Churanoumi

Senshuraku Pairings and Scenarios

Andy Haru 2025, Haru Basho , , , ,

OK. The torikumi is out so I wanted to update everyone on the upcoming bouts and scenarios. We know the field is narrowed to five men, Onosato (O) and Takayasu (M4) with three losses and Churanoumi (M14), Aonishiki (M15), and M16 Tokihayate, the so-called makujiri, with four.

As expected, the two Ozeki will fight in the musubi-no-ichiban. Prior to that, Daieisho will fight Churanoumi, Aonishiki will fight Oho, Kirishima will fight Tokihayate, and Takayasu will fight Abi.

If both Onosato and Takayasu win, we will have one play-off bout between the two of them and a 12-win yusho.

If Onosato OR Takayusu wins, and the other loses, we will have no playoff. The winner will win the tournament outright, and a 12-win yusho.

If BOTH Onosato AND Takayasu lose, this is where the scenarios get crazy. Basically both will be in a playoff with any of the other three who win their bouts. If Churanoumi, Aonishiki, and Tokihayate win, we could be looking at a five-man playoff. If they all lose, it’s a two man playoff between Onosato and Takayasu and an 11-win yusho.

11-win yusho are not common. The last was Takakeisho beating Atamifuji in a playoff with a henka. Here’s a great interview in the Asahi Shimbun with Konishiki where he discusses it. Before that, we have to go back to 2017 and Harumafuji’s playoff win over Goeido. Even before that, we have to go way back to my High School days, November 1996. Tupac had been killed a few months before and Biggie would be shot and killed a few months later, in March. Yes, this is how I date things. In an interesting coincidence, Konishiki was still active during that tournament. The title, though, was claimed by Musashimaru after a crazy 5-man playoff with Akebono, Kaio, Wakanohana and Takanonami.

Instead of an epic playoff between a Yokozuna, three Ozeki and a future Ozeki (Kaio), we have the potential playoff of O-M4-M14-M15-M16. Tokihayate can seriously walk away with the cup. Chaos! Woo!

Haru 2025: Day Ten

Andy Haru 2025, Haru Basho , , ,

Day Ten in Osaka. The big news is that Yokozuna Hoshoryu is kyujo. He is the first shin-Yokozuna to go kyujo in his debut in 39 years. Back in 1986, Futahaguro went kyujo. Comparisons between the two are irrelevant because Hoshoryu actually has titles to his name. It will be his first losing record since 2021. Ura will pick up the fusen win.

Nonetheless, some of you had called it in the comments, particularly Justme who postulated that despite no bandages, the band-aid was a sign of likely pain medicine injections. Tatsunami Oyakata revealed Hoshoryu had injured his right elbow at Hatsu Basho. He had thought he would be ready for Haru but apparently not. We hope he heals those injuries and comes back strong in May.

Down in Juryo, Kusano continues his charge though he was saved by the shimpan today. Kusano plowed forward but Shimanoumi slapped him down at the edge while stepping out. Gunbai Shimanoumi. The shimpan called a mono-ii and replay showed Shimanoumi stepped out before Kusano came down. Kusano moves to 10-0. With Hitoshi’s loss, Kusano is now three clear of the field.

Hokutofuji is not one of the chase group. Quite the opposite, he has a mere 3 wins and will fight Hatsuyama to stave off make-koshi.

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

Makuuchi Action

Tokihayate (6-4) defeated Fujiseiun (Juryo 6-4). Tokihayate grabbed Fujiseiun by the shoulders and pulled back, dragging Fujiseiun forward and thrusting him to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (7-3) defeated Kotoshoho (4-6). After a brief oshi brawl, Aonishiki grabbed Kotoshoho’s belt with his right hand and immediately yanked him forward to the ground. Uwatedashinage.

Sadanoumi (6-4) defeated Ryuden (4-6). Sadanoumi locked on with a morozashi, double-inside belt grip and heaved Ryuden over the bales. Both men tumbled down the dohyo. Shitatenage.

Shishi (7-3) defeated Mitakeumi (4-6). Mitakeumi drove Shishi toward the bales but Shishi was able to pivot the pair and press Mitakeumi up against the bales. Mitakeumi went inside to resist being pushed out and grabbed onto Shishi’s belt. This allowed Shishi access with his left hand and he immediately dragged Mitakeumi forward and rolled him to the floor. Uwatenage.

Asakoryu (6-4) defeated Takarafuji (3-7). Asakoryu shoved Takarafuji out behind the force of his nodowa. Takarafuji had some success shifting direction but could not follow up with an attack of his own. So Asakoryu re-engaged and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Meisei (7-3) defeated Shirokuma (3-7). As Shirokuma drove forward, Meisei slipped left and dragged Shirokuma down by his right arm. Kotenage.

Churanoumi (8-2) defeated Hakuoho (6-4). Pull at your peril. After a brawl which bloodied Churanoumi, the two settled into a stalemate at the center of the ring. Churanoumi began charging forward so Hakuoho pulled…but could not slap down Churanoumi. Churanoumi kept Hakuoho centered and drove him off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (6-4) defeated Atamifuji (5-5). After a lengthy tussle, Onokatsu acquired a double-inside hold and escorted a weary Atamifuji over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shodai (4-6) defeated Midorifuji (6-4). Shodai tried to heave Midorifuji out early but Midorifuji resisted at the bales and had the gall to go on the attack and try that katasukashi of his. After several attempts to grab Midorifuji and throw him out, Shodai had enough of this little guy and crushed him down to the floor in the middle of the dohyo. Makiotoshi.

Tamawashi (7-3) defeated Nishikigi (1-9). Nishikigi pivoted and thrust Tamawashi forward, stumbling to the edge. Just when it looked like Nishikigi might pick up another rare win, Tamawashi spun and forced Nishikigi out. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (5-5) defeated Hiradoumi (5-5). After a few matta, Oshoma slipped left at the tachiai and slapped the hard-charging Hiradoumi to the floor at the tachiai. A decidedly less entertaining hatakikomi than the previous bout, it elicits a few groans but mostly silence from the assembled crowd.

Halftime

Takerufuji (8-2) defeated Shonannoumi (1-9). Shonannoumi tried to pull Takerufuji over to the side but Takerufuji had read the brief and new what to look for. He kept Shonannoumi centered and droe forward, forcing Shonannoumi back and out. Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (5-5) flattened Endo (5-5). I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone just completely bowled over like that at the tachiai, without kachi-age KO. Kinbozan’s two-arm thrust to the head lifted the poor kid off his feet and propelled him backward. Tsukiotoshi.

Tobizaru (4-6) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-7). If you watch Chiyoshoma’s tachiai here, this is how a henka-artiste defends against a henka. Nonetheless, Tobizaru went on the attack and forced Chiyoshoma from the ring. Chiyoshoma could not get inside to get at the belt. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (5-5) defeated Gonoyama (3-7). Wakatakakage got inside and seized Gonoyama’s belt with his left hand. Gonoyama’s “flight” reflex kicked in. He tried to get himself free and run away but Wakatakakage shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Sanyaku

Takanosho (3-7) defeated Kirishima (4-6). Just when we are all wondering, “how is Takanosho consistently up here in the joi, or even sanyaku?” he pulls out a great oshi-tsuki display like today. Excellent footwork and steady oshi pressure forced Kirishima out. He just does not seem to have a reliable, “go-to,” secondary attack, no mis-direction or slapdown or yotsu game. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (6-4) defeated Abi (4-6). Now, Abi’s got the tsuppari attack and the nodowa like Takanosho but he also has the hatakikomi attack. But Wakamotoharu was prepared for that today and stayed upright, forcing Abi from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (7-3) defeated Oho (4-6). One heck of a pusher-thruster bout. Oho seemed to have the advantage early but could not get Daieisho out. However, Oho soon tired. This was a stamina win for Daieisho. After a minute of blasting away and chasing Daieisho around the ring, Oho was gassed and fell to the easy thrustdown. Great bout. I look forward to more of this from both guys. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (4-6) fusen against Hoshoryu (5-5-5).

Takayasu (9-1) defeated Onosato (8-2). Pull at your peril, I say! Onosato forced Takayasu back to the tawara behind his strong tsuppari. But he latched on with his right hand on Takayasu’s belt, pivoted, and pulled Takayasu. But Takayasu stayed up, moved with Onosato’s rotation, and forced the Ozeki from the ring. Both tumbled down in a heap, gunbai Takayasu. No mono-ii. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (6-4) defeated Kotozakura (5-5). Ichiyamamoto comes out and what does he do? He pulls; and he wins. He stood up Kotozakura at the tachiai with a brief shove, then rotated in the same direction Onosato had in the previous bout, and slapped Kotozakura down to the clay. The key here is that wrap around Kotozakura’s knee. He cannot survive the pivot left. Ichiyamamoto played it well. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Takayasu leads with one loss. The “adult in the room” was put to bed by Papa-yasu. Onosato falls into the chase group with Takerufuji and Churanoumi.

  • 9-1: Takayasu
  • 8-2: Onosato, Takerufuji, Churanoumi.

Takayasu will fight Kirishima tomorrow. Onosato will face Ura. Schedulers pit Takerufuji against Churanoumi. “We’re only going to put up with one of you guys challenging for the yusho.”

Kotozakura still has a struggle on his hands to save himself from demotion. He needs three wins in the final five days or Onosato will be alone at the rank in May.

Yes, pulls work…sometimes. Actually, they work quite a bit. But when they work, they usually work quickly, within a step or two backwards. In cases like today’s Onosato-Takayasu bout, Onosato cut off half of the ring by pivoting so hard. If Takayasu stayed with him, he had no where to go but out. And that’s where he went. I guess my frustration with the pull isn’t the pull itself, it’s the overcommittment. Frequently, it will be akin to tipping your king or going “all-in” with rags.

Onosato’s forward sumo forced Takayasu to the edge. Why give up on it? If you reach in for the belt, rather than pull, use gaburi-yotsu and force Takayasu over the edge. Don’t cede the winning position! In keiko, you spend the entire time learning how to move forward, perfecting how to move forward. Sure, there’s some lateral movement in there but no one’s doing suriashi backwards! You’re not rabbits. You can’t see behind you! You can’t see how much room you have or where those tawara are as it closes in on you! You’re Phoenixes and Eagles and Tigers and Lions and Flying Monkeys. Birds and Beasts of Prey. Attack! GAH!

Alright, that’s my rant. Feel free to argue with me in the comments about how pulling is the greatest tactic, ever and how you will now have posters of Ichiyamamoto on your walls.

Haru 2025: Nakabi

Andy Haru 2025, Haru Basho , ,

Nakabi in Osaka. Week Two opens and the yusho races will begin to fire up in earnest. Kusano bested Daiseizan to stay undefeated and be the first sekitori to claim his kachi-koshi. What’s even better is that as the last guy on the totem pole, he’s secured his spot as sekitori in May. Shimanoumi, of all people, is in the hunt with one loss. Maybe he’s got his head on straight and wants to make a push for promotion?

Nabatame will come back from kyujo tomorrow. For his sins they’re throwing him to the wolves in Makuuchi, namely Aonishiki. Oof. Sometimes the Kyokai seem to have ice in their veins. Your NHK Videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Aonishiki (5-3) defeated Shirokuma (3-5). Steady tsuppari from Aoinishiki drove Shirokuma back and out. Shirokuma demonstrated the defensive creativity of a blocking sled. Oshidashi.

Sadanoumi (4-4) defeated Shiden (Juryo 1-7). Sadanoumi acquired that left hand over-arm (uwate) grip and dragged Shiden over toward the bales before dumping him over the edge. Both men rolled into the head shimpan’s lap. Uwatenage.

Churanoumi (7-1) defeated Mitakeumi (4-4). Mitakeumi used his tsuppari to drive Churanoumi to the edge. Churanoumi’s first slapdown was ineffective but at the bales he shuffled left and lay Mitakeumi down along the bales. Hatakikomi.

Shishi (5-3) defeated Kotoshoho (3-5). Kotoshoho hefted Shishi and drove toward the bales. Shishi’s right hand was planted in Kotoshoho’s armpit and he used that to rotate Kotoshoho down to the ground before stepping out and tumbling into the crowd. Gunbai Kotoshoho. Video review showed Kotoshoho was down first. Call over-ruled and Shishi was given the victory. Sukuinage.

Asakoryu (5-3) defeated Onokatsu (5-3). Asakoryu hit Onokatsu with his lightning quick tachiai and pressed him all the way back to the tawara. Onokatsu used the bales to steady himself and pulled on Asakoryu’s shoulders to resist. Asakoryu used his left-hand inside to drag Onokatsu back to the other side of the dohyo. Onokatsu tried a last-ditch slapdown but Asakoryu escorted him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (5-3) defeated Tokihayate (4-4). Midorifuji got both arms inside Tokihayate for a morozashi. He easily drove into Tokihayate and pressured him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Meisei (6-2) defeated Ryuden (3-5). At the tachiai, Ryuden seemed to be driving his chin into Meisei’s head. Meisei rolled his head out of the way, seized Ryuden’s belt with both hands inside, a morozashi, chugged forward and drove Ryuden over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takarafuji (3-5) defeated Nishikigi (1-7). Hidari-yotsu as both men got their left-hand inside. Takarafuji pressured Nishikigi to the edge. Nishikigi tried to twist left to dump Takarafuji on the floor but Takarafuji used his gaburi leg-pumps to adjust and drive Nishikigi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (4-4) defeated Shonannoumi (1-7). Shonannoumi decided to join Shirokuma on the blocking-sled crew today. Atamifuji easily drove him to the bales and out. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (6-2) defeated Shodai (3-5). Tamawashi kept Shodai off his belt with some effective tsuppari blasts at the tachiai. Shodai pulled and tried to shift direction but Tamawashi was locked on today and shoved him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (4-4) defeated Endo (4-4). Endo got his right hand inside grip and focused his energies on keeping Hiradoumi’s right arm off his belt. Meanwhile, Hiradoumi used his left-hand outside grip and gaburi leg thrusts to force Endo toward the bales. Endo pulled and tried a slapdown but Hiradoumi quickly shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Takerufuji (6-2) defeated Oshoma (3-5). Takerufuji, looking terrible with black eyes, used the old hug-and-chug to work Oshoma back to the edge and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (4-4) defeated Hakuoho (5-3). Kinbozan laid into Hakuoho with steady head shots. Hakuoho turned to look for the exit and found it. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (2-6) defeated Gonoyama (2-6). Tobizaru beat Gonoyama back with tsuppari but then quickly slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Wakamotoharu (5-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-5). Despite strong tsuppari from Chiyoshoma, Wakamotoharu shoved him back and quickly forced him over the bales. I want Chiyoshoma to be eligible for a special prize at the end of this but the way it’s going, he might end with a deep make-koshi. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (3-5) defeated Abi (4-4). Wakatakakage read the brief and came prepared. He weathered Abi’s tsuppari storm and pressed forward. As Abi tried to move laterally to set up a slap-down, Wakatakakage adjusted well and moved right with him. Abi turned and stepped over the bales. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (5-3) defeated Takanosho (2-6). Daieisho used his tsuppari to set Takanosho up for a slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Oho (3-5) defeated Ura (3-5). Oho kept Ura in front of him as the two traded tsuppari. Ura backed to the bales and tried to brace there but Oho plowed right through him. Oshitaoshi.

Onosato (7-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-4). Onosato drove into Ichiyamamoto and then quickly pulled and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Kotozakura (5-3) defeated Kirishima (4-4). Kotozakura wrapped up Kirishima with both hands inside and gave it the old hug-and-chug to the bales. (Seeing a lot of that today.) Kirishima tried for a trip at the edge but Kotozakura stayed on him and crushed him over the bales. That looked really painful. Yoritaoshi.

Takayasu (7-1) defeated Hoshoryu (5-3). Sloppy work from the Yokozuna. He pulled but Takayasu did not fall for the slapdown. When Hoshoryu tried to re-engage, he stumbled back across the dohyo. Takayasu pounced and drove him to the edge. Hoshoryu tried to grab Takayasu’s arm or hand and pull him along the bales. But Takayasu just pursued as Hoshoryu fell off the dohyo. Kinboshi. Oshitaoshi.

Wrap-up

Hoshoryu lost another one. It’s not going to be a shining debut tournament for the shin-Yokozuna. He’ll look to regroup against Ichiyamamoto tomorrow. Meanwhile, Onosato is looking steadier and he’ll face Abi on Day Nine. Kotozakura even looked like an Ozeki today the way he dismantled Kirishima. He’s drawn Takayasu for Day Nine, though, which will be a barn-burner.

Well, let’s look at how our yusho race is stacking up at this point:

  • 7-1: Onosato, Takayasu, Churanoumi
  • 6-2: Takerufuji, Tamawashi, Meisei

I’m not saying a darn thing other than Onosato is looking solid and I hope for a great, competitive yusho race. I am not going to jinx anything here.

Aki 2024: Shonichi Highlights

Andy Aki 2024 , , , , ,

In Juryo, Takerufuji took care of business today. He completely overpowered Daiseizan and handed him a loss in his debut. Our other debutant, Kiryuko, fell victim to an Aoiyama slapdown. Hakuoho got his tournament off on the right foot with a powerful yorikiri win over Daiamami. Shishi got the better of Tamashoho at the edge.

As usual, NHK has all of the videos here. Juryo Part I and Part II as well as Makuuchi Part I and Part II. As usual, I’m catching all of the action LIVE on JME.tv. And as usual, JME also provides a special sumo channel that allows you to watch their entire Makuuchi division coverage four times each day.

Makuuchi action

Chiyoshoma defeated Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji drove forward but Chiyoshoma was able to shift to the side and pull him down at the edge. A particularly rough-looking Katasukashi.

Shirokuma defeated Kitanowaka. Shirokuma chased Kitanowaka, drove him to the edge and ushered him out. Kitanowaka locked on with a left-hand grip at the tachiai. He immediately began pulling and circled around the dohyo. Shirokuma pressed forward and forced Kitanowaka back to the edge. Kitanowaka tried to resist at the bales but Shirokuma drove him out. Yorikiri. Makuuchi win #1.

Shirokuma will fight Nishikifuji tomorrow. Kitanowaka will face Onosho, who will be our visitor from Juryo. That just doesn’t seem right.

Takayasu defeated Takarafuji. Takayasu aimed high at the initial charge, going for headshot after headshot. Takarafuji realized this battering was unsustainable and tried knocking Takayasu’s arms away but the shots kept coming. Takarafuji backed away and as he got to the edge he slipped to the side and tried to get at the back of Takayasu’s belt. Takayasu recovered, shifted, and slapped Takarafuji down. Hatakikomi.

Ryuden defeated Onokatsu. Onokatsu did not read the brief. Ryuden locked on with his left-hand inside and right arm outside, drove forward and forced Onokatsu out. Yorikiri.

Ryuden will fight Takayasu on Day Two while Onokatsu will square up against Takarafuji.

Hokutofuji defeated Nishikigi. Ow. Hokutofuji planted his right arm in Nishikigi’s neck, left arm inside and drove forward. Yorikiri.

Bushozan defeated Kinbozan. Kinbozan seemed to have the power advantage and pressed forward with a fierce oshi attack. Bushozan circled backward for a bit. He then grabbed Kinbozan’s right arm and tried to rip it off. While doing so, he shifted to the center of the ring, gaining a superior position. He then battered Kinbozan with tsuppari and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Bushozan will face Hokutofuji and Nishikigi will face Kinbozan.

Sadanoumi defeated Kagayaki. Sadanoumi got both his arms inside. With a few gaburi-yotsu bunny-hops, Sadanoumi arrested Kagayaki’s advance and forced the shinkansen into reverse. Sadanoumi kept up the pressure, forced Kagayaki back along the rails to the edge and over. Yorikiri.

Roga defeated Tamawashi. Roga locked on with his left hand at the front of Tamawashi’s belt. Unperturbed, Tamawashi pressed forward and forced Roga to the edge. Roga resisted so Tamawashi tried a slapdown. Roga maintained his balance and shifted his grip to the right-hand. He then pulled Tamawashi forward and rolled him into the crowd. Shitatedashinage.

Tamawashi will tie the record for consecutive bouts at 1,630 tomorrow, when he faces Sadanoumi. The Iron Man has fought every bout since his debut in March 2004. I was living in Japan and teaching at NOVA in Hiyoshi when he first climbed onto the dohyo. I didn’t even know my wife back then and I think I was still living in Hodogaya. She and I have two kids now, one is in high school. And the Jade Eagle has been chugging away the entire time. That’s absolutely incredible.

Kagayaki will face Roga. Nothing special about that.

Ichiyamamoto defeated Oshoma. Ichiyamamoto-zumo. Tsuppari to get Oshoma moving backwards. Then plant his head in his chest and drive forward to finish him off. Not sure what Oshoma wanted to do here today but he ended up in a shinpan’s lap. Oshidashi.

Endo defeated Midorifuji. Katasukashi-boy tried his thing and nearly caught Endo. But Endo kept his balance and resisted two great pull-down attempts. He pressed Midorifuji to the edge and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Endo will take on Ichiyamamoto. (Henka, anyone?) Oshoma will face Midorifuji.

Churanoumi defeated Wakatakakage. Well, that was impressive. This was a wild bout with slapdown attempts, pulldown attempts, oshi-, yotsu- galore. Churanoumi was able to lock up Wakatakakage with both arms around his trunk. He drove forward and forced Wakatakakage to step out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Meisei defeated Gonoyama. Another wild, exciting bout from these two. Oshi-yotsu, everything. I enjoy watching these kind of bouts because we hear so much about, “my brand of sumo.” And these bouts seem to be like a big, old grocery store with all brands on the shelves. However, it’s a nightmare to describe and give a quality play-by-play, blow-by-blow account. In the end, Gonoyama cornered Meisei at the edge. As he put his head down to charge forward, Meisei jumped to the side and slapped Gonoyama down. Hatakikomi.

Meisei gets Wakatakakage while Gonoyama fights Churanoumi on Day Two.

Ura defeated Shonannoumi. Shonannoumi lost his way here. He reverted to pulling sumo. He tried several slapdowns but Ura was more than happy to charge forward and force him out. Oshidashi.

Shodai defeated Kotoshoho. As Shodai pressed forward at the tachiai, Kotoshoho’s right leg seemed to slide a bit farther out that he was expecting. He fell forward as Shodai pressed him down. Easy day one win for Shodai. Tsukiotoshi.

Our Bout of the Day on Day Two will be Shodai versus Ura while Kotoshoho will dust himself off and take on Shonannoumi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu defeated Daieisho. Wakamotoharu weathered Daieisho’s forceful nodowa attack and resisted at the bales. Instead of keeping up the attack, Daieisho shifted into reverse and tried a slapdown. Wakamotoharu was probably very happy to be relieved of the pressure. He chased Daieisho across the ring and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi defeated Takakeisho. Takakeisho tried his tsuppari. When that yielded nothing, he put his head down and charged into Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi just pressed forward into the Sekiwake, drove him back and out. Yorikiri.

Kirishima defeated Oho. Oho stumbled backwards. WTF was he doing. FORWARD, YOUNG MAN!!! When Kirishima started connecting with his slaps, Oho put the truck in reverse and tried for a slapdown. When he reached the bales, his foot slipped over the top and he stepped out. Grrrrr…. You’ve got the potential but MOVE FORWARD! Oshidashi.

Takakeisho will fight Oho tomorrow. Both men will try to regroup from their disappointing displays on Shonichi. Takakeisho should be able to get a wily win from this if his head is in the game.

Onosato defeated Atamifuji. Onosato was focused on trying to keep Atamifuji’s right hand away. He pressed forward and drove Atamifuji to the edge. Atamifuji resisted and bulled forward as Onosato pulled. Atamifuji fell forward while Onosato tumbled out. Gunbai Onosato. Mono-ii. Video replay confirmed that Onosato brought Atamifuji down before he fell out, Shotaro’s eagle eye in the background, observing everything. Onosato’s foot was still on the top of the tawara when Atamifuji’s hands touched. Hatakikomi.

Atamifuji will fight Kirishima on Day Two. Should be an interesting and lively bout.

Tobizaru defeated Abi. Henka. Tobizaru batted Abi’s arms away and brought him down in a heap. Uwatenage? OK…

Tobizaru will probably have a bigger challenge against Onosato tomorrow. Abi will face Mitakeumi and will probably NOT get henka’d.

Takanosho defeated Hoshoryu. Well. Takanosho’s winning stretch continues. Hoshoryu, in retreat, tried to drag Takanosho down. Takanosho pressed forward and forced Hoshoryu off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu will take on Daieisho in tomorrow’s final bout.

Kotozakura defeated Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi retreated to the edge, forcing Kotozakura to give chase. As Kotozakura engaged, Hiradoumi pounced and drove Kotozakura to the edge. However, Kotozakura wrapped up Hiradoumi, twisted, and brought him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotozakura will face Takanosho and Hiradoumi will fight Wakamotoharu.

Kototsubasa ended the day with the bow-twirling ceremony.

Wrap-up

Sumo is back! Fantastic action today, for the most part. Concerns for Takakeisho’s condition continue. I’m not sure what Hoshoryu had planned today but fighting in retreat and falling hard on his backside were likely not what he drew up on the whiteboard. As usual, he’ll be starting the yusho race from the back.

There are several electric fights in store for us tomorrow. I’ll be watching that Wakamotoharu/Hiradoumi bout with keen interest. Churanoumi and Bushozan, of all people, are making me stand up and take notice. Day One Flukes? Or can these guys put together solid shows here?