Shirokuma has taken over the lead in the Juryo yusho race, defeating Shishi. Shishi falls to 8-3 with Shimazuumi. A raft of guys lay in wait at 7-4.
Makuuchi Action
Kagayaki (7-4) defeated Tokihayate (Juryo 6-5). Tokihayate tripped as Kagayaki shoved him back. When he tripped, he stepped out. He tried to continue but the eagle-eyed shimpan called him out. Oshidashi.
Wakatakakage (8-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-3-5). Wakatakakage grabbed Chiyoshoma’s belt with his right hand and pulled Chiyoshoma forward. Chiyoshoma slid forward and extended his legs into a very uncomfortable split before twisting over and down to save himself from injury. Good thing these guys are flexible. Wakatakakage picked up his kachikoshi. Uwatedashinage.
Nishikigi (2-9) defeated Takarafuji (4-7). Nishikigi drove forward while Takarafuji was still fumbling for a belt grip. Once Nishikigi got momentum moving forward, Takarafuji he forced Takarafuji into the crowd. Yorikiri.
Midorifuji (7-4) defeated Bushozan (6-5). Midorifuji hit Bushozan from the side with his right hand. As Bushozan stumbled forward, Midorifuji snuck in behind and ushered him out. Okuridashi.
Oshoma (6-5) defeated Roga (5-6). After a long, thrilling yotsu battle, Oshoma twisted his body and threw a weary Roga to the ground.
Roga will take on Onokatsu from Juryo while Oshoma will fight Kagayaki. I wonder how often a Juryo wrestler fights in Makuuchi twice during the same basho.
Endo (7-4) defeated Kinbozan (3-8). Who the hell is this Endo guy? After escaping Kinbozan’s clutches earlier in the bout, Endo used his belt grip to drag Kinbozan across the ring. While being dragged, Kinbozan’s leg caught on Endo’s knee and he fell over. Where has this Endo been for the last ten years? Kinbozan isn’t exactly an Ozeki but he’s no Beard Papa crème puff just waiting to be dragged around the ring. Kirikaeshi.
Kinbozan will fight Chiyoshoma on Day 12.
Hokutofuji (5-6) defeated Ryuden (3-8). Ryuden slipped both of his hands inside, under Hokutofuji’s armpits. What a mistake. Hokutofuji clamped down hard. This kept Ryuden from moving his hands deeper and getting a belt grip. Hokutofuji then drove forward and blasted Ryuden into the crowd. Ryuden makekoshi. Kimedashi.
Yotsu-Hokutofuji will take on a rejuvenated Endo. Ryuden will fight Takarafuji.
Sadanoumi (4-7) defeated Nishikifuji (5-6). Nishikifuji lost his footing as he tried a pull. Oshitaoshi.
Sadanoumi will fight Nishikigi on Day 12.
Kotoshoho (6-5) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-6). The pair traded tsuppari until they tired and locked into a grapple. Kotoshoho released his grip with one hand while the other was wrapped tightly onto Ichiyamamoto’s arm. Then he rotated and dragged him down. Kotenage.
Ichiyamamoto will fight Wakatakakage on Day 12.
Churanoumi (8-3) defeated Oho (6-5). Oho’s dreaded pull meant he obviously got shoved out by Churanoumi. MOVE FORWARD YOUNG MAN!
Churanoumi will battle Bushozan, Oho will fight Midorifuji.
Halftime.
Takanosho (8-3) defeated Shodai (7-4). This long-awaited highlight bout deservingly received a new set of shimpan and freshly swept dohyo. Shodai got pushed back and I am sure he was going to try some fancy escape at the edge but he stumbled backwards over the tawara and lost before he could manage any kind of offense. “Zzzzzzzzzzzz.” Takanosho kachikoshi. Oshidashi.
Shodai will fight Kotoshoho on Day 12.
Shonannoumi (6-5) defeated Tamawashi (5-6). I think Tamawashi’s ankle is hurt. Shonannoumi drove him back like a blocking sled. Yorikiri.
Tamawashi will fight Nishikifuji on Day 12.
Tobizaru (6-5) defeated Mitakeumi (4-7). Tobizaru stopped Mitakeumi’s forward progress and then lifted his dead weight over the bales. Yorikiri.
Meisei (3-8) defeated Ura (4-7). Meisei made Ura wait in a crouch for a good long time and then blasted him with a Juggernaut tachiai. Ura ran out of ideas and made a dreadful pull/slapdown attempt. Meisei blasted him and forced him awkwardly to the bales. He then followed up with another blast that sent Ura sprawling off the dohyo. Oshidashi.
Ura will fight Takanosho and Meisei will battle Shonannoumi tomorrow.
Sanyaku
Hiradoumi (7-4) defeated Atamifuji (4-7). Hiradoumi tried an uwatenage but Atamifuji stayed upright. Unfortunately for Atamifuji, this put him up against the bales and a bit off balance, so Hiradoumi followed up with a forceful shove to send Atamifuji out of the ring. Oshidashi.
Daieisho (7-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-7). Daieisho did Daieisho things. WMH was just along for the ride. Oshidashi.
Wakamotoharu will fight Tobizaru tomorrow. Daieisho gets a much deserved break and will be paired against Mitake-listless.
Kirishima (6-5) defeated Kotozakura (8-3). No words. This is becoming a runaway for Terunofuji. Kirishima locked on with his left hand and dragged the deadweight Ozeki over to the bales where he shoved him out. Yorikiri.
Kirishima will fight Atamifuji tomorrow.
Takakeisho (5-6) defeated Gonoyama (3-8). Gonoyama survived the first pull attempt, but not the second. Slapdown. Tsukiotoshi.
Gonoyama is paired up with Hiradoumi tomorrow.
Hoshoryu (8-3) defeated Abi (6-5). Abi-zumo took Hoshoryu to the edge and he looked legitimately in trouble of going down there. But Hoshoryu grabbed Abi’s right arm and pulled him forward and out. Sakatottari.
Hoshoryu will fight Kotozakura tomorrow.
Onosato (6-5) defeated Terunofuji (10-1). I have nothing to say about that one. Tsukiotoshi.
Terunofuji will fight Abi and Onosato will fight Takakeisho.
Wrap-up
Nagoya 2024 is turning into, The Yusho No One Wanted. Terunofuji still has a two-bout lead over the field. The best anyone else can do is 12-3. I don’t like it. It’s a terrible day for sumo when the best bout is the Endo bout. I’ll say it right now. Improbably, both Kirishima and Takakeisho will save their ranks, Terunofuji will win a 13-2 yusho and Onosato will be promoted on the strength of his 10-5 jun yusho and victory over the Yokozuna. It is thus written. All right, guys. Now prove me wrong on Day 12. PLZ.
It might be time to pay more attention to the Juryo yusho race.