Kotozakura

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?

2024: The Yusho Year in Review

bradk Commentary, Yūshō (優勝) , ,

Ozeki Kotozakura made good on his potential and wrapped up 2024 with a 14-1 record and his first yusho. In doing so, he became the fourth man to capture a title in 2024: joining Yokozuna Terunofuji in January (13-2) and July (12-3); M17 Takerufuji in March (13-2); and K/S Onosato in May (12-3) and September (13-2). In all those ranks and records we find a way to historically situate a yusho-year.

A basic way to evaluate a year of yusho victories is tallying the number of wins by the champion. Since 1958 (excluding 2011 and 2020 when there were only 5 basho) the average number of wins for the six yusho is 81.5. By that metric, any total greater than 82 wins is above average and anything below 81 is below average.

In 2024 the win total was 77: well below average. Since 1958, only five years saw a lower win total (’61, ‘75, ’99,’22, ’23) while 2 years saw an equal number of wins (’72, ’03).

Another way to gage the strength of each championship is to consider the rank of the champion. We could call this rank-quality (RQ). For RQ I awarded 5 points for every yokozuna championship; 3 for every ozeki; 2 for every sekiwake; and one for every komosubi. For every maegashira championship I subtracted the rank value of the rikishi. In this system, the highest RQ value for one year would be 30: representing a yokozuna (5 points) winning each of the 6 basho.

The RQ for 2024 was -1. Terunofuji’s two wins for 10 points; plus 3 for Onosato’s wins as a komosubi (1 point) and sekiwake (2 points); plus 3 for Kotozakura’s win as an ozeki; minus 17 points for Takerufuji’s win at M17. The average RQ for a basho-year is just under 21.5. Once again, in 2024 the average rank of yusho winners was well below average.

It is now a rather simple exercise to add the annual total of championship wins and the rank quality. The highest possible score in such a system would be 120: this represents a yokozuna winning each basho with a 15-0 record. We might call this a championship quality (CQ) score. The average CQ score since 1958 is 103. The CQ score for 2024 was 76: 77 wins + -1 RQ. A 76 RQ score basically translates to an M1 winning each basho of the year with 12 or 13 wins. Not exactly compelling sumo.

In short, 2024 continued an era of mediocre yusho years.

2024 was below average for the number of wins and the rank of winners. This has been the case every year since 2019. The average number of wins in a year is 81.5. The average rank quality is 21.5. The average sum of these numbers- the championship quality- is 103. Since 2019 numbers look like this:

Year Wins (81.5) Rank quality (21.5)

Championship quality (103)

2019

 80 11

91

2020

66

 -24

42

2021

80

 19

99

2022

74

 -3

71

2023

74

 18

92

2024

77

 -1

76

 

Again, in 2020 there were only 5 basho, so that year’s totals are not considered in the averages. Even so, every year since 2019 has been below average in every metric.  This is not only a six year lull; it is an historical 6 year lull. The 74 wins in 2022 and again in 2023 represent the lowest total for any year since 1958. The rank quality of -3 in 2022 is the worst for any year of the six-basho era. The -1 RQ of 2024 is only “bettered” (ehhh…worsened?) by the -2 RQ of 1991. The 71 CQ of 2022 and 76 CQ of 2024 are the worst 2 scores of any year.

There has never been a span of yusho as weak as 2019-2024. 1972-1976 and 1998-2003 had similar lulls. But in both periods, there were at least some categories that were average to above average.

Year

 Wins (81.5) Rank quality (21.5)

Championship quality (103)

1972

 77 3

80

1973

84

 26

110

1974

78

 21

99

1975

76

 17

93

1976

 81 21

102

1998

 79 7

86

1999

76

 20

96

2001

 81 4

85

2001

79

 19

98

2002

 80 24

104

2003

77

 22

99

 

The championship quality from 2019-2024 has been consistently, completely, and historically below average. When you consider just the rank and record of the yusho winner, 2019-2024 is the worst span of yusho quality in the six basho era.

Will 2025 bring more of the same? There is reason to look forward with hope. If Takerufuji duplicates his success, it will certainly be at a better rank than M17. Onosato is now an ozeki. Kotozakura is fishing for tuna in January. Any basho won by these men in 2025 will improve the RQ and CQ score for the year. Hopefully they (and others!) can push each other to greater heights. Even if those “greater heights” only represent a return to normalcy.

Kyushu 2024, Senshuraku

Andy Kyushu 2024, Kyushu Basho ,

In the early action, Nishikikuni won the Jonidan playoff and Kinbozan defeated Aonishiki to win the Juryo yusho. We will certainly see Kinbozan back in the top division next tournament. Meanwhile, Aonishiki had one heck of a debut tournament, finishing 10-5. He will jump up the banzuke. Hakuoho also finished on 10-5 and should make his much awaited return to the top division. Oshomi even came back today, beat Hidenoumi and earned his 10th win, too.

NHK Video Links: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II

Special Prize Announcement

We received our Bi-monthly proof of life from the Kyokai. “Yes, we have your champion. He is here and he is alive.” And we put him to work today to show you the special prizes.

Since the Twitter embeds seem to be broken (shocker), here’s a screenshot. Abi earned the Outstanding Performance Prize, unconditionally. Takanosho must beat Wakatakakage today to earn the Fighting Spirit Prize. Wakatakakage, however, earned his own unconditional Technique Prize.

Makuuchi Action

Bushozan (3-8-4) defeated Ryuden (4-11). Bushozan pressed forward into Ryuden and faced little resistance. He tried a slapdown but Ryuden did not fall for it. So, Bushozan charged ahead and shoved Ryuden out. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (6-9) defeated Meisei (8-7). Meisei spent the first part of this bout trying to hold Asakoryu at arm’s length. Eventually, Meisei charged forward and Asakoryu slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (10-5) defeated Tamawashi (8-7). Tamawashi charged forward into Takerufuji. This allowed Takerufuji to wrap up Tamawashi. Once he did, he spun the Iron Man around, putting him close to the bales. Tamawashi resisted so Takerufuji pulled and thrust the old man down.Tsukiotoshi.

Shishi (5-10) defeated Takarafuji (8-7). Takarafuji made a mistake by reaching in and grabbing Shishi’s belt. Shishi immediately worked his right hand inside, pulling Takarafuji’s left off. Shishi kept pressing forward and forced Takarafuji back and out. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (8-7) defeated Sadanoumi (4-11). Ichiyamamoto used his tsuppari effectively, shoved Sadanoumi back and forced him down at the bales. Not a good tournament for Sadanoumi. Tsukitaoshi.

Hokutofuji (7-8) defeated Takayasu (8-7). Hokutofuji pressed Takayasu back to the bales with his hazu-oshi. When Takayasu reached the bales, Hokutofuji pulled and thrust Takayasu down to the ground. An exasperated Takayasu seemed upset with himself that he fell for that. Tsukiotoshi.

Midorifuji (7-8) defeated Onokatsu (9-6). Onokatsu did well to force Midorifuji back. Midorifuji used the bales to brace and make his own charge forward. Midorifuji spun Onokatsu around and Onokatsu lost his ring presence for a moment, a fatal mistake. He thought he was further away from the bales so when Midorifuji pressed forward, Onokatsu slid backwards, right over the bales and out. It seemed like Onokatsu had wanted the brace against the bales but was closer than he thought. Yorikiri.

Roga (7-8) defeated Tokihayate (6-9). Roga wrapped up Tokihayate and dispatched him rather easily. Roga charged forward and walked Tokihayate over the bales. Yorikiri.

Endo (7-8) defeated Nishikifuji (6-9). Endo weathered Nishikifuji’s tsuppari and earned himself a lefthand inside belt grip. That settled Nishikifuji’s tsuppari attack. Endo charged forward and forced Nishikifuji over the bales, in spite of Nishikifuji’s super loose belt. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (9-6) defeated Shonannoumi (8-7). Tobizaru started this bout trying to stay arm’s length from Shonannoumi. Shonannoumi would push forward enough to pull and try a slapdown. Tobizaru defeated this attack every time so he gained confidence to move in closer to Shonannoumi. Tobizaru quickly put Shonannoumi into a headlock and tried to trip him, but that failed. Tobizaru steadily pressed in closer and eventually worked Shonannoumi to the edge and simply shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Atamifuji (8-7) defeated Mitakeumi (7-8). In our sole Darwin bout, Atamifuji grabbed Mitakeumi and used gaburi-zumo, the hip pumping action made famous by Kotoshogiku, to force Mitakeumi back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (11-4) defeated Abi (11-4). Abi tried to pull, right after the tachiai. Fatal mistake as Gonoyama was ready, charged forward and chased Abi out. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (11-4) defeated Ura (5-10). At the tachiai, Chiyoshoma tried to grab Ura’s belt but missed. As Ura charged ahead, Chiyoshoma grabbed Ura’s shoulder, and pulled Ura to the ground. Katasukashi.

Takanosho (11-4) defeated Wakatakakage (10-5). Wakatakakage tried to slap Takanosho down but Takanosho retaliated by slapping Wakatakakage down, winning the bout and the Fighting Spirit Prize. Hatakikomi.

Hiradoumi (4-11) defeated Churanoumi (4-11). Hiradoumi wrapped up Churanoumi and used a rather hyper-active gaburi-zumo technique to force Churanoumi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oho (6-9) defeated Nishikigi (5-10). Oho charged forward but Nishikigi twisted and nearly pulled Oho down. Oho recovered and pulled but Nishikigi was ready and charged forward, forcing Oho to the bales. Oho put on the brakes and decided he needed to get aggressive. So, Oho slammed his way forward with a hefty headbutt and drove Nishikigi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (4-11) defeated Shodai (4-11). Oshoma’s early pull and slapdown failed. But Oshoma was unafraid of Shodai. Why should he be, frankly? So, he pressed forward, gave Shodai a nodowa to start moving him back, and shoved Shodai over the bales. Oshidashi.

Kore Yori Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (10-5) defeated Daieisho (8-7). Wakamotoharu met Daieisho head on but moved laterally, quickly and slapped Daieisho down. Tsukiotoshi.

Onosato (9-6) defeated Kirishima (6-9). Kirishima reached inside, grabbed at Onosato’s belt and spun the Ozeki around. Kirishima slapped Onosato but that only served to anger him. Onosato charged forward and shoved Kirishima out. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (14-1) defeated Hoshoryu (13-2). Hoshoryu took his attack to Kotozakura. Nodowa, Nodowa. Hoshoryu shoved forward and saw an opening for Kotozakura’s belt. He reached over, seized Kotozakura’s belt and dragged him around. Kotozakura hopped around to maintain his balance. Kotozakura reacted almost reflexively, casually to slap Hoshoryu down with his right hand. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Welp. It’s over. Kotozakura won his first yusho in spectacular fashion. He was certainly challenged by Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu likely tasted victory as he yanked Kotozakura around by his belt. The taste was fleeting however, and quickly replaced with a face full of dirt.

It was Kotozakura’s first yusho, so he was understandably unsure of where to go and what to do…but it felt like it was Hakkaku’s first yusho, too. Like he and the other oyakata forgot what to do and where to stand. We have to wait until January for more? Well, let’s let these guys dust themselves off, heal up, and get ready for Hatsu!

What of our other Ozeki? You know, Mr. Hype Machine turned Major Disappointment, Onosato. Well, I think the hype is still intact. He finished this, quote-unquote, “disappointing” tournament with a 9-6 record! He has yet to do worse than 9-6 in any tournament so far. Yeah, that’s not Ozeki Kachi-koshi and he lost to both of his peers, but shoot…the kid just got the rank. Let’s see what happens in January.

Add to that, we have Hoshoryu and Kotozakura with dominant performances, Takerufuji on the rise, Wakatakakage in sanyaku with Wakamotoharu. Hakuoho ready for his return…I think it’s fair to say the new era is upon us. I am very excited to see what happens.

Thanks to you all for enjoying this action with me. It was an awesome tournament, made even better since I got to share it with y’all.