Shodai

Hatsu 2025, Day Five: Terunofuji Sits Out

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho , , ,

The big news from the infirmary is no surprise. Terunofuji is kyujo after suffering his second loss yesterday on Day Four to Tobizaru. The grimace on his face when he landed below the dohyo.

The NHK videos for today are here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

Hakuyozan is the lone wrestler in Juryo with an undefeated record. Trailing him with one loss are a whole cast of characters, Ryuden, Shirokuma, Shishi, Aonishiki, Tomokaze, Oshoumi, Wakaikari, Kotoeiho and the entire ensemble of A Streetcar Named Desire. The field will be whittled down by the weekend. Wakaikari takes on Hkuyozan tomorrow.

Makuuchi Action

Sadanoumi (Juryo 3-2) defeated Tokihayate (3-2). Sadanoumi quickly obtained a left-hand inside, right-hand outside grip on Tokihayate’s belt and just overpowered the youngster. Sadanoumi pivoted and drove Tokihayate back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kitanowaka (3-2) defeated Tamashoho (1-4). Kitanowaka weathered Tamashoho’s torrent of tsuppari as if it was a gentle summer shower. After a failed slapdown attempt, Kitanowaka traded tsuppari for a while. Kitanowaka reached in with his left hand to grab Tamashoho’s belt, pivoted, and threw Tamashoho to the ground. Uwatenage.

Kagayaki (1-4) defeated Hakuoho (3-2). Kagayaki charged forward and pressed Hakuoho to the edge. Hakuoho countered along the bales and forced the action back toward the center of the ring. After Kagayaki caught his breath he charged forward again. Hakuoho tried to pivot and force Kagayaki down but he could not derail the shinkansen. Kagayaki forced him back to the bales and kept the pressure up until Hakuoho stepped out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (5-0) defeated Nishikifuji (2-3). Kinbozan chased Nishikifuji to the bales with his powerful tsuppari. Nishikifuji spun like a whirling dervish to try to escape. Kinbozan had enough of the wascly wabbit, locked onto Nishikifuji’s mawashi and escorted him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Nishikigi (4-1) defeated Onokatsu (2-3). Nishikigi overpowered the young Onokatsu with his left hand belt grip and forced him out, under the white tassel. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (4-1) defeated Kotoshoho (1-4). After a brief oshi tussle, Takerufuji grabbed Kotoshoho with a strong left-hand outside belt grip and his right arm inside around Kotoshoho’s trunk. He stood Kotoshoho up and drove him back to the bales where Kotoshoho tried to counter. Takerufuji released his grip and shoved Kotoshoho to finish him off. He got enough of Kotoshoho to force him over the bales before he, himself, fell into the lap of Nishonoseki-oyakata. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (2-3) defeated Midorifuji (1-4). Midorifuji reached inside with both arms, his right arm snaked up around Shonannoumi’s shoulder. Shonannoumi stayed close and enveloped Midorifuji with both arms. His first attempt to swing Midorifuji out failed. But he collected his thoughts and caught his breath for a second try. This time he was successful as he forced Midorifuji out. Kimedashi.

Tamawashi (5-0) defeated Meisei (1-4). Tamawashi charged forward and Meisei tried to slide back to the bales. Meisei’s legs splayed out a little too far so Tamawashi brought his hand up over Meisei and shoved Meisei down to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Oshoma (3-2) defeated Churanoumi (2-3). Oshoma kept Churanoumi away from his belt with effective pushing and shoving, never allowing Churanoumi to get inside. Oshoma slammed his left hand into Churanoumi’s head. As Churanoumi pressed his weight forward to resist, Oshoma slipped to the side and released with his left hand. Churanoumi stumbled forward and Oshoma pushed him down. Hikiotoshi.

Takarafuji (1-4) defeated Mitakeumi (2-3). Mitakeumi let Takarafuji drive him back to the edge where he tried to shift right along the bales to topple Takarafuji. Mitakeumi’s choice of a retreating attack was made in order to enrage Andy. “Move forward, man! Gahh!” Predictably, Uncle Takara wasn’t falling for it. He had a solid left-hand hold under Mitakeumi’s shoulder and secured a firm right-hand overarm belt grip. Mitakeumi retreated but Takarafuji forced him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Endo (2-3) defeated Roga (0-1-4). Endo’s left-hand ottsuke was the story here. Roga tried to reach in with his right-hand grip to mirror Endo’s. However, Endo pressed in hard and kept Roga off his belt. Roga let up to start plugging away with tsuppari and Endo reacted by driving forward and forcing Roga out. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (5-0) defeated Takayasu (2-3). Takayasu batted Chiyoshoma’s right hand away but Chiyoshoma still locked on with his left. Chiyoshoma spun and followed up by driving into Takayasu from the left side. This got Papa Bear suitably off-balance so Chiyoshoma pressed ahead and forced Takayasu out. Yorikiri.

Cue an ill-timed News Break during the Ichiyamamoto/Hiradoumi bout. I love the JME service but sometimes NHK decisions are just…GAH!

Ichiyamamoto (4-1) defeated Hiradoumi (1-4) On the replay we see that Ichiyamamoto did his thing and battered Hiradoumi, keeping him at bay and away from his belt. After several exchanges of tsuppari, Ichiyamamoto had worked Hiradoumi to the bales. Ichiyamamoto grabbed Hiradoumi and threw him to the ground. Sukuinage.

Tobizaru (4-1) defeated Ura (2-3). What did you expect from Ura and Tobizaru? Well, I figure we got exactly what we expected. Ura drove into Tobizaru and Tobizaru pulled. Tobizaru leapt at the edge, as is his wont, pressing Ura down. Gunbai Tobizaru. On the replay we saw Ura’s hand touching the ground as Tobizaru went flying. Decision upheld. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima (2-3) defeated Takanosho (0-5). Kirishima and Takanosho traded tsuppari. When Takanosho tired, Kishirima was able to press his way inside for a left-hand grip and he droe Takanosho out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (4-1) defeated Wakatakakage (2-3). Daieisho did his thing. Wakatakakage wanted to react at the edge, cycling to his left, but Daieisho took his time and gave him no opening. Tsukidashi.

Abi (4-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (1-4). Abi’s slap down failed so Abi followed up with his tsuppari and forced Wakamotoharu out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (2-3) defeated Kotozakura (1-4). Firm right-hand inside, left-hand outside. Kotozakura’s only attack seems to have been a counter at the edge as he tried to pivot and pull Shodai right. Shodai did not have any of it and drove Kotozakura to the floor. Yoritaoshi.

Gonoyama (4-1) fusen over Terunofuji (2-3-10).

Oho (5-0) defeated Onosato (2-3). Onosato charged forward. At the bales, Oho slipped to his left and Onosato stumbled forward and out. On the replay, you will notice that after a quick exchange of tsuppari, Oho slipped his left hand up behind Onosato’s shoulder, telegraphing a katasukashi attempt. As Onosato neared the edge, Oho executed his katasukashi. This pulled Onosato further forward but did not finish him. Oho only had to shove him out from behind to hand Onosato his third loss. Okuridashi.

Atamifuji (1-4) defeated Hoshoryu (4-1). Hoshoryu locked on with his right-hand inside and with a singlemindedness to use that belt grip, dragged Atamifuji to and fro. Atamifuji is a big boy, though, not so easy to throw. Atamifuji hung on for the ride, doing what he needed to keep his balance and avoid the edge. He also had his own left hand belt grip to counter Hoshoryu’s. He wisely released the belt grip to wrap up Hoshoryu’s right arm. Right arm secured, he rotated and flung Hoshoryu to the floor with a rough kotenage.

Satonofuji yumitorishiki.

Wrap-up

Back to the days of wholesale Ozeki losses and Yokozuna kyujo. 懐かしい。

Now that we have Day Five in the books, I want to look back at Wakamotoharu’s performance in particular. With all of the chatter about the dual-Yokozuna promotion chance, before the basho started Patricia Dobashi raised the topic of possible Ozeki promotion for Wakamotoharu that seemed to be overlooked, over on Blue Sky. His previous two tournaments had been fairly strong performances: 11-4 at M3 and 10-5 at K1. Surely, 11+10+12 = the magic 33, no?

There is a reason no Ozeki-run was ever mentioned. It would have taken a spectacular performance from Wakamotoharu to force such a discussion, something that he has never displayed. Yes, Tochinoshin was promoted with a run that started at M3…but that was a 14-1 yusho and a run that totaled a stonking 37 wins (14-10-13)! Before that, Terunofuji’s first promotion run started with 8-7 at M2…but what followed was 13-2 Jun-yusho and 12-3 yusho – both at the rank of Sekiwake.

In neither case were either wrestler ranked Komusubi in their runs. They both went straight from Maegashira to Sekiwake and had two strong performances at that rank before promotion. That is probably a minor point but thanks to the SumoDB, I did find one promotion case since 1958 which followed an M-K-S-O pattern: Tochihikari in 1962. Meanwhile, there are a number of cases which followed the M-S-S-O pattern: Tochinoshin, Terunofuji, Kitao, Asashio, Kaiketsu, and Yutakayama. Personally, I do not start thinking about Ozeki promotions until the wrestler is in their second Sekiwake tournament — and not if they squeak by with an 8-7 or 9-6.

So, while it is possible that Wakamotoharu was on a shadow Ozeki-run, that would have required something much more impressive than 12-wins. Maybe if those 12-wins came with a yusho attached? Regardless, here we are on Day 5 and he suffered his fourth loss to Abi. He would need to turn things around and basically win out if he wants this tournament to count in an promotion run come even in March or May…forget about this tournament.

Getting my mind back out of the clouds and pipe-dreams of promotion races, we see that Kotozakura’s hopes are dead and buried and after Hoshoryu’s loss today, his own promotion chances are likely dashed…or at least on life support. The way he cradled his arm after that kotenage, I have a feeling that he will be happy to end this tournament with a kachi-koshi. Unfortunately, Onosato and Kotozakura would both be happy with a kachi-koshi on senshuraku, as well.

This tournament is shaping up to be a real wake-up call for Onosato while it’s shaping up to be a breakout tournament for Oho. And today’s loss to Shodai should be a splash of cold water into the face of Kotozakura. Hopefully he will wake up. He has not demonstrated much offense this tournament, at all, seemingly too reliant on counter attacks at the edge which have not materialized.

It’s a bit funny that at the start of this tournament we had such high hopes for our healthy, powerful Ozeki, two of whom were on rope runs…all completely dashed by Day Five.

Oh, yeah, and somehow Sir Oho leads our Monty Python-esque squad with Sir Chiyoshoma, Sir Tamawashi, and Sir Kinbozan as they seek the Holy Grail. I’m having fun and can’t wait to see what Holy Hand Grenade gets thrown on Day Six. (You know Shodai’s the rabbit in my metaphor.) How about y’all?

Sir Kinbozan will face a rusted shinkansen (Kagayaki), Sir Tamawashi will take on the leaky Takarabune, and Sir Chiyoshoma will wade into battle with the Sacred Seas (Mitakeumi). This makes all three heavy favorites to move to 6-0. Sir Oho will have a bigger challenge against the Flying Monkey.

Kyushu 2024, Day Four

Andy Kyushu 2024 , ,

No internet issues tonight. No debates or votes in the Diet. All is calm. We are ready for sumo.

I have not seen the nephews yet in maezumo. Instead, they’ve had a bunch of high schoolers and banzuke-gai pushing Higohikari around. Today, Higohikari had two bouts and in one he really stepped up and gave a great effort and nearly won. But no sign of the oi (Japanese for nephew). I’ll keep my eye out for good footage of their debuts and when it happens, I’ll point you to it.

Aonishiki is off to a great start. He worked his right hand inside on Daishoho’s belt and dragged him down to the clay, shitatenage. Hakuoho was finally able to tie his oicho-mage last night. He will start out our schedule tonight against Shishi, visiting from Juryo.

Your NHK links for today are here: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi

Hakuoho (3-1) defeated Shishi (2-2). Hakuoho has Shishi’s number and continues his winning streak. Hakuoho secured a right-hand outside, left-hand inside grip. It took quite a bit of effort but Hakuoho worked Shishi to the edge and pitched him over with a great over-arm throw. Uwatenage.

Takerufuji (3-1) defeated Bushozan (0-4). Takerufuji obliterated Bushozan, driving him quickly to the edge and over. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (2-2) defeated Tokihayate (2-2). Asakoryu jumped the gun at the tachiai. He hit Tokihayate hard at the tachiai and drove his opponent to the edge with some forceful tsuppari. Then Asakoryu pulled quickly and slapped Tokihayate down. Hatakikomi.

Chiyoshoma (3-1) defeated Nishikifuji (0-4). Chiyoshoma started the match in reverse. He cycled around the edge trying to pitch Nishikifuji over the edge. Nishikifuji pressed forward and looked strong with Chiyoshoma in retreat and worked Chiyoshoma’s back to the bales. Sensing danger, Chiyoshoma switched his strategy to forward-moving sumo and quickly wrapped up Nishikifuji, drove him back through the ring, and slammed Nishikifuji over the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Onokatsu (4-0) defeated Shonannoumi (2-2). Onokatsu dispatched Shonannoumi quickly. Shonannoumi tried his usual retreating sumo but Onokatsu stayed with him and pressed him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (2-2) defeated Hokutofuji (1-3). Hokutofuji’s pull after the tachiai was ineffective. That gave Sadanoumi an huge opening and Sadanoumi took advantage. Sadanoumi grabbed Hokutofuji and drove him out. Yorikiri.

Meisei (2-2) defeated Ryuden (1-3). Forward-sumo is winning the day today. Ryuden drove forward and worked Meisei to the edge. At the edge, Meisei suddenly slipped to the side and tried to shove Ryuden over. Ryuden maintained his balance so Meisei drove into him hard. Ryuden tried his own pull while in reverse but Meisei took advantage by keeping Ryuden in front and drove Ryuden over the edge. Yorikiri.

Takarafuji (2-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-1). An overeager Ichiyamamoto tried really hard to force Takarafuji over the edge. Suddenly, Takarafuji spun quickly on his heel and Ichiyamamoto flopped forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu (2-2) defeted Tamawashi (2-2). Solid tachiai. After trading tsuppari with Takayasu, Tamawashi put his head down and drove forward. That’s when Takayasu pulled and slapped Tamawashi down. Excellent timing by Takayasu. Hatakikomi.

Gonoyama (3-1) defeated Roga (1-3). Solid work from Gonoyama. He led with his head, slammed into Roga, moving his opponent backward. Gonoyama followed up with solid tsuppari to thrust Roga out. Tsukidashi.

Mitakeumi (3-1) defeated Midorifuji (1-3). Midorifuji was always on the watch for a katasukashi. Mitakeumi was set on forward-moving sumo today! He enveloped Midorifuji, grabbing him on the outside, locking up both arms and walked him over the edge. Kimedashi.

Halftime

Takanosho (4-0) defeated Nishikigi (0-4). Nishikigi looked strong to start but that might have been because Takanosho tried a pull. When that failed Takanosho drove forward and forced Nishikigi out.

Endo (3-1) defeated Kotoshoho (1-3). I enjoy seeing Endo performing well in the second half of the Torikumi. I say that and he immediately sidesteps after the tachiai. Kotoshoho almost makes him pay by pushing him to the edge. With the entire dohyo behind him, Kotoshoho tried a pull. Endo pressed forward and forced Kotoshoho down. Kotoshoho’s legs went in completely different directions and his left knee buckled awkwardly. Endo checked in on him and helped him up because he knew that was weird. Kotoshoho said he’s fine and seemed to be okay. Good sportsmanship from Endo. Love to see it. Oshitaoshi.

Churanoumi (1-3) defeated Oshoma (1-3). Hard tachiai. Churanoumi locked in with his left hand inside. He released the belt and instead wrapped Oshoma up under the armpit and levered Oshoma over. Powerful throw tipped Oshoma over and Oshoma had to catch himself, putting his hands down. Sukuinage.

Atamifuji (4-0) defeated Tobizaru (2-2). Henka-proof tachiai. Atamifuji played a wait-and-see game with Tobizaru. At the bales, Atamifuji tried a slapdown but failed. From there he wrapped up Tobizaru at the shoulder and steadily drove him backward and over the edge.

Sanyaku

Shodai (1-3) defeated Hiradoumi (0-4). Rally towel out today and held aloft in the living room (rather than just on display behind me). That must have been the difference via some psychic connection around the globe because a hyper-charged Shodai came out blasting at Hiradoumi. It’s usually Hiradoumi with the hard-hitting tachiai but today it was Shodai? What the hell?!?! Shodai hit Hiradoumi hard and drove him back then gave him a finishing shove under the red tassel. I saw a proud, showboat-y glance over at Hiradoumi from the former Ozeki as Shodai claimed his bounty. Bringing the attitude today, too. Hmm…must’ve eaten his Wheaties this morning. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (3-1) defeated Kirishima (0-4). Once Wakamotoharu pressed forward, Kirishima obliged by moving backward. Wakamotoharu wrapped up Kirishima’s left arm, drove him back to the edge and forced him over. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (2-2) defeated Oho (1-3). Oho pulled and Daieisho made him pay by driving his hand into Oho’s face. Daieisho followed through with the rest of his body shoving Oho out. Damn it. Move FORWARD! Oshidashi.

Abi (3-1) defeated Onosato (3-1). Abi blasted Onosato at the tachiai then backed away. Onosato pursued but over-committed. Abi shifted suddenly at the edge, grabbed Onosato under the armpit and hefted Onosato over. Sukuinage.

Hoshoryu (4-0) defeated Ura (1-3). Hoshoryu pressed forward, grabbed Ura’s belt with his right hand and dragged him down. Uwatenage.

Kotozakura (3-1) defeated Wakatakakage (3-1). Kotozakura absorbed WTK’s strong tachiai, pivoted, and walked him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Shodai and Abi, Harbingers of Chaos, are saddled up and on the ride again. But we still had two of three Ozeki win in strong, authoritative fashion against strong opponents, which is an awesome sign. We had a lot of great action, up and down the banzuke. It started with Hakuoho’s great bout with Shishi and rolled all the way through Kotozakura’s dominant win over Wakatakakage.

Kirishima fans, of which I am one, are rightly concerned for the man as he cannot find a way to win. If you haven’t figured it out, I’m basically a fan of this entire field. It sure makes sumo fandom easy. “Oh, my favorite lost. But my other favorite won. And the Ozeki are doing well. It’s a good day.”

We’re still very early in the tournament but four guys lead the top division with perfect records: Hoshoryu, Atamifuji, Takanosho, and Onokatsu with eleven men on one loss.

Hatsu 2024: Day 7 Highlights

Andy Hatsu 2024, Hatsu Basho , , , , ,

The news from the infirmary today is that Aoiyama is not only kyujo, he may have suffered a career-ending ACL injury. Hokuseiho is also going to be out longer than originally anticipated. Hat-tip to Herouth for the news that Hokuseiho will go under the knife and have surgery on his meniscus. This will put him out of action for Osaka. We will most likely see him back in Tokyo in May, in Juryo. To be completely honest, I think he does need a bit of a sumo style adjustment, too. The knee may dictate it.

Makuuchi Action

Onosho (6-1) fusensho, Aoiyama (0-7-8) kyujo.

Shimazuumi (4-3) defeated Kotoshoho (5-2). Initial advantage to Kotoshoho with his tsuppari. Once Shimazuumi used his arms to effectively block the incoming blows, he began to counter. He moved inside and drove Kotoshoho to the edge. Kotoshoho tried to wriggle away but Shimazuumi shoved him down. Oshitaoshi.

Bushozan (4-3) defeated Churanoumi (4-3). A great tsuppari battle here as both men generated alternating forward motion. Eventually Churanoumi started driving Bushozan to the edge. But it was a bit of a ploy by Bushozan. At the edge, Bushozan grabbed Churanoumi’s arm and tried to slip to the side. Churanoumi followed but Bushozan re-engaged from the side, shoving Churanoumi over. Oshitaoshi.

Myogiryu (2-5) defeated Takarafuji (3-4). Hurricane Myogiryu may have been weakening but still provided tropical storm-force headwinds for the Takarabune today. This forced a new course, straight backwards. The Takarabune attempted to tack before running aground but it was too late, and dropped over the horizon. Yorikiri.

Onosato (6-1) defeated Oho (5-2). Onosato locked up with his right hand inside grip right at the tachiai. Oho tried to circle but Onosato kept pace and pressed him back. Quick yorikiri.

Tsurugisho (2-5) defeated Tomokaze (1-6). Neither men were very effective with their tsuppari early on. Tsurugisho moved inside and locked up Tomokaze with his right hand inside. From there it was over as Tsurugisho bulldozed Tomokaze over the edge. Yorikiri.

Sadanoumi (2-5) defeated Endo (1-6). Sadanoumi locked in quickly with a hold of Endo’s trunk. Endo circled back as he tried to counter. Sadanoumi gathered up his strength and charged forward, gently lowering Endo off the dohyo to do some more fansa (Japanese colloquial term for “fan service”). Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (4-3) defeated Takanosho (4-3). Good ole Tom O’Washi was back as he quickly and easily battered Takanosho. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (7-0) defeated Meisei (4-3). Meisei blasted Asanoyama at the tachiai, rocking Asanoyama’s head back. No bother. Asanoyama wrapped him up and charged forward. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (3-4) defeated Hiradoumi (4-3). Ichiyamamoto-brand sumo here. Hit high with the arms, then pull down. It looks so easy. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Mitakeumi (4-3) defeated Shonannoumi (1-6). Straight-forward bulldoze from Mitakeumi. Shonannoumi will need to retool his sumo to succeed at this level. He’s just letting his opponents walk him to the edge and they’re not falling for his pulldowns. Oshidashi.

Nishikigi (4-3) defeated Kinbozan (3-4). Nishikigi locked in close at the tachiai. After an initial tussle of arms, Nishikigi acquired a left-hand inside hold of Kinbozan’s trunk. From there, it was a cake walk as he steamed ahead. The way Kinbozan seemed to shut off there should be a point of interest for his future opponents. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (2-5) defeated Gonoyama (2-5). Midorifuji sprung ahead early. Andy’s henka alert system kicked into high gear… No henka. Powerful tachiai from Gonoyama as he blasted Midorifuji to the edge before attempting a pulldown. Midorifuji maintained his balance and countered with his own tsuppari. Gonoyama charged forward in response. As they neared the edge, Midorifuji slipped quickly to the side and pushed Gonoyama out. Nearly an okuridashi, there. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (3-4) defeated Abi (1-6). Abi-zumo did not faze Atamifuji. Atamifuji just walked forward and drove Abi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (4-3) defeated Takayasu (2-3-2). A quick flurry of tsuppari at the tachiai but once Wakamotoharu latched on, Takayasu set the gearbox in “R” instead of “D” and backed out. There is a movie where the main character got in the car, thought he put it in drive but it was in reverse. There were instructions but apparently upside down, so he flipped it around? I can’t think of the name of it, though…that will bug me. Anyway, Takayasu’s back is still an issue. Yorikiri.

Daieisho (5-2) defeated Ura (1-6). Daieisho-zumo. Tsukidashi.

Kotonowaka (6-1) defeated Ryuden (3-4). Kotonowaka used a strong right hand grip to drag Ryuden around to the edge. From there it was just a matter of force as he shoved Ryuden out. Ryuden wouldn’t go out quietly, though, so Kotonowaka had to put a bit more force into it. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (6-1) defeated Hokutofuji (4-3). A nervous Hokutofuji charged forward early. In the most comical moment of the match day, Hokutofuji blasted into Kirishima and they took out the gyoji, Kimura Yodo. This may have unsettled Hokutofuji as both men shifted to a yotsu battle, righthand inside. Hokutofuji tried hard but once Kirishima got that left hand grip, it was over. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (5-2) defeated Tobizaru (3-4). Hoshoryu wrapped up Tobizaru with a kimedashi grip but Tobizaru freed his left arm. The two battled for a grip and Tobizaru made a critical error as it looked like he tried to wrap up Hoshoryu high, possibly for a kubinage attempt? This yielded a morozashi for Hoshoryu who ushered Tobizaru out. Yorikiri.

Shodai (4-3) defeated Terunofuji (5-2). Terunofuji tried the same thing Hoshoryu tried with both arms locking up the arms of his opponent. However, Terunofuji tried that against Shodai, who is a lot larger than Tobizaru. For once in his life, Shodai charged forward. Sensing trouble, the Yokozuna pivoted and tried to throw Shodai but Shodai kept his balance and pivoted with Terunofuji. He then drove the Yokozuna straight across the ring, and dropped him to the floor. Kinboshi! Yoritaoshi.

Wrap-up

Onosato outclassed Oho, who has been performing well, his only blemish suffered in the loss to the sanyaku veteran, Onosho. He will have a bit of a freebie tomorrow against Endo. As he and Asanoyama continue to chew through their competition, I anticipate a matchup between the two.

Asanoyama dominated Meisei and will face Tom O’Washi for his kachi-koshi tomorrow. If he and Onosato both win, the schedulers definitely will have a conundrum. Do they try to place a few high-ranking roadblocks in the path of Asanoyama, first, wagering Onosato’s run will end sometime?

If I were a master scheduler, I would pit the winner of Asanoyama/Onosato against Wakamotoharu before introducing any sanyaku opponents. At this point, we would be at Day 11, and the start of any real yusho talk. If Onosato is 10-1 at that point, has dispatched Asanoyama and Wakamotoharu, it makes sense to look at putting guys like Ura, Takayasu, Daieisho, Hoshoryu on his schedule.

Terunofuji slipped up again here, today. But the important thing is that he is still in the competition. I just think he used a technique against a big guy that he should not have used. I feel Kirishima escaped today with the help of the gyoji. Hokutofuji brought some fire into this bout and it was partially extinguished with the interference from the gyoji.

At this point, I am most impressed with Kotonowaka and Asanoyama. Asanoyama is head-and-shoulders above the rank-and-file. He will surely leap back into the joi in Osaka, perhaps even higher. Since his comeback, it is the joi-level and sanyaku-level competition that really challenges him. He is the only rikishi looking to pick up his kachi-koshi on nakabi.

Kirishima and Kotonowaka lead the group of four men with one loss. Kirishima will fight Tobizaru and Kotonowaka will fight Takayasu. Both bouts are really more than “must win”; they are “should win,” in that if either man falters, that will be a serious blow to any promotion or yusho hopes. They are joined by Onosato and Onosho. We already discussed Onosato; as for Onosho, he will face Shimazuumi.

Nagoya 2022: Day 12 Highlights

Andy Nagoya Basho 2022 , , , ,

These closing few days of the tournament present many challenges as yet another heya is forced to pull out due to Covid. This time Asakayama beya is forced to withdraw but makuuchi dodges a bullet and loses no more competitors. We’re already down to an abbreviated list of 18 bouts over the scheduled two hours, even with Kagayaki visiting from Juryo.

The yusho race has narrowed to Terunofuji and Ichinojo with two losses each while Tobizaru and Nishikigi joined Takakeisho and Nishikifuji in the chase group with three losses. With no further ado, lets get to the bouts.

The Bouts

Yutakayama versus Kagayaki: Kagayaki drove forward at the tachiai, leading with the crown of his forehead. A forearm to the throat may have been the spark Yutakayama needed to make his own charge. With Kagayaki’s feet sliding, Yutakayama pivoted left and shuffled to the middle of the ring. The pivot was important because re-positioning himself in this way meant he didn’t have to shove Kagayaki all the way across the dohyo, through the center, to get him to the tawara. Instead, the much shorter route turned the tables quickly, imperiling Kagayaki. Kagayaki tried to dance along the bales to get his position back but Yutakayama stuck with him and finally forced him over the bales, yorikiri. Both even their records at 6-6.

Onosho versus Chiyoshoma: Chiyoshoma didn’t henka and it cost him. The head-to-head only managed to stagger Oshoryu temporarily. While Chiyoshoma leaned in for a belt grip with his left hand, Onosho pressed both hands into Chiyoshoma’s core, Superman-style, and launched him clear from the into the head shimpan. Oshidashi. Onosho is 7-5 and Chiyoshoma is 5-7.

Daiamami versus Takarafuji: Daiamami’s make-koshi deepened today against the Takarabune. He tried to get that right hand in on Takarafuji’s belt but Takarafuji yanked it away. While Daiamami was still trying to get the fingers of his left hand onto his opponent’s belt, Takarafuji had already secured his preferred right hand grip and quickly drove Daiamami back and out. Daiamami is 2-8-2 and on the barge back to Juryo while Takarafuji steadies himself at 6-6.

Chiyomaru versus Midorifuji: Chiyomaru was just too much mass for Midorifuji today. Midorifuji tried shifting his belt grip but Chiyomaru corralled him at the edge and gently ushered him over the bales to pick up his fourth win. Midorifuji falls to 7-5.

Chiyotairyu versus Myogiryu: Chiyotairyu tried to pull Myogiryu down at the center of the ring but Myogiryu didn’t just maintain his balance, he squared up and charged back. Myogiryu’s tsuppari were forceful enough to force Chiyotairyu over the bales and earn his kachi-koshi. Myogiryu is at 8-4 with Chiyotairyu falling to 6-6.

Oho versus Meisei: Oho and Meisei launched themselves repeatedly into one another. Meisei had the dominant tachiai and better position to launch his charging attacks. Oho attempted a pulldown but missed and had to regroup quickly before Meisei could take advantage. Meisei saw the flaw in his plan and started to use more regular tsuppari but Oho had already steadied himself. Meisei attempted a half-hearted throw and failed. This allowed Oho claim to the center of the ring and better position to launch his own shoulder blasts but by this time he seemed sapped of strength and Meisei was quickly able to move forward, reclaim position at the center of the ring, and heave Oho from the ring with a final lunge. Oshidashi. Both are 7-5, eager to claim that kachi-koshi tomorrow.

Tochinoshin versus Nishikifuji: The veteran Tochinoshin executed a well-timed pull, thrusting Nishikifuji down and out of the ring. We often see guys fall on their face to this and end up with hatakikomi, but Nishikifuji’s effort to regain his balance saw his momentum carry him forward and clear from the ring for a tsukiotoshi, instead. Tochinoshin is 7-5 and Nishikifuji is falls out of the hunt group to 8-4.

Endo versus Shimanoumi: Endo followed through on his strong tachiai with solid tsuppari to force Shimanoumi to the edge. As Shimanoumi pushed back Endo seized the opportunity to seize Shimanoumi’s shimekomi. Endo drove forward again but Shimanoumi slipped away to Endo’s left. However, Endo quickly re-engaged and coupled with the pair’s momentum moving to the left side, pushed Shimanoumi out. Yorikiri. Endo picks up a third win while Shimanoumi falls to a dreadful 1-11.

Terutsuyoshi versus Sadanoumi: Terutsuyoshi tried to grasp Sadanoumi’s leg but failed. He then desperately tried to avoid getting pushed down and escaped to the right. Sadanoumi was in hot pursuit. He attempted, and failed, with a pull-down attack but drove forward. As Terutsuyoshi planted with his left foot to slide back, and catch the tawara with his right, Sadanoumi deftly kicked Terutsuyoshi’s plant foot. This forced Terutsuyoshi to lose his balance and fall backwards earning Sadanoumi a clever sotogake outside leg trip. Sadanoumi’s already make-koshi but gets a fourth win while Terutsuyoshi, at 5-7, needs to win out.

Tamawashi versus Tsurugisho: After a strong tachiai, Tsurugisho latched on to Tamawashi’s left arm. Tsurugisho tried a pull but Tamawashi kept his balance just enough to counter and force Tsurugisho backwards and off the dohyo. Gumbai Tamawashi. A quick mono-ii confirms that Tsurugishi was dead before Tamawashi’s hand went down. Oshidashi. Both wrestlers are 5-7.

Tobizaru versus Ichinojo: Ichinojo’s patience with Tobizaru today demonstrated, to me at least, his desire to win this tournament. He wasn’t going to make hasty mistakes and let it slip away today. After a firm tachiai, Tobizaru bounced three feet away from the boulder. Ichinojo is in the driver’s seat, hands at 10 and 2. (Like that? See what I did there? I crack myself up.) Tobizaru 8-4. Oshidashi.

Kiribayama versus Ura: Ura chose a hit-and-run technique, lunging in for an attack and then retreating, cycling back and around the dohyo. Each time Ura came in for an attack, Kiribayama laid into Ura and pursued with tsuppari. One final lunge and Kiribayama slapped down a charging Ura. Hatakikomi. Both men are 5-7 and must win their final 3 in order to claim kachi-koshi records.

Hoshoryu versus Hokutofuji: Hoshoryu weathered Hokutofuji’s forehead charges and tsuppari, trading attack for access to Hokutofuji’s belt. After an attack, Hokutofuji strayed too close and this allowed Hoshoryu to secure a belt grip. He pivoted and threw Hokutofuji out of the dohyo. Uwatenage. Hoshoryu improves to 7-5 while Hokutofuji falls to 6-6.

Wakamotoharu versus Abi: Abi henka! Wakamotoharu didn’t fall for it but as he turned to face Abi from his new position, he encountered a torrent of Abi’s thrusts. Tsukiotoshi. Abi improves to 6-6, Wakamotoharu falls to 5-7.

Wakatakakage versus Okinoumi: After a strong collision at the center, Wakatakakage was impervious to Okinoumi’s attempts to advance. His own steady pressure forced Okinoumi back and out, yorikiri. Wakatakakage improves to 7-5, Okinoumi is make-koshi and falls to 4-8.

Takakeisho versus Nishikigi: In another matchup which likely would not occur without all of the kyujo, Maegashira 8 Nishikigi gets to face Ozeki Takakeisho. Both men are kachi-koshi and one loss off the leaders coming into today’s bout. Takakeisho’s opening nodowa drove Nishikigi back to the bales. Nishikigi circled to his left and charged back at the Ozeki. But the Ozeki did not budge, sending Nishikigi back to the edge to try again. One final lunge at the Ozeki but Takakeisho again repelled the attack, and pushed Nishikigi out of the ring. Oshidashi. Takakeisho is 9-3 and Nishikigi falls to a comfortable 8-4.

Aoiyama versus Shodai: Shodai advanced through Aoiyama’s “tsuppari”, forced Aoiyama to retreat. It’s not clear to me whether Aoiyama pulled himself a bit too close to the edge or whether Shodai’s advance shoved him over, but the call is oshidashi. Shodai clears his kadoban and stands at 8-4. Aoiyama 5-7. Oshidashi.

Terunofuji versus Daieisho: Daieisho charged into the Yokozuna but could not make any head way. Terunofuji brought his right forearm up to re-enforce the shove landed with his left, dropping Daieisho from the dohyo’s surface. Terunofuji matches Ichinojo’s pace at 10-2. Daieisho falls to 6-6. Oshidashi.