Onosato

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.

Hatsu 2026: Day Fourteen

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , , , , ,

No new reports from the infirmary. Both Yokozuna are intent on completing this tournament. Don’t think they’ll get a bunch of rest until March. On February 7th and 8th, the Japanese Sumo Association will hold two annual events at Kokugikan. The NHK Sumo Charity event and the Annual one-day tournament which used to be sponsored by FujiTV.

Wakanosho continues to lead the Juryo yusho race with his oshidashi victory over Kotoeiho. Fujiseiun beat Hitoshi to keep the heat on for senshuraku. And Leonid has our makushita coverage here and gives an update on the Juryo promotion picture.

Tokiwayama-oyakata retires and former Takakeisho will assume the mantle as stablemaster after this tournament.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoshoho (8-6) defeated Mitakeumi (6-8). Kotoshoho had Conservation Center duties today, cuddled the giant sloth and carried him over the tawara. Kotoshoho kachi-koshi, Mitakeumi make-koshi. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (7-7) defeated Hatsuyama (2-12). Gonoyama overwhelmed Hatsuyama with tsuppari and drove him back over the edge. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (7-7) defeated Shodai (6-8). Asahakuryu drove Shodai back and over the tawara. Shodai’s loss makes him make-koshi for the tournament. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (6-8) defeated Kinbozan (4-10). After an exchange of tsuppari, Midorifuji got a morozashi as he got both hands inside Kinbozan’s arms with his hands up behind Kinbozan’s shoulder. He then pulled Kinbozan down as he reversed along the tawara. Katasukashi.

Oshoma (7-7) defeated Ryuden (6-8). Oshoma held Ryuden at bay with a nodowa, then pivoted to his left and pulled Ryuden down to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Fujinokawa (9-5) defeated Asakoryu (8-6). Fujinokawa engaged Asakoryu in a bit of a brawl but then moved inside to grab Asakoryu’s mawashi, ending Asakoryu’s slaps. With a solid migi-yotsu hold, Fujinokawa forced Asakoryu to the edge and then slammed him to the ground at the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Oshoumi (10-4) defeated Hiradoumi (9-5). Hiradoumi charged forward out of the gate, forcing Oshoumi to the edge. Oshoumi used the bales as a base to mount his counter attack. He hoisted Hiradoumi up, bulldozed through the dohyo and slammed Hiradoumi down to the ground at the edge. Abisetaoshi.

Tobizaru (6-8) defeated Onokatsu (7-7). Tobiaru kicked out at Onokatsu and then pulled. As he approached the tawara, though, Tobizaru slammed the gear into drive and advanced into Onokatsu. He grabbed Onokatsu’s mawashi deep at the back with his right hand and forced him back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (5-9) defeated Tomokaze (4-10). As both men traded tsuppari, Tamawashi pivoted as he backed to the edge. This forced Tomokaze’s back to the tawara. Tamawashi picked up the pace and power of his tsuppari to blast Tomokaze from the dohyo and into Kasugano-oyakata’s lap. Oshidashi.

Churanoumi (8-6) defeated Roga (6-8). Roga attempted a slapdown but Churanoumi drove through it and shoved Roga over the bales. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (6-8) defeated Takanosho (4-10). Takanosho tried to use a nodowa against Chiyoshoma but Chiyoshoma grabbed his arm and pulled him down. Tottari.

Wakatakakage (8-6) defeated Daieisho (6-8). Henka! Daieisho Superman-flopped his way to a make-koshi as Wakatakakage shifted left at the tachiai. Hikiotoshi.

Tokihayate (8-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-11). Tokihayate grabbed Ichiyamamoto’s belt with his left hand, drove forward and shoved Ichiyamamoto over the edge. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (7-7) defeated Shishi (9-5). Yoshinofuji used his right hand uwate to pull Shishi over the bales. Uwatenage.

Sanyaku

Ura (3-11) defeated Oho (4-10). Ura pivoted to his right and pulled. Oho tumbled to the ground, rolling forward with a bit of an Ura-esque flourish. If you’re going to fall out of sanyaku, fall with style. Hatakikomi.

Wakamotoharu (7-7) defeated Asanoyama (9-5). Wakamotoharu did not let Asanoyama get his right hand inside. Asanoyama tried again and again to slip that hand in there and that really put him at a disadvantage because he would rear back and Wakamotoharu would plow forward, advancing to the bales. Eventually, Wakamotoharu forced Asanoyama over the bales. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (11-3) defeated Kirishima (10-4). Atamifuji got his left hand uwate hold on Kirishima’s belt. With his right-hand outside, he powered through Kirishima and crushed him over the edge. Ow. Kirishima struggled to get back up to the dohyo. That big ole bloody scrape on his left butt cheek hints at a new injury. Maybe lower back? Maybe hip? Maybe both? Yikes. Lastly, who kidnapped Atamifuji and replaced him with this kaiju? Abiseta-ouchi.

Abi (10-4) defeated Takayasu (8-6). Abi-zumo. Thrusts, slapdown attempts… Oh, no. Takayasu got turned around. That’s never good. Abi caught up and shoved him over the edge from behind. A dispirited Takayasu landed on Naruto-oyakata and took his time getting back up. The west side spectators are having a rough go of things today. Getting a lot of the “kinetic fansa.” Okuridashi.

Hoshoryu defeated Kotozakura. Gee–zuhs. Just when Kotozakura worked his right hand inside and got his morozashi, Hoshoryu yanked him hard with his right hand uwate and flipped the big bloke onto his back. In the movies, the camera would zoom in on the villain’s face, “That hurt.” In the Sumo Association, we just wait impatiently for him to walk back to his side and bow. While the gyoji scramble to figure out what the kimarite was, we move on to the much-anticipated musubi-no-ichiban. Uwatenage.

Onosato (10-4) defeated Aonishiki (11-3). Aonishiki’s borrowed shimekomi came enchanted with henka dust from its owner and previous bearer. He shifted left at the tachiai but Onosato adjusted really well. The Yokozuna pursued and shoved Anonishiki to the ground as the Ozeki stumbled in retreat. Well, it’s back to the drawing board, for sure, at Ajigawa. One Yokozuna solved. The other Yokozuna, decidedly unsolved. Oshitaoshi.

Wrap-up

Aonishiki’s loss opens things up quite a bit in the yusho race.

  • 3-losses: Aonishiki, Atamifuji
  • 4-losses: Onosato, Kirishima, Abi, Oshoumi.

Aonishiki and Atamifuji lead with Onosato, Kirishima, Abi and Oshoumi chasing and hoping for losses tomorrow. Aonishiki and Atamifuji fought on Day 12 with Aonishiki defeating the big man.

The senshuraku torikumi is not out yet but we can presume the musubi-no-ichiban will be the Yokozuna showdown and that will be preceded by the Ozeki showdown. If Atamifuji loses his bout, Aonishiki will fight with the yusho on the line. If Atamifuji wins his bout, Aonishiki will need to win to force a play-off.

The play-off possibilities get crazy if both Atamifuji and Aonishiki lose their bouts. Then Onosato will even be fighting for a spot in the playoff. I’ll post later when the pairings have been finalized.

One rule for comments today. I’m going to be strict. No mentioning Wakatakakage’s henka. It has nothing to do with the yusho. There’s no drama there, so no need for whining about it. It is what it is, let’s move on. Any mention and I’ll remove the comment and I might put the author into the penalty box. As a henka aficionato, I actually enjoy the firy henka debate — so long as the jabs don’t get personal. Going forward, I’m going to be strict about that from now on and start deleting comments that cross the line into personal barbs. But today, I’m going to be super-strict. No mentioning Wakatakakage’s henka. I said it twice, I mean it.

I’ll be back later today. If you need to go blow off steam about Wakatakakage’s henka, you have time to go take a walk around the neighborhood and clear your mind.

Hatsu 2026: Day Seven

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , ,

Day Seven. No kyujo announcements. The Emperor will be in the house tomorrow. Fujiseiun and Kayo won their bouts to stay in the lead at 6-1. Fujiseiun will fight Takerufuji tomorrow while Kayo will face Hidenoumi.

NHK Video link is here. It includes a look at Kazuma defeating Kazekeno. Kazuma was a Nihon University prospect for Kise-beya who earned a Makushita debut in 2024 but was injured in that debut tournament. After falling into the bottom division, he is back after winning three yusho in the lower divisions, including the Makushita yusho in Kyushu. He’s had a rough start this tournament as sekitori. But he might be overcoming his promotion jitters as he threw Kazekeno to the side.

Makuuchi Action

Ryuden (3-4) defeated Hatsuyama (0-7). While trading tsuppari, Hatsuyama tried to pull. This brought him perilously close to the edge but the two kept trading tsuppari until Hatsuyama tripped on the tawara and fell. Oshidashi.

Oshoumi (6-1) defeated Tomokaze (3-4). Oshoumi shoved Tomokaze back to the bales with steady hazuoshi, At the bales, Tomokaze decided to go out with some flair as he jumped up and attempted a pirouette before tumbling into the crowd. Oshitaoshi.

Asakoryu (3-4) defeated Tobizaru (1-6). Tobizaru had Asakoryu on the ropes and pulled. Asakoryu then chased Tobizaru across the ring and shoved him off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Asanoyama (5-2) defeated Abi (6-1). Abi lashed out at Asanoyama with tsuppari and pulled to his right. Asanoyama turned and continued to counter with his own slaps. Abi had his weight pretty far forward so Asanoyama shifted right and pulled Abi forward. Hikiotoshi.

Asahakuryu (5-2) defeated Midorifuji (2-5). Midorifuji tired after a lengthy Coneheads makeout session and Asahakuryu forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shishi defeated Chiyoshoma. Shishi got his left hand firmly planted on the front of Chiyoshoma’s belt (mae-mitsu) while pressing forward. Once he got his right arm inside he got the leverage he needed to drive Chiyoshoma back. Chiyoshoma tried a last gasp twist and throw at the edge but Shishi had good footwork today, kept his balance and forced Chiyoshoma out. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (4-3) defeated Mitakeumi (3-4). Tokihayate quickly got a hold of Mitakeumi with both hands inside Mitakeumi’s arms and drove him back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (4-3) defeated Roga (3-4). Nishikifuji tried to swing Roga around by his left arm but Roga freed himself and shoved Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji decided to follow Tokihayate’s lead, got both hands inside and drove Roga through the ring and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (5-2) defeated Kinbozan (2-5). Kotoshoho grabbed Kinbozan’s belt with his right hand inside, twisted and threw Kinbozan forward. Shitatenage.

Gonoyama (2-5) defeated Oshoma (5-2). Oshoma braced against the bales and seemed to be preparing for a pull-down attempt but he never got the chance. Gonoyama planted his right hand in Oshoma’s chest and blasted him off the dohyo. I’m surprised they didn’t call it tsukidashi. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (4-3) defeated Shodai (3-4). Hiradoumi blitzed Shodai and forced him back to the edge. Shodai tried to twist and shove Hiradoumi to his right but Hiradoumi just kept up the pressure and shoved Shodai out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Churanoumi (4-3) defeated Fujinokawa (5-2). Churanoumi shifted left to try to get Fujinokawa’s belt but Fujinokawa’s tachiai blasted him backward. “Plan B it is then.” Churanoumi planted his right mitt in Fujinokawa’s left shoulder and shoved. Hard. This made Fujinokawa stumble to the side. As Fujinokawa tried to put on the brakes, Churanoumi followed up with a shove from behind. Okuridashi.

Atamifuji (5-2) defeated Onokatsu (3-4). Atamifuji put his right forearm under Onokatsu’s chin and churned his legs until Onokatsu stepped out. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (1-6) defeated Tamawashi (2-5). Takanosho waited until Tamawashi pressed too far forward, then pulled and slapped him down. Takanosho picks up his first win of the tournament. Hatakikomi.

Ura (1-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-6). Ura pulled and when Ichiyamamoto chased, Ura reached out for that right leg. Ichiyamamoto tried to pull the back of Ura’s belt but he was off balance as Ura blasted forward and shoved him down. Ichiyamamoto was a little slow to get up and seemed to be favoring his ankle. We’ll see. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (5-2) defeated Oho (2-5). Oho pulled and tried to shove Takayasu to the side but Takayasu pursued and shoved Oho over the edge. “That’s it?!?! That’s all you’ve got?!?!” Tsukidashi.

Kirishima (6-1) defeated Yoshinofuji (4-3). Kirishima got a double-inside grip and forced Yoshinofuji back. Yoshinofuji tried to change up his grip and forced his right hand inside but Kirishima kept pressuring him back. Kirishima then toppled Yoshinofuji with a hard pull on his belt from his left hand. Uwatenage.

Aonishiki (6-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-6). I always cringe at these endings. Aonishiki had a firm hold with both hands on Wakamotoharu’s belt. Wakamotoharu braced against the bales and tried an utchari throw but Aonishiki pressed ahead and toppled both men off the dohyo. Wakamotoharu seemed to be favoring his jaw. Better that than landing like Kizakiumi. (I posted a picture in the comments from the other day. I’ll not post it again. But we were talking about how recently a lot of guys have gotten the hint that if they’re at the edge and all is lost, stepping out is an option which keeps oneself from injury. Kizakiumi’s injury was from a bout like this one, where he dug in at the bales. Yikes.) Yoritaoshi.

Kotozakura (5-2) defeated Wakatakakage (3-4). Kotozakura pulled and Wakatakakage stumbled forward as Kotozakura shoved him down. Kotozakura is picking up these important Week One wins. Will wonders never cease? Hatakikomi.

Onosato (6-1) defeated Daieisho (1-6). Onosato escaped by the skin of his teeth here. Daieisho pulled and had Onosato stumbling to the edge. Onosato recovered a bit and stumbled back across the dohyo. Like Tamanosho the other day, Daieisho’s eyes got big and he charged ahead, only to get a piece of Onosato as the Yokozuna backed away and Daieisho stumbled forward. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (6-1) defeated Hakunofuji (4-3). Hoshoryu threw Hakunofuji at the edge. Gunbai Hoshoryu. Mono-ii. “When in doubt, do it again, boyz!” Hoshoryu did not look pleased as he wiped blood from the deep scrape on his forehead. No doubt this time as a pissed off Hoshoryu grabbed Hakunofuji’s belt with his right hand, flung him around the dohyo. Hakunofuji tried to dig in at the bales but Hoshoryu forced the pair to fall out. Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-up

Well. Our Yokozuna lead a group of six guys with one loss. There are nine guys chasing with two losses. This is turning out to be a heck of a tournament with the Yokozuna, Ozeki and Sekiwake in the thick of it.

Asanoyama did his job and got dirt on Abi. Tomorrow he will fight Nishikifuji while Abi will take on Tokihayate. Up in sanyaku, Takayasu will fight Ichiyamamoto, Kotozakura will fight Oho, Aonishiki will take on Kirishima, Hoshoryu against Daieisho and Onosato will close things out against Hakunofuji. Ten’no is in for a treat, that’s for sure.

Hatsu 2026: Day Six

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , , ,

No kyujo to report. But we do have a retirement announcement: former Makuuchi wrestler Daiamami has retired. Always Genki, he had fallen to Makushita 17 after a 1-7 tournament in Kyushu. Any idea why they gave him an eighth bout, against Juryo Himukamaru, to boot. I just feel like there’s a story there since 8-bout bashos are rather rare, unless you’re Hattorizakura. I’ll dig into it later today after I get some Zs.

Getting back to the Juryo race, Fujiseiun lost to Shonannoumi, falling to 5-1. Kayo is also tied at 5-1 with eight men chasing at 4-2. Fujiseiun will fight Tamashoho tomorrow and Kayo will fight Hakuyozan. Today’s NHK videos include the Nishikigi/Hidenoumi bout at the bottom.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Shishi (4-2) defeated Hatsuyama (0-6). Shishi pressed forward and shoved Hatsuyama back and out to his sixth consecutive loss. Oshidashi.

Oshoumi (5-1) defeated Mitakeumi (3-3). Oshoumi locked up Mitakeumi and drove him back and out. Yorikiri.

Asahakuryu (4-2) defeated Tobizaru (1-5). Tobizaru had the early edge in this long yotsu battle as his ottsuke kept Asahakuryu away from his belt. Once Asahakuryu landed his right hand inside grip, though, he was able to press forward and force Tobizaru out. Yorikiri.

Tomokaze (3-3) defeated Asanoyama (4-2). As Asanoyama forced Tomokaze to the edge, Tomokaze shifted right and thrust Asanoyama down to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Abi (6-0) defeated Asakoryu (2-4). Abi shoved Asakoryu back and Asakoryu stumbled a bit and stepped over the bales. Tsukidashi.

Ryuden (2-4) defeated Nishikifuji (3-3). Ryuden put his head down and drove Nishikifuji out. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (4-2) defeated Midorifuji (2-4). Kotoshoho drove forward and pressured Midorifuji over the bales while falling down. Gunbai Midorifuji. Mono-ii. Kotoshoho touched while Midorifuji was in the air and already dead. The shimpan reversed the call. Kotoshoho wins. Yoritaoshi.

Roga (3-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-4). Chiyoshoma shoved Roga back to the edge but he really still can’t put all of his weight on his right foot. Roga steadily charged forward and forced Chiyoshoma back over the edge. Chiyoshoma tried a last gasp pull but it was ineffective. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (2-4) defeated Tokihayate (3-3). Kinbozan drove forward with a left-hand uwate and lifted Tokihayate off the ground and over the bales. Tsuridashi.

Fujinokawa (5-1) defeated Gonoyama (1-5). Despite Gonoyama’s forceful tsuppari forcing Fujinokawa back to the bales and around the ring, Fujinokawa used excellent footwork to work his way back to the middle of the ring. This put Gonoyama on the edge. Fujinokawa lashed out and thrust Gonoyama over the bales. Oshitaoshi.

Onokatsu (3-3) defeated Shodai (3-3). Shodai got his morozashi and forced Onokatsu to the edge but Onokatsu used the leverage to counter Shodai. He shoved Shodai hard in the face with his right hand. Shodai didn’t like it and stepped back and out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Churanoumi (3-3) defeated Oshoma (5-1). Churanoumi’s tsuppari drove Oshoma back over the edge as Oshoma twisted Churanoumi down. Gunbai Churanoumi. Mono-ii. The shimpan confirmed the gyoji’s call that Oshoma touched out. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (4-2) defeated Hiradoumi (3-3). Atamifuji grabbed Hiradoumi, wrapped him up, and drove him back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Hakunofuji (4-2) defeated Tamawashi (2-4). Hakunofuji’s left-hand inside grip allowed him to negate Tamawashi’s tsuppari and drive Tamawashi back. He fought to get his right hand inside grip, as well. With the morozashi he was able to force Tamawashi out. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (4-2) defeated Ura (0-6). Ura had an early Edge and drove Yoshinofuji back. Ura brought his right arm up around Yoshinofuji’s neck and pulled. Big mistake as this completely reversed Yoshinofuji’s fortunes. Yoshinofuji plowed into Ura and forced him through the dohyo and off the edge, into the first row of spectators. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (1-5) defeated Oho (2-4). Oho seemed to have the upper hand as he acquired a morozashi and forced Wakamotoharu to the bales. Wakamotoharu twisted and threw Oho to the ground as both men crashed out. Gunbai Wakamotoharu. No mono-ii. Utchari.

Kirishima (5-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-5). Kirishima drove Ichiyamamoto back to the edge. Ichiyamamoto stepped over the edge. Gunbai Ichiyamamoto? Mono-ii. I think the gyoji got lost and pointed the wrong way. Ichiyamamoto was out. Kirishima was never dead or out. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (4-2) defeated Daieisho (1-5). Kotozakura won moving forward today. Or, more precisely, Daieisho lost by retreating around the ring. Kotozakura did his job by not falling down while Daieisho ran away. Tsukidashi.

Aonishiki (5-1) defeated Takayasu (4-2). Aonishiki got that dangerous left-hand inside and drove Takayasu back and out. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (5-1) defeated Takanosho (0-6). Hoshoryu drove Takanosho back to the bales then unleashed a pull and slapped Takanosho down. Hatakikomi.

Onosato (5-1) defeated Wakatakakage (3-3). Onosato drove Wakatakakage back to the bales where Wakatakakage seemed to want to dig in and launch a counter-attack. Onosato pulled and pivoted, and slapped Wakatakakage down. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Abi is alone with an unblemished record so far this tournament. Both Yokozuna lead a group of seven guys with one loss. We head into the middle weekend with excellent performances thus far from the division’s top guys. We have quite a bit to look forward to tomorrow.

Abi will fight Asanoyama for the first time in nearly two years. Asanoyama leads their head-to-head with 9 wins to 4 losses. However, Abi is hot and Asanoyama is charging his way back from injury. It should be a good bout, nonetheless.

In sanyaku, Takayasu will fight Oho, Kirishima will battle Yoshinofuji, Aonishiki will take on Wakamotoharu and it’s Kotozakura versus Wakatakakage. Onosato will fight Daieisho and Hoshoryu will finish the day off against Hakunofuji. I don’t see a bad match in there. Should be a great day of action.