Takanosho

Kyushu 2024, Nakabi

Andy Kyushu 2024, Kyushu Basho , , ,

The middle day is upon us!

No one checked into the infirmary. In fact, Tohakuryu checked out. Mitakeumi cannot go kyujo, apparently. He’s too beat up and battered to sign himself in. Or maybe he’s inspired by baseball’s Otani and plans to have his teammates carry him through to a championship while he gamberizes impotently. Who Mitakeumi’s teammates are, I am not sure.

In Juryo, Oshoumi is doing his best to run away with the title. He is the first sekitori to secure a kachi-koshi. Kinbozan and Tsurugisho are one win back. Debutant Aonishiki picked up Win number 6 today but will have to go through Tsurugisho tomorrow.

Here are your NHK Video links: Juryo Part I and Part II, Makuuchi Part I and Part II. As always, live Top Division coverage on JME.tv with full replays four times each day.

Makuuchi Action

Onokatsu (7-1) defeated Asakoryu (3-5). Onokatsu was ready to get going. Two mattas. After a brief exchange of slaps and thrusts, Onokatsu ducked and reached inside. Once he acquired a double-inside hold on Asakoryu, the match was decided and he easily walked Asakoryu back over the bales. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji defeated Ryuden. Sidestep tachiai from Ryuden who attempted a slapdown. It feels like he hasn’t gotten his right hand on anyone’s belt so far this tournament. He didn’t get a grip on Takerufuji’s belt, either. Instead, Takerufuji pursued the retreating Ryuden and wrapped him up. Takerufuji drove Ryuden to the bales. When Ryuden resisted with his back to the tawara, Takerufuji seemed to say, “I’m not messing around, Get Out!” He released Ryuden’s belt and blasted him with strong shoves until Ryuden flew into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Hokutofuji (3-5) defeated Nishikifuji (2-6). Hokutofuji pressed forward into Nishikifuji with a strong nodowa. He suddenly pulled, and tried to thrust Nishikifuji to the side and out of the ring. That did not work well so he plowed forward again and drove Nishikifuji out of the dohyo. Forward moving sumo wins. Oshidashi.

Shishi (3-5) defeated Sadanoumi (3-5). Shishi obliterated Sadanoumi at the tachiai and jettisoned the veteran from the ring. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (3-5) defeated Tamawashi (4-4). Tokihayate faced down Tamawashi’s slaps and thrusts, pressed inside and got a good hold of Tamawashi’s trunk. Once he got the hold, he forced Tamawashi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Meisei (5-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-4). Meisei took the brunt of Chiyoshoma’s slapping attack and withstood the slapdown attempt. He charged forward into Chiyoshoma and overwhelmed him at the edge of the ring, shoving Chiyoshoma down to the ground. Ever the gentleman, he helped Chiyoshoma up. Oshitaoshi.

Takarafuji (6-2) defeated Shonannoumi (5-3). Shonannoumi hit Takarafuji hard at the tachiai but Takarafuji deflected him to the side and Shonannoumi rolled over to his third loss. Hikiotoshi.

Endo (5-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (4-4). Endo batted Ichiyamamoto’s arms away, and charged forward. Ichiyamamoto retreated and Endo finished him with a shoulder blast. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (4-4) defeated Mitakeumi (5-3). Takayasu locked Mitakeumi up and gently applied more and more pressure until he got Mitakeumi moving in reverse. I have a feeling Mitakeumi’s bouts will be good timing to head to the refrigerator and refill your tea. Maybe make a late-night sandwich. Hold the refrigerator door open in prolonged indecision…sweet potatoes or cake? Why not both? Yorikiri, btw.

Takanosho (7-1) defeated Midorifuji (3-5). Takanosho with another powerful tachiai and Midorifuji played into his hands with a pull attempt. Takanosho kept Midorifuji squarely in his sights and drove him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Nishikigi (2-6) defeated Gonoyama (5-3). Nishikigi weathered Gonoyama’s attack and reached over for a strong left-hand grip. He drove Gonoyama back and then battered him at the edge to force him out for win number two. Good think Goeido was no longer ringside to witness this. Oshidashi.

Roga (4-4) defeated Kotoshoho (2-6) Kotoshoho charged forward at the tachiai and backed Roga to the edge, only to pull, and pull, and pull again. Roga chased and ejected the dejected Kotoshoho. Oshitaoshi.

Abi (6-2) defeated Ura (2-6). Ura did not have a plan for dealing with Abi-zumo, so Abi-zumo dealt with him. Oshitaoshi.

Wakatakakage (5-3) defeated Hiradoumi (1-7) More rhythmic clapping and chanting ahead of the bout in support of Hiradoumi. He’s got to finish this tournament with a better record than Mitakeumi. That’s the goal. It should be everyone’s goal, even Bushozan’s. Even Shodai’s. I heard that whoever has a worse record than Mitakeumi at the end of this tournament gets relegated. (Not really, I’m just upset Mitakeumi is still in this. It’s pissing me off almost as much as when Terunofuji was Ozeki the first time and wouldn’t go kyujo.)

Hiradoumi jumped early for a matta. They reset. At the initial charge, Hiradoumi pressed ahead and Wakatakakage resisted well. WTK then wisely stepped to the side, grabbed Hiradoumi’s left shoulder and pulled him down. Katasukashi.

Sanyaku

Wakamotoharu (5-3) defeated Atamifuji (4-4). Atamifuji drove Wakamotoharu back to the bales. But the bales imbued Wakamotoharu with the strength of rice grains. Wakamotoharu reversed course and plowed ahead into the young Atamifuji, forcing him from the ring. Yorikiri.

Shodai (3-5) defeated Oho (2-6). Shodai met Oho head on and pressed forward to get a good hold of Oho. With a firm left-hand grip, Shodai slipped to the side and swung Oho around. Oho did not go down from the throw but he got spun around and Shodai chased Oho out. Okuridashi.

Daieisho (5-3) destroyed Kirishima (2-6). Kirishima brought nothing to the bout but a half-hearted slapdown attempt. Daieisho drove forward smoothly and forced Kirishima out. “How did a chump like you make Ozeki when I can’t?” Little did anyone know, Kiribayama’s power was in his shikona. He gave up horse power for limp Napa cabbage. Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (7-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-6). Churanoumi played fierce defense. Kotonowaka was patient and assertive. Stubborn in his attack, he continued to press forward and fight for a hold of Churanoumi’s belt. Churanoumi worked his way back to the center of the ring but with the lone right-hand grip, Kotonowaka backed away and spun him down. Uwatehineri.

Onosato (6-2) defeated Tobizaru (5-3). Onosato did not give Tobizaru an inch. He pressed forward from the tachiai and blasted Tobizaru from the ring. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-1) defeated Oshoma (2-6). Hoshoryu seized Oshoma’s belt with his outside hand, reared back, spun Oshoma around and swung him to the ground. “Welcome to the Jungle, Baby.” Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Onokatsu was the first of the leadership group to collect a win, followed by Takanosho. Takanosho is certainly taking this Heyagashira role seriously. He’s probably getting a big boost in support now. Takerufuji and Takarafuji also picked up wins to stay in this young yusho race. Like Shonannoumi, Gonoyama wanted no part in this yusho race. After seeing the Ozeki in action today, one can understand why. No sensible rank-and-filer aside from Takerufuji, perhaps, would want a date with these Ozeki in Week 2.

The Ozeki really had a great day. Kotozakura had the biggest challenge from Churanoumi but he really dominated that bout. Churanoumi was doing all he could to defend but it was not enough.

Our top division leaderboard going into Week Two looks like this:

✶: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu, Takanosho, Onokatsu

✶✶: Onosato, Abi, Takarafuji, Takerufuji.

Obviously, we’re still very early in this contest but the way these Ozeki are fighting, it will take something extra special to surprise us with a rank-and-file yusho this tournament. Next weekend the Ozeki will take turns fighting each other. Won’t it be something if the yusho is on the line? It feels like it has been quite a while since the top guys were all in the race…even by this point.

Hoshoryu will get his turn against Churanoumi tomorrow while Kotozakura will get the leftovers of what Hoshoryu chewed up today. Onosato will have a tougher time with Wakamotoharu tomorrow in the musubi-no-ichiban.

Further down the banzuke Abi will fight Daieisho, Takanosho will face Roga, Onokatsu will fight Takarafuji, and Takerufuji will take on Sadanoumi. I can’t wait to see what happens! Welp, back to bed after I put away the last sweet potato. I’ll see y’all tomorrow.

Nagoya 2024: Senshuraku Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho , ,

Juryo drama ended without need of a playoff. Hakuoho defeated Shishi with a beautiful utchari reversal on the edge. That meant that if Shirakuma won, he would take the yusho outright. If Tokihayate won, there would be a three-way playoff for the title. Shirakuma overpowered Tokihayate and walked him out. Yorikiri yusho.

So, all lower-division yusho decided in outright fashion. As we turn to the Top Division and the Psycho Yusho race (Andy, your puns are getting worse), we get our reminder that Miyagino-oyakata still exists. He and Otowayama present the sansho winners:

Does it help to post the links to the NHK videos, or y’all know where they are by now? This main page stays the same. Unfortunately, I’m still trying to figure out how to get working links to the individual videos. I want to link to those in the bout summaries but the direct links get blocked for some reason. Anyway, videos are here for the folks who do not want to scroll through Social Media craziness.

Makuuchi Action

Nishikifuji (6-9) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-5-5). Henka! Hisashiburi, ne… It’s been a while since we’ve seen a Chiyoshoma henka but Nishikifuji was prepared. It took a bit of patience but Nishikifuji corralled the bucking bronco, steadily worked him toward the edge and put him in his pen. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (11-4) defeated Hokutofuji (6-9). Hokutofuji pulled and pulled but Wakatakakage kept up the pressure and eventually put an end to Hokutofuji’s retreating ways by wrapping his leg up and driving him over the bales. Watashikomi.

Kagayaki (9-6) defeated Churanoumi (10-5). The Shinkansen glided forward along a circuitous path through the dohyo, guided along by the retreating Churanoumi. Churanoumi ran out of room to maneuver at the edge and Kagayaki brought him to the end of the line. Yorikiri.

Roga (9-6) defeated Nishikigi (5-10).When Nishikigi reached forward with his left hand, Roga rolled with the shift in motion and threw Nishikigi with a slick uwatenage.

Endo (10-5) defeated Midorifuji (8-7). Endo pressed ahead at the tachiai. Midorifuji tried a quick slaptdown at the edge but got run out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (9-6) defeated Bushozan (8-7). defeated Bushozan. Bushozan drove forward with his tsuppari and Shodai reversed to the edge. At the edge, Shodai slipped to his left and the fully extended Bushozan stumbled forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Ichiyamamoto (8-7) defeated Oshoma (7-8). I’m not sure what Oshoma was going to try to do at the edge but instead of moving laterally along the tawara, he turned a bit. Maybe he turned to run instead of just shuffling to the left. But Ichiyamamoto seized on that to get behind Oshoma. He quit his tsuppari and locked in on Oshoma’s belt to walk him out. Ichiyamamoto kachikoshi. Oshoma makekoshi. Okuridashi.

Ura (6-9) defeated Takarafuji (5-10). The pair had reached a bit of a stalemate in the center of the ring. Ura needed to try something. Takarafuji was using his left arm to keep Ura’s right arm away so Ura latched onto the arm with both arms. Takarafuji freaked out and tried to get away. Ura pursued with tsuppari and used Takarafuji’s momentum to drive him out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (7-8) defeated Kinbozan (4-11). Mitakeumi hit Kinbozan high with tsuppari, battering him about the face. Kinbozan pressed forward awkwardly through the tsuppari with his eyes closed. Mitakeumi slipped to the side, grabbed his belt and yanked him forward. Kinbozan fell forward. Uwatenage.

Wakamotoharu (6-9) defeated Ryuden (3-12). However terrible Wakamotoharu’s basho has been, it’s not been as terrible as Ryuden’s. Wakamotoharu locked on to Ryuden’s belt with his right hand. Ryuden tried to squeeze Wakamotoharu’s left arm to keep it away but failed. WMH latched on with both hands and drove Ryuden back and out. Yorikiri.

Halftime.

Atamifuji (7-8) defeated Sadanoumi (5-10). Head-to-head migi-yotsu bout here. Atamifuji was just too powerful and steadily worked Sadanoumi to the edge and then used some gaburi hip-pumping to work him over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (5-10) defeated Meisei (4-11). Solid oshi-zumo from Gonoyama today. He pressed forward and Meisei tried a couple of times to slip away but Gonoyama’s laser-guidance system was fully functional and locked on Meisei. At the bales, Meisei turned to slip away but Gonoyama grabbed him from behind and threw him down and out. Meisei may have tweaked his ankle as he was slow to get up and limped a bit walking down the hanamichi. Okuritaoshi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (10-5) defeated Kotoshoho (8-7). As the two engaged at the center of the ring, Hiradoumi grabbed Kotoshoho’s left arm and yanked it with him as he rotated Kotoshoho clockwise. Hiradoumi won his first Technique Prize and probably bolstered the case with this slick win. Tottari.

Oho (9-6) defeated Daieisho (8-7). Daieisho slammed into Oho and drove him to the edge. Oho tried a slapdown and though it failed, Daieisho stumbled to the side. Oho rotated so that he could attack Daieisho from center and blasted him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (8-7) defeated Tamawashi (7-8). Kirishima kachikoshi, Tamawashi makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Takanosho (12-3) defeated Onosato (9-5). Takanosho hit Onosato with that nodowa and drove him back. Onosato tried a slapdown but it failed and he fell out of the ring. Another sanyaku opponent down in Takanosho’s surprising run. Both men walk away with special prizes. Takanosho claims his third fighting spirit prize while Onosato was awarded his second Outstanding Performance prize. Takanosho has to win the whole thing to take home one of those.

Tobizaru (9-6) defeated Abi (8-7) and claimed the arrows. Abi tried to pull but Tobizaru rolled with it and drove Abi down and out. Abi fell a bit awkwardly at the edge and was slow to get up but seemed okay. Oshitaoshi.

Shonannoumi (7-8) defeated Takakeisho (5-10) OK, Power Hamster, how banged up are you? Let’s toss a big, makekoshi, beach bum at you and find out. Takakeisho charged straight ahead and Shonannoumi slipped right. Henka! Shonannoumi grabbed the back of the Ozeki’s belt and pulled him forward. Whatever happens in Takanosho’s yusho race, there will be a somber edge to Tokiwayama’s Senshuraku Party. Oof. Uwatenage.

Kotozakura (10-5) defeated Terunofuji (12-3)! We will have a PLAY-OFF! Terunofuji wrapped up Kotozakura’s arms, ready for an authoritative kimedashi. Kotozakura pulled, hard to extract his arms. This pulled the Yokozuna forward a bit. Kotozakura moved laterally and got at the Terunofuji’s belt. This pulled him forward and into the clay. Shocking. Uwatedashinage.

PLAY-OFF!!

Funny, all of the other yusho were decided outright. Only the top division needs Playoff.

Terunofuji defeated Takanosho. Takanosho nodowa. This did not have the same impact as yesterday. The Yokozuna withstood the attack and pressed forward. That gave him room for a pull but Takanosho did not go down. He took it to the Yokozuna. Terunofuji reached deep down into that well of strength to rotate and drive Takanosho to the edge. Yorikiri.

Terunofuji Yusho! Takanosho gave it everything. I wish he could bring home that yusho but he did a great job. His success should bring a bit of celebration to the senshuraku party.

I’m headed to Japan today and I hope to bring a few updates over the next two weeks from Kokugikan! I plan to update on the special prizes and other events come Wednesday or Thursday. But I’ll be seeing y’all soon!

Nagoya 2024: Day 14 Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho , ,

Nothing happened in the world to interrupt sumo today. That is a good thing and from now on that will be my gage on the state of affairs on this planet. If nothing gives NHK reason to interrupt my sumo, it’s a good day. There is also no new kyujo. That’s also another reason to say it’s a good day.

The Juryo race is down to Shishi and Shirakuma, with Hakuoho holding a distant hope of a playoff. Hakuoho, one loss back, will need to defeat Shishi tomorrow and he’ll need help. Shirakuma will face Tokihayate. Tokihayate will be fighting for kachikoshi and an immediate re-promotion to Makuuchi. Talk about incentives. But there’s high drama in Juryo, that’s for sure.

Makuuchi Action

Ichiyamamoto (7-7) defeated Chiyoshoma (5-4-5). Ichiyamamoto kept Chiyoshoma off his belt with tsuppari. When Chiyoshoma lunged forward to try to get inside Ichi slipped to the side, effectively getting behind Chiyoshoma. Ichiyamamoto kept up the tsuppari and shoved Chiyoshoma out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (9-5) defeated Takarafuji (5-9). Shodai got an inside grip with his left hand but Takarafuji kept his left arm tight to his body and did not allow Shodai in with his right. Instead Shodai used his right to shove Takarafuji straight back and out. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (8-6) defeated Kagayaki (8-6). Midorifuji electrified the crowd by defeating Kagayaki head-on. Kagayaki was wary of the katasukashi and did his best to bat Midorifuji away when Midorifuji came inside to get his right arm up on Kagayaki’s shoulder. Kagayaki’s tsuppari forced Midorifuji to the bales but Midorifuji slipped inside one more time, charged forward and forced Kagayaki out. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (7-7) defeated Endo (9-5). Tamawashi got inside Endo’s tsuppari, seized Endo’s belt with his right hand and drove him from the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Nishikigi (4-9) defeated Ryuden (3-10). Nishikigi used his lefthand inside grip to pull Ryuden over the bales. Ryuden was a little slow to get up so Nishikigi stepped down to offer help getting up. Ryuden is not healthy. Shitatenage.

Roga (8-6) defeated Kinbozan (4-10). Kinbozan was too high. Roga stayed low and this helped him keep his balance when Kinbozan tried to throw him to the side. Instead Roga continued to charge forward and drove Kinbozan to the edge and over. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (8-6) defeated Hokutofuji (6-8). All of that buildup and Hokutofuji fell to a quick sidestep and slapdown tachiai. Kotoshoho kachikoshi. Hokutofuji makekoshi. Hatakikomi.

Bushozan (8-6) defeated Sadanoumi (5-9). Bushozan got his left paw up on Sadanoumi’s shoulder and blasted him from the dohyo to seal his first kachikoshi in the top division. This is his fourth tournament fighting in makuuchi and the first time he does not earn an immediate demotion and return to Juryo. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (10-4) defeated Oho (8-6). Oho tried to pull Wakatakakage over the bales by wrapping up his arm. But Wakatakakage retaliated by shoving Oho hard. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru (8-6) defeated Oshoma (7-7). Oshoma spent his time trying to keep Tobizaru at bay but not advancing. He seemed keen to wait for slapdown attempts. He tried one but Tobizaru stayed away. Both guys had their arms up, playing patty-cake and keeping each other away. It made for a rather boring fight. That is until Tobizaru suddenly lashed out and kicked Oshoma’s lead right foot, bringing Oshoma down. Kekaeshi. Beautiful.

Halftime

Ura (5-9) defeated Nishikifuji (5-9). Nishikifuji pressured Ura backwards but pulled and tried to slap Ura down. Ura maintained his balance and used the opportunity to press forward and drive Nishikifuji from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (5-9) defeated Meisei (4-10). Meisei blasted Wakamotoharu and it looked like WMH was headed for another painful exit but he was able to resist at the bales. Wakamotoharu countered with a firm hold of Meisei’s mawashi and drove him back through the ring. At the edge, Wakamotoharu used his firm right-hand outside grip to throw Meisei roughly to the clay. Uwatenage.

Atamifuji defeated Gonoyama. Atamifuji quickly latched on with a left-hand overarm grip. He needed that to stave off an early exit. A throw was not an easy option. Gonoyama resisted well. Instead it was down to good old gaburi yotsu as Atamifuji worked Gonoyama over the bales.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (8-6) defeated Shonannoumi (6-8) with a quick hit-and-shift at the tachiai. Daieisho kachikoshi, Shonannoumi makekoshi. Tsukiotoshi.

Hiradoumi (9-5) defeated Mitakeumi (6-8). Hiradoumi was too powerful and energetic for Mitakeumi. Mitakeumi makekoshi. Yorikiri.

Abi (8-6) defeated Kirishima (7-7) with Level One Abi-zumo: face-push-to-slapdown. Abi kachikoshi. Kirishima…not yet. Tsukiotoshi.

Onosato (9-5) defeated Churanoumi (10-4). Onosato’s dominance of Churanoumi today just pointed to him being on a different level. Solid footwork keeps that Ozeki run alive. < Thanks his lucky stars for the fusen > Oshidashi.

Kotozakura (9-5) defeated Takakeisho (5-9). Kotozakura employed solid oshi-zumo to force Takakeisho into reverse and drive him from the ring. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (11-3) defeated Terunofuji (12-2). A rough nodowa from Takanosho forced Terunofuji to rear back. Takanosho kept the pressure up and drove the Yokozuna over the bales. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up.

There is a contest for the Top Division yusho, after all. Takanosho has kicked open the door and forced his way into the hunt. If Terunofuji loses again tomorrow, Takanosho will force a play-off with a win. Terunofuji will face Kotozakura tomorrow in the musubi-no-ichiban. There were several sanyaku options available for Takanosho: from Onosato to Abi to Hiradoumi. The Kyokai chose Onosato. Wow.

Onosato probably needs that 10th win to maintain hopes of an Ozeki run at Aki. Looking back at past Ozeki runs, Masayo had three tournaments at Sekiwake and the first tournament of his three tournament “run” included an 8-7. The ultimate deciders of this are working for the Kyokai and not Tachiai, so they can do what they want. So maybe 9 with a win over the Yokozuna will be enough but there’s that little fusen in there, too… Bottom line, he will come into this like Herm Edwards. “You play to win.” Takanosho will have his work cut out, he will need help from Kotozakura AND he will need to beat the Yokozuna again in order to get the all important macarons and the cow.

Come back tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion of the Nagoya Basho 2024.

Nagoya 2024: Lucky Day 13 Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho , , , , ,

First off, news from the infirmary. Hoshoryu kyujo. He was injured yesterday in his bout with Kotozakura. Onosato will receive the fusen win.

Today NHK preempted the first bout to talk about the large scale, coordinated vandalism and arson attacks on France’s TGV. No one killed, no one hurt. Footage of an increased security presence and breathless coverage of people with suitcases loitering around the train station. And again at half-time coverage was interrupted for a second day in a row with a needless interview and footage of bored people huddled around arrival and departure screens. The flood was legit news. Yamagata got hit pretty bad. But this?

Miffed is putting it lightly. At least they showed the replay immediately after the bout ended. I had seen it live, though, because I had fired up the old, illicit sources. I switched over as soon as the coverage came back because I do prefer the NHK coverage but come on, man. They are shooting themselves in the foot here. The breaking news coverage needs to be about Hoshoryu or the lower division yusho races. Speaking of which…

Day 13 action decided all of the lower-division yusho races. Congratulations to Daiseizan. Arashio-oyakata’s nephew won the Makushita yusho. He had likely secured Juryo promotion earlier in the tournament and it is a certainty now. With the undefeated record he will likely climb a bit higher on the banzuke, giving him some important breathing room.

Down in Sandanme, Inami won the Sandanme yusho. Hakuho’s protégé, Seihakuho, claimed the Jonidan yusho. In Jonokuchi, Shimizuumi, who defeated Enho on Day 1, claimed the Jonokuchi yusho. Watch this space because I am sure we will see these names on a more regular basis in the future.

Makuuchi Action

Chiyoshoma (5-3-5) defeated Daiamami (5-8). Yorikiri.

Nishikigi (4-9) defeated Nishikifuji (5-8). Nishikifuji hit Nishikigi hard at the tachiai and drove him back but Nishikigi wrapped up Nishikifuji’s arms and drove him back across the ring and out. Yorikiri.

Bushozan (7-6) defeated Ichiyamamoto (6-7). In spite of Ichiyamamoto’s tsuppari and shifts of direction, Bushozan did a great job of keeping up with Ichiyamamoto. Then when Ichi pulled, Bushozan put his head down and leveled him. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto will fight Chiyoshoma on Day 14.

Kagayaki (8-5) defeated Shodai (8-5). Shodai was not able to make any forward progress in his battle with Kagayaki. When he pulled, Kakayaki kept him centered and shoved Shodai out. Kagayaki kachikoshi. Oshidashi.

Roga (7-6) defeated Tamawashi (6-7). Tamawashi tried everything he could at the edge, twisting left and right. But Roga remained calm through all of it and pressed forward. Yorikiri.

Hokutofuji (6-7) defeated Oshoma (7-6). Turnabout is fair play. Oshoma shifted at the tachiai and tried to slap Hokutofuji down. But Hokutofuji’s shift at the edge saved him from Oshoma’s follow-up attack as the over-eager Oshoma stumbled past and out of the ring. Hatakikomi.

Kinbozan (4-9) defeated Takarafuji (5-8). Takarafuji could not get any attack started as Kinbozan wrapped him up with a bear hug, both hands inside Takarafuji’s arms and quickly drove him out.

Kinbozan will fight Roga on Day 14. Takarafuji will take on Shodai.

Endo (9-4) defeated Ryuden (3-10). Henka! Well met by Ryuden. But Endo followed up with solid yotsu. First, he had to fight to get Ryuden off his belt. Once that was accomplished, he wrapped up Ryuden, forced him to the edge and over. Endo is doing great! Yorikiri.

Endo will fight Tamawashi. Ryuden will fight Nishikigi.

Sadanoumi (5-8) defeated Midorifuji (7-6). Great battle. In the end, Sadanoumi got a hold of Midorifuji’s belt and threw him forward, out of the ring as he also fell out. Gunbai Sadanoumi, no mono-ii. Uwatenage.

Sadanoumi will fight Bushozan. Midorifuji will take on Kagayaki. But SHHHH! Don’t say Kagayaki too loud. If NHK are reminded of highspeed passenger rail, they might cut back over to the bored travelers in Paris.

Kotoshoho (7-6) defeated Ura (4-9). Kotoshoho’s tsuppari kept Ura at bay and his quick pull drove Ura into the clay. That looked uncomfortable. I hope Ura did not tweak his neck there. Hatakikomi.

Kotoshoho will fight Hokutofuji. Ura will fight Nishikifuji.

Halftime

Oho (8-5) defeated Tobizaru (7-6). Oho kept a laser focus on Tobizaru as the saru flew around the ring. Oho pursued well and when he caught him he blasted him from the ring, catapulting him from the dohyo. Oho kachikoshi. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru will fight Oshoma.

Gonoyama (4-9) defeated Shonannoumi (6-7). Straightforward win here from Gonoyama. He blasted Shonannoumi back and out. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi (6-7) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-9). Mitakeumi stayed upright through Wakamotoharu’s slapdown attempt. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (5-8) defeated Meisei (4-9). Meisei had the upper-hand here but was not strong enough to force Atamifuji over the bales. When he tired, Atamifuji whipped Meisei around to the bales and drove him back and over. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji will fight Gonoyama. Meisei will fight Wakamotoharu.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (9-4) defeated Hiradoumi (8-5). Wakatakakage’s ottsuke with his left hand kept Hiradoumi from securing a quick belt grip. Hiradoumi got frustrated and pulled. But that was a mistake. Wakatakakage charged forward and forced Hiradoumi out of the ring. Oshidashi. I look forward to seeing more of this rivalry. I get the sense that Wakatakakage wanted to say, “I should be ranked where you are, or higher. So get out of my way.”

Wakatakakage will fight Oho. Hiradoumi will square off against Mitakeumi on Day 14.

Churanoumi (10-3) defeated Daieisho (7-6). Churanoumi did not go quietly into that good night. He did his homework and knew just how to handle Daieisho. Churanoumi went toe-to-toe blast-for-blast. When Daieisho slipped to the side, Churanoumi stayed with him. Churanoumi executed his own shift and when Daieisho stumbled forward, Churanoumi closed to finish him off from behind. Okuridashi.

Daieisho will face Shonannoumi.

Takanosho (10-3) defeated Kirishima (7-6). With that, Kirishima will have to start from scratch if he hopes to regain the rank of Ozeki. As Kirishima charged forward, Takanosho pulled and tried to slap Kirishima down. Kirishima stayed on his feet but Takanosho swiftly transitioned from pull-mode to push-mode. One forceful blast and Kirishima might be gone. Will Kiribayama rise from the ashes?

Onosato (8-5) default win. Hoshoryu (9-4) kyujo. Onosato will face Churanoumi tomorrow.

Abi (7-6) defeated Kotozakura (8-5). Abi’s pull caught Kotozakura completely off-guard. Abi did not let up, either. He pursued and drove Kotozakura out. Someone get Kotozakura some freaking coffee tomorrow and wake his ass up. Yorikiri.

Abi will fight Kirishima.

Terunofuji (12-1) defeated Takakeisho (5-8). Takakeisho shifted left and tried a slapdown but Terunofuji executed his version better. Takakeisho belly-flopped down to sekiwake.

Terunofuji will fight Takanosho. Takakeisho will fight Kotozakura.

Yes, NHK, now you get to go back to talking about trains.

Wrap-up

The Ozeki are in disarray. Hoshoryu is out, injured. He was looking great this tournament, too. Kotozakura had some bright moments during the tournament but looked lethargic today. Takakeisho’s bellyflop was embarrassing and Kirishima got absolutely butchered by…checks notes…Takanosho.

I bet Takanosho wants to be Top Dog at Tokiwayama-beya. I had noticed how some of his bouts go without kensho. Meanwhile, the cash rolls in for Takakeisho. With ‘Keisho’s demotion and shaky performances, there might be some new fire in ‘Nosho’s belly.

I am curious about Kirishima’s shikona. When he was promoted we were heady off the exuberance of his rapid success and ready to anoint him Yokozuna. Not six months later his Ozeki status is gone but so is his Michinoku beya and Michinoku oyakata. He is with Kakuryu now. Will there be a fresh start with a new shikona?

Oh, right, the yusho race. Terunofuji would have to collapse in the final days for anyone else to win this. Hoshoryu, probably the biggest threat, is out injured. As we saw, he will face Takanosho tomorrow. Will they pit him against Churanoumi on senshuraku if Takanosho wins and Churanoumi upsets Onosato? Get your head out of the clouds, Andy. Terunofuji has had a solid tournament and he will put away Takanosho just like he did Takakeisho. Meanwhile, Endo is thankful for the extra loss he picked up before going on his own winning run.