Chiyoshoma

Hatsu 2025, Day Ten

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho , , ,

We’ll look at the second division first today. Wakaikari, Shishi, and Aonishiki all won their bouts in Juryo as the three youngsters picked up their ninth wins and edge closer to the yusho. Ryuden is the lone chaser at 8-2.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

The way Wakaikari hit at Shirokuma today reminded me of Hiradoumi. Aonishiki used his ottsuke effectively to keep Sadanoumi from getting a hold with his right hand and then bulled Sadanoumi back and out. Shishi tried to use his right arm under Oshoumi’s left shoulder for a throw at the edge. But his persistence paid off as he finally pressed Oshoumi out.

Jikan desu! Ryotsuite!

Makuuchi Action

Nishikifuji (5-5) defeated Nishikigi (5-5). Nishikifuji won the battle of the brocades by grabbing Nishikigi’s belt with a left-hand inside grip, pivoting, and driving Nishikigi back over the bales. Nishikigi’s only counter attack appeared to be an attempt to topple Nishikifuji as he approached the edge. Otherwise, this was all Nishikifuji. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (5-5) defeated Onokatsu (6-4). Tokihayate locked in with a left-hand inside grip and spun Onokatsu around the dohyo. He released his left-hand grip and flung Onokatsu out of the ring with his right arm locked under Onokatsu’s shoulder. Kotenage.

Midorifuji (3-7) defeated Kagayaki (3-7). Midorifuji pulled and grabbed Kagayaki’s belth with his left hand as Kagayaki charged forward. Midorifuji helped Kagayaki fall forward by tugging on Kagayaki’s belt as he stumbled forward and flopped at the edge. Uwatedashinage.

Meisei (3-7) defeated Tamashoho (3-7). Tamashoho was too eager and jumped offsides. Five-yard penalty, replay first down. Meisei pressed forward through Tamashoho’s tsuppari and drove him out. Hakuho’s still the only person to take that 5-yard penalty seriously. Tamashoho’s tsuppari just does not seem to hit, here in the top division. It’s like it’s there but it’s one of those rain showers you don’t even need an umbrella for. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (4-6) defeated Kotoshoho (2-8). The pair had a solid tachiai and traded tsuppari for a few seconds. Churanoumi stepped inside, hit Kotoshoho in the jaw with a headbutt and Kotoshoho immediately dropped to one knee. Tsukiotoshi.

Oshoma (5-5) defeated Hakuoho (6-4). Hakuoho managed a morozashi and rotated Oshoma toward the ground as Oshoma pressed Hakuoho back toward the bales. Both men looked to fall at the same time. Gunbai Oshoma. Mono-ii. The shimpan decide, “Dotai. Torinaoshi,” rematch. On the replay, Hakuoho jumped early. Reset. Strong tachiai. Oshoma tried to slap Hakuoho down but Hakuoho managed to stay up. The two locked in with right-hand belt grips. Hakuoho took the initiative to pull the pair toward the bales. Hakuoho tried to topple the pair but Oshoma pressed forward into Hakuoho and pulled him forward. Uwatenage.

Shonannoumi (5-5) defeated Takarafuji (4-6). Takarafuji sure made an admirable effort. He really wanted that right-hand outside grip and he got it a few times as the two tangoed around the ring. But Shonannoumi knew that was dangerous and would extend his body to pull Takarafuji’s had free. As Takarafuji reached in again, Shonannoumi rotated and pulled him by the left shoulder, forcing Takarafuji to fall forward. Kotenage.

Takerufuji (8-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (6-4). Takerufuji henka! Ichiyamamoto charged forward to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Shodai (5-5) defeated Mitakeumi (2-8). The Shodozer rolled through Mitakeumi, forcing him to the edge, quickly. Mitakeumi tried to slip right and throw Shodai at the edge but the Shodozer’s brakes were up to the task as the Shodozer stopped right at the edge. Mitakeumi’s momentum carried him over the tawara. Oshidashi.

Oho (8-2) defeated Tamawashi (6-4). Rough tachiai as the two banged heads repeatedly while trading tsuppari. Oho tried a brief pull but that would have been bad so he reached in for a belt grip. Belt grip acquired, Oho pulled up, charged forward and overpowered Tamawashi forcing him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Endo (5-5) defeated Atamifuji (2-8). Atamifuji had no defense today. Endo wrapped up Atamifuji and drove forward, forcing Atamifuji out. Yorikiri.

Newsbreak. It’s a long one. Thankfully these second half bouts take a bit more time.

Takanosho (3-7) defeated Takayasu (6-4). The pair traded tsuppari as Takanosho walked back toward the bales. Takayasu did not heed Admiral Ackbar’s warning. Takanosho rotated as he approached the edge and turned the tables. Once Takayasu’s back was to the edge, Takanosho pushed Takayasu out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (7-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (8-2). Brawl here as Chiyoshoma did not allow Kirishima access to his belt. Kirishima reached in but Chiyoshoma rotated away while keeping up the tsuppari. As Chiyoshoma pressed forward into Kirishima’s tsuppari, Kirishima stepped back and pulled Chiyoshoma forward. The Chiyoshoma yusho fears abate as he rolled across the dohyo. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Abi (6-4) defeated Kinbozan (9-1). Kinbozan, did you not read the brief? Abi dropped Kinbozan quickly by hitting him hard at the tachiai to bait Kinbozan into pressing forward. Abi then immediately stepped right and deflected Kinbozan’s forward momentum to Abi’s left. Kinbozan fell forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakatakakage (5-5) defeated Tobizaru (5-5). Wakatakakage stepped left and used his left hand to press Tobizaru to the side and down. Hatakikomi.

A Second Newsbreak. A first-floor arcade (game center) near the Tsutenkaku shotengai, a landmark in Osaka, is on fire. Maybe someone is finally venting their frustrations against the claw.

Wakamotoharu (3-7) defeated Ura (5-5). As the dust settled after the initial exchange, Ura literally put up his dukes. That was hilarious. I don’t think he appreciated WMH’s kachiage at the tachiai. He tried to rotate and pull Wakamotoharu’s left arm but Wakamotoharu slipped away and shoved Ura from behind. Oshitaoshi.

Onosato (7-3) defeated Gonoyama (5-5). Gonoyama charged forward early. Reset. Onosato henka?! But a matta? What the hell is going on? The NHK video will only show the legit tachiai so hat tip to Lulit on Twitter to show the full bout with all the hijinks, below. On the third attempt, Onosato met Gonoyama head on but rotated right and slapped Gonoyama down with both hands at the back of Gonoyama’s head. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (7-3) defeated Daieisho (6-4). Hoshoryu quickly seized Daieisho’s belt with his right hand and pulled him forward to the ground. Uwatedashinage.

Kotozakura (4-6) defeated Hiradoumi (5-5). Someone got Kotozakura some smelling salts as he finally moved forward. He hit Hiradoumi square at the tachiai and pressed forward. Hiradoumi tried to rotate back to his left but Kotozakura pursued and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Suddenly, the race is flung wide open. Kinbozan still leads with one loss. Chiyoshoma joins Oho and Takerufuji at 8-2. Hoshoryu, Onosato and Kirishima sneak back into the race at 7-3. We might be looking at a big playoff with an 11- or 12-win yusho. I’m not sure why they’re so worried about Tsutenkaku when there’s a dumpster fire right here on the dohyo in front of us. If we’re not careful, the Shodozer will get into this yusho race, somehow. Maybe we should just focus on Juryo now?

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s action, Kinbozan will fight Onosato, Takerufuji will face Daieisho and Chiyoshoma will fight Hoshoryu in the musubi-no-ichiban. I’ve got my popcorn at the ready. To be honest, y’all, I’m going back to bed. This is a lot to process at 4am. The good news is that both rally towels worked today, even if Onosato’s performance was a bit shaky. If he pulls the same thing against Kinbozan tomorrow, I will die laughing. It will be a good death.

Hatsu 2025, Day Nine

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho , , , , ,

News from the infirmary is that Kitanowaka is kyujo. He broke his leg in yesterday’s action and will need two months to recover. He will surely drop back into Juryo for March. With Terunofuji’s retirement and several demotions incoming, Shiden and Kayo are going to kick themselves if they miss this opportunity at promotion. Meanwhile, there are several guys a bit deeper on the banzuke willing to fill in the gaps. We’re obviously skipping over makuuchi veterans Tsurugisho and Shimanoumi, who cannot buy a white star between them.

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

Shishi put his head down and drove into heavyweight Mitoryu, earning his kachi-koshi. Wakaikari threw everything at Kiryuko, even starting with a henka, before finally winning with a nice throw. Both of those matches are in the Juryo Part I videos. Aonishiki, meanwhile, easily forced Kayo out to stay on pace. This might be the yusho race to watch this basho. Wakaikari will take on Shirokuma tomorrow. Shishi will face Oshoumi and Aonishiki will have his hands full against Sadanoumi.

Makuuchi Action

Kagayaki (3-6) defeated Shiden (2-7). Shiden slow rolled Kagayaki into a matta. The tachiai games won him no advantage as Kagayaki drove into him, forced him back to the bales, and out. Shiden had nothing to counter. He tried some ottsuke with his right arm for a few seconds but gave up to get a belt grip. That allowed Kagayaki to get his belt and chug forward. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (2-7) defeated Tamashoho (3-6). Kotoshoho charged forward, then pulled but Tamashoho kept his balance and kept up his tsuppari. After trying the same thing twice, Kotoshoho tried Plan B. Kotoshoho grabbed Tamashoho’s left arm at the shoulder and pulled him forward. Kotenage.

Shonannoumi (4-5) defeated Tokihayate (4-5). Shonannoumi completely abandoned his style of sumo and just laid into Tokihayate with powerful tsuppari. His tsuppari forced Tokihayate back to the edge and another, violent shove forced Tokihayate out. Where has this Shonannoumi been? Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (6-3) defeated Nishikifuji (4-5). Nishikifuji and Onokatsu traded tsuppari for a few seconds before switching to yotsu-zumo with left-hand inside grips. Nishikifuji’s fatal mistake was to try to pull. Onokatsu used the momentum shift to charge forward and drive Nishikifuji backward and down to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Nishikigi (5-4) fusen win over Kitanowaka (4-5-6).

Kinbozan (9-0) defeated Takerufuji (7-2). A bout that lived up to the hype. This was a very entertaining back-and-forth. Takerufuji tried an early pull but Kinbozan forced him to the edge. Takerufuji pressed his way back to the center. Kinbozan pivoted and tried to pull Takerufuji down he then pressed forward, forcing Takerufuji to the edge again. Takerufuji suddenly turned the tables and forced Kinbozan to teeter at the edge by twisting. But Takerufuji could not finish him off. Kinbozan recovered and pulled Takerufuji across the ring. Takerufuji’s legs couldn’t keep up and Kinbozan won by dragging Takerufuji down by his arm. Kotenage.

Hakuoho (6-3) defeated Meisei (2-7). Both men locked in for a yotsu battle. Hakuoho drove forward and forced Meisei to the edge. Meisei pivoted and tried to throw Hakuoho but Hakuoho’s footwork was solid. The pair settled in the middle of the ring to catch their breath. Hakuoho caught his first, suddenly pulled and rotated counter-clockwise, throwing Meisei to the ground. Uwatedashinage.

Midorifuji (2-7) defeated Mitakeumi (2-7). Mitakeumi let Midorifuji have a morozashi, double-inside belt grip. Mitakeumi tried to pick up Midorifuji and charge forward for a kimedashi but Midorifuji resisted. Having failed at Plan A, Mitakeumi caught his breath and tried Plan A again, charging forward to the bales. Midorifuji pivoted and each man tried to topple the other over the bales. Midorifuji won with better leverage from his inside grip and threw Mitakeumi. Shitatenage.

Endo (4-5) defeated Tamawashi (6-3). Tamawashi hit Endo with tsuppari and put his head down to charge forward. Endo timed his pull well, shifted right and slapped Tamawashi down. Hikiotoshi.

Ichiyamamoto (6-3) defeated Oshoma (4-5). Ichiyamamoto plugged forward with his tsuppari. Oshoma tried to pull Ichiyamamoto over the bales but Ichiyamamoto latched onto Oshoma with his left hand outside. The two danced along the bales trying to throw the other. Ichiyamamoto was able to get Oshoma turned and shoved Oshoma over. Oshitaoshi.

Halftime

Takayasu (6-3) defeated Takarafuji (4-5). Takarafuji grabbed Takayasu’s left arm but Takayasu did not like where Takarafuji was going with it. So, Takayasu extracted his arm and thrust into Takarafuji, hard, shoving him out. Tsukidashi.

Chiyoshoma (8-1) defeated Churanoumi (3-6). Quite the brawl. Churanoumi’s tsuppari kept Chiyoshoma off his belt. When Chiyoshoma tried to reach in, Churanoumi would freak out and shove him away, hard. The thing is, Chiyoshoma’s tsuppari game is fierce and he plugged away, driving Chiyoshoma to the edge…but not over. Chiyoshoma pulled and as Churanoumi followed, Chiyoshoma grabbed his arm and pulled him forward over the bales. Tottari.

Shodai (4-5) defeated Gonoyama (5-4). THAT Shodai is still in the house. His footwork was excellent and he resisted Gonoyama’s opening nodowa. Gonoyama kept up with his forceful thrusts but Shodai weathered the torrent. Shodai shifted to the side and Gonoyama nearly toppled over but recovered and reengaged Shodai. Shodai had had enough and drove forward into Gonoyama with all of his might, forcing him to tumble backwards off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Oho (7-2) defeated Atamifuji (2-7). Oho grabbed Atamifuji with his left arm under Atamifuji’s right shoulder. Oho rotated clockwise and slammed his right arm down onto Atamifuji’s back while pulling at that shoulder, forcing Atamifuji down. Katasukashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (4-5) defeated Takanosho (2-7). Takanosho drove forward and had Wakatakakage at the bales but Wakatakakage reached in with both hands on Takanosho’s belt and hoisted up. Wakatakakage let go of Takanosho’s belt but rotated and threw Takanosho over the bales. Sukuinage.

Kirishima (6-3) defeated Abi (5-4). Kirishima pulled as Abi was blasting away with his tsuppari. Abi stumbled forward and Kirishima pursued. Abi turned to resist at the bales but Kirishima shoved him over. Does this Kirishima only come out in Tokyo? Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (2-7) defeated Tobizaru (5-4). Wakamotoharu avoided make-koshi by keeping Tobizaru in front of him and hitting him with forceful tsuppari. Tobizaru tried to grab Wakamotoharu’s belt but WMH yanked him off. Wakamotoharu fired off with more tsuppari and drove Tobizaru over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (5-4) defeated Hoshoryu (6-3). Hiradoumi launched into Hoshoryu at the tachiai. He then shifted left and Hoshoryu stumbled forward to the ground. Rope hopes dashed. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (5-4) defeated Kotozakura (3-6). Ura charged into the Ozeki with both arms inside. Ura then rotated right and pulled Kotozakura down. Why did that look so easy? I think it was because Kotozakura braced himself with his left leg against the bales. Ura twisted in that direction and that is the knee that Kotozakura has taped up and is wearing a supporter. Oshitaoshi.

Onosato (6-3) defeated Daieisho (6-3). Onosato drove his forearm into Daieisho’s chin, forcing him back. As Daieisho attempted to right himself and charge forward, Onosato shifted to his right and slapped Daieisho down. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

No Ozeki kachi-koshi for Kotozakura. He can only give up one more loss before he is kadoban in Osaka. If the left knee is really giving him this much trouble, he needs to go kyujo now. He has not faced either of his Ozeki peers. They have their own problems to sort out and will be more than motivated to drop him.

We’re going to have another maegashira yusho. Everyone in sanyaku is just fighting for pride and position at this point. As we take a look at the leader board, only Kinbozan is undefeated and only Chiyoshoma is one back with one loss. Takerufuji and Oho follow with two losses.

As we head into the final furlong, Kinbozan and Chiyoshoma will face their toughest battles yet as the Kyokai tries to stop their advance. Kinbozan will fight Abi and Chiyoshoma will take on Kirishima. Takerufuji will fight Ichiyamamoto and Oho will take on Tamawashi.

Oho might still be a favorite for the yusho, though he has two losses. The Kyokai cannot make his schedule more difficult; He has already faced the top guys. Takerufuji will probably start facing joi-level fights on Day 11.

One positive from Terunofuji’s retirement may be that this will open the door for another wrestler to enter the top division. At this rate, we are looking at an extended period of time with no Yokozuna. Our next Yokozuna is hopefully in Makuuchi right now and we will not need to wait for Wakaikari to establish himself as a sanyaku mainstay.

As was eluded to in the comments, this might impact the Kyokai’s Jungyo plans. For the past couple of years, even if Terunofuji had not been available for tournaments, he would participate in the local tours and events at shrines, performing his dohyo-iri. We just came out of a pandemic, so we know these events do not have to go on. At this time of increased popularity of sumo, his presence will be missed.

Hatsu 2025, Day Seven

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho ,

News from the infirmary that Roga is kyujo again. He was obviously still hobbled by his injury and unable to win. Chiyoshoma will pick up the default fusen victory.

The NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

The contest in Juryo is down to the two Ukrainians, Shishi and Aonishiki, and Wakaikari. The three men lead with one loss. Six guys trail with two losses, including Asakoryu, Ryuden, Tochitaikai, Oshoumi, Hakuyozan and Kotoeiho. Aonishiki wrangled Daiseizan with an impressive whirling attack, culminating in a second consecutive shitatehineri. Do what works.

Makuuchi Action

Hakuoho (4-3) defeated Tamashoho (2-5). Tamashoho henka but Hakuoho adjusted well and latched on with his left-hand inside and right-hand outside. Tamashoho’s loose belt clearly created challenges for Hakuoho, who was heavily taped on his back and seemed to be in pain. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (7-0) defeated Tokihayate (3-4). Kinbozan destroyed Tokihayate with a series of his brutal thrusting nodowa attacks. He drove him to the edge and then slammed him to the ground with a powerful left hand. Ouch. Oshitaoshi.

Kagayaki (2-5) defeated Kotoshoho (1-6). Several clashes of heads as Kagayaki and Kotoshoho clunk into each other repeatedly. Kagayaki’s tsuppari, paired with the head butts, forced Kotoshoho back to the edge and over the bales. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (4-3) defeated Shonannoumi (2-5). After a short flurry of tsuppari, Nishikifuji secured Shonannoumi’s belt and churned forward. On the way, he shifted his right hand grip from outside to inside, securing a morozashi to finish Shonannoumi off with ease. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu (4-3) defeated Kitanowaka (4-3). Kitanowaka shifted to the side at the tachiai and locked on with his left hand deep on Onokatsu’s belt. This allowed him to drag Onokatsu to the edge. However, Onokatsu recovered his footing along the bales and turned the tables with his own solid belt grip. He drove forward into Kitanowaka and forced him out. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (6-1) defeated Nishikigi (4-3). Tamawashi locked horns with Nishikigi at the middle of the ring, rather than launching his trademark aggressive tsuppari. Nishikigi shoved Tamawashi back behind his right hand and started to surge forward. But Tamawashi countered and knocked that right hand away, slipped to his right, and slapped Nishikigi down. Strategery. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (6-1) defeated Oshoma (4-3). Takerufuji secured a morozashi at the tachiai to drive into Oshoma, forcing him to the edge. Oshoma tried to slip down the bales but Takerufuji obliterated him with a powerful shove to the neck. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (3-4) defeated Midorifuji (1-6). Midorifuji false start. Midorifuji pitched forward to re-engage but Churanoumi backed up and slapped Midorifuji down with his right-hand firm at the base of Midorifuji’s neck. Hatakikomi.

Takarafuji (3-4) defeated Meisei (2-5). Meisei let Takarafuji get inside and secure a left-hand inside belt grip. Takarafuji got the legs churning and drove Meisei back and out. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (4-3) defeated Mitakeumi (2-5). Takayasu quickly secured Mitakeumi’s mawashi and drove him back to the bales. Mitakeumi tried to shift to his right along the bales but Takayasu followed and forced him over. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (7-0) fusen win over Roga (0-3-4)

Hiradoumi (3-4) defeated Endo (3-4). Endo slow-rolls Hiradoumi into a false start. It didn’t help, however, as Hiradoumi launched into Endo, locked up his right-hand inside grip and he quickly forced Endo back. Endo tried a lazy slapdown with his right but he was already toast. Yorikiri.

Ura (3-4) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-3). Ichiyamamoto tried to pull and slap Ura down. Not a wise choice as Ura charged forward, staying with Ichiyamamoto. Ichiyamamoto jumped and drove Ura down but Ichiyamamoto was already dead in the air. Incompetence. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (5-2) defeated Shodai (2-5). Shodai had control for most of this bout. Tobizaru hung on for the ride as Shodai dragged him around the dohyo and importantly kept Tobizaru front-and-center. But at the edge Tobizaru slipped away from Shodai’s grip at a critical moment. Shodai tried to hurl Tobizaru over the edge but Tobizaru got in behind and pushed Shodai from the back. What an escape! Okuridashi.

Sanyaku

Kirishima (4-3) defeated Wakatakakage (3-4). Kirishima grabbed Wakatakakage’s left arm and dragged him back to the bales. Kirishima shifted right along the bales and used his left leg to tip hims forward. Tottari.

Takanosho (2-5) defeated Abi (4-3). Takanosho shifted left as Abi charged forward, nearly forcing him out. Abi slammed on the brakes and reengaged. Unfortunately for Abi fans, he decided to pull and Takanosho chased him out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (5-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-6). Daieisho pounded away with his tsuppari. Wakamotoharu tried to force Daieisho’s arms away and leaned forward to try to get away from the tawara, so Daieisho shifted to the side and let Wakamotoharu fall forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Onosato (4-3) defeated Atamifuji (2-5). Atamifuji used his right hand inside Onosato’s armpit to hold Onosato high and drive him back to the edge. Onosato recovered and tried to break Atamifuji’s hold with left-hand ottsuke but Atamifuji would not relent. Onosato locked in with his right hand inside and struggled to force Atamifuji back. He pitched right and that dragged Atamifuji to the side, putting his back to the edge. Onosato then used gaburi yotsu to force Atamifuji over the edge. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (6-1) defeated Oho (6-1). Oho pulled at the start Hoshoryu was on him like white on rice. Oho moved forward and Hoshoryu yanked on Oho’s right arm, pulling him forward. From Oho’s right side Hoshoryu tried to pull him over the edge but Oho resisted and pitched forward. This effectively turned Oho’s back to Hoshoryu so Hoshoryu leapt in to attack from behind and rushed Oho across the ring, shoving him to the ground at the edge. Okuritaoshi.

Kotozakura (2-5) defeated Gonoyama (4-3). Kotozakura’s left knee is taped and the way Gonoyama drove him back to the bales made me think he really cannot put much weight on it. Kotozakura used his right-foot only to brace against the tawara and resist Gonoyama’s charge and he settled things down in the center but was unable to launch an attack.  Instead, Gonoyama pressed forward again, driving Kotozakura back to the edge of the dohyo. The Ozeki teetered on the bales and pulled Gonoyama forward to the ground. Gunbai Kotozakura. No mono-ii. None needed. Kotozakura won and replays show Gonoyama fell forward first. Tsukiotoshi.

Wrap-up

Several solid wins from Kirishima this tournament as he tries to re-establish himself at the top of the division. Onosato had a great recovery but sure came close to another quick loss. Hoshoryu demonstrated what he failed to show in the loss to Atamifuji, an ability to adapt to his opponent and the ability to attack in different ways to find a solution. Kotozakura was very fortunate to pick up his second win today.

Kinbozan will face Tamawashi while Chiyoshoma takes on the Takarabune. That Kinbozan/Tamawashi bout will be interesting. Tamawashi is not going to like nodowa. When Chiyoshoma gets his kachi-koshi, I would expect him to move up and face stiffer competition in Week Two.

Kotozakura will get his turn against Oho tomorrow. As well as Oho is fighting, and as hurt as Kotozakura seems to be, this will not look promising for the Ozeki who is drawing close to kadoban. Onosato will take on Wakatakakage, who has appeared shaky in the last few days. Wakatakakage is always dangerous so Onosato will need to reestablish his fundamentals and leverage his size and good footwork to force him out. Finally, Hoshoryu will face Shodai. We know Shodai will bring it because there will be a massive stack of kensho on the line.

Kyushu 2019, Days 10-11, Bouts From The Lower Divisions

Herouth Kyushu Basho 2019 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here we are, approaching the last “act” of the basho. First, we’ll look at the closing day of the second “act”, and then we’ll switch over to day 11, to see some of the yusho developments.

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