Makushita Semifinals

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

See yesterday’s post for the state of the Makushita yusho and promotion races going into Day 9.

After nine days, we are left with 4 undefeated 5-0 wrestlers who will battle it out for the title. The favorite among the final eight, Ms3w Chiyomaru, got upset by Ms16e Hatsuyama, and the semifinal bouts, which will take place on Day 11, are as follows:

  • Ms16e Hatsuyama vs. Ms28w Kyokukaiyu
  • Ms42w Mudoho vs. Ms55w Asakoki

The first bout matches two prospects. Hatsuyama debuted as a Sandanme tsukedashi back in March 2022 and has now spent two years in Makushita, getting as high as Ms4. The awkwardly named Kyokukaiyu has to be the remaining favorite—he debuted in January, and his record so far is 29-4, with a Sandanme yusho in May. I guess Mudoho, Oho’s younger brother, is also still a prospect at 22; he’s been toiling in the third division for four years. Rounding out the semifinalists is 33-year-old Asakoki, who’s been fighting in the lower divisions since 2009, including 51 basho in Makushita, with a career-high rank of Ms11.

Of the ten rikishi in the Ms1-Ms5 promotion zone, eight are still mathematically in the running for a Juryo slot, though the odds are slim for Ms5e Daishomaru (2-3) even if he wins out. Top-ranked Ms1e Tochitaikai (2-3) will return to Juryo with two more wins, but will be eliminated from consideration with another loss. The current promotion queue for the other six stands roughly as follows: Ms3w Chiyomaru (4-1), Ms2w Wakaikari (3-2), Ms4w Aonishiki (4-1), Ms4e Nabatame (3-2), Ms3e Dewanoryu (2-3), and Ms5w Kototebakari (3-2). None are in action on Day 10, so come back after the Day 11 bouts for the next update on the yusho and promotion races!

Aki 2024: Day Nine Highlights

Andy Aki 2024, Onosato (大の里)

Takerufuji had no problem dispatching Oshoumi. Oshoumi tried to shift direction but it merely delayed the inevitable. Takerufuji is a man among boys. Chiyoshoma is a henka machine. With his high-stakes bout against Hakuoho, he jumped to the side and dragged Hakuoho down.

Jason left a comment the other day that drew my attention to the NHK links. If these NHK links do not work, let me know what country or continent you are in. I’d like to troubleshoot and see whether there are different options for different regions. Since they work for me, these links should be working for folks in North America but I do hope they work internationally, too.

They are a little clunky. You have to click the play button twice. Well, at least I have to do that here. The first click seems to load the video, after a few seconds another play button appears, and you push play to show the video.

Juryo Part I and Part II

Makuuchi Part I and Part II

Makuuchi Action

Nishikigi (7-2) defeated Shirokuma (2-7). Nishikigi had no trouble acquiring his hidari-yotsu hold of Shirokuma at the tachiai. He drove forward and ushered Shirokuma back and out. Shirokuma has been unable to establish any sort of offense in this division. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (7-2) defeated Hokutofuji (6-3). Hokutofuji combined his ottsuke with firm oshi-zumo to drive Takayasu back to the edge. Takayasu shifted to his right to avoid going over the edge but Hokutofuji followed. As the pair reached the edge, Takayasu shifted again and slapped on Hokutofuji’s back forcing him to stumble forward and out of the ring. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (4-5) defeated Bushozan (4-5). Nishikifuji was much more mobile than Bushozan. As Bushozan tried to get some momentum, Nishikifuji shifted to the side and pulled Bushozan down. Katasukashi.

Kitanowaka (3-6) defeated Kagayaki (1-8). Kagayaki could not get any sort of forward progress. Kitanowaka rotated to the left and forced Kagayaki’s back to the tawara. Kagayaki tried to shuffle along the bales but Kitanowaka had no trouble keeping up and keeping the pressure on him, eventually working him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Ryuden (6-3) defeated Sadanoumi (5-4). Firm migi-yotsu. Ryuden drove Sadanoumi back and out. Yorikiri.

Roga (5-4) defeated Onokatsu (3-6). One-sided bout here as Roga drove Onokatsu back and out. Neither of our top division debutants have been able to establish their sumo here and both seem ready for demotion. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (4-5) defeated Tamawashi (3-6). Henka! Kinbozan jumped to the side and slapped Tamawashi down for a quick victory. Hatakikomi.

Takarafuji (5-4) defeated Oshoma (6-3). Oshoma was stronger than Takarafuji today and really dominated 99% of the bout. Takarafuji tried moving laterally but Oshoma kept up and drove him back. At the edge, Takarafuji yanked Oshoma forward and down while falling. Gunbai to Oshoma. Mono-ii. Video review showed Oshoma’s right arm hit the tawara first. I’ve got to disagree with Ross Mihara who declared, “Takarafuji showed zero offense.” He showed his offensive strike right there at the end and won with that pull. Sakatottari.

Wakatakakage (7-2) defeated Midorifuji (4-5). After a lengthy grapple, Midorifuji mistimed his pull. Wakatakakage took advantage and drove forward, forcing Midorifuji from the surface of the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Endo (7-2) defeated Gonoyama (3-6). Henka! Endo did switch things up by going to the opposite side. Gonoyama tried to get the jump on Endo by jumping early, before Endo got his hand down. But Endo jumped to the side with lightning speed. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Meisei (2-7) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-6). After a lengthy brawl where both men traded tsuppari, Meisei grabbed Ichiyamamoto’s trunk and pulled him forward and down. Katasukashi.

Churanoumi (6-3) defeated Kotoshoho (5-4). Churanoumi was steady and avoided Kotoshoho’s pull. This was another case where The Pull led to The Puller’s undoing. Tsukidashi.

Mitakeumi (3-6) defeated Oho (5-4). Oho churned forward but Mitakeumi shifted right at the edge and twisted Oho down. Gunbai Mitakeumi. Mono-ii. Video review showed Oho fell before Mitakeumi, confirming the ruling on the field. Tsukiotoshi.

Tobizaru (3-6) defeated Takanosho (2-7). Takanosho ran out of attack ideas and just quit, stepping back and out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (4-5) defeated Daieisho (5-4). Daieisho was in a pulling mood today. Maybe the gearshift got stuck in reverse. Atamifuji pursued well and shoved Daieisho out when he caught him at the edge. Oshidashi.

Onosato (9-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-4). Onosato dominant. The youngster drove Wakamotoharu out forcefully. Yoritaoshi.

Shodai (5-4) defeated Abi (2-7). Abi-zumo churned forward at full speed but Shodai slipped to the side and pulled Abi down. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (8-1) defeated Shonannoumi (1-8). This was a satisfying bout for Kirishima fans. Rather than a high-paced, high-energy tactical bout, Kirishima won with calm, dominant power. His hidari-yotsu was simply too much for Shonannoumi. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (5-4) defeated Hiradoumi (5-4). Hoshoryu locked up Hiradoumi and began his advance. Hiradoumi tried to cycle to the right and away from Hoshoryu but Hoshoryu cut off the escape lane and then twisted him down with a beautiful throw. Sukuinage.

Ura (5-4) defeated Kotozakura (6-3). Ura pressed forward and drove Kotozakura back and out. Kotozakura appeared uncertain as to how to execute any escape techniques at the edge. At least Hoshoryu showed up today. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Our Ozeki are in “observer status” this basho, unable to participate in the yusho race. Onosato continues to defeat his lower-ranked opponents. That is the kind of dominance we want from the upper ranks so Onosato is clearly moving toward promotion. Kirishima is the lone wrestler with one loss and both Sekiwake will fight each other tomorrow in a high-stakes bout.

We have four rank-and-filers in our chase group with two losses. Endo will face Wakatakakage on Day 10 as both men battle for their kachi-koshi and their position as potential yusho spoilers. Takayasu will fight Nishikifuji and Nishikigi will take on Kagayaki.

House-keeping

In a little administrative news, I’ll be shutting off the Google Ads on the site this week. Thank you for your patience as I tested that out. I’ve been extremely disappointed with them. When I visit the site, the ads are terrible and seem to have nothing remotely to do with anything. I reached out to the AdWords folks and they basically told me they’re worthless. So, bye-bye.

I’d only be interested in partners that would actually provide services for sumo fans. Not, “click here to see Megyn Kelly images.” My personal fave was the blank, “Click Here.” Seriously, what the hell? Nothing travel-related, nothing Japan-related, nothing sports-related, nothing relevant to anything. I mean, the only thing I’ve seen that wasn’t blatant spammy crap was…shoes? The last pair of shoes I bought were geta. So, Geta-outta-here with your crap ads, Google! As for you readers, see you on Day 10.

Makushita Quarterfinals

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

We begin our coverage of the third division on Day 8. As a reminder, the Makushita yusho race is essentially a seven-round single-elimination tournament in which the 120 or so rikishi are reduced by half over two-day rounds until one man with a 7-0 record takes the title (occasionally, same-heya rikishi and other wrinkles throw a wrench into the works, and we end up with a playoff and a 6-1 champion).

After eight days, four rounds have been completed, leaving us with 8 undefeated wrestlers. This group is led by none other than His Roundness, former sekitori mainstay Ms3w Chiyomaru. His 4 wins already give him a good chance of returning to the salaried ranks, and one more win should all but ensure it. The quarterfinal bouts, which take place on Day 9, are as follows:

  • Ms3w Chiyomaru vs. Ms16e Hatsuyama
  • Ms21w Kaiseijo vs. Ms28w Kyokukaiyu
  • Ms42w Mudoho vs. Ms51e Anosho
  • Ms55w Asakoki vs. Ms60w Sazanami

Kaiseijo and Asakoki are lower-division lifers. Mudoho is Oho’s younger brother, and Sazanami is best-known as the occasional star of Sumo Prime Time. The other three are prospects, with the awkwardly named Kyokukaiyu the most impressive of the bunch—he debuted in January, and his record so far is 28-4, with a Sandanme yusho in May.

Some notable names are already out of the race. Of the four newcomers to the division profiled by Justin, Ms31 Inami is 3-1, Ms33 Tokitenran has struggled to a 1-3 record, Ms57 Hogasho is likewise 1-3 and not looking at all Godzilla-like, while Ms60 tsukedashi debutant Mita recovered after a nervous first loss to go 3-1. Ukrainian sensation Ms4w Aonishiki (3-1) was knocked out of the race by Ms5w Kototebakari (2-2), who then fell to Chiyomaru. Ms1w Satorufuji (1-3) picked up his first loss when he visited Juryo to fight Kayo. Ms2w Wakaikari (2-2) was another one of Chiyomaru’s victims. Others I am watching include Ms17 Kusano (3-1), Ms23 Matsui (3-1), and Ms29 Ishizaki (Asakoryu’s brother), who’s slumped to 1-3 after his 6-1 debut basho in Nagoya.

In the Ms1-Ms5 promotion zone, top-ranked Tochitaikai (2-2) can return to Juryo with two more wins. Fellow Ms1 Satorufuji must win out to have a shot, as does Ms2e Akua (1-3). Wakaikari and Ms3e Dewanoryu (2-2) needs two more wins, we’ve already discussed Chiyomaru, the Ms4 duo of Nabatame (3-1) and Aonishiki should have strong claims if they can run their win totals to five, and Kototebakari must win out and hope for favorable banzuke luck. All are in action tomorrow, and most are matched head-to-head by record, so come back after the Day 9 bouts to see where the yusho and promotion races stand!

Aki 2024: Nakabi Highlights

Andy Aki 2024 , , ,

Never dismiss Daiamami, dude. When Chiyoshoma hit him, it was like he ran into a brink wall. Then the brick wall ran after him and bashed into him, repeatedly, until he backed out of the ring. What this means is, Takerufuji is our sole, undefeated leader in Juryo. For his part, Takerufuji stayed calm when Asakoryu pulled and pressed forward with a forceful nodowa. Takerufuji kachi-koshi and atop our Juryo leaderboard.

Tomorrow, Chiyoshoma will face Hakuoho, who defeated Shishi today with a beautiful, powerful throw. God, I want to see this kid back in the thick of makuuchi. Takerufuji, meanwhile, will take on Oshoumi.

JME preempted the start of makuuchi coverage with the end of a Senior Golf tournament. Obviously had to wait for the interview and award presentation….and replays of the final putt… You know, there’s a whole channel set aside on JME.tv for replays during the day. It is sitting, unused at the moment. I do not understand why they can’t show the live coverage over there…and extend it for the lower divisions, too!

Makuuchi Action

Hokutofuji (6-2) defeated Nishikifuji (3-5). Oshitaoshi.

Nishikigi (6-2) defeated Kitanowaka (2-6). Kotenage.

Onokatsu (3-5) defeated Bushozan (4-4). Andy’s hat is looking safe. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (3-5) defeated Shirokuma (2-6). Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (5-3) defeated Takarafuji (4-4). Andy’s hat is safe. Sorry, folks. None of that premium internet content, for now. I’m sure Andy will put his foot in his mouth at some point in the future. Sukuinage.

The preceding had been preempted by senior golf. I will be reaching out to JME about setting up an SLA to see if a contract will improve their service. We want the same thing, we want more people watching sumo. We’ll see what happens.

Takayasu (6-2) defeated Kagayaki (1-7). Kagayaki seems to have no understanding of the concept of lateral movement. I guess he is named for a passenger train so maybe he can only move forward along the rails laid out in front of him. Takayasu plowed into him for a good ten seconds and then slipped to the side and pulled Kagayaki down. Hikotoshi.

Roga (4-4) defeated Ryuden (5-3). Ryuden charged ahead and adjusted well when Roga moved left. He tried to establish his hidari-yotsu but Roga did a good job of keeping him off his belt. Roga’s trunk was extended so far forward, Ryuden tried a pull and slapdown but Roga maintained his balance. Roga twisted his body and pulled with his left hand. This threw Ryuden off balance and gave Roga the opening he needed to charge forward and drive Ryuden over the bales.

Wakatakakage (6-2) defeated Tamawashi (3-5). Bar fight. This bout was a wild brawl. Tamawashi pissed WTK off by going for the head so he threw a few haymakers of his own. Mainly, though, he blasted him over and over with his head and shoulders, eventually working him toward the bales where he wrapped him up and pushed him over. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (6-2) defeated Churanoumi (5-3). Simple hatakikomi here. Churanoumi drove forward and Oshoma met him square at the tachiai. Then he shifted left with his arms behind Churanoumi’s head. So he pressed Churanoumi into the dirt.

Midorifuji (4-4) defeated Meisei (1-7). A great clash of rutting rams for about 10 seconds. Then Midorifuji got a morozashi, double-inside grip and easily drove Meisei from the dohyo.

Halftime

Ichiyamamoto (3-5) defeated Gonoyama (3-5). Quick slapdown. Ichiyamamoto-zumo. Hikiotoshi.

Endo (6-2) defeated Shonannoumi (1-7). Henka! Endo’s been full of those lately but totally caught Shonannoumi (and myself) by surprise. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (5-3) defeated Atamifuji (3-5). Kotoshoho drove forward at the edge and Atamifuji twisted while forcing Kotoshoho down at the same time. Gunbai Kotoshoho. Mono-ii. This was a tight call but Atamifuji’s feet left the dohyo while Kotoshoho was still in bounds. Shinpan confirm the gyoji’s call. Oshidashi.

Oho (5-3) defeated Tobizaru (2-6). Oho is back today, swollen eye and all. Tobizaru did his thing, jumping and slapping around the ring. The Daffy Duck of sumo. The good thing is, Oho was in no mood. He moved forward and took care of business. As Tobizaru tried to slip to the side, and then back toward center, Oho shifted with him and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (5-3) defeated Takanosho (2-6). Takanosho’s mistake was going for the nodowa with his left hand. Hiradoumi shifted to his right at the same time, getting behind Takanosho and avoiding his attack. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (5-3) defeated Abi (2-6). Abi-zumo was firing on all cylinders. Daieisho tried to deflect him twice by driving into Abi’s armpit. On the third attempt, Daieisho got in behind and shoved Abi out. Okuridashi.

Kirishima (7-1) defeated Ura (4-4). Kirishima was playing old school King of the Hill today. Kirishima claimed the center of the ring and he was not going to chase. He wasn’t going to move for Ura to use his tricks, Ura was going to have to move him. Ura hopped around and tried slapping Kirishima down but Kirishima’s footwork steadily claimed more territory and Kirishima shoved him from the dohyo.

It looked like Ura landed flat on his back below the dohyo. He was slow to get up so a concerned Kirishima went down to check on him. Thankfully, Ura hopped up and seemed unhurt. Oshitaoshi.

Onosato (8-0) defeated Mitakeumi (2-6). Mitakeumi certainly gave Onosato a test. He resisted well and did not go easily. But Onosato was too powerful today. Onosato put everything into his shove and blasted Mitakeumi from the dohyo. Onosato left his feet and also came down but Mitakeumi was clearly out a beat before Onosato. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (6-2) defeated Shodai (4-4). Shodai had some ambition here today. Like Mitakeumi, he was resolved not to be a mere speedbump. Kotozakura had to work it and assault Shodai over and over. His nodowa and thrusts to the face were very effective. “Not the face, dude. Not the face!” Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (4-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-3). Hidari-yotsu. Hoshoryu took the initiative and pulled hard, twisting with his arm under Wakamotoharu’s shoulder. When Wakamotoharu balanced on one leg, Hoshoryu slipped his arm up around WMH’s neck and finished him off. Kubinage.

Wrap-up

In Makuuchi we have a two-man contest: Onosato leads and Kirishima is one-loss back. Same thing in Juryo. Takerufuji leads and Chiyoshoma is one-loss back. In Makuuchi, there’s a large peleton of seven guys on two losses who are there to keep the pressure on and make the yusho race interesting if Onosato falters: Kotozakura (good), Wakatakakage (good), Endo (gasp!), Oshoma, Hokutofuji (what?!?!), Nishikigi (double what?!?!), and Takayasu (oh, hell yeah!). In Juryo, Asakoryu and Kayo trail with 2-losses.

Kirishima will face Shonannoumi tomorrow with his kachi-koshi, and Shonannoumi’s make-koshi, on the line. I predict a fierce battle. Both men will be motivated to win. Onosato, meanwhile, will take on Wakamotoharu. We will see if Onosato’s dominance continues.