Gonoyama

Haru 2026: Day Eleven

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , , ,

Day Eleven in Osaka. The only item from the sekitori infirmary has to do with Shimazuumi in Juryo as he will go kyujo after 8 straight losses. He had fought so hard over the last year to get back to sekitori status. He will drop back into the unsalaried ranks. *Update: The injury is revealed to be the meniscus in the right knee, suffered in his Day 3 bout against Kazuma. Of course he gambarized until he locked in the make-koshi.

In the Juryo yusho race, Toshinofuji defeated Kazuma, meaning Kazuma is now tied with Dewanoryu on two losses. The two leaders will kick off Juryo action tomorrow in an interesting matchup. Meanwhile, Toshinofuji is joined by Wakanosho and Kazekeno with three losses, one off the pace. Kazekeno will fight Hatsuyama, Toshinofuji will fight Kitanowaka and Wakanosho is set to battle Shirokuma.

In other Juryo news, Enho defeated Kotokuzan, handing Kotokuzan his eighth loss. He wore an oicho mage for the first time in a while and it made him feel “a bit happy, nostalgic, and uncomfortable.” That makes Kotokuzan’s position demotable, even if he wins out. It’s still early to sus out the full promotion story but Enho’s case is certainly promising. Okaryu is already ahead of him in line but Himukamaru, Hakuyozan and Takakento could suddenly jump the queue if Enho loses and those guys win.

The NHK videos are here. The Enho/Kotokuzan bout is there, as well as Kazuma versus Toshinofuji but you might not want to scroll all the way down before you watch the other bouts. That last video might be a bit of a spoiler. I don’t think there were any torinaoshi today to be concerned with the coverage.

Makuuchi Action

Kinbozan (6-5) defeated Nishikifuji (5-6). Quick, powerful tsuppari followed with a sudden pulldown finished Nishikifuji off. Hikiotoshi.

Chiyoshoma (6-5) defeated Nishinoryu (4-7). Another quick one. Chiyoshoma welcomed Nishinoryu to the top division with a slap and a sidestep. He reached around to grab Nishinoryu’s belt and then shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Tobizaru (4-7) defeated Kotoeiho (7-4). Kotoeiho nearly shoved Tobizaru clear from the dohyo but Tobizaru danced along the tawara to get back to center and drove into Kotoeiho, crushing him out by blitzing him at the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Asanoyama (7-4) defeated Mitakeumi (5-6). Henka! Mitakeumi jumped left and tried to slap Asanoyama down. Asanoyama, however, fought back by shoving Mitakeumi back and off the dohyo. Gunbai Mitakeumi. Mono-ii. The judges determined Mitakeumi died first and reversed Yonosuke’s call. Oshidashi.

Fujiseiun (8-3) defeated Oshoumi (2-9). Fujiseiun immediately went for the bear hug, overpowered Oshoumi and drove him out of the ring. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (6-5) defeated Shishi (5-6). Fujiryoga used his left hand uwate (overarm belt grip) to heave Shishi high and force him back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (7-4) defeated Shodai (7-4). That Shodai showed up today. He did not seem interested in Asakoryu’s nodowa, headbutt or rough shoving. Asakoryu shoved Shodai out despite the latter’s half-hearted slapdown attempt. Oshidashi.

Ura (5-6) defeated Asahakuryu (7-4). Ura dug real deep and powered Asahakuryu out with his migi-yotsu hold. The crowd erupted with cheers for the hometown hero. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (5-6) defeated Hakunofuji (3-4-4). Hakunofuji used his right hand uwate to force Tokihayate to the edge but Tokihayate used his own right-hand over arm grip to spin Hakunofuji down over the bales. Uwatenage.

Roga (4-7) defeated Oshoma (4-7). Roga used his migi-yotsu hold and gaburi hip-thrusts to drive a disinterested Oshoma back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Ichiyamamoto (6-5) defeated Tamawashi (3-8). Ichiyamamoto pounded Tamawashi with tsuppari and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (5-6) defeated Abi (2-4-5). Henka! Abi was intimidated by the speedy tachiai of Fujinokawa and seemed hesitant to start. Finally resolved to start, Abi charged out…into the abyss as Fujinokawa leapt to the side and pulled Abi forward by his arms. Hikiotoshi.

Yoshinofuji (5-6) defeated Churanoumi (3-8). Churanoumi drove the pair to the edge but Yoshinofuji found a last second sashi, throwing Churanoumi with his left-hand overarm grip. Both men crash landed. Gunbai Yoshinofuji. No mono-ii. Uwatenage.

Wakatakakage (6-5) defeated Hiradoumi (5-6). Wakatakakage grabbed Hiradoumi’s belt with his left hand uwate, pivoted and spun Hiradoumi down to the ground. Uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (7-4) defeated Daieisho (4-7). Atamifuji shrugged off Daieisho’s tsuppari and charged forward. Daieisho shifted to a pull but had nowhere to go. Atamifuji easily thrust him out. Tsukidashi.

Oho (5-6) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-9). Oho wrapped up Wakamotoharu and drove him right back where he came from. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (10-1) defeated Gonoyama (9-2). Gonoyama launched into the Ozeki, forcing him to the edge and…Kirishima slipped to the side and thrust Gonoyama forward over the bales. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotozakura (7-4) defeated Takanosho (7-4). Kotozakura let Takanosho charge forward because the Ozeki rotated around, turning the tables and shoving Takanosho to the edge. He then finished him off. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (9-2) defeated Aonishiki (5-6). Aonishiki shoved Kotoshoho to the edge but Kotoshoho shifted left along the bales and slapped Aonishiki down. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (9-2) defeated Takayasu (6-5). These two definitely played up the drama with a couple of prolonged stare-downs. Takayasu charged forward but Hoshoryu cycled back. He tried the slapdown but Takayasu kept pressing forward with his left arm. Hoshoryu knocked Takayasu’s left arm away as he shuffled left and Takayasu flopped onto his belly. Hikiotoshi.

Wrap-up

Kirishima is making his claim for a return to Ozeki with his yusho run. He’s now the sole leader.

Leaderboard

  • 1-Loss: Kirishima
  • 2-Losses: Hoshoryu, Kotoshoho, Gonoyama

The schedule is full of fire-crackers tomorrow. Right before the sanyaku bouts, Kotoshoho will fight Yoshinofuji. Wakamotoharu fights Abi, Atamifuji takes on Oho, and Takayasu fights Hiradoumi. Aonishiki will regroup, again, against Daieisho. Kotozakura will fight Gonoyama and Hoshoryu will end the day against Kirishima.

There’s still some time to pit Kirishima versus the Yokozuna but the Sumo Association may have picked this bout in particular since a Kirishima win would be his 33rd win over the last three tournaments. We know that’s not a hard-and-fast rule but it has proven to be a meaningful baseline for Sekiwake looking at Ozeki promotion.

Sometimes that 33 wins is judged not to be sufficient but scheduling Hoshoryu here looks auspicious. How better to earn promotion than by defeating the Yokozuna? Well, we shall see. It’s likely they were just like, “he faced Takayasu today, the other Sekiwake gets his turn tomorrow.” Maybe I’m reading too much into the tea leaves.

Haru 2026: Day Ten

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , , ,

Day Ten in Osaka. No news from the infirmary. No news is good news.

In Juryo action, Kazuma held on to his position with one loss by defeating Kitanowaka with a yorikiri force out. He’s now 9-1. He shared the lead coming into today with Wakanosho, who will fight Nishikifuji in our Makuuchi bouts. Kazekeno and Dewanoryu both won their bouts today and are one loss back at 8-2.

Kazuma will fight Toshinofuji (7-2) tomorrow. Dewanoryu will fight Wakanosho and Kazekeno will fight Kitanowaka. Enho will visit Juryo tomorrow to fight Kotokuzan, who is 3-7 at the tail end of the division. A loss will obviously seal his make-koshi and put him in a demotable position. A win will put Enho in great position to claim the spot.

Before I forget, your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoeiho (7-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-5). Kotoeiho grabbed Chiyoshoma’s belt with his left hand inside and rotated to his right, dragging Chiyoshoma to the floor. Shitatenage.

Nishikifuji (5-5) defeated Wakanosho (Juryo 8-2). Wakanosho dished out a flurry of tsuppari to Nishikifuji’s face and shoulders but Nishikifuji fought back with his own tsuppari and drove Wakanosho back and out. Wakanosho tried to slip away and slap Nishikifuji down but Nishikifuji kept him centered and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (5-5) defeated Tobizaru (3-7). Mitakeumi nearly slapped Tobizaru down but Tobizaru maintained his balance. When Tobizaru was able to right himself and lock on to Mitakeumi’s belt, however, he had terrible position along the tawara. Mitakeumi quickly forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (6-4) defeated Fujiryoga (5-5). Weight room. Asanoyama grabbed Fujiryoga with his left-hand uwate and powered him back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (5-5) defeated Shishi (5-5). Kinbozan’s powerful tsuppari forced Shishi back. Kinbozan shoved him hard with the left and stepped to the side, slapping Shishi down with the right. Hikiotoshi.

Asahakuryu (7-3) defeated Oshoumi (2-8). Hidari yotsu. Oshoumi tried to use gaburi hip thrusts to force Asahakuryu back and out. But Asahakuryu rotated and pulled Oshoumi down. Oshoumi makekoshi. Uwatenage.

Gonoyama (9-1) defeated Asakoryu (6-4). Asakoryu’s henka was spoiled by a matta. Gonoyama charged forward, leading with his forearm. He then pulled and slapped Asakoryu down. Hatakikomi.

Fujiseiun (7-3) drove into Roga (3-7) and tried to push him over the edge. Roga resisted so Fujiseiun wrapped his right foot behind Roga’s left and used his right-hand inside belt hold to pull Roga down. Kirikaeshi.

Tamawashi (3-7) defeated Oshoma (4-6). Three powerful thrusts and Tamawashi forced Oshoma to the bales. Oshoma tried to slip to the side but Tamawashi said, “not so fast, kiddo.” Tamawashi turned left and drove back into Oshoma one more time, shoving him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (3-3-4) defeated Ura (4-6). Hakunofuji kicked out at Ura’s left foot and then pulled him forward to the ground while hopping back. Hakunofuji won but wrenched that left foot. He needed help from the yobidashi to step down from the dohyo. Hopefully Hakunofuji will sit on the couch and prop his foot up on that kensho and stay there until the end of the tournament. You’ve got to feel for Ura. After a great start he’s lost six of his last seven bouts, getting robbed of a stack of sponsor money each time. Uwatenage.

Halftime

Ichiyamamoto (5-5) defeated Tokihayate (4-6). Ichiyamamoto dove forward, forcing Tokihayate to step out. Gunbai Ichiyamamoto. Mono-ii. Replay showed Tokihayate rotating to push Ichiyamamoto down but he stepped out while Ichiyamamoto was still coming forward and yet down. Yorikiri.

Shodai (7-3) defeated Kotoshoho (8-2). Shodai wasn’t having any of this Kotoshoho yusho run business. Shodai powered through and spoiled Kotoshoho’s day. Kotoshoho tried to slip to his right and throw Shodai at the edge but Shodai adjusted well and crushed Kotoshoho down. Yoritaoshi.

Wakatakakage (5-5) defeated Fujinokawa (4-6). Wakatakakage contained Fujinokawa’s advance. When Fujinokawa reacted with a pull, Wakatakakage drove forward and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Abi (2-3-5) defeated Yoshinofuji (4-6). Abi hit Yoshinofuji at the tachiai. Yoshinofuji was anchored with his right leg but it slipped and he went down. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (6-4) defeated Churanoumi (3-7). Churanoumi sinned by pulling so Atamifuji escorted him back and out. Imagine a bar, called “Sanyaku” with Atamifuji as the bouncer. “Don’t bring that weak mess around here.” Oshidashi.

Kirishima (9-1) defeated Takanosho (7-3). Takanosho tried to slap Kirishima down but Kirishima kept his footing. When Takanosho charged forward to re-engage, Kirishima leapt back and pulled Takanosho down. Hikiotoshi.

Oho (4-6) defeated Takayasu (6-4). Takayasu had his left arm hooked around Oho’s right and pulled him forward over the bales while stepping out. Gunbai Oho. Mono-ii. Judges ruled both men were out at the same time. Rematch. On the redo, Oho blitzed Takayasu and drove him out quickly while Takayasu was still looking for that sashi. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (5-5) defeated Hiradoumi (5-5). You thought the two were settling into a lean when all of a sudden Aonishiki used that left-hand uwate to fling Hiradoumi forward. Hiradoumi was just as shocked as us. Uwatenage.

Kotozakura (6-4) defeated Daieisho (4-6). Kotozakura read the brief. At the tachiai, Kotozakura absorbed Daieisho’s forward thrust, shifted right a little and slapped Daieisho down. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (8-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-8). Hoshoryu blitzed Wakamotoharu, drove him back and slammed him out. Hoshoryu kachi-koshi. Wakamoto make-koshi. Oshitaoshi.

Wrap-up

Hoshoryu earned his eighth win today, and with it he locked in Wakamotoharu’s demotion from Sanyaku for Natsu. Importantly, Hoshoryu stays on the leaderboard.

Leaderboard:

  • 1-Loss: Kirishima, Gonoyama
  • 2-Losses: Hoshoryu, Kotoshoho

Tomorrow, Atamifuji has bouncer duty against Daieisho. Wakamotoharu will face Oho. Kirishima will fight Gonoyama in a highlight bout. Let’s see if the rank-and-filer can prove his mettle. Kotozakura will then fight Takanosho, Aonishiki will fight Kotoshoho, and Hoshoryu will close out the day against Takayasu.

Haru 2026: Day Nine

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , , , ,

Day Nine in Osaka. As usual, let’s swing by the infirmary for any updates and we’ve got a couple of injury items. Abi is back in the action today and will fight Churanoumi. Secondly, Onokatsu is kyujo, again. Shodai will pick up the default victory. Onokatsu’s participation over the past few days has been painful to watch. Unfortunately, his foot injury will likely mean he will drop into Juryo but better to heal and come back than continue to do more damage while losing.

Thank you, Leonid, for posting in my absence. The comments sections were busy, even without me and that was great to see. The Makushita yusho race is heating up and I bring great follow-on news about Enho! He picked up his fourth win today, cementing his kachi-koshi.

NHK has videos of today’s action here.

Makuuchi Action

Asahakuryu (6-3) defeated Kinbozan (4-5). Asahakuryu put an end to Kinbozan’s tsuppari by working his way inside and getting a right-hand inside, left-hand outside hold of Kinbozan’s mawashi. He stood Kinbozan up high and steadily worked him to the side of the ring and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Fujiseiun (6-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-4). Chiyoshoma shoved Fujiseiun to the edge but Fujiseiun used his excellent footwork to rotate and force Chiyoshoma’s back to the tawara. Fujiseiun then used his hazuoshi to shove Chiyoshoma up and out. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (6-3) defeated Fujiryoga (5-4). From a perilous position at the edge, Asakoryu got a left-hand inside grip, pivoted to his left and pulled Fujiryoga forward to the floor. Shitatenage.

Mitakeumi (4-5) defeated Oshoumi (2-7). Oshoumi forced Mitakeumi to the edge where Mitakeumi shuffled right and forced Oshoumi out with a shove in the back. Oshoumi had the look of a kid who was just about to enjoy a nice, big, cold ice cream only to have a seagull come down swoop down from nowhere and poop on it. Tsukiotoshi.

Shishi (5-4) defeated Nishikifuji (4-5). Shishi got his right arm inside Nishikifuji’s shoulder and shoved him hard to the left. This staggered Nishikifuji and Shishi kept shoving until Nishikifuji was off the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (3-6) defeated Roga (3-6). Tobizaru slipped Roga’s grasp to the left and pulled him down. Hikiotoshi.

Gonoyama (8-1) defeated Kotoeiho (6-3). Gonoyama blitzed Kotoeiho and immediately put him on his heels by leading with his head. Kotoeiho tried to turn and pull but Gonoyama had him well within his grasp. Gonoyama quickly shoved him out. With his eighth win, Gonoyama is the first rikishi in the top division to earn his kachi-koshi this tournament. I did NOT have that on my bingo card. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (5-4) defeated Tamawashi (2-7). Tamawashi gave it the old college try and forced Asanoyama to the edge but Asanoyama got his left hand inside Tamawashi’s right shoulder and heaved him over to the ground. Sukuinage.

Oshoma (4-5) defeated Tokihayate (4-5). Oshoma pulled Tokihayate’s hands forward, then seized the back of his belt to pull him down to the ground. Uwatenage.

Shodai (6-3) claimed the default win over Onokatsu (1-6-2).

Halftime

Hakunofuji (2-3-4) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-5). After a long lean, Hakunofuji forced the issue with a trip attempt. Ichiyamamoto kept his balance and used the leverage to force Hakunofuji to the edge with his strong yotsu sumo. At the bales, Hakunofuji shoved Ichi with his left hand, giving him space to slide left and pull Ichiyamamoto down with his right. What an escape! Uwatehineri.

Kotoshoho (8-1) defeated Ura (4-5). Kotoshoho assaulted Ura from the word, “jump,” and did not relent until Ura was sent flying from the dohyo. Another rank-and-file kachi-koshi, and a lucrative one, to boot. Might be able to buy a new pair of sandals or a nice handbag. Oshidashi.

Abi (1-3-5) defeated Churanoumi (3-6). Abi-zumo was back in force today. A steady stream of tsuppari to Churanoumi’s face followed by a slap-down. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage defeated Yoshinofuji. Wakatakakage hit Yoshinofuji at the tachiai and shifted slightly left. However slight, it was enough for Yoshinofuji to slip forward to the clay. No one else saw Wakamotoharu slip the banana peel up there to help his brother out but I saw. I’ve got my eye on you, Onami-kun. I’ve got my eye on you. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Fujinokawa (4-5) defeated Atamifuji (5-4). Atamifuji had just shoved Fujinokawa to the edge when he decided to execute the slowest slapdown attempt in history. He did pivot, I’ll give him that, but then he just went backwards again and Fujinokawa shoved him out with a flurry of tsuppari. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (2-7) defeated Hiradoumi (5-4). Hiradoumi drove Wakamotoharu to the edge but Wakamotoharu used his right arm in Hiradoumi’s left shoulder to pull him over the bales. Gunbai Wakamotoharu. No mono-ii. What a spectacular throw! This was the “counter-move” that Konishiki mentioned in his kimarite video. Sorry, I have watched these so many times that I have, “a counter mooove,” cued up in my head when I see utchari.

Kirishima (8-1) defeated Daieisho (4-5). Kirishima got separation from Daieisho. Then Daieisho charged forward like the bull in “Bully for Bugs.” Like that slippery rabbit, Kirishima shifted to the side and Daieisho went on by and Kiri shoved him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotozakura (5-4) defeated Oho (3-6). Oho chose a poor time to pull and Kotozakura shoved Oho over the bales. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (4-5) defeated Takayasu (6-3). Aonishiki is back to his fundamentals. He’s shaken off the nightmare of the last few days and used steady tsuppari to drive Takayasu back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-2) defeated Takanosho (7-2). Takanosho shoved the Yokozuna’s head back as hard as he could but Hoshoryu took it in stride. When Takanosho relented, Hoshoryu drove forward and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

We’ve got a five-man yusho race at the moment. Sadly, Takayasu falls from the race, along with Kotoeiho.

一敗: Kirishima, Kotoshoho, Gonoyama

二敗: Hoshoryu, Takanosho

Kirishima is making a solid go of it. While Aonishiki’s Yokozuna run came to an end in a dreadful three-bout losing streak, Kirishima’s hopes of returning to Ozeki are looking brighter. Kirishima picked up his seventh win in a row and eighth overall by shoving Takayasu out of contention. He’ll need to dig deep because Takanosho owns him in their rivalry, 17-6.

Let’s turn to tomorrow’s pairings. Atamifuji will fight Churanoumi, Kirishima will fight Takanosho and Takayasu will fight Oho. Aonishiki will fight Hiradoumi and Kotozakura will step up to face Daieisho. Hoshoryu will close out Day Ten against Wakamotoharu.

It’s great to be back and I’ll see you here tomorrow.

Kyushu 2024, Day 12

Andy Kyushu 2024, Kyushu Basho , , , ,

Down in Juryo, Tamashoho, Fujiseiun, Aonishiki, and Tochitaikai picked up their kachi-koshi. Aonishiki has had quite the debut! Ahead of them are Oshoumi and Kinbozan on nine wins, though Oshoumi is still kyujo and is not set to return tomorrow.

Tsurugisho leads the yusho race with ten wins and two losses. He will be tested against Hakuoho tomorrow, who will fight for his kachi-koshi. If Hakuoho earns his kachi-koshi, that might earn a possible return to Makuuchi but nine or ten wins would seal the deal. So, there is a lot on the line for both men tomorrow.

Speaking of Makuuchi returns, Kitanowaka will visit Makuuchi tomorrow to fight Shishi, with kachi-koshi and a likely return ticket on the line. You can watch today’s action via the NHK links here: Juryo Part I and Part II; Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Shimanoumi (Juryo 6-6) defeated Asakoryu (5-7). Asakoryu henka. Asakoryu’s thrusts were defeated with Shimanoumi’s pull and slapdown. Tsukiotoshi.

Ryuden (3-9) defeated Nishikifuji (4-8). Ryuden shoved Nishikifuji’s left shoulder to the side and got in behind his opponent. Ryuden then quickly grabbed Nishikifuji’s belt from behind and shoved him out. Okuridashi.

Hokutofuji (5-7) defeated Bushozan (1-7-4). Hokutofuji laid into Bushozan with thrusts about the head and shoulders. He followed up with a few headbutts that forced Bushozan back to the edge. Hokutofuji then crushed his opponent out onto his butt at the tawara. Bushozan will have wished he was back on his couch. Oshitaoshi.

Tokihayate (5-7) defeated Sadanoumi (3-9). Nice throw by Tokihayate. Tokihayate backed up and shifted to the right to gain access to Sadanoumi’s belt. Once he got a grip, he yanked hard and threw Sadanoumi to the ground. Uwatenage.

Tamawashi (7-5) defeated Shishi (3-9). Tamawashi’s tsuppari faced no counter attack from Shishi. Tamawashi plowed ahead and forced Shishi out. Shishi has joined Bushozan on the barge back to Juryo. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (8-4) defeated Midorifuji (5-7). Chiyoshoma slapped Midorifuji square in the face, grabbed Midorifuji’s right arm and pulled. He followed up with a few quick thrusts and blasted Midorifuji clear from the fighting surface, under the white tassel. Chiyoshoma got his kachi-koshi and is taking it one day at a time. Oshidashi.

Roga (5-7) defeated Onokatsu (8-4). Onokatsu’s left hand over Roga’s right hand inside. Onokatsu wanted his right hand inside but Roga did his best to keep it away. After a long grapple, Roga wore Onokatsu out and then backed Onokatsu to the tawara. Onokatsu was tuckered out and sought the bales not to be imbued with the power of rice, but as a pillow to rest. Onokatsu stepped out. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (9-3) defeated Takarafuji (7-5). Gonoyama battered Takarafuji with tsuppari and continued the assault to the edge of the ring. Takarafuji tried to escape along the tawara, and nearly completed a full lap, but Gonoyama pursued and shoved Takarafuji onto his butt under the red tassel. I’m not sure what Takarafuji’s strategy was here. Tsukitaoshi.

Shonannoumi (8-4) defeated Endo (6-6). Shonannoumi did his usual retreat but then he suddenly had an epiphany, “I can move forward!” So, he did. Shonannoumi hit Endo square in the throat and pressed forward. Endo does not like getting hit in the head and throat. He’d rather do fansa and chat with the folks in the front row. So, he did. Endo retreated to the edge and Shonannoumi blasted Endo into the front row. Tsukidashi.

Meisei (7-5) defeated Mitakeumi (6-6). Meisei grabbed the front of Mitakeumi’s belt and plowed forward. Like a bulldozer with a load of puppies, Meisei gently unloaded Mitakeumi on the other side of the tawara.

Nishikigi (4-8) defeated Ichiyamamoto (7-5). Ichiyamamoto’s thrusts were not having an impact on Nishikigi. Nishikigi put his head down and dove inside, grabbing Ichiyamamoto with a left hand inside on Ichiyamamoto’s belt. This forced Ichiyamamoto to settle into a grapple instead of his preferred brawl. Nishikigi then used his size advantage and pressed forward, forcing Ichiyamamoto out.

Halftime

Takayasu (8-4) defeated Kotoshoho (3-9). Kotoshoho and Takayasu traded tsuppari for a good while with no one gaining a clear advantage. Kotoshoho tried to get inside so Takayasu attempted a slapdown. Kotoshoho kept his footing and pressed inside, reaching in with his right hand and grabbing Takayasu’s belt. This forced Takayasu to switch to a yotsu-style. Takayasu seized Kotoshoho’s belt and the initiative as he drove Kotoshoho to the bales and out. Yorikiri.

Abi (9-3) defeated Wakatakakage (8-4). Abi-zumo overwhelmed Wakatakakage as Abi pounded away and drove Wakatakakage out. Oshidashi.

Ura (4-8) defeated Oshoma (3-9). Oshoma tried to crush Ura in the center of the ring but Ura reached in and yanked hard on the front of Oshoma’s belt. Hikiotoshi.

Oho (4-8) defeated Churanoumi (3-9). Oho was determined to use forward-moving sumo today against Churanoumi. He hit Churanoumi hard at the tachiai and pulled on Churanoumi’s left shoulder, driving to the edge of the ring. Churanoumi would not go quietly so Oho switched up his grip to get his right hand inside and continued to press forward. Both men fell over the tawara, gunbai Oho. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi.

Atamifuji (6-6) defeated Hiradoumi (1-11). Hiradoumi hit Atamifuji hard and took it to the bigger man. Atamifuji tried to push Hiradoumi down to the ground but Hiradoumi charged forward as Atamifuji retreated along the edge, trying to push Hiradoumi down. Both men crashed out. Hiradoumi looked despondent as the gunbai went to Atamifuji. No mono-ii. Forward moving sumo does not always win. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (7-6) defeated Tobizaru (6-6). Tobizaru put Wakamotoharu into a headlock. This exposed his right side and Wakamotoharu charged forward as Tobizaru tried to pull. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (6-6) defeated Takanosho (10-2). This was a nice little bar fight. Takanosho gave as good as he got but when he missed with a right hand slap, Kirishima reached behind and got a hold of Takanosho’s belt. Kirishima then shoved Takanosho from behind. Takanosho tried to keep his balance along the tawara but Kirishima followed up with a quick shove. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (11-1) defeated Shodai (4-8). Chants of “Shodai” rained down from the crowd before the bout. Shodai is from nearby Kumamoto prefecture. Shodai hit the Ozeki hard but Hoshoryu grabbed Shodai’s belt and drove forward. Shodai tried to twist Hoshoryu down at the edge and did get Hoshoryu off his belt but Hoshoryu continued to press forward with his right arm inside Shodai’s left. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (11-1) defeated Daieisho (6-6). Daieisho’s thrusts were ineffective today as Kotozakura seemed to use Daieisho’s own attack but to more powerful effect. He thrust Daieisho to the edge. Daieisho came back for more, “Thank you, Sir; May I have another?” Kotozakura obliged by throwing him into the gyoji and then blasting him a few more times before shoving Daieisho out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Onosato (8-4) defeated Takerufuji (8-4). Onosato stayed low and pressed forward, overpowering Takerufuji. Takerufuji was not going to be able to advance, so he pulled. Bad move as Onosato ran over him. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

✶: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu

✶ ✶: Takanosho

✶ ✶ ✶: Abi, Gonoyama

Takanosho has fallen from the lead group but will have his biggest test yet against Kotozakura tomorrow. Hoshoryu will fight Onosato in the first of our three Ozeki head-to-head bouts. The field has been throttled with only two competitors remaining with three losses. Kirishima will take on one of them, Gonoyama, tomorrow. The other, Abi, will face Takerufuji. We’ve still got three more thrilling days ahead!

Onosato earned his kachi-koshi today, rather quietly. He is out of yusho contention, obviously. But securing his tenth, consecutive, winning record is still a remarkable achievement given that he has never been make-koshi in his short career. He got it on Day 12, as well…not fighting for it on the final day. If he is going to get that Ozeki Kachi-Koshi, that higher ten-win mark that we fans often hold our Ozeki to, he will have to get dirt on at least one of his fellow Ozeki over the next two days. So, while he is out of the yusho race, he is certainly still a factor here. He can definitely play spoiler to his fellow Ozeki’s ambitions.