We’ve made it through nakabi, the middle Sunday and the midpoint of the basho. In these storylines posts, I’ve often used “if the tournament ended today” as a figure of speech, but we have to take that possibility more seriously this time. Every day of sumo we get is a gift that cannot be taken for granted.
What would NSK do if the basho were forced to end prematurely? Would the Emperor’s Cup be awarded to the leader? And how would abbreviated records factor into the rankings for the next tournament? Let’s hope we don’t find out!
The yusho race
Yokozuna Hakuho in the only undefeated rikishi in the top two divisions. He’s clinched a kachi-koshi (winning record) in the minimum possible time for a mind-boggling 49th time; the all-time great Chiyonofuji is second with 25 8-0 records on nakabi. On 33 of the 48 previous occasions, Hakuho ended up lifting the Emperor’s Cup.
While there are two 7-1 rikishi down the banzuke (M9 Takanosho and M13 Aoiyama), Hakuho has put two wins between himself and more credible contenders—fellow Yokozuna Kakuryu, Sekiwake Asanoyama, and M3 Mitakeumi. M11 Chiyotairyu, M12 Ishiura, and M18 Kotonowaka also hold 6-2 records.
The upper ranks
Our lone Ozeki, Takakeisho, hasn’t looked 100%. 5-3 is a decent first-week score, but with the meat of his fight card ahead of him, 3 losses to rank-and-filers is not great for an Ozeki. Still, Takakeisho should be able to pick up the 3 wins in 7 days he needs to avoid going kadoban. Any talk of a Yokozuna run is on hold.
Asanoyama’s Ozeki bid is looking shaky. Unless promotion criteria are relaxed, he needs to finish with a 12-3 record, which means going 6-1 or better the rest of the way, and he still has to face his four highest-ranked opponents. That starts tomorrow against fellow Sekiwake Shodai (4-4), who’s taken 3 of their prior 5 bouts, including the last two.
We can probably put to rest any talk of Ozeki runs by Shodai, Hokutofuji, and Endo, but at least Shodai and Endo hold even win-loss records and a decent chance of retaining san’yaku rank. At 2-6, Hokutofuji has left himself an awful lot of work to do to reach his eight, and while he’s been known to rally in the second week, he has not yet faced Shodai or Hakuho. At the moment, M1 Daieisho (5-3) and Mitakeumi are best-positioned to take over any san’yaku slots that open up.
Makuuchi/Juryo exchanges
It’s still early (we hope!) but injured Tsurugisho is almost certainly headed down. Nishikigi, Daiamami, and Meisei are currently in greatest demotion danger, with Tochiozan, the only winless sekitori among those still competing, not far behind. Terunofuji, Kotoeko, and Wakatakakage have stated the strongest early cases for a return to the top division.
Chiyomaru image shamelessly stolen from the NHK web site, to whom we apologize
There was excellent sumo action on the dohyo for nakabi, but there is no doubt the story with the most potential impact to the basho is that Chiyomaru (5-3) is kyujo due to a persistent fever. Word from the NSK is that he is being tested for influenza, and they will take appropriate action to treat him. What? Not COVID-19 you say? Japan is a very orderly place, and the current medical protocol states that they test for influenza first. A reminder to readers, if any rikishi pops positive for the dreaded corona virus, the remainder of the basho will be canceled. I hope for the sake of Chiyomaru, whatever he has is not serious, and not long lasting. It’s a shame because in spite of whatever encroaching illness, he was fighting better than any basho in the last year.
While we hope that Chiyomaru is comfortable in his quarantine cell at the local CoCo’s Ichibanya, showing them the terror of “Tabehoudai”, I was thrilled to watch a match I have been waiting more than a year to see – Asanoyama vs Yutakayama. There was a lot wrapped up into this match. The two of them had a fierce rivalry going as they climbed the sekitori ranks, and it was Yutakayama who broke into the joi-jin first. But an injury sent him back down the banzuke, and by all indication, it took a while for him to get his body back, followed by him recovering his sumo. The outcome of that match has serious implications for Asanoyama’s hoped for Ozeki bid, as the numerical count of wins matters, but the quality of those wins (and any losses) are considered as well. Fans will remember that the lack of “Quality” was the reason stated for rejecting Takakeisho’s first bid for promotion. In true Ozeki style, he shrugged it off and continued to dominate matches in the following tournament.
Highlight Matches
Meisei defeats Chiyomaru – Any virus that inhabits Chiyomaru must feel like the luckiest protein chain in the world. There’s just so much space for you and all the kids. Poor guy, please get better soon.
Shimanoumi defeats Kotoshogiku – Plain and simple, those knees just could not maintain the pressure against Shimanoumi. The Kyushu Bulldozer had an unaccustomed grip on Shimanoumi, and struggled to use any of his “quick kill” moves that could have saved the endurance check against what is left of his knees. Kotoshogiku fans worry, as we know that his knees get worse in week 2.
Aoiyama defeats Daiamami – Big Dan Aoiyama shrugs off the loss on day 7, and completely disrupts Daiamami. Normally pulling like Aoiyama did is a very risky move, but he just managed to execute and complete it before he ran out of clay. A win tomorrow and Aoiyama is kachi-koshi.
Ishiura defeats Nishikigi – Nishikigi has nothing to offer any of the top division rikishi this March, and as a Nishikigi booster its sad to see. While Ishiura could have half-efforted this match and probably still won, he yet against brings some solid sumo to the dohyo. I think with a bit of work, he could replicate the Harumafuji death-spin that I miss so much. I am starting to think Ishiura might be a serious rikishi. Nishikigi now one loss from an early and brutal make-koshi.
Ikioi defeats Azumaryu – Classic Ikioi densha michi-sumo. Azumaryu had zero chance today. Sadly there were thunderous roars for the home town hero, only heavy breathing.
Kotonowaka defeats Chiyotairyu – Soft tachiai from Chiyotairyu, with an early pull down attack that released forward pressure. My compliments to Kotonowaka for recognizing that gambit from Chiyotairyu and exploiting it to good effect. Kotonowaka improves to 6-2.
Kaisei defeats Terutsuyoshi – Much as I enjoy Terutsuyoshi, sometimes good old Newtonian sumo carries the day. Kaisei used his enormous body to overwhelm Terutsuyoshi’s offense, and kept him moving back, never giving him a chance to set his feet and attack. Kaisei improves to 4-4 after a rough start to Haru.
Shohozan defeats Tochiozan – The battle of sadness, it was make-koshi for Tochiozan. His sumo is still there, but it has no power to win. Each day that goes by, there is more tape on Tochiozan, and you have to assume that the injuries are accumulating. Painfully.
Takarafuji defeats Sadanoumi – Takarafuji did not engage in his “defend and extend” sumo today. In fact this bout could almost be considered hasty by Takarafuji standards. Sadanoumi charged in with energy, but Takarafuji defended well at the tachiai, and quickly found he could move Sadanoumi back. One final shove sent Sadanoumi down the hanamichi for a Takarafuji win.
Tochinoshin defeats Tamawashi – Did anyone else cringe when Tochinoshin pivoted on that bandage right leg? I admire that win, but good lord, I have no interest in seeing the big wheel chair again this basho. That injured looking hop to take weight off of the right leg following the shitatedashinage to win the match told the story for me.
Takanosho defeats Myogiryu – Takanosho continues to be overwhelmingly genki this tournament, as there is something physically amiss with Myogiryu. It’s the only way I can explain that he is just 1 loss away form make-koshi on the middle day of the bahso.
Kagayaki defeats Kiribayama – I loved that Kagayaki tachiai. He came inside with both hands from underneath, and completely shut down any attempt at offense from Kiribayama. To his credit he got a left hand inside grip while he staggered to regain balance. But Kagayaki’s stance was solid, and he forced Kiribayama down, back and out.
Enho defeats Onosho – Wow! Both of these rikishi exceeded expectations today. Enho finally cooked off his best sumo, and I was baffled that Onosho’s balance had improved enough that it took 3 high maneuverability, high energy attack sequences form Enho to finish him off. First off, that flying henka. Beautifully executed, but Onosho recovered well. The tottari almost finished him, but Onosho kept his feet! Onosho rallied and attack with power, but it only set up the katasukashi. Great sumo offense from Enho, and surprisingly good defense work by Onosho today.
Daieisho defeats Tokushoryu – Tokushoryu has reverted back to Juryo level sumo, and he’s really out classed by the upper echelons of the banzuke this March. One more loss for the Hatsu yusho winner, and its make-koshi for him.
Okinoumi defeats Endo – Endo was lower, stronger and inside at the tachiai. But Okinoumi got a strong right hand outside grip, and went to work. Again, some element of Newtonian physics was at play, as Okinoumi had better leverage, and much better foot placement. Both men end the match at 4-4.
Yutakayama defeats Asanoyama – Oh the match I was waiting more than a year to see. Welcome back Yutakayama, we need your sumo to drive Asanoyama to higher levels of performance. Yutakayama set the form and cadence of the match, Asanoyama tried for too long to drive the match towards something resembling yotsu, but Yutakayama tore him up. I personally think this impacts Asanoyama’s Ozeki bid, as he was ransacked like a fully stocked Walmart facing a horde of corona virus panic shoppers by a Maegashira 3. That loud, fleshy thud at the end of the match? That may have been Asanoyama’s Ozeki promotion for March.
Shodai defeats Ryuden – Much as I knock Shodai, I hope (as I do for all rikishi) that they can do well and win every time they step on the dohyo. One of Shodai’s biggest problems is that he lets his worries and his mind defeat him, rather than letting his frankly good technique take care of business. So I was delighted to see him shake off his losing streak today, and in very good form. He did not give Ryuden even a moment to get started, inside, back and out.
Takakeisho defeats Hokutofuji – I did enjoy watching Takakeisho deliver multiple volleys against Hokutofuji today, as Hokutofuji continues his trek toward “The most powerful make-koshi in sumo”. My only knock is that Takakeisho did not quite finish him on the 3rd volley and eased up. Follow through, Grand Tadpole.
Hakuho defeats Abi – After Abi jumps early for a matta, it’s over in a flash in what looks like at least 40% slippiotoshi. Abi got at least one good blast in, but nothing was stopping Hakuho today. The dai-Yokozuna racks yet another day 8 kachi-koshi in his somewhat unbelievable career.
Kakuryu defeats Mitakeumi – Our second delightful densha michi match today. For reasons I can’t quite fathom, Mitakeumi decided to try to pull Kakuryu straight out of the tachiai. I can’t recall the last time I saw Mitakeumi look more like a wheel barrow full of compost on its way to the garden. Wow.
With more sporting events canceled across the globe, allow me to give thanks that the Sumo Kyokai found a way to let the basho go forward. With Sunday, we come to the middle day of the basho. NHK World Japan’s Grand Sumo team will be streaming live for the final hour. For fans who are in a time zone where it’s not the middle of the night, this is a great hour of sumo every time it’s on.
With nakabi upon us, we start our look at the yusho race, and there is one man who owns the road to the Emperor’s cup yet again—Yokozuna Hakuho. Unless someone can put dirt on the dai-Yokozuna, it is yusho 44 for The Boss. But this day 8 feast of sumo set before us is full of rich and spicy sumo morsels to enjoy. Let’s dive into the buffet, but first—I bring you our first look at the Haru yusho race!
Meisei vs Chiyomaru – Chiyomaru is fighting very well this March, and his speed and ferocity are at a level I have not seen from him in some time. Even though Meisei has never lost to him, I think today is the day that Chiyomaru can change that.
Kotoshogiku vs Shimanoumi – Kotoshogiku has won his last 3 in a row, and I would almost say he has grown more genki. Maybe those knees are not ready to head south for sun and surf just yet. Sunday will be a good test, as Kotoshogiku has never beaten Shimanoumi in 4 tries. Go get ’em, Kyushu Bulldozer!
Daiamami vs Aoiyama – Aoiyama took his first loss on day 7, but his history underscores that he is not prone to giving up his fighting spirit after a single loss. I expect he is going to carry forward strong and violent against Daiamami today. Their career history is 3-2 in favor of Aoiyama, but I should also note that Aoiyama has won the last 3 of their contests.
Ishiura vs Nishikigi – It pains me to say this, but I am expecting a continued slide from Nishikigi, until such time as he has such a deep make-koshi that he self-isolates in Juryo for at least 1 tournament. He and Ishiura have a 15 match history, with Ishiura holding a 9-6 advantage. In addition, Ishiura is really fighting well in Osaka.
Azumaryu vs Ikioi – After Ikioi got knocked around by Chiyotairyu, I am looking for him to bounce back against Azumaryu, whom Ikioi tends to dominate. Ikioi will need to keep Azumaryu from closing in and getting a mawashi hold, and stay mobile.
Chiyotairyu vs Kotonowaka – Both rikishi are thus far having a good tournament, and this first-time match is probably going to be strongly biased towards the surprisingly genki 6-1 Chiyotairyu. When Chiyotairyu is dialed into his sumo, it’s really tough to overcome his size, strength and speed. Good luck, Kotonowaka!
Kaisei vs Terutsuyoshi – I would love to see Terutsuyoshi run the same battle plan he used against “Big Dan” Aoiyama on day 7, but I think that as big as Aoiyama is, the less mobile but highly stable Kaisei presents a different puzzle to the lead Isegahama rikishi. They have split their prior 2 matches, with both of them ending with oshidashi.
Shohozan vs Tochiozan – The battle of ultimate sadness. Two storied veterans who are having an absolutely miserable tournament are meeting head to head to see who can be the most miserable. Their career record is 13-13, meaning that the misery should be fairly well balanced, and no matter what happens, everyone will be sad and a touch disappointed.
Takarafuji vs Sadanoumi – On a happier note, Takarafuji holds a 13-5 advantage over Sadanoumi, whose lightning fast moves are not quite effective over the careful, measured approach preferred by Takarafuji. Sure, sometimes Takarafuji fights less well, but he seems to be in good health and has plenty of fighting spirit.
Tochinoshin vs Tamawashi – Ah, back to a battle of the battered. This time it’s a former Ozeki and a former Sekiwake, both of whom have been quite limited in their sumo this March. Both come into the match with 2-5 records and a long list of aches, pains, miseries, maladies and injuries. Tochinoshin holds a 19-11 career record, but I think that in a battle of the walking wounded, it comes down to who has the higher pain tolerance.
Myogiryu vs Takanosho – Takanosho picked up a bit of a scratch on the right side of his head on day 7, but I would guess that this will not hamper him today as he faces off against another veteran rikishi who seems to have run out of juice, Myogiryu. Takanosho won their only prior match, and I am looking for the Chiganoura man to improve to 7-1 today and remain in the yusho hunt.
Kiribayama vs Kagayaki – Another first time matchup. It’s Kagayaki going up against Mongol Kiribayama in a contest that will pit mass (Kagayaki) vs. agility (Kiribayama). Kagayaki really needs to bounce back from his day 7 loss to Takanosho, where he lost before he really had a chance to fight. Both men come into the match with 4-3 records.
Enho vs Onosho – The first tasty morsel of the feast! We have the normally dangerous and high-energy Enho entering this match with an uncharacteristically dismal score of 2-5 at the midpoint. In fact, the Miyagino power pixie has lost 4 of his last 5 matches, and needs to rally. Oh but look, he has to fight Onosho, who is doing a bit better than his normal this March. They have a 2-2 career history, and if that teaches us anything, we will see Onosho load up a throw, and we will see Enho try to evade and get behind Onosho.
Daieisho vs Tokushoryu – Tokushoryu still has a single win to his name—a day 6 surprise kinboshi against Yokozuna Kakuryu. Of their 10 prior matches, Daieisho has taken 7, so I would guess that nakabi is not going to be kind to Tokushoryu.
Okinoumi vs Endo – Another nice morsel! In spite of Okinoumi’s height and mass advantage, Endo holds a 9-6 career lead over the the man from Shimane-ken. Both of them prefer to engage in yotsu battles, so I expect a strength contest between two high-skill veterans.
Asanoyama vs Yutakayama – I have been waiting for this match since the banzuke was published 3 weeks ago. We get to see two power players of the “Freshmen” cohort battle it out. Yutakayama has the mass, Asanoyama has the moves, and I think it’s going to be a contest to see who can set the tone of the match. A yotsu battle favors Asanoyama, but if Yutakayama can keep mobile and keep hitting center mass, he could prevail against the Ozeki hopeful, and possibly derail his bid.
Ryuden vs Shodai – I never thought I would write this, but I want Shodai to shake off his nerves and confidence problems today, and rally to put Ryuden face-first into the clay. He holds a 4-1 career advantage over Ryuden, so I know he has the recipe to win. Pull yourself together, man!
Takakeisho vs Hokutofuji – It just keeps getting better! Takakeisho has been lacking a fair amount of fire this March, and his middling 4-3 score shows it. As always, Hokutofuji fights with brutal, wild energy, but has just 2 wins to show for it. I am thinking of labeling him “The most powerful make-koshi in sumo” because he always fights with vigor but can’t be counted on to produce a winning record. I think this bout may come down to that first step, which Hokutofuji does better than almost anyone.
Hakuho vs Abi – In spite of his challenges this March, Abi still has a 4-3 record, and is on track (at least today) for a kachi-koshi. Well, now he gets to fight Hakuho, who is so dialed in that he is unbeaten—without using his dominant hand. I should note that Abi has beaten Hakuho. Just once, in their first match during Natsu 2018.
Mitakeumi vs Kakuryu – These two are surprisingly well matched, with Kakuryu holding a narrow 7-5 career lead. Some sumo commentators have already raised the specter of retirement for Kakuryu if his performance in this basho continues to disappoint. That raises the stakes for this match considerably, given that Mitakeumi has been fighting very well, and comes in with a 6-1 record, having lost only to Hakuho so far.
With today’s sumo action, only one rikishi remains undefeated, and the basho (at least the yusho race) is in its normal form. We go racing into the middle day with the intensity climbing, and all of our favorites running hot.
Highlight Matches
Azumaryu defeats Shimanoumi – Shimanoumi’s tachiai was close to excellent, as he came in below Azumaryu, and had superior hand and body placement. in fact he dominated the early portion of the match. Azumaryu rallied, but could not convert a painful looking right hand inside grip into any offense. A second break away and a third clash saw Azumaryu finally get a good right hand inside grip, and that was all he needed to finish Shimanoumi. That was at least twice Shimanoumi had Azamaryu in trouble, but could not finish him.
Daiamami defeats Nishikigi – Nishikigi continues to struggle to put up a solid fight, his insistence on arm-bar holds seems to cause him plenty of trouble, as he grabbed Daiamami’s left upper arm, and then pulled? As a result, Nishikigi was high, moving in reverse and wide open for the yorikiri.
Kotonowaka defeats Kaisei – Kaisei had the early advantage, but he let Kotonowaka change his grip and get a double inside / morozashi. True, trying to lift and move over 400 pounds of rikishi is a tough job, but Kotonowaka is young and strong, and managed to get Kaisei over the bales for his 5th win.
Kotoshogiku defeats Meisei – Somehow, Kotoshogiku has found enough juice to keep his knees in place for yet another match. Not just in place, but they seem to actually be supporting some tough, aggressive sumo. That sukuinage was actually quite a display of Ozeki grade sumo.
Chiyomaru defeats Ishiura – Solid tachiai, with a second-step slide to the left by Ishiura, but Chiyomaru recovered before Ishiura could get behind him. Ishiura never recovered, and Chiyomaru was absolutely relentless. Some of the better sumo from Chiyomaru in the last year this March. Both end the day at 5-2.
Terutsuyoshi defeats Aoiyama – Big Dan Aoiyama comes out strong, and Terutsuyoshi gets a face full of V-Twin power straight off the shikiri-sen. Terutsuyoshi stayed calm, kept his feet and found an opening and broke contact. Aoiyama lunged to pursue, and Terutsuyoshi dove in for the mawashi, landing a right hand inside grip. The little man had his position, and went to work. Taking a moment to consolidate his foot placement, he loaded a shitatenage and pulled the trigger. Great effort from Terutsuyoshi today, very impressed with his patience and careful sumo in a clutch. Aoiyama picks up his first loss and drops to 6-1.
Chiyotairyu defeats Ikioi – Chiyotairyu loves to defeat opponents by standing them up and slapping them down. Ikioi’s balance, in his younger days, was quite good. But with that right ankle chronically damaged, he has a weakness that Chiyotairyu exploited with absolutely perfect timing. You can see that he unleashes the pull the moment Ikioi tries to step forward with that right leg, leaving him un-weighted on the right side. Wow. Chiyotairyu improves to 6-1.
Sadanoumi defeats Tochiozan – That beach chair in Okinawa must be looking even better today after Tochiozan picked up his 7th straight loss. Worse yet the gumbai went to Tochiozan originally just to be reversed by a monoii.
Tochinoshin defeats Takarafuji – Well, we did call for a henka in this match, but it was Tochinoshin who stepped to the side at the tachiai, with great effect. But because Takarafuji always hedges his tachiai, they immediately went chest to chest, and Takarafuji began to work on keeping the former Ozeki from making any powerful moves. But after Takarafuji changed his grip to a double inside, the two began trading lifts, each raising and swinging the other in a contest of strength. Normally I would not expect Takarafuji to be so direct, and in fact it left him open for a throw which, to my delight, Tochinoshin executed for the win. Good job to Tochinoshin on staying in that match and exploiting his opportunity when it came to him.
Takanosho defeats Kagayaki – Takanosho got the better of the tachiai, slapping Kagayaki away and causing him to shift and regain balance. In that moment, Takanosho drove inside and put pressure at center mass. Kagayaki never had a chance to rebound, and was quickly out. Really good, aggressive sumo by Takanosho, and outstanding opening gambit. He advances to a well earned 6-1.
Tamawashi defeats Myogiryu – After a matta, it was an all out thrusting battle that Myogiryu did not have the foot position to win. Tamawashi did a good job of staying low, and cross thrusting against Myogiryu’s chest (left arm to right shoulder, right arm to left shoulder).
Onosho defeats Kiribayama – Onosho was lower and faster at the tachiai, and had that left hand thrusting against Kiribayama’s chin from below. That chin thrust seems to have really disrupted Kiribayama’s plans, as he recoiled and Onosho dove in. From that grip, it was a short move to an almost Enho style uwatedashinage, which sent Kiribayama to the clay. Nice sumo today from Onosho.
Ryuden defeats Shohozan – It must be quite frustrating for Shohozan, who shows up every day and puts a lot of effort and energy into his sumo, but only has 1 win to show for it this March. Ryuden completely dominated this match, never letting Shohozan get more than a moment of offense into this fight. Ryuden improves to 4-3.
Daieisho defeats Yutakayama – I am starting to worry about Yutakayama. Ideally he could get to an 8-7 kachi-koshi, but his sumo seems not quite ready for competition in the joi-jin. Today Daieisho established a nodowa, and never let up. Unable to adequately attack or even really defend, Yutakayama focused on trying to just stay in the match, but Daieisho had this won from the second step, and Yutakayama drops to 2-5.
Abi defeats Hokutofuji – Sorry all, that was some sloppy sumo from both rikishi. In my mind, I see the massive, frowning face of Musashigawa Oyakata admonishing both rikishi and telling them to try again. Even the shimpan thought it was so bad they wanted to discuss it for a minute. The only redeeming quality of this match was Abi’s ability to remain airborne until Hokutofuji could finish falling. That was some fine levitation.
Okinoumi defeats Shodai – As mentioned, Shodai can be quite streaky, and it seems his fighting spirit is now rattled, and he’s losing matches that he should win. I know some fans think he can execute Ozeki calibre sumo, and in fact he has demonstrated excellent technique. But higher ranks, require consistent production of winning sumo. Thus far Shodai continues to not quite have the mental steel needed to power through the soft spots. Shodai drops to 3-4.
Asanoyama defeats Endo – Asanoyama keeps his Ozeki bid running by defeating both Komusubi, improving to 6-1. The big events are coming up in week 2 as he will likely need a win or two against the three men who outrank him to qualify for consideration. His sumo today against Endo was quite good, and completely controlled the form and tempo of the match.
Takakeisho defeats Tokushoryu – Much as we love Tokushoryu, this was a very simple match, where Takakeisho used his unstoppable thrusting energy to stand Tokushoryu up, and immediately batted him down.
Kakuryu defeats Enho – Kakuryu went immediately for Enho’s head during the tachiai. Quite an interesting and surprising opening gambit from the Yokozuna, and quite effective too. Enho, rather than picking his target, attempts to evade the blows, and ends up leaning too far forward. Kakuryu is expert at spotting these mistakes, and it was the end for Enho. He stumbled forward with assistance from the Yokozuna and finished spinning into the clay. Brilliant opening gambit from Kakuryu.
Hakuho defeats Mitakeumi – Were any of the rest of you Tachiai fans grinning from ear to ear as Hakuho switched up his normal sumo and dispatched Mitakumi in a hurry? Shades of the Inigo Montoya from the Princess Bride – “I’m going to duel him left-handed!” Hakuho is the sole leader of the yusho race going into nakabi.
