Hoshoryu

Natsu 2026: Shonichi

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho

Welcome back. I tackled a few items in the preview post, like the Onosato/Aonishiki kyujo. I’ll not rehash them here. We can file this item under “miscellaneous.” Ex-Chiyonokuni makes his debut as a shimpan this tournament and will be ringside during the first half of top division action. We also get to see Chiyomaru in his new wakaimonogashira role. Unfortunately, he will make an entrance in the action later today.

Enho won his first bout back in Juryo. He defeated Tochitaikai by oshidashi push out. Down in sandanme, Enho’s phenom stablemate, Asahifuji, easily dispatched Hakuomaru with a yorikiri (force out).

Update: I forgot to add the link to the NHK videos. Consider that fixed. They included a couple of Juryo videos: Enho vs Tochitaikai and Okaryu vs Hakuyozan.

Let’s turn our attention to the top division for a few items of note. First, this tournament marks a milestone for Tamawashi. It’s his 100th basho in the top division. Only Hakuho (103) and Kaio (107) are ahead of him. He can tie Hakuho at 103 this year. He can pass both next year.

Makuuchi Action

Fujiryoga defeated Ryuden. Fujiryoga seemed in control this whole bout. He got his left hand inside and right hand outside grip. Despite Ryuden’s loose mawashi, Fujiryoga got enough leverage to drive Ryuden back and over the bales. Yorikiri. Fujiryoga will fight top division newbie, Wakanosho tomorrow. Ryuden will take on Oshoumi.

Wakanosho defeated Oshoumi. Wakanosho blitzed Oshoumi at the tachiai with a strong, fast tsuppari attack. He forced Oshoumi back and out quickly. Tsukidashi.

Tobizaru defeated Roga. Roga had the early advantage until Tobizaru slipped inside and got a right hand grip. He used his right foot to attempt to trip Roga and though he missed, the move got Roga moving backward. Tobizaru pressed forward and Roga’s momentum drove him out. Oshidashi. Tobizaru will fight Mitakeumi tomorrow; Roga will take on Tamawashi.

Mitakeumi defeated Tamawashi. Tamawashi tried to pull but Mitakeumi countered well, driving the Iron Man backward and out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho defeated Tokihayate. Tokihayate used his speed and inside position to put Kotoeiho on the ropes early and for much of the bout. Kotoeiho barely maintained his balance and stayed inside the ring. He was able to get his left arm grip and pull Tokihayate down at the edge. Uwatenage. Kotoeiho will fight Shishi; Tokihayate will fight Kinbozan.

Kinbozan defeated Shishi. Kinbozan overpowered Shishi, drove him back to the bales and toppled the Ukrainian backwards with his entire weight. Abisetaoshi.

Ura defeated Hakunofuji. Hakunofuji pulled but Ura was ready and drove him straight back and out. Oshidashi. Ura will fight Nishikifuji tomorrow; Hakunofuji will have to regroup against Asanoyama.

Asanoyama defeated Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji lashed out at Asanoyama and drove him back a step at the tachiai. However, he quickly backed up and tried to slap the former Ozeki down. Asanoyama pressed forward and forced Nishikifuji out. Yorikiri.

Abi defeated Asahakuryu. Abi tried his slapdown attack for much of the bout but Asahakuryu maintained his balance and kept the pressure up. Abi switched gears and drove forward behind that tsuppari and shoved Asahakuryu over the bales. Oshidashi. Abi will take on another Takasago boy tomorrow in Asakoryu; Asahakuryu will fight Oshouma. Can I think of a bad Kohaku joke in time for tomorrow? (Kohaku is the term for the alternating red/white colors which are often on display for celebrations in Japan. The shikona of Asakoryu and Asahakuryu feature these characters.)

Asakoryu defeated Oshoma. One, Two, Three matta from Asakoryu. You know what that means, henka! What? No henka? What the hell? Asakoryu hit Oshoma with a solid tachiai. The two squared up in the center of the ring and as Asakoryu charged in again, Oshoma reversed and tried to slap him down but Asakoryu kept his balance and forced Oshoma off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Fujiseiun defeated Chiyoshoma. Fujiseiun brushed off Chiyoshoma’s tsuppari and plowed through the ring, driving him out. Yorikiri. Fujiseiun will fight Shodai tomorrow; Chiyoshoma will take on Churanoumi.

Churanoumi defeated Shodai. Churanoumi kept Shodai centered and drove him out. Shodai appeared to want to try some sort of reversal at the edge but couldn’t execute. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama defeated Wakamotoharu. Gonoyama attacked Wakamotoharu and drove him back over the bales. Wakamotoharu tried to execute a slapdown with both feet on the tawara and that’s just not going to work. Oshidashi. Gonoyama will fight Oho tomorrow; Wakamotoharu will face Daieisho.

Daieisho defeated Oho. Daieisho seemed prepared for Oho to try to slap him down. He still hit Oho with his usual thrusting tsuppari attack but he didn’t get out over his feet. He seemed to hold back, preventing Oho from finding any openings for a slapdown. Befuddled, Oho was easily shoved out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage defeated Hiradoumi. Not a henka but…Wakatakakage shifted to his left at the tachiai and Hiradoumi blasted forward like a jack-in-the-box, into a void. Hiradoumi’s momentum carried him through the ring and down the other side. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoshoho defeated Yoshinofuji. Kotoshoho forced Yoshinofuji to the edge. Yoshinofuji balanced on one foot as he tried to slap Kotoshoho down. Both men tumbled down. Gunbai Kotoshoho. Mono-ii. Replays showed Kotoshoho landing on the dohyo while Yoshinofuji’s foot was still inside the bales. Gunbai overturned Sukuinage.

Ichiyamamoto defeated Atamifuji. Ichiyamamoto leapt to his right and pulled Atamifuji forward. Atamin’s momentum carried him over the bales. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima defeated Takanosho. Now, Takanosho did get out ahead of his feet so when Kirishima shifted left, Takanosho stumbled forward. Kirishima easily slapped him down. Hakakikomi.

Fujinokawa defeated Kotozakura. Kotozakura seemed to have the upper hand at the start but Fujinokawa jumped left and tried a slapdown. Kotozakura recovered but had no counter attack near the edge. Fujinokawa seized the opportunity, charged forward again and blasted Kotozakura back and out. Tsukidashi.

Takayasu defeated Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu tried to get his right hand inside so he reared back and then dove forward to get at Takayasu’s belt. However, Takayasu pulled Hoshoryu forward with his left hand deep at the back of Hoshoryu’s belt and slapped him down with his right hand. Hoshoryu fell backward awkwardly on his butt. He’d been in a half-split and likely pulled a hammy. Hoshoryu was slow to get up and hobbled back down the hanamichi but needed the big wheelchair once he’d gotten to the back. Wakaimonogashira Chiyomaru was among the crew attending to the Yokozuna as he left the dohyo. Kyujo incoming. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Great to be back with you all for the next two weeks but we have lost another of our top guys to injury. We’ll keep an eye out for news of Hoshoryu. Kotozakura will need to dig himself out of this hole he’s dug for himself on Day One but we’re rather used to that. Kirishima is suddenly in the driver’s seat this basho. I’m sure it won’t be that straightforward so we’re surely in for a roller coaster ride.

Let’s take a look at the sanyaku matchups for tomorrow. Takayasu will fight Ichiyamamoto, Atamifuji will battle Hiradoumi, and Kotoshoho fights Takanosho. Kotozakura will face Wakatakakage, Kirishima will take on Yoshinofuji, and Fujinokawa might pick up a fusen default victory from Hoshoryu. Judging by Hoshoryu’s condition after the bout today, he won’t be back soon.

Haru 2026: Day Fourteen

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , ,

Day Fourteen in Osaka. The kyujo banner waves again. We swing by the infirmary and Wakatakakage has checked in. He will be kyujo today and Daieisho will receive the walkover win.

Down in Juryo, Dewanoryu lost to Ryuden, who is looking to come back to Makuuchi. Daiseizan hopes to make a case for promotion by visiting Makuuchi in a possible exchange bout with struggling Oshoumi. Enho lost to Nishikigi. Nishikigi likely saved his skin but did the result close the door on Enho?

It will be a tight call between Takakento and Enho but I would hope Enho would pick up that fourth opening. Tsurugisho, Shimazuumi and Kotokuzan have indisputable demotable records. We’ve seen weird things happen with 6-9 records so things may hinge on the results tomorrow.

In the yusho race, Wakanosho defeated Toshinofuji, improving to 11-3. So Dewanoryu and Wakanosho sit tied at 11-3 with Kazuma behind them at 10-4. The three men have already fought each other so it will be interesting to see who they’re paired against on senshuraku.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (9-5) defeated Kinbozan (8-6). Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho (9-5) defeated Shishi (6-8). Kotoeiho pivoted and quickly drove Shishi out. Shishi missed when he tried to grab Kotoeiho’s belt. Yorikiri.

Oshoumi (4-10) defeated Daiseizan (Juryo 7-7). Henka! Oshoumi jumps to the side and shoves Daiseizan down to the clay. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” With the win, Oshoumi is likely safe from demotion but a win tomorrow can’t hurt. Tsukiotoshi.

Asahakuryu (10-4) defeated Gonoyama (9-5). Asahakuryu quickly grabbed Gonoyama’s belt with a left-handed uwate. He pivoted and pulled, dragging Gonoyama while slapping him down with his right hand. Uwatedashinage.

Roga (5-9) defeated Fujiryoga (6-8). Roga grabbed Fujiryoga’s belt with his left hand. Fujiryoga slipped his right hand inside but he was already perilously positioned along the bales. Roga rotated and dragged Fujiryoga down. Uwatenage.

Chiyoshoma (9-5) defeated Tokihayate (5-9). Chiyoshoma forced Tokihayate to the edge with his nodowa and tsuppari. Tokihayate quickly jumped left to turn the tables and force Chiyoshoma to the edge but Chiyoshoma just grabbed Tokihayate’s belt, drove him to the edge, and tripped him over the bales. Kirikaeshi.

Tobizaru (6-8) defeated Tamawashi (4-10). For a while, Tamawashi kept Tobizaru at bay with tsuppari. But Tobizaru eventually worked his way inside. This got him close enough to execute his trip. Kicking Tamawashi’s right foot forced Tamawashi off-balance and Tobizaru shoved him down as Tamawashi stumbled forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Mitakeumi (8-6) defeated Ura (5-9). Mitakeumi used the leverage from his right arm under Ura’s shoulder to twist Ura down. Sukuinage.

Nishikifuji (8-6) defeated Shodai (7-7). Nishikifuji made Shodai uncomfortable with a nodowa and got the big lug moving backwards. One more shove to the clavicle finished him off. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (5-9) defeated Fujiseiun (9-5). Oshoma stood Fujiseiun up with tsuppari and a nodowa, then pulled and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

If folks wonder what happens at halftime, the shimpan leave and a new team of judges comes in. The yobidashi come up and care for the dohyo, sprinkling water from a pail onto the surface and then brushing the surface, freshening it up. They sweep the free granules of clay from the shikirisen, making the white lines pristine. In the Konishiki videos, Konishiki points out that after a while, the dohyo gets hard and compacted like concrete. This softens it up a tad and distributes the loose clay evenly along the surface.

Abi (4-5-5) defeated Asanoyama (8-6). Abi henka! Abi leapt to the left and grabbed Asanoyama’s belt with his left hand. He then rotated and pulled Asanoyama forward and off the dohyo. Uwatenage.

Fujinokawa (7-7) defeated Hiradoumi (6-8). Hiradoumi blitzed Fujinokawa with a fast tachiai but Fujinokawa twisted back and used his left hand under Hiradoumi’s armpit to heave Hiradoumi over and slam him to the ground at the edge. Sukuinage.

Hakunofuji (4-6-4) defeated Churanoumi (4-10). Hakunofuji charged ahead and got inside. Churanoumi quit about 3 feet from the bales and Hakunofuji ushered him out.

Daieisho (7-7) default win over Wakatakakage (8-6). NHK zoomed in on some fans who’d brought their homemade Wakatakakage signs, rubbing salt into the wounds that they won’t see their man in the arena today. NHK just knows what buttons to press. Their management must be S.

Oho (7-7) defeated Yoshinofuji (6-8). Oho grabbed Yoshinofuji by the head and forced him to the edge. Yoshinofuji freed himself with a shove to Oho’s right hand but when Yoshinofuji re-engaged, Oho pulled AND PIVOTED, thrusting Yoshinofuji down to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (3-11) defeated Takanosho (9-5). Takanosho drove Wakamotoharu back to the edge with his nodowa and tsuppari. At the edge, Wakamotoharu shifted left and pulled Takanosho down while balancing on the bales with his best Daniel “crane pose.” Gunbai Wakamotoharu. No mono-ii. Hikiotoshi.

Atamifuji (9-5) defeated Kotoshoho (10-4). Kotoshoho’s initial slapdown attempt failed so he locked on to Atamifuji’s belt. Atamifuji seemed to heavy for him to move, so Atamifuji pressed forward and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (8-6) defeated Takayasu (6-8). Ichiyamamoto pulled and shifted left to get access to Takayasu’s belt. He pulled him forward for the win. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki (7-7) defeated Kirishima (12-2). Aonishiki does not want to go kadoban. Hoshoryu needs to win to prevent Kirishima claiming the title. Kirishima had the right-hand uwate grip he wanted but when he pulled backward, Aonishiki pulled him down to a knee. Shitatenage.

Kotozakura (9-5) defeated Hoshoryu (10-4). Hoshoryu and Kotozakura locked up at the tachiai. We started with a migi-yotsu battle. What now? Kotozakura demonstrated the initiative by pulling up on Hoshoryu and forcing him toward the edge but couldn’t get him over. Hoshoryu released with his right hand and pulled back to try an uwatenage. Kotozakura managed to get a morozashi, double inside grip. Hoshoryu panicked and reared back but Kotozakura worked his left leg behind Hoshoryu’s right, forced Hoshoryu off-balance and back onto his butt. Kirishima yusho! Sotogake.

Wrap-up

The yusho has been decided, even if tomorrow’s bout lineup has not. It’s appropriate to use the passive voice, rather than the active voice, since the title was claimed by Kirishima despite a loss today. One is left with the feeling that the cup fell to its winner’s lap rather than being seized through a victory.

Kirishima will likely fight Kotozakura tomorrow with Hoshoryu fighting Aonishiki. Add Onosato into the mix and I hope we get these five guys leading the field for quite a while. There are a lot of good rivalries here.

It looks like we’ll have two open Sekiwake slots with Takayasu earning demotion today and Kirishima’s likely promotion. Atamifuji will be a lock for one slot. The other will likely go to Wakatakakage as the next promotable results lie with Takanosho and Kotoshoho. Both men lost today but maybe a senshuraku win will help one leapfrog Wakatakakage?

Well, there’s another day of action, apparently. See you back here tomorrow.

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.