Takanosho

Haru 2026: Day Nine

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , , , ,

Day Nine in Osaka. As usual, let’s swing by the infirmary for any updates and we’ve got a couple of injury items. Abi is back in the action today and will fight Churanoumi. Secondly, Onokatsu is kyujo, again. Shodai will pick up the default victory. Onokatsu’s participation over the past few days has been painful to watch. Unfortunately, his foot injury will likely mean he will drop into Juryo but better to heal and come back than continue to do more damage while losing.

Thank you, Leonid, for posting in my absence. The comments sections were busy, even without me and that was great to see. The Makushita yusho race is heating up and I bring great follow-on news about Enho! He picked up his fourth win today, cementing his kachi-koshi.

NHK has videos of today’s action here.

Makuuchi Action

Asahakuryu (6-3) defeated Kinbozan (4-5). Asahakuryu put an end to Kinbozan’s tsuppari by working his way inside and getting a right-hand inside, left-hand outside hold of Kinbozan’s mawashi. He stood Kinbozan up high and steadily worked him to the side of the ring and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Fujiseiun (6-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-4). Chiyoshoma shoved Fujiseiun to the edge but Fujiseiun used his excellent footwork to rotate and force Chiyoshoma’s back to the tawara. Fujiseiun then used his hazuoshi to shove Chiyoshoma up and out. Oshidashi.

Asakoryu (6-3) defeated Fujiryoga (5-4). From a perilous position at the edge, Asakoryu got a left-hand inside grip, pivoted to his left and pulled Fujiryoga forward to the floor. Shitatenage.

Mitakeumi (4-5) defeated Oshoumi (2-7). Oshoumi forced Mitakeumi to the edge where Mitakeumi shuffled right and forced Oshoumi out with a shove in the back. Oshoumi had the look of a kid who was just about to enjoy a nice, big, cold ice cream only to have a seagull come down swoop down from nowhere and poop on it. Tsukiotoshi.

Shishi (5-4) defeated Nishikifuji (4-5). Shishi got his right arm inside Nishikifuji’s shoulder and shoved him hard to the left. This staggered Nishikifuji and Shishi kept shoving until Nishikifuji was off the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (3-6) defeated Roga (3-6). Tobizaru slipped Roga’s grasp to the left and pulled him down. Hikiotoshi.

Gonoyama (8-1) defeated Kotoeiho (6-3). Gonoyama blitzed Kotoeiho and immediately put him on his heels by leading with his head. Kotoeiho tried to turn and pull but Gonoyama had him well within his grasp. Gonoyama quickly shoved him out. With his eighth win, Gonoyama is the first rikishi in the top division to earn his kachi-koshi this tournament. I did NOT have that on my bingo card. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (5-4) defeated Tamawashi (2-7). Tamawashi gave it the old college try and forced Asanoyama to the edge but Asanoyama got his left hand inside Tamawashi’s right shoulder and heaved him over to the ground. Sukuinage.

Oshoma (4-5) defeated Tokihayate (4-5). Oshoma pulled Tokihayate’s hands forward, then seized the back of his belt to pull him down to the ground. Uwatenage.

Shodai (6-3) claimed the default win over Onokatsu (1-6-2).

Halftime

Hakunofuji (2-3-4) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-5). After a long lean, Hakunofuji forced the issue with a trip attempt. Ichiyamamoto kept his balance and used the leverage to force Hakunofuji to the edge with his strong yotsu sumo. At the bales, Hakunofuji shoved Ichi with his left hand, giving him space to slide left and pull Ichiyamamoto down with his right. What an escape! Uwatehineri.

Kotoshoho (8-1) defeated Ura (4-5). Kotoshoho assaulted Ura from the word, “jump,” and did not relent until Ura was sent flying from the dohyo. Another rank-and-file kachi-koshi, and a lucrative one, to boot. Might be able to buy a new pair of sandals or a nice handbag. Oshidashi.

Abi (1-3-5) defeated Churanoumi (3-6). Abi-zumo was back in force today. A steady stream of tsuppari to Churanoumi’s face followed by a slap-down. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage defeated Yoshinofuji. Wakatakakage hit Yoshinofuji at the tachiai and shifted slightly left. However slight, it was enough for Yoshinofuji to slip forward to the clay. No one else saw Wakamotoharu slip the banana peel up there to help his brother out but I saw. I’ve got my eye on you, Onami-kun. I’ve got my eye on you. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Fujinokawa (4-5) defeated Atamifuji (5-4). Atamifuji had just shoved Fujinokawa to the edge when he decided to execute the slowest slapdown attempt in history. He did pivot, I’ll give him that, but then he just went backwards again and Fujinokawa shoved him out with a flurry of tsuppari. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (2-7) defeated Hiradoumi (5-4). Hiradoumi drove Wakamotoharu to the edge but Wakamotoharu used his right arm in Hiradoumi’s left shoulder to pull him over the bales. Gunbai Wakamotoharu. No mono-ii. What a spectacular throw! This was the “counter-move” that Konishiki mentioned in his kimarite video. Sorry, I have watched these so many times that I have, “a counter mooove,” cued up in my head when I see utchari.

Kirishima (8-1) defeated Daieisho (4-5). Kirishima got separation from Daieisho. Then Daieisho charged forward like the bull in “Bully for Bugs.” Like that slippery rabbit, Kirishima shifted to the side and Daieisho went on by and Kiri shoved him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotozakura (5-4) defeated Oho (3-6). Oho chose a poor time to pull and Kotozakura shoved Oho over the bales. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (4-5) defeated Takayasu (6-3). Aonishiki is back to his fundamentals. He’s shaken off the nightmare of the last few days and used steady tsuppari to drive Takayasu back and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-2) defeated Takanosho (7-2). Takanosho shoved the Yokozuna’s head back as hard as he could but Hoshoryu took it in stride. When Takanosho relented, Hoshoryu drove forward and forced him out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

We’ve got a five-man yusho race at the moment. Sadly, Takayasu falls from the race, along with Kotoeiho.

一敗: Kirishima, Kotoshoho, Gonoyama

二敗: Hoshoryu, Takanosho

Kirishima is making a solid go of it. While Aonishiki’s Yokozuna run came to an end in a dreadful three-bout losing streak, Kirishima’s hopes of returning to Ozeki are looking brighter. Kirishima picked up his seventh win in a row and eighth overall by shoving Takayasu out of contention. He’ll need to dig deep because Takanosho owns him in their rivalry, 17-6.

Let’s turn to tomorrow’s pairings. Atamifuji will fight Churanoumi, Kirishima will fight Takanosho and Takayasu will fight Oho. Aonishiki will fight Hiradoumi and Kotozakura will step up to face Daieisho. Hoshoryu will close out Day Ten against Wakamotoharu.

It’s great to be back and I’ll see you here tomorrow.

Haru 2026: Day Five

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho ,

Day Five in Osaka. As I mentioned yesterday, Onokatsu returns to action today. No other kyujo announcements, which is a welcome relief as the infirmary had been busy. I’m glad I get to use a different picture for today’s post.

Unfortunately, on Day Seven and Day Eight, I will not be able to watch the action or write. I guess you could say that I’ll be kyujo. Except my kyujo is not injury related. I’m just too busy this weekend. I’m sure you will still enjoy the tournament. I will be here tomorrow for Day Six but after the weekend, I will need to catch up with you all on Day Nine.

On to the action.

Asahifuji threw Kyoda to stay undefeated in Jonidan but Enho picked up his first loss today against Okaryu. He had defeated Shimanoumi (which I neglected to mention yesterday, my apologies). So, he has a 2-1 record heading into the middle weekend, which is not bad. Two more wins and he’ll possibly earn promotion but he’ll be much more likely to lock it down with a 5-2 record. Takakento missed out on promotion with 4-3 from the same rank in January. Okaryu and Himukamaru are ahead of Enho in the promotion race at the moment. But the loss will take him out of the winners’ bracket, maybe making a slightly easier path to 5 wins?

Okaryu is from Tatsunami beya, and is known to Tachiai followers as the guy who can open an apple with his bare hands (and make it look rather easy). I got it but it was a bit more of a challenge. He was a solid Kinki University sumo recruit, earning a sandanme debut. He’s steadily been working his way through Makushita since earning promotion in late 2024. It’s a slog, as Enho can attest.

In Juryo, the group of undefeated has winnowed down to two: Wakanosho and Kazuma. Wakanosho will face Sadanoumi tomorrow and Kazuma will battle Kazekeno.

Your NHK videos for today’s top division action are here.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoeiho (3-2) defeated Mitakeumi (2-3). Kotoeiho tried to use his right hand ottsuke to block Mitakeumi from getting a hold of his mawashi with his left hand. Mitakeumi still landed the grip but didn’t do anything with it. So Kotoeiho reared back to slip his right hand inside. This popped Mitakeumi’s left hand off Kotoeiho’s belt and gave Kotoeiho the leverage he needed to drive the former Ozeki back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (3-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-3). Fujiryoga ignored Chiyoshoma’s tsuppari and shoved him back over the edge. Oshitaoshi.

Kinbozan (3-2) defeated Fujiseiun (3-2). Kinbozan obliterated Fujiseiun with thrusts to the face and shoulders. This drove Fujiseiun back and out. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (4-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-4). Tobizaru got a right hand inside grip and spent a good deal of time trying to keep Asahakuryu’s right hand away. Asahakuryu tried a slapdown but Tobizaru kept his balance. Tobizaru was not able to get enough leverage to pitch Asahakuryu forward and throw him over the edge. The two tussled back and forth for a long time in a bit of a stalemate. Tobizaru tried to trip Asahakuryu but Asahakuryu’s balance was solid. Asahakuryu’s patience and endurance won out. He eventually got his right hand inside, hugged around Tobizaru. He then drove forward and forced Tobizaru out. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (3-2) defeated Nishikifuji (3-2). Nishikifuji lashed out with tsuppari and headbutts. Asanoyama is going to have a bit of a shiner on his left eye as a result. Nevertheless, Asanoyama weathered the attack, corralled Nishikifuji and slapped him down in the middle of the ring. That’s a slapdown I can appreciate. He did it while moving forward. He didn’t pull. He just grabbed Nishikifuji by the back of the shoulders and shoved him down. Hatakikomi.

Asakoryu (4-1) defeated Roga (2-3). Asakoryu seemed to jump early, so the gyoji called a matta. On the second tachiai, Asakoryu leapt to the left with a henka. Roga adjusted well but Asakoryu got his right hand inside. With the left he thrust Roga back and out. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (4-1) defeated Oshoumi (0-5). Gonoyama grabbed Oshoumi’s belt with his left hand inside, right hand outside. He used some gaburi-yotsu hip thrusts to drive forward and overpower Oshoumi. Oshoumi resisted as much as he could but Gonoyama just went through him and crushed him out by forcing all of his weight on him. Oshoumi is trying and fighting hard. Today, he just wasn’t strong enough. Abisetaoshi.

Shishi (3-2) defeated Tokihayate (2-3). Shishi kept up with Tokihayate’s spin and got a solid left hand inside. Tokihayate pulled and tried an armbar on that left arm but Shishi just pressed forward and forced him out. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (1-4) defeated Ura (3-2). Tamawashi drove Ura back and out behind his powerful tsuppari. Tsukidashi.

Shodai (4-1) defeated Oshoma (2-3). Shodai really wanted this one because he weathered Oshoma’s headbutts, tsuppari and arm grab. He eventually pulled Oshoma forward to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Halftime

Takanosho (5-0) defeated Onokatsu (0-3-2). Takanosho thrust Onokatsu back to the bales where Onokatsu used his left foot to brace himself from going out. Takanosho did not relent, however, and shoved Onokatsu, making him fall forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (2-3) defeated Kotoshoho (4-1). Daieisho slipped right and slapped Kotoshoho down. Kotoshoho seemed very disappointed, having fallen for that very quickly and picking up his first loss as a result. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (3-2) defeated Oho (1-4). Ichiyamamoto battered Oho with tsuppari and drove him out. Ichiyamamoto might be headed back up the banzuke. I’ve got to say, he gives his all, like Ikioi. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (4-1) defeated Atamifuji (2-3). Atamifuji charged forward, shoving Hiradoumi back to the edge. Hiradoumi slipped to his left at the bales and shoved Atamifuji forward and out. Okuridashi.

Takayasu (5-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (2-3). Takayasu got his left hand inside, deep on Yoshinofuji’s belt, extending his body to keep Yoshinofuji’s right hand out of reach from his own belt. Takayasu was able to secure a right-hand outside grip. He paused to secure his hold, then pulled up and charged forward to force the youngster over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (4-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-5). Wakamotoharu showed some initiative on offense today, grabbing Kirishima’s left arm. Kirishima backed away and battered Wakamotoharu with a few thrusts of tsuppari as punishment before slapping him down. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (2-3) defeated Kotozakura (3-2). Kotozakura grabbed Wakatakakage’s belt, deep on the knot. He pulled it loose which put us in danger of wardrobe malfunction. The gyoji spotted the issue and retied Wakatakakage’s mawashi. However, the extra leverage did not help Kotozakura. Wakatakakage was able to drive Kotozakura back and over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (3-2) defeated Fujinokawa (2-3). Aonishiki steadily and methodically corralled the hyper-caffeinated Fujinokawa and drove him back and out. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-3). I liked seeing the patience from Hoshoryu today. He endured Churanoumi’s attack and was able to turn the tables, grab Churanoumi and drive him to the edge. When Churanoumi resisted, Hoshoryu used his right hand hold under Chura’s shoulder and threw him down in the middle of the ring. Sukuinage.

Wrap-up

It’s far too early to start talking about a yusho race. So, let’s turn to tomorrow’s matchups. Early in the action, we’ll see Asakoryu take on Kotoeiho and Shishi battle Asanoyama. Ichiyamamoto will fight Ura and moving up a bit, Takanosho will take on Kotoshoho.

In Sanyaku, hapless Wakamotoharu will fight Fujinokawa for the first time. Kirishima will fight Yoshinofuji and Takayasu will need to muster something special to defeat Wakatakakage and remain undefeated. Aonishiki will face danger as he will fight Oho. Kotozakura will be challenged by Atamifuji and Hoshoryu will close the day out against Hiradoumi.

I’ll see you tomorrow…but remember there will be a break in my usual coverage over the weekend.

Haru 2026: Day Four

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , ,

News from the infirmary that Onosato will be kyujo from Day Four. Yoshinofuji will receive the default win. Also, we have news that Onokatsu will return tomorrow, Day Five. Onokatsu will fight Takanosho.

In Juryo, the leadership group with four wins has narrowed to four men, Wakanosho (who might be looking to repeat his yusho from Hatsu), Kyokukaiyu, Kazuma and the newly promoted, shin-nyumaku, Fujitensei.

The NHK videos for Day Four are here. Of course, if you want to bookmark this page it has links to bouts from the previous two tournaments, as well.

Makuuchi action

Asahakuryu (3-1) defeated Fujiryoga (2-2). Just as Fujiryoga began to chug forward, Asahakuryu shifted to his right and hooked his right arm under Fujiryoga’s left shoulder and thrust him forward to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoeiho (2-2) defeated Kinbozan (2-2). Henka! Kotoeiho shifted to his left at the tachiai and slapped Kinbozan down. Hikiotoshi.

Nishikifuji (3-1) defeated Mitakeumi (2-2). Nishikifuji got a left hand inside grip and Mitakeumi fought well with his right-hand overarm grip. Mitakeumi tried to pull and that’s when Nishikifuji was able to charge forward and force Mitakeumi out. Yorikiri.

Fujiseiun (3-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-3). Tobizaru got his right hand inside. Fujiseiun battled to get his left hand overarm grip but couldn’t quite get it. So, Fujiseiun grabbed Tobizaru’s right arm and pivoted, trying a kotenage. This broke Tobizaru’s hold on Fujiseiun’s belt. Fujiseiun followed up by shoving Tobizaru until he pushed him out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-2). Asanoyama wasn’t playing around today. He worked his right arm in under Chiyoshoma’s left shoulder and swung Chiyoshoma down by pulling hard and rotated counter-clockwise, dragging him down. Sukuinage.

Asakoryu (3-1) defeated Oshoumi (0-3). While Oshoumi still struggled to get a sashi, Asakoryu had locked on with his left-hand inside and threw Oshoumi with that left-hand grip. I need to get stats on the length of guys’ arms. Asakoryu had that grip but was able to extend his body and keep Oshoumi off his belt because Oshoumi couldn’t reach that far. Shitatenage.

Tokihayate (2-2) defeated Roga (2-2). Tokihayate got his right-hand inside grip and pulled Roga forward, flipping him over the bales. Shitatenage.

Shishi (2-2) defeated Tamawashi (0-4). Tamawashi owns the record in makuuchi bouts at 1471, breaking Kyokutenho’s record. Tamawashi tried everything. He hit Shishi with fierce tsuppari, tried a slapdown, wrenched Shishi’s arm for a kotenage…but Shishi stood. As Tamawashi did the unthinkable, grabbed Shishi’s belt and heaved toward the bales, Shishi used a last second left-hand belt grip to counter-attack and throw Tamawashi over the edge. I know folks have been talking about Tamawashi as being winless this tournament so far but the old man certainly brought the heat today. He just got beat by better sumo. “Zannen desu”, as they say. Shitatenage.

Shodai (3-1) defeated Gonoyama (3-1). Shodai shifted left then right, knocked Gonoyama off-balance and thrust him to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (1-3) defeated Ura (3-1). Homeboy finally lost. Ura tried to feel his way forward through Daieisho’s tsuppari but Daieisho quickly slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Takanosho (4-0) defeated Oshoma (2-2). Takanosho blasted Oshoma back to the bales. As Oshoma tried to brace against the tawara, he took a knee. Takanosho slapped him down just to be sure but this is one of those, “Oops,” non-winning moves. Tsukihiza.

Hiradoumi (3-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-2). Hiradoumi pressed through Ichiyamamoto’s volleys of tsuppari, charged forward and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (4-0) defeated Oho (1-3). This was a great bout where both men battered each other with headbutts and tsuppari, leaving both men bloodied. An exhausted Oho flopped down onto the bales, rather comedically. Oho knew the slapdown was coming. He’d faced about five attempts and defeated all of them with solid footwork. Rather than resist this final slapdown, he embraced it. “Please, end it. Just, end it. I’m tired.” Well, you’ll never make Ozeki with that attitude. From out of nowhere, Shodai pipes in. “Don’t be so sure.” Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (2-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-4). Wakamotoharu wasn’t even a blocking sled. Wakamotoharu moved back as if he were a blocking sled with thousands of helium balloons tied to it so that it hovered an inch off the ground. A strong fart could have taken him out. WTH, WMH? You hurt, too? Maybe we’ve got one more on kyujo watch. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (3-1) defeated Wakatakakage (1-3). Kirishima forced Wakatakakage to the bales with his initial charge. Wakatakakage resisted so Kirishima grabbed him with his left-hand over-arm grip, right hand up under WTK’s shoulder, and drove forward. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji default win over Onosato. No doubt sad he misses out on a double-fisted payday.

Churanoumi (2-2) defeated Aonishiki (2-2). What a brawl. Both men peppered the other with tsuppari. Churanoumi tried a little misdirection but Aonishiki’s footwork was excellent and he re-engaged. Aonishiki’s tsuppari wouldn’t move Churanoumi back so he pulled and Churanoumi surged forward with both men crashing down along the bales. Gunbai Churanoumi. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi.

News Break?!?!?! You’re literally going to have the news in 23 minutes! “Andy, we’re starved for action…and for oil. There’s barely anyone left to fight and we can’t drag things out forever. Besides, these oil ships are a big deal for us.”

Takayasu (4-0) defeated Kotozakura (3-1). Kotozakura stood his ground and didn’t reverse immediately to the bales. Instead, he stood up Takayasu and tried to shove him back. Both men locked on to each other’s belt. Kotozakura pulled back to get a better inside grip with the left hand and that’s when Takayasu surged forward. Kotozakura freaked out and backed away but Takayasu was not letting go with that left hand. Takayasu chased and forced the Ozeki out. Yorikiri.

Fujinokawa (2-2) defeated Hoshoryu (3-1). The disrupter strikes again. Kinboshi Number Two. Fujinokawa charged ahead as Hoshoryu rotated left. Fujinokawa backed away and slapped the Yokozuna down. This one is totally on the Yokozuna. He needed much better footwork and a plan would have been nice. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Freaking upsets!! Onosato out. Hoshoryu falls. Kotozakura had just started looking solid!!! Now, Aonishiki’s first rope-run is on life support. Takayasu leads Kotoshoho and Takanosho. Well, at least we don’t have Fujiryoga or Kotoeiho on a yusho run. Dig up the squid!!

When the descriptions get long and Andy starts getting silly, it’s time for bed. Not before we take a look at tomorrow’s bouts, though. So, what do we have on tap? Atamifuji will fight Hiradoumi, Takayasu will fight Yoshinofuji, and Kirishima is set to take on Wakamotoharu. Kotozakura will fight Wakatakakage, Aonishiki versus Fujinokawa and Hoshoryu ends the day’s action against Churanoumi.

Hatsu 2026: Day Five

Andy Hatsu 2026, Hatsu Basho , ,

Day Five. No kyujo news, which is not a surprise. NHK coverage was diverted again for a press conference, this time with Noda Yoshihiko, leader of the opposition CDP. So, we’re firing up the VPN to get Abema coverage to start the day. Myogiryu is their commentator today, over on NHK they have Endo and Mainoumi.

In Juryo action, Nishikigi defeated Dewanoryu and Fujiseiun beat Sadanoumi. And then there was one. This means Fujiseiun is the lone wrestler still undefeated in the second division.

Your Day Five NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Asanoyama (4-1) defeated Ryuden (1-4). Ryuden looks bigger than Asanoyama. But Asanoyama got both hands wrapped around Ryuden’s trunk, stood him up and shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi (3-2) defeated Hatsuyama (0-5). Hatsuyama got a left hand uwate grip, pulled but could not throw Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi quickly drove Hatsuyama back and out. Yorikiri.

Oshoumi (4-1) defeated Shishi (3-2). Shishi wrapped up Oshoumi’s left arm and held it aloft. As he wrapped up Oshoumi, he began to pull him toward the edge. Oshoumi used his free right arm to reach Shishi’s belt with a right hand shitate, (inside grip). As the pair neared the bales, Oshoumi pulled up hard with that right-hand grip and toppled Shishi over the bales and off the dohyo. Shitatenage.

Tomokaze (2-3) defeated Asahakuryu (3-2). Tomokaze drove into Asahakuryu with a strong right hand nodowa. He never pulled, he just plowed ahead and shoved Asahakuryu off the edge. Taking a page out of Takanosho’s playbook will get me to sit up and take notice. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (2-3) defeated Asakoryu (3-2). Asakoryu jammed his right arm into Midorifuji’s jaw but as they neared the edge, Midorifuji knocked Asakoryu’s hand away and shoved him forward. This gave Midorifuji access to the back of Asakoryu’s belt and he quickly seized it. Midorifuji got behind Asakoryu and walked him out. Okuridashi.

Nishikifuji (3-2) defeated Tobizaru (1-4). Nishikifuji laid into Tobizaru with relentless tsuppari and Tobizaru had no answers. Nishikifuji assaulted him over and over, walking through Tobizaru’s own shoves until the Flying Monkey was sent Flying into the crowd. Tobizaru has been having a terrible start to the tournament. Oshidashi.

Abi (5-0) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-3). Chiyoshoma tried to get his migi-yotsu attack going but Abi blocked his hands from getting a firm grip. Nevertheless, Chiyoshoma pressured Abi to the edge. Abi shifted to his left along the bales and dragged Chiyoshoma down. Chiyoshoma slow to get up, favoring his heavily taped right ankle. Tsukiotoshi.

Tokihayate (3-2) defeated Roga (2-3) Despite Roga’s firm left-hand uwate, Tokihayate wrapped him up with a bear hug and drove him back and out. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (3-2) defeated Gonoyama (1-4). As Gonoyama plowed forward, Kotoshoho brought his right arm up around Gonoyama’s head and twisted, bringing Gonoyama down at the edge. Kubinage.

Fujinokawa (4-1) defeated Shodai (3-2). Fujinokawa henka! This is Shodai, though. He just turned left as he stood up. Duh. Why henka? The hyper-caffeinated Fujinokawa then laid into poor Shodai, driving him back to the bales and out. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (5-0) defeated Kinbozan (1-4). Oshoma stood Kinbozan up with strong tsuppari, then grabbed a hold of his belt with a left hand uwate. Oshoma then pulled and threw Kinbozan over the edge. Uwatedashinage.

Halftime

Hiradoumi (3-2) defeated Churanoumi (2-3). Hiradoumi overpowered Churanoumi, pressed him back with his migi-yotsu and walked him out. Yorikiri.

Onokatsu (2-3) defeated Tamawashi (2-3). Tamawashi lashed out with his tsuppari but Onokatsu ducked his head down, stepped inside and grabbed Tamawashi’s belt with both hands inside. That’s one way to end the tsuppari. Onokatsu then chugged forward and forced Tamawashi out. The tachiai appeared to open a gash on Onokatsu’s forehead. Bloodied, he accepted his kensho. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (3-2) defeated Ura (0-5). Ura picked a terrible time to jump backward and try a slapdown. Atamifuji was chugging forward when Ura leapt into the air, coming down on the other side of the bales. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji (3-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-4). Yoshinofuji greeted Ichiyamamoto with a great shove at the tachiai, blasting the oshi-tsuki specialist deep into his own half of the dohyo. Yoshinofuji then pressed forward, wrapped Ichi up and walked him over the bales. The most impressive thing for me was that you would expect Ichiyamamoto to be the one blasting Yoshinofuji and shoving him backwards. When Yoshinofuji used Ichiyamamoto’s favored technique against him to drive him back to the bales, I am impressed. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (4-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-5). Wakamotoharu did not appear to have a plan so Takayasu blasted him from the dohyo with forceful tsuppari. Tsukidashi.

Oho (2-3) defeated Kirishima (4-1). Oho forced Kirishima into a brawl. As Oho lashed out with head-butts and tsuppari, Kirishima countered with blows of his own but he really wanted to duck inside and force a grapple. As Kirishima pressed to get inside, Oho suddenly pulled and slapped Kirishima down. Beautifully played. When I think of amateur sumo, I wonder how many folks bring that kind of intensity to practice? You probably can’t without catching an assault charge or creating tons of injuries. Most probably don’t even bring this intensity to competition. The Heya Life is just a different world. (But I digress.) Hatakikomi.

Aonishiki (4-1) defeated Daieisho (1-4). Daieisho lashed out with his tsuppari but Aonishiki moved inside, grabbed Daieisho’s belt and drove him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Hakunofuji (3-2) defeated Kotozakura (3-2). Hakunofuji held Kotozakura high with his left hand inside, under Kotozakura’s shoulder. Kotozakura got a left-hand inside grip but Hakunofuji pressed ahead with his right hand uwate and forced the Ozeki out. Yorikiri.

Onosato (4-1) defeated Takanosho (0-5). Takanosho pulled and caught the Yokozuna carelessly charging forward. I’m certain Onosato did not prepare. He did not read the brief. Wide-eyed Takanosho tried to chase but only caught Onosato with a glancing blow as the Yokozuna deflected his attack and he fell forward. Onosato fell off the edge. Gunbai Onosato. No mono-ii. Good call but so unsatisfying. Takanosho might relive that moment for the rest of his life. Three lifetime kinboshi against Terunofuji but this one against Onosato slipped away. Tsukiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Wakatakakage (3-2). Hoshoryu sprung forward and used his left hand to rip Wakatakakage’s hand away while grasping Wakatakakage’ belt with the right. Hoshoryu charged forward and ushered Wakatakakage over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Kirishima picked up his first loss. Abi and Oshoma remain in the lead. Abi will fight Asakoryu tomorrow and Oshoma will take on Churanoumi. In sanyaku, the komusubi will face off, Oho versus Wakamotoharu. Kirishima will fight Ichiyamamoto and Kotozakura will fight Daieisho in what feels like a must-win bout. Aonishiki battles Takayasu, Hoshoryu will fight the ghost of Takanosho and Onosato will take on Wakatakakage.

I’ll be watching the kyujo news tomorrow. We’ll see if Chiyoshoma ducks out early. Down in Makushita, Enho will fight Fujisodai as he tries to pick up a third straight win. Down in Jonokuchi, Asahifuji will have the day off as he picked up his third win today. As a bit of an aside, the female announcer voice at Kokugikan has a bit of a Squid Game edge in her cheerful voice as she tells people to head for the exits.

Well, we’ll be back tomorrow!