Abi (阿炎)

Haru 2025: Shonichi

Andy Haru 2025

Our news starts today with Bout #2 down in Jonokuchi where young Hikarumusashi, nephew of Musashigawa-oyakata, got his career started with a win over Kaitoma. Congratulations! Overwhelming forward power. We will see more of that later. Thanks to Lulit over on Twitter for the clip below.

No one is kyujo in the top division to start this tournament. Kitanowaka is kyujo in Juryo. Your NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Tokihayate defeated Shirokuma. Power sumo from the pint-sized Tokihayate as he wrapped up Shirokumi with both hands inside, right hand firmly on Shirokuma’s belt and left arm hugging his trunk. Tokihayate charged forward and slammed Shirokuma onto his back outside the ring. Well, then. That’s a result. Shirokuma needs to go back to the drawing board. Yoritaoshi.

Kotoshoho defeated Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi chugged forward but Kotoshoho lazily pivoted and swung Mitakeumi down by his left shoulder. Kotenage.

Asakoryu defeated Sadanoumi. Asakoryu successfully kept Sadanoumi off his belt with his oshi-defense. Asakoryu released Sadanoumi, allowing Sadanoumi’s legs to charge forward. Like in the cartoons, Sadanoumi’s lower half got ahead of his upper half. Asakoryu then shoved Sadanoumi down for a simple but entertaining, okurihikiotoshi.

Churanoumi defeated Aonishiki. This was a great, quick brawl. Aonishiki’s big mistake came when he decided to pull at the edge. Churanoumi’s head was already lowered so he charged forward underneath Aonishiki’s trunk and blasted him down into the sea of brown vests. “Welcome to the Big Leagues, kid.” Oshidashi.

Ryuden defeated Shishi. Shishi stole Ryuden’s twerk so, Ryuden got mad and stole Shishi’s win. Ryuden grabbed Shishi with that dangerous right hand over-arm belt grip but Shishi fought valiantly with his left hand inside. It looked like Shishi actually threw Ryuden but Ryuden pressed into Shishi, forcing Shishi to fall backwards first. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi.

Onokatsu defeated Nishikifuji. Onokatsu lifted Nishikifuji up and put him down outside the ring. Tsuridashi.

Takarafuji defeated Meisei. Meisei pulled, and pulled but Takarafuji kept his footing and charged forward. When that didn’t work, Meisei started to brawl and move forward. At the edge, that’s when Takarafuji pulled and slapped Meisei down as he, himself, tumbled down the stairs. Gunbai Meisei. Mono-ii. This was a close one so the judges took a minute to figure it out. Meisei’s hand touched down first. The gyoji’s call was over-ruled based on the video evidence. Hatakikomi.

Midorifuji defeated Shonannoumi. Midorifuji’s vermillion shimekomi stunned Shonannoumi. Midorifuji shifted to his right and attacked Shonannoumi from the side, pressing into his left shoulder. As Shonannoumi turned and pressed forward, Midorifuji locked onto that left shoulder, rotated and swung Shonannoumi to the ground. Katasukashi.

Endo defeated Nishikigi. Endo pressed forward and wrapped up Nishikigi low with his right hand while holding him high with the left. Endo pulled back and rolled Nishikigi along the dirt. Uwatenage.

Hakuoho defeated Oshoma. Oshoma had the upper hand here and quickly forced Hakuoho to the bales. But Hakuoho got inside, and locked on with a morozashi. That morozashi was enough to force Oshoma back to center. Oshoma tried to wrest himself free but Hakuoho had a firm hold with both hands. Oshoma released with his left and tried to get it inside. Hakuoho charged forward and resisted Oshoma’s overarm throw, throwing Oshoma from the ring. Shitatenage.

Atamifuji defeated Tamawashi. Atamifuji tried to go inside and get a belt grip but Tamawashi’s tsuppari forced Atamifuji to switch to Plan B. Atamifuji charged forward with his own tsuppari, leading with head butts. He steadily forced Tamawashi backward and out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Takerufuji defeated Shodai. Shodai started moving forward but Takerufuji used his right hand grip to pivot and drag Shodai to the edge and over. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi defeated Kinbozan. Hiradoumi is not Takayasu. I have no idea why I thought Kinbozan was facing Takayasu today, but he clearly isn’t. Anyway, Kinbozan put Hiradoumi on the back foot early with powerful tsuppari. Then Kinbozan reached inside to get a belt grip… “That’s when everything changed.” Hiradoumi pulled and Kinbozan stumbled forward but not out. The change of direction clearly caught Kinbozan off guard so Hiradoumi used one more shift. He got Kinbozan’s back to the bales and then blasted him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Ura defeated Ichiyamamoto. Ichiyamamoto started out promisingly as his tsuppari worked Ura back to the edge. But then he pulled. Ura charged forward. Ichiyamamoto stopped his backward momentum and pressed forward but Ura shifted right. This made Ichiyamamoto stumble forward. Ura followed up quickly with a forceful shove and forced Ichiayamamoto out. Oshidashi.

Takayasu defeated Takanosho. Takayasu got his left hand grip but Takanosho pulled away. Lean-fest. We don’t seem to have many of these anymore. For two solid minutes these guys locked horns at the edge of the dohyo, Takayasu with the advantage of position to the center of the ring. Takanosho thankfully got as bored as we were and tried to end it with a quick slapdown. Takayasu would not go down and instead seized Takanosho’s belt and drove forward and out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Kirishima defeated Tobizaru. A quick oshi-bout. Tobizaru used his left arm to shove Kirishima back. First, Kirishima tried to use his right arm to combat Tobizaru’s attack but then quickly pivoted and shifted to the left. This caught Tobizaru off balance and Kirishima slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Chiyoshoma defeated Oho. Well then. Oho charged forward with Chiyoshoma’s left arm wrapped up. Chiyoshoma yanked his left arm away, pivoted, and used his right hand grip to throw the “Big, Bad Sekiwake” over the bales. So much for the cake walk. Uwatenage.

Gonoyama defeated Daieisho. Daieisho plugged away with his tsuppari but Gonoyama stood his ground. Gonoyama got his left arm under Daieisho’s right armpit, lifted, and threw Daieisho to the side. That was impressive. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu defeated Kotozakura. Kotozakura charged forward and worked Wakamotoharu to the bales but Wakamotoharu resisted. After the two settled for a moment, Wakamotoharu pulled up on the Ozeki and pressed forward, forcing Kotozakura back and out. “Ruh-Roh…” Yorikiri.

Onosato defeated Wakatakakage. Onosato charged forward as Wakatakakage pulled. At the edge, Wakatakakage shifted right and tried to pull Onosato over but Onosato shifted with Wakatakakage and threw him down onto his butt. Yay, an Ozeki doing Ozeki things. Kirikaeshi.

Abi defeated Hoshoryu. With all of those parties and press conferences, Hoshoryu did not have time to research Abi. You see, Abi has this new attack where he shoves people at the tachiai. “No, he doesn’t, Andy. That’s his thing. That’s what he’s been doing for years.” Apparently, I need sarcasm tags. Yes. That’s what he’s been doing for years and he just blasted our new Yokozuna straight back and into the laps of the geezers in brown vests. Everyone checks Twitter. Is Dorji going to say something? Tsukidashi.

Wrap-up

Kotozakura did not just lose, he still looked hurt and vulnerable. That left knee is doing him no favors. Yokozuna Hoshoryu might be a Yokozuna AND an Ozeki come May. For his own sins here against Abi, he might deserve it.

Hatsu 2025, Day Four

Andy Abi (阿炎), Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho , ,

In maezumo, Hikarumusashi picked up his first win against Akinoyama (安氣乃山). Two powerful shoves and Akinoyama was forced out. Hoshoryu’s cousin Tenrosei had a tougher time with Nishikio but got the job done with a brutal takedown.

Good news from the infirmary as Roga will return to the line-up and face Endo. With an odd number of Makuuchi fighters, Sadanoumi will visit from Juryo and face Tokihayate.

Today’s NHK videos are available here: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Tokihayate (3-1) defeated Kagayaki (0-4). Kagayaki charged forward and forced Tokihayate to the edge. At the edge, Tokihayate shifted left along the tawara and pulled Kagayaki to the bales. Tokihayate followed up with some gaburi yotsu to force Kagayaki over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kitanowaka (2-2) defeated Nishikifuji (2-2). A quick shift to the right at the tachiai granted Kitanowaka a deep righthand belt grip. He pivoted and shoved Nishikifuji to the edge. As Nishikifuji spun around to engage, Kitanowaka followed up and forced Nishikifuji over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (4-0) defeated Tamashoho (1-3). Tamashoho double false start put Andy on henka alert…but no henka was coming. He was just jittery as Kinbozan quickly shoved Tamashoho out. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (1-3) defeated Hakuoho (3-1). Shonannoumi pressed Hakuoho backward to the edge of the ring and then quickly slapped him down. Huh, Shonannoumi having some success moving forward. Who’d have thunk it? Hatakikomi.

Nishikigi (3-1) defeated Kotoshoho (1-3). Kotoshoho got a quick jump at the tachiai but Nishikigi immediately pulled to his left and Kotoshoho fell forward to his knees. Hikiotoshi.

Onokatsu (2-2) defeated Midorifuji (1-3). A patient Onokatsu held Midorifuji at arm’s length at the beginning of the bout with tsuppari but he could only get Midorifuji to the edge. He moved in to grab a Midorifuji’s mawashi, with a left hand outside grip. He was able to slip his right hand around Midorifuji’s trunk and then charge forward, forcing Midorifuji back and out. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (4-0) defeated Takerufuji (3-1). Tamawashi blasted Takerufuji backwards and followed up with steady tsuppari. Takerufuji tried a poorly executed pull because Tamawashi pursued quickly and shoved Takerufuji off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (2-2) defeated Meisei (1-3). Meisei charged forward, mindlessly. Churanoumi slipped to his right and shoved Meisei down. Tsukiotoshi.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz…. Come on guys, I could have slept through this. Cut it out with the sloppy sumo.

Oshoma (2-2) defeated Mitakeumi (2-2). Mitakeumi charged forward and reached inside to try to get at Oshoma’s belt with his left hand. Oshoma pulled left and slapped Mitakeumi down at the edge. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (2-1) defeated Takarafuji (0-4). Ichiyamamoto defeated Takarafuji. Ichiyamamoto sumo drove Takarafuji back. Takarafuji tried to shift left but seemed to slip and Ichiyamamoto finished him with a shove. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (4-0) defeated Endo (1-3). Who is going to henka? Chiyoshoma false start. No henka. That’s kind of disappointing, actually. I was hoping for that elusive double-henka. Endo charged forward but Chiyoshoma used his left hand to shove Endo’s elbow, forcing Endo left. Chiyoshoma bowled Endo across the dohyo and Endo took out Kandayu as he careened off the dohyo. Strike! Tsukidashi.

Ura (2-2) defeated Takayasu (2-2). Ura woke us up with a nice finishing move to defeat Takayasu. Ura released with his left, twisted and pulled Takayasu down with a tsutaezori.

Gonoyama (3-1) defeated Hiradoumi (1-3). Gonoyama battered Hiradoumi as Hiradoumi tried to keep his hold of Gonoyama’s belt. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (2-2) defeated Atamifuji (0-4). Wakatakakage secured a double-inside grip and tried to drive into Atamifuji. Atamifuji resisted and tried to pitch Wakatakakage to the side. Wakatakakage released with his left hand and pulled Atamifuji down by the shoulder. Katasukashi.

Shodai (1-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-3). Shodai pressed forward. (This is new.) Shodai seemed to sense Wakamotoharu was seeking out that stability from the tawara so before they reached the bales he quickly twisted and drove Wakamotoharu to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Oho (4-0) defeated Daieisho (3-1). Oh! Oho! That looked like another boring bout as Daieisho chugged his way into Oho and Oho rode his way back to the bales. But at the edge Oho suddenly seized Daieisho’s left arm and yanked him forward. Hikiotoshi.

Abi (3-1) defeated Onosato (2-2). Abi-sumo defeated the Ozeki with one of his quick pulls. Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (4-0) defeated Takanosho (0-4). After a fast-paced brawl, Takanosho charged forward and drove Hoshoryu to the edge. But Hoshoryu twisted to his left and thrust Takanosho out with his left arm under Takanosho’s shoulder. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (1-3) defeated Kotozakura (1-3). The rope run is over. Kirishima used his right-hand inside, left-hand outside grip well. Kotozakura had no effective counter attack as Kirishima drove him back and out. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (3-1) defeated Terunofuji (2-2). Terunofuji hit Tobizaru hard and drove him to the edge. Tobizaru quickly slipped to the left and reasserted position at the center of the ring. Tobizaru kept up his tsuppari and this prevented Terunofuji from corralling the monkey and enveloping with his usual kimedashi hold. Tobizaru kept up the assault, shoved the Yokozuna hard with his right, forced Terunofuji to his left. Tobizaru then followed and shoved Terunofuji out from behind, and a few cushions fly. Okuridashi.

Wrap-up

On to Day Five! With Daieisho’s slip up today, Hoshoryu is the lone sanyaku wrestler with an undefeated record so far. Oho’s charge continues along with Chiyoshoma, Tamawashi, and Kinbozan as the undefeated rank-and-file.

Kotozakura doesn’t look like he wants a belt. It looks like he wants to join Kirishima, Mitakeumi and Shodai as the next former Ozeki. Onosato also needs to turn things around. Aside from Hoshoryu, this was a terrible day for the top-ranked wrestlers. Well, Kinbozan looked great today. I don’t want to encourage Oho’s tactics from today. I like his forward-moving sumo better. Shodai looked positively brutal. I have no idea where that came from.

Looking at tomorrow’s bouts, I think Terunofuji vs Gonoyama will be decisive regarding Terunofuji’s continued participation in this tournament. If he loses, I think he will sit out. He cringed when he fell off the dohyo today, as if his knees were torturing him. He has not demonstrated the dominant power of the past with his upper-body.

Hoshoryu will face Atamifuji, who is having a terrible tournament. Onosato will try to turn things around against Oho. This is why I usually have no loyalties. As soon as I begin to favor a couple of wrestlers, they get pitted against each other. Someone, whose shikona begins with “O” and ends with “o” will win this bout. Finally, Kotozakura has to get it together against Shodai. This will be a fun one.

Chiyoshoma will face Takayasu, Tamawashi will get his turn against Meisei and Kinbozan will face Nishikifuji.

Aki 2024: Senshuraku Highlights

Andy Aki 2024 , ,

Darwin-Day in Tokyo with several “Darwin Bouts” in store. Sekitori with 7 wins and on the cusp of kachi-koshi are pitted against each other for that pivotal winning record. “But, Andy, a 7-8 record is sometimes good enough to keep your rank. Why does it matter?” Along with their rank-based salary (and the potential for kensho-kin in makuuchi) there is a financial bonus paid to wrestlers based on several factors and the number of kachi-koshi tournaments is one of those factors. So, it literally pays to go “kachi-koshi.”

Before we get to Makuuchi, though, let’s take a look at Juryo action and learn who might be coming up. Takerufuji was all over Tokihayate from the tachiai. He locked on with a left-hand uwate and pressed forward, sending Tokihayate off the edge under the green tassel.

This win, combined with the outcomes in Makuuchi, will make Guess the banzuke very interesting. Chiyoshoma and Tokihayate are likely in. We’ll find out more today regarding Shishi. Did Takerufuji do enough to go up? I think so. What about Asakoryu?

I’m glad Hakuoho finished with a kachi-koshi, he’ll move closer to that border but I’m not sure that’s what he needs at the moment. Maybe he will have room to go kyujo in November? Onosho should be able to stay but Asanoyama will drop. Speaking of “The Drop,” Aoiyama will join Myogiryu heading for Makushita. Thoughts of retirement will weigh heavily on their minds.

Speaking of ex-Miyagino-beya, we receive our bi-monthly reminder that Miyagino-oyakata exists as he shows us who receives special prizes. Otowayama has shimpan duties now, so Miyagino is alone. I am sad. As for the prizes, none are conditional on todays’ bouts.

Wakatakakage won his first Outstanding Performance Prize (殊勲賞 – Shukunsho).

Onosato (3rd) and Nishikigi (1st) won the Fighting Spirit Prize (敢闘賞 – Kantosho).

Onosato won his third Technique Prize (技能賞 – Ginosho).

We’ve got the NHK links: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Shishi (Juryo 9-6) defeated Kinbozan (4-11). Kinbozan nearly threw Shishi at the edge but Shishi resisted well and maintained forward pressure on Kinbozan to drive him out. Likely exchange bout with Shishi headed up and Kinbozan retooling in Juryo. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu (7-8) defeated Sadanoumi (7-8). Once Onokatsu landed his left-hand overarm grip, he swung Sadanoumi around and really took control of the bout. Sadanoumi tried to improve his own grip but that let Onokatsu get his right hand inside. Once he locked on, he forced Sadanoumi quickly over the edge. With the win, Onokatsu is safe in Makuuchi. Yorikiri.

Kitanowaka (6-9) defeated Roga (8-7). Kitanowaka locked on quickly and pulled hard to throw Roga over the edge. Kitanowaka will be praying for Nishikifuji-style banzuke luck here. Even with the win, he should be going down. Uwatenage.

Ryuden (8-7) defeated Tamawashi (7-8). There was no way Tamawashi was going to let Ryuden anywhere near his belt. True to form, Tamawashi battered Ryuden and Ryuden had to find another way to attack. When Tamawashi launched forward to attack, Ryuden shifted left and slapped him down in the center of the ring. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (10-5) defeated Bushozan (4-11). Oshoma had a firm left-hand inside and did not let Bushozan get much of an attack going. In fact, Bushozan turned and ran away. Hopefully he finds his sumo again in Juryo. Okuridashi.

Nishikifuji (8-7) defeated Ichiyamamoto (7-8). Solid oshi from Nishikifuji. Not sure if Ichiyamamoto was awake, yet. Tsukidashi.

Hokutofuji (8-5-2) defeated Midorifuji (7-8). Midorifuji kept testing Hokutofuji’s shoulder throughout the match but Hokutofuji pressed forward, hard into Midorifuji. Midorifuji may have tried a quick pull for a slapdown but Hokutofuji accelerated toward the bales and Midorifuji’s knee buckled and he went to ground. Thankfully he got back up so hopefully he did not injure his knee there. Oshitaoshi.

Takarafuji (10-5) defeated Endo (8-7). Takarafuji pressed Endo back to the bales and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (10-5) defeated Nishikigi (11-4). Churanoumi got a quick left-hand uwate, shifted left and swung Nishikigi around. He then pounced on Nishikigi at the edge and pressed him out. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (12-3) defeated Takayasu (10-5). Wakatakakage simply overpowered Takayasu and drove him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Kagayaki (3-12) defeated Gonoyama (6-9). Gonoyama stepped out as he pulled backwards. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (11-4) defeated Ura (9-6). Wakamotoharu kept Ura in front of him and blasted him from the ring with powerful tsuppari. Oshidashi.

Oho (9-6) defeated Shodai (10-5). Hidari-yotsu. Oho pressed forward and good things happened. He drove Shodai to the edge and when Shodai twisted to throw Oho forward, Oho slid his right foot to the other side of Shodai, in effect putting Shodai between him and the floor. As he fell forward, he crushed Shodai out of the ring. Yoritaoshi.

Atamifuji (7-8) defeated Shonannoumi (3-12). Atamifuji used his left-hand overarm grip to drive Shonannoumi to the edge. Shonannoumi twisted and pitched forward to try to throw Atamifuji but Atamifuji forced Shonannoumi out. Gunbai Atamifuji. Mono-ii. Atamifuji’s toes were over the tawara, perilously close to touching. Video review showed it was close but did not touch. The judges confirmed the gyoji’s call and Atamifuji let out a visible sigh of relief. Yorikiri.

Meisei (5-10) defeated Tobizaru (5-10). Meisei prepped Tobizaru for take-off. Tobizaru pulled and Meisei sent him flying into the fans below. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (7-8) defeated Takanosho (4-11). Kotoshoho shifted to the side and threw Takanosho forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (7-8) defeated Mitakeumi (4-11). Migi-yotsu. Mitakeumi does not move forward anymore so Hiradoumi walked him back to the edge. Mitakeumi tried to resist and shift but Hiradoumi was too powerful and drove him over the tawara.

Kore-Yori-Sanyaku (I always loved this. Final six guys, synchronized shiko, evil spirits vanquished.)

Kirishima (12-3) defeated Daieisho (8-7) and was awarded the arrows. Daieisho pulled and Kirishima drove him out. Tsukidashi.

Abi (4-10) defeated Onosato (13-2). Abi-zumo took out Onosato on his big day. Because of course he would. Firm tachiai, tsuppari to the face, quick shift left and “Timber!” Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (8-7) defeated Kotozakura (8-7). Shonosuke’s final bout so it’s an extra special occasion, the fans rejoice and send him into retirement with flowers and banners. As for the bout, Hoshoryu was on the attack from the tachiai. Migi-yotsu. He tried a trip but Kotozakura kept his balance. So, Hoshoryu pounced again and drove Kotozakura out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Onosato Yusho plus more hardware in the form of two special prizes. We will bring you more in the coming days as we get official news on Onosato’s promotion to Ozeki. The era of Shikimori Inosuke has begun.

It is sad to see Takakeisho go but he will remain on staff as Minatogawa-oyakata and will likely inherit Tokiwayama-beya in a little over a year. It will be interesting to see him develop as a coach, especially starting so young. He’s not even 30 yet.

But we’re getting way ahead of ourselves. There is still so much coming up before Kyushu. There might be a few more retirements in the coming days. We will be reporting on Shin-Juryo announcements this week and a likely official opening of Kotoshogiku’s Hidenoyama beya with his first four deshi, and next week the Jungyo will start winding its way to Kyushu! The jugyo is back in full swing with 25 tour dates. Then, the banzuke will finally come out on October 28. So much in store!

Nagoya 2022: Day 12 Highlights

Andy Nagoya Basho 2022 , , , ,

These closing few days of the tournament present many challenges as yet another heya is forced to pull out due to Covid. This time Asakayama beya is forced to withdraw but makuuchi dodges a bullet and loses no more competitors. We’re already down to an abbreviated list of 18 bouts over the scheduled two hours, even with Kagayaki visiting from Juryo.

The yusho race has narrowed to Terunofuji and Ichinojo with two losses each while Tobizaru and Nishikigi joined Takakeisho and Nishikifuji in the chase group with three losses. With no further ado, lets get to the bouts.

The Bouts

Yutakayama versus Kagayaki: Kagayaki drove forward at the tachiai, leading with the crown of his forehead. A forearm to the throat may have been the spark Yutakayama needed to make his own charge. With Kagayaki’s feet sliding, Yutakayama pivoted left and shuffled to the middle of the ring. The pivot was important because re-positioning himself in this way meant he didn’t have to shove Kagayaki all the way across the dohyo, through the center, to get him to the tawara. Instead, the much shorter route turned the tables quickly, imperiling Kagayaki. Kagayaki tried to dance along the bales to get his position back but Yutakayama stuck with him and finally forced him over the bales, yorikiri. Both even their records at 6-6.

Onosho versus Chiyoshoma: Chiyoshoma didn’t henka and it cost him. The head-to-head only managed to stagger Oshoryu temporarily. While Chiyoshoma leaned in for a belt grip with his left hand, Onosho pressed both hands into Chiyoshoma’s core, Superman-style, and launched him clear from the into the head shimpan. Oshidashi. Onosho is 7-5 and Chiyoshoma is 5-7.

Daiamami versus Takarafuji: Daiamami’s make-koshi deepened today against the Takarabune. He tried to get that right hand in on Takarafuji’s belt but Takarafuji yanked it away. While Daiamami was still trying to get the fingers of his left hand onto his opponent’s belt, Takarafuji had already secured his preferred right hand grip and quickly drove Daiamami back and out. Daiamami is 2-8-2 and on the barge back to Juryo while Takarafuji steadies himself at 6-6.

Chiyomaru versus Midorifuji: Chiyomaru was just too much mass for Midorifuji today. Midorifuji tried shifting his belt grip but Chiyomaru corralled him at the edge and gently ushered him over the bales to pick up his fourth win. Midorifuji falls to 7-5.

Chiyotairyu versus Myogiryu: Chiyotairyu tried to pull Myogiryu down at the center of the ring but Myogiryu didn’t just maintain his balance, he squared up and charged back. Myogiryu’s tsuppari were forceful enough to force Chiyotairyu over the bales and earn his kachi-koshi. Myogiryu is at 8-4 with Chiyotairyu falling to 6-6.

Oho versus Meisei: Oho and Meisei launched themselves repeatedly into one another. Meisei had the dominant tachiai and better position to launch his charging attacks. Oho attempted a pulldown but missed and had to regroup quickly before Meisei could take advantage. Meisei saw the flaw in his plan and started to use more regular tsuppari but Oho had already steadied himself. Meisei attempted a half-hearted throw and failed. This allowed Oho claim to the center of the ring and better position to launch his own shoulder blasts but by this time he seemed sapped of strength and Meisei was quickly able to move forward, reclaim position at the center of the ring, and heave Oho from the ring with a final lunge. Oshidashi. Both are 7-5, eager to claim that kachi-koshi tomorrow.

Tochinoshin versus Nishikifuji: The veteran Tochinoshin executed a well-timed pull, thrusting Nishikifuji down and out of the ring. We often see guys fall on their face to this and end up with hatakikomi, but Nishikifuji’s effort to regain his balance saw his momentum carry him forward and clear from the ring for a tsukiotoshi, instead. Tochinoshin is 7-5 and Nishikifuji is falls out of the hunt group to 8-4.

Endo versus Shimanoumi: Endo followed through on his strong tachiai with solid tsuppari to force Shimanoumi to the edge. As Shimanoumi pushed back Endo seized the opportunity to seize Shimanoumi’s shimekomi. Endo drove forward again but Shimanoumi slipped away to Endo’s left. However, Endo quickly re-engaged and coupled with the pair’s momentum moving to the left side, pushed Shimanoumi out. Yorikiri. Endo picks up a third win while Shimanoumi falls to a dreadful 1-11.

Terutsuyoshi versus Sadanoumi: Terutsuyoshi tried to grasp Sadanoumi’s leg but failed. He then desperately tried to avoid getting pushed down and escaped to the right. Sadanoumi was in hot pursuit. He attempted, and failed, with a pull-down attack but drove forward. As Terutsuyoshi planted with his left foot to slide back, and catch the tawara with his right, Sadanoumi deftly kicked Terutsuyoshi’s plant foot. This forced Terutsuyoshi to lose his balance and fall backwards earning Sadanoumi a clever sotogake outside leg trip. Sadanoumi’s already make-koshi but gets a fourth win while Terutsuyoshi, at 5-7, needs to win out.

Tamawashi versus Tsurugisho: After a strong tachiai, Tsurugisho latched on to Tamawashi’s left arm. Tsurugisho tried a pull but Tamawashi kept his balance just enough to counter and force Tsurugisho backwards and off the dohyo. Gumbai Tamawashi. A quick mono-ii confirms that Tsurugishi was dead before Tamawashi’s hand went down. Oshidashi. Both wrestlers are 5-7.

Tobizaru versus Ichinojo: Ichinojo’s patience with Tobizaru today demonstrated, to me at least, his desire to win this tournament. He wasn’t going to make hasty mistakes and let it slip away today. After a firm tachiai, Tobizaru bounced three feet away from the boulder. Ichinojo is in the driver’s seat, hands at 10 and 2. (Like that? See what I did there? I crack myself up.) Tobizaru 8-4. Oshidashi.

Kiribayama versus Ura: Ura chose a hit-and-run technique, lunging in for an attack and then retreating, cycling back and around the dohyo. Each time Ura came in for an attack, Kiribayama laid into Ura and pursued with tsuppari. One final lunge and Kiribayama slapped down a charging Ura. Hatakikomi. Both men are 5-7 and must win their final 3 in order to claim kachi-koshi records.

Hoshoryu versus Hokutofuji: Hoshoryu weathered Hokutofuji’s forehead charges and tsuppari, trading attack for access to Hokutofuji’s belt. After an attack, Hokutofuji strayed too close and this allowed Hoshoryu to secure a belt grip. He pivoted and threw Hokutofuji out of the dohyo. Uwatenage. Hoshoryu improves to 7-5 while Hokutofuji falls to 6-6.

Wakamotoharu versus Abi: Abi henka! Wakamotoharu didn’t fall for it but as he turned to face Abi from his new position, he encountered a torrent of Abi’s thrusts. Tsukiotoshi. Abi improves to 6-6, Wakamotoharu falls to 5-7.

Wakatakakage versus Okinoumi: After a strong collision at the center, Wakatakakage was impervious to Okinoumi’s attempts to advance. His own steady pressure forced Okinoumi back and out, yorikiri. Wakatakakage improves to 7-5, Okinoumi is make-koshi and falls to 4-8.

Takakeisho versus Nishikigi: In another matchup which likely would not occur without all of the kyujo, Maegashira 8 Nishikigi gets to face Ozeki Takakeisho. Both men are kachi-koshi and one loss off the leaders coming into today’s bout. Takakeisho’s opening nodowa drove Nishikigi back to the bales. Nishikigi circled to his left and charged back at the Ozeki. But the Ozeki did not budge, sending Nishikigi back to the edge to try again. One final lunge at the Ozeki but Takakeisho again repelled the attack, and pushed Nishikigi out of the ring. Oshidashi. Takakeisho is 9-3 and Nishikigi falls to a comfortable 8-4.

Aoiyama versus Shodai: Shodai advanced through Aoiyama’s “tsuppari”, forced Aoiyama to retreat. It’s not clear to me whether Aoiyama pulled himself a bit too close to the edge or whether Shodai’s advance shoved him over, but the call is oshidashi. Shodai clears his kadoban and stands at 8-4. Aoiyama 5-7. Oshidashi.

Terunofuji versus Daieisho: Daieisho charged into the Yokozuna but could not make any head way. Terunofuji brought his right forearm up to re-enforce the shove landed with his left, dropping Daieisho from the dohyo’s surface. Terunofuji matches Ichinojo’s pace at 10-2. Daieisho falls to 6-6. Oshidashi.