Abi

Hatsu 2026: Day Fourteen

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , , , ,

No new reports from the infirmary. Both Yokozuna are intent on completing this tournament. Don’t think they’ll get a bunch of rest until March. On February 7th and 8th, the Japanese Sumo Association will hold two annual events at Kokugikan. The NHK Sumo Charity event and the Annual one-day tournament which used to be sponsored by FujiTV.

Wakanosho continues to lead the Juryo yusho race with his oshidashi victory over Kotoeiho. Fujiseiun beat Hitoshi to keep the heat on for senshuraku. And Leonid has our makushita coverage here and gives an update on the Juryo promotion picture.

Tokiwayama-oyakata retires and former Takakeisho will assume the mantle as stablemaster after this tournament.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoshoho (8-6) defeated Mitakeumi (6-8). Kotoshoho had Conservation Center duties today, cuddled the giant sloth and carried him over the tawara. Kotoshoho kachi-koshi, Mitakeumi make-koshi. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (7-7) defeated Hatsuyama (2-12). Gonoyama overwhelmed Hatsuyama with tsuppari and drove him back over the edge. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (7-7) defeated Shodai (6-8). Asahakuryu drove Shodai back and over the tawara. Shodai’s loss makes him make-koshi for the tournament. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (6-8) defeated Kinbozan (4-10). After an exchange of tsuppari, Midorifuji got a morozashi as he got both hands inside Kinbozan’s arms with his hands up behind Kinbozan’s shoulder. He then pulled Kinbozan down as he reversed along the tawara. Katasukashi.

Oshoma (7-7) defeated Ryuden (6-8). Oshoma held Ryuden at bay with a nodowa, then pivoted to his left and pulled Ryuden down to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Fujinokawa (9-5) defeated Asakoryu (8-6). Fujinokawa engaged Asakoryu in a bit of a brawl but then moved inside to grab Asakoryu’s mawashi, ending Asakoryu’s slaps. With a solid migi-yotsu hold, Fujinokawa forced Asakoryu to the edge and then slammed him to the ground at the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Oshoumi (10-4) defeated Hiradoumi (9-5). Hiradoumi charged forward out of the gate, forcing Oshoumi to the edge. Oshoumi used the bales as a base to mount his counter attack. He hoisted Hiradoumi up, bulldozed through the dohyo and slammed Hiradoumi down to the ground at the edge. Abisetaoshi.

Tobizaru (6-8) defeated Onokatsu (7-7). Tobiaru kicked out at Onokatsu and then pulled. As he approached the tawara, though, Tobizaru slammed the gear into drive and advanced into Onokatsu. He grabbed Onokatsu’s mawashi deep at the back with his right hand and forced him back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (5-9) defeated Tomokaze (4-10). As both men traded tsuppari, Tamawashi pivoted as he backed to the edge. This forced Tomokaze’s back to the tawara. Tamawashi picked up the pace and power of his tsuppari to blast Tomokaze from the dohyo and into Kasugano-oyakata’s lap. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (8-6) defeated Roga (6-8). Roga attempted a slapdown but Churanoumi drove through it and shoved Roga over the bales. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (6-8) defeated Takanosho (4-10). Takanosho tried to use a nodowa against Chiyoshoma but Chiyoshoma grabbed his arm and pulled him down. Tottari.

Wakatakakage (8-6) defeated Daieisho (6-8). Henka! Daieisho Superman-flopped his way to a make-koshi as Wakatakakage shifted left at the tachiai. Hikiotoshi.

Tokihayate (8-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-11). Tokihayate grabbed Ichiyamamoto’s belt with his left hand, drove forward and shoved Ichiyamamoto over the edge. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (7-7) defeated Shishi (9-5). Yoshinofuji used his right hand uwate to pull Shishi over the bales. Uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Ura (3-11) defeated Oho (4-10). Ura pivoted to his right and pulled. Oho tumbled to the ground, rolling forward with a bit of an Ura-esque flourish. If you’re going to fall out of sanyaku, fall with style. Hatakikomi.

Wakamotoharu (7-7) defeated Asanoyama (9-5). Wakamotoharu did not let Asanoyama get his right hand inside. Asanoyama tried again and again to slip that hand in there and that really put him at a disadvantage because he would rear back and Wakamotoharu would plow forward, advancing to the bales. Eventually, Wakamotoharu forced Asanoyama over the bales. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (11-3) defeated Kirishima (10-4). Atamifuji got his left hand uwate hold on Kirishima’s belt. With his right-hand outside, he powered through Kirishima and crushed him over the edge. Ow. Kirishima struggled to get back up to the dohyo. That big ole bloody scrape on his left butt cheek hints at a new injury. Maybe lower back? Maybe hip? Maybe both? Yikes. Lastly, who kidnapped Atamifuji and replaced him with this kaiju? Abiseta-ouchi.

Abi (10-4) defeated Takayasu (8-6). Abi-zumo. Thrusts, slapdown attempts… Oh, no. Takayasu got turned around. That’s never good. Abi caught up and shoved him over the edge from behind. A dispirited Takayasu landed on Naruto-oyakata and took his time getting back up. The west side spectators are having a rough go of things today. Getting a lot of the “kinetic fansa.” Okuridashi.

Hoshoryu defeated Kotozakura. Gee–zuhs. Just when Kotozakura worked his right hand inside and got his morozashi, Hoshoryu yanked him hard with his right hand uwate and flipped the big bloke onto his back. In the movies, the camera would zoom in on the villain’s face, “That hurt.” In the Sumo Association, we just wait impatiently for him to walk back to his side and bow. While the gyoji scramble to figure out what the kimarite was, we move on to the much-anticipated musubi-no-ichiban. Uwatenage.

Onosato (10-4) defeated Aonishiki (11-3). Aonishiki’s borrowed shimekomi came enchanted with henka dust from its owner and previous bearer. He shifted left at the tachiai but Onosato adjusted really well. The Yokozuna pursued and shoved Anonishiki to the ground as the Ozeki stumbled in retreat. Well, it’s back to the drawing board, for sure, at Ajigawa. One Yokozuna solved. The other Yokozuna, decidedly unsolved. Oshitaoshi.

Wrap-up

Aonishiki’s loss opens things up quite a bit in the yusho race.

  • 3-losses: Aonishiki, Atamifuji
  • 4-losses: Onosato, Kirishima, Abi, Oshoumi.

Aonishiki and Atamifuji lead with Onosato, Kirishima, Abi and Oshoumi chasing and hoping for losses tomorrow. Aonishiki and Atamifuji fought on Day 12 with Aonishiki defeating the big man.

The senshuraku torikumi is not out yet but we can presume the musubi-no-ichiban will be the Yokozuna showdown and that will be preceded by the Ozeki showdown. If Atamifuji loses his bout, Aonishiki will fight with the yusho on the line. If Atamifuji wins his bout, Aonishiki will need to win to force a play-off.

The play-off possibilities get crazy if both Atamifuji and Aonishiki lose their bouts. Then Onosato will even be fighting for a spot in the playoff. I’ll post later when the pairings have been finalized.

One rule for comments today. I’m going to be strict. No mentioning Wakatakakage’s henka. It has nothing to do with the yusho. There’s no drama there, so no need for whining about it. It is what it is, let’s move on. Any mention and I’ll remove the comment and I might put the author into the penalty box. As a henka aficionato, I actually enjoy the firy henka debate — so long as the jabs don’t get personal. Going forward, I’m going to be strict about that from now on and start deleting comments that cross the line into personal barbs. But today, I’m going to be super-strict. No mentioning Wakatakakage’s henka. I said it twice, I mean it.

I’ll be back later today. If you need to go blow off steam about Wakatakakage’s henka, you have time to go take a walk around the neighborhood and clear your mind.

Hatsu 2026: Day Twelve

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , , , , ,

Unfortunately, we have news from the infirmary today that Nishikifuji is kyujo with herniated discs in his neck and arthritis in his elbow. He will not be back this tournament. Onokatsu will get the fusen victory. Nishikifuji will finish the tournament 6-6-3. At M11, six wins should be more than enough to keep him in the division. So far, the only passenger booked for the barge to Juryo is Hatsuyama. He’s even been given the captain’s hat.

Sadanoumi fell out of the leadership group with his yorikiri loss to Mototaro-san. Fujiseiun and Wakanosho improved to 9-3. Update: The two leaders are scheduled to fight on Day 13. Chaser Sadanoumi will fight Kyokukaiyu and 8-win Fujiryoga will fight Nishinoryu. With Nishikifuji’s kyujo, Kotoeiho will visit Makuuchi and fight Asahakuryu to kick off Top Division action.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Tobizaru (5-7) defeated Mitakeumi (5-7). Mitakeumi demonstrates the offensive output of a giant sloth as he allowed Tobizaru to wrap him up like staff at a conservation center, walk him around the ring and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (5-7) defeated Tomokaze (4-8). Chiyoshoma pressed forward and shoved Tomokaze over the bales, unfazed by Tomokaze’s slapdown attempt. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (7-5) defeated Tokihayate (6-6). Asakoryu blitzed Tokihayate and assaulted him repeatedly with tsuppari, shoving him over the side. I think Tokihayate had made a joke about Asakoryu’s mother. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (7-5) defeated Asahakuryu (5-7). Kotoshoho charged forward to the bales before reversing course and dragging Asahakuryu down with his right-hand inside grip. Shitatenage.

Roga (5-7) defeated Hatsuyama (1-11). Roga used his migi-yotsu to drive through Hatsuyama’s attack and carry him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shodai (6-6) defeated Midorifuji (5-7). Shodai trapped Midorifuji’s right arm and swung him over the edge. Kotenage.

Ryuden (5-7) defeated Kinbozan (4-8). Migiyotsu. Ryuden twisted and dragged Kinbozan toward the edge and shoved him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (9-3) defeated Fujinokawa (7-5). Fujinokawa wrapped his right shoulder inside Asanoyama’s left arm and tried to hoist him over. Asanoyama shuffled laterally to counter the throw and shoved Fujinokawa over the edge. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (6-6) default victory over Nishikifuji (6-6).

Gonoyama (5-7) defeated Tamawashi (4-8). Tamawashi chugged forward but Gonoyama shifted to his left and pivoted, forcing Tamawashi to the edge. Gonoyama followed up with tsuppari and shoved Tamawashi out. Oshidashi.

Oshoumi (9-3) defeated Churanoumi (7-5). Churanoumi got a morozashi but Oshoumi used his left hand uwate to carry Chura to the bales. He lost his grip but as Churanoumi fought to survive but shoved Churanoumi over the tawara. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Daieisho (5-7) defeated Oshoma (6-6). Daieisho hit Oshoma with a few tsuppari before stepping left and thrusting Oshoma down. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (2-10) defeated Hakunofuji (5-7). Ura got his left hand inside Hakunofuji’s armpit. As Hakunofuji pressed forward, Ura pivoted along the tawara brought his right hand up onto Hakunofuji’s head and pulled Hakunofuji forward with his left under Hakunofuji’s shoulder. Katasukashi.

Takanosho (3-9) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-10). Takanosho held Ichiyamamoto with a right hand nodowa. He used his left hand to bat Ichiyamamoto’s attack away. Takanosho drove forward and forced Ichiyamamoto out. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (6-6) defeated Yoshinofuji (6-6). Wakatakakage kept steady as Yoshinofuji tried a slapdown, kubinage, kotenage,… Yoshinofuji pulled and tried another slapdown but Wakatakakage pursued, maintained his balance and forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Shishi (9-3) defeated Oho (4-8). Who abducted the real Shishi and replaced him with someone with a skill approaching actual agility? Shishi nearly slapped Oho down earlier in the bout but he finished him off when Oho charged in for an attack and Shishi evaded it to the right and slapped Oho down. Hatakikomi.

Hiradoumi (8-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-7). Hiradoumi wrapped up WMH with a morozashi and charged forward. At the bales, Wakamotoharu twisted and tried an utchari. Both men tumbled into the crowd. Gunbai Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi got his kensho and was going to leave but the shimpan called a late mono-ii. Wakamotoharu’s foot touched over the bales, confirming the gyoji’s call. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (8-4) defeated Abi (9-3). Kotozakura charged forward with his left hand uwate. At the edge, Kotozakura briefly got his right hand on Abi’s belt and lifted him up over the bales. Tsuridashi.

Aonishiki (10-2) defeated Atamifuji (9-3). Aonishiki stayed low and got his left hand inside. As he charged forward, Atamifuji raised up and batted him away. Aonishiki re-engaged, this time with the right hand. Again, Atamifuji defended. Aonishiki kept coming, though, and eventually worked both hands briefly inside on Atamifuji’s belt. Atamifuji tried to escape but Aonishiki was relentless and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (9-3) defeated Hoshoryu (8-4). Kirishima quickly got a morozashi. Hoshoryu reared back to attempt a makikae, change of grip. He wanted his right hand inside. Kirishima used the opening to press forward and force the Yokozuna over the bales. Their momentum forced both men to hop down from the dohyo. Hoshoryu doubled over as the shock to his knee probably smarted a wee bit with that torn meniscus. “Don’t remind me, Andy.” Yorikiri.

Onosato (8-4) defeated Takayasu (7-5). Onosato’s Houdini act was on display again. Takayasu had him.  Takayasu got the left hand inside and when Onosato pulled, he forced the Yokozuna to the edge. Onosato recovered at the bales, though. This time, Takayasu tried the pull and pulled himself right out of the ring. MOVE FORWARD. BACKWARD BAD. FORWARD GOOD. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Aonishiki is in the driver’s seat with hands firmly at 10 and 2. “Andy, you’ve used that joke before. Come up with something new.”

  • 2-losses: Aonishiki
  • 3-losses: Kirishima, Atamifuji, Abi, Shishi, Asanoyama, Oshoumi

Oho’s makekoshi puts a komusubi slot on the market. Yoshinofuji and Wakatakakage have three more days to make a case for why they deserve it, or Atamifuji might steal it from under their noses.

As of this writing, the Day 13 pairings are not set. I might be able to get an update out later but expect a lot of maegashira fighting folks in sanyaku. Aonishiki has two Yokozuna bouts and an Ozeki bout remaining, however. If one of those Yokozuna quietly mentions they will go kyujo, though, maybe they slot in a Aonishiki versus Asanoyama or Aonishiki versus Abi bout?

Update: Yokozuna/Ozeki fights begin. Hoshoryu will fight Aonishiki. Onosato will fight Kotozakura. Before that, sanyaku will be a mix of low-rankers fighting sanyaku. Wakamotoharu will start things off fighting Oshoumi. Then, Oho will fight Hiradoumi, Takayasu (with kachi-koshi on the line) will fight Asanoyama, and Kirishima will fight Shishi. Near the mid-way point, Abi will face off with Atamifuji. That’s a wild night of action.

Hatsu 2026: Day Eleven

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , ,

Day Eleven. No news from the infirmary. The final third of Hatsu Basho begins today with perfect attendance among our top division competitors. In Juryo, Wakanosho defeated Sadanoumi, moving both men to 8-3. Fujiseiun joined them at 8-3 by defeating Asasuiryu. Tomorrow, Sadanoumi will fight Tsurugisho, Wakanosho will take on Kagayaki and Fujiseiun will battle Meisei.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Tobizaru (4-7) defeated Hatsuyama (1-10). Hatsuyama laid into Tobizaru with tsuppari but Tobizaru shifted to the right side and pulled Hatsuyama down to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Abi (9-2) defeated Shishi (8-3). Henka! Abi leapt to his left at the tachiai. Shishi turned to adjust but Abi shoved him forward and let him run off the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Midorifuji (5-6) defeated Ryuden (4-7). Ryuden locked both of Midorifuji’s arms in his armpits and stood there. I’m not sure what he was planning but Midorifuji didn’t wait to find out. Midorifuji twisted to his left and hauled Ryuden down. Katasukashi.

Oshoumi (8-3) defeated Nishikifuji (6-5). Nishikifuji grabbed Oshoumi with his right hand and twisted to throw him down. Oshoumi countered by falling into Nishikifuji. Oshoumi hooked his left leg around Nishikifuji’s right leg and forcing his attacker to the ground first and falling on top of him. Sotogake.

Asakoryu (6-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-7). Henka! Chiyoshoma. Asakoryu adjusted but Chiyoshoma went on the attack with his left hand uwate. He pulled and tried to haul Asakoryu down but again the victim of a throw countered and twisted into Chiyoshoma, forcing Chiyoshoma down and falling on top of his attacker. Sukuinage.

Tokihayate (6-5) defeated Asahakuryu (5-6). While trying to change his left-hand grip, Tokihayate pulled and hauled Asakoryu down with his right hand under arm grip. Shitatenage.

Mitakeumi (5-6) defeated Gonoyama (4-7). Mitakeumi charged forward into Gonoyama, forcing him back to the bales. Then he suddenly pulled, shoving Gonoyama to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Shodai (5-6) defeated Tomokaze (4-7). Shodai powered into Tomokaze and then stopped and backed away, pulling Tomokaze forward to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Roga (4-7) defeated Oshoma (6-5). Roga grabbed pulled on Oshoma’s arm. As Oshoma stumbled forward, Roga grabbed Oshoma’s belt with his left hand uwate. Roga then twisted Oshoma down to the ground. Oshoma tried to counter with his own underarm throw but Oshoma landed a beat before Roga. Uwatedashinage.

Asanoyama (8-3) defeated Hiradoumi (7-4). Asanoyama charged ahead with his left hand uwate and his right hand inside Hiradoumi’s armpit. Hiradoumi resisted and tried to twist Asanoyama down but Asanoyama continued to push himself forward and forced Hiradoumi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (7-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-5). Kotoshoho pulled and Churanoumi took advantage and charged forward, forcing Kotoshoho back to the tawara and shoving him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Kinbozan (4-7) defeated Tamawashi (4-7). Kinbozan wrapped Tamawashi up and charged forward, ushering Tamawashi back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (9-2) defeated Fujinokawa (7-4). Fujinokawa got his right hand inside and immediately tried to pull Atamifuji down. Atamifuji shuffled with Fujinokawa, keeping his opponent between himself and the bales. Atamifuji broke Fujinokawa’s grip and shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Onokatsu (5-6) defeated Daieisho (4-7). Henka! Onokatsu shifted left and deflected Daieisho’s attack to the side, thrusting him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Ichiyamamoto (2-9) defeated Wakatakakage (5-6). What do they say about never meet your idols? Ichiyamamoto gets to battle his. And today, he prevailed. Ichiyamamoto laid into Wakatakakage with tsuppari and then quickly pulled Wakatakakage forward and down to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (5-6) defeated Ura (1-10). Ura began to pull and Wakamotoharu moved forward with the pull. He kept Ura in front of him and shoved him off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Yoshinofuji (6-5) defeated Oho (4-7). Oho hooked his left arm under Yoshinofuji’s shoulder and twisted. Yoshinofuji had his right hand firmly on Oho’s belt and went with Oho’s throw, hauling Oho forward to the ground. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki (9-2) defeated Hakunofuji (5-6). Aonishiki is a bit sick of Hakunofuji’s slow roll tachiai. Two matta. Once they got off to a good start, Aonishiki got his left hand inside and began to pull. Hakunofuji began to charge his way forward with gaburi leg thrusts but his left foot seemed to slip, then his left knee buckled and he went down. Shitatenage.

Takanosho (2-9) defeated Kotozakura (7-4). Kotozakura pulled and Takanosho charged forward, shoving Kotozakura over the edge for an easy upset. On replay, I don’t think Kotozakura put much weight at all on his left leg during that bout. I’ll keep my eye on that. Yorikiri.

Onosato (7-4) defeated Kirishima (8-3). Onosato took the brunt of Kirishima’s tachiai with his right shoulder. After the initial charge, Kirishima couldn’t get any offense going. Onosato moved forward and forced Kirishima to the bales and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (8-3) defeated Takayasu (7-4). Hoshoryu couldn’t get his right-hand grip but he still pivoted and pulled. Instead of the belt, Hoshoryu wrapped his right arm around Takayasu’s head for a kubinage. But then, he let it go and shifted further to the side along the bales and pulled Takayasu forward by Takayasu’s right arm. Hoshoryu arrested his momentum at the edge and let Takayasu rush out into the crowd. That was kinda funny. Takayasu was perplexed and immediately went to the TV screen in the hanamichi to see what the hell happened. Frankly, it looks like Hoshoryu pivoted and shifted to the side just enough that Takayasu rushed forward with a little help from Hoshoryu’s tug on his right arm. Tottari.

Wrap-up

Kotozakura had worked his way into the yusho conversation and just like that, he’s out of it again. This time he falls to a Takanosho who has been having a dreadful tournament. Is it the knee? Or did he just make a terrible decision to commit to that awful pull? He has actually moved forward well at points during this basho. Not today.

Speaking of left legs, I’ll keep an eye out for news on Hakunofuji. His left ankle, and possibly the knee, turned awkwardly in today’s bout. Well, the Yokozuna are hurt and somehow winning, so it’s not like anyone will go kyujo tomorrow.

  • 2-Losses: Aonishiki, Atamifuji, Abi
  • 3-Losses: Hoshoryu, Kirishima, Shishi, Asanoyama, Oshoumi

Day Twelve pairings are interesting. The lower-ranked wrestlers in the yusho race are being moved up. Asanoyama will fight Fujinokawa, 9-ranks above him. Oshoumi will fight Churanoumi, 11-ranks above. Shishi will move way up (14-ranks) to fight Komusubi Oho. Kirishima will fight Hoshoryu. Abi will take on Kotozakura while Atamifuji will fight Aonishiki.

The rest of our sanyaku bouts include Wakamotoharu fighting Hiradoumi and Onosato versus Takayasu.

I’m really enjoying this tournament. It’s going in weird places and a bunch of folks are involved in the yusho race. No one has really struck out to claim this one. Everyone has had stumbles. But as we move into the final stretch here, will someone step up? Or will everyone fall to the side and let Takayasu or Fujinokawa back into this thing just to really mess with us?

Hatsu 2026: Day Ten

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , ,

Day 10 opens and the only kyujo news is from Juryo division’s Tochitaikai. He has pulled out due to an MCL injury. Daiseizan received the fusen victory today. The division will have a visitor from Makushita beginning tomorrow. Meanwhile, Sadanoumi defeated Hitoshi by yorikiri to collect his kachi-koshi and remain in the lead. Fujiseiun lost to Nishinoryu, falling into the hunt group. Sadanoumi will fight Wakanosho on Day 11.

Catch up on the Makushita yusho race with Leonid’s update of the fifth round, as well as the promotion picture. The sixth round of yusho race bouts will be contested tomorrow.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Tobizaru (2-7) defeated Ryuden (4-5). Tobizaru grabbed Ryuden’s belt deep, behind Ryuden’s back, with his left hand inside. He was able to start a gaburi hip-thrust action and forced Ryuden over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tomokaze (4-6) defeated Mitakeumi (4-6). Mitakeumi chugged forward, forcing the pair toward the bales. As they approached, Tomokaze executed his slapdown while falling out of the dohyo. Gunbai Mitakeumi. Mono-ii. Tomokaze was still in when Mitakeumi came down. The gyoji’s call was reversed. Hatakikomi.

Midorifuji (4-6) defeated Hatsuyama (1-9). After a lengthy, entertaining grapple, Midorifuji pulled and tried a slapdown. This caught Hatsuyama off-balance. Midorifuji grabbed Hatsuyama’s left arm and drove him forward over the bales. Kimedashi.

Abi (8-2) defeated Oshoumi (7-3). Abi-zumo. Tsuppari, then a pull. At the edge, Oshoumi pressed Abi hard to the bales but at the edge Abi twisted and thrust Oshoumi down. Tsukiotoshi.

Chiyoshoma (4-6) defeated Asahakuryu (5-5). Chiyoshoma shifted left and grabbed Asahakuryu’s arm, pulling him forward to the bales. He then got in behind and shoved him over the edge. Okuridashi.

Asakoryu (5-5) defeated Nishikifuji (6-4). Asakoryu hit Nishikifuji hard and chugged toward the bales. Nishikifuji twisted as he fell out. It was close but Nishikifuji stepped out before Asakoryu stumbled off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (7-3) defeated Kinbozan (3-7). Asanoyama grabbed Kinbozan’s belt with a right hand uwate grip and wrapped his right-hand inside. Asanoyama powered forward and ushered Kinbozan back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (6-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-4). Henka! Oshoma shifted left and Kotoshoho blasted forward into empty space. Oshoma slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Shishi (8-2) defeated Fujinokawa (7-3). Fujinokawa tried to slap Shishi down. Shishi stumbled forward but regained his balance. He then got angry and blasted Fujinokawa in the face. Then behind more powerful thrusts, Shishi forced Fujinokawa back and blasted him over the bales. Shishi is fighting very well this tournament and just picked up his kachi-koshi. Oshitaoshi.

Hiradoumi (7-3) defeated Tokihayate (5-5). Hiradoumi blitzed Tokihayate and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (4-6) defeated Roga (3-7). Onokatsu overpowered Roga and forced him back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Tamawashi (4-6) defeated Shodai (4-6). Tamawashi shoved Shodai in the face, putting a quick end to Shodai’s desire to fight. Shodai quickly found the exit. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (4-6) defeated Churanoumi (6-4). Gonoyama plowed into Churanoumi with thrusts to Churanoumi’s face. Gonoyama shoved Churanoumi back over the edge. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (4-6) defeated Ura (1-9). Ura charged forward while Daieisho pulled and slapped him down. Ura pretty clearly touched first but they called a mono-ii to make sure. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (5-5) defeated Hakunofuji (5-5). Wakatakakage pulled and tried to slap Hakunofuji down. Hakunofuji resisted but Wakatakakage used his right hand uwate to force Hakunofuji forward over the edge. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (4-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-9). Ichiyamamoto tried his patented slapdown but Wakamotoharu kept pace and shoved him over the bales. Far from me to tell Ichiyamamoto what to do but there wasn’t much of a pivot there to go with that pull. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (7-3) defeated Yoshinofuji (5-5). Yoshinofuji traded tsuppari with Takayasu for a while before deciding on a pull. Takayasu moved forward well and forced Yoshinofuji out. A big difference in the attacks here was that Takayasu’s tsuppari repeatedly landed in Yoshinofuji’s face. Yoshinofuji, on the other hand, concentrated his tsuppari on Takayasu’s arms and chest, trying to block much of the incoming volleys but clearly not as aggressive as Takayasu’s. Yoshinofuji will need to Tsukidashi.

Kotozakura (7-3) defeated Kirishima (8-2). Every time Kotozakura pulled, he pivoted, came up well short of the edge and re-engaged Kirishima. This was a welcome change from recent basho where he would seemingly give up at the edge. When the pulls didn’t work, Kotozakura wrapped up Kirishima and drove him over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (8-2) defeated Takanosho (1-9). Takanosho challenged Aonishiki with strong tsuppari but lost the bout on his pulls. He’d fought hard to take the bout to Aonishiki and then gave up his position, pulling across the dohyo. His second pull was a disaster — exhausted capitulation — and Aonishiki easily shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-3) defeated Oho (4-6). Hoshoryu quickly landed a right hand inside grip. Oho tried to pull that arm off but this might have allowed Hoshoryu an opening to envelope Oho further. While Oho was preoccupied with the right hand, Hoshoryu followed up with a left hand uwate and dragged Oho forward. Uwatedashinage.

Atamifuji (7-2) defeated Onosato (6-4). After an evenly contested grapple, Atamifuji drove the Yokozuna to the edge and tried to throw him over. Both men crashed to the ground. Onosato landed square on that left shoulder and looked at it, ominously, as he got up. Gunbai Atamifuji. Mono-ii. The shimpan decided both men fell out at the same time and demanded a rematch. On the rematch, Atamifuji pulled and tried a slapdown. Onosato almost recovered at the edge but Atamifuji re-engaged and shoved Onosato out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Both Yokozuna surprised me by showing up. Hoshoryu, however, seems to be in the best shape and is the most aggressive, despite the nagging knee injury. And now he’s back in the yusho race. He must feel a bit like Pachino in Godfather III, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” As for Onosato, he seems a bit lost and he landed heavily on that left shoulder after the first bout with Atamifuji today. “In for a penny, in for a pound.” Is this the Nishonoseki motto?

Nevertheless, I’ll not speculate about tomorrow. I’ll report on changes as I see them. We have a yusho race to pay attention to.

We’ve got five guys tied for the lead with two losses and another seven just behind them with three.

  • 2-losses: Aonishiki, Kirishima, Atamifuji, Abi, Shishi
  • 3-losses: Hoshoryu, Kotozakura, Takayasu, Hiradoumi, Fujinokawa, Asanoyama, Oshoumi

There are six guys who have already won yusho in this rather large group and six guys who would love to make their mark with a yusho. The Sumo Association has paired them off for tomorrow to try to whittle the field a bit. That hasn’t worked well over the past few days, though.

In the rank-and-file bouts, Shishi will fight Abi, Oshoumi will take on Nishikifuji, Hiradoumi will fight Asanoyama, and Fujinokawa will battle Atamifuji.

Up in sanyaku, our yusho race bouts pit Aonishiki against Hakunofuji, Kotozakura against Takanosho, Onosato with Kirishima and Hoshoryu versus Takayasu.

The other sanyaku bouts include Wakamotoharu against Ura and Oho versus Yoshinofuji.

Who’s ready to hop back on this rickety old roller-coaster tomorrow?