I’m up! I’m up! There was no way I’d miss today’s action. What a tournament this has been! Today will be a pivotal day in this Kyushu tournament as the yusho race heats up and focuses in on Takanosho and the pair of Ozeki, Hoshoryu and Kotozakura.

Our former leader in Juryo, Oshoumi, has had to go kyujo! What a heart-breaker. With nine wins he will be safe from demotion but that has to be a gut-wrenching decision. He seemed fine after yesterday’s bout with Tsurugisho but his left shoulder has been heavily taped. Tsurugisho took over the lead with his win over Kinbozan and Shiden moved closer to kachi-koshi with the fusen victory.

More news from the infirmary as Bushozan will re-enter the fray on Day 12, taking on Hokutofuji. So, this will be his last day on the couch, watching from the heya.

As for today’s Day Eleven coverage, the NHK has their videos here: Juryo Part I and Part II; Makuuchi Part I and Part II. Let’s get to it, shall we?

Makuuchi Action

Nishikifuji (4-7) defeated Shishi (3-8). Shishi locked in on Nishikifuji’s belt with both hands and powered his way forward. At the edge, Nishikifuji pivoted and yanked Shishi down, hard. Uwatenage.

Chiyoshoma (7-4) defeated Tokihayate (4-7). Tokihayate a little too eager…matta. Henka! Chiyoshoma jumped right and seized Tokihayate’s belt. He tried to spin Tokihayate down but had to go for the suicide crush out, throwing himself into Tokihayate so both men fell out onto the chief shimpan. Yoritaoshi.

Asakoryu (5-6) defeated Ryuden (2-9). Asakoryu reached deep inside and grabbed the back of Ryuden’s belt. He then spun Ryuden down to the ground. Shitatenage.

Ichiyamamoto (7-4) defeated Shonannoumi (7-4). Ichiyamamoto-sumo was very effective today as he shoved Shonannoumi off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Takayasu (7-4) defeated Sadanoumi (3-8). A great grapple as both men fought for left-hand inside position. Sadanoumi made a mistake of trying to switch his grip, loosening his grip for a moment and bringing his body up high. This move gave Takayasu the opening he was looking for and allowed Takayasu to charge ahead and force Sadanoumi out, over the bales. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (8-3) defeated Takerufuji (8-3). Takerufuji started with a pull at the tachiai. But Gonoyama did well to maintain his balance. When Takerufuji reached the bales, he slammed on the brakes and switched gears to Drive. Gonoyama was not making it easy for Takerufuji to reach in and grab his belt so Takerufuji charged forward. Takerufuji tried to pull again but Gonoyama pivoted and ran Takerufuji out of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Hokutofuji (4-7) defeated Roga (4-7). Hokutofuji put everything into charging ahead into Roga with his hidari-hazuoshi. Hokutofuji buried his left hand in Roga’s right armpit and drove him backward to the edge. Roga tried to get inside with his left hand but Hokutofuji’s effective ottsuke kept Roga from getting a belt grip. Hokutofuji kept churning his legs forward and shoved Roga over the bales. Thumper staves off make-koshi for another day. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (6-5) defeated Mitakeumi (6-5). Tamawashi liked Hokutofuji’s hazu-oshi attack so he grabbed Mitakeumi under the right shoulder and drove forward. Mitakeumi resisted to start but Tamawashi kept plowing ahead with his right hand around Mitakeumi’s neck. The nodowa attack left Mitakeumi disinterested in pressing forward and he backed his way out quickly. Oshidashi.

Endo (6-5) defeated Meisei (6-5). Meisei slowrolled and Endo started early. Matta. Do we think Endo will henka? Yes, we do. And we were wrong. Solid tachiai. Meisei made a mistake of pulling. He shifted to his right and tried to slap Endo down. Endo charged forward, and forced Meisei out under the red tassel.

Kotoshoho (3-8) defeated Midorifuji (5-6). Kotoshoho forced Midorifuji back with some early tsuppari. He maintained steady pressure on the Midorifuji. When Midorifuji let up to try a pull, Kotoshoho pressed Midorifuji out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Churanoumi (3-8) defeated Nishikigi (3-8). Churanoumi pulled, which was not wise. Churanoumi retreated along the tawara and had to spin around, dramatically to get away from Nishikigi. And Nishikigi forced Churanoumi out. But wait, Churanoumi won? Even I was faked out. The NHK play-by-play dude was faked out, too. We thought Nishikigi won but his left foot landed outside the bales first. Wild, and eagle-eyed call by Kandayu. Color me impressed. Isamiashi.

Onokatsu (8-3) defeated Abi (8-3). The wrong time to take a news break. JME-viewers missed the Abi/Onokatsu bout live and were treated to Onokatsu receiving his kensho at the end of the news break. On the replay, we saw that Abi tried to pull. Onokatsu was wise to it and drove Abi out.

Wakatakakage (8-3) defeated Takarafuji (7-4). Wakatakakage overpowered Takarafuji and drove him back and out once he got a morozashi. He got a great grip deep with the right hand, deep at the back of Takarafuji’s belt and put the dump truck in drive. Yorikiri.

Ura (3-8) eventually defeated Hiradoumi (1-10). Wild oshi and both men tumble out under the green tassel. Gunbai Hiradoumi. The Shimpan thought this needed a review. On video review, both died at the same time so we get bonus sumo. Torinaoshi. In the second match, Ura threw himself into Hiradoumi, landing about the same time as Hiradoumi. Gunbai Hiradoumi? Another mono-ii. Do it again, again! This time, it was without a doubt. More wild tsuppari as the two Energizer bunnies ran around the ring for the third time. Hiradoumi made a dreadful decision to pull and Ura charged forward…this time staying on his feet as he shoved Hiradoumi out. Oshitaoshi.

Oshoma (3-8) defeated Oho (3-8). My fingers are tired. Oshoma slipped to his left and slapped Oho down. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (5-6) defeated Shodai (4-7). Atamifuji hit Shodai and drove the former Ozeki back to the bales. Near defeat, Shodai waved the white flag and stepped out.

Kirishima (5-6) defeated Tobizaru (6-5). Tobizaru jumped. False start, offense. When they got going for real, Kirishima yanked on Tobizaru’s shoulder after the tachiai. Tobizaru freaked out and ran away but there was nowhere to run but toward the bales. Kirishima followed up with a shove for good measure. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (10-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (6-5). Kotozakura pressed forward and forced Wakamotoharu out. Wakamotoharu was going to use the tawara as a base to mount his defense after imbuing himself with the power of rice…but his right foot skipped right over. Kotozakura might have escaped a much more difficult challenge. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (10-1) defeated Onosato (7-4). Takanosho Henka, followed up with a brutal nodowa that forced Onosato onto the back foot…But why did you pull, Onosato? Why? Takanosho pursued well and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (10-1) defeated Daieisho (6-5). Daieisho jumped. Matta. Both men engaged in a shoving match for a bit before Hoshoryu dove inside for a hold of Daieisho’s belt. Morozashi! The double-inside grip triggered death throes from Daieisho as he swung Hoshoryu left and right. Hoshoryu kept his footing, somehow, and pressed forward. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

I called for Day Eleven to be a pivotal day in this basho and it did not disappoint. NHK coverage fumbled a bit but the action on the dohyo was excellent. The triumvirate of Hoshoryu, Kotozakura, and Takanosho have separated themselves from the field as all of the men with two losses dropped their bouts today.

Day Twelve action is a bit of an oddball from the schedulers. I’m sure they planned this before today’s action but it’s Onosato’s turn in the musubi-no-ichiban and he will fight Takerufuji. At this point, the five guys with three losses are hoping for someone to play spoiler. Shodai has filled that role before and will fight Hoshoryu. Daieisho will take on Kotozakura. After this, the Ozeki will likely be paired off over the course of the final three days with Kotozakura and Hoshoryu battling on senshuraku…if all goes well.

Takanosho is the wildcard here. He will take on Kirishima tomorrow and my guess is that he will face either Hoshoryu or Kotozakura on Day Thirteen. When they pair off the Ozeki, one will be left to fight a non-Ozeki. Takanosho’s success will basically mean he will take the slot of a sanyaku wrestler on each of the Ozeki’s fight cards, and he already won his first test with flying colors. If all three men win their bouts tomorrow, Day 13 could bring a blistering head-to-head bout of men with 11-1 records.

Further down the banzuke, Abi will fight Wakatakakage and Onokatsu will take on Roga.

Abbreviated coverage today. I overslept and missed the entire first half of action (gasp!). I will have to catch up later this evening.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I and Part II; Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Shonannoumi (7-3) defeated Shishi (3-7). Uwatenage.

Chiyoshoma (6-4) defeated Hokutofuji (3-7). Katasukashi.

Asakoryu (4-6) defeated Sadanoumi (3-7). Kotenage.

Takerufuji (8-2) defeated Meisei (6-4). Oshitaoshi.

Midorifuji (5-5) defeated Tokihayate (4-6). Yorikiri.

Takayasu (6-4) defeated Nishikifuji (3-7). Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (6-4) defeated Roga (4-6). Hikiotoshi.

Gonoyama (7-3) defeated Ryuden (2-8). Tsukidashi.

Tamawashi (5-5) defeated Endo (5-5). Tsukiotoshi.

Mitakeumi (6-4) defeated Takarafuji (7-3). Oshidashi.

Halftime

Takanosho (9-1) defeated Onokatsu (7-3). Onokatsu fell for it! Takanosho came out and blasted Onokatsu, holding him high with his right forearm. Takanosho then yanked him forward to the ground with his left hand. Hatakikomi.

Nishikigi (3-7) defeated Atamifuji (4-6). Atamifuji apparently wanted to grapple with Nishikigi so he let Nishikigi inside with his right hand. That was a mistake and trying to back out only made it worse. Nishikigi took control and drove Atamifuji back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (7-3) defeated Oho (3-7). Oho pulled but stopped short of the bales. He then pivoted to the center of the ring and forced Wakatakakage to the edge. He got those hips pumping and forced Wakatakakage to fall out. Gunbai Oho, but it was very close so the shimpan called a mono-ii. Video review showed both men had their feet touch outside the ring at the same time. So, they were told to fight again! In the rematch, Oho drove forward, forcing WTK back to the bales. Suddenly, at the edge Wakatakakage disappeared. When he reappeared, he was behind Oho and simply pushed him out of the ring. Okuridashi.

Abi (8-2) defeated Hiradoumi (1-9). Hiradoumi took the initiative here and blasted Abi. He drove Abi back to the edge while trapping Abi’s right arm in close to his body, eliminating Abi’s tsuppari. Abi pulled and used that right arm to grip Hiradoumi’s shoulder and pull him down. That was interesting. Katasukashi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (6-4) defeated Oshoma (2-8). Oshoma held Wakamotoharu up and then tried for a pull. The entire world saw that coming, though. Most importantly, Wakamotoharu saw it coming. So, he released Oshoma and chased him out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Shodai (4-6) defeated Ura (2-8). Shodai baited Ura into pressing forward. Once Shodai’s back was to the bales he pivoted and levered Ura’s shoulder over with his right hand to force Ura to the edge. From there, Shodai shoved Ura repeatedly until Ura tumbled into the crowd. Oshitaoshi.

Kirishima (4-6) defeated Churanoumi (2-8). Kirishima shifted at the tachiai, seized Churanoumi’s belt and yanked him forward to the ground. Uwatenage.

Daieisho (6-4) defeated Onosato (7-3). Onosato drove Daieisho to the tawara where Daieisho was imbued with the power of rice. Daieisho abandoned his usual slaps acquired a morozashi, double-inside grip. Daieisho then heaved Onosato to get the Ozeki moving backwards and drove him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (9-1) defeated Kotoshoho (2-8). Kotoshoho started with tsuppari but Hoshoryu forced his way inside, grabbed Kotoshoho’s belt with his right hand and forced the grapple. While Kotoshoho tried to pry Hoshoryu’s hand off and keep the left hand away, Hoshoryu tried a throw. The throw failed but Hoshoryu was able to use the belt to drive Kotoshoho through the ring and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (9-1) defeated Tobizaru (6-4). Kotozakura worked his way inside against Tobizaru. Once he got the left hand grip to accompany his right-hand, Kotozakura yanked Tobizaru forward to the ground. I do not know what Tobizaru had planned there. He just seemed along for the rather unpleasant ride. Hikiotoshi.

Wrap-up.

Kotozakura, Hoshoryu and Takanosho charged forward to 9-1. All three are fighting well. Takanosho has not quite been as dominant in his bouts as the Ozeki so, I fully expect Takanosho to have difficulty keeping pace when pitted against sanyaku competition. He will get a massive test tomorrow as the schedulers suddenly feed him to Onosato.

That chase group is suddenly only two deep: Abi and Takerufuji. Takerufuji will fight Gonoyama tomorrow and Abi will face Onokatsu. The schedulers answered my question from yesterday with this bout. I am a little surprised with the move here, pulling low-rankers into Abi’s schedule so soon. But they probably want to eliminate the low-ranker title hopes, quickly. In that vein, Takarafuji will face Wakatakakage.

Day Nine in the famous Hakata district of Fukuoka. Live NHK coverage and full top division replays on JME.tv in North America featured former Kakuryu and Myogiryu providing commentary. Your NHK video links of the action are here: Juryo Part I and Part II; Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

No news from the infirmary, and still no news on Kawazoe’s kyujo from Day 3. That fact has been giving sumo fans on Japanese Twitter a bit of concern. He won that day’s bout and seemed healthy. There has been no injury announcement. If there is a healthy scratch, that can mean scandal is brewing. So, peoples’ radars are up trying to find any sign of injury news. Tachiai hopes there’s nothing to see here and will bring news if we hear anything.

Down in Juryo, Oshoumi is still lighting people up. He’s the only undefeated sekitori left in this tournament which is remarkable because he owes his position to Takakeisho’s retirement. From this rank, even a yusho will likely not result in promotion to the top division.

So, Kinbozan has the early lead when we look at promotion candidates. Kagayaki and Hakuoho, on 5-4 from J2 but will really need four wins in the final six days to make strong cases. Tamashoho is also lurking but aside from their individual records, we will need to see how many real demotion candidates there are, aside from Bushozan, who’s already staked out a window seat on the barge to Juryo.

Makuuchi Action

Chiyoshoma (5-4) defeated Asakoryu (3-6). Chiyoshoma wrapped up Asakoryu and surged forward. Asakoryu pulled himself right out of the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (4-5) defeated Ryuden (2-7). Both men locked into a grapple immediately after the tachiai. Tokihayate yanked on Ryuden’s right side and pulled him down to the ground. Uwatenage.

Takerufuji (7-2) defeated Sadanoumi (3-6). Takerufuji pulled Sadanoumi down while pivoting to stay in bounds. Hatakikomi.

Shonannoumi (6-3) defeated Hokutofuji (3-6). As Hokutofuji lowered his head to charge forward, Shonannoumi pulled (surprise) and shoved Hokutofuji to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Meisei (6-3) defeated Shishi (3-6). With a quick pull, Meisei pivoted and forced Shishi to the edge. He reengaged and shoved Shishi over the bales. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (3-6) defeated Tamawashi (4-5). Tamawashi desperately tried to twist Nishikifuji down but Nishikifuji stayed on his feet and pressed Tamawashi to the bales. At the bales, Nishikfuji pressed all of his weight forward and crushed Tamawashi out. Yoritaoshi.

Takarafuji (7-2) defeated Onokatsu (7-2). Takarafuji pulled and slapped Onokatsu down. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (5-4) defeated Mitakeumi (5-4). Ichiyamamoto’s usual brand of oshi-sumo was insufficient to force Mitakeumi into trouble. In a sign of strength, Mitakeumi surged inside to wrap up Ichiyamamoto. Ichiyamamoto locked up Mitakeumi and pressed forward. Mitakeumi tried to twist Ichiyamamoto down as he went over the bales but Ichiyamamoto stayed up. The twist seemed to tweak something in Mitakeumi’s taped left butt cheek as his body rebelled against the twist maneuver. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (5-4) defeated Endo (5-4). Takayasu got his powerful right arm on Endo’s belt spun Endo down. Takayasu’s left hand pressed down on Endo’s head. Takayasu’s hand slipped off Endo’s head and his fingers never got caught in Endo’s hair, so there was no concern over a hair pull. Uwatenage.

Midorifuji (4-5) defeated Nishikigi (2-7). Midorifuji first used his maemitsu grip to press forward and force Nishikigi to the edge. Nishikigi resisted well, using the tawara to brace. Midorifuji yanked hard on Nishikigi’s belt and pulled him down to the ground. Shitatedashinage.

Halftime

Takanosho (8-1) defeated Roga (4-5). Solid tachiai. Roga reached in to engage and pressed his weight forward. Takanosho slipped to his left and thrust Roga down. Takanosho kachi-koshi. Tsukiotoshi.

Gonoyama (6-3) defeated Kotoshoho (2-7). Kotoshoho pulled but Gonoyama did well to pursue and maintain his balance. Gonoyama then pressed forward and shoved Kotoshoho off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Tobizaru (6-3) defeated Ura (2-7). Ura and Tobizaru locked horns after the tachiai. Ura had a firm hold of Tobizaru’s right arm to start. Ura shifted his grip and that allowed Tobizaru use of that right hand. Tobizaru pulled hard with it. This spun Ura to the right and allowed Tobizaru to get in behind where he shoved Ura into the crowd Okuridashi.

Oho (3-6) defeated Hiradoumi (1-8). A confident, forward moving, thrusting attack from Oho sent Hiradoumi to the edge. Oho then blasted Hiradoumi over the bales. Tsukidashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (6-3) defeated Shodai (3-6). Two mattas, one from the chief shimpan and one from the gyoji as the authorities crack down on Shodai’s touchless-tachiai. Shodai had a hold of Wakatakakage’s right shoulder and tried to pull him backward. Wakatakakage countered by pressing forward and he forced Shodai out. Yorikiri.  

Abi (7-2) defeated Daieisho (5-4). Abi-zumo > Daieisho-zumo. It is simple math. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (3-6) defeated Atamifuji (4-5). Atamifuji chased Kirishima for a few laps around the ring. Kirishima tried to pull Atamifuji forward over the bales with his right-hand grip. He threw Atamifuji off balance and nearly got in behind the big man. Atamifuji panicked and turned around but was met with powerful shoves forcing him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (8-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-7). Streak breaker! The streak of East wins, starting way back at Midorifuji, ends at eight because Churanoumi let Hoshoryu have a grip of his belt. Jesus, dude. Don’t do that! Hoshoryu’s going to throw you! Everyone in the building knew that. Hoshoryu reached over Churanoumi’s back and latched on to the back of Churanoumi’s mawashi. Hoshoryu pivoted and spun Churanoumi around the dohyo, then bowled him off the edge. Uwatenage.

Kotozakura (8-1) defeated Oshoma (2-7). Kotozakura shoved Oshoma to the bales. Oshoma tried to escape to his left so he could get a better position but tripped over his own feet. How many times have you practiced moving laterally, dude? You have probably done this literally every morning for the past four years. Oshitaoshi.

Onosato (7-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (5-4). Onosato used his size effectively to force Wakamotoharu to the edge and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Another strong performance from all three Ozeki. This is fantastic! Hoshoryu humbled Churanoumi today and will face Kotoshoho tomorrow. Kotozakura will fight Tobizaru and Onosato will take on Daieisho.

The Kyokai has begun trying to eliminate rank-and-filers from the yusho race by setting them against each other. First was today’s Takarafuji vs Onokatsu bout which Takarafuji won, dropping Onokatsu from the lead group into the chasers. Next, Takanosho earned his kachi-koshi and will fight Onokatsu. Meanwhile, others in the chase group will have tough bouts tomorrow (except Takarafuji). Abi will face Hiradoumi, Takarafuji will square up against Mitakeumi, and Takerufuji has drawn Meisei.

It’s still early but I am sure that the Wakatakakage fans among you are eagerly anticipating his possible return to sanyaku. He’s certainly wracking up the wins he will need. Abi looks to be his main competitor for an open slot and it looks like both men will have an easier schedule this week as they’ve already fought all eligible sanyaku opponents. But both Shodai and Kirishima will need to turn things around to keep their ranks. If they don’t there could be two openings, enough for both WTK and Abi.

What this means, though, is Abi is a real dark horse for the yusho. He has already faced the gauntlet and performed very well. He definitely looks much stronger than he had in the past couple of tournaments. Probably the biggest question here is when do they bring Takanosho and Takerufuji into his fight card?

By the numbers, neither should really fight Abi based on their ranks. Which fight would you replace? Abi has already fought Ura and will take on Hiradoumi tomorrow. Frankly, I would like to see him take on Wakatakakage, Tobizaru and Atamifuji. If he wins those, with Hiradoumi tomorrow, that puts him on 11 wins.