Hoshoryu

Haru 2026: Day Six

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , ,

Day Six in Osaka. A bit of news from the infirmary to start things off. Hakunofuji will return to action on Day Seven. We also had a rather rare event to report down in the lowest Jonokuchi division, called a ryosha fusenpai 両者不戦敗. Both competitors in the Katsunonishiki/Higonoryu bout were kyujo so both received a loss.

If you’ve ever been curious about what happens in that case, the Sumo Association website shows both men losing. OneLoveLulit on Twitter has the video of what you see and hear on the dohyo.

In Makushita, Elder Onami brother, Wakatakamoto, appears to have suffered a significant knee injury. He was taken by wheelchair from the dohyo and then to the hospital. He fought Kurohimeyama. Kurohimeyama drove him back, Wakatakamoto resisted at the bales but was crushed out with a yoritaoshi.

Concern is for the right knee/leg. I’ll let you all know any news. Not only is he the elder brother to Wakamotoharu and Wakatakakage, he serves as Wakamotoharu’s tsukebito and therefore will not be there at the hanamichi for WMH’s bout today against Fujinokawa.

In today’s Juryo action, Wakanosho (6-0) is the lone undefeated competitor in the division with his tsukidashi win over Sadanoumi (2-4). Kazekeno defeated Kazuma, so both men are 5-1 alongside Kitanowaka. Enho had the day off today but is scheduled to fight Ms1E Himukamaru tomorrow. It’s really a pivotal bout because Himukamaru is the top guy in the division. Enho will really want this guy to finish the tournament with a make-koshi to improve his own odds of promotion.

NHK videos of today’s top division action are here.

Makuuchi Action

Chiyoshoma (3-3) defeated Asahakuryu (4-2). Asahakuryu forced Chiyoshoma to the edge. Chiyoshoma slipped his grasp by shuffling along the bales and turned the tables by grabbing and pulling on his arm. Asahakuryu tried to right himself but Chiyoshoma followed up quickly by wrapping Asahakuryu up and driving him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (4-2) defeated Fujiryoga (3-3). Nishikifuji grabbed Fujiryoga’s belt with a righthand overarm (uwate) grip and drove him to the tawara. Fujiryoga latched on with his own left-arm underarm (shitate) hold and both men tried to pitch the other over the side. Nishikifuji broke the stalemate by using his left hand to shove Fujiryoga backwards. Oshitaoshi.

Kinbozan (4-2) defeated Tobizaru (1-5). Kinbozan battered Tobizaru with tsuppari and then finished him off with a slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Fujiseiun (4-2) defeated Mitakeumi (2-4). Fujiseiun twisted and pulled Mitakeumi over to the tawara and finished him off with strong gaburi yotsu hip thrusts. He also got a deep grip on Mitakeumi’s mawashi knot, like yesterday’s Wakatakakage/Kotozakura bout. This time, though, they let Fujiseiun finish Mitakeumi off without pausing to fix the knot. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (4-2) defeated Asakoryu (4-2). Asakoryu tried to shove Kotoeiho, but Kotoeiho slipped his grasp to the right and slapped Asakoryu down while jumping out. Mono-ii. The shimpan decided both men died and called for a rematch. In the rematch, Asakoryu pulled and Kotoeiho chased him out with steady footwork and tsuppari. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (4-2) defeated Shishi (3-3). While Shishi tried to twist and throw Asanoyama down, Asanoyama maintained his balance and drove Shishi back with his right hand under Shishi’s armpit. Asanoyama forced Shishi to the bales and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oshoumi (1-5) defeated Tokihayate (2-4). Oshoumi wrapped up Tokihayate with his left hand uwate grip and forced him back and out. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (5-1) defeated Tamawashi (1-5). Gonoyama pulled and used his right arm under Tamawashi’s shoulder to heave him back to the bales. Gonoyama finished him off with strong thrusts. Oshidashi.

Shodai (5-1) defeated Roga (2-4). Shodai grabbed Roga with a left-hand overarm grip and used it to force Roga over the bales. Uwatenage.

Ichiyamamoto (4-2) defeated Ura (3-3). This bout attracts a heap of kensho for a mid-maegashira bout because of Ura’s local hero status, which earned him the top. Ichiyamamoto spoiled the day, though, by pulling and slapping Ura down, claiming A Fistful of Yen. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Onokatsu (1-3-2) defeated Oshoma (2-4). Oshoma slipped left as Onokatsu charged forward and slapped Onokatsu down. Gunbai Oshoma. Mono-ii? Oshoma got A Fistful of Topknot, and thus lost by Hanzoku.

Kotoshoho (5-1) defeated Takanosho (5-1). Kotoshoho pulled and Takanosho’s momentum carried him forward and off the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (3-3) defeated Churanoumi (2-4). Daieisho hit Churanoumi with tsuppari but Churanoumi cycled around the edge to get better position. As he charged forward, Daieisho slipped to the side and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Fujinokawa (3-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-6). Fujinokawa blitzed Wakamotoharu and drove the Komusubi back and out, quickly. His mind may be on his elder brother and tsukebito, Wakatakamoto. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (5-1) defeated Yoshinofuji (2-4). Yoshinofuji charged forward, it looked a bit early. Kirishima stopped briefly to look at the gyoji, “you going to call a matta? No? Okay.” Kirishima then shifted left, grabbed Yoshinofuji’s belt and threw him down. Uwatenage.

Wakatakakage (3-3) defeated Takayasu (5-1). Takayasu’s left-hand inside grip was not giving him enough leverage to force Wakatakakage back. Eventually Wakatakakage used his right uwate to drive Takayasu back and throw him to the clay. Wakatakakage was cradling that right arm after the bout. He already wears a compression sleeve on and tape on that right elbow. Uwatedashinage.

Oho (2-4) defeated Aonishiki (3-3). Welp, there goes the rope. Aonishiki got a morozashi early, double inside grip, and used that to hoist Oho around the ring. He could not finish him off or get leverage for a throw. Instead, Oho managed to keep his footing and as Aonishiki tired, turned the tables. With Aonishiki’s arms wrapped up, Oho drove Aonishiki back to the edge and drove him back off the dohyo. Kimedashi.

Atamifuji (3-3) defeated Kotozakura (3-3). Kotozakura telegraphed his pathetic pull attempt at the outset. Well, at least he pivoted at the start of his pull? Kotozakura pivoted right and put his hand up to pull Atamifuji down but Atamifuji just charged forward and forced the faux-zeki over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (5-1) defeated Hiradoumi (4-2). Hoshoryu was not playing around today. He met Hiradoumi head-on and shoved him back and out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Some idiot from the crowd reached over the railing and patted Hoshoryu on the back as he walked down the hanamichi, and was immediately admonished by the guard and an oyakata (I couldn’t tell which, from behind).

Osaka’s venue is a bit of a security nightmare with how close the crowd interacts with the wrestlers. Some twits heckled Hoshoryu’s dohyo-iri the other day… News reports have been unflattering regarding fan behavior over the past few months.

Anyway, Hoshoryu is representing his office well, and has been rather dominant, despite the blemish against Fujinokawa. No one remains undefeated so we’ve got a whole slew of guys with five wins. Let’s see how that field looks at the end of the weekend.

Let’s pivot to the schedule for tomorrow. Wakamotoharu will fight Yoshinofuji, Takayasu will take on Daieisho, Kirishima will face Hiradoumi, Kotozakura will fight Fujinokawa, Aonishiki will battle Atamifuji and Hoshoryu will end the day’s action against his nemesis, Oho.

As for the rank-and-filers at 5-1, Takanosho will fight Ichiyamamoto, Kotoshoho will battle Oshoma, Gonoyama will take on Ura and Shodai will square up to Shishi.

Once again, I will not be reporting on Day Seven or Day Eight. I will see you back here on Day Nine, hopefully with better sumo and an interesting yusho race. If it’s a Shodai runaway, I’ll be here with bells on.

Haru 2026: Day Three

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho ,

News from the infirmary today that Abi will sit out from Day Three. He was a non-factor against the steady, bureaucratic ways of Ichiyamamoto. Oshoma will receive the default win. An interview with Homasho indicated Abi will likely return to the tournament after resting to heal for a few days. As Herbern pointed out in the comments yesterday, he likely needs at least a win or two to maintain a position in Makuuchi.

Enho did not fight today but he’s scheduled to take on fellow former Makuuchi wrestler, Shimanoumi, tomorrow. It’s not going to be an easy path this tournament, that’s for sure. Gambare, Enho!!

Day Three videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Fujiryoga (2-1) defeated Kotoeiho (1-2). Kotoeiho forced a grapple by getting his left-hand inside belt grip. Fujiryoga quickly switched from tsuppari to acquiring his own belt grip. He grabbed Kotoeiho’s belt with his left-hand inside, hauled him up and rotated, forcing his opponent to the bales. He then shoved him out. Oshitaoshi.

Kinbozan (2-1) defeated Asasuiryu (1-2). Kinbozan’s thrust hard into Asasuiryu, battering him and disrupting Asasuiryu’s yotsu attack. Kinbozan’s first slapdown attempt missed but the second worked. Hatakikomi.

Asahakuryu (2-1) defeated Nishikifuji (2-1). Nishikifuji tried a pushing-thrusting attack, trying to shove Asahakuryu back. But Asahakuryu dug in and wasn’t yielding space. Nishikifuji then retreated and tried to slap Asahakuryu down but Asahakuryu kept his balance and chased Nishikifuji out of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (2-1) defeated Mitakeumi (2-1). Immediately after the tachiai, Chiyoshoma grabbed Mitakeumi’s belt with his right-hand over arm grip, spun and wrangled Mitakeumi to the ground and hogtied him in record time. Rodeo champion. Uwatenage.

Tobizaru (1-2) defeated Asanoyama (1-2). Tobizaru’s lateral movement nearly caught Asanoyama out early, so he grabbed him in a big bear hug and forced him to the edge. Tobizaru dug in, “you’re going to have to crush me out.” So Asanoyama pressed forward and crushed Tobizaru out. Gunbai Tobizaru. Mono-ii. A quick conference checked the replay, Asanoyama’s foot stepped out while Tobizaru was clearly still in bounds. Gunbai-dori. The non-winning technique of Isamiashi. “Dude stepped out.”

Fujiseiun (2-1) defeated Asakoryu (2-1). Fujiseiun wrapped up Asakoryu and forced him out. Yorikiri.

Roga (2-1) defeated Oshoumi (0-3). Roga drove Oshoumi to the edge but Oshoumi dug deep to resist and force Roga back through the dohyo. The two had a great yotsu grapple, trading the advantage. Finally, in the center of the ring Roga used his right-hand inside grip and rotated, dragging Oshoumi to the ground. Great bout. Shitatenage.

Gonoyama (3-0) defeated Shishi (1-2). Gonoyama slammed Shishi and overpowered him, quickly shoving him back and out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (2-1) defeated Tamawashi (0-3). By climbing onto the dohyo today, Tamawashi tied with Kyokutenho for the most Makuuchi bouts at 1470. Shodai rained on Tamawashi’s parade by really dominating, despite Tamawashi’s nodowa. Shodai chugged forward and shoved Tamawashi back and out. Oshidashi.

Ura (3-0) defeated Tokihayate (1-2). Tokihayate tried over and over to get his left hand inside and pull Ura up. Ura would stay low, shove Tokihayate off his belt and re-engage to try to get his own left hand inside. On the third or fourth engagement, Ura knocked Tokihayate off balance and thrust him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Kotoshoho defeated Ichiyamamoto. Kotoshoho met Ichiyamamoto with a firm tachiai, shoving his hands into Ichiyamamoto’s face. But then Kotoshoho pivoted to the side and slapped Ichi down. Ichiyamamoto’s momentum carried him, stumbling to the edge, where he landed in a heap. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (2-1) default win over Abi (0-3).

Oho (1-2) defeated Daieisho (0-3). Since Daieisho’s thrusts seem to be at 60% power, he switched quickly to trying to slap Oho down. Oho chased Daieisho and kept his balance, shoving Daieisho out. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (3-0) defeated Hiradoumi (2-1). Takanosho slammed into Hiradoumi but quickly slapped him down. Quick bout, using Hiradoumi’s hyperactivity against him to devastating effect. Takanosho has never attracted a big fan base, seemingly always getting very few kensho. And today the crowd barely acknowledged the bout happened. Takanosho is one of my faves, but he’s got wild swings lately. There was a stretch where he was always in sanyaku or the joi, but quietly performing under stablemate, Takakeisho. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (3-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-3). Takayasu forced Wakamotoharu to the tawara and then suddenly backed up, letting a rather listless Wakamotoharu fall to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (2-1) defeated Atamifuji (1-2). Kirishima nearly threw Atamifuji with his left-hand overarm grip. It seemed he needed a bit more leverage so he took a big gamble to switch his grip. He quickly released his left hand and immediately Atamifuji began charging forward. Kirishima worked his left hand inside around Atamifuji’s trunk, pivoted and dumped the big man on his face. Sukuinage.

Kotozakura (3-0) defeated Churanoumi (1-2). Kotozakura loves being up against the bales. He immediately reversed himself, backing to the edge, and tried over and over to slap Churanoumi down. Those slapdowns were not working so he wrapped up Churanoumi’s trunk and twisted him to the ground. Sukuinage.

Aonishiki (2-1) defeated Wakatakakage (1-2). Aonishiki slapped Wakatakakage hard. You could hear that land. I’ve got jokes about pimps and hustlers but will keep them to myself. Maybe if we were back in the 90s… Anyway, Wakatakakage then decided to pull. So, Aonishiki chased him out. WTK just noped himself out of there. Hilarious. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (1-2) defeated Onosato (0-3). Hatsu-Kinboshi Fujinokawa! Onosato drove forward into Fujinokawa’s nodowa. Fujinokawa slipped to his left and Onosato fell forward. Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (3-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-2). Yoshinofuji did great to get his hands inside and hold Hoshoryu at bay. He seemed to think he had time to get a better grip and launch an attack. The Yokozuna wasn’t going to wait, wrapped his arms around Yoshinofuji’s head and twisted, dragging Yoshinofuji down. Kubinage.

Wrap-up

The kyujo train might have more passengers after today’s action. Will Onosato tough it out? This Fujinokawa bout was certainly “a must win.” Given the Yokozuna’s size advantage, it was great to see him moving forward and not retreating as he had done the first two days. The fact that he had to sit and wait for Hoshoryu’s bout to end before leaving…oh, that must have been an uncomfortable few minutes.

The komusubi will face each other on Day Four, Wakamotoharu versus Atamifuji. Wakamotoharu owns a 6-1 advantage in this rivalry. Might this give him confidence to turn things around? Atamifuji is fighting well, despite only having one win. As lost as Wakamotoharu has been, I’ve got to favor Atamifuji in tomorrow’s matchup.

Kirishima will fight Wakatakakage, Aonishiki will fight Churanoumi, Kotozakura faces Takayasu in a “Bout of the Unbeatens.” Finally Hoshoryu fights Fujinokawa and Onosato is scheduled to take on Yoshinofuji.

Haru 2026: Shonichi

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , , ,

Lower division updates first. Asahifuji obliterated his Jonidan opponent and looks hungry for a second straight lower division title. In Makushita, Enho is off to a good start with his defeat of Hidenoumi. 1-0.

As usual, your NHK videos are here. Click “I understand,” and then find the “続きを読む,” in the middle of the page, click, and that will expand and show all of the videos.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoeiho defeated Ryuden. Kotoeiho drove forward with his left hand inside and dumped Ryuden over the edge. Overpowering Ryuden like that is not a good sign for Ryuden. He did not seem able to put weight on that right foot. Yoritaoshi.

Kinbozan defeated Fujiryoga. Fujiryoga’s rise has been so fast he sports the zambara hair-style. His hair is getting longer but it’s not quite long enough for a chonmage (top-knot). Fujiryoga put his head down and charged in through Kinbozan’s tsuppari, forcing Kinbozan back to the bales. Kinbozan used excellent footwork to cycle backwards along the tawara and back into center. Kinbozan then laid into Fujiryoga with more tsuppari, drove him back and shoved him over the bales. “Welcome to Makuuchi.” Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi defeated Asahakuryu. Mitakeumi pressed forward and drove Asahakuryu over the edge. Asahakuryu seemed to try a last second twist to escape but he might as well have been scratching an itch. It was completely ineffective as Mitakeumi shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji defeated Chiyoshoma. Nishikifuji got his left hand inside and charged forward. Chiyoshoma tried to shift direction but Nishikifuji stuck with him, drove him back and forced him over the tawara. Solid fundamentals. Yorikiri.

Fujiseiun defeated Asanoyama. Asanoyama started with good tachiai but he pulled backward and tried to slap Fujiseiun down. Fujiseiun used excellent footwork to keep his balance and charge forward into Asanoyama, shoving the former Ozeki over the edge. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu defeated Tobizaru. Asakoryu blasted his way forward behind effective tsuppari. Tobizaru tried to wrap up Asakoryu’s head for a kubinage but Asakoryu slipped from Tobizaru’s grasp and thrust him down to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Shishi defeated Oshoumi. Shishi shifted direction at the tachiai but Oshoumi reacted well and wrapped up the Ukrainian. Oshoumi chugged forward but Shishi dug deep and stopped at the bales. Shishi got his left hand inside, twisted Oshoumi back to the bales and pressed forward until Oshoumi fell backward. Yoritaoshi.

Gonoyama defeated Roga. Roga got his left hand quickly on Gonoyama’s mawashi and pulled. Gonoyama did well to stay upright and chase Roga back to the bales, eventually driving him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate defeated Tamawashi. Tokihayate quickly got a morozashi, double-inside grip on Tamawashi’s belt, then drove forward and forced Tamawashi back and out. Yorikiri.

Ura defeated Shodai. You could hear a pin drop at this tachiai. Such a huge crowd, completely silent as they waited for Shodai to attack. Instead, Ura plowed forward and forced the former Ozeki out. Oshidashi.

Oshoma defeated Hakunofuji. Hakunofuji got a morozashi but Oshoma quickly pulled back to free himself, then slapped Hakunofuji down as he jumped back over the edge. Gunbai Oshoma. Mono-ii. Hakunofuji limped off the dohyo to await the shimpan’s decision. I don’t think his shisho was kidding about that leg injury. The committee decided the gyoji’s call was correct, Hakunofuji had come down first before Oshoma went out. Hakunofuji walked back down the hanamichi, likely happy there wasn’t a torinaoshi. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Ichiyamamoto defeated Onokatsu. Ichiyamamoto spring forward and launched into Onokatsu. Onokatsu’s left leg buckled as he couldn’t take the pressure of Ichiyamamoto’s forward movement. It seemed like the left knee just gave way. Onokatsu laid down for a bit but eventually got up, bowed, and hobbled back down the hanamichi. Oshitaoshi.

Kotoshoho defeated Abi. Abi’s thrusts lacked power as Kotoshoho shoved Abi back and out. I’ve got a joke. Hakunofuji, Onokatsu and Abi walked into a bar…and hopefully stayed there for the duration of this tournament. Go kyujo, boys. Y’all are banged up. Who am I kidding? They’ll all be back tomorrow. Oshidashi.

Takanosho defeated Daieisho. Solid tachiai. Daieisho’s thrusts forced Takanosho back to the edge but he quickly lost steam. Takanosho countered with his own thrusts and forced Daieisho back over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi defeated Oho. Hiradoumi quickly got both hands inside. With a great bear hug, Hiradoumi pressed forward behind powerful gaburi hip thrusts and forced Oho out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Takayasu defeated Churanoumi. Takayasu quickly grabbed Churanoumi’s belt with his right hand over-arm grip. Just as quickly, Takayasu discovered Churanoumi’s belt was loose as all get out. He tried to throw Churanoumi but lacked enough leverage. So we settled into a lean…and eventually Takayasu found the leverage to dump Churanoumi. Uwatedashinage.

Kirishima defeated Fujinokawa. Kirishima contained Fujinokawa by seizing his belt with both hands — left hand inside, right hand outside. Kirishima drove forward and threw Fujinokawa over the edge. Uwatenage.

Kotozakura defeated Yoshinofuji. Yoshinofuji quickly grabbed Kotozakura’s belt with a left hand overarm grip. Kotozakura had a solid right inside, but Yoshinofuji pulled and dragged Kotozakura to the bales and tried to topple him. Kotozakura kept his footing and recovered. He then grabbed Yoshinofuji’s belt with his own overarm grip and pulled Yoshinofuji down. Way to hang in there by the Ozeki. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki defeated Wakamotoharu. Wakamotoharu slow-rolled his tachiai so Aonishiki stood up for a matta, and the two reset. On the second attempt, Henka! Wakamotoharu leapt to the left at the tachiai and tried to slap the Ozeki down as he charged forward. But Aonishiki was ready. Aonishiki got his left hand on Wakamotoharu’s belt and shoved forward. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage defeated Onosato. Onosato pulled and tried to slap Wakatakakage down. Wakatakakage had his right hand inside Onosato’s armpit, maintained his footing and charged forward with Onosato’s retreat. He basically just rode Onosato back and out. Wakatakakage’s first kinboshi (hatsukinboshi). Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu defeated Atamifuji. Hoshoryu got his right hand inside quickly and drove Atamifuji back. Atamifuji kept his balance and tried to get his left-hand overarm grip. Hoshoryu tried to pull with that right hand but when he rotated right for the throw, that allowed Atamifuji to get his left-hand over arm grip. Atamifuji tried an uwatenage and brought his right hand up to the Yokozuna’s head to try to finish him off. Hoshoryu somehow kept his balance and charged into Atamifuji, forcing him back and off-balance. Hoshoryu then ran Atamifuji out the other side of the ring. Great try by the big guy. But that’s why Hoshoryu is Yokozuna. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Aonishiki passed his first test with flying colors. Of the top four guys, he appeared the most in control and solid, despite Wakamotoharu’s gamesmanship. Hoshoryu dodged a bullet but Onosato took it square to the scalp. Kotozakura will be happy with his white star to open the tournament.

On Day Two, they’ll trade opponents. Onosato will face Atamifuji, Hoshoryu will take on Wakatakakage, Kotozakura will get Wakamotoharu and Aonishiki will take on Yoshinofuji. Takayasu will fight Fujinokawa and Kirishima will take on Churanoumi.

Well, hopefully we’ll get some better polished sumo tomorrow but today’s action definitely brought a lot of excitement.

Hatsu 2026: Day Seven

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , ,

Day Seven. No kyujo announcements. The Emperor will be in the house tomorrow. Fujiseiun and Kayo won their bouts to stay in the lead at 6-1. Fujiseiun will fight Takerufuji tomorrow while Kayo will face Hidenoumi.

NHK Video link is here. It includes a look at Kazuma defeating Kazekeno. Kazuma was a Nihon University prospect for Kise-beya who earned a Makushita debut in 2024 but was injured in that debut tournament. After falling into the bottom division, he is back after winning three yusho in the lower divisions, including the Makushita yusho in Kyushu. He’s had a rough start this tournament as sekitori. But he might be overcoming his promotion jitters as he threw Kazekeno to the side.

Makuuchi Action

Ryuden (3-4) defeated Hatsuyama (0-7). While trading tsuppari, Hatsuyama tried to pull. This brought him perilously close to the edge but the two kept trading tsuppari until Hatsuyama tripped on the tawara and fell. Oshidashi.

Oshoumi (6-1) defeated Tomokaze (3-4). Oshoumi shoved Tomokaze back to the bales with steady hazuoshi, At the bales, Tomokaze decided to go out with some flair as he jumped up and attempted a pirouette before tumbling into the crowd. Oshitaoshi.

Asakoryu (3-4) defeated Tobizaru (1-6). Tobizaru had Asakoryu on the ropes and pulled. Asakoryu then chased Tobizaru across the ring and shoved him off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Asanoyama (5-2) defeated Abi (6-1). Abi lashed out at Asanoyama with tsuppari and pulled to his right. Asanoyama turned and continued to counter with his own slaps. Abi had his weight pretty far forward so Asanoyama shifted right and pulled Abi forward. Hikiotoshi.

Asahakuryu (5-2) defeated Midorifuji (2-5). Midorifuji tired after a lengthy Coneheads makeout session and Asahakuryu forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shishi defeated Chiyoshoma. Shishi got his left hand firmly planted on the front of Chiyoshoma’s belt (mae-mitsu) while pressing forward. Once he got his right arm inside he got the leverage he needed to drive Chiyoshoma back. Chiyoshoma tried a last gasp twist and throw at the edge but Shishi had good footwork today, kept his balance and forced Chiyoshoma out. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (4-3) defeated Mitakeumi (3-4). Tokihayate quickly got a hold of Mitakeumi with both hands inside Mitakeumi’s arms and drove him back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (4-3) defeated Roga (3-4). Nishikifuji tried to swing Roga around by his left arm but Roga freed himself and shoved Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji decided to follow Tokihayate’s lead, got both hands inside and drove Roga through the ring and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (5-2) defeated Kinbozan (2-5). Kotoshoho grabbed Kinbozan’s belt with his right hand inside, twisted and threw Kinbozan forward. Shitatenage.

Gonoyama (2-5) defeated Oshoma (5-2). Oshoma braced against the bales and seemed to be preparing for a pull-down attempt but he never got the chance. Gonoyama planted his right hand in Oshoma’s chest and blasted him off the dohyo. I’m surprised they didn’t call it tsukidashi. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (4-3) defeated Shodai (3-4). Hiradoumi blitzed Shodai and forced him back to the edge. Shodai tried to twist and shove Hiradoumi to his right but Hiradoumi just kept up the pressure and shoved Shodai out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Churanoumi (4-3) defeated Fujinokawa (5-2). Churanoumi shifted left to try to get Fujinokawa’s belt but Fujinokawa’s tachiai blasted him backward. “Plan B it is then.” Churanoumi planted his right mitt in Fujinokawa’s left shoulder and shoved. Hard. This made Fujinokawa stumble to the side. As Fujinokawa tried to put on the brakes, Churanoumi followed up with a shove from behind. Okuridashi.

Atamifuji (5-2) defeated Onokatsu (3-4). Atamifuji put his right forearm under Onokatsu’s chin and churned his legs until Onokatsu stepped out. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (1-6) defeated Tamawashi (2-5). Takanosho waited until Tamawashi pressed too far forward, then pulled and slapped him down. Takanosho picks up his first win of the tournament. Hatakikomi.

Ura (1-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-6). Ura pulled and when Ichiyamamoto chased, Ura reached out for that right leg. Ichiyamamoto tried to pull the back of Ura’s belt but he was off balance as Ura blasted forward and shoved him down. Ichiyamamoto was a little slow to get up and seemed to be favoring his ankle. We’ll see. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (5-2) defeated Oho (2-5). Oho pulled and tried to shove Takayasu to the side but Takayasu pursued and shoved Oho over the edge. “That’s it?!?! That’s all you’ve got?!?!” Tsukidashi.

Kirishima (6-1) defeated Yoshinofuji (4-3). Kirishima got a double-inside grip and forced Yoshinofuji back. Yoshinofuji tried to change up his grip and forced his right hand inside but Kirishima kept pressuring him back. Kirishima then toppled Yoshinofuji with a hard pull on his belt from his left hand. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki (6-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-6). I always cringe at these endings. Aonishiki had a firm hold with both hands on Wakamotoharu’s belt. Wakamotoharu braced against the bales and tried an utchari throw but Aonishiki pressed ahead and toppled both men off the dohyo. Wakamotoharu seemed to be favoring his jaw. Better that than landing like Kizakiumi. (I posted a picture in the comments from the other day. I’ll not post it again. But we were talking about how recently a lot of guys have gotten the hint that if they’re at the edge and all is lost, stepping out is an option which keeps oneself from injury. Kizakiumi’s injury was from a bout like this one, where he dug in at the bales. Yikes.) Yoritaoshi.

Kotozakura (5-2) defeated Wakatakakage (3-4). Kotozakura pulled and Wakatakakage stumbled forward as Kotozakura shoved him down. Kotozakura is picking up these important Week One wins. Will wonders never cease? Hatakikomi.

Onosato (6-1) defeated Daieisho (1-6). Onosato escaped by the skin of his teeth here. Daieisho pulled and had Onosato stumbling to the edge. Onosato recovered a bit and stumbled back across the dohyo. Like Tamanosho the other day, Daieisho’s eyes got big and he charged ahead, only to get a piece of Onosato as the Yokozuna backed away and Daieisho stumbled forward. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (6-1) defeated Hakunofuji (4-3). Hoshoryu threw Hakunofuji at the edge. Gunbai Hoshoryu. Mono-ii. “When in doubt, do it again, boyz!” Hoshoryu did not look pleased as he wiped blood from the deep scrape on his forehead. No doubt this time as a pissed off Hoshoryu grabbed Hakunofuji’s belt with his right hand, flung him around the dohyo. Hakunofuji tried to dig in at the bales but Hoshoryu forced the pair to fall out. Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-up

Well. Our Yokozuna lead a group of six guys with one loss. There are nine guys chasing with two losses. This is turning out to be a heck of a tournament with the Yokozuna, Ozeki and Sekiwake in the thick of it.

Asanoyama did his job and got dirt on Abi. Tomorrow he will fight Nishikifuji while Abi will take on Tokihayate. Up in sanyaku, Takayasu will fight Ichiyamamoto, Kotozakura will fight Oho, Aonishiki will take on Kirishima, Hoshoryu against Daieisho and Onosato will close things out against Hakunofuji. Ten’no is in for a treat, that’s for sure.