This is the infamous point in the tournament where Andy is just rather incredulous that the action is already two-thirds over. While the time passed quickly, the kyujo has accumulated just as quickly. I had neglected to include news from the infirmary from Juryo as Kotoeko drops out of the tournament. He had only one win and thus may fall into Makushita for Haru. The Lavender Leviathan has long been a favorite of mine so this is quite the bummer. But, I learned long ago that it is unwise to follow just one favorite in this sport. That said, I am eager to see his return!

It is always easy to find new wrestlers to support and the drama from Hatsu may provide some new names for whom folks can cheer. Today will be a big day in the yusho race as the promising low-rankers, Onosato and Onosho, are thrown to the wolves at the top of the division. Even poor Oho will have to face Wakamotoharu. Most eyes are likely following the hype and will be eager to see Kotonowaka against Nishonoseki’s protege, Onosato. I am, too, but Onosho is the one with extensive experience in the joi, and has even been in sanyaku. This will not be a walk in the park. Kirishima has stumbled a couple of times already and seems vulnerable.

To illustrate my point here, I have two charts showing the career progression of Onosho, and Onosato. Onosho (above) is a long-time veteran. We know he is strong and capable though injuries (big wraps around those knees) have taken their toll. Onosato, left, is a bit of a blank slate. Just a few entries. We cannot really tell much here. That does make him dangerous.

Remember how Ichinojo rose so quickly and beat two Ozeki and a Yokozuna in his first top-division tournament? He was so fresh and new, churning through the lower-reaches of the rank-and-file before shocking the sanyaku and the world, announcing his presence with a Jun-Yusho. Is Onosato another Ichinojo? I have doubts. Both did pick up 24-6 records in their brief, two appearances in Juryo. Time will tell but the first big test will be today. Without further ado, let’s get to the action.

Makuuchi Bouts

Shimazuumi (6-4) defeated Myogiryu (3-7). A back-and-forth tussle, here. Myogiryu locked in with a strong belt grip quickly and dominated the early bout. He tried to throw Shimazuumi several times but Shimazuumi resisted successfully while fighting for a grip on Myogiryu’s belt. Once secured, Shimazuumi took over the offensive, drove through the dohyo and smashed Myogiryu out of the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Kotoshoho (7-3) defeated Tsurugisho (4-6). Kotoshoho locked in tight and drove Tsurugisho through the ring and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (4-6) defeated Bushozan (4-6). One way traffic here as Sadanoumi drove Bushozan through the ring and over the bales. Bushozan was unable to attempt any of his last-second tawara tricks. Yorikiri.

Takarafuji (5-5) defeated Mitakeumi (4-6). The Takarabune enjoyed a leisurely sail around the Mitake Sea. Calm and confident, the Takarabune took his time and assured favorable conditions then commanded his ship to steam forward and plowed through the defenses of the Mitake Sea rather easily. Yorikiri.

Tomokaze (2-8) defeated Hiradoumi (4-6). Hiradoumi grabbed Tomokaze’s trunk and drove forward while Tomokaze pressed Hiradoumi. As Hiradoumi backed Tomokaze to the bales, Tomokaze applied more downward pressure and forced Hiradoumi down before stepping out. Gunbai Tomokaze. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (4-6) defeated Churanoumi (5-5). Ichiyamamoto jumped early. Timing that charge is crucial for his sumo to be successful. At the second attempt, we had a good tachiai. At the charge he applied pressure to force Churanoumi back, then pulled and slapped Churanoumi down. Hatakikomi.

Endo (3-7) defeated Shonannoumi (1-9). Endo charged forward and shoved Shonannoumi back and out. He staved off make-koshi another day. Oshidashi.

Meisei (6-4) defeated Nishikigi (5-5). Nishikigi might nap until Day 13. According to the SumoDB data, he has a progressively poor performances from here at Day 10 through Day 12. Taking advantage early, Meisei locked up Nishikigi and drove him over the bales, quickly. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (7-3) defeated Tobizaru (5-5). Takanosho had a strong tachiai and shoved Tobizaru back. From the bales, Tobizaru countered and charged forward. Takanosho was determined to slip aside and drive Tobizaru out. Once, twice, thrice. On the third attempt, he slipped to the side and slapped Tobizaru down and into Naruto’s lap. Hatakikomi.

Halftime (Shiman Shuffle and Yobidashi Sweep)

Gonoyama (3-7) defeated Shodai (4-6). Shodai charged in at Gonoyama like a landlord asking for rent, “It’s too damn high!” Gonoyama pressed forward and shoved Shodai out. Oshidashi.

Abi (4-6) defeated Ryuden (3-7). Ryuden did well to corral Abi’s arms and shove him to the bales. But Abi was able to counter at the bales by taking advantage of Ryuden’s forward momentum as he slipped to the side and dropped Ryuden to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (7-3) defeated Oho (6-4) . One powerful shove was all it took to clear Oho from the dohyo. Welcome to the top of the division, young Oho. Now, go back where you came from. Oshidashi? I would have thought Tsukidashi, but whatever. Oho got dashi’d out.

Tamawashi (7-3) defeated Atamifuji (4-6). Tamawashi had Atamifuji on the ropes early, denying the youngster his favored yotsu contest, forcing a oshi/tsuki bout and shoved him back, hard. Atamifuji tried to counter at the bales by slipping to the side but he didn’t have position to follow through and shove Tamawashi out. When he re-engaged, Atamifuji tried a last-gasp throw but he fell to the ground before Tamawashi. Wow. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Midorifuji (3-7) defeated Ura (2-8). Midorifuji jumped forward early…henka alarms on full alert. Unnecessary as Midorifuji timed the second charge well and blasted into Ura. Midorifuji set up for his standard katasukashi but Ura was ready. Ura decided to pull, instead. This was a poor decision as Midorifuji lunged forward and blasted Ura out. Ura is makekoshi and will drop back into the rank-and-file in Osaka. I wish he had been able to maintain his rank for his home crowd but he will do his best to earn his return there. Oshitaoshi.

Kotonowaka (9-1) defeated Onosato (8-2). How are you going to give Kotonowaka a morozashi? Kotonowaka wrapped Onosato up, just under his shoulders. Rather than getting at the belt, he secured a grip at Onosato’s trunk and forced him to stand up. He held him high and gave Onosato no options. Regardless, Onosato shifted left and right, trying to wriggle free, but it was to no avail. Kotonowaka stepped closer and closer to the bales and forced him out, hard. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (8-2) defeated Daieisho (6-4). Hoshoryu slipped free from Daieisho’s charge, seized his belt, and flung him back where he came from. He followed up with a brutal nodowa, as if to illustrate his displeasure with Daieisho’s top-heavy attack, before shoving him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Kirishima (8-2) defeated Onosho (8-2). Onosho may be a low rank-and-filer now but he has been as high as Komusubi. So he is no rookie, to be dealt with lightly. He is a veteran of the joi and he demonstrated his skill and power today. He challenged Kirishima for all he had. He forced the Ozeki to fight his fight, a freeform, aggressive oshi/tsuki brawl — rather than a patient, yotsu grapple.

He shoved Kirishima to the edge but the Ozeki did not go out. He pulled and slapped but the Ozeki did not go down. The Ozeki tried for the belt but his arms were batted away. So, Kirishima pulled and slapped down Onosho. Onosho was supremely disappointed and clapped his hands in displeasure as he walked back to his side of the ring. Hatakikomi.

Terunofuji (8-2) defeated Kinbozan (5-5). Kinbozan is not at his best on the belt. I do not know why he reached for Terunofuji’s belt at the tachiai and let Terunofuji fight his style of fight. Terunofuji grabbed Kinbozan around his trunk with the right-hand under his armpit and the left-hand over Kinbozan’s right-arm, on Kinbozan’s belt. Since Teru’s shoulder was in Kinbozan’s armpit, he prevented Kinbozan from using his left arm and walked him toward the bales before throwing him back into the center of the ring with a great uwatenage.

Wrap-up

The “O-Boys” are not done with their Sanyaku service. Onosato and Onosho are still very much alive in this yusho race. It is a bit surprising that Oho, with six wins, is being thrown into this bunch. He will take on our leader, Kotonowaka, tomorrow.

This gives plenty of time to schedule both Ozeki and the Yokozuna for Kotonowaka. But it means there will be one promotion here. One rikishi hoisting the celebratory fish. No possibility for two promotions and there is still a big chance that we will not see any at all. God, I love this sport. Such drama!

Onosato, the newcomer, will face an Ozeki in Hoshoryu. Onosho will take on Terunofuji, who I am extremely happy to see is also quite alive in this yusho race. If Kirishima wants a rope, he will have to earn it by fighting Sekiwake Daieisho rather than the low-rankers.

I really like the way the schedulers are improvising here and handling these upstarts. They are not going to water-down the yusho or water-down Kirishima’s Yokozuna bid, or Kotonowaka’s Ozeki run. These kids are going to have to earn it. I can’t wait!