Hoshoryu

Kyushu 2025: Day Thirteen

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , ,

On Day 13, the lower division yusho are either decided outright or playoffs are determined for senshuraku. The Makushita, Sandanme and Jonokuchi yushos were decided. Jonidan will have a playoff between two undefeated stablemates, Kakueizan and Ryuho.

Lower Division Titles:

  • Makushita – Kazuma (7-0)
  • Sandanme – Kaki (7-0)
  • Jonokuchi – Goseiryu (7-0)

In Juryo, Fujiryoga beat Daiseizan with a sukuinage at the edge to improve to 12-1. He can run away with the yusho tomorrow.

Day 13 videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Gonoyama (7-6) defeated Meisei (1-3-9). Gonoyama drove into Meisei with a nodowa, driving him backwards. Meisei was able to get a hold of Gonoyama’s belt and resist at the bales. Gonoyama trapped Meisei’s right arm and pulled him forward and down. Oshitaoshi.

Oshoumi (5-8) defeated Tomokaze (5-8). Tomokaze tried to pull Oshoumi but stepped out before Oshoumi fell. Gunbai Oshoumi. No mono-ii. Oshidashi.

Sadanoumi (4-9) defeated Shishi (5-8). Sadanoumi put his arms up around Shishi’s neck, twisted and pulled Shishi to the ground. Sadanoumi is not having a great tournament but he’s putting everything he has into these bouts. Kubihineri.

Asakoryu (7-6) defeated Kotoshoho (7-6). Henka! Asakoryu absorbed a lot of Kotoshoho’s tsuppari as punishment. Kotoshoho then pulled but Asakoryu was ready and shoved Kotoshoho out. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (8-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (8-5). Daieisho thrust into an off-balance Chiyoshoma, who rolled backward onto his butt. Oshitaoshi.

Tobizaru (6-7) defeated Shonannoumi (3-10). Tobizaru allowed Shonannoumi to lumber forward. Tobizaru hooked his left arm under Shonannoumi’s right, pivoted and pulled Shonannoumi over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi (6-7) defeated Midorifuji (6-7). Mitakeumi pressed forward, forcing Midorifuji to the bales. Midorifuji released his grip and shifted left, hoping Mitakeumi’s momentum would carry him over the bales. Mitakeumi was ready and adjusted well, driving into Midorifuji and shoving him out. Oshidashi.

Ryuden (6-7) defeated Kinbozan (5-8). Ryuden got his favorite migi-yotsu hold on Kinbozan’s belt and spun him toward the bales. Kinbozan tried to resist but Ryuden ushered him over the edge. Kinbozan makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (9-4) defeated Roga (8-5). Ichiyamamoto tried to drive Roga out with tsuppari but Roga grabbled Ichiyamamoto and pulled him at the edge. Ichiyamamoto stopped his momentum at the tawara and re-engaged Roga at the center. Ichiyamamoto then used his new yotsu-zumo weapon to drive Roga back and over the bales. A great win for Ichiyamamoto as he avoided Roga’s trickery and showcased his new yotsu skills. Yorikiri.

Fujinokawa (8-5) defeated Abi (5-8). Abi forced Fujinokawa to the edge but Fujinokawa twisted and thrust Abi forward and onto his stomach. Abi make-koshi. Tsukiotoshi.

Yoshinofuji (9-4) defeated Tokihayate (9-4). Tokihayate forced Yoshinofuji to the bales but Yoshinofuji was able to turn the tables and drive Tokihayate back through the dohyo with his hidari-yotsu grip and force him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Hiradoumi (4-9) defeated Churanoumi (6-7). Hiradoumi blasted Churanoumi back to the edge and kept up the pressure, forcing Churanoumi out. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (7-6) defeated Onokatsu (5-8). Wakamotoharu got his hidari-yotsu sashi and drove Onokatsu back and out. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (9-4) defeated Atamifuji (7-6). Kirishima got his left-hand inside to join his already established right-hand inside hold. With the morozashi grip he was able to lift Atamifuji back and drive him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (6-7) defeated Wakatakakage (6-7). Tamawashi slammed into Wakatakakage and drove him back and out. Tamawashi now draws level with the Great Takanohana with 701 Top Division victories, tied for 10th most all-time. Oshidashi.

Ura (7-6) defeated Hakuoho (4-9). Ura got a left-hand hold of Hakuoho’s belt, pivoted, and dragged Hakuoho over the edge. Uwatedashinage.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (6-7) defeated Nishikifuji (8-5). Nishikifuji blasted Takayasu to the edge but Takayasu escaped left and slapped Nishikifuji forward. Hatakikomi.

Takanosho (4-9) defeated Shodai (4-9). Shodai didn’t like Takanosho’s nodowa. Takanosho followed up with a shove and forced Shodai out. Oshidashi.

Oho (5-8) defeated Oshoma (3-10). Oho forced Oshoma to the edge and did not fall for his antics. Oho used his left-hand inside grip to contain Oshoma and usher him out. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (11-2) defeated Kotozakura (7-6). Kotozakura tried real hard. He had a few chances to win this bout but Hoshoryu was too strong and he had more stamina. Kotozakura seemed to wear out and tried a last-ditch pull at the edge. Hoshoryu forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Onosato (11-2) defeated Aonishiki (10-3). This was close. Aonishiki had his left hand on Onosato’s belt and pulled. As he approached the edge, he left his feet and drove Onosato to the ground before landing off the dohyo. Gunbai Onosato. No mono-ii. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

We will have replays and arguments about this Onosato/Aonishiki bout for ages, especially if Onosato rolls to a yusho and Aonishiki is not considered for promotion after this tournament. Without the mono-ii we don’t know the judge’s minds on this and whether Aonishiki was dead when he left his feet. Bimyo.

The bout listings are not out for tomorrow but it’s probably safe to assume Onosato will fight Kotozakura and Hoshoryu will fight Aonishiki. All other players are out of this.

There is a lot to fight for in this final weekend. Aside from the yusho Sanyaku position is on the line for Takayasu and Oho, as well as for several guys with designs on replacing Takanosho, at least. Promotions and demotions are still wide open in many cases. However, Meisei, Shonannoumi, and Sadanoumi have their tickets to Juryo.

Will Oshoumi or Asakoryu join them? And then, who will replace them? What’s a final weekend without drama? I would have liked a mono-ii.

Kyushu 2025: Day Twelve

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , , ,

Let’s start with news from the infirmary. Leonid noted Shiden’s apparent injury in his Makushita update. It turns out Shiden is injured and has gone kyujo. Nishinoryu picked up the freebie win.

Fujiryoga took out one of his chasers, Tamashoho, and improved to 11-1. Daiseizan, Asanoyama, and Hatsuyama remain a full two-losses behind our leader.

NHK videos for Day 12 are here.

Makuuchi action

Ryuden (5-7) defeated Meisei (1-2-9). Meisei landed a left hand inside grip and tried to keep Ryuden’s right hand away from his belt. However, Ryuden was able to sneak that right hand onto his belt and twist Meisei forward and down. Uwatehineri.

Chiyoshoma (8-4) defeated Gonoyama (6-6). Chiyoshoma battered Gonoyama with tsuppari and used twisting retreats to stay in the dohyo. Suddenly, Chiyoshoma seized an opportunity to grab Gonoyama’s belt with his right hand and immediately threw Gonoyama to the ground. Kachi-koshi for Chiyoshoma! Uwatenage.

Fujinokawa (7-5) defeated Sadanoumi (3-9). Fujinokawa lashed out with tsuppari but Sadanoumi fought to get inside and get a hold of Fujinokawa’s belt. Fujinokawa immediately wrapped Sadanoumi in a bear hug and hauled him to the ground. Sukuinage.

Tomokaze (5-7) defeated Asakoryu (6-6). Tomokaze pivoted to the right along the tawara and slapped Asakoryu down. Hatakikomi.

Roga (8-4) defeated Shonannoumi (3-9). Shonannoumi locked on quickly with his right hand inside. He slowly and steadily advanced, forcing Roga backwards. Roga was also able to get his right hand inside but Shonannoumi was using the length of his trunk to keep Roga from getting a hold with his left hand. Suddenly, Shonannoumi drove forward to force Roga to the edge. This allowed Roga to grab Shonannoumi’s belt and turn the tables, twisting to the right and driving Shonannoumi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oshoumi (4-8) defeated Midorifuji (6-6). Oshoumi worked both hands inside for a morozashi, double-inside grip. He was then able to pull up on Midorifuji and steadily drive him to the bales and over. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (8-4) defeated Nishikifuji (8-4). Ichiyamamoto danced to the right along the tawara but Nishikifuji pursued well. Ichiyamamoto slammed on the breaks and escaped to the left and thrust Nishikifuji over the bales. Tsukiotoshi.

Kinbozan (5-7) defeated Mitakeumi (5-7). Kinbozan overpowered Mitakeumi and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Shishi (5-7) defeated Churanoumi (6-6). Churanoumi did not want Shishi getting inside and getting a belt grip so he lashed out with tsuppari. Shishi adapted to use tsuppari and drive forward with his head, working Churanoumi back to the edge. At the edge, Shishi shoved Churanoumi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (5-7) defeated Abi (5-7). Tobizaru pressed through Abi’s nodowa and kicked Abi’s extended right foot, sending Abi to the ground. I thought it was impressive the way Tobizaru withstood Abi’s attack and even advanced in spite of it. That showed a lot of strength. Kekaeshi.

Tokihayate (9-3) defeated Atamifuji (7-5). Atamifuji let Tokihayate drag him around the dohyo with migi-yotsu, right-hand inside, left-hand outside. Tokihayate let go of his left-hand grip and tried to change to an inside grip (makikae). Atamifuji saw an opening to attack and tried to force Tokihayate to the bales. But Tokihayate used that powerful right-hand grip to haul Atamifuji around to the bales and force him over. Atamifuji seemed too passive and too high throughout this bout, happy to counterattack rather than really go on the offensive. Shitatenage.

Halftime

Kotoshoho (7-5) defeated Onokatsu (5-7). Kotoshoho overpowered Onokatsu and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (7-5) defeated Shodai (4-8). Daieisho let Shodai chase him around the ring, reversing along the bales. “Do some laps, Tubby.” Then Daieisho launched into an attack behind his nodowa, driving Shodai through the dohyo and over the bales on the opposite side. Shodai make-koshi. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (8-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (6-6). Kirishima’s nodowa kept Wakamotoharu from advancing and likely inspired Wakamotoharu’s pull. Wakamotoharu drifted back and tried to pull Kirishima down with his right hand but Kirishima shoved him over the bales. Kirishima kachi-koshi and looking to re-establish himself in sanyaku. Oshidashi.

Hakuoho (4-8) defeated Hiradoumi (3-9). Hiradoumi forced Hakuoho back to the edge but Hakuoho used his right foot along the bales to resist and begin to drive forward. As they neared the bales, Hiradoumi shifted to his left a bit but Hakuoho slammed on the brakes and adjusted well. Hakuoho drove forward and used his left-hand inside to force Hiradoumi back, over the bales. It was close because Hiradoumi was trying to do the exact opposite. Hakuoho just barely overpowered Hiradoumi and forced him back first. Great sumo from a couple of guys who are already make-koshi. Sukuinage.

Wakatakakage (6-6) defeated Ura (6-6). Ura tried a pull and nearly caught Wakatakakage but WTK kept his balance and drove forward, shoving Ura into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Tamawashi (5-7) defeated Takanosho (3-9). Tamawashi overpowered Takanosho, making it look easy. With the win, Tamawashi has 700 top division victories, 11th place all-time. He’s one win behind Takanohana for 10th place. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (10-2) defeated Oshoma (3-9). Aonishiki was careful not to be caught by Oshoma’s pulls. He got a solid hold with his left hand inside and used that to drive Oshoma to the edge. Oshoma resisted at the bales so Aonishiki hauled him back to the center of the ring and wrangled him to the ground. Abisetaoshi.

Kotozakura (7-5) defeated Yoshinofuji (8-3). Kotozakura pulled and slapped Yoshinofuji down. It was close because Kotozakura’s left heel was perilously close to touching out but Yoshinofuji was down first. No mono-ii. Hatakikomi.

Onosato (10-2) defeated Oho (4-8). Oho tried the nodowa and tried to disrupt Onosato. But Onosato remained calm. Onosato dislodged Oho’s right hand by pushing it away with the left while using his right hand to start chugging forward. He forced Oho back over the tawara. Oho is make-koshi. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (10-2) defeated Takayasu (5-7). What a brawl! Both guys laid into each other with blistering tsuppari. Hoshoryu tried to get inside to get a sashi but Takayasu lobbed more volleys of tsuppari at Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu shoved Takayasu off the dohyo and into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Onosato, Hoshoryu, and Aonishiki control their own destiny. The task is straight-forward. Win three bouts, finish 13-2, and the yusho is yours. The first of these pivotal battles will be Onosato versus Aonishiki in the musubi-no-ichiban.

As if the drama among our three leaders wasn’t enough, we add the Wild Card into the mix. Giri-giri Kotozakura needs one more win to ensure he is not kadoban in January. To secure that, he will need to beat a Yokozuna or presumably Aonishiki on Senshuraku. Hoshoryu will face Kotozakura tomorrow.

Over the coming three days, these four men will square off. Tokihayate is one loss back at 9-3 and could come into play if we start looking at a Play-off. Wouldn’t it be wild if Kotozakura finishes 10-5 and we have a massive play-off with the others? To nip that idea in the bud, Tokihayate will fight Yoshinofuji tomorrow.

Onosato has beaten Aonishiki both times they’ve faced. If Onosato dominates again, and if Kotozakura can pull off a stunning upset tomorrow, Onosato will be in control. If Aonishiki can win tomorrow, he might be in the driver’s seat since he has beaten Hoshoryu in both of their previous meetings.

Andy, there are more bouts than these three tomorrow.

Yes, yes. As for the rest of sanyaku, it’s a mess. Takayasu must win out to claim a kachi-koshi record. Takanosho (3-9) and Oho (4-8) are already make-koshi. When I see a bunch of guys falling out of sanyaku, my head plays this song, “Blackbirds Fall” by Black Moth.

Kirishima is quick to lay claim to one slot and Yoshinofuji might be able to claim another, one big reason he will try to take out Tokihayate tomorrow. But both Onami brothers and Ura have even 6-6 records and can work their way back to sanyaku.

Oho will fight Oshoma. Whoopie! Takanosho will fight Shodai. Hoorah! And pesky Nishikifuji will leapfrog the field and face Takayasu.

Kyushu 2025: Day Eleven

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , ,

Day 11 in Kyushu. No change as far as kyujo goes. Given Yoshinofuji’s shock win yesterday, imagine what the kid could do if his right calf were at 100%! Fujiryoga defeated Kazekeno and improves to 10-1. Daiseizan lost to Hatsuyama, creating separation from the rest of the field. Fujiryoga now has a two-win lead over Daiseizan, Hatsuyama, Asanoyama, and Tamashoho. I don’t think we often get runaway yusho in Juryo.

Videos of today’s Top Division action are here, along with a bonus video of the Asanoyama/Kagayaki bout. Let me know if you have trouble finding the videos. They’re hidden when you go to the page and you have to click, “続き読む”, or continue reading. Yesterday, I’d mistakenly typed “continue drinking,” or 続き飲む. I still have my old “Weekend Forecast” T-shirt that calls for Whiskey and Sumo. Seems appropriate to pull that out.

Makuuchi Action

Oshoumi (3-8) defeated Ryuden (4-7). Henka! Desperate times call for desperate measures. Oshoumi leapt left at the tachiai and thrust Ryuden down. Tsukiotoshi.

Meisei (1-1-9) defeated Mitakeumi (5-6). Meisei picked up his first win of the tournament. Mitakeumi had been leading with a left hand nodowa. Meisei pivoted away from the bales and worked his right hand inside pulling on that left shoulder. Meisei successfully pulled Mitakeumi forward and down by that left shoulder. Katasukashi.

Tokihayate (8-3) defeated Gonoyama (6-5). Gonoyama forced Tokihayate to the bales but Tokihayate slipped to the left, grabbed Gonoyama’s belt and threw him forward over the bales. Uwatedashinage.

Tomokaze (4-7) defeated Sadanoumi (3-8). Tomokaze got his right hand up behind Sadanoumi’s head and slapped him down. Tomokaze staved off makekoshi for another day but Sadanoumi locked in his losing record. Will he earn a ticket on the barge to Juryo? Hatakikomi.

Nishikifuji (8-3) defeated Fujinokawa (6-5). Fujinokawa was fighting to get his right hand inside when Nishikifuji charged forward with his left-hand firmly wrapped around Fujinokawa, and forced him to the bales. Fujinokawa resisted going over but Nishikifuji shoved him over. Oshidashi.

Shishi (4-7) defeated Asakoryu (6-5). Shishi slung Asakoryu around by his right arm and shoved him over the edge. Oshitaoshi.

Midorifuji (6-5) defeated Shonannoumi (3-8). Midorifuji got his right hand inside Shonannoumi’s left shoulder and pulled the big man forward. Katasukashi.

Chiyoshoma (7-4) defeated Kinbozan (4-7). Chiyoshoma grabbed Kinbozan’s extended left arm and swung him around and over the edge. Tottari.

Ichiyamamoto (7-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-5). Ichiyamamoto pivoted and pulled the hard-charging Kotoshoho down. Hikiotoshi.

Roga (7-4) defeated Abi (5-6). Abi charged forward but Roga slipped to the right and slapped Abi forward. Hatakikomi.

Churanoumi (6-5) defeated Daieisho (6-5). Churanoumi deflected Daieisho to the right at the tachiai and thrust him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Onokatsu (5-6) defeated Tobizaru (4-7). Onokatsu got his left hand inside and just kept up the pressure. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (7-4) defeated Tamaawshi (4-7). Atamifuji outlasted Tamawashi and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (7-4) defeated Shodai (4-7). Kirishima put his head down and forced Shodai backward. Shodai tried to shift to his right but Kirishima was wise to it and thrust Shodai over the bales. Tsukidashi.

Hiradoumi (3-8) defeated Wakatakakage (5-6). Henka! Hiradoumi shifted left at the tachiai and thrust Wakatakakage to the ground. That might be the first time I’ve seen Hiradoumi use a henka. It was very well executed. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (6-5) defeated Hakuoho (3-8). While Hakuoho fiddled around trying to get Wakamotoharu’s belt with his right hand, WMH locked on with both hands and drove Hakuoho back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Ura (6-5) defeated Takayasu (5-6). Takayasu pulled and Ura ran him through the back of the dohyo, grabbing at Takayasu’s leg. Watashikomi.

Yoshinofuji (8-3) defeated Aonishiki (9-2). Well then. Yoshinofuji blasted Aonishiki with powerful thrusts and forced him back and over the edge. You can still see Yoshinofuji can’t bear full weight of both wrestlers on his right leg but that didn’t stop him from charging forward and picking up his kachi-koshi. Tsukidashi.

Kotozakura (6-5) defeated Oshoma (3-8). Kotozakura pulled Oshoma down. Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (9-2) defeated Oho (4-7). Oho tried to twist and pull Hoshoryu to his right. Hoshoryu was having none of it and used his right hand inside to throw Oho backward. Yoritaoshi.

Takanosho (3-8) defeated Onosato (9-2). Takanosho thrust into the Yokozuna with a right hand nodowa and it seemed like Onosato’s right foot slipped as he pressed forward. Takanosho backed away and, “Timber!!” Onosato fell forward. Well, it’s not a kinboshi. Tsukiotoshi.

Wrap-up

Aonishiki will fight Oshoma tomorrow. He still needs to fight both Yokozuna and Kotozakura. I think the Association are setting him up for a fight with Kotozakura on senshuraku with Ozeki promotion on the line. He still needs two wins to reach the 33-win mark. That would mean beating Oshoma and Kotozakura or at least one of the Yokozuna. What’s certain is this loss to Yoshinofuji makes his path more difficult.

However, Onosato’s sudden two-loss streak makes the yusho race much more competitive. We now have a three-man tie at the top with Onosato, Hoshoryu, and Aonishiki at 9-2. Yoshinofuji, Tokihayate and Nishikifuji chase at 8-3.

Hoshoryu will fight Takayasu. Onosato will fight Oho. Kotozakura will fight Yoshinofuji. As I mentioned above, Aonishiki will fight Oshoma and Takanosho will fight Tamawashi. I swear Yoshinofuji’s right calf is still ailing him, making today’s win even more impressive. Watch how he has to shift his weight to the left foot as he advances because he can’t quite put all of his weight on that right side.

In the hiramaku, M6 Atamifuji will fight Tokihayate. Atamifuji is looking for kachi-koshi and the Association likely wants to put an end to Tokihayate’s role in this yusho race. Likewise, Nishikifuji moves up to fight M8 Ichiyamamoto, who’s also seeking kachi-koshi.

So, if Aonishiki cycles through the Yokozuna on Day 13-14 along with Kotozakura, there will be a massive fracas with the three leaders and hopefully one will stay on top. While Aonishiki and the Yokozuna have the yusho on the line, Kotozakura has kadoban on the line.

Kotozakura needs two more wins and at least one will have to come from one of the guys leading the yusho race. If he loses all of those bouts, he will be kadoban and that could be really good news for Aonishiki’s Ozeki run.

Well, what’s for sure is there is a lot on the line in these closing four days.

Kyushu 2025: Day Ten

Andy Kyushu 2025, Kyushu Basho , ,

Fujiryoga is back into the lead at 9-1 has he wrapped up Hidenoumi’s arms and drove him back over the edge for the kimedashi win. Asanoyama (7-3) took down Daiseizan, who stands at 8-2. Your Day 10 videos are here. You’ll need to click on the button that says, “続き読む.”

Makuuchi Action

Oshoumi (2-8) defeated Sadanoumi (3-7). A bit of a henka here from Oshomi as he jumped left and attacked Sadanoumi from the side with tsuppari. This caught Sadanoumi off guard and forced him back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (7-3) defeated Meisei (0-1-9). Meisei didn’t have any tape but he only bore weight on his right foot. Nishikifuji was able to force him back to the bales and over. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (6-4) defeated Tokihayate (7-3). Chiyoshoma battered Tokihayate with tsuppari and drove him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (3-7) defeated Gonoyama (6-4). After the tachiai, Shonannoumi pulled. Gonoyama chased but Shonannoumi slipped to the right and Gonoyama rushed by, careening off the the dohyo. Shonannoumi finished him with a push from behind. Okuridashi.

Mitakeumi (5-5) defeated Asakoryu (6-4). Henka! Mitakeumi jumped left and grabbed Asakoryu’s belt, propelling him forward to the clay. Uwatenage.

Midorifuji (5-5) defeated Ryuden (4-6). Ryuden charged forward and blasted Midorifuji out of the ring. Gunbai Midorifuji. Mono-ii. Replay showed Ryuden may have touched down with his leg but it was judged to require a rematch. In the rematch, Midorifuji pulled and pivoted, driving Ryuden into the ground with his patented shoulder pull. It’s his first katasukashi since Osaka. Katasukashi.

Ichiyamamoto (6-4) defeated Tomokaze (3-7). Tomokaze pulled and tried a slapdown but Ichiyamamoto blasted him from the dohyo. It’s not like Tomokaze is going to pivot much with that knee but, “C’mon Chris.” You’re going to end up in the oyakata’s lap. And you know this, man. Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (4-6) defeated Fujinokawa (6-4). After the tachiai, Fujinokawa shifted left and tried to pull down Kinbozan. Kinbozan caught himself at the edge and turned around to face Fujinokawa’s follow-up. This time, Kinbozan shifted left along the bales and got behind Fujinokawa, pushing him forward into the crowd. Okuridashi.

Roga (6-4) defeated Churanoumi (5-5). Churanoumi charged forward to shove Roga out but Roga slapped him down at the edge and leapt into the air. Gunbai Churanoumi. Mono-ii. “Do it again, boyz!!” We haven’t had many mono-ii this tournament and we get two rematches today. This time, Roga pulled out the henka and Churanoumi fell forward to the ground. Sly smile from Roga as he picked up his kensho. Uwatedashinage.

Abi (5-5) defeated Shishi (3-7). Abi battered Shishi and got him turned around. Shishi tried to right himself but Abi blasted him from the dohyo. Okuridashi.

Kotoshoho (6-4) defeated Atamifuji (6-4). Kotoshoho took the fight to Atamifuji and muscled him over the edge. Migi-yotsu. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Daieisho (6-4) defeated Onokatsu (4-6). Onokatsu withstood Daieisho’s first tsuppari attack and the slapdown follow-up but Daieisho’s second volley of tsuppari sent Onokatsu back. Daieisho pursued as Onokatsu retreated and Daieisho forced Onokatsu over the edge. Yorikiri.

Shodai (4-6) defeated Tobizaru (4-6). Shodai rushed forward and quickly forced Tobizaru to the bales. Tobizaru resisted at the edge and tried to escape along the tawara. Shodai forced him down with his left arm hooked under Tobizaru’s right shoulder. Gunbai Shodai. Mono-ii. Video review showed Tobizaru falling first. Gunbai confirmed. Sukuinage.

Wakamotoharu (5-5) defeated Hiradoumi (2-8). Hiradoumi blitzed Wakamotoharu and used both hands in WMH’s face to try to shove him over. But Wakamotoharu was able to stop Hiradoumi at the tawara, wrap him up in a bear hug and steamroll through the dohyo. Hiradoumi makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (5-5) defeated Hakuoho (3-7). Hakuoho wrapped up Wakatakakage and charged forward with gaburi yotsu and forced Wakatakakage back to the bales. But Wakatakakage demonstrated overwhelming strength to counter attack, stopping Hakuoho’s progress, pivoting and turning the tables on Hakuoho. WTK drove Hakuoho over the bales. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Ura (5-5) defeated Takanosho (2-8). Ura stayed low, avoiding Takanosho’s usual attack. He sprung up into Takanosho, forcing him to the side before twisting him down. Takanosho makekoshi. Sukuinage.

Kirishima (6-4) defeated Takayasu (5-5). Takayasu thrust forward with his right hand but Kirishima avoided it and pushed Takayasu forward. Kirishima rounded to attack Takayasu but Papa Bear had taken a knee. Tsukihiza.

Aonishiki (9-1) defeated Tamawashi (4-6). Tamawashi tried to turn Aonishiki at the tachiai but Aonishiki avoided the attack. Aonishiki stayed low, drove Tamawashi’s head up with his right hand, and forced Tamawashi back and out. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (5-5) defeated Oho (4-6). Kotozakura pressed forward and shoved Oho out. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (7-3) defeated Onosato (9-1). What the what?!?! Onosato tried to pull and slap Yoshinofuji down. He pivoted at the start of the pull but from there, went straight back. Yoshinofuji just rushed forward and forced the Yokozuna out. You’ve got to continue the pivot! This straight back pull is what took out Tomokaze earlier. Kinboshi for Yoshinofuji! Congratulations! Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (8-2) defeated Oshoma (3-7). Hoshoryu started with his left hand inside. He was able to work his right hand inside to improve his grip for the morozashi. Once he had that, he twisted right and threw Oshoma to the ground. Shitatenage.

Wrap-up

WOW. We’ve got a yusho race now. Yokozuna Onosato is tied with Aonishiki at 9-1 with Yokozuna Hoshoryu one loss back at 8-2.

Frankly, Onosato’s decision to pull against Yoshinofuji was inexplicable to me. Yoshinofuji has appeared to be injured in the right calf and lost on two previous days. It seemed obvious to me that Onosato should just bull forward and push Yoshinofuji out since his opponent wouldn’t be able to bear all of that weight on that leg.

But NOO! Don’t listen to Andy! Pull. And even better, just run straight backwards and go flying off the dohyo like you’re a certain flying monkey — who shall remain nameless. Inexplicable.

Well, the Third and Final Act begins tomorrow, as Bruce would say. All of this build up over the past two weeks has led us here. Onosato will take on Takanosho. Hoshoryu will face Oho. Kotozakura will fight Oshoma. Aonishiki will get his turn against Yoshinofuji. And finally, Takayasu will fight Ura.

Meisei is already booked for the barge to Juryo and should sail deep into the division. When he appeared on the torikumi for today, I hoped he had healed and would put up a fight but that left foot does not seem ready, making his return a bit of a puzzle to me.

Hoshoryu wore his fish-fry kesho-mawashi. I suddenly desire aji-furai.