Oho

Hatsu 2025, Day Lucky Thirteen

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho, Kinbozan (金峰山) , , , , ,

All four of the lower division yusho races were decided earlier today. Mudoho won the Makushita yusho, Daimasakari won the Sandanme yusho, Yago won the Jonidan yusho and Daikisho won the Jonokuchi yusho.

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

In Juryo, Shishi lost to Nabatame and Ryuden defeated Aonishiki, so we now have a two-man yusho contest in the second division. Matches have not been set for the next two days but Ryuden already beat Shishi, so they cannot meet again unless there’s a playoff.

Makuuchi Action

Tamashoho (5-8) defeated Nishikigi (6-7). Tamashoho kept plugging away at Nishikigi with his tsuppari and drove Nishikigi over the edge. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (6-7) defeated Kotoshoho (3-10). Solid tachiai but when Kotoshoho charged ahead, Midorifuji slipped to the side and Kotoshoho ran himself off the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Tamawashi (8-5) defeated Onokatsu (7-6). Onokatsu reached in with his left hand but Tamawashi immediately wrapped it in an arm bar. As Onokatsu extracted his arm, Tamawashi dragged Onokatsu toward the edge and battered him until he backed out. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (7-6) defeated Tokihayate (5-8). Oshoma pulled and tried a slapdown. It failed but drew Tokihayate toward the edge. At the edge, Oshoma attacked with another armbar, kotenage, and dragged Tokihayate along the bales by his arm. He then finished him off with a quick shove. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (8-5) defeated Churanoumi (4-9). Nishikifuji’s tsuppari never allowed Churanoumi to establish himself inside or get a belt grip. Churanoumi tried some misdirection but Nishikifuji’s footwork was solid today. Nishikifuji continued to press forward and drove Churanoumi to his ninth loss. Oshidashi.

Kagayaki (5-8) defeated Takarafuji (5-8). Solid tachiai. Kagayaki plowed ahead and Takarafuji slowly shifted to his left. Kagayaki maintained his steady pressure and forced Takarafuji back and out. Oshidashi #5.

Meisei (5-8) defeated Mitakeumi (2-11). Mitakeumi showed up and Meisei forced him out. Yorikiri #1.

Shonannoumi (7-6) defeated Endo (6-7). Endo did a henka and Shonannoumi thrust him from the dohyo. As Endo rolled down the dohyo, he made sure to kick Oho in the face a few times. Oshitaoshi #1.

Hakuoho (8-5) defeated Hiradoumi (6-7). Hiradoumi jumped early. Reset. Solid tachiai. Hakuoho got his left hand inside but Hiradoumi immediately shifted his right hand to force Hakuoho’s grip outside. Hakuoho seemed fine with the outside grip and bulldozed forward, forcing HIradoumi out. Yorikiri.

Oho (10-3) defeated Ura (6-7). Oho’s improved ring sense this tournament. He pulled but shifted left well in front of the bales to pull Ura down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime. Shimpan Shuffle.

Newsbreak. Another FujiTV update. Stick it to your competitor. Kick him when he’s down, repeatedly.

Tobizaru (6-7) defeated Atamifuji (3-10). Atamifuji spent a lot of time and energy on his right hand ottsuke, squeezing Tobizaru’s left hand and not allowing him to get too deep. With his left-hand outside, he tried to swing Tobizaru around but Tobizaru’s footwork was solid today. He countered by continuing to press inside with his right hand inside. Atamifuji was too big to throw but as the two danced along the edge, Tobizaru forced his weight into Atamifuji and pressed him out before tumbling from the dohyo himself. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (10-3) defeated Takayasu (7-6). A battle of former Ozeki. Kirishima longed for an inside position but Takayasu brawled him to keep him off his belt. “I will fight you.” Eventually, Takayasu tired and Kirishima took the opportunity to get his left hand inside. Takayasu trapped Kirishima’s left arm so Kirishima pulled and dragged Takayasu down while rotating and shoving Takayasu with his left. Both men tumbled down the dohyo’s side. A mono-ii was called to check if they fell at the same time but Takayasu was clearly down first. Tsukiotoshi.

Takanosho (6-7) defeated Gonoyama (6-7). Takanosho lives on the edge. After a back-and-forth grapple, Gonoyama finally worked Takanosho to the bales but Takanosho escaped right and shoved Gonoyama down. No kensho on this bout? Both of these men are heyagashira. Takakeisho’s supporters have not shifted to the pleasant, cheerful Onigiri-kun? Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (7-6) defeated Shodai (6-7). Shodai tried to shift his left-hand inside but as this brought Shodai’s body up, Wakatakakage took advantage, bulled forward and toppled Shodai into the crowd. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (10-3) defeated Abi (7-6). Abi decided to play tawara roulette today. Abi shifted left, pulled and Takerufuji charged forward. Takerufuji seemed to stay up just long enough to force Abi out. Mono-ii. Replay showed Abi’s heel touching outside the ring as Takerufji was still falling forward. Oshidashi #6.

Daieisho (9-4) defeated Chiyoshoma (8-5). Chiyoshoma has been taking on the top guys, head-on. I have to give him props. No henka today. In fact, Daieisho was the one to shift to the right, thrusting Chiyoshoma from the left side. He followed up with his steady blasts. Chiyoshoma dropped off the dohyo. It was a good run. Props to Kokonoe’s top dog. Tsukidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (7-6) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-9). Ichiyamamoto yanked yard on Wakamotoharu, pulling him to the edge of the ring. Ichiyamamoto then followed up with powerful thrusts and forced Wakamotoharu off the ring and out of sanyaku altogether. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (10-3) defeated Onosato (8-5). Hoshoryu wanted a left-hand grip but Onosato batted his arm away and pressed forward. Hoshoryu then reached up with his right arm and put Onosato into a headlock. Onosato was trying to reach in with his right hand and Hoshoryu’s pivot carried him forward and off the ground. Hoshoryu dropped Onosato with the Kubinage.

Kinbozan (11-2) defeated Kotozakura (5-8). Kinbozan blasted Kotozakura head-on at the tachiai. Kotozakura pulled weakly and Kinbozan’s footwork was solid. He quickly rushed the Ozeki to his make-koshi. Tsukidashi.

Wrap-up

What a Tournament! As we head into the final weekend, Kinbozan leads a yusho race we did not see coming on Day One. Kotozakura has gone from the consensus favorite for Yokozuna promotion to Kadoban. Hoshoryu’s slim hopes might still be alive, though even with a yusho, I’m not sure if it will be enough to impress and earn a promotion at this tournament.

Schedulers need to get cracking because they have not set up our Day 14 bouts, yet. I’ll try to bring an update later with the details but it might not come until late. In the meantime, I’m eager to hear what bouts you will be looking forward to this weekend! Will Kotozakura continue? If he does not, who will get the fusen win?

Hatsu 2025, Day Twelve

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho , , ,

In Juryo, Wakaikari is kyujo with a bicep injury suffered during his loss to Shishi yesterday. Ryuden collected the fusen win and stays one loss off the lead.

Shishi defeated Aonishiki to secure the sole lead in the Juryo yusho contest. Aonishiki tried his best pusher-thruster attack, and really threw some haymakers, but Shishi made effective use of his size advantage to drop his compatriot. Shishi will take on Nabatame who is on nine wins (as is Kotoeiho). Aonishiki will face Ryuden tomorrow.

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

Makuuchi Action

Nishikigi (6-6) defeated Tokihayate (5-7). Tokihayate tried to use an early shift in direction to gain advantage but Nishikigi adjusted well, locked up Tokihayate with his left-hand inside, right-hand outside, and bulldozed Tokihayate out of the ring. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (7-5) defeated Hakuoho (7-5). Hakuoho got a double-inside grip and pressed forward. This effectively ended Tamawashi’s tsuppari so Tamawashi locked on with his own belt grip. Tamawashi used his left-hand to yank Hakuoho around and force him to the edge of the ring. Tamawashi kept up pressure with that left hand and forced him down over the bales. I hope that bout lived up to its billing for you. It did for me. Great bout. Uwatenage.

Nishikifuji (7-5) defeated Meisei (4-8). Meisei charged forward and Nishikifuji pulled to his left with his right hand coming down on the back of Meisei’s head to slap him down. Hatakikomi.

Kagayaki (4-8) defeated Churanoumi (4-8). Kagayaki steamrolled through Churanoumi, leading with his forearm planted under Churanoumi’s chin. That looked uncomfortable and it was certainly effective at keeping Churanoumi off Kagayaki’s belt. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (6-6) defeated Shonannoumi (6-6). Shonannoumi charged ahead and drove Oshoma to the edge. Suddenly, Oshoma slipped left along the bales and thrust Shonannoumi down to his left. The crowd rewarded Oshoma’s sudden table-turning with a good cheer. When it works, it works. Tsukiotoshi.

Takarafuji (5-7) defeated Tamashoho (4-8). Tamashoho slapped away with his tsuppari but Takarafuji managed to pressure Tamashoho back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (5-7) defeated Endo (6-6). Midorifuji henka! Midorifuji shifted right and pulled Endo to the edge by the left shoulder. He followed up with a shove to force Endo out. Since Midorifuji latched on to Endo’s arm and did not go for the contactless “Ole” attack, some readers will disagree that it was a henka and call it a hit-and-shift. I object to calling this a hit-and-shift because he did not hit Endo. He avoided the hit at the tachiai and grabbed Endo from the side after dodging the initial charge. That’s a henka in my book. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (3-9) defeated Mitakeumi (2-10). Kotoshoho grabbed Mitakeumi with a right-hand inside belt grip and charged forward, forcing Mitakeumi over the bales. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu (7-5) defeated Ichiyamamoto (6-6). Onokatsu bore the brunt of Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari attack and kept his balance when Ichi tried a quick slap-down. Ichiyamamoto went back to tsuppari but soon grew weary and had to shift to a yotsu-style. Both men locked in with opposing right-hand inside belt grips but Onokatsu pressed forward and forced Ichiyamamoto over the bales. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (3-9) defeated Takayasu (7-5). Takayasu employed an Abi strategy to start with a quick, forceful slam followed by a slapdown attempt. He then tried to get at Atamifuji’s belt from the side but Atamifuji pressed forward. Takayasu put Atamifuji in a headlock and tried to bring him down with a kubinage but Atamifuji resisted. Takayasu should have relented here and tried something else but he doubled down with the kubinage attack. This exposed his back to Atamifuji who wrapped up Takayasu from behind and turned the tables by charging forward and forcing Takayasu out from behind. That was great sumo from Atamifuji. I loved seeing the variety of attacks used by Takayasu but Atamifuji really impressed me. It’s Day 12 and he finally woke up from his winter slumber. Okuridashi.

Halftime

Takanosho (5-7) defeated Tobizaru (5-7). This is the playbook for dispatching Tobizaru. Get inside and contain his antics, pressure him to the bales. Maintain good footing and shove him over the bales. Well executed by Takanosho. Oshidashi.

Newsbreak. It’s smart to work this in the second half when there is more time between bouts.

Kirishima (9-3) defeated Oho (9-3). Oho tried a pull but immediately regretted it and attempted to charge forward back to center behind a wall of tsuppari. Kirishima dodged the tsuppari to the right and got in behind Oho. “Uh-oh.” Kirishima grabbed the back of Oho’s belt and pressed forward, driving Oho to the tawara. Oho resisted admirably on the edge but Kirishima did not relent, shifted his grip to the front to get a better hold, and forcefully hoisted Oho to slam him to the ground. Okurinage.

Sanyaku

Shodai (6-6) defeated Abi (7-5). Abi drove forward using shoulder blasts instead of his usual top-heavy tsuppari. Shodai used the bales for stability and tried to pitch Abi over the bales. When Abi tried to pull, Shodai drove forward and forced Abi out. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (6-6) defeated Gonoyama (6-6). Gonoyama charged forward but Wakatakakage used the stability of the bales to halt Gonoyama’s advance. This was impressive because Gonoyama drove into him hard with thrusts to the face. Nonetheless, Wakatakakage pressed his way back to the center and tried a slapdown. As Gonoyama charged back into Wakatakakage, WTK grabbed Gonoyama and rotated him to the bales. Gonoyama tried to resist but Wakatakakage did not relent and forced Gonoyama over. Yorikiri.

Another newsbreak? That FujiTV scandal is too juicy not to pass up.

Wakamotoharu (4-8) defeated Hiradoumi (6-6). Now that’s a henka of the flying variety. The only contact came as Wakamotoharu slapped Hiradoumi down as Hiradoumi rushed by, helpless. The crowd groaned in collective disapproval. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” Hatakikomi.

Daieisho (8-4) defeated Ura (6-6). Daieisho’s thrusts were too much for Ura. Tsukiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (9-3) defeated Kinbozan (10-2). Clean tachiai. Kinbozan blasted ahead but Hoshoryu shifted to his right, slightly and shoved Kinbozan at the shoulder. This was enough to get Kinbozan off-balance. Hoshoryu followed quickly by slapping Kinbozan down. The entire stadium was surprised by how quickly this bout ended, Kinbozan most of all as he grimaced in defeat. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (9-3) defeated Kotozakura (5-7). Kotozakura used his right-hand inside grip to drag Takerufuji to the edge. As he pressed forward, Takerufuji blasted the Ozeki in the left shoulder with enough power to not only stagger Kotozakura but to collapse him into a heap under the red tassel. Tsukiotoshi.

Onosato (8-4) defeated Chiyoshoma (8-4). It was a good run while it lasted. Onosato easily dispatched Chiyoshoma. Chiyoshoma tried to shift to his left but Onosato was all over him and forced him over the bales quickly. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

There is a lot to cover. I want to start with the lower divisions since tomorrow is all-important Day 13. Day 13 is often the decider for lower division yusho races, unless playoffs are needed on senshuraku. Tomorrow, two of the races will be decided for sure. In Makushita, Ishizaki will fight Oho’s brother, Mudoho, for the title. In Jonidan, Yago (yes, blast-from-the-past, former Maegashira Yago) will fight the 19-year-old Sekimoto for that division’s yusho as he comes back from a lengthy 3-basho kyujo.

While Enho is one sekitori tournament away from kabu-eligibilty, Yago is six tournaments away. One wonders if he will try to make a push for Juryo or if he plans to stay in the sport and ride until the wheels fall off.

Before I forget, Sandanme comes down to two Oitekaze-beya stablemates, Daimasakari and Daikosho. Since they cannot fight each other tomorrow, Daimasakari will fight Chiyodaigo and Daikosho will fight Noda. If one Oitekaze-beya man wins, he wins the yusho. If both lose, there will be a massive playoff on senshuraku where even Enho and Ikarigata (Wakaikari’s little brother) can get in on the action. If both Oitekaze wrestlers win, they will fight each other in a playoff on senshuraku. Of course, I’m rooting for a massive 10- or 11-man playoff. Chaos!

Down in Jonokuchi, another Oitekaze-beya veteran, Daikisho, is the only guy on six wins. He will claim the title if he beats Wakahizen tomorrow. If he loses, there will be a play-off on senshuraku with between two and four guys.

Back to the top division

Kinbozan still leads but there is now a larger crowd in play here with Hoshoryu, Kirishima, Oho, and Takerufuji hanging on with three losses. Is an 11-win yusho still in play here, practically speaking? If so, Onosato, Chiyoshoma and Daieisho worked their way into the conversation for what I can only assume would be a massive playoff, because it seems possible but unlikely.

Tomorrow’s torikumi pits Onosato against Hoshoryu in our first Ozeki pairing of the tournament. But Kotozakura will face Kinbozan in the musubi-no-ichiban. Takerufuji will face Abi, Kirishima will battle Takayasu, and Oho will fight Ura.

Kotozakura is staring kadoban in the face. He has yet to face his Ozeki peers and cannot lose another bout. If he loses to Kinbozan tomorrow, I would not be surprised if he goes kyujo. Several people have mentioned back issues troubling Atamifuji and causing his poor performance so far. He countered Takayasu well today and picked up a much-needed win.

Hatsu 2025, Day Eleven

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho ,

In Juryo, Wakaikari fell to Shishi after another henka. Shishi got some good slaps in their little brawl before smothering Wakaikari and driving him from the ring. Aonishiki ran Asakoryu out of the Kokugikan once he got that right hand at the back of Asakoryu’s belt. The big Shishi/Aonishiki bout is set for tomorrow. The two Ukrainains will duke it out for the first time, with the title race on the line.

The makuuchi yusho race has begun to take shape and it is a wild one. Kinbozan remains in the lead despite his Day Ten loss to Abi. Chiyoshoma stumbled as well, reopening the door for Oho and Takerufuji. This also gives Hoshoryu, Onosato, and Kirishima a whiff as they sit two wins back.

The schedulers are trying to end these Maegashira title hopes by moving them up to face sanyaku opponents now. Oho and Kirishima have already faced the meat of their schedule, so they likely have the advantage in these closing days. They will face each other tomorrow. The Ozeki will take turns fighting each other in the final three days.

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

Makuuchi Action

Shonannoumi (6-5) defeated Kotoshoho (2-9). Kotoshoho started early. Reset. Kotoshoho sidestep but Shonannoumi recovered well and chased Kotoshoho. Kotoshoho blasted Shonannoumi toward the edge and followed up with another charge but Shonannoumi slipped to the side. As Kotoshoho put on the brakes, Shonannoumi followed up with a shove and finished Kotoshoho off. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (4-7) defeated Tokihayate (5-6). Midorifuji forced Tokihayate to the edge with his double-inside grip but Tokihayate resisted and forced the action back to the center. Midorifuji finished Tokihayate off with a dramatic throw in the middle of the ring. Shitatenage.

Meisei (4-7) defeated Kagayaki (3-8). Solid tachiai. Meisei retreated and pivoted several times as he drew Kagayaki closer to the edge. As Kagayaki drew close to the tawara, Meisei stepped toward the inside to corner Kagayaki. Kagayaki tried an inexplicable pull and Meisei easily shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (6-5) defeated Oshoma (5-6). Oshoma baited Nishikifuji toward the edge but tripped over his own feet as he tried to execute a pull. At the same time Nishikifuji drove into Oshoma and effectively blasted Oshoma backward and off the ring. Oshitaoshi.

Tamashoho (4-7) defeated Churanoumi (4-7). For the first time this basho, Tamashoho’s tsuppari seemed to have an effect on someone as Tamashoho plugged away at Churanoumi’s face, steadily forcing Churanoumi closer to the edge. Tamashoho kept up the pressure and Churanoumi could not manage an escape. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (6-5) defeated Nishikigi (5-6). Hiradoumi jumped early. Reset. Hiradoumi hit Nishikigi and drove him to the edge. Nishikigi pivoted and tried to pull Hiradoumi by his shoulder but Hiradoumi resisted the throw, turned, and steamed ahead. Yorikiri.

Ura (6-5) defeated Mitakeumi (2-9). Ura pulled toward the edge, then circled around and charged into Mitakeumi. As Mitakeumi tried to slap Ura down, Ura charged ahead and forced Mitakeumi from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Endo (6-5) defeated Shodai (5-6). A good old-fashioned grapple here. Endo tried an early pull but Shodai kept his balance and moved back to the middle of the ring. Shodai even tried charging forward! (Gasp!) But Endo held steady. Endo grabbed at Shodai’s belt getting both hands up front, maemitsu. This allowed him to hoist Shodai a bit and drive him backwards over the bales. Yorikiri.

Oho (9-2) defeated Onokatsu (6-5). Both men locked in with left-hand inside grips, resulting in a good long grapple as both men tried to force the other to the edge. Onokatsu drove Oho perilously close but Oho persevered and did not give in to those demons telling him to pull. He continued to charge forward and try to get that right hand inside. Instead, Onokatsu tried to pull as Oho worked to loosen his grip. Oho kept Onokatsu in front of him, charged forward and shoved Onokatsu out. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (6-5) defeated Takarafuji (4-7). Gonoyama blasted away with his tsuppari and offered no openings to the leaky Takarabune. Tsukidashi.

Halftime

Hakuoho (7-4) defeated Tobizaru (5-6). Hakuoho’s tsuppari game seemed to improve during the bout. He tried everything, even kubinage a couple of times but could not finish Tobizaru. Tobizaru stayed centered and his own tsuppari worked to drive Hakuoho close to the edge during their long back and forth. As loose as Tobizaru’s shimekomi was tied, oshi-tsuki was probably the most efficient way to win. Hakuoho let go of Tobizaru’s belt with the right hand, instead tucking in underneath Tobizaru’s armpit. Hakuoho finally got some leverage and managed to drive Tobizaru to the edge and slam him, hard into the clay. Sukuinage.

Kirishima (8-3) defeated Tamawashi (6-5). Kirishima cycled around the ring in retreat but shifted back to the center of the ring. He pulled on Tamawashi’s arm and drew the veteran closer to the edge before driving in and forcing him from the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Takanosho (4-7) defeated Atamifuji (2-9). Takanosho won The Futility Bowl and staved off makekoshi for at least another day. Atamifuji had the early edge as he forced Takanosho back after the tachiai. But Takanosho worked both arms inside Atamifuji’s armpits and steamrolled through the ring. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Abi (7-4) defeated Ichiyamamoto (6-5). Abi pulled and danced along the bales as he tried to shove Ichiyamamoto over. Abi shoved Ichiyamamoto from the edge. Mono-ii? Did someone step out? Hair pull? Video review showed Abi’s tawara dance coming very close to touching…but not close enough. The shimpan even checked the janome for signs of disturbed clay. No evidence to overrule the decision on the field. Abi won. Tsukidashi.

Daieisho (7-4) defeated Takerufuji (8-3). Takerufuji blasted into Daieisho, forcing him to the edge. When he faced resistance, he tried a disastrous pull and Daieisho ran him out the other side and into Ajigawa’s lap. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (7-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (3-8). Some tachiai games here as Wakamotoharu did not want to put his hands down before Takayasu. Takayasu waited, “I’m Former Ozeki. You’re Never Will Be Ozeki. Get your hands down.” Wakamotoharu obliged, to his detriment. At the tachiai, Takayasu’s bear paws became intimately familiar with the lines in Wakamotoharu’s face as Takayasu mauled WMH and drove him over the edge. With the makekoshi, Wakamotoharu will drop from Sekiwake rank and needs to work hard to stay in sanyaku. Tsukidashi.

Kotozakura (5-6) defeated Wakatakakage (5-6). Kotozakura charged forward into Wakatakakage and drove him to the edge. Wakatakakage tried to slip away along the edge. As Kotozakura chased Wakatakakage around the ring, suddenly Inosuke stopped the fight and the gunbai went to Kotozakura. Wakatakakage had stepped out. Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (10-1) defeated Onosato (7-4). If Kinbozan wants a yusho, he will have to earn it by defeating Ozeki. First up, Onosato. Onosato hopped backward in retreat as Kinbozan chugged forward with that brutal nodowa threat. Onosato tried a slapdown, didn’t work. Onosato tried to pull Kinbozan’s arm at the edge, didn’t work. Onosato tried to levitate in the air, didn’t work. Kinbozan remained standing, firmly in the ring while Onosato crashed down into the crowd. Now, Onosato gets to sit there and watch the musubi-no-ichiban. “Think about what you’ve done.” At least Nishonoseki isn’t on shimpan duty. That would be awkward. Tsukitaoshi.

NHK showed highlights of past Hoshoryu/Chiyoshoma bouts. There are only four, one was a nice Kekaeshi win by Hoshoryu. It was interesting to see the crowds of the past, the pandemic years. Contrasted with today’s normalcy.

Hoshoryu (8-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (8-3). Chiyoshoma was out-classed. Hoshoryu locked on with his right hand outside and yanked hard on Chiyoshoma’s belt. Chiyoshoma resisted at the edge and kept his balance through Hoshoryu’s first throw attempt but he could not get an opportunity to counter. Hoshoryu immediately pulled back to through the dohyo and dragged Chiyoshoma to the opposite side and forced him roughly over the tawara. Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-up

Kinbozan retains his hold on the lead as Onosato literally tumbled from the yusho race. Yes, Kinbozan is a strong opponent. Yes, he is fighting at a rank below his true capabilities. But Onosato is Ozeki and there is no getting around the fact that his strategy today was to run away from Kinbozan’s thrusting attack.

As with Wakatakakage’s careless footwork, both Onosato and WTK demonstrated that attacking in retreat is fraught with risk. Oho remains one step behind Kinbozan precisely because he pressed forward when Onokatsu pulled. For Takerufuji, it was the same thing, he pulled and Daieisho stuck to his fundamentals and drove him out of the ring.

The Ozeki should be getting a bit of a reprieve here, facing these hot-shot maegashira instead of a Yokozuna or other sanyaku opponents. Tomorrow Kinbozan will fight Hoshoryu, Takerufuji will take on Kotozakura, and Chiyoshoma will face Onosato. Oho will face Kirishima, as I mentioned in the opening. Chiyoshoma is the real outlier here. Takerufuji and Kinbozan will likely be mainstays in the joi or even in sanyaku.

When we look at Hoshoryu’s schedule, he should still have bouts against both Ozeki on the final two days as well as Abi and Wakamotoharu. But now that we’ve snuck Chiyoshoma and Kinbozan in here, either the Abi or Wakamotoharu bout will not happen. For Onosato, that Wakamotoharu bout or an Ura bout got tossed for Chiyoshoma.

Kotozakura will still have little room for error if he hopes to avoid kadoban. A fight against Takerufuji will be a big challenge, even if that bout replaces Wakamotoharu or Daieisho, in his case. Frankly, I think I would rather fight either Wakamotoharu or Daieisho. Yes, they’re dangerous but they both have well established weaknesses. As a talented up-and-comer, Takerufuji could still be a bit of a puzzle.

There are a few other gems in the early bouts tomorrow. Tamawashi will fight Hakuoho and Onokatsu will fight Ichiyamamoto. Abi versus Shodai will either be LIT, as the kids say, or a hot mess. Do the kids even say lit, anymore? I feel like those kids are probably in their 20s and 30s now.

Hatsu 2025, Day Ten

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho , , ,

We’ll look at the second division first today. Wakaikari, Shishi, and Aonishiki all won their bouts in Juryo as the three youngsters picked up their ninth wins and edge closer to the yusho. Ryuden is the lone chaser at 8-2.

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

The way Wakaikari hit at Shirokuma today reminded me of Hiradoumi. Aonishiki used his ottsuke effectively to keep Sadanoumi from getting a hold with his right hand and then bulled Sadanoumi back and out. Shishi tried to use his right arm under Oshoumi’s left shoulder for a throw at the edge. But his persistence paid off as he finally pressed Oshoumi out.

Jikan desu! Ryotsuite!

Makuuchi Action

Nishikifuji (5-5) defeated Nishikigi (5-5). Nishikifuji won the battle of the brocades by grabbing Nishikigi’s belt with a left-hand inside grip, pivoting, and driving Nishikigi back over the bales. Nishikigi’s only counter attack appeared to be an attempt to topple Nishikifuji as he approached the edge. Otherwise, this was all Nishikifuji. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (5-5) defeated Onokatsu (6-4). Tokihayate locked in with a left-hand inside grip and spun Onokatsu around the dohyo. He released his left-hand grip and flung Onokatsu out of the ring with his right arm locked under Onokatsu’s shoulder. Kotenage.

Midorifuji (3-7) defeated Kagayaki (3-7). Midorifuji pulled and grabbed Kagayaki’s belth with his left hand as Kagayaki charged forward. Midorifuji helped Kagayaki fall forward by tugging on Kagayaki’s belt as he stumbled forward and flopped at the edge. Uwatedashinage.

Meisei (3-7) defeated Tamashoho (3-7). Tamashoho was too eager and jumped offsides. Five-yard penalty, replay first down. Meisei pressed forward through Tamashoho’s tsuppari and drove him out. Hakuho’s still the only person to take that 5-yard penalty seriously. Tamashoho’s tsuppari just does not seem to hit, here in the top division. It’s like it’s there but it’s one of those rain showers you don’t even need an umbrella for. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (4-6) defeated Kotoshoho (2-8). The pair had a solid tachiai and traded tsuppari for a few seconds. Churanoumi stepped inside, hit Kotoshoho in the jaw with a headbutt and Kotoshoho immediately dropped to one knee. Tsukiotoshi.

Oshoma (5-5) defeated Hakuoho (6-4). Hakuoho managed a morozashi and rotated Oshoma toward the ground as Oshoma pressed Hakuoho back toward the bales. Both men looked to fall at the same time. Gunbai Oshoma. Mono-ii. The shimpan decide, “Dotai. Torinaoshi,” rematch. On the replay, Hakuoho jumped early. Reset. Strong tachiai. Oshoma tried to slap Hakuoho down but Hakuoho managed to stay up. The two locked in with right-hand belt grips. Hakuoho took the initiative to pull the pair toward the bales. Hakuoho tried to topple the pair but Oshoma pressed forward into Hakuoho and pulled him forward. Uwatenage.

Shonannoumi (5-5) defeated Takarafuji (4-6). Takarafuji sure made an admirable effort. He really wanted that right-hand outside grip and he got it a few times as the two tangoed around the ring. But Shonannoumi knew that was dangerous and would extend his body to pull Takarafuji’s had free. As Takarafuji reached in again, Shonannoumi rotated and pulled him by the left shoulder, forcing Takarafuji to fall forward. Kotenage.

Takerufuji (8-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (6-4). Takerufuji henka! Ichiyamamoto charged forward to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Shodai (5-5) defeated Mitakeumi (2-8). The Shodozer rolled through Mitakeumi, forcing him to the edge, quickly. Mitakeumi tried to slip right and throw Shodai at the edge but the Shodozer’s brakes were up to the task as the Shodozer stopped right at the edge. Mitakeumi’s momentum carried him over the tawara. Oshidashi.

Oho (8-2) defeated Tamawashi (6-4). Rough tachiai as the two banged heads repeatedly while trading tsuppari. Oho tried a brief pull but that would have been bad so he reached in for a belt grip. Belt grip acquired, Oho pulled up, charged forward and overpowered Tamawashi forcing him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Endo (5-5) defeated Atamifuji (2-8). Atamifuji had no defense today. Endo wrapped up Atamifuji and drove forward, forcing Atamifuji out. Yorikiri.

Newsbreak. It’s a long one. Thankfully these second half bouts take a bit more time.

Takanosho (3-7) defeated Takayasu (6-4). The pair traded tsuppari as Takanosho walked back toward the bales. Takayasu did not heed Admiral Ackbar’s warning. Takanosho rotated as he approached the edge and turned the tables. Once Takayasu’s back was to the edge, Takanosho pushed Takayasu out. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (7-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (8-2). Brawl here as Chiyoshoma did not allow Kirishima access to his belt. Kirishima reached in but Chiyoshoma rotated away while keeping up the tsuppari. As Chiyoshoma pressed forward into Kirishima’s tsuppari, Kirishima stepped back and pulled Chiyoshoma forward. The Chiyoshoma yusho fears abate as he rolled across the dohyo. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Abi (6-4) defeated Kinbozan (9-1). Kinbozan, did you not read the brief? Abi dropped Kinbozan quickly by hitting him hard at the tachiai to bait Kinbozan into pressing forward. Abi then immediately stepped right and deflected Kinbozan’s forward momentum to Abi’s left. Kinbozan fell forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakatakakage (5-5) defeated Tobizaru (5-5). Wakatakakage stepped left and used his left hand to press Tobizaru to the side and down. Hatakikomi.

A Second Newsbreak. A first-floor arcade (game center) near the Tsutenkaku shotengai, a landmark in Osaka, is on fire. Maybe someone is finally venting their frustrations against the claw.

Wakamotoharu (3-7) defeated Ura (5-5). As the dust settled after the initial exchange, Ura literally put up his dukes. That was hilarious. I don’t think he appreciated WMH’s kachiage at the tachiai. He tried to rotate and pull Wakamotoharu’s left arm but Wakamotoharu slipped away and shoved Ura from behind. Oshitaoshi.

Onosato (7-3) defeated Gonoyama (5-5). Gonoyama charged forward early. Reset. Onosato henka?! But a matta? What the hell is going on? The NHK video will only show the legit tachiai so hat tip to Lulit on Twitter to show the full bout with all the hijinks, below. On the third attempt, Onosato met Gonoyama head on but rotated right and slapped Gonoyama down with both hands at the back of Gonoyama’s head. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (7-3) defeated Daieisho (6-4). Hoshoryu quickly seized Daieisho’s belt with his right hand and pulled him forward to the ground. Uwatedashinage.

Kotozakura (4-6) defeated Hiradoumi (5-5). Someone got Kotozakura some smelling salts as he finally moved forward. He hit Hiradoumi square at the tachiai and pressed forward. Hiradoumi tried to rotate back to his left but Kotozakura pursued and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Suddenly, the race is flung wide open. Kinbozan still leads with one loss. Chiyoshoma joins Oho and Takerufuji at 8-2. Hoshoryu, Onosato and Kirishima sneak back into the race at 7-3. We might be looking at a big playoff with an 11- or 12-win yusho. I’m not sure why they’re so worried about Tsutenkaku when there’s a dumpster fire right here on the dohyo in front of us. If we’re not careful, the Shodozer will get into this yusho race, somehow. Maybe we should just focus on Juryo now?

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s action, Kinbozan will fight Onosato, Takerufuji will face Daieisho and Chiyoshoma will fight Hoshoryu in the musubi-no-ichiban. I’ve got my popcorn at the ready. To be honest, y’all, I’m going back to bed. This is a lot to process at 4am. The good news is that both rally towels worked today, even if Onosato’s performance was a bit shaky. If he pulls the same thing against Kinbozan tomorrow, I will die laughing. It will be a good death.