Kotoshoho

Nagoya 2025: Day Lucky Thirteen

Andy Nagoya 2025, Nagoya Basho , , , , ,

As usual, I will start with kyujo news. Takerufuji and Tobizaru will be kyujo today. Fujinokawa and Churanoumi will get the fusen wins. With a number of fewer bouts and a slower pace of action, I will have more time to write. So, you can expect fewer typos, some longer descriptions, random rants and musings in today’s coverage.

But the best part is, Takerufuji will finally get some rest and will be able to properly address that bicep injury. Tobizaru does not go kyujo often but he seems to be a bit smarter about it than what we’ve seen from Isegahama in the past.

To recap our yusho race, Kotoshoho and Aonishiki lead with two losses. Onosato, Ichiyamamoto, Atamifuji and Kusano are chasing with three. The bouts for today were decided after I wrote my highlights. The bout makers decided Kotoshoho will fight Onosato and Aonishiki will fight Ichiyamamoto. Kotozakura will fight Atamifuji and Kusano will fight Kirishima.

For the rest of our sanyaku pairings, we will have Wakatakakage fight Ura, Oshoma take on Meisei, and Tamawashi fight Takayasu.

In Juryo, Daiseizan threw Tochitaikai over the bales and Mita overpowered Shiden to improve to 10-3. Daiseizan and Mita lead that yusho race with Kotokuzan and Shonannoumi chasing. Nishikigi and Ryuden have 7 wins each from the top rung of the Juryo ladder.

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

Top Division Action

Shishi (5-8) defeated Tamashoho (5-8). Tamashoho henka but Shishi was moving slow enough to catch it and resist the subsequent slapdown attempt. Tamashoho’s usual impotent tsuppari did not phase Shishi as the Ukrainian advanced, wrapped up Tamashoho’s belt and forced him from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (5-8) defeated Kotoeiho (4-9). Asakoryu charged into Kotoeiho, driving him to the edge but Kotoeiho used the leverage from the bales to resist. So, Asakoryu reared back and tried a slapdown but Kotoeiho’s balance was solid. Asakoryu then tried an armbar/kotenage but that didn’t work, spun around and got another grip of Kotoeiho’s belt. Finally pulled Kotoeiho down with his underarm throw. Kotoeiho’s lesson here should be that effective resistance must be accompanied by some sort of offense, otherwise, you’re just hoping the other guy finds a way to lose and delaying your own defeat. Shitatenage.

Tokihayate (6-7) defeated Kayo (2-11). Kayo reversed his way to the edge and Tokihayate helped push him out. If it were possible to demote someone mid-tournament, I would nominate Kayo to be the first. Remember what I was saying about effective resistance? Well, it’s occasionally always helpful to show SOME SORT OF RESISTANCE. Kayo has even proven that with his two wins. He is capable of aggression and he needs to bring that if he wants to stay in the division. In all of these losses, he’s backing away so fast that he is basically hoping his opponent gets tripped by a stray zabuton or grain of salt. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (9-4) defeated Roga (7-6). Mitakeumi nearly caught Roga early with a change of direction but Roga adjusted and drove forward into the former Ozeki. Mitakeumi got a hold of Roga’s belt, pivoted and pulled Roga down with a beautiful overarm throw with that left hand. Uwatenage.

Shodai (8-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-12). Shodai just overpowered Chiyoshoma, wrapped him up and drove him out. Oshidashi.

Sadanoumi defeated Hidenoumi (1-10-2). Hidenoumi offered token resistance as Sadanoumi wrapped him up and ushered him out. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (8-5) default win versus Tobizaru (3-10).

Gonoyama (8-5) defeated Midorifuji (8-5). Gonoyama chased Midorifuji and roughly shoved him to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Fujinokawa (8-5) default win versus Takerufuji (5-8). Fujinokawa, in his top division debut, will remain in the top division for September.

Hiradoumi (7-6) defeated Onokatsu (5-8). Hiradoumi hit Onokatsu with a solid tachiai but followed up by shifting left and slapping Onokatsu down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Abi (8-5) defeated Takanosho (8-5). Abi resisted Takanosho’s early charge but withheld his usual volleys of tsuppari. With the bales at his heels, Abi finally launched out with a forceful nodowa and then quickly yanked Takanosho down. I think we are seeing Abi adapt his sumo style to avoid some of the repetitive pounding of his elbows. He doesn’t seem to launch out with guns blazing very often anymore. Hikiotoshi.

Oho (5-8) defeated Kinbozan (3-10). Oho moved forward and forced Kinbozan out. Kinbozan was halfway out before he tried a slapdown. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (5-8) defeated Hakuoho (7-6). Hakuoho lacked some of his forward power, I think because of that ankle. He held on to Wakamotoharu and tried to throw him as he backed around the ring. Wakamotoharu cornered him and walked him over the edge. Remember what I said about Isegahama folks powering through injuries? Yeah. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (11-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (9-4). Aonishiki patiently absorbed Ichiyamamoto’s usual thrusting attack, stayed low and pressed his way inside. He wrapped up Ichiyamamoto with his left arm and used his right to shove Ichiyamamoto back. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Tamawashi (9-4) defeated Takayasu (8-5). Tamawashi blasted Takayasu and overpowered him, driving him back with an effective right arm nodowa which simultaneously seemed to function as ottsuke, blocking Takayasu’s left arm from reaching in. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (3-10) defeated Meisei (3-10). After a brawl, Oshoma pulled and slapped Meisei down. Oh, no, Meisei might have pulled a hammy. He reached back immediately after falling forward and could barely walk back up the hanamichi. Maybe he can “walk it off,” though, as he seemed to wave off the big wheelchair. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (9-4) defeated Ura (8-5). Wakatakakage attacked Ura and yanked him toward the tawara. Watch this space for news of Ura’s left knee. As he resisted Wakatakakage’s nodowa, he seemed to hyper-extend it and immediately moved laterally and rolled down. He then had difficulty getting back up onto the dohyo. Ura will rub some keiko on that knee in the morning and be fine. Oshitaoshi.

Kusano (10-3) defeated Kirishima (8-5). What a beautiful move by Kusano! He is not intimidated by these high-rankers at all. After a flurry of tsuppari, the two wrapped each other up with a right hand inside. As Kusano lifted up and drove forward, Kirishima pivoted on his left and started to rotate, initiating an uwatenage. At that instant, Kusano wrapped his right leg around Kirishima’s left and the Sekiwake crumpled. OMG. That was nice. The rotation meant Kirishima’s left leg would be in range for the trip. This is the kid’s first tournament in the top division but that insight came from experience. Sotogake.

Atamifuiji (10-3) defeated Kotozakura (7-6). Atamifuji just muscled the Ozeki over the bales with a left hand over arm grip and his right arm in Kotozakura’s armpit. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (11-2) defeated Onosato (9-3). The good news: Onosato did not go backward today. He hit Kotoshoho square at the tachiai and moved forward. Kotoshoho grabbed Onosato’s belt with a left hand over arm grip, pulled and dragged the Yokozuna to the edge before dropping him over the bales and out of the yusho race. Alright, Nikkan Sports, where is your Densetsu now? Oh, that’s right, he’s in the lap of some geezer in the front row, again. Kinboshi #4. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Well, this debut tournament for Yokozuna Onosato has gone completely sideways. Maybe he will eventually live up to the hype and maybe he needed a bit of a humbling. Remember, he still has yet to have a losing record. He has nine wins while Kotozakura is still searching for kachi-koshi. But when the hype is this great, a 9-4 start and four defeats to rank-and-filers does not make for the birth of a legend as anticipated…unless the legend was someone else.

It has become a breakout moment for Aonishiki, Kusano, and checks notes…Kotoshoho?!?! Where did he come from? He has not exactly had a stellar year. He may have been a bit sheepish after his slick little win against Takayasu yesterday but he went right at the Yokozuna today. Maybe the sharks smell blood?

Tomorrow’s bout list is still not out. Again, I will try to update later this evening. We’ll see. I’ve eaten too much of the kids’ cereal this morning so I’ve got a bit of a sugar high. I might be able to check back in a bit.

As we turn Andy’s attention back to the present, we have four maegashira at the top of the leaderboard. Aonishiki and Kotoshoho lead and might face each other tomorrow. Atamifuji and Kusano are just behind with three losses. If they pair off Aonishiki and Kotoshoho, we will have at least a 12-win yusho and all of the sanyaku veterans are completely out of the race with two days remaining.

***Breaking News***

They just published the bout list, right after I published my post. Aonishiki will fight Kusano and Kotoshoho will fight Kirishima. Atamifuji will take on Takayasu.

For our sanyaku bouts, Onosato will battle Wakatakakage, Kotozakura will fight Hiradoumi as both men seek kachi-koshi. Oshoma will fight Sadanoumi as both men are having a terrible tournament with 3-10 records, so far.

Hatsu 2024: Day 3 Highlights

Andy Hatsu 2024, Hatsu Basho , , , ,

Day Two was rather eventful. Wakamotoharu picked up the biggest win of the night but there were several great bouts and, with the exception of a rusty Terunofuji, it was great to see a strong collective performance from the sanyaku.

Makuuchi Highlights

Bushozan (1-2) defeated Aoiyama (0-3). Aoiyama glided straight back and stepped out under Bushozan’s tsuppari. Oshidashi.

Shimazuumi (3-0) defeated Takarafuji (2-1). Shimazuumi fought hard to get his lefthand inside grip. Failing that, he wrapped Takarafuji up in a bear hug and drove forward with all his might. Impressive start for the rookie. Yorikiri.

Onosho (2-1) defeated Onosato (2-1). Onosho charged forward too early, matta. Reset. At the tachiai, Onosho blasted Onosato, drove him straight back and out. This is Onosato’s first loss in the top division. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (2-1) defeated (0-3) Tomokaze. Kachiage from Tomokaze at the tachiai but Kotoshoho was able to shove Tomokaze back, almost to the straw bales. Both men blasted their opponent with powerful tsuppari. Tomokaze generated some forward motion under the power of his slaps. As the pair started to move across the ring, Kotoshoho grabbed Tomokaze by the armpit and yanked him forward over the bales. Hikkake.

Myogiryu (1-2) defeated Endo (1-2). Just as Endo drove Myogiryu to the edge, Myogiryu stepped to the side and shoved Endo down, hard. Tsukiotoshi.

Takanosho (2-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-1). Another powerful oshi contest. Takanosho demonstrated the most powerful shoving ability, pushing Churanoumi out. Oshidashi.

Oho (2-1) defeated Sadanoumi (1-2). Oho yanked Sadanoumi around and shoved him out. Another oshidashi.

Tamawashi (2-1) defeated Tsurugisho (1-2). What the hell is this? Tsurugisho forced Tamawashi into a belt battle? Tsurugisho wrapped up Tamawashi with his left-hand inside. He drove Tamawashi across the ring but Tamawashi used his own grip to counter, guiding Tsurugisho over the bales – and over the edge! Impressive power from Tamawashi. He fought Tsurugisho at Tsurugisho’s game and won. Nice. Thank you, Tamawashi. Yorikiri.

Meisei (1-2) defeated Hiradoumi (2-1). Back to the oshi-tsuki battles. Meisei won this one with powerful thrusts, shoving Hiradoumi off the dohyo and into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (2-1) defeated Hokuseiho (1-2). Mitakeumi denied Hokuseiho a grip by crushing him, driving forward powerfully, and quickly out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (3-0) defeated Shonannoumi (1-2). Asanoyama is strong. He drove forcefully into Shonannoumi, forcing him back. Shonannoumi tried to slip to the side at the edge but Asanoyama had him wrapped up, kept his opponent in front of him and drove him out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Kinbozan (2-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (0-3). Ichiyamamoto hit Kinbozan with a strong tachiai but Kinbozan was far too powerful for Ichiyamamoto. Kinbozan drove forward and thrust Ichi out. Tsukidashi.

Nishikigi (2-1) defeated Shodai (2-1). Nishikigi did not allow Shodai to escape. The winning formula was simple: Move forward, push out. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (2-1) defeated Ryuden (0-3). Tobizaru fought hard for that morozashi. Once he got that right hand grip in there, he yanked Ryuden around, powerfully. He nearly got the shitatenage but Ryuden kept his balance and resisted with all his might at the edge. Tobizaru drove forward and finished him by shoving him over the bales. Excellent effort from both men but Tobizaru was the stronger man today.

Sanyaku

Gonoyama (1-2) fusensho. Takayasu (1-2) kyujo.

Hokutofuji (2-1) defeated Daieisho (2-1). Daieisho, what the hell was that? “I’m going to use my powerful tsuppari to blast Hokutofuji…and then give up and let him run me out the other side of the dohyo.” Seriously, he hit Hokutofuji hard, blasts him with tsuppari and drove him back to the tawara. Then he completely gave up and Hokutofuji chased him out. Yes, Daieisho tried to slip to the side and tried to catch him with a hatakikomi. But Hokutofuji maintained his balance this time, kept his sights on Daieisho, and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Kotonowaka (3-0) defeated Midorifuji (0-3). Kotonowaka was in total control. Impressive. Katasukashi. That’s usually Midorifuji’s thing but in the center of the ring, Kotonowaka yanked Midorifuji down by the shoulder, almost crushing him with that weight.

Hoshoryu (3-0) defeated Ura (0-3). Ura locked on to Hoshoryu’s belt and drove forward with purpose. Hoshoryu tried to trip him but completely whiffed, sending him, off balance toward the edge. At the last moment, Hoshoryu summoned all of the strength he had to twist and throw Ura to the ground. Wow. Where did that come from? He was off-balance and about to go out. Sukuinage.

Kirishima (3-0) defeated Atamifuji (0-3). Kirishima’s hatakikomi didn’t work, so he tried to topple Atamifuji with a throw. Atamifuji resisted and grabbed on to Kirishima’s belt but his back was on the ropes. Kirishima grabbed him and drove forward, dumping Atamifuji into the crowd below. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (2-1) defeated Takakeisho (2-1). Takakeisho tried to use his tsuppari and was able to force Wakamotoharu to the edge. But he tired quickly and Wakamotoharu thrust him through the ring and out for his second consecutive scalp. Tsukidashi.

Terunofuji (2-1) defeated Abi (0-3). Terunofuji grabbed Abi by the arm and yanked him forward to the floor. Tottari.

Wrap-up

Takayasu’s kyujo was a bit of a surprise to me so I will report on any updates I find about the length of his absence. If he is out for the whole tournament, he will basically have until March to recover and will fall into the midst of the rank-and-file.

Some rather wintery weather here means this summary will be a bit brief while we dig out. Wakamotoharu has now scored two great upset victories, prepping him for special prizes and a return to sanyaku if his performance holds out.

Other than some rather “blah” hiramaku bouts, we did get some humdingers in sanyaku, especially that Ura/Hoshoryu bout. That was a thrill and I still don’t know how Hoshoryu not only recovered but slammed Ura so hard after throwing himself off-balance after whiffing on that trip — all while being shoved by Ura. That was impressive. The Ozeki were definitely tested, with only Takakeisho falling to WMH. Kotonowaka was the most in control and dominant against Midorifuji, defeating him by Midori’s own signature katasukashi. Kotonowaka’s size difference gave a bit of a katasu-crushy flavor.

Here Comes Gen Z

Thomas Griffin Natsu Basho 2022 , , , , ,

The previous few years of sumo have been strange, no? Like it or not, we’re in a transitionary period. For the last decade and more, professional sumo has been dominated by wrestlers of the “Millennial” generation, men born in the 1980s and early 1990s. It’s been an incredible era, and it is by no means over, but with more and more of these Millennials calling it quits each year, and with the retirement of Dai-Yokozuna Hakuho in particular, fans have started to actively speculate over what our beloved Grand Sumo will look like in the future. With our heroes aging before our eyes, it’s only natural to ask, “What’s next?”

First, a short acknowledgement of the Now generation. Men like Terunofuji, Mitakeumi, Shodai, Daiesho, Ichinojo, Takanosho, and Takayasu continue to be relevant at the top of the sport, and a few, such as Abi and reigning champion Wakatakakage, seem only now to be peaking in their late 20s. Many of them will no doubt continue to compete at a high level for much of the next decade, but that’s not the point. The point is that one day soon, this group will no longer be competing exclusively against their peers. Gen Z is coming of age. They are the future.

Makuuchi

They are also, arguably, the present. It’s easy to forget because he achieved so much so early, but Ozeki Takakeisho is still only 25 years old! He and Onosho (25) shot up the banzuke in their early 20s and established themselves as contenders, but at long last their classmates are catching up. Komusubi Hoshoryu (22), fresh off his first successful campaign in san’yaku, has been an early bright star, and with his electric arsenal of throws and trips he’s already being saddled with high expectations as sumo’s next “chosen one.” So too are we expecting great things from M2w Kotonowaka (24) and M9e Kotoshoho (22), two stablemates with formidable size and strength who are right behind Hoshoryu, making strides up the rankings chart. Last but not least, M14e Oho (21), now a Makuuchi sophomore, completes the quartet of young rivals that fans have been watching eagle-eyed for the last several years. All four have displayed great promise at an early age, and I can’t wait for the many battles between them in the years to come.

Juryo

I’ve always thought of sumo’s second division as something of a waystation, a checkpoint where promising young wrestlers stop off to hone their raw talent until they pass up and through, and where aging veterans get one last hurrah on their way down and, eventually, out of the sport. Recently, Juryo has been flooded with the former kind of wrestler, and I think there are two in particular who should be on everyone’s radar. J5e Kitanowaka (21), a former high school Yokozuna, more than impressed in his second Juryo campaign, and with his size (190cm tall) and already mature yotsu style, we shouldn’t expect him to loiter at the rank. His counterpart, J12w Atamifuji, is only 19(!) years old, but he too seems to have all the physical metrics for success, as well as a maturity and skill level which is hard to reconcile with that baby face. Both young men will be top division players before year’s end, or I’m Hoshoryu’s uncle.

Makushita and Below

Set to join them are a host of budding talents—there are too many to name, but let’s try anyway. Literal giant Ms2e Hokuseiho (20), Hakuho’s protégé, and Ms1w Nishikawa (23), a university standout and ex-Ozeki Goeido’s protégé, will sit in pole position come Natsu. A 4-3 kachi-koshi should be enough to earn them both their salaries (Hokuseiho would likely still have his, if not for a knee injury in his Juryo debut last September). Close on their heels will be several of Nishikawa’s university teammates and rivals who had near misses for promotion in Osaka, including top-heavy Ms6e Kanno (23) and a pair of foreign-born powerhouses, 2020 College Yokozuna Ms8e Oshoma (24), and Kazakhstani sensation Ms4w Kinbozan (24), March’s Makushita champion. These last two are getting started slightly later than the rest in terms of age, but have exceptional university pedigrees and seem to be making light work of the lower divisions so far. Both seem to favor an overpowering oshi style, and both are ranked near Makushita’s pinnacle for May. I for one will be crossing my fingers to see their first professional showdown.

I would be remiss not to mention Ms4e Roga, also in the Makushita joi, who most should remember for besting the one and only Terunofuji in a Jonidan championship playoff during the Yokozuna’s first tournament back from injury. Roga has since stalled out in Makushita, but is still only 23, and shows great potential, if he can put it all together. Finally, watch out for these youngsters: Ms47w Yoshii (18), a former Hakuho Cup winner; Ms59e Kanzaki (22), another college standout who won the Sandanme yusho in his Grand Sumo debut; and a fresh-faced pair of stablemates, Jd21e Kototebakari and Jd21w Kotokenryu (both 18), who needed a playoff between them in March to sort out the Jonokuchi yusho. Kototebakari in particular we should watch with interest—not only did he win that playoff, but he is the kid brother of the aforementioned Kotoshoho, and it may not be long before the siblings are reunited in the top division.

The list goes on and on, but if there’s one thing left to say, it’s that sumo’s future looks bright. These kids are big (you can say that twice for Hokuseiho), strong, skilled, and hungry. So watch out world—here comes Gen Z.

Tokyo July Basho – Day 1 preview

Timothée Heinz July Basho 2020, Tokyo July Basho , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sumo’s back! Finally! I believe many of us have never been as excited as today, looking forward for the great return of our favorite wrestlers.

The mock Natsu basho, conceived by our colleagues of Grand Sumo Breakdown, has provided us some nice moments while we were waiting, including an unlikely Ishiura run, and Mitakeumi’s eventual triumph.

I believe, however, we have grounds to expect quite different results. Indeed, the mock basho was supposed to fake the May tournament. Rikishi, on the contrary, have been able to have some welcomed rest, and there’s no doubt some of them have taken all benefit of it.

So, first day’s torikumi is up, and brings the promise of an exciting start :

Terunofuji v Kotoyuki. So, the very first makuuchi bout will be the one I’ll expect most! It’s Terunofuji’s long awaited makuuchi return, and it’s fair to say he comes back from hell. If his road back certainly deserves much praise, the final steps almost proved to be stumbling blocks. More worringly, he still practises under painkillers, and it’s doubtful whetever he’ll successfully defend his makuuchi status. He defeated Kotoyuki last time in March; if he manages to avoid Kotoyuki’s early tsuppari attacks, he should edge that one.

Nishikigi v Kotoeko. A bout between two recent demotees to juryo. Nishikigi’s makuuchi has been underwhelming in March, with a 6-9 record that barely allowed him to keep a makuuchi spot. It’ll be their third meeting, and Nishikigi is yet to defeat his smaller opponent. I expect that trend to go on.

Kotoshoho v Chiyomaru. It took just three basho for Kotoshoho to move from juryo debut to makuuchi debut, which will take place this Sunday! Interestingly, he has won his last five basho’s shonichi, but Chiyomaru has done better: that’s eight win in a row during shonichi! From a more practical point of view, Chiyomaru’s experience may well prevail over newbie Kotoshoho.

Kotoshogiku v Wakatakakage. The former ozeki is slowly running out of energy. Furthermore, he struggled against other pixies: 0-2 v Enho, 1-2 v Terutsuyoshi. Remarkably, Wakatakakage is still undefeated in makuuchi, as he went kyujo after a 4-0 record in November of last year. He’ll eventually suffer his first loss, but I do not think this will happen on Sunday.

Takayasu v Kotonowaka. Takayasu’s elbow is still a major concern, although the break might have given him a lift. Kotonowaka had a good 9-6 makuuchi debut, and usually starts decently. I think he’ll edge this one as well.

Sadanoumi v Shohozan. An interesting style opposition between two experienced rikishi. Neither of them has been performing extremely well recently, with just one kachi kochi combined, during the last three basho. I tend to favour Shohozan on that one, and so do the matchups: 10-5 for the veteran.

Shimanoumi v Tochinoshin. The Mie-ken born has been largely disappointing lately, after a bright makuuchi debut in 2019. If Tochinoshin is given time to heal his knees, he still can do wonders. I’m sure he relished the time he has been given to heal, and I expect him to start strongly this basho.

Kaisei v Myogiryu. Another battle between two experienced battlers – they’re both 33. Maegashira 10 is Kaisei’s highest rank for a while, and it’s Myogiryu lowest for a while. Advantage to Myogiryu, who also leads their matchups 11-7.

Tamawashi v Ikioi. Ikioi’s resurgence after his feet troubles is quite impressive. Tamawashi’s sekiwake days, on the opposite, seem to be a century ago. The dynamic is on the Osaka born’s side, despite the matchups favouring the one time yusho winner (11-6).

Ishiura v Chiyotairyu. That should be an interesting matchup. Ishiura has been repeatedly yo-yoing between makuuchi and juryo, but his results have appeared to settle up a bit lately. His larger opponent has left the joi by the end of last year, and will look to regain a place in the upper maegashira spots.

Terutsuyoshi v Tokushoryu. Right after Ishiura, the Isegahama pixie will take another big boy, the surprise yusho winner back in January. It unfortunately appears Terutsuyoshi is suffering from a knee problem, which is likely to hamper his results here. He’ll need to push on his knees if he wants to move heavy opponents like Tokushoryu.

Enho v Ryuden. Enho will to bounce back after the only third make kochi of his young career. So far, Ryuden has not found the key against the last pixie of the day (0-2), although Enho’s last tachi-ai against Ryuden was henka-ish. Will the latter find a way to defeat him, this time ?

Abi v Hokutofuji. An interesting battle between two members of the « komusubi quartet », back in November of last year. If staying in san’yaku has proved too difficult for Hokutofuji (three make kochi), Abi has left the higher ranks after your consecutive appearances due to injury issues. Let’s hope the break has enabled him to fix this, although he has the bad habit of losing on shonichi (just one win over the last nine occurrences !).

Kagayaki v Aoiyama. Kagayaki is definitely on the rise again, after two double digit wins, and a 8-7 tournament in March. After six straight losses to Aoiyama, he finally defeated Big Dan two times, including an oshidashi win in January. I expect Kagayaki to fare well this tournament, although the maegashira 4 spot has been a ceiling glass to him so far.

Daieisho v Kiribayama. I became a massive fan of Kiribayama, who undoubtly benefited of Kakuryu’s advice. But he lacks first division experience, to say the least, and he’ll enter the joi for the very first time of his fledging career. Therefore, I consider the reliable Daieisho to dominate their coming encounter.

Takarafuji v Mitakeumi. If the discreet Takarafuji has granted us a rare pre-basho interview, let’s be clear : his brand of sumo remains defensive, no-nonsense. If it could be useful during Mitakeumi’s regular mid-basho meltdown, he’ll have a hard time containing Mitakeumi’s power. The two time yusho winner should dominate the yotsu zumo debate.

Shodai v Onosho. Not an easy one to call. Their early career was full of promise, and both have largely failed to deliver so far. Shodai is currently trying to establish himself as a sekiwake, if not more. If their matchups is level (2-2), Shodai has started excellently his six last basho, being 2-0 five times, and 1-1 the sixth time. On the contrary, Onosho has lost four of the last five shonichi. The sekiwake has to be touted as the favourite.

Takanosho v Asanoyama. Takanosho has caught the eye with a formidable 12-3 basho in March. If Asanoyama has his ups and downs during a basho, I’m sure he’ll do his best to have a bright ozeki start. He has won their only meeting so far, and I expect him to double his lead.

Takakeisho v Yutakayama. That’s another match where both rikishi’s dynamic are going the opposite way. Yutakayama has rosen quite impressively through the maegashira ranks recently, but will it be enough to defeat the kadoban ozeki ? His lack of san’yaku experience might prove too big a disadvantge against Takakeisho, who desperately needs eight wins, and a good start.

Endo v Kakuryu. Endo seemed to be a big threat to the yokozuna in recent times. After a san’yaku breakthrough, Endo seemed to have lost his way again. Here too, I expect the break to have helped the Mongolian healing his injury troubles. Kakuryu has to win that one.

Hakuho v Okinoumi. The dai-yokozuna is of course the big favorite of that pairing. Let’s not underestimate Okinoumi’s, those solid yostu zumo has provided stern opposition to Hakuho. I expect the Mongolian to edge comfortably that one, nevertheless.