Looking Ahead to the Kyushu Banzuke

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

Congratulations to Sekiwake Onosato on his second Makuuchi yusho in just his 5th top-division tournament! The star collegian’s record-breaking start to his professional career, which began only in May of last year, includes a record of 90-29, zero make-koshi, and 8 special prizes! He won’t have a chance to add to that total, as his performance ensures his promotion to Ozeki, the fastest on record.

Now that the results are in the books, let’s take our customary preliminary look at how they’re likely to reshuffle the rankings chart for November.

Sanyaku

Absent Terunofuji will continue to occupy the Y1e rank. O1e Kotozakura (8-7) and O1w Hoshoryu (8-7) finished with identical records and will maintain their ranks, and the latter’s victory over the former on Day 15 means that neither will be facing demotion in November. And they’ll be joined at Ozeki by our Aki champion.

We had an embarrassment of riches with four Sekiwake. One retired (Takakeisho), one earned promotion, and one finished 5-10 (Abi). So only Kirishima (12-3) will remain at the third-highest rank, moving up to the top East position, and he should be joined on the West side by K1e Daieisho (8-7). With one Komusubi slot open via promotion, and the other via demotion of K1w Hiradoumi (7-8), we need two replacements. M3w Wakamotoharu (11-4) has a clear claim on K1e. Whom to put on the West side is less clear. Little bro M7e Wakatakakage (12-3) has the best numerical case, but M4e Shodai (10-5) faced a stronger schedule, as did M2w Oho (9-6), who also beat Shodai on Day 15. I need to take a closer look at who has the advantage here. With 1 Y, 3 O, 2 S, and 2K, sanyaku will shrink by one rank, meaning that M17w will be back on the banzuke for the first time since January.

The first three maegashira ranks will be filled, in some order, by Hiradoumi plus whichever two of the trio above miss out on Komusubi. And despite the shrinking sanyaku, the rest of the joi isn’t too hard to fill out this time.

Makuuchi-Juryo Exchanges

Takakeisho’s retirement opens up one bonus spot in the top division. I hope that injury victim M16e Shirokuma (4-9-2) will be sufficiently recovered to mount a strong comeback in Juryo. He should be joined there by M11w Kagayaki (3-12). That’s three normally certain openings, although after the decision to keep 6-9 M17e Nishikifuji last time, I am no longer certain of anything. And we have three strong candidates to fill these openings: J1e Chiyoshoma (10-5) and the J2 duo of Tokihayate and Shishi, both 9-6. I for one have looked forward to Shishi’s top-division debut ever since I first saw him battle Hokuseiho for the Jonidan yusho exactly four years ago.

From here, things get more complicated. We have three other Makuuchi rikishi with demotable records: M16w Kitanowaka (6-9), M12w Kinbozan (4-11), and M12e Bushozan (4-11). The next three best records in Juryo belong to champion J11w Takerufuji (13-2), J8e Asakoryu (11-4), and J5w Hakuoho (8-7). Only Takerufuji is promotable by the numbers, although Asakoryu just barely misses by half a rank. It seems highly unlikely that they’ll bring up Hakuoho. One likely scenario is that Takerufuji trades places with Kitanowaka and they call it a day. They could keep Kitanowaka and drop Kinbozan instead, although higher rank argues in Kinbozan’s favor, or drop both of them and bring up Asakoryu, which I think would have been more likely if that didn’t mean demoting one M12 with 4 wins and keeping the other.

I think I’ll call it here and leave the Juryo-Makushita exchanges for a separate post; boy, is there a lot to talk about! Let me know what you think in the comments.

Aki 2024: Senshuraku Highlights

Andy Aki 2024 , ,

Darwin-Day in Tokyo with several “Darwin Bouts” in store. Sekitori with 7 wins and on the cusp of kachi-koshi are pitted against each other for that pivotal winning record. “But, Andy, a 7-8 record is sometimes good enough to keep your rank. Why does it matter?” Along with their rank-based salary (and the potential for kensho-kin in makuuchi) there is a financial bonus paid to wrestlers based on several factors and the number of kachi-koshi tournaments is one of those factors. So, it literally pays to go “kachi-koshi.”

Before we get to Makuuchi, though, let’s take a look at Juryo action and learn who might be coming up. Takerufuji was all over Tokihayate from the tachiai. He locked on with a left-hand uwate and pressed forward, sending Tokihayate off the edge under the green tassel.

This win, combined with the outcomes in Makuuchi, will make Guess the banzuke very interesting. Chiyoshoma and Tokihayate are likely in. We’ll find out more today regarding Shishi. Did Takerufuji do enough to go up? I think so. What about Asakoryu?

I’m glad Hakuoho finished with a kachi-koshi, he’ll move closer to that border but I’m not sure that’s what he needs at the moment. Maybe he will have room to go kyujo in November? Onosho should be able to stay but Asanoyama will drop. Speaking of “The Drop,” Aoiyama will join Myogiryu heading for Makushita. Thoughts of retirement will weigh heavily on their minds.

Speaking of ex-Miyagino-beya, we receive our bi-monthly reminder that Miyagino-oyakata exists as he shows us who receives special prizes. Otowayama has shimpan duties now, so Miyagino is alone. I am sad. As for the prizes, none are conditional on todays’ bouts.

Wakatakakage won his first Outstanding Performance Prize (殊勲賞 – Shukunsho).

Onosato (3rd) and Nishikigi (1st) won the Fighting Spirit Prize (敢闘賞 – Kantosho).

Onosato won his third Technique Prize (技能賞 – Ginosho).

We’ve got the NHK links: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Shishi (Juryo 9-6) defeated Kinbozan (4-11). Kinbozan nearly threw Shishi at the edge but Shishi resisted well and maintained forward pressure on Kinbozan to drive him out. Likely exchange bout with Shishi headed up and Kinbozan retooling in Juryo. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu (7-8) defeated Sadanoumi (7-8). Once Onokatsu landed his left-hand overarm grip, he swung Sadanoumi around and really took control of the bout. Sadanoumi tried to improve his own grip but that let Onokatsu get his right hand inside. Once he locked on, he forced Sadanoumi quickly over the edge. With the win, Onokatsu is safe in Makuuchi. Yorikiri.

Kitanowaka (6-9) defeated Roga (8-7). Kitanowaka locked on quickly and pulled hard to throw Roga over the edge. Kitanowaka will be praying for Nishikifuji-style banzuke luck here. Even with the win, he should be going down. Uwatenage.

Ryuden (8-7) defeated Tamawashi (7-8). There was no way Tamawashi was going to let Ryuden anywhere near his belt. True to form, Tamawashi battered Ryuden and Ryuden had to find another way to attack. When Tamawashi launched forward to attack, Ryuden shifted left and slapped him down in the center of the ring. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (10-5) defeated Bushozan (4-11). Oshoma had a firm left-hand inside and did not let Bushozan get much of an attack going. In fact, Bushozan turned and ran away. Hopefully he finds his sumo again in Juryo. Okuridashi.

Nishikifuji (8-7) defeated Ichiyamamoto (7-8). Solid oshi from Nishikifuji. Not sure if Ichiyamamoto was awake, yet. Tsukidashi.

Hokutofuji (8-5-2) defeated Midorifuji (7-8). Midorifuji kept testing Hokutofuji’s shoulder throughout the match but Hokutofuji pressed forward, hard into Midorifuji. Midorifuji may have tried a quick pull for a slapdown but Hokutofuji accelerated toward the bales and Midorifuji’s knee buckled and he went to ground. Thankfully he got back up so hopefully he did not injure his knee there. Oshitaoshi.

Takarafuji (10-5) defeated Endo (8-7). Takarafuji pressed Endo back to the bales and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (10-5) defeated Nishikigi (11-4). Churanoumi got a quick left-hand uwate, shifted left and swung Nishikigi around. He then pounced on Nishikigi at the edge and pressed him out. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (12-3) defeated Takayasu (10-5). Wakatakakage simply overpowered Takayasu and drove him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Kagayaki (3-12) defeated Gonoyama (6-9). Gonoyama stepped out as he pulled backwards. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (11-4) defeated Ura (9-6). Wakamotoharu kept Ura in front of him and blasted him from the ring with powerful tsuppari. Oshidashi.

Oho (9-6) defeated Shodai (10-5). Hidari-yotsu. Oho pressed forward and good things happened. He drove Shodai to the edge and when Shodai twisted to throw Oho forward, Oho slid his right foot to the other side of Shodai, in effect putting Shodai between him and the floor. As he fell forward, he crushed Shodai out of the ring. Yoritaoshi.

Atamifuji (7-8) defeated Shonannoumi (3-12). Atamifuji used his left-hand overarm grip to drive Shonannoumi to the edge. Shonannoumi twisted and pitched forward to try to throw Atamifuji but Atamifuji forced Shonannoumi out. Gunbai Atamifuji. Mono-ii. Atamifuji’s toes were over the tawara, perilously close to touching. Video review showed it was close but did not touch. The judges confirmed the gyoji’s call and Atamifuji let out a visible sigh of relief. Yorikiri.

Meisei (5-10) defeated Tobizaru (5-10). Meisei prepped Tobizaru for take-off. Tobizaru pulled and Meisei sent him flying into the fans below. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (7-8) defeated Takanosho (4-11). Kotoshoho shifted to the side and threw Takanosho forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (7-8) defeated Mitakeumi (4-11). Migi-yotsu. Mitakeumi does not move forward anymore so Hiradoumi walked him back to the edge. Mitakeumi tried to resist and shift but Hiradoumi was too powerful and drove him over the tawara.

Kore-Yori-Sanyaku (I always loved this. Final six guys, synchronized shiko, evil spirits vanquished.)

Kirishima (12-3) defeated Daieisho (8-7) and was awarded the arrows. Daieisho pulled and Kirishima drove him out. Tsukidashi.

Abi (4-10) defeated Onosato (13-2). Abi-zumo took out Onosato on his big day. Because of course he would. Firm tachiai, tsuppari to the face, quick shift left and “Timber!” Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (8-7) defeated Kotozakura (8-7). Shonosuke’s final bout so it’s an extra special occasion, the fans rejoice and send him into retirement with flowers and banners. As for the bout, Hoshoryu was on the attack from the tachiai. Migi-yotsu. He tried a trip but Kotozakura kept his balance. So, Hoshoryu pounced again and drove Kotozakura out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Onosato Yusho plus more hardware in the form of two special prizes. We will bring you more in the coming days as we get official news on Onosato’s promotion to Ozeki. The era of Shikimori Inosuke has begun.

It is sad to see Takakeisho go but he will remain on staff as Minatogawa-oyakata and will likely inherit Tokiwayama-beya in a little over a year. It will be interesting to see him develop as a coach, especially starting so young. He’s not even 30 yet.

But we’re getting way ahead of ourselves. There is still so much coming up before Kyushu. There might be a few more retirements in the coming days. We will be reporting on Shin-Juryo announcements this week and a likely official opening of Kotoshogiku’s Hidenoyama beya with his first four deshi, and next week the Jungyo will start winding its way to Kyushu! The jugyo is back in full swing with 25 tour dates. Then, the banzuke will finally come out on October 28. So much in store!

Aki 2024: Day Fourteen Highlights

Andy Aki 2024

News from the infirmary as Hokutofuji checked out and will compete today. He will face Ryuden.

Takerufuji won the Juryo yusho, even with his loss to Kaiyo today because Chiyoshoma lost to Asakoryu. The big question is whether a win tomorrow will be enough to earn promotion to Makuuchi.

NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Nishikifuji (7-7) defeated Tokihayate (9-5). Tokihayate tried to pull Nishikifuji out, over the bales but Nishikifuji was wise to it and forced Tokihayate out. Yorikiri.

Hokutofuji (7-5-2) defeated Ryuden (7-7). Hokutofuji tried several slapdowns. They didn’t work. Then he tried tsuppari to drive Ryuden back. That didn’t work. Then they tried Ryuden’s way, with a left-hand inside. THAT FINALLY WORKED. Hokutofuji took the bull by the horns and beat him at his own game. Yes, I mix my metaphors but I don’t care because it was a great bout and Hokutofuji took it to Ryuden like I’ve never seen before. Welcome back, Thumper! Two battered, exhausted warriors probably wish today was senshuraku. Shitatenage.

Tamawashi (7-7) defeated Takarafuji (9-5). Tamawashi plowed forward and overpowered Takarafuji. Oshidashi.

Roga (8-6) defeated Kinbozan (4-10). Migi-yotsu. Kinbozan drove into Roga but Roga stood his ground well and stopped before the bales. Kinbozan seemed to tire quickly. Roga tried an uwatenage. Though it failed, he dragged Kinbozan to the bales. From there, Kinbozan knew he was toast and stepped back over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu (6-8) defeated Ichiyamamoto (7-7). Onokatsu got his left-hand inside. When Ichiyamamoto tried an ill-timed pull, Onokatsu drove him back and out. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (9-5) defeated Kitanowaka (5-9). Oshoma got a firm grip behind Kitanowaka’s head and pulled him forward. Hatakikomi.

Kagayaki (2-12) defeated Endo (8-6). Ishikawa prefecture was getting hit with a huge amount of rainfall. Meanwhile, two of their native sons face each other on the dohyo. Kagayaki battered Endo about the head and drove him back and out. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (7-7) defeated Bushozan (4-10). Midorifuji repeatedly set Bushozan up for a pull. He finally got him on the fourth attempt. Hikiotoshi.

Churanoumi (9-5) defeated Sadanoumi (7-7). Churanoumi hit Sadanoumi hard at the tachiai. Sadanoumi pulled Churanoumi back to the red tassel but Churanoumi kept his opponent square in front and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (6-8) defeated Mitakeumi (4-10). Gonoyama pressed Mitakeumi to the red tassel. Mitakeumi attempted his shift at the bales but it failed. I am not a fan of this style of sumo. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Wakamotoharu (10-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-8). Hidari-yotsu. Once Wakamotoharu locked on with his right hand, he drove forward and crushed Kotoshoho over the bales under the black tassel. Yoritaoshi.

Atamifuji (6-8) defeated Ura (9-5). From under the black tassel, Ura put his head down and drove forward but Atamifuji wisely shifted his angle of attack by stepping to the side. Atamifuji then used Ura’s momentum to run him out the other side of the ring with the red tassel. Ura needs new brakes. Oshidashi.

Nishikigi (11-3) defeated Oho (8-6). Nishikigi met Oho with a forearm to the throat. This got Oho into reverse and he never recovered. Nishikigi forced him down under the green tassel. Yoritaoshi.

Takanosho (4-10) defeated Meisei (4-10). Meisei drove forward and Takanosho shoved him over to the side. Both men are probably looking forward to a lighter schedule in Kyushu. Tsukiotoshi.

Tobizaru (5-9) defeated Shonannoumi (3-11). Tobizaru pulled and Shonannoumi pursued him across the ring. Shonannoumi went down and Tobizaru flew into the crowd. Gunbai Shonannoumi. Upon review, Tobizaru brought Shonannoumi down before stepping out. Sashi-chigae, Tobizaru won. Sokubiotoshi sounds fancy but it really just looked like a run-of-the-mill pulldown.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (11-3) defeated Daieisho (8-6). Daieisho did his thing but Wakatakakage waited until he tired, then tackled him. Yoritaoshi.

Shodai (10-4) defeated Hiradoumi (6-8). Shodai met Hiradoumi’s tachiai head-on and reached up front with a maemitsu, then yanked Hiradoumi forward and down. Where has this Shodai been? Hiradoumi makekoshi. Hikiotoshi.

Kirishima (11-3) defeated Takayasu (10-4). Takayasu hit Kirishima with tsuppari to the face. Kirishima shifted left to avoid and Takayasu fell forward. In an instant, Takayasu went from a bar-fight to starring in a Life-Alert commercial, “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.” Tsukiotoshi.

Kotozakura (8-6) defeated Abi (4-10). Kotozakura was steady against Abi and picked up his kachi-koshi. Abi-zumo might have more success in Kyushu against the rank-and-file. Oshidashi.

Onosato (13-1) defeated Hoshoryu (7-7). He made this look routine as he shoved Hoshoryu off the edge under the black tassel. Hoshoryu landed in a heap next to Nishonoseki-oyakata. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Onosato Yusho. What a dominant victory. He absolutely blitzed Hoshoryu. Very convincing, not only for a deserving yusho but surely Ozeki promotion will follow. With all of the recent flux at the rank of Ozeki, I am hopeful for a period of stability and for a ready heir to the ailing Terunofuji.

Shonosuke turned 65 and will hand in his gunbai after the action is over tomorrow. Asked for a memorable bout and he mentioned Hakuho’s final yusho against Terunofuji, both men were undefeated coming into the day.

Onosato will fight Abi tomorrow, the lone high-ranker that he has not fought. There is no yusho race, so, Kirishima will fight Daieisho and no need to bring up Takayasu, Nishikigi, or Wakatakakage.

Shodai! 10-4 going into senshuraku! Nishikigi seems to be over whatever had been troubling him the last couple of tournaments. I hope Meisei will have a similar recovery but he might not fall far enough with 4-5 wins.

Aki 2024: Day Thirteen Highlights

Andy Aki 2024 ,

Takakeisho Intai. The former Ozeki will retire. Yeah, that caught me off guard, too. Right after the day’s action, NHK news sprung that on me.

News from the infirmary. Shirokuma kyujo. Takarafuji picks up the default win and Shirokuma will surely drop to Juryo.

Speaking of Juryo, Takerufuji defeated Shishi, who does not want to earn that Makuuchi promotion. “Let Nishikifuji have it. Those guys fight hard up there.”

NHK videos for today: Juryo and Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Takarafuji (9-4) forfeit win over Shirokuma (4-9). “Takeru/Takara, Potato/Potato.”

Onokatsu (5-8) defeated Tamashoho (5-8). Both men traded tsuppari but Tamashoho retreated…and retreated his way out of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Ryuden (7-6) defeated Bushozan (4-9). Bushozan forced an oshi brawl, keeping Ryuden off of his belt…until the last second. Bushozan worked Ryuden toward the edge where Ryuden finally secured a left-hand inside grip and lay Bushozan down, slow and gentle. Uwatedashinage.

Sadanoumi (7-6) defeated Kinbozan (4-9). Migi-yotsu. Sadanoumi pulled Kinbozan down with a beautiful throw. Uwatenage.

Midorifuji (6-7) defeated Kagayaki (1-12). Midorifuji got that right hand inside Kagayaki’s left armpit and pulled him down. Patented Katasukashi.

Endo (8-5) defeated Nishikifuji (6-7). Endo pressed forward with his left-hand inside and his right hand still seeking an uwate grip. Once he landed that uwate, he forced Nishikifuji over the bales. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (8-5) defeated Kitanowaka (5-8). Kitanowaka slammed into Churanoumi repeatedly but could not force him to the edge. Churanoumi tried a short pull but seemed to rear back to get a running start, slamming into Kitanowaka. This drove Kitanowaka backward. When Kitanowaka’s feet found the tawara, Churanoumi pulled and slapped Kitanowaka down. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (10-3) defeated Oshoma (8-5). Oshoma seriously doesn’t seem to show up now that he has his eighth win. One quick blast from Wakatakakage at the tachiai and a simple pull brought Oshoma forward to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Gonoyama (5-8) defeated Roga (6-7). Gonoyama pressed forward with oshi-zumo to start but then landed a morozashi, double-inside grip and forced Roga over the bales. Yorikiri.

Meisei (4-9) defeated Tamawashi (6-7). Powerful tsuppari from both men but Meisei got the better of the quick brawl by yanking on Tamawashi’s right arm and pulling him toward the bales. Another blast and Meisei drove Tamawashi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Halftime. Get up, stretch, grab some tea…

Ichiyamamoto (7-6) defeated Shonannoumi (3-10). Ichiyamamoto-zumo. He drove Shonannoumi back and out. Oshidashi.

We had that whole time for half-time but they choose now (4:04) for the news break. Sometimes the NHK decisions produce 404 errors in my head. “Let’s slip it in between bouts. They’ll never notice.”

Wakamotoharu (9-4) defeated Oho (8-5). Oho did well to drive WMH to the bales but he gave up a solid belt-grip and Wakamotoharu resisted. Oho then rotated and tried to pull Wakamotoharu toward center. Unfortunately, he did exactly that and gave Wakamotoharu superior position at the center and his own back to the bales. Oho seemed to try one more powerful blast to shove Wakamotoharu back but he shoved himself over the bales as his feet splayed out below him. Yoritaoshi.

Mitakeumi (4-9) defeated Atamifuji (5-8). Oh, dear. Atamifuji. Mitakeumi shifted left at the tachiai and Atamifuji stumbled forward but caught himself. Then right at the bales Mitakeumi shifted again and Atamifuji fell for it, again, stumbling forward and out. Atamifuji makekoshi. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (9-4) defeated Tobizaru (4-9). Ura pressed forward from the tawara and gave himself space for a quick pull and slapdown. Down goes Tobizaru. Hatakikomi.

Shodai (9-4) defeated Takanosho (3-10). Shodai plowed through Takanosho’s nodowa and drove him to the edge. Shodai tried to land a morozashi but Takanosho shoved himself backwards…at the edge…which basically meant he was standing on the bales. Takanosho let up but he wasn’t out so Shodai gave him a good blast to make sure. “Dude, don’t get mad. Are you in or out?” “I don’t know, man. Being heyagashira will carry so much responsibility. I’m not sure if I want it.” Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Nishikigi (10-3) defeated Hiradoumi (6-7). Hiradoumi was very eager for this bout. A couple of matta later, Nishikigi hit him at the tachiai but slipped to the left and pulled Hiradoumi forward with his right arm, and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Daieisho (8-5) defeated Takayasu (10-3). Seeing Takayasu lick the salt made me wonder how many guys do that. I’ve seen a few of them do it. Takayasu tried blasting into Daieisho’s face after the tachiai but seemed to tire. Daieisho turned on his tsuppari and drove Takayasu back and out. Dreams of Papayasu Yusho fade, yet again. Oshidashi.

Abi (4-9) defeated Kotoshoho (6-7). Abi-zumo can still beat some guys. Kotoshoho is one of those guys. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-6) defeated Kirishima (10-3). Hoshoryu latched on to Kirishima’s belt as if he wanted nothing more in the entire world. He was desperate for it. As they tussled, Hoshoryu’s right leg slipped behind Kirishima’s. Then Hoshoryu executed an uwatenage, aided by the trip. OMG, that slam was BEAUTIFUL. Kirishima checked his left arm as he walked down the hanamichi. That had to hurt. It was probably more physically painful than being yeeted by Terunofuji. But I think the emotional scars of that yeet still linger. Absolutely MUST watch. Right-click the link and copy the URL text into your browser and it should work. Kirikaeshi.

Musubi-no-Ichiban: This was a wild, back and forth battle. Kotozakura forced Onosato to the edge and over but Kotozakura stepped out. Gunbai Kotozakura! Mono-ii. Video replay was really inconclusive. Did Onosato’s hand brush the surface? Was his toe over the bales? “Too close to call, boyz. DO IT AGAIN!!!”

Onosato (12-1) defeated Kotozakura (7-6). Onosato drove an exhausted Kotozakura straight back and over the bales.

Wrap up

NHK breaks to the news immediately after the bout. Lead story: “Takakeisho to retire.” Woah. The Tachiai News Room goes quiet…then bananas.

You could have announced that at your 4:04 news break! You do this while I’m doing my wrap-up? I was just joking with that bit about Takanosho being heyagashira. It’s official? Do I re-write it? Wow. I think we all knew this was coming. It is probably a good idea to do it now before Yusho news eclipses it. I’ll put a note at the top before the infirmary news and try to get a proper write-up later today or over the weekend.

But back to the current tournament…

It will take a spectacular collapse for Onosato to lose this title now. He’s on 12-wins with two days to go. Kirishima, Wakatakakage, Nishikigi and Takayasu are all two back. Kirishima will fight Takayasu tomorrow. Wakatakakage gets Daieisho and Nishikigi gets…Oho? That’s an interesting decision.

Onosato will fight Hoshoryu tomorrow. Clearly, the Onosato bouts are the highlights, reserved for the musubi-no-ichiban on both days as he cycles through the Ozeki. The NHK thinks the Kyokai will match Onosato against Takayasu on senshuraku. With Takayasu’s loss today, I’m not so sure.

I think Ura would be next on the list for Onosato if we’re looking at rank and I think that would be a better match-up. Ura’s 9-4 and having a great tournament. Takayasu did not look up to snuff today against Daieisho, that’s for sure. Which do you want your new Ozeki to fight on senshuraku, Maegashira 15 – or Maegashira 5? But if he beats Hoshoryu tomorrow, the title is his, anyway, and the Senshuraku bout will just be a cherry on top.