Hakuoho

Natsu 2025: Day Ten

Andy Haru 2025, Haru Basho , ,

Before diving into the action, I wanted to make note of a point that was brought up in the comments. In particular, I wanted to give credit to the source where I found the right answer. Betty had wondered how to address a sumo wrestler when you meet them and I had responded with the special honorific used for sumo wrestlers: ~関. Instead of using ~san or ~sama (~様) people use ~関.

I thought it was pronounced “seki” but David G. correctly pointed out that it’s ~zeki. I found it in one of my favorite sumo books in my library: “お相撲ことば.” I have posted a picture from the book here as photographic evidence. I don’t know why I thought it was ~seki. I heard Hayashiya Shozo say, “~zeki,” clear as day (multiple times) during tonight’s action.

I really like this book, in particular, because it makes generous use of furigana throughout and it gives a lot of explanations, especially if the term has a different meaning in day-to-day Japanese. This book is the source that I was reading for the term, “aikuchi,” when I wrote that, back in the day. I wrote this article on “He’s Got My Number,” because of it. I should probably update that dashboard sometime. I find it a helpful supplement in my Japanese language studies, though it’s clear that I sometimes forget what I read. Now that I’ve written this, hopefully I won’t forget it. Since I had totally forgotten about my “aikuchi” article, though, I wouldn’t be surprised if I do forget.

If you have found another source to corroborate, I’d like to give credit to it. I just couldn’t find the specifics online. Yes, it’s in the English Wikipedia entry on Japanese honorifics, but it’s unsourced. I don’t count Wikipedia itself as a source, though it’s a fantastic collection of sources. The articles that I found online which mentioned or explained the ~zeki honorific did not have the furigana. That’s not to say they aren’t out there, so if they are, let me know and I’ll source them, too. More sources, the better.

On to Day Ten Action

Kusano dispatched Daiseizan with a kotenage to move to 9-1. Shimanoumi woke up and beat Tohakuryu, so Kusano has a two-win lead over the field. Speaking of former Makuuchi wrestlers, Kagayaki and Nishikifuji are in trouble at 3-7. Takarafuji is not fairing much better at 4-6. None appear to be headed for a return to Makuuchi in July. Mitakeumi is scraping by at 5-5. If he can pick up three more wins, he’ll earn his spot back in the top division. It’s kind of funny that he’s been beating the guys he knows from Makuuchi and losing to the youngsters from Juryo, like Wakaikari. Okay, enough gabbing, Andy. Let’s get to it.

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

Makuuchi Action

Kotoshoho (4-1-5) defeated Tochitaikai (3-7). Kotoshoho twisted and pulled on Tochitaikai as both men fell out of the ring. Gunbai Kotoshoho. Mono-ii. The judges ruled, after watching the video, that both men fell at the same time so they wanted a rematch. In the rematch, Tochitaikai came close to a quick shitatenage but Kotoshoho kept his balance, worked his right hand inside and onto Tochitaikai’s belt, and then threw him in the center of the ring with his own Shitatenage.

Tokihayate (5-5) defeated Shonannoumi (3-7). Tokihayate grabbed Shonannoumi’s left arm and pulled him down at the edge to conclude a rather lively, back-and-forth bout. Kotenage.

Sadanoumi (7-3) defeated Tamashoho (4-6). Tamashoho pulled and slapped Sadanoumi down. However, he pulled straight back and ran out of real estate with his foot appearing to go over the bales. Ganbai Tamashoho. Mono-ii. After video review, the call was reversed and Sadanoumi was given the push out victory. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (7-3) defeated Ryuden (4-6). Ryuden pulled Atamifuji but stopped short at the bales since Atamifuji didn’t go down. With all of the real estate behind him, Atamifuji executed his own pull and slapdown, forcing Ryuden down. Hatakikomi.

Takanosho (6-4) defeated Asakoryu (7-3). Takanosho used excellent footwork and strong tsuppari to push Asakoryu out. Tsukidashi.

Shishi (2-8) defeated Nishikigi (5-5). After a couple of false starts, the two finally got the bout started. Shishi hit Nishikigi with tsuppari to keep him off his belt. As Nishikigi advanced to pressure Shishi, Shishi worked his way inside and hugged Nishikigi. Then he twisted him down to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Onokatsu (6-4) defeated Kayo (4-6). Onokatsu grabbed Kayo’s mawashi with his lef-had over arm grip and steadily pressed Kayo back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Roga (7-3) defeated Kinbozan (6-4). Kinbozan attacked with his powerful, Daieisho-like thrusts but Roga grabbed Kinbozan’s left arm and pulled him forward. When Kinbozan stumbled ahead, Roga came in behind and pushed him out. Okuridashi.

Churanoumi (2-8) defeated Endo (5-5). Churanoumi used effective tsuppari to force Endo to retreat and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (7-3) defeated Shodai (3-7). Oshoma held Shodai at bay with a nodowa, then pulled and got in behind Shodai to shove him out. Okuridashi.

Meisei (7-3) defeated Tobizaru (5-5). Meisei wrapped up Tobizaru and chugged forward, rushing Tobizaru out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Midorifuji (1-9) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-8). Midorifuji sidestepped and pulled Chiyoshoma down for his first win of the basho. Tsukiotoshi.

Takerufuji (4-6) defeated Tamawashi (3-7). Takerufuji got his left arm inside and pressed forward, negating Tamawashi’s tsuppari and forcing Tamawashi out. Yorikiri.

Abi (6-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-6). Indigo Abi pulled hard and forced Wakamotoharu to stumble forward and out. Abi pivoted as he pulled to remain inside the ring, a lesson Tamashoho needs to learn. Hikiotoshi.

Gonoyama (3-7) defeated Oho (3-7). Oho pulled, allowing Gonoyama to slam into him with a brutal nodowa, forcing him to the edge. Oho then fell as he tried to evade Gonoyama’s pressure at the bales. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (4-6) defeated Takayasu (2-8). Hard, satisfying tachiai here. Takayasu started with tsuppari. Hiradoumi pulled and Takayasu stumbled forward. Takayasu then pulled with Hiradoumi in pursuit but Takayasu ran out of room and ran off the dohyo. “Run Forrest, Run!” I still remember when I forced my family to watch, “Forrest Gump.” Most successful family meeting, ever. It was as if the veil was lifted on so many Americanisms. Tsukidashi.

Wakatakakage (8-2) defeated Aonishiki (8-2). Wakatakakage pivoted as he pulled on Aonishiki’s shoulder and Aonishiki fell to the clay. The crowd hooted and hollered in appreciation of the exciting brawl and Wakatakakage’s nice win. Katasukashi.

Daieisho (7-3) defeated Hakuoho (8-2). A few thrusts from Daieisho and Hakuoho glanced backward for a soft place to land. Kohei will work. Tsukidashi.

Onosato (10-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-6). Onosato stood up Ichiyamamoto at the tachiai. Ichiyamamoto tried to slip out to the left but Onosato followed. Ichiyamamoto then backpedaled along the bales but Onosato pressed ahead with his tsuppari and put Ichiyamamoto out of the dohyo and hard on his butt. Oshi-ta-OUCHI!

Kirishima and a Big Damn Band-Aid (7-3) defeated Kotozakura (6-4). Kotozakura knew to protect against the morozashi at all costs. Kotozakura tried to pull on Kirishima’s arm but as he pulled, Kirishima pressed forward and forced the Ozeki out. I’m sorry but when I see that style of Band-Aid, I can only think of the pair of bandages that would show up on Tochinoshin’s butt cheeks. They looked a bit smaller there. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (8-2) defeated Ura (2-8). Hoshoryu tried for a quick slapdown. Ura escaped, briefly, because the Yokozuna was in hot pursuit and shoved Ura down at the edge. Okuridashi.

Wrap-up

Action has been ending pretty quickly of late, leaving a few minutes for the NHK coverage to show Akua’s bow-twirling ceremony. He’s been very popular, getting a big cheer from the audience and loud, “YOISHO!!” for his stomps. I wonder if more folks stay to watch since he had been in makuuchi.

Onosato now has breathing room in this yusho race. Onosato will fight Wakatakakage on Day Eleven. Both of the young hiramaku stars lost their sanyaku bouts today so the Ozeki has a two-bout lead over the field. His final four bouts should be, Kirishima, Daieisho, Kotozakura, and Hoshoryu.

Tomorrow, morale should improve because the beatings should continue. Aonishiki will face his first Ozeki, Kotozakura. Hakuoho will fight Hoshoryu in the musubi-no-ichiban. It will be Hakuoho’s first bout against a Yokozuna but he did fight (and lose to) Sekiwake Hoshoryu during Hakuoho’s breakout shinyumaku debut in Nagoya 2023.

If the upstarts win tomorrow, and particularly if Onosato loses, I would not be surprised at all if Aonishiki and Hakuoho find themselves fighting Onosato in place of one or both of the Sekiwake.

This has been a great tournament, unless you’re a Midorifuji or Takayasu fan. Okay, okay, I know we’re all Midorifuji and Takayasu fans, so their struggles have been a bit of a downer. Otherwise, this tournament has been great to watch. All eyes are now on Onosato. It’s his basho to lose but he churned through his rank-and-file competition with no problems. The sanyaku wrestlers have all displayed cracks in their defenses. Will he take advantage? Or will his own cracks become apparent as the action heats up? Dare I say, “zensho?”

Natsu 2025: Day Nine

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho , ,

Kusano picked up his kachi-koshi today with an Oshidashi win over Hitoshi. Tomorrow, he will fight Daiseizan. Tohakuryu will take on Shimanoumi for his kachi-koshi.

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

Makuuchi Action

Tamashoho (4-5) defeated Kayo (4-5). Kayo was doing great when he was moving forward, for the first three seconds of the bout. Once he started to pull for his slapdowns, Tamashoho pressured him, worked his way inside to his belt and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (7-2) defeated Ryuden (4-5). Asakoryu stood up Ryuden at the tachiai. None of the evasive stuff you often see from smaller wrestlers. He reached inside with his left hand, deep on the back of Ryuden’s mawashi and pulled him down. Shitatenage.

Kotoshoho (3-1-5) defeated Nishikigi (5-4). Abi-sumo from Kotoshoho today. He blasted Nishikigi at the tachiai with tsuppari to the face and upper body. As Nishikigi pressed forward, Kotoshoho pulled back on Nishikigi’s left arm and thrust him down. Four straight losses from Nishikigi. Tsukiotoshi.

Sadanoumi (6-3) defeated Tochitaikai (3-6). Tochitaikai refused to allow Sadanoumi inside to get his preferred belt grip. Sadanoumi pressed forward and Tochitaikai backed away to the side, allowing Sadanoumi to fall to the ground as Tochitaikai fell off the dohyo. Gunbai Tochitaikai as his foot appeared to still be on the tawara as Sadanoumi landed. Mono-ii. Video replay showed Tochitaikai’s heel appeared to touch outside the ring before Sadanoumi fell forward. Gunbai Sashi-Chigae, Sadanoumi was ruled the winner. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (5-4) defeated Shonannoumi (3-6). After a long grapple and lean, Takanosho suddenly pressed forward and shoved Shonannoumi out. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (6-3) defeated Roga (6-3). Both men locked in for a belt battle. Atamifuji pressed forward with gaburi leg thrusts. Once he finally got that left hand grip, he hoisted Roga over the bales. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (4-5) defeated Shishi (1-8). Shishi lumbered forward and Tokihayate slapped him down. Shishi just seemed off balance the entire bout, ready to fall forward. He eventually did. Hatakikomi.

Onokatsu (5-4) defeated Endo (5-4). First time meeting between Endo and Onokatsu. As long as Onokatsu has been here, these guys haven’t met? This is his fifth tournament in the top division so, I find that surprising. As Endo backed away, pulling on Onokatsu’s left arm, Onokatsu shifted his weight slightly and pulled Endo down. Hikiotoshi.

Meisei (6-3) defeated Churanoumi (1-8). Meisei tried for a quick slapdown. If failed but seemed to get Churanoumi completely off balance. Meisei followed up quickly and drove forward, forcing Churanoumi off the dohyo. If you shove a guy off a cliff, you should at least check on him to make sure he’s okay. And Meisei did, he’s a gentleman. Oshidashi.

Hakuoho (8-1) obliterated Shodai (3-6). Hard hit at the tachiai, quick left hand inside, three pumps of gaburi yotsu and Shodai was out. The bad news is, Hakuoho’s right arm is not 100%. He chatted with Hakuho in the hanamichi on his way to the shitakubeya. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (5-4) defeated Midorifuji (0-9). Midorifuji’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Basho continues. Tobizaru attacked Midorifuji’s face before grabbing his belt with his right hand. Once Tobizaru got his left hand overarm grip, he pressed forward and threw Midorifuji onto the bales. Uwatenage.

Halftime

Oshoma (6-3) defeated Kinbozan (6-3). Kinbozan charged forward but Oshoma slipped to the side and got behind Kinbozan, shoving him out. Okuridashi.

Aonishiki (8-1) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-7). Aonishiki hit Chiyoshoma with a steady flurry of tsuppari, allowing Chiyoshoma no chance to get inside. Aonishiki worked Chiyoshoma to the edge where he reached in with his left and grabbed Chiyoshoma’s belt and ushered him out. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (2-7) defeated Hiradoumi (3-6). Hiradoumi launched out at the tachiai. Gonoyama pivoted and pulled, shoving Hiradoumi down with his right hand. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (4-5) defeated Oho (3-6). Oho blasted away with a flurry of tsuppari, then tried a slapdown which Wakamotoharu resisted. Oho seemed tired and out of ideas so he slowed things down with a grapple. When Oho reached in and got hold of Wakamotoharu’s trunk, he stopped, asking his opponent, “what do I do now?” Wakamotoharu demonstrated by bulldozing Oho and throwing him to the ground along the bales. Uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Abi (5-4) defeated Wakatakakage (7-2). Indigo Abi shoved Wakatakakage’s face then stepped to the side and pulled him down. Wakatakakage yelled loudly, within himself, “Goddamnit!” Hikiotoshi.

Kirishima (6-3) defeated Takerufuji (3-6). Takerufuji charged forward but Kirishima wrapped his arm around his neck and pulled him down the the ground. Kirishima landed face first outside the dohyo. Gunbai Kirishima. Mono-ii to confer and confirm the gyoji’s ruling. Meanwhile, Kirishima was slow to get up. Finally standing with a massive scrape on his right temple, he thought, “Please make this quick, I don’t feel so good.” Tradition dictates the winner must stand there to provide chikaramizu to the next wrestler, pondering the mistakes of his life. For Kirishima, that mistake includes The Most Painful Kubinage Ever.

Tamawashi (3-6) defeated Daieisho (6-3). Daieisho launched out with his tsuppari and met a face full of Tamawashi. This threw Daieisho’s attack into disarray as he short-circuited and moved backwards, pulling aimlessly. Tamawashi pursued and shoved him out. Tsukidashi.

Kotozakura (6-3) defeated Takayasu (2-7). Kotozakura shifted to the right at the tachiai, grabbed Takayasu’s belt and pulled him down. Uwatedashinage.

Onosato (9-0) defeated Ura (2-7). After a few volleys of tsuppari, Onosato went for a slapdown. That knocked Ura forward but Ura stopped right at the bales. Onosato charged forward and finished Ura with a shove from behind. Okuridashi.

Hoshoryu (7-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-5). Hoshoryu hit Ichiyamamoto’s left arm and slapped him forward to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Onosato’s rope run continues. Tomorrow, he will face Ichiyamamoto, then he will close out the tournament against the meat of his schedule: Sanyaku. But when you look at this sanyaku, they’re cracked, broken, defeated. So far, Onosato’s wins have been dominant. But as we saw today with Kirishima, these guys will throw everything at him to check for any cracks in his defense. With they find any this tournament? Or will Onosato cruise to his fourth yusho?

Hoshoryu will take on Ura. Kirishima will face off against Kotozakura. Onosato will fight Ichiyamamoto, as I mentioned above. Hakuoho will move up to fight Daieisho. Aonishiki will take on Wakatakakage. Welcome to the meat grinder, boys. I can’t wait.

Natsu 2025: Nakabi

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho , , ,

Nakabi. No kyujo updates. Kusano continues to roll in Juryo, picking up his seventh consecutive win. With Tohakuryu’s defeat at the hands of Miyanokaze, Kusano leads by himself. He will fight Hitoshi tomorrow.

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

Makuuchi Action

Tamashoho (3-5) defeated Nishikigi (5-3). Tamashoho backed to the edge and slapped Nishikigi down while jumping off the dohyo. Hatakikomi.

Roga (6-2) defeated Tochitaikai (3-5). Tochitaikai tried to slap Roga down but Roga’s footwork and balance were solid. That jump was a huge gambit because it left Tochitaikai with no space to maneuver. Roga wrapped up Tochitaikai with a right hand inside and drove him through the ring and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kayo (4-4) defeated Tokihayate (3-5). Kayo retreated and retreated, repeatedly trying to slap Tokihayate down. Tokihayate was in constant pursuit. Kayo grabbed Tokihayate’s right arm and pulled it forward, gaining access to his belt which Kayo yanked on to finish Tokihayate off. Uwatenage.

Asakoryu (6-2) defeated Sadanoumi (5-3). Asakoryu slipped to his left after the tachiai. As Sadanoumi stumbled forward, Asakoryu attacked from the side and shoved Sadanoumi out. Clearly not a henka but just as effective. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (3-5) defeated Atamifuji (5-3). Shonannoumi’s gameplan was similar to Kayo. Retreat and slapdown. Atamifuji constantly moved forward to keep the pressure on. Eventually, Shonannoumi ran out of room at the edge and had no choice but to reach for Atamifuji’s belt and try to grapple. Shonannoumi grabbed Atamifuji’s belt with his right hand outside. Rather than press forward, though, or use gaburi yotsu, he shifted laterally along the bales and threw Atamifuji. Uwatenage.

Endo (5-3) defeated Ryuden (4-4). Endo grabbed at Ryuden’s left arm. This made Ryuden stumble forward. Endo then attacked from the side as Ryuden tried to recover. Endo grabbed Ryuden’s belt and put everything into throwing Ryuden. He succeeded and won but still ended up stumbling off the dohyo and into the third row. “These were great tickets, Junpei!” Uwatenage.

Kotoshoho (2-1-5) defeated Shishi (1-7). Kotoshoho had a right arm inside grip and drove forward as Shishi pulled backward and both men went down. Gunbai Kotoshoho. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi.

Shodai (3-5) defeated Takanosho (4-4). Shodai backed away along the bales and pulled Takanosho down. Sukuinage.

Meisei (5-3) defeated Hakuoho (7-1). While Hakuoho bulled forward, Meisei grabbed Hakuoho’s right arm and pulled him down along the bales. Their combined momentum carried both men off the dohyo. Gunbai Meisei. Both men looked incredulous. Meisei even took his time getting back to the dohyo, like, “y’all want to look at that, right? No?” No, dude. You won. Kotenage.

Oshoma (5-3) defeated Midorifuji (0-8). Oshoma’s style is rather boring. He kept Midorifuji at arms length, not allowing him to come inside and attempt his famous katasukashi. But he couldn’t slap him down, either, after numerous attempts. He eventually caught Midorifuji a bit off balance and ran him out from behind. Midorifuji makekoshi. Okuridashi.

Aonishiki (7-1) defeated Tobizaru (4-4). Solid tsuppari from Aonishiki forced Tobizaru to the edge but he wouldn’t go over. He pulled and tried a slapdown, but Tobizaru didn’t go down. Aonishiki then followed with a nodowa and a trip but Tobizaru wouldn’t go out. He pulled again and Tobizaru took two steps forward. Aonishiki grabbed Tobizaru’s thong and ran him out.

Halftime

Onokatsu (4-4) defeated Ura (2-6). After an initial pull, Ura took it to Onokatsu. Maybe he had built some confidence with his yotsu win against Tobizaru yesterday. Well, it was a mistake today. As Ura pressed forward, Onokatsu got a right hand inside, left hand outside grip. Once he settled Ura down, he drove forward and out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (6-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-6). Kinbozan overpowered Chiyoshoma after a lengthy yotsu battle that required a mawashi adjustment. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (4-4) defeated Churanoumi (1-7). Ichiyamamoto had to give it three attempts with the tsuppari/slapdown combo but finally pulled Churanoumi down with the help of a belt grip. Uwatenage.

Wakamotoharu (3-5) defeated Gonoyama (1-7). Gonoyama tried an il-advised pull and slapdown. Wakamotoharu kept his footing and rushed him out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Abi (4-4) defeated Takayasu (2-6). Abi did Abi things and blasted Takayasu with a nodowa at the tachiai. Takayasu finally relieved the pressure by batting Abi’s hands away. Takayasu then pulled, and pulled, and pulled himself right out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (7-1) defeated Oho (3-5). Oho is back to his reversing sumo and Wakatakakage made him pay. Oho pulled and WTK charged forward, keeping his balance and forcing him off the edge. Oshitaoshi.

Daieisho (6-2) defeated Kirishima (5-3). Daieisho forced Kirishima backwards with his thrusts. Kirishima retreated to the bales and Daieisho shoved him out. Tsukidashi.

Onosato (8-0) defeated Hiradoumi (3-5). Onosato charged forward and forced Hiradoumi back with ease. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (5-3) defeated Tamawashi (2-6). No tsuppari or thrusts from Tamawashi. He tried to take on Kotozakura, chest to chest, and Kotozakura forced him out. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (6-2) defeated Takerufuji (3-5). Takerufuji henka! Hoshoryu adjusted well. Shonosuke did not as he stumbled over his own feet trying to move out of the way. Hoshoryu advanced and wrapped up Takerufuji’s left arm, twisted, and threw him to the ground. Kotenage.

Wrap-up

Onosato has dominated his Week One competition. He will face Ura tomorrow and that should be an easy bout for him if he sticks to his fundamentals. But the five other sanyaku bouts are ahead of him this week, culminating in a fight with the Yokozuna on senshuraku. These rank-and-filers, and Takayasu, were the appetizers. After he finishes his final chicken wing tomorrow, it will be on to the main course.

Hoshoryu had a bit of a stumble today. That win over Takerufuji was close. Takerufuji was looking for a mono-ii but it was the right call. Hakuoho’s loss was the result of a great move from Meisei. He and Aonishiki might get pulled up to face sanyaku competition later this week but we clearly saw cracks in Hakuoho’s attack today.

Tomorrow, Hoshoryu will fight Ichiyamamoto. I mentioned Onosato vs Ura, which should be fun. Kotozakura versus Takayasu, though? Let’s just say I think Daieisho versus Tamawashi will be a better match. Wakatakakage will fight Abi, Aonishiki will fight Chiyoshoma and Hakuoho will take on Shodai.

Natsu 2025: Day Seven Highlights

Andy Natsu 2025, Natsu Basho ,

As a bit of a preview for Nagoya, NHK showed some video from inside the new IG Arena. It should be ready for action for the July tournament. It looks nice and is much bigger than the old sweat box next door. Having been to the Nagoya tournament, I encourage folks to go. The castle is right there and I am a fan of the Toyota Museum.

No new kyujo. Kusano is making another charge in Juryo at 6-1, tied with Tohakuryu from the bottom half of the division. Those two won’t be paired off until later next week if they keep their streaks alive.

Today’s NHK videos: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I & Part II. Let’s get to it.

Makuuchi Action

Kayo (3-4) defeated Tochitaikai (3-4). Tochitaikai nearly had this. He tried to slap Kayo down and then got in behind Kayo. But Kayo grabbed Tochitaikai’s left arm and dragged him to the edge. Kayo then shoved Tochitaikai out from behind. Okuridashi.

Shonannoumi (2-5) defeated Tamashoho (2-5). The larger Shonannoumi used his size well, shrugged off Tamashoho’s patty-cake tsuppari and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Roga (5-2) defeated Ryuden (4-3). Marathon yotsu battle here. Roga wore down Ryuden and eventually used his morozashi, double-inside belt grip, to force Ryuden over the edge. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (5-2) defeated Nishikigi (5-2). Nishikigi pressed Sadanoumi to the edge where Sadanoumi pulled out Nishikigi’s trick from Day One. Beautiful. Amiuchi.

Tokihayate (3-4) defeated Asakoryu (5-2). Tokihayate was the aggressor from the beginning here. He twisted and yanked on Asakoryu’s left shoulder and dragged him around the ring until Asakoryu went down. Kotenage.

Atamifuji (5-2) defeated Kotoshoho (1-1-5). Patient and persistent gaburi yotsu from Atamifuji. Kotoshoho started with a henka and slapdown attempt but Atamifuji’s footwork today was excellent and he did not fall for the henka. Atamifuji then wrapped up Kotoshoho and worked him to the edge with the hip-thrusting action. Kotoshoho tried to turn the tables at the edge and escaped along the edge to Atamifuji’s left. But Atamifuji pursued and shoved Kotoshoho out. Yorikiri.

Meisei (4-3) defeated Shodai (2-5). Meisei locked up and steamrolled Shodai while Shodai was still trying to find a belt grip that he liked. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (4-3) defeated Midorifuji (0-7). Takanosho dominated Midorifuji with tsuppari and did not allow him anywhere near his shoulder. Solid, persistent tsuppari drove Midorifuji from the fighting surface. Midorifuji needs to find some wins, soon. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (6-1) defeated Endo (4-3). Aonishiki started with tsuppari and Endo wrapped him up on the belt to try to stop the assault. Aonishiki took his right hand, shoved it into Endo’s face and drove him through the dohyo and into the lap of a fan. The fan laughed, gave a thumbs up, and seemed absolutely thrilled to be a part of the action. “恥ずかしい！” Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (5-2) defeated Shishi (1-6). Kinbozan shoved Shishi straight back and out. One wonders if Shishi is injured. Tsukidashi.

Oshoma (4-3) defeated Churanoumi (1-6). Oshoma dragged Churanoumi by his shoulder to the edge and shoved Churanoumi out to finish him off. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (2-5) defeated Onokatsu (3-4). Chiyoshoma was all over Onokatsu like white on rice. Tsuppari, then grabbed Onokatsu by the right arm and belt, pulled him forward to the bales where he crushed him down to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Ura (2-5) defeated Tobizaru (4-3). Ura secured a right-hand inside belt grip and dragged Tobizaru, helping him down with the left hand. Shitatedashinage.

Hakuoho (7-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-4). Hakuoho absorbed Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari and backed to the tawara. At the edge he put his head down and bulldozed Ichiyamamoto, shoving him out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (2-5) defeated Tamawashi (2-5). Wakamotoharu took a bruising nodowa from Tamawashi but used his left hand inside to drive Tamawashi back and out of the ring. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (2-5) defeated Oho (3-4). Beautiful throw from Takayasu to finish Oho. Takayasu got a hold of Oho’s belt with the right hand outside, stepped back and threw Oho to the ground. Oho seemed to cradle his left arm as he walked down the hanamichi. Uwatenage.

Kirishima (5-2) defeated Abi (3-4). Kirishima worked his way behind Abi and shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Wakatakakage (6-1) defeated Daieisho (5-2). Wakatakakage blocked Daieisho’s nodowa and then overpowered the Sekiwake, shoving him backward and thrusting him from the ring. Daieisho’s promotion hopes this tournament are fading, fading… Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (1-6) defeated Kotozakura (4-3). Gonoyama got low, slammed his mage right into Kotozakura’s chin. He wrapped up Kotozakura with a morozashi and drove him backward and out. It felt like Kotozakura was still trying to figure out what to do when he was standing outside the tawara. Yorikiri.

Onosato (7-0) defeated Takerufuji (3-4). Takerufuji drove into Onosato hard at the tachiai. Onosato backed to his right and slapped Takerufuji down. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (5-2) defeated Hiradoumi (3-4). Hoshoryu enveloped Hiradoumi with both arms before pivoting to his right and yanking Hiradoumi down by his left arm. Kotenage.

Wrap-up

Tomorrow is Nakabi already. It’s been a fun tournament so far and Onosato is in the driver’s seat. Hakuoho is still undefeated and will probably be pulled up the banzuke next week if his streak continues. As it is, Hakuoho will face Meisei tomorrow. Onosato will take on Hiradoumi.

Kotozakura is fighting like Shodai. It’s hard to believe Shodai was Ozeki for two years, isn’t it? With this kind of sumo, it’s hard to imagine Kotozakura lasting that long. The Goth Lord actually won a title back during the pestilence. Hard to think of that now as he will try to pick up his third win against…checks notes…Takanosho. Unfortunately, Daieisho looks like he is going to come up short this tournament in his drive to move up. He will need to win out in order to hit that 33-win mark.