Kotozakura

Natsu 2026: Day ツー

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho ,

As expected, Hoshoryu is kyujo. Heal up, Yokozuna.

Enho picked up a second win as he forced Hakuyozan out, over the edge. Enho improves to 2-0. Midorifuji destroyed Kayo to pick up his first win.

Your NHK videos are here. Not to be out-done, Abema offers a few nice videos on Twitter of the fights in the lower divisions, like the one above.

Makuuchi Action

Fujiryoga (2-0) defeated Wakanosho (1-1). Tsuppari-filled brawl here. Wakanosho introduced a little misdirection and nearly caught Fujiryoga. Fujiryoga recovered quickly and reengaged. He hit Wakanosho hard in the left shoulder and thrust him down to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Oshoumi (1-1) defeated Ryuden (0-2). Oshoumi overpowered Ryuden with his left-hand inside grip. He bulldozed Ryuden through the ring and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (2-0) defeated Mitakeumi (1-1). Tobizaru got a left-hand inside grip and began a hug-and-chug, gaburi yotsu, to force Mitakeumi to the edge. Mitakeumi turned to run away but Tobizaru just shoved him out from behind. If Mitakeumi’s right wrist is injured, like Wulftrax called out yesterday, that would explain how easily Tobizaru dispatched him. Okuridashi.

Roga (1-1) defeated Tamawashi (0-2). Roga overpowered Tamawashi; drove him straight back and out with a right hand inside grip. Tamawashi’s ottsuke was unable to dislodge Roga’s hold and his own tsuppari could not force Roga back. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (2-0) defeated Shishi (0-2). Kotoeiho ate his Wheaties this morning. He’d gotten a right hand grip early in the bout but Shishi pulled it off. As the two tussled, Kotoeiho re-established that right-hand overarm hold, rotated, and threw Shishi. Uwatenage.

Kinbozan (2-0) defeated Tokihayate (0-2). Tokihayate drove into Kinbozan and forced him back to the edge. As they neared the edge, Kinbozan pivoted and used his left-hand overarm grip to drag Tokihayate over the bales. Uwatenage.

Hakunofuji (1-1) defeated Asanoyama (1-1). Hakunofuji charged forward at the tachiai. Asanoyama backed up and tried to slap him down. Asanoyama leapt back as he reached the bales and Hakunofuji fell to the ground. Gunbai Asanoyama. Mono-ii. The shimpan review decided Asanoyama’s foot had gone out before Hakunofuji fell, overturning the judges original ruling. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (1-1) defeated Ura (1-1). Nishikifuji battered Ura as if the pink warrior had insulted his mother. Nishikifuji’s powerful tsuppari drove Ura back and out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (1-1) defeated Oshoma (0-2). Oshoma slid back and held Asahakuryu at bay. Then he suddenly pulled and tried to trip Asahakuryu as Asahakuryu charged forward. It didn’t work. Asahakuryu drove forward and forced Oshoma back and out. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (2-0) defeated Abi (1-1). Abi went for the belt to neutralize Asakoryu’s high-octane attack. It didn’t work. Asakoryu established a left-hand inside grip, pivoted, and threw Abi forward to the ground. Takasago-beya can celebrate the Kohaku victories today. Shitatenage.

Roga was the only competitor on the West side to win during the first half of action. Tamawashi could not make it an East-side sweep.

Halftime

Churanoumi (2-0) defeated Chiyoshoma (0-2). Chiyoshoma battered Churanoumi with tsuppari and then tried a poorly executed slapdown. Churanoumi kept his balance and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (1-1) defeated Fujiseiun (1-1). Shodai shifted right along the bales and pulled Fujiseiun down at the edge by his shoulder. Katasukashi.

Daieisho (2-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-2). Daieisho hit Wakamotoharu at the tachiai then shifted right, pulling Wakamotoharu down. Hatakikomi.

Oho (1-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-1). Oho engaged Gonoyama at the tachiai. Gonoyama tried to shove Oho’s left arm down and ended up losing his balance, falling face first to the clay. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (2-0) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-1). Ichiyamamoto plowed ahead with his head butts and tsuppari. Takayasu shifted left before he reached the bales and pulled Ichiyamamoto down. Hikiotoshi.

Hiradoumi (1-1) defeated Atamifuji (0-2). Hiradoumi got his left-hand uwate early in the bout. But when he was able to get that right-hand inside grip he was finally able to get the leverage needed to pull Atamifuji up, force him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (1-1) defeated Kotoshoho (0-2). Takanosho blew Kotoshoho away. I don’t think anyone in the arena had that on their bingo card because everyone seemed to quietly processing what just happened. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (2-0) default win over Hoshoryu (0-2).

Wakatakakage (2-0) defeated Kotozakura (0-2). Wakatakakage got his right-hand inside and left-hand outside hold of Kotozakura’s belt. Once that hold was firmly established, he bulldozed Kotozakura to the edge. Kotozakura tried to borrow one of Shodai’s tricks at the edge but it didn’t work and Wakatakakage powered him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (2-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-1). Yoshinofuji wanted that early belt grip but Kirishima ripped his hand away and brawled. As Yoshinofuji tried to re-establish an attack, Kirishima shifted to the side and shove him down.

Wrap-up

Tobizaru is looking good so far this tournament. Of the veterans battling at the bottom of the division, he’s looked the strongest, so far.

There’s no yusho race at this point. Thankfully no one seems to have gone and injured themselves today, so hopefully no new kyujo tomorrow in the top division.

Looking at tomorrow’s sanyaku bouts, Takayasu will fight Hiradoumi, Wakatakakage will fight Yoshinofuji, Kotoshoho will try to get his first win this tournament against Ichiyamamoto. Atamifuji faces Oho, Kirishima will fight Fujinokawa and the other winless Koto will battle Takanosho in the musubi-no-ichiban.

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.

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.

Haru 2025: Day Two

Andy Haru 2025 , ,

Haru Basho Day Two begins. News from the infirmary, Nishikifuji is kyujo, Ryuden will get the default win. We will see some Juryo visitors from tomorrow.

Hoshoryu and Kotozakura certainly got off on the wrong foot on Day One. We will see today how well they recover. Elsewhere in the Dorji clan family tree, Tenrose picked up his first win of his career today. Will his cousin follow that up with a win today?

Yesterday, Sadanoumi lost to the rare technique of okurihikiotoshi. Tachiai reader, Joboryu, checked out the wealth of kimarite videos at the NHK World website and saw that, coincidentally, Sadanoumi features in the video about okurihikiotoshi. NHK World does have a great deal of explainer videos, in English, including the kimarite videos and the Sumopedia. If you ever run across a term you’re not familiar with, chances are it is explained there.

Speaking of videos, the NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Mitakeumi (1-1) defeated Tokihayate (1-1). Tokihayate tried to draw Mitakeumi to the bales and then throw him over. Mitakeumi went along for the ride to the edge but kept his balance and gently forced Tokihayate out. Yorikiri. Tokihayate will face Tamashoho, visiting from Juryo, tomorrow.

Kotoshoho (2-0) defeated Shirokuma (0-2). Kotoshoho pivoted as the two neared the edge and twisted Shirokuma down. Sukuinage. Shirokuma will face Mitakeumi.

Asakoryu (2-0) defeated Aonishiki (0-2). Asakoryu went for the slap-down win three times. On the third attempt, he caught Aoinishiki out and Aonishiki stumbled forward toward the edge. Asakoryu was quick to follow up and blast Aonishiki from behind. Okuridashi. Asakoryu will face Kotoshoho tomorrow.

Churanoumi (2-0) defeated Sadanoumi (0-2). These two jumped early, twice. Sadanoumi nearly forced Churanoumi out but Churanoumi recovered, drove Sadanoumi through the ring and walked him over the edge. Yorikiri. Sadanoumi will face Aonishiki.

Ryuden (2-0) fusen win over Nishikifuji (0-2).

Shishi (1-1) defeated Takarafuji (1-1). Takarafuji got a firm right hand over-arm grip of Shishi’s belt. But Shishi countered with his lefthand inside, dragged Takarafuji across to the opposite edge and roughly dropped him along the bales. Shitatenage. Takarafuji will fight Ryuden and Shishi will face Churanoumi.

Onokatsu (2-0) defeated Midorifuji (1-1). Onokatsu successfully worked his way inside on Midorifuji and forced him to the edge. Midorifuji tried a kubinage but his foot went out as he tried to brace his lower body and gain leverage. Andrew noticed the two gold stripes at the front of Midorifuji’s new mawashi. Some may think it’s an indicator of rank, like stripes like on a karate or judo belt. Nope, they’re the mark of the maker. Herouth found an awesome video with Nakagawa-san and posted it in her excellent “splainer” article about mawashi. A great read. Feel free to go there, now. I will wait. Aside from the video, there is so much information that you’re sure to discover something new there that you didn’t know. Yorikiri.

Meisei (1-1) defeated Shonnanoumi (0-2). Welcome back. I told you that was a great article, didn’t I? Bookmark it. You’ll be back. Shonannoumi lured Meisei to the edge and tried a pull but Meisei was in perfect position and kept hammering Shonannoumi with tsuppari, shoving him over the bales. Oshidashi. Meisei will face Onokatsu.

Hakuoho (2-0) defeated Nishikigi (0-2). Hakuoho got a great blast out of the tachiai and forced Nishikigi back. Nishikigi tried a pull but Hakuoho was in great position and shoved him out. Yorikiri. Nishikigi will take on Midorifuji.

Endo (2-0) defeated Atamifuji (1-1). Atamifuji charged forward and Endo pulled, slapping Atamifuji down on the edge before he clumsily tumbled backward into the crowd for some fansa. Gunbai Atamifuji. Video showed Endo’s foot stayed in, on the top of the bales, so a quick mono-ii resulted in a reversal. Katasukashi. Endo will face Shonannoumi on Day Three.

Tamawashi (1-1) defeated Oshoma (0-2). Oshoma tried a pull but Tamawashi was wise and shoved Oshoma out. Oshidashi. Oshoma will face Atamifuji tomorrow. Tamawashi will take on Hakuoho. That could be a good one.

Halftime

Shodai (1-1) defeated Hiradoumi (1-1). Hiradoumi pulled and Shodai tumbled to the clay…but the overcaffeinated Hiradoumi had stepped out before Shodai fell. So, Shodai picked up the Oshidashi win.

Takerufuji (2-0) defeated Kinbozan (0-2). Kinbozan tried for a quick henka and slapdown but did not henka enough. Takerufuji was in great position and chased Kinbozan out. Oshidashi. Takerufuji will fight Hiradoumi and Kinbozan will try to recover against Shodai.

Takayasu (2-0) defeated Ura (1-1). Takayasu pounded away at Ura with a steady torrent of tsuppari. Ura found no openings for an attack, so when Takayasu stepped to the side, Ura rolled to the exits. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (1-1) defeated Takanosho (0-2). Ichiyamamoto settled into a grapple but churned his legs and drove Takanosho to the edge. Yorikiri. Ichiyamamoto will face Takayasu tomorrow; Takanosho gets Ura.

Sanyaku

Abi (2-0) defeated Tobizaru (0-2). Abi’s first slapdown attempt was a dud. But eventually Tobizaru charged forward at the wrong time and Abi slipped to the left, letting Tobizaru fly down into the crowd. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (1-1) defeated Chiyoshoma (1-1). Daieisho’s thrusts were too much for Chiyoshoma. Chiyoshoma had no chance to get inside and get a belt grip against that. Tsukidashi.

Wakamotoharu (2-0) defeated Oho (0-2). Oho was smart enough not to fall for Wakamotoharu’s trap at the edge. But Wakamotoharu was not going to fall for Oho’s backwards-business, either. So, Oho grabbed at Wakamotoharu and tried to tip him over but Wakamotoharu latched on and twisted Oho all the way down. Sukuinage.

Onosato (2-0) defeated Kirishima (1-1). Steady Onosato maintained his balance as Kirishima grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the edge. Onosato worked his arm free then thrust Kirishima into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (1-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-1). Kotozakura moved forward well today. He wrapped up Gonoyama, worked him to the edge when Gonoyama tried an ill-conceived pull, then forced him out. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (1-1) defeated Wakatakakage (0-2). Wakatakakage tried to draw Hoshoryu to the bales and Hoshoryu obliged but Hoshoryu wrapped up Wakatakage firmly and drove him off the dohyo and into the crowd. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up.

The three men who featured in Hatsu’s playoff have combined for one win over these first two days. Hoshoryu and Kotozakura turned things around and along side steady Onosato, all three champions picked up white stars today.

Hoshoryu will face Wakamotoharu tomorrow while Onosato will take on Gonoyama and Kotozakura fights Abi. Abi has definitely been having an excellent start to this tournament and is hitting Kotozakura at a time when the Ozeki appears vulnerable. Yes, Kotozakura moved forward today but I wonder if that was due to Gonoyama’s pull. Abi has shown excellent, powerful forward moving sumo as well as his deft, lateral moves. Anything but backwards and he could be an early favorite this tournament.

Further down the torikumi, we’ve got Daieisho against Wakatakakage, Oho versus Tobizaru, and Kirishima against Chiyoshoma. One of those names does not seem to fit along with the others, does it? Chiyoshoma showed he can be a danger on the belt, though. Kirishima is not known to keep his opponents at bay with tsuppari but he may want to try that tomorrow. Nevertheless, Kirishima has won their last four bouts. Is Chiyoshoma heading for a deep makekoshi?