashi – Tamawashi had no answer for Abi-zumo, which seems to be running at full throttle now. Both hands went up at the tachiai, and in spite of Tamawashi’s excellent mobility, he could not disengage from Abi’s double arm thrusting attacks.

Aoiyama (6-5) defeats Ishiura (9-2) Oshidashi – Big Dan fires up the V-Twin an drops the yusho leader into the mosh pit at 9-2. Aoiyama attempted a pull down straight out of the tachiai, which failed, but wrecked Ishiura’s offensive plans, and left him off balance. Three big blows from Aoiyama and Ishiura was tossed over the bales for a loss.

Tokushoryu (9-2) defeats Kagayaki (6-5) Oshidashi – Kagayaki got the better of the tachiai, and set up a left hand inside position. Tokushoryu brought his hips forward and employed his massive belly to move Kagayaki back. With a stable, heavy stance, Kagayaki gave little ground. Dropping his right hand from around Kagayaki’s chest, Tokushoryu pressed forward, prying Kagayaki inch by inch out of his grip. In a flash, Kagayaki released his hold and answered with a combination of blows. With Tokushoryu’s right hand free, he drove forward and leveraged his mass to drive Kagayaki from the ring.

Takanosho (6-5) defeats Kiribayama (4-7) Oshidashi – Kiribayama had his palms against Takanosho chest at the tachiai, while Takanosho went for Kiribayama’s neck. Kiribayama’s attack against center-mass was ultimately far more effective, and a solid thrust moved Takanosho back. Takanosho lunged forward to re-engage, and in his second clash, he put all his energy against Kiribayama’s shoulders. As Kiribayama’s upper body twisted to his right (was he setting up some kind of big swat at Takanosho?), Takanosho delivered a double-arm thrust to Kiribayama’s exposed left shoulder, sending him back and out.

Takarafuji (7-4) defeats Yutakayama (4-7) Oshidashi – Takarafuji came in with his left shoulder forward, and his hands ready to shut down Yutakayama’s first thrusting attacks. This worked perfectly, and as Takarafuji rotated his elbows, both of his hands were pushing against Yutakayama’s chest. With Yutakayama now on defense, Takarafuji could call the tempo and tone of the match, and proceeded to frustrate and deflect every attack Yutakayama unleashed. They danced around the shikiri-sen, neither man having an advantage until Yutakayama attempted to pull Takarafuji down. That gambit failed and Yutakayama found himself in a rather speedy reverse gear for the moment before he left the dohyo.

Onosho (5-6) defeats Endo (2-9) Kotenage – This did not start out as a belt fight, but after Endo got his left hand grip, Onosho shifted gears from his oshi-attacks, and used his right arm to employ Endo’s left arm as the leverage point for a throw. Good improvisation, but I cringe each time I see anyone set up a kotenage now.

Okinoumi (3-8) defeats Daieisho (5-6) Yorikiri – Again we see that with a make-koshi firmly in hand, Okinoumi’s sumo is improving. He was able to claim a left hand inside position at the tachiai, and as Daieisho focuses on moving forward, he was too high and could not maintain forward pressure against Okinoumi’s superior foot placement and body position. An attempt at an uwatenage fell apart and Okinoumi had to settle for a Yorikiri instead. But it was a solid win, and hopefully his injuries are causing fewer problems now.

Shodai (5-5) defeats Takakeisho (2-8) Fusen – Shodai seems to have a knack for picking up these default wins. Takakeisho’s kyujo improves his record to 5-5, and keeps him very much on track for a day 15 Darwin match.

Asanoyama (9-2) defeats Kakuryu (8-3) Oshidashi – When Kakuryu starts pulling, or fighting in reverse, you know he’s probably messed up his lower back again. That ill conceived attempt to pull down Asanoyama as he was shifting his grip opened the express route to a Yokozuna defeat. Some fans rightly wonder if Asanoyama is seasoned enough to be an Ozeki yet, today’s win seems to show he’s up to the rank.

Mitakeumi (9-2) defeats Hakuho (8-3) Yorikiri – The boss ran out of alternate plans to throw at Mitakeumi, whose only plan was to lumber forward with strength but not haste, and break every hold Hakuho could set up. Mitakeumi’s relentless focus on maintaining his right hand inside kept him in the fight and eventually carried the match. I know fans like to talk about Mitakeumi as an Ozeki candidate, and on days like these he looks the part.

Courtesy of Grand Sumo Breakdown and Tachiai – Day 12 matches for our mock Natsu basho

Welcome to the final day of act 2 of our mock basho. Many readers will recall that we divide a basho into 3 sections, or “acts”, each with their own goals and processes to arrive at those goals. For act 2, 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. Sadly, as a fan, it seems that Ozeki Takakeisho has been sorted into the “Damned” pile as of day 10 after losing his match to Aoiyama. Takakeisho has been fighting hurt, and the primary source of his offensive sumo power, his thrusting, has been more or less shut down by a recurrent injury to his left pectoral muscles. This means that Takakeisho will appear as a Sekiwake / Ozeki hybrid (Ozekiwake) in the next banzuke, and will have a single chance to resume his Ozeki rank if he can score 10 or more wins. This is not a unique experience for young Takakeisho, who was injured in his first tournament as Ozeki, and went kyujo, likewise skipping the following tournament to recover. He returned in September 2019 for the Aki Basho, scoring 12 wins and taking the jun-yusho. We hope he can execute a similar feat this time.

The other event of note is yusho race leader Ishiura taking his first loss, to Sadanoumi, dropping him to 9-1, and bringing a huge pack of competent rikishi within striking range. It will be interesting to see if Ishiura can regroup going into act 3 and hold off 5 prior yusho winners, including two Yokozuna and an Ozeki, who are hot on his heels.

Mock Natsu Leaderboard

Leader – Ishiura
Chasers – Hakuho, Kakuryu, Asanoyama, Mitakeumi, Tokushoryu ,Sadanoumi, Nishikigi
Hunt Group – Chiyotairyu ,Takayasu

5 Matches Remain

Day 10 Matches

Nishikigi (8-2) defeats Tobizaru (1-9) Kimedashi – One of my favorites, Tobizaru, visits from Juryo to fill the banzuke gap. Sadly he is already deeply make-koshi and will have zero chance of making his top division debut. We have been waiting 10 days to see Nishikigi use his favorite move to win a match, and he really made his “blind man’s arm bar” hold pay today against the Flying Monkey. Nishikigi picks up win #8, and is kachi-koshi. I do hope this is the start of another Nishikigi hot streak.

Takayasu (7-3) defeats Chiyomaru (3-7) Oshidashi – Takayasu looked a bit more comfortable today, his right shoulder blast bounced harmlessly off of Chiyomaru, who pressed the attack in response. Takayasu managed to get his left hand past Chiyomaru’s defenses and applied maximum force to his chest. Forced to shift his weight, Chiyomaru took another blow from Takayasu’s right, and staggered back, to be thrust out by a second left.

Wakatakakage (5-5) defeats Shohozan (5-5) Oshitaoshi – A great high mobility battle that saw them shift between a battle of slaps to grappling. With Wakatakakage having a firm hold on Shohozan, he tried to move his head below Shohozan’s shoulders, I think in an attempt to shut off the periodic slaps to his face. After the 3rd, Wakatakakage seems to have gotten quite amped up, and drove forward as Shohozan’s left leg collapsed.

Kotoeko (5-5) defeats Shimanoumi (5-5) Hatakikomi – Shimanoumi bought a fast trip to examine the dirt after Kotoeko executes a beautiful hit and shift / mini-henka, catching Shimanoumi at full attack speed and with no room to recover.

Kotoshogiku (6-4) defeats Tochinoshin (2-8) Okuridashi – It was clear after day 3 that the former Ozeki was headed for a miserable tournament, and now Tochinoshin is make-koshi on day 10. Kotoshogiku captured him at the tachiai, and as it was clear the match was going for a loss, Tochinoshin tried to escape, but only managed to get turned around and shoved out from behind. Not sure how bad it will end for Tochinoshin, but I have my fears.

Kotoshoho (6-4) defeats Kaisei (3-7) Hatakikomi – Kotoshoho threw the kitchen sink into this match, grabbing any body part that he could lay hands on, and trying anything to disrupt Kaisei’s balance and forward motion. Kaisei had him on the run until an arm tug sent him too far forward, and Kotoshoho’s right hand behind his head put him to the dirt.

Kotoyuki (4-6) defeats Myogiryu (4-6) Hatakikomi – The Hatakikomi madness continues as Kotoyuki’s taped hands traded powerful slaps with Myogiryu, with Kotoyuki delivering plenty of punishment but not able to finish him off. As Myogiryu took a chance to drive inside, a taped hand forced his neck down, and sent him to the clay.

Sadanoumi (8-2) defeats Ishiura (9-1) Uwatenage – Ishiura hand an double inside grip at the tachiai, and superior body position. Was he drove forward he seemed to suffer a bit of traction troubles, and his left foot slid outward. Sadanoumi’s sumo sense went active immediately, and he rolled into the throw and finished the yusho race leader in a blink of an eye. Sadanoumi picks up his 8th win for kachi-koshi.

Tamawashi (4-6) defeats Terutsuyoshi (3-7) Kotenage – I really never want to see Tamawashi use a kotenage ever again, but every so often, he breaks it out again. Why this move is considered legitimate sumo is starting to puzzle me. The result today was not as crippling as it was to Takayasu, but post match it looks like Terutsuyoshi was sore.

Tokushoryu (8-2) defeats Kotonowaka (5-5) Shitatenage – Kotonowaka had a brilliant tachai, and had a fantastic hand hold on Tokushoryu at the first step. With Tokushoryu not yet in any kind of defensive stance, Kotonowaka tried to rapidly rotate and throw the Hatsu yusho winner, only to find his grip insufficient to move Tokushoryu’s massive body. As Kotonowaka poured more energy into the rotation, Tokushoryu drove forward and took him to the clay. I wanted to call this oshitaoshi, but it seems the Shimpan called it an under-arm throw. Thats 8 wins for Tokushoryu, and he’s kachi-koshi.

Enho (4-6) defeats Ikioi (2-8) Tsukiotoshi – Enho wins (yay!) but Ikioi is now make-koshi (boo!). We had a trademark Enho submarine tachiai, with him burying his face into a region somewhere north of Ikioi’s belt. Enho tried twice to start torque to get him off balance, but in the end drove forward and pushed against Ikioi’s chest to bring him down.

Hokutofuji (6-4) defeats Chiyotairyu (7-3) Yorikiri – I am happy to see Hokutofuji fighting well going into the final stretch of the basho. The tachiai was huge, and the clash reverberated through the empty Kokugikan. Hokutofuji’s right Hokutofuji got his left arm around Chiyotairyu and walked him out for win #6.

Kiribayama (4-6) defeats Ryuden (3-7) Uwatenage – Ryuden attempted to get a double inside grip against Kiribayama and found himself riding a throw. Ryuden is one loss away from make-koshi.

Takarafuji (6-4) defeats Takanosho (5-5) Uwatenage – Takanosho started this tournament red-hot, but has lost quite a bit of his fighting spirit through a series of disappointing losses. Today he found himself frustrated by Mr “Defend and Extend”, who shut down 3 offensive gambits, leaving Takanosho a bit low on stamina and searching for what to do next. Taking a step back to unweight Takanosho, Takarafuji rolled into the throw and sent his winded opponent down for his 5th loss.

Yutakayama (4-6) defeats Onosho (4-6) Oshidashi – A clash of two powerful oshi-zumo fighters, it was Onosho strong at the open, but we got to see some Yutakayama hug-n-chug action as he marched Onosho to the bales. Onosho was having none of it, and got his right hand inside and shoved powerfully, breaking contact. Yutakayama responses with a right hand thrust to the side of Onosho’s body, which sent him out. Onosho has great sumo instincts, but I wish he could take yoga or something to tune up that balance. The again if I had “Big Unit” Yutakayama knocking me about, I doubt I could keep my feet either.

Okinoumi (2-8) defeats Endo (2-8) Oshidashi – As is sometimes the case, Okinoumi’s sumo really starts to get good the match after he is safely make-koshi. Sadly that meant that Endo joined him in the 2-8 score group. I am hoping Endo can regroup before the next tournament, that Hakuho rematch really bothered him mentally, physically, or both.

Mitakeumi (8-2) defeats Shodai (5-5) Oshidashi – I am not sure how to type this, but.. ahem… Shodai got the better of this tachiai. He was fast, he was strong and he rocked Mitakeumi back. Mitakeumi died for a right hand inside position, and got it, but lost valuable ground. Shodai got his left hand on Mitakeumi’s neck, and suddenly the tadpole was struggling for offense. Mitakeumi threw everything into a double hand blast which broke contact, and Mitakeumi drove forward, forcing Shodai to retreat. The broke contact again, and Shodai found himself out of alignment with his opponent as Mitakeumi slammed into him from the side, planted his right hand under his chin and pushed forward for the win. Mitakeumi advances to 8-2 for a kachi-koshi.

Aoiyama (5-5) defeats Takakeisho (2-8) Hatakikomi – A battle of great sadness for me, and furthermore Big Dan Aoiyama cleaned him out without grabbing a hold of his belt. Aoiyama brought his arms up at the tachiai to raise the Ozeki up, and immediately slapped him down. This is possibly Aoiyama’s favorite gambit, and it was sad that Takakeisho had no counter for it. I guess this underscores that he’s hurt. That make-koshi and demotion to Ozeki-wake for him.

Asanoyama (8-2) defeats Kagayaki (6-4) Uwatenage – Admit it, we sumo fans love to see Asanoyama hit “that pose”. It means his opponent is more or less doomed. I recall having the same reaction to when Kisenosato would go into his crab pose and start to scuttle about like some combative mass of angry seafood. Kagayaki got a solid left hand outside grip, but like that was ever going to matter. It only set the leverage point for Asanoyama’s throw, and throw he did! Asanoyama now at 8 wins and kachi-koshi.

Hakuho (8-2) defeats Daieisho (5-5) Oshidashi – Daieisho gets his 1 per customer right hand face slap, followed by a left hand thrust to his chest. Daieisho lunged forward to attack, but Hakuho deftly caught him and thrust him out. 8 wins for the dai-Yokozuna as well.

Kakuryu (8-2) defeats Abi (5-5) Yorikiri – Kakuryu survived the a single double arm volley from Abi, and was able to move inside and capture Abi’s mawashi. Suddenly robbed of his primary, and perhaps only offense, he was an easy mark for the Yokozuna to quickly scoot out of the ring before some stroke of luck kept Abi in the match. Kakuryu also improves to 8-2 for kachi-koshi on day 10.