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!

Haru 2024: Day 9 Juryo and Makushita Updates

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

In Juryo, after J10w Wakatakakage won and J8e Asakoryu lost today, the yusho race is right back where it was when we last checked in on Day 6, with the duo tied at 8 wins apiece. Trailing them is J7w Daishoho (7-2) and 3 rikishi with 6 wins, among them leading promotion contender J2w Mitoryu. Tomorrow’s bouts could shake up the race, as Wakatakakage is matched with Daishoho and Asakoryu fights Mitoryu. Checking in on a few other notable names, J1e Tokihayate (5-4) is 3 wins away from a Makuuchi debut, J1w Takarafuji is further back at 4-5, and J13w Hakuoho (5-4) has continued to struggle, losing to J11w Aoiyama (3-6) today.

There likely will be at least three open slots in Juryo. There’s Hokuseiho’s spot, of course. J12e Kotoeko (1-8) would probably need to win out from here to save himself, and if he had that in him, he wouldn’t be 1-8; similarly, J14e Kitaharima (3-6) seems unlikely to pick up the 5 wins he needs from safety and looks headed for a record-tying 9th demotion to Makushita, from where he can try for a record-setting 10th sekitori promotion.

The Makushita yusho race is down to 3 undefeated rikishi: Ms13w Kazekeno, Ms27e Asahakuryu, and Ms43e Wakatakamoto. It’s 3 and not 4 because Sd3w Nagamura (5-0) has now knocked two Makushita opponents out of the race. It should be Kazekeno vs. Asahakuryu and Wakatakamoto vs. Nagamura on Day 11. If Wakatakamoto wins, we’ll have a straightforward title decider on Day 13 between him and the winner of the other semifinal. If Nagamura can make it 3-0 against Ms opposition, I would expect the winner of the other semifinal to face the best-available 5-1 opponent instead, either taking the title or throwing open the door to a big playoff among 6-1 rikishi on senshuraku. I know which outcome I’m rooting for!

The race for sekitori promotion is also getting clearer. Kazekeno is still in the running, but he must win out to claim the spot that goes to an undefeated wrestler from the Ms1-Ms15 extended promotion zone. In the regular Ms1-Ms5 promotion zone, only Ms2w Onokatsu already has a promotion claim at 4-1, though he could use another win to ensure a Juryo debut. Ms1e Chiyomaru (3-2) can ensure an immediate sekitori return with one more win. Ms1w Tenshoho (2-3) and Ms2e Yuma (2-3) would have a good chance of going up by winning out, but each would be eliminated with a single loss. Finally, we have three rikishi at 3-2: Ms3w Kayo, Ms4w Tsukahara and Ms5w Nabatame. Each needs to record at least one more win, ideally two, and hope for favorable results elsewhere. The only relevant action on Day 10 is Tsukahara visiting Juryo to try to ensure Kotoeko’s demotion; expect a series of similar cross-division potential exchange bouts down the stretch.

Haru 2024 Day 9 Highlights

Andy Haru 2024, Haru Basho , , ,

Late-breaking news today from Isegahama-beya, Terutsuyoshi has retired. The announcement did not state that Terutsuyoshi had acquired a kabu, so I presume he is leaving the Kyokai. By my calculations he had been sekitori for 35 basho and a top-division wrestler for 22, so he would be eligible. He had been kyujo this tournament at Makushita 36 West and his recent performances had seen him slip lower in the division.

Terutsuyoshi’s career path. He’d had a good run of it.

Makuuchi action

Myogiryu (4-5) defeated Tomokaze (Juryo 4-5). Tomokaze tried to execute a pull but Myogiryu was all over him and easily pushed him out of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Ryuden (5-4) defeated Endo (2-7). This was the most life we’ve seen from Endo this tournament as he strenuously grappled with Ryuden, first in an oshi-style brawl but then on the belt. Endo locked in on Ryuden’s maemitsu but Ryuden controlled the fight. Ryuden pressed forward and forced Endo out. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (5-4) defeated Sadanoumi (6-3). Churanoumi grabbed the front of Sadanoumi’s mawashi and started pressing forward. Sadanoumi locked in with an over arm grip and shoved Churanoumi to the edge of the ring. He twisted right and left, controlling the action and tried an uwatenage but Churanoumi resisted. Suddenly, Churanoumi turned the tables and flipped Sadanoumi. Tsukiotoshi.

Daiamami (5-4) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-5). Daiamami resisted Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari and pressed forward, securing a hold of Ichiyamamoto’s belt. As Ichiyamamoto attempted to retreat, Daiamami moved well and stuck with him, driving him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Roga (5-4) defeated Mitakeumi (6-3). Roga quickly grabbed Mitakeumi’s belt and bulldozed the former Ozeki. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (4-5) defeated Kitanowaka (1-8). This was a wild brawl. Kitanowaka controlled the pace and advanced well. Kotoshoho retreated for much of the bout, twisting at the edge, trying to force Kitanowaka to lose his balance. Kotonowaka slapped the crap out of Kitanowaka who responded with a fierce nodowa. Kotonowaka was finally able to twist out of the way and shove Kitanowaka down. He did not seem pleased with his kohai. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu (6-3) defeated Nishikifuji (5-4). Takayasu hit Nishikifuji hard. As Takayasu shoved him toward the edge, Nishikifuji went into escape mode. Backing away and circling along the tawara. Takayasu pursued effectively and easily shoved Nishikifuji out when he caught up. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (7-2) defeated Onosho (5-4). Shonannoumi dominated Onosho and drove him backwards, quickly. Onosho may have had a hot dinner date or something. Oshidashi.

Hokutofuji (2-7) defeated Kinbozan (2-2-5). After an intense oshi-style brawl, Hokutofuji may have realized that he’d lost the edge and achieved a stalemate at best. Seeking a change, Hokutofuji pulled hard on Kinbozan’s belt and then drove forward. Hokutofuji moved effectively and forced Kinbozan out. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (6-3) defeated Shodai (4-5). Shodai refused to bend his knees and get low, so Gonoyama was able to easily press forward. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Tamawashi (3-6) defeated Hiradoumi (4-5). Rather than shove Hiradoumi all the way across the ring, Tamawashi took advantage of Hiradoumi’s solid tachiai by pivoting. This meant Tamawashi had much less distance to cover. He slammed his arm into Hiradoumi’s right armpit, preventing Hiradoumi from getting any kind of grip on his belt. He chugged forward and forced Hiradoumi into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Oho (4-5) defeated Takanosho (3-6). Oho blasted Takanosho with powerful thrusts. Each time he did so, it backed Takanosho up a few steps. Four or five such blasts and Takanosho was out. Oshidashi.

Meisei (4-5) defeated Atamifuji (4-5). Meisei hit Atamifuji hard at the tachiai. Atamifuji tried to wrap up Meisei’s shoulder for a kotenage but Meisei pressed forward and attempted a slapdown. Atamifuji kept his balance but lost his attack. Meisei followed up well, wrapped up Atamifuji and drove him backwards and out. Yorikiri.

It’s kind of wild to see Onosato seated next to Abi and Takerufuji seated next to Wakamotoharu as they wait, ringside.

Ura (4-5) defeated Asanoyama (4-5). Ura tried to lift Asanoyama but didn’t get far. Asanoyama crouched down and drove forward. Ura slipped left and tried a pulldown but Asanoyama pivoted. Ura tried once more and this time was able to twist to the side and pull Asanoyama down, landing on Asanoyama before they both bounced into the crowd. Gunbai Ura! Sukuinage.

Sanyaku

Takerufuji (9-0) defeated Abi (6-3). Abi’s initial hit did nothing to the swole Takerufuji so he tried to pivot at the edge and let the hard-charging Takerufuji go by…but Takerufuji adjusted and shoved Abi out from the side. Oshidashi.

Onosato (8-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-4). Onosato drove the sekiwake back to the edge and afforded him no room to counter. Wakamotoharu held out on the tawara as long as he could but Onosato maintained pressure until he eventually forced WMH out. Yorikiri.

Kotonowaka (7-2) defeated Daieisho (4-5). Kotonowaka drove into Daieisho and finished him off with a brutal nodowa. Oshidashi.

Takakeisho (7-2) defeated Tobizaru (5-4). Takakeisho tried to end Tobizaru’s day early with a slapdown but Tobizaru kept his balance. The two then slammed into each other, repeatedly. Each time, Tobizaru tried to time a slapdown but Takakeisho shrugged them off and shoved Tobizaru about five feet away. Tobizaru then circled and tried again, and again. Takakeisho advanced and blasted Tobizaru out. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (4-5) defeated Hoshoryu (6-3). Midorifuji pivoted, grabbed Hoshoryu’s shoulder and pulled him down. Hoshoryu, man, you hadn’t read the brief. That’s Midorifuji’s thing, dude. Now you get to sit there and think about what you’ve done while you wait for this dud bout between 2-6 Kirishima and 1-7 Nishikigi. Katasukashi.

Kirishima (3-6) defeated Nishikigi (1-8). Kirishima may have needed this to focus on his fundamentals. He took his time and did not rush anything. Rough nodowa pushed Nishikigi back.  Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Well, that was a wild day. With all of that, I think I enjoyed the Kotoshoho/Kitanowaka bout the best, probably because it was so competitive, dynamic, and back-and-forth. Both guys fought hard and well and both guys seemed to have a grudge afterwards. It’s intriguing to watch these guys go at it because they went to high school together at the Saitama Sakae sekitori factory. Kotoshoho had one hell of a haymaker ready for his kohai.

I am a bit surprised that the schedulers did not pit Takerufuji against Onosato today. Instead, they’re doing that tomorrow? Sure, guys, have the hiramaku newbies fight in sanyaku — and then have them fight each other? Stop bringing whiskey to your meetings, lads.

Hoshoryu’s slip-up today takes him out of the race. We still have Kotonowaka, Takakeisho, and Shonannoumi chasing the two prodigies. Everyone else seems to be steadily slipping away. Asanoyama seems to have hit a wall on his comeback.

Haru 2024: Nakabi Storylines

lksumo Aki Basho 2022

Somehow, we’ve already passed the midpoint of the March tournament. With seven days of action still left, a lot can still change, but let’s take a look at where things stand and what stories we’ll be following down the stretch.

Yusho Race

Rookie M17e Takerufuji (8-0) is the only Makuuchi man to reach kachi-koshi on Nakabi. The Isegahama man has already tied a record by reaching the top division in only his 9th basho after starting at the bottom, posting a 64-8 record along the way and never losing more than two bouts in a tournament. The schedulers are obviously taking him seriously, as he gets Komusubi Abi (6-2) on Day 9; a double-digit maegashira hasn’t met a san’yaku opponent this early in over 30 years. In second place, we have M5w Onosato (7-1) in his sophomore Makuuchi basho, followed by 7 rikishi with 6 wins—the three Ozeki not named Kirishima, Abi, and three double-digit maegashira (though one of them, M10w Mitakeumi, is a former Ozeki with 3 Emperor’s Cups to his name).

Ozeki

O1e Kirishima (2-6) is in serious danger of being kadoban in May. O2e Takakeisho (6-2) looks set to reach the 8 wins he needs to keep his rank, and O1w Hoshoryu (6-2) and newcomer O2w Kotonowaka (6-2) are performing as befits their rank.

San’yaku

K1e Abi needs two more wins to reach 8, and looks set to at least defend his rank and possibly move up, either if a Sekiwake slot opens up or if he can force one with 11 wins. It would take a miracle for K1w Nishikigi (1-7) to hold his rank, so at least one san’yaku slot should come open. At Sekiwake, S1w Wakamotoharu (5-3) is on the right side of .500, while S1e Daieisho (4-4) is right on the line. I’d favor both to stay Sekiwake, but they have most of their toughest fights still to come, so this will be something to watch down the stretch. At the moment, Onosato has the best case for the first open san’yaku slot.

Makuuchi Dropouts

We have two injured rikishi who are unlikely to return. M6e Tsurugisho’s two wins should be just enough to keep him in the top division, while M12w Shimazuumi (0-4-4) is ticketed for a return to Juryo. Also near the head of the queue for the demotion barge is M14w Kitanowaka (1-7), who would need to win 6 of his last 7 to reach safety, and M16e Endo (2-6), who needs 5 more wins to avoid Juryo, where he’s spent only two basho in his entire career—one on his way up, in 2013, and one injury-induced visit in 2016. At the moment, the top four replacement candidates in Juryo are J2w Mitoryu (6-2), the sole yusho race leader J8e Asakoryu (8-0), and the J1 duo of Tokihayate and Takarafuji, both 4-4. Former Sekiwake J10w Wakatakakage (7-1) has fallen off the pace after his surprise loss to bottom-ranked J14w Chiyosakae, who had the luckiest escape in history from Makushita demotion last time, and can probably afford only a single loss from here on out to have a shot at Makuuchi in May. I’ll probably cover the Juryo-Makushita exchange picture tomorrow, as there are multiple consequential bouts scheduled for Day 9.