Haru 2024, Day 12 Highlights

Andy Haru 2024, Haru Basho , , ,

No new kyujo announcements have come in to the infirmary. This means Kirishima will try to tough it out for at least today. We shall see whether that was a wise decision. If he is injured as many people speculate, he should be able to get a doctors’ certificate to go kyujo. Regardless, he has not been fighting well and will not be much competition for the two high-flying hiramaku contenders. Both of them will fight other Ozeki today but whom will they face tomorrow?

To take them out of yusho contention, Onosato needs to lose twice and Takerufuji will need to lose three times in these closing days so they need healthy, strong sanyaku fighters, capable of getting dirt on these kids. Abi didn’t. Nishikigi won’t. Kirishima and Takakeisho are doubtful.

Makuuchi Action

Bushozan (6-6) defeated Churanoumi (5-7). Bushozan hit Churanoumi hard enough at the tachiai to keep Churanoumi from grabbing his belt. Then, he drove forward and shoved Churanoumi out. Oshidashi.

Kitanowaka (3-9) defeated Ichiyamamoto (6-6). Kitanowaka moved well enough to avoid being caught by Ichiyamamoto’s pulls. Kitanowaka just kept chasing along the tawara until Ichiyamamoto tripped and fell. Tsukiotoshi.

Sadanoumi (7-5) defeated Daiamami (6-6). Daiamami pressed forward and both men fell from the ring. Gunbai Sadanoumi. The naked eye could not tell who fell first so the shimpan called a mono-ii, judges’ conference. They determined both men fell at the same time and a rematch, torinaoshi, was necessary. In the rematch, Sadanoumi took the initiative. Daiamami seemed a bit gassed but used his girth well to avoid being thrown by Sadanoumi. However, Sadanoumi pressed forward a second time and forced Daiamami over the bales. Yoritaoshi.

Shodai (6-6) defeated Ryuden (5-7). Shodai was motivated today. He wrapped up Ryuden and pressed forward, forcing Ryuden over the bales. Yorikiri.

Hokutofuji (4-8) defeated Roga (6-6). Hokutofuji squared up to Roga and slapped him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Endo (3-9) defeated Kotoshoho (5-7). Kotoshoho did well to keep Endo off of his belt but Endo slipped to the right and slapped Kotoshoho down for his third win. Hatakikomi.

Onosho (7-5) defeated Mitakeumi (7-5). Onosho controlled the action once Mitakeumi gave up a morozashi, double-inside grip. He pulled up and drove forward. Mitakeumi was able to force one hand back inside but Onosho had the momentum. He kept up the pressure as Mitakeumi was forced into retreat. Eventually he was able to force Mitakeumi out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (5-5-2) defeated Myogiryu (5-7). Kinbozan was too strong and dominant. He forced himself inside and pressed forward until Myogiryu stepped out. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (7-5) defeated Tamawashi (5-7). Tamawashi charged forward but after the tachiai, Nishikifuji slipped left and tried a slapdown. The slapdown failed but he kept up the attack and drove forward into Tamawashi and shoved Tamawashi out. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (8-4) defeated Tobizaru (6-6). Shonannoumi kept Tobizaru in front of him and wanted to avoid any tricks. Tobizaru didn’t really attack with any, though. Shonannoumi kept trying to slap him down. Shonannoumi eventually forced Tobizaru forward and down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime.

Hiradoumi (7-5) defeated Oho (4-8). Oho did not seem prepared for Hiradoumi to hit him that hard at the tachiai. Hiradoumi kept up the pressure and shoved Oho out. Oshidashi.

Ura (6-6) defeated Meisei (4-8). Ura used the tawara to brace himself and resist Meisei’s forward motion. As Meisei pressed forward, Ura slipped to the right. Meisei’s momentum brought him to the edge of the dohyo but not out. However, Ura was in position to get behind and shove Meisei out. The crowd erupted in cheers. Okuritaoshi.

Asanoyama (7-5) defeated Takanosho (4-8). Takanosho fought well and had a few opportunities but Asanoyama was too strong. After fighting to a stalemate, Asanoyama dug deep and drove Takanosho to the bales and hoisted him over. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Abi (8-4) defeated Takayasu (8-4). Takayasu had the early advantage and should have driven Abi out but he did not pursue quick enough. Abi resisted at the bales and went back in for the attack. He pressed Takayasu across the ring and over the bales. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (7-5) defeated Nishikigi (1-11). Atamifuji waited for Nishikigi to press forward. When he did, Atamifuji pulled left and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Gonoyama (9-3) defeated Daieisho (5-7). Daieisho used his tsuppari to press forward but Gonoyama slipped to the right and shoved him down. Daieisho is on the ropes and must win out to preserve his Sekiwake rank. Hatakikomi.

Wakamotoharu (7-5) defeated Takakeisho (7-5). Wakamotoharu hit Takakeisho and pressed forward. Takakeisho had nothing. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (9-3) defeated Takerufuji (11-1)! Takerufuji pressed forward and Hoshoryu tried to reach around and grab his belt but couldn’t. Instead, he wrapped up Takerufuji’s left shoulder. As Takerufuji continued to charge forward, Hoshoryu spun around at the bales and used his arm bar to throw Takerufuji to his first loss. Kotenage.

Midorifuji (7-5) defeated Kirishima (3-9). This seemed like a great opportunity for Kirishima to turn things around. He controlled the pace for much of the bout and avoided Midorifuji’s usual katasukashi, shoulder pull. Instead, it looked like Kirishima was trying to set up one of his own. After a long lean, where the two jostled for position, Kirishima adjusted his grip but this left him standing a bit too high. Midorifuji seized the opportunity and drove forward, forcing the Ozeki from the dohyo. At least he didn’t get pushed out as quickly as Takakeisho (who’s still kadoban) but Midorifuji should be a piece of cake for an Ozeki. Yorikiri.

Kotonowaka (9-3) defeated Onosato (9-3). Kotonowaka reached around for Onosato’s belt. Onosato did not want to give that up so he pivoted and drove forward. Kotonowaka used that left arm to wrap up Onosato’s right arm while simultaneously slipping to the left again. Kotenage.

Wrap-up

Both youngsters fell to kotenage today. The Day 13 torikumi is not available as of this writing but both men are still clearly in the yusho race and need to continue to fight sanyaku opponents. Takerufuji’s lead is still two wins. Onosato has fallen back into a group of four guys who still have a hope here: Hoshoryu, Kotonowaka, Onosato, and Gonoyama.

I would not be surprised if Onosato and Gonoyama square off tomorrow to at least eliminate one from the race. The biggest question, however, is who should face Takerufuji. If they pit him against Takakeisho or Kirishima, they’re handing him the yusho. Maybe Wakamotoharu? Takakeisho has his kachi-koshi still on the line here, so they might set him up against Takerufuji and see how Takerufuji can handle the henka? The schedulers have their task. I’m eager to see how they set this up. Maybe Gonoyama vs Takerufuji? This is a tough decision.

Haru 2024: Day 11 Makushita Update

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

The Makushita yusho and promotion races are coming down to the wire, with 6 of 7 bouts completed. Let’s check in on what’s at stake in the final round of bouts.

There are at least three open slots in Juryo. There’s Hokuseiho’s spot, of course. J12e Kotoeko (1-10) is all but certain to go down, and J14e Kitaharima (3-8) would not be safe even with 4 more wins and looks headed for a record-tying 9th demotion to Makushita, from where he can try for a record-setting 10th sekitori promotion. Several other incumbents still need one or two wins for safety.

The Makushita yusho race, unusually for this stage, has only one undefeated rikishi. Ms13w Kazekeno bested Ms27e Asahakuryu to advance to 6-0, but Ms43e Wakatakamoto lost to Sd3w Nagamura, who has now knocked three straight Makushita opponents out of the race. Nagamura should return to Sandanme for a likely title decider against Ukrainian sensation Aonishiki (20-0 so far in his career), while Kazekeno will likely face the best-available 5-1 opponent (Onokatsu?), although a creative alternative would be to pit him against Chiyomaru (see below). A win by Kazekeno would give him the title; a loss would throw open the door to a big playoff among 6-1 rikishi on senshuraku!

In the race for sekitori promotion, Kazekeno is still in the running, but he must win his final bout to claim the spot that goes to an undefeated wrestler from the Ms1-Ms15 extended promotion zone. Top-ranked Ms1e Chiyomaru (3-3) likewise must win to go up, which would make a bout between the two a suitably high-stakes affair. As for the rest of the regular Ms1-Ms5 promotion zone, only Ms2w Onokatsu (5-1) already has a clear case for a Juryo debut. Ms3w Kayo (3-3), Ms4w Tsukahara (4-2) and Ms5w Nabatame (4-2) have to try to win their final bouts and hope for losses by Kazekeno, Chiyomaru, and endangered Juryo incumbents. Expect to see a series of cross-division exchange bouts in the closing days.

Haru 2024: Day 11 Highlights

Andy Haru 2024, Haru Basho ,

News from the infirmary is that Tobizaru is back after his one day stomach bug. His brother had the same issue earlier this week. I would not go near their Nana’s pudding. Down in Juryo, Shirokuma is back, as well.

Takerufuji leads, undefeated. Onosato is two losses back, tied with Kotonowaka. This is such a surreal time. I can’t tell if I want the Yokozuna here, or if it is more fitting that he is absent. But if anyone is going to stop the freight train that is Takerufuji as he rolls toward Yusho station, the will need to do it quick. He has a two-win cushion against Onosato and KNW with a three-win cushion on the rest of the field and only five bouts remain.

Makuuchi Action

Roga (6-5) defeated Myogiryu (5-6). The two men locked in on a right-hand inside grip. Once Roga got this grip and was comfortable, he pulled up and walked Myogiryu out. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (6-5) defeated Oshoma (7-4). Oshoma visited from Juryo and hoped to pick up his kachi-koshi. Thankfully, this retreating style of sumo that he presented today was soundly defeated by Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji pressed forward and shoved Oshoma out. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (6-5) defeated Churanoumi (5-6). Ichiyamamoto jumped too soon, matta. Reset. When they got a solid tachiai, Churanoumi pressed Ichiyamamoto deep to the edge of the dohyo. However, Ichiyamamoto kept up his tsuppari and executed his pulldown with his back on the tawara. Hatakikomi.

Kotoshoho (5-6) defeated Daiamami (6-5). Kotoshoho quickly pivoted and twisted Daiamami down. Sukuinage.

Hokutofuji (3-8) defeated Endo (2-9) with a rapid slapdown. Despite the kiddies calling out their support for Endo, he’s already packing his akeni to be loaded on the barge to Juryo. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu (8-3) defeated Sadanoumi (6-5). Sadanoumi tried to switch his grip for a right-hand inside grip. As he slid in, Takayasu struck and threw Sadanoumi down. Takayasu picked up his kachi-koshi. Uwatenage.

Tamawashi (5-6) defeated Ryuden (5-6). Tamawashi plowed forward and drove Ryuden to the edge. Ryuden resisted on the tawara but Tamawashi was having none of it and hefted Ryuden up and over the bales. Both men tumbled into the crowd. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (4-5-2) defeated Kitanowaka (2-9). Kinbozan shoved Kitanowaka to the edge. Kitanowaka used the resistance offered by the bales to wrap up Kinbozan. Paying Kitanowaka no mind, Kinbozan pivoted with Kitanowaka and bulldozed him across the ring and out quickly. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (8-3) defeated a blocking sled with a cardboard cutout of Mitakeumi (7-4) pasted to the front. Thrilling sumo this. Thank you for blessing us with your time, cardboard cutout of Mitakeumi. Tsukidashi.

Midorifuji (6-5) defeated Shodai (5-6) by katasukashi. Because, of course. It’s his thing and who is Shodai to keep a man from doing his thing?

Halftime

Hiradoumi (6-5) defeated Onosho (6-5). Hiradoumi baited Onosho into pressing forward while he reached inside with his right hand. At the edge, Hiradoumi struck. With the support of the straw bales at his feet, Hiradoumi twisted to pull Onosho down. Tsukiotoshi.

Tobizaru (6-5) defeated Meisei (4-7). Meisei attempted an uwatenage and threw Tobizaru with his left-hand overarm grip. Both men tumbled, Meisei landing beneath the dohyo and shocked to see Hisanosuke’s gunbai pointed toward Tobizaru. Yes, Tobizaru used his right-hand inside to pull Meisei and remain in the air a few beats longer. No mono-ii. Meisei, everyone in the stadium could see that you landed first, no need to slow roll your exit. Get moving. Yoritaoshi.

Asanoyama (6-5) defeated Oho (4-7). In the boring, sumo-themed variant of “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” there are only two options: forward and backward. Forward sumo always beats Backward sumo. Asanoyama and his forward sumo defeated Oho and his backward sumo. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (6-5) defeated Ura (5-6). Atamifuji wrapped up Ura immediately. Ura accepted it and pulled back, seeking the support of the tawara so he could try a throw. Annoyed by Ura’s refusal to go out and his impertinence to attempt a throw, Atamifuji settled back to the center and used gabburi-yotsu to back Ura to the bales, again. This time, Atamifuji left no doubt. He hefted Ura clear from the dohyo and plopped him down on the other side of the bales. Tsuridashi…aka, the “pick him up like a baby” kimarite.

Sanyaku

Takanosho (4-7) defeated Nishikigi (1-10). Takanosho slipped his right hand inside and ushered a lost and confused Nishikigi toward the exit. Yorikiri.

Abi (7-4) defeated Shonannoumi (7-4). Abi’s tsuppari pressed Shonannoumi out. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-4) defeated Daieisho (5-6), eventually. As the length of the bout increases, the probability of Daieisho flopping onto his belly approaches 1. It’s simple math. Hoshoryu ran around for a good long while and Daieisho flopped into the center. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (6-5) defeated Kirishima (3-8). I forgot which one was Ozeki. The one on the left of the screen gave a half-assed throw attempt on his way back and then let himself get perp-walked out after it failed. The Ozeki is officially kadoban. He could have done that from his couch. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (11-0) defeated Kotonowaka (8-3)! Takerufuji pulled back and to his right, trying to swipe for Kotonowaka’s belt. Kotonowaka was not going to fall for the quick throw down. So Takerufuji squared up to Kotonowaka and drove him through the ring like a raging bull. Kotonowaka pitched to the side to try a last-ditch throw but Takerufuji just kept his legs churning forward. Yorikiri.

Onosato (9-2) defeated Takakeisho (7-4). Takakeisho’s tsuppari made no impact as Onosato drove him backwards. Takakeisho tried a pull and Onosato just blasted him into the third row. Onosato quickly got in place to accept his win…and stood there for a few seconds before looking back, “We’re waiting on you, ‘Ozeki.’ You’re still kadoban.”

Wrap-up

The young-guns have arrived. Takerufuji has tied the great Taiho with 11 wins in his makuuchi debut. He will go for the record tomorrow against Hoshoryu. I am sure Hoshoryu will get some counsel from his Uncle before tomorrow’s bout. It would be something if Asashoryu flies in to Osaka tomorrow to watch. Meanwhile, Onosato barely broke a sweat against Takakeisho.

These hiramaku wrestlers completely dominated two Ozeki today. Let me be clear. They didn’t beat them, they dominated them. To make it even worse, it was two Ozeki not named, “Kirishima.” As for Kirishima, he just seemed resigned to his eighth loss today. He will need to come back strong in May. He will have the support of Otowayama-beya.

Haru 2024 Day 10 Highlights

Andy Haru 2024, Haru Basho , , ,

News from the infirmary, Tobizaru is kyujo. Gonoyama will pick up the walk-over win.

Also at the start of lower-division action, we received some late-breaking “off-field” news regarding Tamawashi. He has secured Japanese nationality. As a Japanese citizen, he is now eligible for a kabu. As he is still quite successful in the top division, he is clearly not ready for retirement now. But he is making arrangements for his career after being an active sumo wrestler. Kataonami-beya is a bit of a puzzle to me, so I am not sure if ex-Tamaasuka hopes to hand things off early or not.

On the dohyo, tonight is the night that Onosato fights Takerufuji. I have not anticipated a match since Hakuho’s final zensho run when he faced Terunofuji on senshuraku, both 14-0. Both men are kachi-koshi, the only men to earn their winning records by this point in the tournament.

If Takerufuji stops Onosato, he earns a 2-win lead over the field and breathing room in the yusho race during a critical final period where he will surely be fighting “Top Guys.” If Onosato wins, he will make this yusho race a much wider contest with a bigger field. I have a feeling we will be watching this rivalry develop over the next few years into one of the greats.

Makuuchi Action

Kitanowaka (2-8) defeated Kagayaki (Juryo 3-7). Kitanowaka tried to press forward into Kagayaki but made no progress. As Kagayaki charged, he reached around for a tug at Kagayaki’s belt. This nearly brought Kagayaki out but Kagayaki stopped, recovered, and reengaged. Kitanowaka retreated again and slapped Kagayaki down. Hatakikomi.

Daiamami (6-4) defeated Ryuden (5-5). Ryuden gripped Daiamami’s belt, right hand inside. Daiamami locked in with the same grip. Why is Ryuden fighting Daiamami at his game? Daiamami backed Ryuden to the edge. Rather than step out, Ryuden forced Daiamami to smash him. Yoritaoshi.

Ichiyamamoto (5-5) defeated Nishikifuji (5-5). Ichiyamamoto chased Nishikifuji, hitting him with tsuppari until Nishikifuji fell out. Standard Ichi-zumo. Tsukidashi.

Shodai (5-5) defeated Roga (5-5). Roga grabbed Shodai’s mawashi at the front, maemitsu. Shodai stepped back to pull Roga off, then pressed forward. Roga pivoted but Shodai followed and shoved the retreating Roga from the ring. Oshidashi.

Myogiryu (5-5) defeated Hokutofuji (2-8). Hokutofuji could not generate forward movement against Myogiryu. Myogiryu secured a morozashi, double-inside grip on Hokutofuji’s trunk and pressed forward. Yorikiri.

Onosho (6-4) defeated Sadanoumi (6-4). Onosho was too powerful for Sadanoumi. Onosho blasted Sadanoumi and immediately tried a pulldown. That failed so the two men engaged in a bit of a brawl for position. Sadanoumi tried to grab Onosho’s belt but Onosho drove forward and wrapped up Sadanoumi, forcing him out. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (7-3) defeated Shonannoumi (7-3). Takayasu gave Shonannoumi that famous shoulder blast tachiai. I think Shonannoumi was temporarily stunned and that’s why he slipped. He may have just slipped there, with that right foot. Either way, Takayasu pressed him down to the ground for the win. Tsukiotoshi.

Kinbozan (3-5-2) defeated Endo (2-8). Endo put in his best effort but Kinbozan was too strong and forced Endo out of the ring. Kinbozan is usually an oshi-/tsuki- guy but Endo successfully forced Kinbozan into a yotsu battle. Endo was able to force Kinbozan to the edge but Kinbozan resisted, locked up Endo, and beat him at his game. Yorikiri. Impressive.

Tamawashi (4-6) defeated Churanoumi (5-5). Tamawashi attacked Churanoumi a bit different than usual. Rather than tsuppari and nodowa, Tamawashi locked up Churanoumi’s left arm and drove him backwards and out. Kimetaoshi.

Midorifuji (5-5) defeated Kotoshoho (4-6). After the tachiai, Midorifuji circled right and pulled Kotoshoho down. Katasukashi.

Halftime.

Takerufuji (10-0) defeated Onosato (8-2). Wow. In a display of strength and skill, Takerufuji forced Onosato into reverse. I think this is significant because Onosato has been able to charge forward into makuuchi wrestlers but he may have realized he would not be able to drive through Takerufuji. Onosato pulled and tried a slapdown but Takerufuji charged forward. Onosato then reached around for a belt grip to try to pull Takerufuji forward. But Takerufuji kept Onosato in front of him and shove him out first. Oshidashi.

Takerufuji will fight Shin-Ozeki Kotonowaka tomorrow. Onosato will get Takakeisho in the musubi-no-ichiban. If one of these two wins this title, the Kyokai are going to make them earn it.

Gonoyama (7-3) default win over Tobizaru (5-5).

Atamifuji (5-5) defeated Takanosho (3-7). Atamifuji has been moving backward a lot lately. Takanosho drove forward and Atamifuji slapped him down at the bales. Gunbai Atamifuji, mono-ii. Decision upheld as the video replay showed Atamifuji did not step out until Takanosho was on the ground. Hatakikomi.

Asanoyama (5-5) defeated Meisei (4-6). This was a great, dynamic yotsu battle as both men locked in on the belt and charged across the dohyo from side to side. In the end, Asanoayama was finally able to throw an exhausted Meisei. There was no lean-fest here. Uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Mitakeumi (7-3) defeated Abi (6-4) What’s Mitakeumi doing on Abi’s fight card? Abi’s henka attempt was read well by Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi chased well and yanked Abi down. Sukuinage.

Ura (5-5) defeated Nishikigi (1-9). The kimarite says oshidashi but this bout was about the ashitori. Ura reached in, immediately, at Nishikigi’s leg. As he locked in on the knee, his opponent freaked out and retreated. Ura pursued and pushed him out easily.

Hiradoumi (5-5) defeated Kirishima (3-7). Hiradoumi secured a double-inside grip and took this bout to the Ozeki. Kirishima hung on with a right-hand over arm grip, praying for an uwatenage that never came. The two finally toppled over with Kirishima landing first. Shitatenage.

Kotonowaka (8-2) defeated Oho (4-6). Oho shoved Kotonowaka at the initial charge but Kotonowaka immediately drove Oho to the edge. When Oho resisted, Kotonowaka tried a slapdown. Oho kept his balance and retreated but Kotonowaka pursued well and drove him from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (5-5) defeated Takakeisho (7-3). These two oshi-tsuki brawlers went at it. I liked seeing that Takakeisho was getting the advantage here, forcing Daieisho to the edge. As Takakeisho launched forward for the kill, Daieisho slipped to the side and shoved Takakeisho down. Tsukiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (7-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-5). Hoshoryu launched to the side while hitting Wakamotoharu with the left hand at the tachiai. Henka-non-henka flavor here. He got behind the Sekiwake in a flash, grabbed his belt, and threw him down. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Well, I think I want Takerufuji to win this because so many of the top wrestlers are fighting like crap. Kirishima! What are you doing handing a morozashi to Hiradoumi and letting him control the pace of the fight? Takakeisho! Stay on your feet, man! Kotonowaka! Keep doing what you’re doing, man. You’re the sanyaku’s only hope at maintaining some level of respect this tournament. You will need your best form tomorrow. Yeesh!