Takanosho

Aki 2025: Day Thirteen

Andy Aki 2025, Aki Basho , , ,

Day Thirteen. To recap the top division action, heading into the final weekend, the yusho race is down to the Yokozuna and a dark horse in Takanosho. Aonishiki’s big upset against Hoshoryu meant Hoshoryu lost for the first time this tournament and is now level with Onosato with one loss. Takanosho’s win means he is the lone rikishi at 10-2.

Asahakuryu (11-2) leads in Juryo as his heya-mate Asanoyama fell to Nishikifuji. Keep in mind that this is Asahakuryu’s first tournament as sekitori! What a way to break into the full time ranks. Asanoyama and Nishikifuji form the chase group at 10-3.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Chiyoshoma (8-5) defeated Shonannoumi (6-7). Chiyoshoma got his left hand inside and pulled, dragging Shonannoumi down. Shitatenage.

Tomokaze (8-5) defeated Sadanoumi (5-8). Both men exchanged tsuppari before Tomokaze caught Sadanoumi behind the scruff of his neck and pulled him down. Tomokaze picked up his first top division winning record since before the pandemic. Hatakikomi.

Shishi (9-4) defeated Churanoumi (8-5). Shishi ate his Wheaties and overpowered Churanoumi. He got his right hand over arm grip, deep on Churanoumi’s belt and drove forward. At the bales he bowled Churanoumi over. Uwatenage.

Asakoryu (6-7) defeated Daieisho (6-7). Daieisho pulled and he slapped Asakoryu down while going out. Gunbai Daieisho. Mono-ii. Daieisho landed outside first. Decision reversed. Asakoryu won. Oshidashi.

Hitoshi (6-7) defeated Fujinokawa (5-8). Hitoshi slammed hard into Fujinokawa and thrust him from the dohyo. Tsukidashi.

Midorifuji (6-7) defeated Nishikigi (1-12). With Nishikigi’s loose mawashi, Midorifuji was able to get his maemitsu and hold on to that belt even with Nishikigi holding Midorifuji’s arms up. As Nishikigi tired, Midorifuji pressed forward and forced his opponent over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (6-7) defeated Tobizaru (7-6). Kinbozan attempted a pull and slapdown quickly after the tachiai. He nearly caught Tobizaru but Tobizaru recovered and re-engaged. Kinbozan hit Tobizaru with some tsuppari and then tried another slapdown. This time Tobizaru stumbled out of the ring. Hatakikomi.

Ura (9-4) defeated Tokihayate (6-7). Ura pushed Tokihayate and drove him backward through the dohyo and over the edge. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (6-7) defeated Oshoma (8-5). Mitakeumi bear-hugged Oshoma and drove him back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kusano (7-6) defeated Roga (6-7). Kusano drove forward fiercely and shoved Roga down over the tawara. Yoritaoshi.

Meisei (4-9) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-10). Meisei henka! Meisei jumped to his right and pulled Ichiyamamoto down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Atamifuji (4-9) defeated Gonoyama (1-12). Gonoyama’s struggles continued as he could not get much offense going. Once Atamifuji got his left-hand outside grip, he started the hug-and-chug. I want to see him commit to this gaburi because he seems to do well when he presses forward like this. Yorikiri.

Oho (8-5) defeated Ryuden (9-4). Oho hit Ryuden with tsuppari and then pulled and slapped Ryuden down. Well Ryuden didn’t go down but he did lose his balance and charged forward, off the dohyo and into the crowd. Hatakikomi.

Hakuoho (7-6) defeated Onokatsu (5-8). Hakuoho got a left hand inside grip, pivoted, and swung Onokatsu around. He then drove Onokatsu from the ring. Yorikiri.

Abi (3-10) defeated Kotoshoho (3-10). Abi seemed to wake up this bout. He tried a pull and slapdown. Kotoshoho continued to press forward, though. Abi pivoted and hit Kotoshoho with a bit of tsuppari before reaching over, grabbing Kotoshoho’s belt and dragging him down. Uwatenage.

Hiradoumi (7-6) defeated Tamawashi (5-8). This bout was all Hiradoumi. He hit Tamawashi hard at the tachiai and shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Aonishiki (10-3) defeated Takanosho (10-3). Takanosho hit Aonishiki hard at the tachiai. Great tsuppari as he forced Aonishiki back. Aonishiki slipped left suddenly, grabbed Takanosho’s belt, and pulled Takanosho forward. Aonishiki tried to shove him back but Takanosho resisted at the bales. Aonishiki then put everything he had into grabbing Takanosho’s thigh and forced him off the dohyo. Watashikomi.

Takayasu (5-8) defeated Wakamotoharu (7-6). Takayasu got his left hand inside and drove Wakamotoharu to the bales. Wakamotoharu could not escape but he held on as long as he could. One final shove from Takayasu forced Wakamotoharu over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (6-7) defeated Shodai (9-4). Shodai grabbed Kirishima’s left arm and tried to yank him over the bales but Kirishima pressed Shodai over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (9-4) defeated Hoshoryu (11-2). Kotozakura bodied Hoshoryu and forced Hoshoryu off the dohyo for the Yokozuna’s second straight loss. The Makikae Strikes Back. Again with the change of grip loss? Hoshoryu had a right hand over arm grip but changed his mind and tried to slip it inside. That was the opening Kotozakura needed as he pressed forward and forced Hoshoryu quickly to the edge. It’s just amazing how fast that happened. Yorikiri.

Onosato (12-1) defeated Wakatakakage (6-7). Wakatakakage with the migi-yotsu, pivoted and quickly tried the uwatenage. Onosato shifted right into Wakatakakage and maintained his balance. With Wakatakakage up against the bales, Onosato drove forward and forced Wakatakakage out. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

We do not have the matchups for tomorrow yet. Onosato leads with one loss. Hoshoryu falls into second place with two losses. Instead of a two-win gap between leaders and the next closest competitors, Hoshoryu’s loss brings Aonishiki and Takanosho back into the conversation with three losses.

Since there’s still a slight chance for a dark horse yusho, I am sure the Kyokai will want to close that, quickly. I will try to bring an update later today with tomorrow’s pairings. Will they have Takanosho fight Hoshoryu?

*Update*

Of course they post the bouts right as I push the Publish button. Hoshoryu will fight Wakatakakage. Onosato will fight Kotozakura. Takanosho will fight Kirishima and Aonishiki will fight Hiradoumi. In our final sanyaku bout, Takayasu will fight Kotoshoho.

Back to the Wrap Up

Takanosho is looking great. I look forward to seeing him bounce back up the dohyo. However, he was bested today by Aonishiki who just continues to impress. He is just on a different level than most of his opponents, skill-wise. It’s so impressive.

Hoshoryu’s loss was a tactical loss, in my eyes. I stress this because with him falling to 11-2, I can already hear the critics start up again or maybe worries of injury. I do not think so. I think he just got caught out today by solid sumo from Kotozakura. I wonder what would have happened if he kept that outside grip and maybe shifted right? Oh, well.

Another great win from Onosato. Wakatakakage gave his best and appeared to catch Onosato wrong-footed. I think Onosato countered well by staying close to Wakatakakage. “If you pull me over, you’ll pull yourself down.” This, in turn, put Wakatakakage on his back heel and allowed Onosato to drive him over the bales.

Aki 2025: Day Twelve

Andy Aki 2025, Aki Basho , , ,

Day Twelve in Tokyo. Leonid has the makushita update here. Takasago beya is setting itself up for a pretty good senshuraku party since Asanoyama AND Asahakuryu now lead the Juryo yusho race. They obviously can’t be paired against each other unless there is a playoff. Asahakuryu will fight Oshoumi tomorrow and Asanoyama will fight Nishikifuji.

Many of you are starting to think about the Kyushu banzuke and promotions. Asanoyama will still be in Juryo for Kyushu. There is only one instance where someone jumped from Juryo 13 directly into Makuuchi. That was Endo in 2013 when he claimed the yusho on a 14-1 record. So, with two losses already, Tomas was right to point out that Asanoyama will likely remain in Juryo, even with the yusho. Several 13-2 records, even with the yusho, have ended up ranked at Juryo 3 the following basho. This includes Ryuden in 2022 and Terunofuji in 2020.

The makuuchi yusho race is looking to be a great one. It’s not a runaway and it seems like a lot of folks actually want this title. Hoshoryu leads with Onosato one back and Shodai waiting in the wings with Takanosho if the Yokozuna stumble over the next few days.

Your NHK video is here.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoeiho (5-7) defeated Tomokaze (7-5). Tomokaze tried this half-assed method of wrapping Kotoeiho up and rocking him over to topple him. But Kotoeiho pressed forward and forced Tomokaze over the bales. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (6-6) defeated Nishikigi (1-11). Nishikigi pivoted at the tachiai but Tokihayate adjusted and pressed forward into Nishikigi, driving him through the dohyo and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shishi (8-4) defeated Mitakeumi (5-7). After a lengthy grapple, the pair settled into a lean. Shishi was first to gather his strength and drive forward, forcing Mitakeumi over the bales. Kachi-koshi for Shishi. Oshidashi.

Ryuden (9-3) defeated Shodai (9-3). Ryuden hung with Shodai while tried a few pulling and slapdown attacks at the beginning of the bout. The Lord of Chaos tired quickly so when Shodai settled for a lean, Ryuden got his left hand inside, right hand outside and wasted no time in driving Shodai over the bales. Yorikiri.

Roga (6-6) defeated Hitoshi (5-7). Once Roga got a belt grip, he wrangled Hitoshi, drove forward and walked him over the bales. Roga’s dominant victory should have one message for Hitoshi. “Weight Room.” Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (5-7) defeated Asakoryu (5-7). Midorifuji hit Asakoryu quickly at the tachiai and immediately backed up and slapped Asakoryu down. Hatakikomi.

Fujinokawa (5-7) defeated Shonannoumi (6-6). An ill-timed pull from Shonannoumi gave Fujikawa the opening and momentum he needed to drive forward and force Shonannoumi off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Ura (8-4) defeated Tobizaru (7-5). Ura drove Tobizaru backwards to the bales, then pulled and slapped Tobizaru to the dohyo. Hatakikomi.

Sadanoumi (5-7) defeated Kinbozan (5-7). Kinbozan quickly drove Sadanoumi to the edge but it may have been a feint from Sadanoumi to draw Kinbozan to the edge. Sadanoumi shifted quickly along the bales, pivoted and turned the tables on Kinbozan. Sadanoumi got his right hand inside, left-hand outside and drove Kinbozan over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (8-4) defeated Meisei (3-9). Oshoma got his hands on Meisei’s shoulders and pulled down. Meisei dropped like a stone. The crowd was rather quiet. Hatakikomi.

Churanoumi (8-4) defeated Kusano (7-5). Kusano tried to tip Churanoumi over but Churanoumi yanked on Kusano’s belt with his left-hand inside grip and pulled him to the ground. Uwatedashinage.

Halftime

Daieisho (6-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-9). Daieisho set Ichi up with strong tsuppari, then shifted left and pushed him down. Hikiotoshi.

Atamifuji (3-9) defeated Kotoshoho (3-9). Kotoshoho drove Atamifuji toward the bales but Atamifuji shifted at the bales, escaped to Kotoshoho’s right, and shoved Kotoshoho forward and off the dohyo. Kotenage.

Wakamotoharu (7-5) defeated Oho (7-5). Oho forced Wakamotoharu back to the bales but Wakamotoharu resisted and escaped left to get back to the center. Wakamotoharu countered and drove into Oho. Oho thought he would escape to the left but Wakamotoharu dragged him down. Uwatenage.

Tamawashi (5-7) defeated Hakuoho (6-6). Tamawashi’s nodowa forced Hakuoho up and back toward the bales. Tamawashi followed up with a strong shove. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (1-11) defeated Abi (2-10). Gonoyama plowed through Abi’s tsuppari and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (4-8) defeated Hiradoumi (6-6). Takayasu got Hiradoumi turned with a slapdown attempt. Hiradoumi stumbled forward to the edge and Takayasu followed up with a shove. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (6-6) defeated Onokatsu (5-7). Wakatakakage pulled suddenly and Onokatsu fell forward. Hatakikomi.

Takanosho (10-2) defeated Kotozakura (8-4). Kotozakura forced Takanosho to the edge behind a strong nodowa. Takanosho stayed in and shifted left along the bales to relieve the pressure. When Takanosho re-engaged, a simple shove seems to be all it took to force Kotozakura off the bales. Oshidashi.

Onosato (11-1) defeated Kirishima (5-7). Onosato traded tsuppari with Kirishima but Onosato is just on a completely different level and easily overpowered the former Ozeki and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (9-3) defeated Hoshoryu (11-1). Hoshoryu tried a pull but that served to give Aonishiki an opening and great position. With Hoshoryu at the bales, Aonishiki was able to get his right hand inside, deep on Hoshoryu’s belt. Hoshoryu retreated but Aonishiki followed. Hoshoryu tried to throw Aonishiki but Aonishiki used his right hand to shove Hoshoryu over Aonishiki’s extended left leg. Hoshoryu fell backward to the roar from the crowd. A smattering of purple zabuton found their way down near the dohyo. Kirikaeshi.

Wrap up

The Lord of Chaos broke a nail and called it a basho. Ryuden was just too overwhelming. Still, Shodai will face Kirishima tomorrow. Ryuden will fight Oho. Takanosho, though, continues to have a barn-stormer tournament. We should have seen it coming because he had been in sanyaku for a decent spell. He’d been thrown off his horse a bit lately, though. I wasn’t expecting him to roar back like this as he’s had rather quiet tournaments at M12 and M11.

And count on Aonishiki to make a statement and have an impact on the yusho race. Hoshoryu falls to 11-1, level with Onosato. Takanosho is one loss behind the leaders at 10-2. Aonishiki will fight Takanosho tomorrow. Hoshoryu will face Kotozakura and Onosato will take on Wakatakakage.

Hoshoryu’s remaining fight card should look like this. With Kotozakura tomorrow, Wakatakakage should be his Day 14 match and Onosato on Senshuraku. *Ugh. Lack of coffee update #2.

For Onosato, he will fight Wakatakakage tomorrow which means Kotozakura on Day 14 and Hoshoryu on Senshuraku. Kotozakura has Hoshoryu tomorrow, likely Onosato* on Day 14 and then he would probably be pitted against Wakatakakage on senshuraku. *No matter how much I want a rematch, Kotozakura/Takanosho will not be repeated.

So, I guess that means you all have plans for this weekend.

*And I have plans for today: buying more coffee.

Aki 2025: Day 11

Andy Aki 2025, Aki Basho , , ,

Day 11. Act III opens, as Bruce says. Our Yokozuna lead the field. Ozeki Kotozakura can claim his kachi-koshi today and has been looking solid in his position for the first time in a long time. We’ll need him there as another Ozeki run was extinguished yesterday.

All eyes turn to look for another contender…maybe Aonishiki? He has had five consecutive double-digit tournaments since he became a full-timer. He has had three 11-4 tournaments in the top division and is holding his own in sanyaku. He will face a former Ozeki in Shodai, who has been a shadow of his former self but looking bright this tournament.

Let’s turn to Juryo. I want you to note these guys attire. Today, instead of somenuki pictures from Top Division wrestlers, the Kyokai shows us our five Juryo leaders. You see the contrast from the colorful somenuki of the top division guys I showed yesterday. Asahakuryu dons the hakama we often see and the other four wear more monochrome yukata.

On the dohyo, Asanoyama beat Hidenoumi, Asahakuryu beat Mita and Nishikifuji beat Kotokuzan to move to 9-2. Oshoumi, Mita, and Fujiseiun are just behind on 8-3 records.

Your NHK videos are here. You might want to bookmark this page, though. Use that as your “home base” for this basho. It has the links to action from each day.

Makuuchi Action

Hitoshi (5-6) defeated Daiseizan (4-7). Hitoshi executed a terrible henka. Daiseizan caught it but somehow Hitoshi dodged him at the edge and shoved him out. Hatakikomi.

Shishi (7-4) defeated Sadanoumi (4-7). Shishi trapped Sadanoumi’s right arm and dragged him down. Kotenage.

Shonannoumi (6-5) defeated Meisei (3-8). Shonannoumi dragged Meisei to the edge and twisted him down by Meisei’s left arm. Kotenage.

Mitakeumi (5-6) defeated Asakoryu (5-6). Asakoryu shifted left at the tachiai. Mitakeumi adjusted well and forced Asakoryu back and out. Yorikiri.

Churanoumi (7-4) defeated Tobizaru (7-4). After an energetic brawl, trading tsuppari, Churanoumi was able to get Tobizaru turned. Churanoumi then drove into Tobizaru from the side, shoving him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (5-6) defeated Midorifuji (4-7). Tokihayate got his left arm inside and bulled forward, dropping Midorifuji over the bales. Yoritaoshi.

Kinbozan (5-6) defeated Nishikigi (1-10). Nishikigi circled back to his left to try to get Kinbozan turned. But Kinbozan pivoted and slapped Nishikigi down. Hatakikomi.

Tomokaze (7-4) defeated Ura (7-4). Tomozake pulled and slapped Ura down. Tomokaze has been looking solid in this return to the top division. Remember, a long time ago and in a galaxy far, far away, this guy won two kinboshi off Kakuryu before the devastating knee injury. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma defeated Roga. Roga tried to throw Oshoma forward but Oshoma slipped his grasp and got Roga turned around. Roga did not have time to recover as Oshoma shoved him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Takanosho defeated Ryuden, thus ending the West-side streak of nine straight wins. Ryuden’s left hand ottsuke blocked Takanosho from getting inside. Ryuden pulled and tried a slapdown but failed, so Takanosho demonstrated proper technique. Pivot and pull. Pivot and pull. Hatakikomi.

Daieisho defeated Onokatsu. Daieisho hit Onokatsu with his powerful tsuppari and drove him back. Onokatsu tried to escape but turned himself around and Daieisho finished him off from behind. Okuridashi.

Halftime

Fujinokawa (4-7) defeated Ichiyamamoto (3-8). Fujinokawa got inside quickly, negating Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari and forcing a grapple. Fujinokawa got a solid morozashi and picked Ichiyamamoto up. Ichiyamamoto was able to get his feet down at the edge but Fujinokawa twisted and threw Ichiyamamoto to the ground. Sukuinage.

Kusano (6-5) defeated Hiradoumi (6-5). Kusano avoided Hiradoumi’s misdirection and forced Hiradoumi back and out behind strong tsuppari. Tsukidashi.

Oho (7-4) defeated Hakuoho (6-5). After a great, evenly matched and very entertaining grapple, Oho was able to get some separation and pull and slap down Hakuoho. Hatakikomi.

Abi (2-9) defeated Atamifuji (2-9). Atamifuji resisted Abi’s initial volleys of tsuppari and remained in the center. Abi followed up with a nodowa, driving Atamifuji back to the bales. Atamifuji tried to slip out to Abi’s right but Abi kept up the pressure and forced him over the tawara. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (4-7) defeated Gonoyama (0-11). Tamawashi pivoted and charged forward, shoving Gonoyama over the edge and onto his butt. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Shodai (9-2) defeated Aonishiki (8-3). Who is this man in black? He took the phenom on, toe-to-toe, and just overpowered him, shoving him to the edge and crushing him out onto his back. Chaos reins!! Yoritaoshi.

Kotoshoho (3-8) defeated Wakatakakage (5-6). Kotoshoho hugged Wakatakakage with his right hand inside and powered forward, forcing the sekiwake over the bales. What has happened to Wakatakakage? Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (8-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (6-5). Kotozakura grabbed Wakamotoharu’s belt with his right hand outside. With the bales as leverage he swung Wakamotoharu down. Kotozakura claims his kachi-koshi on Day 11. Uwatenage.

Hoshoryu (11-0) defeated Kirishima (5-6). Migi-yotsu. Hoshoryu forced Kirishima to the edge. Kirishima resisted at the bales so Hoshoryu pivoted and dragged him down. Uwatenage.

Onosato (10-1) defeated Takayasu (3-8). Takayasu chased Onosato around the ring as Onosato tried to slap him down. Onosato stopped pulling and drove forward into Takayasu, forcing him through the ring and over the bales. Tsukidashi.

Wrap-up

This is great! Hoshoryu is finally quieting the “hE wAs PrOmOtEd ToO eArLy,” business and continues to win. He looked most comfortable and most dominant today. He certainly has his most difficult challenges ahead of him, though. Hoshoryu will face Aonishiki tomorrow in what will surely be a highlight bout.

Onosato will take his turn against Kirishima next. He looked vulnerable today until he buckled down and overwhelmed Takayasu. This is building up to an epic final weekend.

Meanwhile, the Lord of Chaos is doing Chaos things and remains in the hunt along with Takanosho. “What was all of this hype around this blonde guy? You want to proclaim him Ozeki? You think this kid is the next Ozeki? Cute. Or should I say, ‘ka-wa-ii’?” Settle down Mr. Maegashira 11. I am enjoying this Shodai. More of this version, please. Shodai will fight Ryuden on Day 12. Takanosho will be paired with Kotozakura as he tries to step out of the shadow of Takakeisho. That’s much easier now as Takakeisho keeps shrinking. Not to get off on a tangent but pictures from his danpatsushiki will be wild.

Kotozakura might finally get back to the Ozeki kachi-koshi 10-win standard. Our Sekiwake, however, have fallen to the wayside. Takayasu’s sanyaku slot will be open and neither of the current Sekiwake are safe. Wakatakakage looked terrible today and has gone from Ozeki candidate to looking like a standard rank-and-filer. Aonishiki is doing his best to lay claim to an opening.

Aki 2025: Nakabi

Andy Aki 2025, Aki Basho , , ,

Mita suffered his first loss of the tournament to Oshoumi while Kotokuzan defeated Asahakuryu and Shirokuma took down Asanoyama. Mita and Kotokuzan share joint lead in Juryo with one loss apiece. Five men, including Oshoumi, Asakakuryu, Nishikifuji, Fujiseiun, and former Ozeki Asanoyama chase with two losses.

On Nakabi the Kyokai presents its maezumo class to the world. This basho we have one recruit in maezumo, Oshiogawa-beya’s Kazemitsuki. He got to wear a kesho mawashi borrowed from Oshiogawa stablemate and Juryo 11-ranked, Kazekeno.

The other two recruits from the Shin Deshi Kensa are Mongolian and will participate in Maezumo this November after visas get sorted. This includes Ochirusaihan, from Isegahama. We will cover him more next tournament when we see him in maezumo.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Ryuden (6-2) defeated Tomokaze (5-3). Tomokaze effectively kept Ryuden off his belt and steadily powered forward after the tachiai. Ryuden countered with his own hazuoshi, shoving Tomokaze and eventually caught Tomokaze too far forward, slapping him down. Hatakikomi.

Nishikigi (1-7) defeated Sadanoumi (3-5). Sadanoumi had a right arm outside grip at the tachiai but reared up to try to change it to an inside grip. That was the opening Nishikigi needed to power forward and pick up his first win. That is the danger we’re used to seeing with makikae. Yorikiri.

Asakoryu (3-5) defeated Tochitaikai (3-5). Henka’ing the Juryo visitor is going to be a hilarious new trend if this catches on. Asakoryu left to his left and Tochitaikai zoomed by. Asakoryu then shoved him from the back to make sure he went out. Okuridashi.

Shishi (6-2) defeated Meisei (2-6). Shishi had the opposite situation from Sadanoumi. His left hand was outside and he wanted to bring it in. But he didn’t rear back like Sadanoumi and got his hand briefly on Meisei’s belt. Meisei freaked out and spun away from Shishi’s grip. However, Shishi was determined and reacquired his left-hand inside belt grip. Once he got it, he drove Meisei back and out. Yorikiri.

Hitoshi (4-4) defeated Tokihayate (3-5). Tokihayate pivoted in retreat as he tried to catch Hitoshi for a slapdown. But Hitoshi caught Tokihayate’s right arm and pulled him forward, instead. Hikiotoshi.

Shonannoumi (5-3) defeated Mitakeumi (3-5). Mitakeumi powered forward but Shonannoumi grabbed his belt with a right hand outside. He used the leverage from the bales to pivot and that right arm to swing Mitakeumi around. Once in behind, he finished Mitakeumi with a shove. Okuridashi.

Tobizaru (6-2) defeated Roga (4-4). Tobizaru pulled Roga forward with a left hand grip on his belt and a quick pull. Hikiotoshi.

Shodai (7-1) defeated Ura (6-2). Ura attempted a feat of strength as he tried to hoist Shodai into the air on his shoulders like a big bale of rice. But Shodai’s freaking heavy, dude. He used the awkward position to grab Ura’s belt, deep over Ura’s back. Shodai then used his left arm to pull Ura back and get some space, then pivoted and yanked Ura down with that right hand belt grip. Uwatenage.

Takanosho (7-1) defeated Churanoumi (5-3). Takanosho used his right arm to shove Churanoumi back. Churanoumi pressed forward in response, so Takanosho slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (4-4) defeated Daieisho (2-6). Daieisho lashed out with tsuppari at the start but Oshoma pivoted, forcing Daieisho to rush by. Oshoma then followed up with thrusts of his own and shoved Daieisho out. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (5-3) defeated Midorifuji (2-6). After a decent oshi brawl, Onokatsu stepped inside and wrangled Midorifuji with a left-hand over-arm grip. He pressed forward and drove an exhausted Midorifuji over the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Kusano (4-4) defeated Fujinokawa (3-5). Kusano used his right-arm overarm grip to haul Fujinokawa down. Uwatenage.

Kinbozan (3-5) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-6). Ichiyamamoto plowed forward but Kinbozan grabbed his belt with a left-arm overarm grip. Kinbozan pivoted at the bales and threw Ichiyamamoto down as both fell from the ring. Gunbai Kinbozan. Mono-ii. Video review confirmed Kinbozan threw Ichi and Ichi landed first. Uwatenage.

Hakuoho (5-3) defeated Kotoshoho (2-6). Hakuoho’s bicep was wrapped in a sleeve but he was still able to use that right arm today to throw Kotoshoho. Hakuoho attacked at the tachiai, got a right arm overarm grip, then pulled and dragged Kotoshoho down. Uwatedashinage.

Oho (4-4) defeated Abi (0-8). Abi hit Oho with a flurry of tsuppari, most aimed at Oho’s chin. Oho powered through the torrent and drove Abi back and over the tawara. Abi is make-koshi. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Aonishiki (6-2) defeated Tamawashi (3-5). Tamawashi thrust out at Aonishiki, driving him back to the bales. At the bales, Aonishiki stopped trading tsuppari, lowered his head and grabbed Tamawashi’s belt. Since Tamawashi was still lobbing volleys of tsuppari, Aonishiki’s outside belt grips became inside belt grips. Morozashi engaged, Tamawashi’s volleys stopped. He was too close and had to try to grab Aonishiki’s belt. Aonishiki, however, took control of Tamawashi’s belt as if he was a truck driver controlling the steering wheel of a big rig. He got that bus turned around toward the tawara and drove it over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (5-3) defeated Atamifuji (2-6). Wakatakakage grabbed Atamifuji’s belt with his right hand inside. Atamifuji trapped it with his left and used the kotenage to push Wakatakakage backward. Atamifuji’s right arm was being held at bay by WTK’s left ottsuke. Atamifuji tried to change his attack from the left but that allowed Wakatakakage to seize his belt with an inside grip. Morozashi engaged, we had another big rig driver. Wakatakakage put his rig in drive and forced Atamifuji over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (6-2) defeated Kirishima (4-4). Kirishima might be nursing an injury. After trading tsuppari briefly, both men locked on to each other’s belts with left hand inside, right hand outside grips. Wakamotoharu was in full control. Though Kirishima tried to topple Wakamotoharu, WMH virtually ignored Kirishima’s pressure and powered through. WMH forced Kirishima to the edge and then over. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (2-6) defeated Kotozakura (5-3). Kotozakura was not content to play edge games today. He grabbed Takayasu with a right hand inside hold of Takayasu’s trunk. While he tried to get the left hand grip on Takayasu’s belt, he shoved Takayasu toward the bales. Takayasu had his own firm right hand grip on Kotozakura’s belt. Sensing danger, he pivoted and used all of his might to throw Kotozakura. Shitatenage.

Onosato (7-1) defeated Hiradoumi (4-4). Hiradoumi attacked with a firm tachiai and locked onto Onosato’s belt with the right hand. Onosato shoved Hiradoumi and forced him back to the bales and over. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (8-0) defeated Gonoyama (0-8). Gonoyama had early control in this bout and pushed the Yokozuna back. Hoshoryu tried to use his right-hand hold for a sukuinage at the edge. Gonoyama retreated and Hoshoryu chugged ahead, shoving Gonoyama out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Day 8 is in the books so let’s take a look at the leaderboard.

Hoshoryu picked up his kachi-koshi on nakabi and continues to lead the field in this yusho race. Onosato, Takanosho and Shodai are in the chase group. Shodai and Takanosho have certainly turned up their game a bit. I think Shodai was insulted earlier this tournament when he got two wins in a row…but no kensho. I remember one bout he went to do his sonkyo and tegatana and looked at the empty hands of the gyoji like, “really?” He needs to get those wins in order to have sponsors. Other than the one blemish on his record against Mitakeumi, he has been fighting well and appears to be more focused than in recent basho. “If you win it, they will come.”

Tomorrow, Shodai will fight Tobizaru and Takanosho will fight Midorifuji. Meanwhile, in sanyaku, Onosato will battle Wakamotoharu. We know Wakamotoharu likes to play edge games in retreat, so look for a confident Onosato to press forward and get a surprise as they near the bales…if WMH wants a kinboshi. Hoshoryu will fight Kotoshoho and Kotozakura will take on Atamifuji.

In our Tale of Two Ozeki Hopefuls, Wakatakakage will fight Kirishima. Wakatakakage really needs to be hot this week to clinch promotion. Kirishima, on the other hand, needs to get his head back in the game. The Komusubi bouts should be fun as Takayasu will fight Hakuoho and Abi will fight Aonishiki.