Haru 2024 Senshuraku Highlights

Andy Haru 2024, Haru Basho , ,

No new kyujo today. Takerufuji and Onosato both locked up two special prizes (Fighting Spirit and Technique) today before they entered the stadium. The yusho winner will receive the Outstanding Performance prize.

Makuuchi Action

Churanoumi (7-8) defeated Kitanowaka (3-12). Churanoumi quickly secured a left-hand inside hold on Kitanowaka’s belt and pressed forward until Kitanowaka was out. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (7-8) defeated Ryuden (6-9). Despite the kimarite, this was Ichiyamamoto sumo. Ichiyamamoto hit Ryuden with forceful tsuppari, then attempted a pull. The pull failed so he bull rushed Ryuden and forced him out of the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi (9-6) defeated Endo (5-10). Endo tried to pull Mitakeumi down at the edge but Mitakeumi forced Endo out first. Oshidashi.

Shodai (8-7) defeated Nishikifuji (8-7). Shodai slammed into Nishikifuji at the tachiai. Nishikifuji tried to slide to the left but Shodai pursued well and secured his kachi-koshi by driving Nishikifuji out. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (8-7) defeated Roga (7-8). Roga quickly grabbed Kotoshoho’s the front of Kotoshoho’s belt. Kotoshoho did not accept this willingly. He tried hard to force Roga away. Roga tugged at Kotoshoho’s belt, pulling him forward but Kotoshoho maintained his balance. At the edge, Kotoshoho grabbed Roga’s arm and twisted him down. Amiuchi.

Hokutofuji (6-9) defeated Shonannoumi (9-6). Hokutofuji and Shonannoumi locked up a left hand grip but kept each others’ right hands away. Hokutofuji tugged hard on Shonannoumi’s belt to pull him forward toward the bales and tried to slap him down. But Shonnanoumi resisted and kept his balance. Hokutofuji then decided to attack with his more familiar oshi-/tsuki- and blasted Shonannoumi away. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (11-4) defeated Daiamami (7-8). Once Takayasu got the morozashi, double-inside grip, Daiamami was done. Takayasu pulled up and escorted Daiamami out. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (7-8) defeated (6-9) Myogiryu. Myogiryu wanted a belt grip but Tamawashi was not going to let him have one. Tamawashi shoved Myogiryu back, hard. Oshidashi.

Takerufuji (13-2) defeated Gonoyama (10-5). Storybook here. First of all, just seeing Takerufuji walk during the dohyo-iri and then enter the hanamichi…he was not going to let this yusho be decided by Onosato. Solid tachiai. Takerufuji drove forward and forced Gonoyama to the edge. Gonoyama tried to pull Takerufuji down but Takerufuji pressed forward again and shoved Gonoyama off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Sadanoumi (8-7) defeated Midorifuji (7-8). Sadanoumi wrapped up Midorifuji and drove him toward the edge. At the edge, he picked Midorifuji up and dropped him on the other side of the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Onosho (9-6) defeated Tobizaru (8-7). Onosho’s left arm in Tobizaru’s right arm-pit won this fight. He shoved Tobizaru to the side and tried to shove him down. Tobizaru resisted valiantly but Onosho continued to press forward and drove Tobizaru off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Meisei (6-9) defeated Onosho (5-10). Twice, Meisei tried to win this by grabbing Onosho’s right shoulder and pulling him forward but Onosho kept his balance. Onosho was able to turn the tables at the edge and nearly forced Meisei out. Once this became a belt-battle, though, Meisei locked Onosho up. Morozashi secured, he easily forced Onosho over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oho (7-8) defeated Ura (6-9). Oho had great footwork today. Ura tried to avoid his tsuppari and slip to the side but Oho did not fall and kept up the pressure on Ura. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Nishikigi (3-12) defeated Kinbozan (6-7-2). Nishikigi blasted Kinbozan at the tachiai. Kinbozan pulled up, likely still feeling the effects of his earlier injury. Nishikigi pressed him forward and out. Yorikiri.

Abi (9-6) defeated Atamifuji (8-7). Abizumo. His forceful tsuppari drove Atamifuji back. Atamifuji tried to push his head down but Abi remained focused and forced Atamifuji from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (9-6) defeated Asanoyama (9-6). Wakamotoharu fought through Asanoyama’s throw attempt. Yorikiri.

Kore-Yori San Yaku

Hiradoumi (9-6) defeated Daieisho (6-9) and was presented with the arrows. A subtle shift left and Hiradoumi forced Daieisho to tumble out of sanyaku. It was kind of fitting to lose this way as it is really Daieisho’s main weakness. Tsukiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (11-4) defeated Onosato (11-4). Brilliant throw by Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu locked up Onosato with his right hand inside and twisted the young man down at the edge. I am sure Onosato will go cry into his special prizes. Shitatenage.

Kirishima (5-10) defeated Kotonowaka (10-5). This was a great bout, back and forth as Kotonowaka tried to throw Kirishima and strongly resisted Kirishima’s throws. Gunbai Kotonowaka. Mono-ii. Kotonowaka fell first. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Well, the Kyokai sure knows how to put on a show and the applause and cheers from the crowd in Osaka demonstrated how much we fans appreciate it. Is it me or did the narrative shift after Takerufuji’s injury — from the collective under-performance of the sanyaku to the historic charge of Takerufuji and Onosato? It may be minor but it is significant, to me at least. Instead of highlighting the negative it shifts the spotlight to the hopeful rise of this fresh crop of talent.

There will be more talent coming behind them, as well. But we may be in for a long and interesting rivalry between guys like Hoshoryu, Onosato, Takerufuji, Kotonowaka, Atamifuji, and the toddler, Hakuoho. It may even be a broader shift in body shape as these wrestlers bulk up in their arms, shoulders, and legs. This was not a case where a lucky hiramaku wrestler sneaked away with the title as the sanyaku cannibalized itself, like Kyokutenho or Tokushoryu or Abi. This was a case where the hiramaku wrestlers are the top developing talents. They can go toe-to-toe with the upper echelon and they need the time to assert themselves with rank appropriate for their skills and strength. As they grow and rise in rank, they will create the separation we have been looking for between Ozeki, sanyaku, and hiramaku.

Haru 2024: Senshuraku Preview!

Josh K Haru 2024

Konbanwa to our friends and readers! The final day of the basho is upon us. Thanks to those who might have enjoyed, or at least entertained or even tolerated the match previews earlier in the basho. Unfortunately I have been entertaining business associates the last few days in Tokyo, and while some of you might have punished me by handing in my intai papers like a mad oyakata, Andy has been tolerant enough to let me come and go.

It is, however, 2am here in Japan at the time of writing, so let’s just get down to business in a manner that I will try to abbreviate in spite of my long winded nature. Who’s going to win the yusho?! We can’t not preview Senshuraku, surely?!

Day 15 Matches

Kitanowaka (3-11) vs Churanoumi (6-8): Kitanowaka has ended up where I thought Daiamami would. Churanoumi has been…. fine? This match isn’t really all that relevant, as Kitanoumi is going down and Churanoumi will stay up. It’s a battle of pride and positioning for May, although Kitanowaka does at least appear to have started to look like he could eventually belong at this level. I think we’ll see him back here in Nagoya.

Ichiyamamoto (6-8) vs Ryuden (6-8): Another dead rubber. I’m not massively surprised at these results, although Ryuden did start the basho well in terms of his performance. He’s really tailed off. These two have massively opposing styles, with Ryuden wanting the belt and Ichiyamamoto wanting him away from it. Ryuden leads the series 3-2.

Endo (5-9) vs Mitakeumi (8-6): 23rd meeting of the two on the dohyo, with Mitakeumi up 14-8 in the series. Endo is heading to Juryo, whether he will fight there is anyone’s guess. Mitakeumi is probably happy to get kachi-koshi. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Endo take this bout. Three straight double-digit losses to get dumped out of the top division would be some indignity for one of the enduring names of the last decade.

Shodai (7-7) vs Nishikifuji (8-6): Shodai should have his kachi-koshi sewn up long ago, and has no one else to blame for a series of uninspired performances punctuated by one or two displays of authority. Nishikifuji has done well to keep himself up. This might be a match with a few meaty arms swinging around. I can see Nishikifuji wanting to run up the score, so it might not be easy for Shodai, despite the fact he’s the one with anything to fight for. Shodai’s won both prior meetings.

Roga (7-7) vs Kotoshoho (7-7): Hell yeah! It’s a Darwin match, one of only two on the day. It’s also a first time matchup of two guys who can feel fairly happy to have basically held serve going into the next tournament. Kotoshoho has developed himself as a bit of an all-rounder but he’s still more comfortable off the belt whereas Roga will want to land a grip, which should make it somewhat of an intriguing encounter.

Hokutofuji (5-9) vs Shonannoumi (9-5): Another nothing matchup, two guys jostling for banzuke placement. Hokutofuji has been desperately disappointing but he does at least go out every day giving it all he has. With Shonannoumi, that’s somewhat unclear, of course, due to his calm nature. These guys have opposing styles, but also opposing energies. It’s easier to root for the guy who goes buck wild so hopefully Hokutofuji can stem the bleeding a bit and leave himself in a somewhat decent position for Natsu with a win here.

Daiamami (7-7) vs Takayasu (10-4): If you told me after four days that Daiamami would still be in with a shout of a kachi-koshi on senshuraku, I might have asked you where you got whatever you were smoking, and which countries is it legal in. Takayasu has had a very good tournament, honestly I think if he goes to 11 then he deserves to be in the sansho conversation. I don’t think this will be easy for Takayasu because Daiamami is on the bubble and at one of the few positions where 7-8 probably won’t be good enough. Have they met before? No they have not.

Myogiryu (6-8) vs Tamawashi (6-8): This match has far more potential consequences for Myogiryu than Tamawashi. There will be a combined age of 76 on the dohyo here, wowzers. What a weird stat. Anyway, Tamawashi leads the series 12-7, it will be a nothing burger of a match for him, but Myogiryu will need a win to be absolutely sure of not going down to Juryo.

Takerufuji (12-2) vs Gonoyama (10-4): At the time of writing, we haven’t seen any updates on Takerufuji, who exited Saturday’s match in big wheelchair thanks to his defeat to reformed bad boy Asanoyama. Gonoyama doesn’t seem to properly get the love of the local crowd compared to other Kansai dudez™, but I think he’s done very well. You’d think the key here would be all in the tachiai but the foot injury from Takerufuji makes the question of how much power he can exert a very poignant one. On normal form you’d back Takerufuji to turn away Gonoyama’s thrusting advances and claim the yusho, but we may be looking at a playoff if he isn’t fit, and you’d fear for him in that scenario. Tachiai friend Kintamayama questioned whether we may see a kyujo yusho. That would be very sad, and I don’t think it will come to that.

Midorifuji (7-7) vs Sadanoumi (7-7): Our second and final Darwin match sees Midorifuji taking on an opponent he’s beaten 5 times out of 6. That sort of dominance didn’t help him yesterday, and I think these kinds of matches are a one-off. That said, Midorifuji has kept up a strong level of performance, whereas Sadanoumi has faded badly in the second week, so the small man has somehow got to be the favourite here. It would be nice to sign off the basho with yet another signature katasukashi win from him.

Tobizaru (8-6) vs Onosho (8-6): Not a ton to say here, Tobizaru has won 4 out of 6 against Onosho. Both have had good tournaments and have well deserved winning records.

Takanosho (5-9) vs Meisei (5-9): Meisei leads the series 10-4. Both want two arms inside, both had pretty forgettable tournaments (apart from a kinboshi).

Ura (6-8) vs Oho (6-8): I think Oho’s done unbelievably well to get to this record. I wasn’t totally convinced by the call on Ura’s Day 14 loss. I did, however, tip him for a 6-9 and that’s taking into account that Oho is the kind of opponent I thought he would beat. I think he will be trying to put some smiles on the faces of the Osaka fans after yesterday’s disqualification. Ura has so far beaten Oho on all four occasions they’ve lined up.

Kinbozan (6-6-2) vs Nishikigi (2-12): Nishikigi might have been thinking he should have taken three days off in the middle of this basho like Kinbozan, it certainly couldn’t have hurt him! Kinbozan has come back very strongly from that injury layoff: in spite of the fact he’s make-koshi, he would have been heading to Juryo, and a win here could well preserve his same rank. Saying all that, this just feels like the kind of match Nishikigi should win, he’s won 2 out of their 3 meetings to date. Nishikigi will want to fight this match at close range whereas Kinbozan will be more comfortable in oshi-zumo circumstances.

Abi (8-6) vs Atamifuji (8-6): Abi has taken the foot off the gas pedal since falling out of the yusho race, but he will be promoted to Sekiwake so the basho can be counted as a success. Atamifuji, equally, has done well, and will want a 9th win to put himself in the san’yaku frame (however unlikely). Atamifuji has won both prior meetings, and again this will be a case of opposing styles, and whether the oshi guy can keep the yotsu guy away.

Asanoyama (9-5) vs Wakamotoharu (8-6): Asanoyama is coming back to san’yaku and Wakamotoharu is sliding over to the east side Sekiwake slot, and so this should be somewhat of a victory lap for both yotsu-zumo practitioners. Asanoyama has won all 3 meetings to date, but there’s not a ton on the line here.

Daieisho (6-8) vs Hiradoumi (8-6): This should be a spirited encounter. Daieisho has beaten Hiradoumi on both prior matchups, and Daieisho needs a win to limit his demotion to Komusubi. Hiradoumi has done well to get kachi-koshi, and is more or less just fighting for pride. That said, I still expect a fiery tachiai and hopefully the good Daieisho will show up. He has a reason to want it more, and if he can keep Hiradoumi from getting his arms inside or a belt grip, he should win.

Onosato (11-3) vs Hoshoryu (10-4): What a horrible matchup to come at this stage of the day, but this really should be the musubi-no-ichiban. Onosato will know what he needs to do before he emerges down the hanamichi, which could change the circumstances in any number of ways. Hoshoryu seemed gutted to have been bounced from the yusho race on Day 14 by Kotonowaka, he’d have felt like he had a chance to win this yusho especially after Takerufuji’s injury. I do not think he will go easy on Onosato in any case, he will view him as a potential future rival that he will want to put in his place. Onosato will likely try and drive Hoshoryu straight back from the tachiai, but Hoshoryu has been giving opponents that position all basho long in order to get the kind of hand placement that can lead to a twisting throw at the edge. It’s a fascinating encounter, because Onosato could well punch a san’yaku ticket with 12 wins depending on other results. He could also land himself in a winnable yusho playoff against a crocked opponent. Hoshoryu won their only prior meeting. This yusho will be won by a future star, the question is, if it’s in play, can Onosato spring a major upset to make himself that star?

Kirishima (4-10) vs Kotonowaka (10-4): I get that there’s a sequence to uphold, but it’s a bit of a travesty to make this the final match over its predecessor. Kirishima has been a mess, Kotonowaka has done exactly what’s expected. This should be his final bout before taking his grandfather’s Kotozakura shikona, and he’ll probably mark it with a win over an opponent who needs to probably sort out his physicals and mentals before a critical basho in Tokyo.

If there’s a playoff, it will be Takerufuji against Onosato. In the circumstances of Takerufuji’s injury, Onosato would be favourite, but let’s hope great sumo is the winner no matter what!

Haru 2024: Day 14 Highlights

Andy Haru 2024, Haru Basho

Late-breaking news from the infirmary is that Takakeisho is kyujo. Eagle-eyed readers had noticed Takakeisho favored his arm after yesterday’s bout, and winced a bit. Kirishima will thank his lucky stars and savor this fusen victory.

A raft of folks are up for kachi-koshi or make-koshi today. But all eyes are on Takerufuji because he can lock up the yusho today. If Takerufuji beats Asanoyama, he wins the yusho. If he loses but Hoshoryu and Onosato both lose, he wins the yusho.

Makuuchi Action

Myogiryu (6-8) defeated Tokihayate (Juryo 7-7) in what may have been an exchange bout. Myogiryu has likely defended his position in the top division with the victory. Tokihayate fought on the retreat today, skirting the tawara. Myogiryu corralled him and brought him down. Tokihayate will need to win tomorrow to earn promotion.Uwatenage.

Endo (5-9) defeated Sadanoumi (7-7) Endo in reverse here. He jumped back while he slapped Sadanoumi down at the tawara. Both men fell out. Gunbai Endo. No mono-ii. I think Sadanoumi’s own leap did him in here. Sadanoumi was in the “Superman” position while Endo’s foot was still in the ring. If you thought Endo was dead when he pulled Sadanoumi down, I think Sadanoumi was dead when he tried to shove Endo out. Hatakikomi.

Shonannoumi (9-5) defeated Shodai (7-7) It’s a bitter pill to swallow when Shodai is moving forward and loses. Shodai was the aggressor here and charged forward into Shonannoumi. Shonannoumi fought Shodai-zumo better than Shodai as he brought Shodai down while in retreat. Kotenage.

Mitakeumi (8-7) defeated Ryuden (6-8). Mitakeumi executed a hit-and-shift at the tachiai. Ryuden did not adjust well to Mitakeumi’s shift to his right, so Mitakeumi was able to push him down with ease. The Kyokai seem to favor these types of bouts: where kachi-koshi is a factor for both participants. Though it’s not a senshuraku “Darwin bout,” it seems to get the best action and motivation for both men over the course of the tournament. Tsukiotoshi.

Hokutofuji (5-9) defeated Daiamami (7-7). Hokutofuji pressed forward and forced Daiamami down. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoshoho (7-7) defeated Churanoumi (7-8). In a makekoshi “decider” bout, Kotoshoho kept his shot at a winning record alive while Churanoumi earned his makekoshi. Hatakikomi.

Takayasu (10-4) defeated Roga (7-7). Takayasu used his shoulder blast effectively against Roga today and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (6-8) defeated Kitanowaka (3-11). Both men are already make-koshi here. Kitanowaka is likely already going down to Juryo. But they had an intense brawl here with lots of tsuppari. Tamawashi finally got the better of Kitanowaka and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (10-4) defeated Nishikifuji (8-6). Special prizes were probably on the line in this bout. Gonoyama picked up that important 10th win. His slapdown did not force Nishikigi down immediately but it caught him off-balance. As Nishikifuji stumbled forward, Gonoyama came in behind to finish the job. Nishikifuji likely lost any hope of a prize of his own. Okuridashi.

Onosho (8-6) defeated Midorifuji (7-7). Onosho beat Midorifuji to kachi-koshi. Onosho’s tsuppari kept Midorifuji back. As Midorifuji snuck inside, Onosho drove forward and pressed Midorifuji out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Tobizaru (8-6) defeated Kinbozan (6-6-2). Tobizaru earned his kachi koshi with a remarkable escape on the edge. Kinbozan drove forward but Tobizaru slipped out of his grasp and threw him from behind. Okurinage.

Meisei (5-9) defeated Ichiyamamoto (7-7). Ichiyamamoto pressed forward with his tsuppari but Meisei slipped to his right. Meisei got a grip of Ichiyamamoto’s belt and back as Ichi tried to catch himself. So Meisei helped him fall forward. Hatakikomi.

Hiradoumi (8-6) defeated Ura (7-8). During the live action, it looked like Ura clearly threw Hiradoumi. Suddenly, the judges rise. Mono-ii. The call was reversed because Ura had a hair-pull?!?! Oh, that’s gut-wrenching. It was such a beautiful throw but the eagle-eyed judges saw that Ura had a grip of Hiradoumi’s hair. Hansoku. Oof. What a way to go makekoshi. Hiradoumi kachi-koshi.

Asanoyama (9-5) defeated Takerufuji (12-2). Asanoyama met Takerufuji with a solid tachiai. During the charge, Takerufuji may have rolled his ankle. The bout proceeded fine as he pressed forward. But the former Ozeki wrapped him up and forced Takerufuji from the dohyo. Takerufuji was slow to climb back to the dohyo. Worse, Takerufuji limped to the kuruma-isu (wheel chair). Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Onosato (11-3) defeated Abi (8-6). Abi flopped. After initial nodowa, Abi charged forward. Onosato did his homework. He slipped to the side and slapped Abi down. Hatakikomi.

Oho (6-8) defeated the shell of Nishikigi (2-12). Oho pressed forward then shifted left and pulled Nishikigi down. Kotenage.

Daieisho (6-8) defeated Takanosho (5-9) Daieisho-zumo. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (4-10) default win over Takakiesho (8-6).

Wakamotoharu (8-6) defeated Atamifuji (8-6). Solid tachiai from Wakamotoharu, followed by a solid shove and Wakamotoharu plowed through Atamifuji and forced him from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Kotonowaka (10-4) defeated Hoshoryu (10-4). Hoshoryu tried the hit-and-shift tachiai. Kotonowaka knew what was up and recovered well. As Hoshoryu attempted to spin Kotonowaka and throw him down, Kotonowaka churned his legs forward and forced Hoshoryu down. Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-up

What a rollercoaster of emotion. Hashtag blew out his ankle during his big bout with Asanoyama. You can see his ankle pivot and turn awkwardly, then immediately release as he moved backward. This literally happened right after Ura had his beautiful throw overturned because of a hairpull. I swear, this sport kills me.

Either way, we have another hiramaku yusho. If Takerufuji cannot compete, he will win the yusho with a loss from Onosato. Onosato would likely win a playoff between the two, given Takerufuji’s injury. As of this writing, the torikumi-hyo (bout list) has not been published yet. But it would make sense if Hoshoryu is the planned opponent for Onosato. Takerufuji can take the fusen and if Hoshoryu beats Onosato, I really don’t want to think of alternatives at this point, so I’m not going to.

Ankles are funny. Sometimes I’m fine after rest with some ice. Other times, I can’t walk for a week. Either way, throw some salt and do more keiko and it will be fine tomorrow, I swear. Get some Tussin in there, spread it around real good. He’ll be fine. I’m a freaking wreck but he’ll be fine, I hope.

Haru 2024 Day 13 Highlights

Andy Haru 2024, Haru Basho

Earlier in the night the lower division yusho races concluded. We will have at least one playoff for the Jonidan title on senshuraku between Ryuo and Tochimaru. That will take place right before the Makuuchi dohyo-iri on the final day. Kazekeno won in Makushita, Nagamura defeated Aonishiki in Sandanme, and Chiyooga defeated his third Jonidan opponent for the clean sweep of the Jonokuchi yusho. Aonishiki’s defeat was noted, in particular, as he had been on a 20-bout win streak. This was his first loss after claiming both Jonokuchi and Jonidan titles in his debut.

Makuuchi Action

Daiamami (7-6) defeated Shirokuma (6-5-2). Shirokuma was barely dead weight and backed out quickly. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (8-5) defeated Shonannoumi (8-5). Shonannoumi’s sumo was the retreating brand of sumo today. He tried several slapdowns and changes of direction but Nishikifuji pursued well and shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Roga (7-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (6-7). Ichiyamamoto abandoned his regular sumo quickly after some rather ineffective tsuppari, in favor of a yotsu battle. He very nearly forced Roga out but Roga resisted at the bales. Roga then threw Ichiyamamoto. Uwatenage.

Churanoumi (6-7) defeated Mitakeumi (7-6). Mitakeumi charged forward but could not get Churanoumi over the bales. Churanoumi pivoted and Mitakeumi tried to slip to the side but Churanoumi was wise to the shift and pushed Mitakeumi out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (7-6) defeated Sadanoumi (7-6). Both men locked each other up in a yotsu battle. Shodai quickly rolled Sadanoumi to the ground with a quick twist down. Makiotoshi.

Kotoshoho (6-7) defeated Myogiryu (5-8). Another yotsu battle. Myogiryu tried to twist and throw Kotoshoho down but Kotoshoho had excellent footwork and maneuvered Myogiryu over the bales. Myogiryu make-koshi. Yorikiri.

Ryuden (6-7) defeated Onosho (7-6). Ryuden with a couple of false starts. I don’t think he appreciated Onosho’s slow-roll tachiai, so Onosho started from a four-point stance. Ryuden pulled Onosho down from the shoulder. Katasukashi.

Endo (4-9) defeated Tamawashi (5-8). Endo henka! Tamawashi fell forward to his eighth loss, joining Endo among the makekoshi. Meanwhile, Endo picked up his fourth victory. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu (9-4) defeated Midorifuji (7-6). Takayasu’s tsuppari was very effective keeping Midorifuji just outside arms length, away from his regular shoulder pull-down range. Takayasu struck quickly and slapped Midorifuji down. Hatakikomi.

Takanosho (5-8) defeated Hokutofuji (4-9). Hokutofuji flopped onto his belly. Hatakikomi.

Halftime (Shimpan change, dohyo maintenance, coffee break)

Oho (5-8) defeated Kitanowaka (3-10). Oho drove Kitanowaka straight back and out. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (8-5) defeated Hiradoumi (7-6). Both men fought hard for their kachi-koshi today. Excellent belt battle here. Atamifuji outlasted Hiradoumi and drove him over the bales. Really the first match of the day which was worth a watch. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (7-6) defeated Ura (6-7). Both men, heads together, felt out each other for weaknesses. Tobizaru struck first and slapped Ura down. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Nishikigi (2-11) defeated Meisei (4-9). Meisei tried to drive forward but Nishikigi would not budge. Instead, he reached in for a firm belt grip. Meisei continued to try to push forward but Nishikigi pulled up with his left hand and threw Meisei to the ground. Shitatenage.

Asanoyama (8-5) defeated Abi (8-5). The battle of Pandemic Bad Boy Yusho Winners — to distinguish them from Ryuden, who is merely a Pandemic Bad Boy. Abi blasted Asanoyama hard and kept up the pressure but Asanoyama took advantage of Abi’s weight imbalance – always pitched forward – and thrust him forward to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Takerufuji (12-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (7-6). Takerufuji controlled the pace of this bout. Takerufuji’s tachiai forced Wakamotoharu back. As Wakamotoharu reached for a belt grip with his left hand, Takerufuji whipped him around and plowed through the dohyo. Wakamotoharu tried to resist at the bales but Takerufuji can taste yusho. Yorikiri.

Onosato (10-3) defeated Daieisho (5-8). Onosato used his left hand at the tachiai to brace Daieisho, blocking some of the fierce tsuppari and also baiting Daieisho into pressing forward harder. Onosato then released and slipped right, propelling Daieisho into the crowd. Hatakikomi.

Takakeisho (8-6) defeated Kotonowaka (9-5). I’m speechless. Just watch. Okuridashi.

Kotonowaka quickly seized Takakeisho’s belt and pulled forward. I thought Takakeisho was done here. Instead, he resisted Kotonowaka’s throw, turned into him, and squared up! Takakeisho! It’s still kinda funny to see them tied up there in the middle of the ring because T-Rex can’t reach Kotonowaka’s mawashi, so he wrapped up on Kotonowaka’s left flank. Then, Takakeisho initiates the action, likely knowing that if this drags on he will tire quickly. He had to act now. So he pulled hard with the right arm and twisted, first for a kotenage. But as Kotonowaka resisted, Takakeisho turned into him and pushed Kotonowaka from the side, and then from behind.

Hoshoryu (10-3) defeated Gonoyama (9-4). Solid tachiai and a quick throw to eliminate Goeido’s protégé from the yusho race. What a thrilling bout to end the day. Sukuinage.

Wrap-up.

Well, we had some great action today.

It may be too early to hype Takerufuji and Daieisho as the next Ozeki or Yokozuna but they made quick, effective, and convincing work of both sekiwake. Takerufuji has at least claimed a spot in a yusho playoff but he can win the yusho outright tomorrow. Once again, as of this writing the match-makers have not published the list of bouts (torikumi-hyo) for tomorrow.

These two guys are displaying sanyaku quality, early in their professional careers. We have seen this before, though, so it is important to temper expectations. On occasion, a hotshot rises very quickly and they have a great tournament, and then either get figured out, dings quickly mount into nagging injuries, or both.

Today’s action has concrete impact already. Daieisho will lose the sekiwake rank that he has occupied for exactly one year. He earned the rank after winning a jun-yusho in Osaka last year at Komusubi. Last year’s Ozeki run is but a fading memory. And Takakeisho clears his kadoban in a thrilling and unexpected way. He will not be taking a Sekiwake slot and complicating the promotion picture.

Kotonowaka, soon to be Kotozakura, should have been more of a factor in this title race. Instead, he faded in a yotsu battle with Takakeisho?!?!?!?!?! I can’t overuse the interrobang. For many tournaments I have been eager to see Takakeisho fail because the situation became clearer and clearer. However, I’m happy that he cleared his kadoban with a bout like this. No henka, no tricks, just 110% effort. Way to go.

Oh, right…there’s another bout…stop yelling at me. Musubi-no-ichiban. You actually care what happens here? Yes? As if we don’t already know… But okay, okay. Stop twisting my arm.

Kinbozan (3-10) defeated Kirishima (6-5-2). At least Kinbozan didn’t henka Kirishima. I presume that could have been worse than completely dominating him. He had the better tachiai and drove the Ozeki to the edge. Kirishima put in a valiant effort at the edge to try to resist and spin Kinbozan down. But Kinbozan’s sumo was solid and he eventually forced Kirishima over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up (cont.)

Kirishima resisted a lot with his left foot on the bales and his right foot in the air. It could have just been hanging up there, seeking contact with Kinbozan for a trip. He was trying to twist and turn Kinbozan down but I wonder if his right foot/ankle is the source of his issue this tournament. He never put the right foot on the bales to try to twist to his right. If he competes in this final weekend, I will watch for it. (I’m not going to pour over video from his recent bouts. That’s too much work to figure out what I already know. He’s underperforming and may be hiding an injury. Too many other bouts I’d rewatch before depressing myself with Kirishima’s poor outing. He’ll be back in May, with Kakuryu as master!)

In sum, let’s not anoint Takerufuji yet. He’s got a two match lead for the yusho in his top-division debut. He and Onosato are clearly fighting well, and deserving of sanyaku rank. Terunofuji jumped to M1 with his 13-2 yusho at M17. Ichinojo had the advantage of starting at M10, so he leapt all the way to Sekiwake after his stellar debut jun-yusho. Nishikigi will fall out of Sanyaku and Wakamotoharu still needs a win to keep his spot. Onosato will likely claim whatever position is available with Takerufuji rocketing up into the joi-jin.