Makushita Semifinals

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

Yesterday, we set up the quarterfinals among the 4-0 rikishi:

  • Ms7e Otsuji vs. Ms11e Fujiseiun
  • Ms26e Kotoyusho vs. Ms32 Kazenoumi
  • Ms40e Aonishiki vs. Ms51e Shunrai
  • Ms60TD Kusano vs. Sd2e Amakaze

Fujiseiun prevailed, and will be the only former sekitori in the semifinals, as well as the only rikishi ranked high enough to earn a promotion by winning out. He started in Ozumo 3 years ago, went 21-0 in his first three basho, and got as high as Juryo 6 before sitting out three tournaments with an injury. His next opponent should be Kazenoumi, another prospect fighting in his 9th basho. And we get the semifinal I was hoping for between two former amateur stars: young Ukrainian Aonishiki, whose professional record so far stands at 25-1 with two yusho, and newcomer Kusano, who joined Ozumo after making quite a name for himself as a university and international wrestler.

In the promotion zone, Ms1w Kayo (4-1) looks set to finally make a sekitori debut. Ms3e Kiryuko (4-1) may also have already done enough, but one more win would make a Juryo debut a lot more likely. Ms1e Akua (2-3) can ensure immediate re-promotion by winning out, but another loss will keep him in the unsalaried ranks. Ms2w Nabatame (3-2) could go up with one more win, and should be a lock with two. And by winning today, Ms4e Kitaharima (3-2) kept his hopes for a record-setting 10th promotion to Juryo alive.

The only relevant Day 10 action will see Kitaharima visiting Juryo to take on J14e Tochitaikai, whom he’s bested in their two prior meetings. The other key bouts will take place on Day 11; come back then to see where things stand.

Natsu 2024 Day 9 Highlights

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho ,

Mitakeumi is not on the kyujo list but we will be watching his performance today for signs that he might go. With 6 wins already, he is in no danger of demotion.

Links to the NHK videos are here:

Makuuchi Part 1 – Makuuchi Part 2

Juryo Part 1 – Juryo Part 2

The Action

Churanoumi (6-3) defeated Takarafuji (7-2). Churanoumi pulled on Takarafuji’s arm and yanked him over to the bales. Takarafuji spun and tried to retreat but Churanoumi pursued well and shoved him out. Oshitaoshi

Mitoryu (2-7) defeated Tsurugisho (3-6). Mitoryu walked Tsurugisho quickly back and out. He was much too large of an opponent for Tsurugisho to be able to lift or swing him out of the dohyo with his upper body alone. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (4-5) defeated Nishikifuji (3-6). Nishikifuji made great early progress, blasting Tokihayate toward the bales but Tokihayate timed his counter attack beautifully. Just as Nishikfuji hit him with the right, Tokihayate shifted to his left and knocked Nishikifuji to the side. This threw Nishikifuji completely off balance and Tokihayate was able to follow up with some quick shoves to force Nishikifuji out. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (6-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-5). Oshoma slipped to the side and pulled Ichiyamamoto forward. Hatakikomi.

Ryuden (6-3) defeated Hokutofuji (5-4). Ryuden did well and kept Hokutofuji in front of him, allowing him to make a mistake. Hokutofuji’s tsuppari shifted to slapdown attempts and Ryuden struck. Here, Ryuden slipped it to reach for the belt and Hokutofuji fell forward. Uwatedashinage.

Sadanoumi (5-4) defeated Tomokaze (1-8). Once Sadanoumi slipped in and got a hold of Tomokaze’s belt, Tomokaze was toast. Tomokaze is makekoshi.

Shonannoumi (7-2) defeated Roga (3-6). Shonannoumi fought hard to keep Roga’s right arm from locking onto his belt. The two had worked themselves into a bit of a stalemate at the center of the ring. Shonannoumi began to press forward. A well timed tug at the edge from Roga nearly sent Shonannoumi out but Shonannoumi kept his balance and shoved Roga backwards and out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (7-2) defeated Kinbozan (5-4) Henka! Very well executed dodge from Mitakeumi. He reached over to Kinbozan’s belt and pulled him forward to finish him off.

Kotoshoho (6-3) defeated Nishikigi (3-6). Nishikigi pressed forward and as the pair approached the edge Kotoshoho stepped to the side and allowed Nishikigi’s momentum to carry him forward and out. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Midorifuji (4-5) defeated Shodai (3-6). Shodai was very wary of Midorifuji today, possibly too wary. Instead of launching much of an attack, Shodai appeared defensive. He pressed forward early but Midorifuji resisted. Perhaps Shodai tired quickly. But he clearly did not want to get caught pitched too far forward. Midorifuji cleverly and patiently worked the big man back toward the edge. As Shodai neared the tawara, Midorifuji intensified his pressure and shoved Shodai out. Oshidashi.

Meisei (6-3) defeated Tamawashi (2-7) Meisei was too strong today for Tamawashi. Meisei resisted a strong initial charge from Tamawashi. Meisei used pivot after pivot to throw Tamawashi off balance. Then he launched out and hit Tamawashi square, driving him completely off the surface of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (3-6) defeated Ura (6-3). Takanosho had great fundamentals today. Ura drove Takanosho back toward the edge of the ring. Then, as Ura back-pedaled, Takanosho helped Ura reverse himself out of the ring with a bit of a shove. Oshitaoshi.

Gonoyama (4-5) defeated Tobizaru (4-4) Tobizaru tried a poorly executed (or well anticipated) pull. Gonoyama pressed Tobizaru back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (3-6) defeated Daieisho (6-3). Daieisho does not know how to move backwards. But it shows that Atamifuji has a reputation and Daieisho was trying to take advantage of it. Unfortunately for Daieisho, he ran out of space before Atamifuji fell forward. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (4-5) defeated Onosato (7-2). Hiradoumi had patrons reaching for their zabuton but remembering they’ve still got a few bouts to go yet. This was just a komusubi. What an upset, though! Very aggressive sumo from Hiradoumi as he launched at the heir-apparent, kept his balance when Onosato tried to slap him down, and plowed forward. Oshidashi.

Oho (4-5) defeated Abi (5-4). Oho turned this bout around by grabbing Abi’s arm and yanking him forward. Abi reacted by moving backward but this left him no real estate to maneuver. Oho pursued and resisted Abi’s continued thrusts, eventually shoving Abi out. Honestly, I’m so impressed with that strategy, I hope it catches on. If I had to fight Abi, I would do it. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (7-2) defeated Onosho (4-5). Kotozakura is such a tease. Onosho did well drive Kotozakura back to the bales. He probably started thinking, “I’m going to beat an Ozeki!” Just as Kotozakura reached the tawara he wrapped his arm around Onosho’s neck and threw him with a beautiful kubinage, following up with a powerful thrust to finish Onosho off. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu (3-1-5) defeated Hoshoryu (5-4) Takayasu came back from his convalescence in fine form. Hoshoryu helped out with some terrible footwork. Takayasu plowed into the Ozeki and as Hoshoryu hung on, his leg splayed way out to the tawara. The bear then twisted him down to the ground. Sukuinage.

Wrap-up

Kotozakura is providing some stability at the top of the banzuke and now has a share of the lead. He coolly dealt with Onosho today but will face the meat of his schedule this week. Well, what’s left of it, that is. He will be tested by Takayasu on Day 9. But there’s really just Abi and Hoshoryu, who they will leave for senshuraku. After the Takayasu bout, he will possibly fight Midorifuji, Meisei, Mitakeumi, and possibly even Nishikigi. All bouts he should dominate. With all of the absences, I guess this means the joi extends down to Maegashira 7-8?

Onosato is fighting like an Ozeki and by that I mean he has apparently started dropping bouts to Maegashira whom he should beat. That was a joke, he has actually been very solid this tournament, obviously. But he was far too complacent today, unprepared for the heat that Hiradoumi likes to deliver at the tachiai. He will face Gonoyama tomorrow. The odd wrinkle with his schedule is that since he already fought (and beat) many of the guys who are now kyujo, like Terunofuji, Wakamotoharu, and Kirishima, there are a lot of top Maegashira whom he still needs to fight. Along with the Hoshoryu and Abi fights that also await Kotozakura, he will need to fight Ura, Oho, and Onosho. When all is said and done, the soft part of his schedule may have been the first week. He really cannot start losing to these rank-and-filers.

Takarafuji dropped his bout today and viewers could see how disappointed he was. He is possibly already safe from demotion with his 7 wins, though. Tomokaze and Tsurugisho look ready for demotion and since Week 2 just started and neither man shows any kind of spark today, they could drop quite a bit. He also remains with a share of the lead since Onosato lost, as well. He will be challenged tomorrow by Ichiyamamoto. Shonannoumi has also been fighting very well but will face a difficult opponent in Midorifuji tomorrow. Mitakeumi will face Kotoshoho, who I hope will not fall for a henka.

Makushita Yusho and Promotion Races, Day 8

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

I am starting these posts a couple of days later than usual. As a result, four rounds of bouts have been completed, and the picture is a little clearer.

In the promotion zone, the best-placed rikishi at the moment are Ms1w Kayo (3-1), who should finally earn a sekitori debut with one more win, Ms3e Kiryuko (4-1), who may have already done enough, though one more win would make a Juryo debut a lot more likely, Ms1e Akua (2-2), who can make an immediate comeback by winning two of his final three bouts, and Ms2w Nabatame (2-2), who needs at least two more wins and a favorable promotion scenario. Several others still have chances, but they’re more remote.

Among the seven undefeated rikishi who will battle it out for the yusho, two are in the extended promotion zone, where a 7-0 record means a near-automatic promotion. They are Ms7e Otsuji and Ms11e Fujiseiun, and they go head-to-head tomorrow. The other quarterfinal bouts pit Ms26e Kotoyusho against Ms32 Kazenoumi, Ms40e Aonishiki against Ms51e Shunrai, and Ms60TD Kusano against the highest-ranked undefeated man in Sandanme, Sd2e Amakaze, who actually reached Makuuchi for one basho way all the way back in 2016. For me, the most exciting names here are young Ukrainian Aonishiki, whose professional record so far stands at 24-1 with two yusho, and newcomer Kusano, who joined Ozumo after making quite a name for himself as a university and international amateur. Should both win, they would be on track to meet in a highlight bout on Day 11. Come back tomorrow to see who makes the semifinals!

Natsu 2024 Nakabi Highlights

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho

The infirmary reported that Hakuoho in Juryo will be kyujo from Nakabi and Takayasu will be back on Day 9. Per Herouth, Hakuoho is out due to COVID. I will keep my eyes out for reports about whether this Covid-induced kyujo will allow Hakuoho to preserve his rank.

Makuuchi and Juryo videos are available here.

Once again, coverage of each division is split in two parts:

Makuuchi Part 1 – Makuuchi Part 2

Juryo Part 1 – Juryo Part 2

The Action

Endo (Juryo 8-0) defeated Tokihayate (3-5). Tokihayate got Endo into trouble early with a hit-and-shift. But Endo did not quit today. He used his belt grip to twist Tokihayate down over the bales. This is the first time Endo has ever gone 8-0 at a honbasho. Shitatenage.

Takarafuji (7-1) defeated Ryuden (5-3). Takarafuji fought hard to keep Ryuden’s right arm away from his belt. He used his right arm grip to pull Ryuden toward the edge. As he twisted to throw Ryuden, Ryuden’s leg swept Takarafuji’s leg up. Both men were suspended over the edge of the dohyo until gravity did its thing and brought both men down. Gunbai Ryuden. Mono-ii. Reversal. Ryuden had touched out first and Takarafuji won. Yorikiri.

Tsurugisho (3-5) defeated Oshoma (5-3). With an impressive display of upper body strength, Tsurugisho pulled up and dragged Oshoma over to the bales and shoved him over the edge. The crowd reacted with an appreciative “Ooh!” Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (4-4) defeated Roga (3-5). Ichiyamamoto kept Roga at arm’s length with his hand planted firmly in Roga’s face. Quickly he pulled Roga forward and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (3-5) defeated Tomokaze (1-7). Nishikifuji quickly pressed Tomokaze back and out. Tsukidashi.

Sadanoumi (4-4) defeated Mitoryu (1-7). Mitoryu pulled on Sadanoumi’s arm to drag him toward the bales. But Sadanoumi countered with his left-hand belt grip. He then shoved Mitoryu over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hokutofuji (5-3) defeated Churanoumi (5-3). Hokutofuji hit-and-shift. After the initial charge, Hokutofuji shifted to his left and pulled Churanoumi forward and down. Tsukiotoshi.

Kinbozan (5-3) defeated Takanosho (2-6). Kinbozan put his big left paw in Takanosho’s armpit and shoved him to the side. Off-balance, Takanosho stumbled to the bales. Kinbozan pursued and finished Takanosho with a shove over the bales. Oshidashi.

Nishikigi (3-5) defeated Shodai (3-5). Shodai pressed hard to force Nishikigi toward the bales. But Nishikigi twisted, pulling Shodai off balance. He then yanked on Shodai’s right arm to finish him off. Kotenage.

Halftime.

Mitakeumi (6-2) defeated Shonannoumi (6-2). Mitakeumi put his head down and drove Shonannoumi back and over the edge. Both men toppled down from the dohyo and Mitakeumi was slow to get up. He hobbled back to the dohyo to pick up his kensho. After performing his chikaramizu duties, he limped back down the hanamichi with the assistance of a yobidashi.  Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (3-5) defeated Tamawashi (2-6). After a lengthy Midorifuji pulled and twisted Tamawashi down to the ground with his trademark move. Katasukashi.

Kotoshoho (5-3) defeated Meisei (5-3). Kotoshoho forced Meisei over the bales after a thrilling, suspenseful, action-packed bout where both men had moments where it looked like they had their opponent beat. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (4-4) defeated Onosho (4-4). Misdirection failed to get the win but it did earn Tobizaru valuable real estate to execute a pull. He dropped backward and thrust Onosho to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Hiradoumi (3-5) defeated Atamifuji (2-6). Hiradoumi read the brief. Engage Atamifuji, get him to press forward and pull him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Onosato (7-1) defeated Daieisho (6-2). Onosato knows Daieieho’s weakness and exploited it beautifully. Standing just in front of the bales, Onosho baited Daieisho like Bugs Bunny would bait a bull with a big red cape. Daieisho lunged forward and Onosato dodged while slapping Daieisho down. Hatakikomi.

Abi (5-3) defeated Gonoyama (3-5). Abi started by battering Gonoyama with his tsuppari. He then attempted a pull but Gonoyama was wise and stayed in. As Gonoyama re-engaged, Abi grabbed him and pulled him forward and out. Uwatedashinage.

Hoshoryu (5-3) defeated Ura (6-2). Ura pulled Hoshoryu by the shoulder but Hoshoryu kept him centered and blasted Ura off the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Kotozakura (6-2) defeated Oho (3-5) Oho seemed to run out of gas. A great bout and Oho put in quite the effort. But Kotozakura seemed patient to wait Oho out, corner him, and shove him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Onosato and Takarafuji lead the way after nakabi with seven wins and one loss. Daieisho, Ura, and Shonannoumi all fell off pace. Kotozakura leads the peloton of the fore-mentioned trio and Mitakeumi. Unfortunately, we may have lost Mitakeumi to injury.

Despite his share of the lead, Takarafuji is not going to be thrust into the thick of Makuuchi yet. He will face Churanoumi in the first Makuuchi bout tomorrow. Takayasu returns and is rewarded with a fight with Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu appeared to be in a bit of pain after today’s bout with Ura. I could not tell if it was his back that he was favoring or his belly. I am leaning toward his belly because he seemed to catch the edge of the dohyo right there. Hopefully that’s not a cracked rib or something.

Well, I guess we will see who shows up tomorrow.