News from the infirmary that we have our first kyujo in the makuuchi ranks, Shimazuumi.

Makuuchi Highlights — if we can call them that

Takerufuji (4-0) defeated Myogiryu (2-2). Takerufuji immediately pressed Myogiryu deep into his side of the dohyo. He quickly tried a pulldown, and though it failed, he yielded neither position nor initiative. He kept up the pressure and shoved Myogiryu out. Oshidashi.

Roga (3-1) defeated Daiamami (0-4). Roga yielded a right-hand inside belt grip to Daiamami at the outset, Roga fighting to get that left-hand overarm grip. “Daiamami, if you’re going to beat me, I’ll let you try it your way.” Maybe his way was to bore Roga into sleeping? After a long snooze, Roga shifted first. With a quick yank on that belt he pulled Daiamami down. Uwatenage.

Endo (2-2) defeated Kitanowaka (1-3). Endo wrapped his left arm around Kitanowaka but was unable to get a grip with his right hand. Kitanowaka drove forward and this pressure drove Endo to the tawara but also gave Endo access to his belt. Endo resisted at the tawara and to the surprised and enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, he chugged forward and bulldozed Kitanowaka off the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Ryuden (3-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-2). This was a fierce ottsuke battle as both competitors fought hard to keep the other off their belt. While their arms were occupied with dual tasks of trying to get a grip while also keeping the opponent off, their feet were busy shifting around the ring – applying pressure or retreating. Unfortunately, Churanoumi slipped left, putting his back at the bales. Ryuden seized the opportunity and pressed Churanoumi back and out. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (2-2) defeault victory over Shimazuumi (0-4).

Sadanoumi (3-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-3). Sadanoumi tried to grab Ichiyamamoto’s belt through fierce volleys of Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari. Interestingly, when Ichiyamamoto would lob a volley, Sadanoumi would try to grab his arm! Interesting tactic. And it worked! He grabbed Ichiyamamoto’s arm during a volley, spinning Ichiyamamoto around. He then launched into Ichiyamamoto and propelled him backward over the bales. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (3-1) defeated Mitakeumi (2-2). Mitakeumi drove forward and nearly swept Shonannoumi from the ring with a quick swing from his belt. Shonannoumi resisted but Mitakeumi kept churning his legs, pressing Shonannoumi toward the bales. As he edged him close to the tawara, Shonannoumi slipped to the side and brought his arm down, dropping Mitakeumi to the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoshoho (2-2) defeated Hokutofuji (0-4). Kotoshoho did not henka but his swift sweep with his left hand nearly had the same effect. He didn’t even move his feet. He blocked Hokutofuji’s right arm and pressed down. Hatakikomi.

Shodai (3-1) defeated Takayasu (3-1). Takayasu slammed Shodai’s head back but Shodai drove forward, nonetheless. As Takayasu neared the bales, he tried a pull but that just accelerated his movement out. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (1-3) defeated Kinbozan (1-3). A quick oshi-battle ended when Tamawashi blasted Kinbozan clear from the fighting surface. Kinbozan slow to get up. Oshitaoshi.

Gonoyama (2-2) defeated Onosho (3-1). Gonoyama won the advantage of position with a solid tachiai. As Onosho resisted at the bales, Gonoyama slipped to the left and twisted Onosho down. Great move. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Onosato (4-0) crushed Midorifuji (1-3). Onosato brought his right arm in front of Midorifuiji and charged forward like a freight train. Midorifuji tried to stop at the bales but couldn’t. Wow. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (2-2) broke Tsurugisho (2-2). Hiradoumi locked in quickly with maemitsu, a lefthand grip at the front of Tsurugisho’s mawashi. Tsurugisho responded by enveloping Hiradoumi and grabbing his mawashi deep with the left hand. As the two tussled, Hiradoumi twisted and pulled and Tsurugisho’s knee gave. Uwatedashinage.

Oh no. Tsurugisho very slow to get up. The big wheelchair makes a sad entrance as the support staff roll Tsurugisho to the edge and I am sure the kyujo list will grow by one.

Atamifuji (2-2) defeated Tobizaru (2-2) Tobizaru worked hard to keep Atamifuji away from his belt but once he locked in with a two-handed inside grip…he kinda yielded the double-overarm hold. From there, Atamifuji drove forward and hefted him out. Kimedashi.

Sanyaku

The shell of Daieisho (1-3) defeated the shell of Nishikigi (1-3). Nishikigi offered token resistance as Daieisho plowed forward and shoved him out. Tsukidashi seems a bit generous.

Abi (4-0) blasted Wakamotoharu (3-1). Abi zumo. He slammed Wakamotoharu at the tachiai and shoved him back. He hit him again at the edge. Wakamotoharu winced and indicated he may have been poked in the eye. Tsukidashi.

Takakeisho (3-1) defeated Ura (2-2). Ura slid backward and appeared to want to try some tricks on the edge but Takakeisho just kept him centered and drove through. Some gabburi-yotsu from T-Rex and the world has forever changed. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (3-1) defeated Oho (1-3). Oho’s oshi game had Hoshoryu on the defensive. Hoshoryu was able to wrap him up with the left hand inside and slow things down at the center of the ring. Oho charged forward but this gave Hoshoryu a better grip with the left. Hoshoryu twisted and shoved Oho down at the edge of the ring. Hikiotoshi.

Asanoyama (2-2) defeated Kirishima (0-4). Asanoyama ushered Kirishima out quickly. A look at the replay revealed Kirishima tried to pull and slap Asanoyama down but Asanoyama adjusted quickly and walked him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kotonowaka (3-1) defeated Takanosho (1-3). That was the best sumo I have seen from Takanosho, ever. He gave it his all, that’s for sure. He grabbed onto Kotonowaka’s mawashi with his right arm while Kotonowaka grabbed that arm. Kotonowaka yanked that arm and pulled Takanosho to the edge. Takanosho wrapped his leg around Kotonowaka to try to trip him but the Ozeki pulled him over. Kotenage.

Meisei (2-2) defeated Terunofuji (2-2). Meisei locked in with morozashi. Terunofuji had his dangerous double-overarm hold which usually gives him a kimedashi win. This time, Meisei held him high under the armpits, resisted the throw attempt and drove forward. Kinboshi! Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Day four was devastating. Takerufuji, Onosato, and…check notes…Abi lead with four wins. We’ve got an Ozeki with four losses, Terunofuji gave up his first kinboshi of the tournament and one wonders whether it will be his last. He has not looked dominant, so far. It’s enough to wonder whether Tsurugisho will be the only kyujo tomorrow? All I know is…SHODAI YUSHO!!!!