Onosato

Aki 2026: Day Fourteen

Andy Aki 2026 ,

Day 14 in Tokyo

Kagayaki and Kayo lost again, making the yusho race a bigger party. Kagayaki still leads at 11-3 but Tamawashi and Kitanowaka join Kayo in the hunt at 10-4.

At the other end, Ikarigata defeated Tochitaikai, earning his kachikoshi and making a case for promotion to Juryo. Plenty of guys are in position to go down, starting with Tochitaikai, Nishikigi, and Tamashoho. Three guys are ready to come up, Asahifuji, Ryuho and Ikarigata.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Asasuiryu (7-7) defeated Daiseizan (8-6). Both men seemed to be taking this bout very seriously and thus fought very deliberately and carefully. They leaned into each other, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Asasuiryu felt he found that opportunity first and twisted Daiseizan around to the bales. Daiseizan was caught back-heeled and Asasuiryu pressed forward and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Toshinofuji (9-5) defeated Tobizaru (4-10). Tobizaru pulled and nearly took himself out. Toshinofuji pursued carefully, without giving Tobizaru an opportunity for shenanigans along the edge, and shoved Tobizaru out. Oshidashi.

Oho (6-8) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-10). Chiyoshoma tried to use his left-hand uwatenage but Oho dragged him down with an arm bar on that left arm. Kotenage.

Kinbozan (9-5) defeated Shonannoumi (3-11). Just days from being elevated to fight Aonishiki in the yusho race, Kinbozan is down here fighting makujiri…sometimes I really do not get these bout decisions. Kinbozan hugged Shonannoumi and ushered him out, quickly. The Kyokai tells Shonannoumi, “We want you gone.” Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (9-5) defeated Ura (9-5). Ura tried to throw Asakoryu with a kubinage as his left foot on the other side of the ring. The gyoji spotted Ura’s foot out and called it right. Asakoryu won. Oshidashi.

Shishi (7-7) defeated Abi (7-7). After a few seconds of tsuppari, Abi had a hold of Shishi’s belt so you knew Abi was in trouble. Abi was worn out. Shishi grabbed Abi’s belt with the left hand and dragged him down. Shitatenage.

Wakamotoharu (10-4) defeated Takerufuji (8-6). Takerufuji’s initial charge drove Wakamotoharu back to the edge. Wakamotoharu braced against the bales, rotated and counter-attacked. He had a strong hold of Takerufuji’s belt with the right hand and drove Takerufuji over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Hiradoumi (8-6) defeated Tokihayate (8-6). Hiradoumi blasted Tokihayate with tsuppari, chased him around the ring and thrust him out. Tokihayate tried to block what incoming strikes he could but enough got through to take him out. Hiradoumi kachikoshi. Tsukidashi.

Asahakuryu (8-6) defeated Fujiseiun (8-6). Fujiseiun wrapped up Asahakuryu and forced him to the edge. Asahakuryu struck out with his counter at the edge where he pivoted and thrust Fujiseiun down with a powerful blast at his shoulder. Asakoryu kachikoshi. Tsukiotoshi.

Gonoyama (5-9) defeated Shodai (3-11). Gonoyama hit Shodai with a hand to the face and got Shodai moving backward. Then he wrapped him up and went for the kill. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Takayasu (7-7) defeated Churanoumi (9-5). After battering Churanoumi with a shoulder blast tachiai and powerful thrusts, Takayasu pulled and shifted left, slapping Churanoumi down. Churanoumi looked irritated. He knows he needs to build a case for sanyaku promotion. He needs to leap-frog Takayasu and/or Yoshinofuji to claim one of the open komusubi slots for Kyushu. Note that Churanoumi already defeated Yoshinofuji earlier in the tournament. As Herbern mentioned in the comments, Churanoumi is looking to represent Okinawans in sanyaku. Hatakikomi.

Yoshinofuji (8-6) defeated Fujiryoga (7-7). Yoshinofuij shifted right and pulled Fujiryoga forward with his right hand on his belt. Fujiryoga was completely off balance and stumbled toward the tawara. Yoshinofuji finished him off with a shove. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (7-7) defeated Kotoeiho (4-10). Nishikifuji charged ahead behind a powerful tachiai and quickly shoved Kotoeiho out. Kotoeiho probably planned to execute a throw at the edge but Nishikifuji had shoved his left hand away as he moved toward the bales. Kotoeiho was rather stuck. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Ichiyamamoto (3-11) defeated Hakunofuji (4-10). Ichiyamamoto got Hakunofuji moving in reverse. As Hakunofuji shuffled along the bales, Ichiyamamoto pursued with thrusts and shoved him off the dohyo and into an elegant elder sujo in the front row. Hakunofuji checked in on her to make sure she was okay. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (5-9) defeated Oshoma (6-8). Daieisho tenderized Oshoma with tsuppari and then yanked him forward by the shoulder. Sukuinage.

Roga (6-8) defeated Atamifuji (8-6). Roga twisted right with his left-hand uwate, and threw Atamifuji down. Uwatenage.

Fujinokawa (10-4) defeated Asanoyama (10-4). Asanoyama thought he’d locked onto that right arm of Fujinokawa as he charged ahead. At the bales, Fujinokawa slipped his grasp and shuffled left, pulling Asanoyama forward and thrusting him to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (11-3) defeated Kirishima (7-7). Aonishiki got a right-hand overarm grip. When he got the left hand inside, Kirishima freaked out and wiggled wildly, “Get it off! Get it off!” He cut the grip but Aonishiki shifted his right foot forward. “Uh-oh, another thing I gotta worry about? チックショー” With Kirishima nicely distracted, Aonishiki went back for the left-hand inside and charged forward at the same time. As he got the grip, he plowed into Kirishima. Kirishima tried to twist at the edge but it was futile. Aonishiki bowled him over. Yoritaoshi.

Kotozakura (9-5) defeated Onosato (11-3). Onosato had his overeager pants on. He didn’t read the brief. This is literally what Kotozakura does, or at least tries to do every day. It’s also what Fujinokawa just pulled on Asanoyama. After a solid, satisfying tachiai that drew appreciative gasps from the assembled masses, Onosato grabbed Kotozakura with the right hand grip on Kotozakura’s belt and charged forward. As they approached the edge, Kotozakura shuffled to the left – at Beyoncé’s insisting – and thrust Onosato to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Wrap-up

Onosato will fight Aonishiki for all the marbles, mushrooms, and macarons.

Tomorrow’s bouts have not been posted yet but barring anything insane, Kotozakura will fight Kirishima with Kirishima looking for his kachikoshi and Kotozakura looking for that elusive 10th win. There’s still time to have Asanoyama fight Shonannoumi.

In Juryo, I think Kagayaki will fight Kitanowaka. Tamawashi hasn’t faced Kayo, yet. So, maybe they’ll pair the two and eliminate one from the potential play-off.

Aki 2026: Day Thirteen

Andy Aki 2026 , ,

Day Thirteen in Tokyo.

Takanosho kyujo. Hakunofuji will pick up the walkover win. This news is sad but also a relief. Takanosho appeared to be in real pain with that foot/ankle. I hope he’s chilling on the couch with his ankle iced, watching the action on TV.

In another sad development, the Sumo Association also announced Yago’s retirement during the broadcast. Yago had fallen into Sandanme and with his makekoshi record, he would have stayed there. Given the accumulated injuries, particularly the knee injuries which truncated his sekitori rank, he likely felt he would not have the ability to advance.

Moving on to today’s action, Kagayaki and Kayo lost but both remain the crux of the title race, for now. If you don’t like gore, don’t watch Nabatame’s win over Kagayaki. Nabatame hit Kagayaki with powerful tsuppari and a couple of headbutts, one of which appeared to open a dreadful gash over Kagayaki’s eye. This injury might play into the yusho race.

Mitakeumi dished out some of Kayo’s own medicine for a rare win. Kayo does have some forceful tsuppari, similar to Takakeisho, when he decides to deploy it. He laid into Mitakeumi but Mitakeumi escaped at the edge and slapped Kayo down, which felt rather satisfying to watch.

So, Kagayaki has two losses, Kayo one behind with three. But even Kitanowaka is still in this as every J4E with 11-4 records has earned promotion, going back 28 years.

Three days ago, Daiseizan seemed like he would lead the list of promotion candidates. Three losses later and it’s flipped to Dewanoryu and Tamawashi who appear to be ready for top division action, with Kyokukaiyu on a Week Two surge.

We’re definitely not short on demotion candidates. Wakanosho, Shonannoumi, and Wakatakakage appear to be going down for certain with Chiyoshoma, Tobizaru and even Shodai holding stand-by tickets if we get some late results for these Juryo guys in the top 5-6 ranks.

The lower division yusho races were decided tonight. There will be no playoffs in those races. Jonokuchi yusho winner, Joshoyu, has elevator rikishi potential. Expect to see him mentioned in the Jonidan race in Kyushu.

  • Makushita: Inami
  • Sandanme: Kobayashi
  • Jonidan: Amane
  • Jonokuchi: Joshoyu

Your NHK videos are here:

Makuuchi Action

Toshinofuji (8-5) defeated Abi (7-6). Toshinofuji outlasted Abi, shoving Abi out. Toshinofuji survived Abi’s flurry of tsuppari but Abi nearly caught him with his first slapdown attempt. After that, Abi tired and Toshinofuji’s footwork prevented Abi from executing slapdowns. Toshinofuji gently finished off the gassed Abi. Toshinofuji kachikoshi. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (8-5) defeated Asahakuryu (7-6). Tokihayate got both hands inside and tried a sukuinage. Asahakuryu locked up both of Tokihayate’s arms for a kimedashi attempt but as Tokihayate’s feet planted in the bales, he twisted and pulled Asahakuryu over the bales. Tokihayate kachikoshi. Uwatenage.

Shodai (3-10) defeated Shonannoumi (3-10). Shodai easily overpowered Shonannoumi. Yorikiri.

Oho (5-8) defeated Tobizaru (4-9). Oho wrapped his arms around Tobizaru’s shoulders as the two leaned into each other at the center of the ring. Oho had his chin at the back of Tobizaru’s head and drove down, pulling Tobizaru to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Shishi (6-7) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-9). As Chiyoshoma probed and circled, looking for an attack, Shishi brought his big left hand down on Chiyoshoma and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Wakamotoharu (9-4) defeated Hiradoumi (7-6). Hiradoumi charged ahead but Wakamotoharu braced against the tawara, pivoted and let Hiradoumi’s momentum carry him forward. Gunbai Wakamotoharu. Mono-ii. Video replay checked to see if Wakamotoharu’s big-ass foot touched the ground outside the bales. Video review showed his heel came close but didn’t touch the ground. Hatakikomi.

Takerufuji (8-5) defeated Kinbozan (8-5). Kinbozan hauled Takerufuji over the the edge but Takerufuji used the momentum to swing Kinbozan around to the edge and then force him out. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (8-5) defeated Nishikifuji (6-7). Asakoryu’s shitatenage against Nishikifuji’s uwatenage as both men toppled each other over the edge. It was a crapshoot so the gyoji’s gunbai pointed ahead to Asakoryu. Mono-ii. Video replay showed a very tight decision. I thought we’d get some bonus sumo but the judges decided Nishikifuji’s body touched first, to Asakoryu’s visible surprise. Asakoryu kachikoshi. Shitatenage.

Ura (9-4) defeated Fujiseiun (8-5). Ura pressed forward into Fujiseiun. Fujiseiun leaned ahead, seeking a grip on Ura’s belt when Ura suddenly shuffled right and dragged Fujiseiun down. Katasukashi.

Asasuiryu (6-7) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-11) Ichiyamamoto shoved Asasuiryu to the edge. Asasuiryu leapt from the dohyo as Ichiyamamoto dove forward. Gunbai Asasuiryu. Mono-ii. Video replay showed a tight but obvious call that Ichiyamamoto had touched first. This outcome must be soul crushing for Ichiyamamoto fans since it looked like he had overpowered Asasuiryu early, then he nearly pulled him down with a slapdown and then he lost in that crapshoot pulldown. It just felt like Ichiyamamoto-zumo was better than Asasuiryu-zumo in that bout. Gah! Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Yoshinofuji (7-6) defeated Oshoma (6-7). Oshoma pulled, and pulled, and pulled again. Yoshinofuji kept his footing and shoved Oshoma out. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (6-7) defeated Gonoyama (4-9). Takayasu assaulted Gonoyama, battering him and forcing him to the edge. Gonoyama dug in at the bales so Takayasu shuffled right and let Gonoyama stumble forward. From there, it was easy for Takayasu to shove Gonoyama out as Gonoyama struggled to maintain his footing. Oshidashi.

Kotoeiho (4-9) defeated Roga (5-8). Kotoeiho shifted left and powered into Roga with a left-hand uwate. As Kotoeiho charged forward, Roga made a terrible decision to try to topple Kotoeiho with so much force that Roga’s right foot lifted high into the air. He basically tripped himself. Kotoeiho crushed him as the pair fell. Yoritaoshi.

Sanyaku

Fujiryoga (7-6) defeated Daieisho (4-9). Daieisho stumbled and nearly lost his footing as he executed his initial pull attempt. Fujiryoga capitalized by shoving Daieisho through the ring and out. Oshidashi.

Hakunofuji (4-9) default win over Takanosho (4-9).

Churanoumi (9-4) defeated Fujinokawa (9-4). Churanoumi squared up to Fujinokawa and leaned in, driving forward. Fujinokawa tried a desperate pull but Churanoumi kept his footing and shoved Fujinokawa out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (10-3) defeated Atamifuji (8-5). The former Ozeki stuck a fork in the wannabe Ozeki’s run. Asanoyama was simply stronker. Atamifuji tried a sukuinage as Asanoyama drove forward but Asanoyama’s footing was excellent and that left-hand uwate grip, unbreakable. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (10-3) defeated Kotozakura (8-5). As the two tussled for belt grips after the initial charge, Aonishiki rotated to his left and dragged Kotohachinana to the ground by his shoulder. “If you want to pull, try doing it this way, man.” Katasukashi.

Kirishima (7-6) defeated Onosato (11-2). Kirishima got a great left hand grip. He charged into the Yokozuna and nearly drove him over the edge at the beginning of the bout, helped by a terrible pull. Onosato stopped at the edge and tried to use his own right-hand uwate to haul Kirishima over. Kirishima shuffled along the bales and yanked on Onosato’s belt, dragging him to the ground. Shitatenage.

Wrap-up

Well now. The top division yusho will not be a run away. We have a very interesting three-man race among three title holders. In a rare move, the Sumo Association published its Day 14 torikumi in advance of today’s action so we know the pairings for tomorrow.

Title Race:

  • 2-Losses: Onosato
  • 3-Losses: Aonishiki, Asanoyama

Onosato will fight Kotozakura in the musubi-no-ichiban. Aonishiki will take on Kirishima with Kirishima’s kachikoshi on the line. That action will be hot. Right before that, Asanoyama will fight Fujinokawa. Asanoyama should study the way Churanoumi neutralized the firecracker today.

Atamifuji will try to rescue his Ozeki promotion chances for Kyushu as he will fight Roga tomorrow. Daieisho will fight Oshoma and Hakunofuji will fight Ichiyamamoto. Yeesh. Poor Ichi-kun.

As usual, leave your thoughts in the comments. This looks like it will be a great weekend.

Aki 2026: Day Twelve

Andy Aki 2026

Day twelve in Tokyo.

Kotoshoho kyujo. This is not a surprise and is Fujiryoga will pick up the walk-over win. Kotoshoho certainly got his bell rung yesterday and should probably be out the rest of the tournament. This, being sumo, he’s got at least a day. I’ll report when I see anything about tomorrow.

The deciding bout for the Makushita yusho is set for tomorrow. Inami will fight Yumenofuji. Sandanme is similarly set to be decided between Kobayashi and Oho’s brother, Naya. Jonidan is down to three undefeated, which might work out nicely with Joshoyu the lone 6-0 wrestler in Jonokuchi.

At this time, the bout list has yet to be made but I presume Joshoyu will fight Kakuho from Jonidan and Amane will face Suigafuji. If Joshoyu wins, everything will work out nicely with no playoffs. If he loses, Kakuho will fight the winner of Amane/Suigafuji in a senshuraku playoff.

Now, turning to Juryo, Kagayaki defeated Daiseizan to improve to 11-1. Kaiyo beat Tanji to stay one loss back at 10-2. Enho beat Kazuto and is 6-6. Tamawashi is looking good and is certainly putting in a solid case for a return to the top division. We’ll be following the results closely over the next few days to see who will be likely to come up.

NHK videos here.

Makuuchi Action

Kyokukaiyu (6-6) defeated Tobizaru (4-8). Tobizaru pulled to try to throw Kyokukaiyu and Kyokukaiyu countered by charging forward and forcing Tobizaru out. Tobizaru makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Abi (7-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-8). Abi’s tsuppari shoved Chiyoshoma back and out. Chiyoshoma makekoshi. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (7-5) defeated Toshinofuji (7-5). Asahakuryu locked on with a powerful left-hand overarm grip. Note that instead of pulling, like Tobizaru, to execute the throw he was able to pivot and remain in the center of the ring as he threw Toshinofuji. Uwatenage.

Oho (4-8) defeated Shonannoumi (3-9). Oho showed a bit of a spark in this bout as he charged into Shonannoumi behind his forearm, forcing Shonannoumi out. Oshidashi.

Ura (8-4) defeated Tokihayate (7-5). Ura was stronger than Tokihayate and shoved him back and out. Ura kachi-koshi. Oshidashi.

Asasuiryu (5-7) defeated Takerufuji (7-5). Asasuiryu rotated Takerufuji to force him against the edge and then drove him over the tawara. Takerufuji did not get very low at all in this bout and Asasuiryu made him pay. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (7-5) defeated Hiradoumi (7-5). Asakoryu shifted left at the tachiai, hooked his left arm under Hiradoumi’s right, and dragged him down. Kotenage.

Fujiseiun (8-4) defeated Shodai (2-10). Fujiseiun bellied up to Shodai and forced him out. If a fourth seat opens up on the barge, it will be occupied by either Chiyoshoma and Shodai, at this point. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (6-6) defeated Shishi (5-7). Was that a henka from Shishi? He got a hold of Nishikifuji’s belt but yielded terrible position with his back to the edge. Nishikifuji was also able to attack from a low position since Shishi was so high. Nishikifuji rotated and drove into Nishikifuji, forcing him out. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (8-4) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-10). Wakamotoharu’s tsuppari was very powerful as he whaled into Ichi and he did not fall for Ichiyamamoto’s pull attempt. Ichi-zumo needs retooling. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Asanoyama (9-3) defeated Churanoumi (8-4). Churanoumi had a left-hand belt grip early but Asanoyama ripped his grip away and planted his right arm underneath Churanoumi’s shoulder. With Churanoumi’s left arm now flailing in the wind like koi-nobori, Asanoyama was free to charge ahead and force Churanoumi out. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (6-6) defeated Roga. Yoshinofuji locked on with his right hand and drove Roga back and out. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (6-6) default win over Kotoshoho (5-7).

Kotoeiho (3-9) defeated Takanosho (4-8). Kotoeiho henka. Takanosho needed to pivot on his left ankle and I do not think that was a good thing. Takanosho couldn’t put any weight on that left foot. Takanosho had to resort to attempting yotsu-zumo. Kotoeiho forced him back and over the bales. Unfortunately, I think Takanosho’s done and I think he knows it. He seemed to be near tears in the hanamichi, which is rather devastating for those used to Onigiri-kun’s smiling demeanor. Onigiri-kun makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Gonoyama (4-8) defeated Hakunofuji (3-9). Gonoyama obliterated Hakunofuji at the tachiai and drove forward, shoving Hakunofuji out. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (5-7) defeated Daieisho (4-8). Takayasu’s bear thrusts quickly sent Daieisho into pull mode as he “noped” out of there. Takayasu pursued Daieisho to the edge and thrust him out. Daieisho makekoshi. Tsukidashi.

Kotozakura (8-4) defeated Oshoma (6-6). Kotozakura actually moved forward. Oshoma’s tsuppari was incapable of having any effect on Kotozakura as the Ozeki pressed into Oshoma and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (9-3) defeated Kirishima (6-6). For all of Fujinokawa’s power, he’s really a master of mis-direction. He hit Kirishima hard at the tachiai and followed up with tsuppari, then shifted laterally and pulled Kirishima forward. Kirishima stumbled toward the tawara and tried to reengage but Fujinokawa was all over him, blasting him again and again, driving him back through the ring and out the opposite side. Oshitaoshi.

Aonishiki (9-3) defeated Kinbozan (8-4). Aonishiki locked on to Kinbozan’s shimekomi with the left hand, pivoted, and dispatched Kinbozan quickly. Yorikiri.

Onosato (11-1) defeated Atamifuji (8-4). Atamifuji came in hot. Onosato grabbed his belt with the right hand and dragged him forward and down. Shitatedashinage.

Wrap-up

Onosato will turn his attention to the Ozeki for these final three days. First up, Kirishima who needs to pick up two wins in these final three days to avoid kadoban. Kotozakura and Aonishiki are both safe and will face each other tomorrow.

Atamifuji will fight Asanoyama, the Capt. Willard of this tournament. Fujinokawa will fight Churanoumi, Hakunofuji will take on Takanosho if the latter shows up, and Daieisho will fight Fujiryoga.

Title race:

  • 1-Loss: Onosato
  • 2-Losses: Nobody
  • 3-Losses: Aonishiki, Fujinokawa, Asanoyama

There are a number of kyujo candidates for tomorrow. I’ll keep my eyes open for any announcements, or for news about whether Kotoshoho will return or not.

I think Atamifuji’s Ozeki run is toast, which is a little sad but he has been a much more credible Ozeki candidate than I had envisioned earlier this year. It’s far too early to start making any presumptions about Fujinokawa but he is definitely laying the ground work here. With one or two more wins, this might be the first leg of his own run.

I know there had also been some chatter about Yokozuna hopes for Kirishima but those were way overblown. Let’s let the guy get a string of kachi-koshi at Ozeki first. Sumo fandom claammoured for Hoshoryu and now it’s, “he was promoted too early.” There’s no need to rush for all of these promotion stories (he says right after bringing up Fujinokawa). Point taken. I’ll shut up now and see y’all tomorrow.

Aki 2026: Day Eleven

Andy Aki 2026

Day Eleven in Tokyo.

Kagayaki finally lost for the first time this tournament, now 10-1. Hitoshi (8-3) henka’d and drove Kagayaki out, picking up his kachi-koshi. Kayo is the only wrestler at 9-2 in Juryo. Nishikigi looks ready for Makushita. On the flip side, Asahifuji looks ready for Juryo, twisting Meisei down to the ground to improve to 5-1. I am interested to see him take on a full 15-day schedule.

NHK videos are here, with a retrospective feature of retiring tategyoji, Kimura Shonosuke.

Makuuchi action

Dewanoryu (7-4) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-7). Two quick shoves and Chiyoshoma was out. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (7-4) defeated Tobizaru (4-7). Wakamotoharu quickly locked on to Tobizaru’s belt and immediately twisted, dropping Tobizaru down to the ground. Uwatehineri.

Asahakuryu (6-5) defeated Oho (3-8). Oho slipped his right hand inside but he lacked the power to use it. Asahakuryu used his two-handed belt grip to force Oho back to the edge and gaburi hip-thrusts to force him out. Yorikiri.

Shishi (5-6) defeated Shonannoumi (3-8). Shonannoumi tried to get use his forearm at the tachiai to force Shishi back. Shishi countered by shoving Shonannoumi’s arm hard enough to rotate Shonannoumi slightly and then wrap him up from the side. Shishi then charged forward as Shonannoumi shuffled awkwardly trying to stay upright. Yorikiri.

Toshinofuji (7-4) defeated Ura (7-4). Ura grabbed Toshinofuji’s belt with his right arm, then pulled. Toshinofuji used excellent footwork and positioning to maintain his balance and drive Ura backward. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (7-4) defeated Shodai (2-9). Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (7-4) defeated Abi (6-5). Abi thrusted and then tried a slapdown. Takerufuji did not fall for it and charged ahead. Abi had to shuffle, stage left, to stay on the dohyo. Takerufuji pursued and Abi stepped out as he retreated with Takerufuji shoving Abi into the third row. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (5-6) defeated Asasuiryu (4-7). Nishikifuji shifted to the right and slapped Asasuiryu down. Hatakikomi.

Fujiseiun (7-4) defeated Tokihayate (7-4). Hidari-yotsu. Fujiseiun overpowered Tokihayate and drove backwards quickly. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (6-5) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-9). Ichiyamamoto appeared to try to get low to get Asakoryu’s belt but he was extending his weight dangerously far forward. Asakoryu took advantage. He locked up Ichiyamamoto’s right shoulder and pulled him forward by the right arm. Kotenage.

Halftime

Asanoyama (8-3) defeated Kinbozan (8-3). Asanoyama was too powerful. He charged ahead with his migi-yotsu grip and forced Kinbozan out. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (5-6) defeated Oshoma (6-5). Fujiryoga shoved Oshoma back and out. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (5-6) defeated Gonoyama (3-8). Yoshinofuji used his powerful left-hand overarm hold to force Gonoyama to the edge. Gonoyama used ottsuke to keep Yoshinofuji from getting a right hand grip on his belt, so Yoshinofuji hooked his arm under Gonoyama’s shoulder to help him work Gonoyama out. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (8-3) defeated Kotoshoho (5-6). Kotoshoho shifted right as Churanoumi charged forward, hoping Churanoumi’s momentum would carry him over the bales. Churanoumi’s brake pads had just been replaced so he stopped quickly and turned to re-engage. A bit of a scary moment as Churanoumi charged into Kotoshoho, hitting Kotoshoho square in the jaw. Kotoshoho went back as if he’d gotten a Mike Tyson uppercut. I’m sure he was briefly out. Churanoumi immediately went to check on him. Kotoshoho got up, though, and walked back down the hanamichi. Tough day at the office. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (4-7) defeated Kotoeiho (2-9). Daieisho pulled while rotating backward along the tawara and dragged Kotoeiho down. Hatakikomi.

Takayasu (4-7) defeated Hakunofuji (3-8). Takayasu got a right-hand overarm grip and heaved Hakunofuji forward. Uwatenage.

Kirishima (6-5) defeated Atamifuji (8-3). Kirishima got his left hand inside, then the right and began to drive Atamifuji backward. Atamifuji squeezed his right arm inside but nonetheless Kirishima pressured him to the edge and forced him over. The loss puts Atamifuji’s Ozeki promotion hopes on life-support. Yorikiri with a side of dame-oshi.

Aonishiki (8-3) defeated Takanosho (4-7). Aonishiki weathered a torrent of tsuppari from Takanosho, steadily progressing forward and shoving Takanosho out. As he sat ringside for the next bout, Aonishiki looked at his extended left foot as if checking to make sure it was still there. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (7-4) defeated Roga (5-6). It took three pull attempts but Kotozakura finally leveraged his left-hand grip to drag Roga down at the edge. Uwatenage.

Onosato (10-1) defeated Fujinokawa (8-3). No henka. Onosato and Fujinokawa charged at each other and Onosato definitely won the tachiai. He drove Fujinokawa back quickly and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Wouldn’t that be something if this tournament turns into a Yokozuna runaway? To be honest, I’m here for it, especially if it comes with some stability at the Ozeki rank. All of them won today. And speaking of Ozeki, how is Aonishiki in the yusho race? There’s no way he’ll go kyujo tomorrow. But let’s take a look at the leaderboard.

Title Race

  • 1-Loss: Onosato
  • 2-Losses: 誰もいない
  • 3-Losses: Aonishiki, Atamifuji, Fujinokawa, Churanoumi, Asanoyama, Kinbozan

Tomorrow’s bouts bring more heat as Onosato will face Atamifuji in the musubi-no-ichiban. Atamifuji will need to do something spectacular to keep his promotion hopes alive. If he does, he will also invigorate some more drama into this yusho race.

Aonishiki will fight…Kinbozan? Damn, they pulled him up quickly. He just faced Asanoyama, whom I imagine they will need to bring up soon, too? Kirishima will fight Fujinokawa and Kotozakura will fight Oshoma since he can’t fight the other Kotos.

Daieisho will fight Takayasu as both men hope to stave off makekoshi. This could be a highlight battle. Hakunofuji will try to regroup against Gonoyama. Asanoyama will fight Churanoumi in another highlight bout.