Kirishima

Nagoya 2026: Nakabi

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , ,

Day 8, the “middle day” in Nagoya. No new kyujo to report.

On Nakabi, the Kyokai displays its new Jonokuchi wrestlers. If you’ve been under a rock, or ignored the maezumo coverage earlier this basho, this cohort includes Eisei, a recruit in Minato-beya from Hull, in the UK.

In Jonokuchi, Kakizoe, son of Ikazuchi-oyakata, is in 4-0 tie with Miyafuji. However, he will fight Chiyoaoi, who is 3-1. In Sandanme, Hikarumusashi got his first win of the tournament against Kenshin. Big bout in Makushita tomorrow as Asahifuji will take on Nabatame. Well, one of several big bouts as the 4-0 competitors square off but that Asahifuji-Nabatame bout is about promotion implications, as well as the yusho race.

In Juryo, Enho got both arms up in Kazekeno’s shoulders, pivoted and hauled him down to the ground. Sukuinage. Arashifuji lost to Nishinoryu, ending his winning streak and preventing him from securing a kachi-koshi. He is still alone in the lead because Shirokuma lost again, and now joins four other guys in the chase group. So, the Juryo yusho race is Arashifuji on one loss and Asasuiryu, Tokihayate, Toshinofuji, Midorifuji, and Shirokuma on two.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Asakoryu (4-4) defeated Daiseizan (3-5). Asakoryu got his left hand deep on Daiseizan’s belt, pivoted, and pulled Daiseizan down. Shitatenage.

Shishi (7-1) defeated Kinbozan (5-3). Kinbozan opened with a flurry of tsuppari. Shishi was able to push through and get a left hand uwate grip. This forced the fight to shift to a yotsu grapple. Shishi showed his strength by overpowering Kinbozan and forcing him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kazuma (3-5) defeated Nishikifuji (6-2). Kazuma’s right hand over arm grip helped him resist Nishikifuji’s initial dirve. Nashikifuji pulled backward but Kazuma used the change in momentum to attack. He thrust Nishikifuji off-balance and forced him to fall to the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Mitakeumi (1-7) defeated Takerufuji (6-2). Mitakeumi needed a change. He shot forward after the tachiai and forced Takerufuji to the bales. Takerufuji resisted and countered Mitakeumi. After pressing Mitakeumi back, he tried to pull Mitakeumi by his belt but Mitakeumi launched forward and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (6-2) defeated Onokatsu (1-7). Asanoyama used his left-hand inside grip to drive forward and force Onokatsu over the bales. Yorikiri.

Abi (5-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-6). Chiyoshoma tried to pull but Abi just chugged forward with his tsuppari and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (3-5) defeated Asahakuryu (2-6). Tobizaru connected with a kick at Asahakuryu’s lead right foot, forching him to fall. The crowd always enjoys a good kick or trip. Kekaeshi.

Shodai (4-4) defeated Fujiryoga (5-3). Shodai pivoted after the tachiai, catching Fujiryoga off-guard and deflecting his momentum toward the bales. Fujiryoga stopped just short of the edge and re-engaged with Shodai. But Shodai grabbed his belt with his right hand, dragged him around the dohyo and threw him. I want to see more of this Shodai. Why don’t we see this Shodai every day? Uwatenage.

Roga (3-5) defeated Fujiseiun (4-4). Roga used his left hand over-arm grip to pull Fujiseiun forward and throw him to the ground. It was a really beautiful throw in a well-contested back-and-forth battle. Uwatenage.

Ura (2-6) defeated Takayasu (6-2). Ura pressed forward after the tachiai instead of sliding back like butsukari. The two settled into a lean at the center of the dohyo as they felt each other out. Takayasu’s lead left leg got dangerously close to Ura and Ura noticed. Ura made Takayasu freak out when he tried to get that leg. Takayasu suddenly spun away, but spun himself right over the bales. “At least I kept my leg.” Oshidashi.

Halftime

Oshoma (3-5) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-5). Wakamotoharu chased Oshoma around the ring with tsuppari but tired and settled for a lean. He then lost the second he decided to pull as Oshoma chased him out. Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho (7-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-4). Ichiyamamoto immediately went into pull mode and tried to slap Kotoeiho down. But Kotoeiho blitzed forward and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (2-6) defeated Gonoyama (3-5). Churanoumi blasted Gonoyama with powerful thrusts. A straight-forward win for the big Okinawan. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Yoshinofuji (4-4) defeated Fujinokawa (3-5). It was rather crazy to see Fujinokawa wrap his leg around Yoshinofuji. It looked like he was trying to climb a tree there. Yoshinofuji returned the tactic and wrapped his right leg around Fujinokawa’s left, while yeeting Mighty Mouse backward. Fatality. This is where the Instagram screen goes black-and-white and the skull emoji pops up in your face. Sotogake.

Aonishiki (7-1) defeated Takanosho (3-5). Both men traded tsuppari as Aonishiki tried to get his left hand inside. Takanosho pulled at just the right time and Aonishiki lost his balance and stumbled across the ring…but Takanosho had stepped out. I think he lost his sense of where he was in the ring. But Uh-oh. Aonishiki tumbled down the dohyo and had a real hard time getting back up. Grimaced in pain and everything. Dude’s ankle seems to be just held together with duct tape at this point. The worst part is that he’s got Onosato on tap for tomorrow. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (6-2) defeated Kotoshoho (3-5). Hakuno-Henka! Hakunofuji jumped to his left and Kotoshoho flopped forward. The crowd did not appreciate that one but I sure did. Beautiful form. I like it because I think Hakunofuji is thinking, “Yusho.” He’s in the race and wants to win the whole thing. And honestly, I hope Aonishiki was watching and got some inspiration…not for his bout against Onosato but against Hoshoryu. I think Hoshoryu will fall for it but Onosato won’t. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (7-1) defeated Atamifuji (5-3). Atamifuji pulled himself right out of the dohyo. Frankly, he lost this one moreso than Kirishima won it. Kirishima was still trying to find a grip and an attack. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (4-4) defeated Hiradoumi (1-7). Kotozakura’s first pull didn’t work but his second did. One thing I liked from Kotozakura here was the way he delayed his second pull-down attempt. He was about to try again but he knew Hiradoumi was ready and would run him out. So he leaned back into Hiradoumi and adjusted his grip and his weight. Then, he pulled Hiradoumi from the shoulder. If you’re going to win by pulling, be an artiste. Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (6-2) defeated Daieisho (5-3). Daieisho committed to the pull and Hoshoryu committed to the win. Hoshoryu’s footwork was solid as he charged forward into Daieisho and forced him from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Onosato (5-3) defeated Oho (1-7). Oho put his left hand up and tried to pull Onosato down. Onosato adjusted his charge by a few degrees to the right and charged Oho out. Denshamichi. Yorikiri.

Wrap-Up

Yusho Arasoi

  • 1-Loss: Kirishima, Aonishiki, Kotoeiho, Shishi
  • 2-Losses: Hoshoryu, Hakunofuji, Takayasu, Asanoyama, Nishikifuji, Takerufuji

Hoshoryu will fight Yoshinofuji. Onosato will battle Aonishiki, if the latter doesn’t go kyujo. Kirishima will take on Churanoumi and Kotozakura will face Hakunofuji.

Atamifuji will fight Ichiyamamoto, Kotoshoho will take on Hiradoumi, and Oho gets Fujinokawa.

Down in the rank-and-file, Kotoeiho will fight Fujiryoga and Shishi will fight Abi. Takayasu will fight Nishikifuji, Asanoyama faces Daiseizan, and Takerufuji will fight Asakoryu.

Nagoya 2026: Day Four

Andy Nagoya 2026, Nagoya Basho , , , ,

Eisei won his second bout. One more win and that should be enough of maezumo. Then we’ll see him at Nakabi in his kesho-mawashi finery. It will be Jonokuchi in September. I’m eager to see him take on Hikarumusashi. But that clash wouldn’t be happening until next year, maybe Osaka? As for Hikarumusashi, he is 0-2 in Sandanme at the moment. He will face Ayanofuji tomorrow.

In Makushita, Kaida fell to Hananoumi. Neither Kaida nor Asahifuji appear to be on the docket for tomorrow. Meanwhile, the competition in Juryo has quickly shifted to a two man race: Shirokuma and Arashifuji are undefeated at 4-0. Enho won, and somehow managed to preserve his arm. Nishikigi got his second win. Meisei, Tamashoho, and Oshoumi, though, still seeek that shonichi first win.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Sadanoumi (1-3) defeated Onokatsu (0-4). Sadanoumi, the freight train, steamed ahead and forced Onokatsu back and out. It should be pointed out this was Sadanoumi’s first win. Yorikiri.

Shishi (4-0) defeated Kazuma (2-2). Shishi bear hugged Kazuma under his shoulders and pulled up, eliminating any attack from Kazuma. Shishi is putting in a strong case that his sumo has improved to another level; if he keeps this up he will be moving up the banzuke. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (3-1) defeated Asakoryu (2-2). Henka! Nishikifuji anticipated Asakoryu’s shift and adjusted well. He grabbed Asakoryu and drove him straight back and out. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (3-1) defeated Daiseizan (1-3). Takerufuji modeled Shishi and Sadanoumi, quickly dispatching Daiseizan. Notch 8*! Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (2-2) defeated Abi (2-2). Kinbozan eventually forced himself inside Abi’s thrusts and got a hold of Abi’s belt. Once he got inside, Abi couldn’t use his tsuppari so Kinbozan pressed forward and forced him out. The last few days feel like a Yotsu Renaissance as guys like Kinbozan find the belt, find that it negates some Oshi attacks, and thus find wins. Yorikiri.

Wakanosho (4-0) defeated Mitakeumi (0-4). On cue, as I wax on about the rise of yotsu, Wakanosho steps up. He used his steady tsuppari to keep Mitakeumi at bay, pressed him back to the bales and forced him out. Not a simple Oshidashi here. The upgrade: Tsukidashi.

Asahakuryu (2-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-3). Hidari-yotsu battle. Asahakuryu had the advantage in strength and pressed Chiyoshoma back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (3-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-3). Tobizaru pulled and tried to slap Fujiryoga down but accidentally stepped out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-2) defeated Roga (1-3). Roga landed his left hand inside but Asanoyama charged ahead anyway, forcing Roga back and out. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (3-1) outlasted Takayasu (3-1). Kotoeiho struggled with his right hand this bout, trying to get inside. He finally popped Takayasu’s left arm off, squeezed his right hand inside and drove Papa Bear over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-2) defeated Fujiseiun (2-2). Henka! Desperate times, desperate measures. I have a feeling we will see this tactic again this tournament. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Ura (1-3) defeated Oshoma (1-3). Oshoma charged ahead so Ura shifted right along the bales to counter attack. Ura dipped inside and got his left hand on Oshoma’s belt. He then pulled and dragged Oshoma down. Ura seemed to glare at Oshoma as the latter slinked away down the hanamichi. I don’t think Ura appreciated Oshoma’s gamesmanship before the tachiai. Uwatedashinage.

Ichiyamamoto (3-1) defeated Shodai (1-3). Shodai pulled. (Quelle surprise!!) Ichiyamamoto stuck with him and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji defeated Hiradoumi. Hiradoumi plugged ahead behind forceful tsuppari but as the pair got to the edge, Hakunofuji shifted along the bale and slapped Hiradoumi down to the ground. Konishiki used to hate these hatakikomi guys. A little reminder to myself that I have this page with the old Narō footage. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Yoshinofuji (2-2) defeated Aonishiki (3-1). Aonishiki got his left hand grip and dragged Yoshinofuji to the bales. He tried to trip Yoshinofuji and then he tried to just grab his leg and pick it up for an ashitori. Yoshinofuji kept his composure through all of it. His right paw had a firm hold of Aonishiki’s belt and he heaved Aonishiki over for a late, come-from-behind victory at the edge. A massive roar from the crowd, appreciative of the late turn of events. This video will be on replay A LOT. I guarantee it will make the NHK highlight package, probably from multiple angles. Uwatenage.

Oho (1-3) defeated Kotoshoho (3-1). Oho weathered Kotoshoho’s tsuppari and blasted the Sadogatake Sekiwake with his own, trading volley after volley. Kotoshoho grew weary first and pulled. Oho charged ahead and shoved him out. A bruising win for your favorite spoil sport. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (3-1) defeated Atamifuji (3-1). All of the Sekiwake fell today! Atamifuji gave Daieisho his best Daieisho impression, blasting the veteran with his most forceful tsuppari. Atamifuji needs to work on Phase Two, though. Daieisho knows misdirection and he knows how to pull. As Atamifuji charged forward to chase, Daieisho deflected Atamifuji’s attack. He shifted suddenly, as the action was going left, Daieisho went back to the right and Atamifuji fell forward to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (4-0) defeated Takanosho (0-4). This was not an easy one for the Ozeki. Kirishima certainlt had a plan to get in behind Takanosho and get that belt. Kirishima grabbed it good once, but Takanosho spun away. Kirishima went in for it again and Takanosho backed away again, swatting Kirishima off but Kirishima was able to shove Takanosho out. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (3-1) defeated Fujinokawa (2-2). Fujinokawa attacked fiercefully but Kotozakura cycled back, clockwise along the bales, and slapped Fujinokawa down, and pulled him forward by the belt for good measure. Fujinokawa had to catch his fall with his right hand and lost. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (3-1) defeated Churanoumi (1-3). Hoshoryu seemed patient today and it paid off. He grabbed Churanoumi’s left arm and pulled him forward to the bales. As Churanoumi again went for the Yokozuna’s belt with that left hand, Hoshoryu grabbed it. It looked like he would rip it off, in a rather more violent variant of the kotenage attack. But Churanoumi stumbled forward and Hoshoryu was satisfied with just shoving him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Gonoyama (1-3) defeated Onosato (1-3). Gonoyama charged ahead, Onosato opted for the slapdown. Onosato leapt for his life, flying higher than an eagle (certainly higher than Tamawashi can manage nowadays). Gonoyama landed in the dirt while Onosato glided through the air. Gunbai Onosato. Mono-ii? Reversal? What? Dude was robbed. The Yokozuna was robbed. I’m going to struggle to understand this one for a while. Oshidashi.

Wrap-Up

Well, um…I don’t know what to say about this one but I’m going to dig into more about this Gonoyama decision. I guess congratulations are in order for the kinboshi and the massive stack of kensho. I am sure there will be some articles about this but frankly, I think Kokonoe-oyakata and his team got the decision wrong.

What makes it even more odd is that Nishonoseki-oyakata was in on this decision. The duration of the conference makes me think this wasn’t a cut-and-dry thing and folks needed to be convinced. I’m going to need to be convinced on this one. What seems more likely is that Nishonoseki took exception to Onosato’s decision to take flight. With Onosato clearly leaving the dohyo, and the Earth’s atmosphere, and entering orbit before Gonoyama fell therefore Onosato died first?

Ugh. Now that I think about it, it’s rather cut-and-dry. I need to put away my Onosato rally towel and accept his defeat. Onosato’s jump ended his time on Earth and he therefore lost. Anyway, Day Four is in the books, whether I like it or not. Let’s turn to Day Five.

Onosato will face Churanoumi while Hoshoryu will take on Gonoyama. Kirishima will battle Hiradoumi as he hopes to remain undefeated. Kotozakura will face Aonishiki. Circle that one. Bold it, highlight it, draw pretty stars around it, write it in red, tattoo it to the back of your hand, do whatever but that will be a big bout. Atamifuji will face Takanosho and Kotoshoho will take on Fujinokawa. The Komusubi pair, Yoshinofuji and Oho will also face off for what should be an interesting bout.

There are other interesting bouts, too. Like Wakanosho versus Tobizaru. If you had told me there would be a Ukrainian undefeated going into Day Five, I don’t think I would have thought of Shishi. Anyway, should be thrilling. Tune in tomorrow!

*Note: For those who aren’t down with the railroad lingo, “Notch 8” is the highest notch on a train engine — essentially Full Throttle. I buried this explanation for comedic effect. Not for your amusement, purely mine. I get silly at this hour. Ha Ha.

Natsu 2026: Senshuraku

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho ,

Fujinokawa’s brother, Ikarigata, came out on top of the seven-man play-off and won the Makushita yusho with a henka in the ultimate bout. Asahifuji defeated Kiryuko for the second time and claimed the Sandanme yusho with a nice sukuinage.

No one will receive the Outstanding Performance prize. We have five nominees for the Fighting Spirit prize for the rank-and-filers in the yusho race, all conditional on winning today: Yoshinofuji, Hakunofuji, Ura, Kotoeiho, and Fujiryoga. Finally, Wakatakakage claims the Technique prize for a seventh time. (For those wondering, no, it’s not a record. A couple of guys have 9.)

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Dewanoryu defeated Oshoumi. Dewanoryu got his left hand inside belt grip. As Oshoumi pressed forward to the bales, Dewanoryu pivoted and dragged Oshoumi to the ground. Shitatenage.

Shishi (6-9) defeated Ryuden (5-10). When Shishi got his right hand inside belt grip to accompany his left hand uwate, he drove forward and forced Ryuden out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (6-9) defeated Tobizaru (9-6). Kinbozan chased Tobizaru and shoved him off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Nishikifuji (5-10) defeated Tokihayate (4-11). Nishikifuji began by shoving Tokihayate back to the edge of the ring and he finished with a pull and slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Wakanosho (9-6) defeated Asahakuryu (5-10). Wakanosho would not allow Asahakuryu to establish a grip on his belt. He ripped Asahakuryu’s hand away and continued his tsuppari attack. Asahakuryu pressed forward but Wakanosho slipped to the side and shoved Asahakuryu out. Tsukiotoshi.

Hakunofuji (11-4) defeated Fujiseiun (7-8). Henka! Hakunofuji shifted to the left and slapped Fujiseiun down. Hakunofuji picked up his special prize and claimed his slot in a possible yusho play-off. Hatakikomi.

Roga (9-6) defeated Gonoyama (8-7). Roga overpowered Gonoyama and crushed him out over the bales as Gonoyama tried to resist at the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Daieisho defeated Mitakeumi. Daieisho thrust Mitakeumi repeatedly to the edge, then shifted to his left and thrust Mitakeumi to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Oho (9-6) defeated Abi (5-10). Oho’s thrusts > Abi’s thrusts. It’s just math. Tsukidashi.

Halftime

Hiradoumi (7-8) defeated Tamawashi (2-12). Hiradoumi easily forced Tamawashi out. A nice applause came from the crowd, not to congratulate Hiradoumi but in appreciation for Tamawashi. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (6-9) defeated Shodai (6-9). Ichiyamamoto used his thrusts to shove Shodai back and over the edge. Shodai’s last second side-step was an insufficient and uninspired counter-attack. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (11-4) defeated Kotoeiho (10-5). Yoshinofuji used his left hand uwate to wrangle Kotoeiho, drive him to the edge and force him over. Yoshinofuji claimed the special prize that was up for grabs and the spot in a potential yusho play-off. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (7-8) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-10). We got a flurry of tsuppari from these two which Takanosho put an end to by slapping Chiyoshoma down. Hatakikomi.

Fujinokawa (7-8) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-10). Henka! Like his brother, Fujinokawa leapt to the side and slapped his opponent to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (12-3) defeated Fujiryoga (10-5). Fujiryoga might have been a bit overeager to counter Wakatakakage’s strength. Fujiryoga committed to driving forward but Wakatakakage shifted back and to his right and pulled Fujiryoga forward. Wakatakakage put an end to hopes of a larger play-off at 11-4. As Fujiryoga walked back down the hanamichi, Chris Tucker’s voice came in from the background. “He’s going to cry in the car.” Katasukashi.

Kotoshoho (9-6) defeated Churanoumi (9-6). Churanoumi seemed extra motivated today, perhaps by the potential to win the arrows. He slapped away with wild abandon at Kotoshoho. Kotoshoho, however, was a rock and would not budge…until he suddenly shifted left and thrust Churanoumi to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Atamifuji (9-6) defeated Oshoma (8-7). Oshoma’s strategy was too obvious and too easy for Atamifuji to avoid. Oshoma tried to grab Atamifuji’s arm and pull him forward, then he tried to slap him down. Atamifuji just kept plugging away with his tsuppari and eventually Oshoma walked himself back and out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (12-3) defeated Ura (10-5). Kirishima had a plan and executed. Kirishima hit Ura firmly at the tachiai and pulled Ura to his left. Kirishima immediately followed up by kicking and tripping Ura as he thrust back to the right. Oshitaoshi.

We have a Play-Off!

Wakatakakage defeated Kirishima. Wakatakakage avenged his Day 11 defeat by over-powering Kirishima and thrusting him backward from the ring as Kirishima seemed set on a pulldown which never materialized. Oshidashi.

Wrap-Up

Congratulations to Wakatakakage! He claimed his second yusho, more than four years after his first title as Sekiwake in Osaka 2022. Before you start thinking about Ozeki runs, WTK is Komusubi and last tournament he barely scraped by with a 8-6-1 record. He will undoubtedly join a crowded Sekiwake rank, with Atamifuji and Kotoshoho preserving their rank and Aonishiki’s forthcoming demotion.

So, I know it’s tempting to start throwing out yet another Ozeki run to chase…but not so fast. People were already out there wanting Kirishima to fly into Yokozuna-dom. I’m not going to even entertain an Ozeki line of thinking until September. Let’s stay focused on June. The Paris tournament is coming up and we’ve got two retirement ceremonies. Then we will look at July. There will be a lot of change in the upcoming banzuke and many stories as our kyujo wrestlers return. See you soon!

Natsu 2026: Day Fourteen

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho ,

Day 14 in Tokyo.

Kazekeno (10-4) dropped his third bout in a row to a motivated Takerufuji and fell out of the yusho lead. Takerufuji is pushing for Makuuchi promotion and likely has it with this frontal crush out win. Kazuma (11-1) leads heading into senshuraku, as he defeated Asasuiryu. Enho (8-6) lost to Shirokuma (7-7).

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Daiseizan (8-6) defeated Tokihayate (4-10). Daiseizan took his time to get a solid belt grip. With his left hand inside and right hand over arm grips, he pivoted and dragged Tokihayate to the edge and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wakanosho (8-6) defeated Kinbozan (5-9). Lots of thrusting and side-stepping here. Wakanosho adopted Kinbozan’s attack and eventually beat him with it. Wakanosho got in behind Kinbozan and shoved him out. Okuridashi.

Shishi (5-9) defeated Abi (5-9). Shishi put his head down and charged forward into Abi, shoving him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (4-10) defeated Tamawashi (2-12). Tamawashi charged ahead and Nishikifuji shifted left and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (8-6) defeated Roga (8-6). Oshoma grabbed Roga’s belt with his right hand inside, pivoted, and rolled Roga to the floor. Shitatenage.

Asahakuryu (5-9) defeated Ryuden (5-9). It was as if Ryuden got lost somewhere between the shikirisen. Ryuden went left and touched the ground with his hand as Asahakuryu also shift left and Ryuden lost his balance. Tsukiotoshi.

Mitakeumi (8-6) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-9). Migi-yotsu. The longest bout I’ve seen from Mitakeumi in a minute. He finally reared up and hauled Chiyoshoma to the edge and forced him over. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (5-9) defeated Oshoumi (4-10). Hidari-yotsu. Wakamotoharu drove forward and forced Oshoumi to the edge. Oshoumi resisted so Wakamotoharu crushed him back over the tawara. Yoritaoshi.

Churanoumi (9-5) defeated Gonoyama (8-6). A long, ranging brawl before Churanoumi cornered Gonoyama along the edge and pressed forward, forcing both men to tumble out. Yoritaoshi.

Halftime

Fujiseiun (7-7) defeated Hiradoumi (6-8). Fujiseiun got his right hand inside hold and drove Hiradoumi through the dohyo and out. Yorikiri.

Oho (8-6) defeated Tobizaru (9-5). Oho charged forward and deposited a spent monkey over the edge of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Fujiryoga (10-4) defeated Yoshinofuji (10-4). Yoshinofuji tried to charge forward and drive Fujiryoga back. Fujiryoga slipped from Yoshinofuji’s grasp while pivoting and rotating with his left shoulder underneath Yoshinofuji’s right arm. Sukuinage.

Daieisho (6-8) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-9). Both men alternated slapdown attempts. Daieisho’s was the first to succeed. Hikiotoshi.

Ura (10-4) defeated Fujinokawa (6-8). Fujinokawa charged into Ura behind a nodowa. Ura slipped from Fujinokawa’s grasp and ducked to the side, allowing Fujinokawa to keep rushing on by and off the dohyo. Tsukitaoshi.

Takanosho (6-8) defeated Shodai (6-8). Takanosho held Shodai up for a second with a nodowa, then Takanosho shifted right and let go. Shodai fell forward on his belly. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (11-3) defeated Kotoeiho (10-4). Kotoeiho tried to shift left and pull Wakatakakage down but Wakatakakage just stayed low, shifted with Kotoeiho, and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (8-6) defeated Kotoshoho (8-6) There’s only so long you can try the same throw before your opponent just pushes you out. Kotoshoho discovered that limit as Atamifuji finally forced Kotoshoho over the bales. It took one lap around the bales and Kotoshoho was deposited from whence he came. Yorikiri.

Hakunofuji (10-4) defeated Kirishima (11-3). Kirishima nearly shoved Hakunofuji out but Hakunofuji mounted his defense from the tawara. With his left hand up on the front of Kirishima’s belt he briefly got his right hand inside as well and he pressed forward into Kirishima, driving him back and toppling him over the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-Up

Kirishima’s loss turns the race back into a hot mess. With a win, it would have been down to himself and Wakatakakage tomorrow. With the loss, our 10-4 folks become eligible for a possible playoff tomorrow if both Kirishima and Wakatakakage lose.

Yusho Arasoi:

  • 3-Losses: Kirishima, Wakatakakage
  • 4-Losses: Yoshinofuji, Hakunofuji, Ura, Kotoeiho, Fujiryoga

For Kirishima’s bouts tomorrow, NHK brought the prospects of Atamifuji, Ura and Fujiryoga as possible opponents. For Wakatakakage they’re also looking at Ura and Fujiryoga, as well as Hakunofuji. I can’t believe Fujiryoga is up in this, to be honest. He’s good but he didn’t look so hot last basho. Who am I kidding? The four guys remaining from sanyaku could barely muster three bouts. It will be crazy to see the depleated field represented in the kore-yori-sanyaku tomorrow.