Takerufuji

Haru 2025: Day Eleven

Andy Haru 2025, Haru Basho , , , , ,

Kusano chugged his way to an eleventh straight victory, this time rolling over the former Makuuchi veteran, Tsurugisho. Tsurugisho conceded while he was still in bounds but Kusano kept up the gaburi until Tsurugisho stepped back over the bales. He will face Roga tomorrow. With a win, he guarantees at least a spot in a Juryo playoff. If my math’s right, this race might be decided with the other divisions on Day 13.

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

Makuuchi Action

Shirokuma (4-7) defeated Asakoryu (6-5). Shirokuma kept Asakoryu contained in front of him and steadily pushed him back and out. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (7-4) defeated Ryuden (4-7). Tokihayate used big man sumo and threw Ryuden rather unceremoniously at the edge. He wrapped up Ryuden with his right hand and fought to get that left hand inside, as well. As soon as he secured the left-hand inside, he yanked Ryuden over. His left hand disengaged from the belt during the throw but I really thing it was a shitatenage, rather than a sukuinage. But I’m new at this, so let’s go with their call. Sukuinage.

Onokatsu (7-4) defeated Mitakeumi (4-7). When Onokatsu got his belt grip, he pressed forward and forced Mitakeumi back to the edge. Mitakeumi tried to twist and throw Onokatsu at the edge but Onokatsu kept Mitakeumi centered in front of him and dumped him over the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Kotoshoho (5-6) defeated Meisei (7-4). A short oshi-tsuki tussle before Kotoshoho slapped Meisei down. Hatakikomi.

Shonannoumi (2-9) defeated Sadanoumi (6-5). Shonannoumi tried to heave Sadanoumi over at the edge but a lightbulb seemed to go off in his head, “I shouldn’t do this moving backwards, I should move forward.” So he pivoted and attacked Sadanoumi from a much better position. Shonannoumi then flung Sadanoumi out. If you shove your opponent two meters, I’d consider that deserving of a tsukidashi. But I’m new at this so we’ll go with their call, Oshidashi.

Aonishiki (8-3) defeated Hakuoho (6-5). Strong sumo fundamentals from the debutant. Body low, head down, strong tsuppari. He was able to use excellent footwork and position to not only survive Hakuoho’s pull down attempt, he brushed it off and then executed his own. Well done, kiddo. Kachi-koshi secured on Day 11 means he’s likely to be around for a while. If he keeps going there should be a special prize or two available. I look forward to this rivalry. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (6-5) defeated Takarafuji (3-8). Oshoma man-handled the elderly gentleman, turned him around with a yank on his belt, and escorted him from the dohyo from behind. Takarafuji makekoshi. Okuridashi.

Atamifuji (6-5) defeated Shishi (7-4). The milkmaid is gone. Therefore, an angry Atamifuji sought revenge, locked up both of Shishi’s arms and pressured him, roughly, to the edge. Solid gaburi-yotsu and an unwavering crushing attack on both of Shishi’s arms eventually forced Shishi over the tawara. Kimedashi.

Tamawashi (8-3) defeated Midorifuji (6-5). Solid sumo from Tamawashi as he kept Midorifuji in front of him and did not allow him to get inside. He then slapped Midorifuji down. The demeanor evoked a brutal version of the turtle from Nemo. “Chill, little dude.” Hatakikomi.

Endo (6-5) defeated Shodai (4-7). Endo moved quickly and pulled Shodai down at the edge. Endo tumbled down as well, and unexpectedly fell. When he got up he was visibly favoring his left leg…meaning he possibly rolled his ankle stepping down from the dohyo. Rub some keiko on it, gamberize, and we’ll see you here tomorrow at 5pm, sharp! But first, stand here and wait through the break and judging change so you can hand off the power water. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Takerufuji (9-2) defeated Churanoumi (8-3). Takerufuji just obliterated Churanoumi and blasted him out of the ring under the red tassel. Tsukidashi.

Hiradoumi (6-5) defeated Nishikigi (1-10). Hiradoumi wrapped up Nishikigi and ushered him out of the ring behind a few hops of gaburi-yotsu. Nishikigi should tumble down the banzuke come May. “Will his final tally warrant demotion,” is the only question remaining. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma (4-7) defeated Kinbozan (5-6). Chiyoshoma got inside too quickly for Kinbozan’s tsuppari to be effective. He stayed low so Kinbozan’s powerful arms were resigned to holding onto Chiyoshoma’s head. As Chiyoshoma grabbed Kinbozan’s belt and went to work driving him back, Kinbozan flailing around. “Get him off me! Get him off me!” Kinbozan turned and tried to extract himself from Chiyoshoma’s grip but Chiyoshoma just stuck with him and shoved him over the bales. Okuridashi.

Wakamotoharu (7-4) defeated Takanosho (3-8). Takanosho shoved forward but Wakamotoharu danced along the tawara long enough to shove Takanosho down before hopping out. Takanosho makekoshi. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (6-5) defeated Tobizaru (4-7). Wakatakakage corralled the flying monkey and quickly shoved him from the fighting surface. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Gonoyama (4-7) defeated Abi (4-7). Flying henka from Abi but Gonoyama pivoted in time to turn the tables and force Abi back to the edge. As Abi fought back, Gonoyama thrust him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (5-6) defeated Takayasu (9-2). Takayasu forced Kirishima to the bales behind powerful tsuppari but a single, well-timed blow from Kirishima changed the entire bout. This right arm blast hit Takayasu in the left shoulder and got him turned. Kirishima pounced, literally going for the jugular with a nodowa as he shoved Takayasu through the ring. By the time Takayasu got his body re-centered, Kirishima shoved him out. The air went out of the entire building as the assembled fans’ hopes died. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (8-3) defeated Ichiyamamoto (6-5). Daieisho pivoted to his right and shoved Ichiyamamoto to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Kotozakura (6-5) defeated Oho (4-7). Kotozakura came prepared. Oho struck out at the tachiai but as he recoiled, Kotozakura embedded his left arm under Oho’s right shoulder, shoving him neatly to the side. A simple follow-up shove forced Oho out. Oshidashi.

Onosato (9-2) defeated Ura (4-7). Onosato battered Ura with powerful tsuppari so Ura retreated and attempted to slip to the side. Onosato pivoted in pursuit and slapped Ura down. Ura has yet to defeat Onosato. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

As a golfer (well, at least having grown up around enough of them) I realize the truth. There are multiple gods of sports and they are habitually aligned against us. I had thought I purged these beasts by ceremonially offering my cursed bag of bent clubs to the Lady of the Lake. But they have followed me into Sumo Fandom. Oh, cruel sumo gods, why do you taunt us so?

Kirishima sure changed the outlook on this yusho race. Takayasu lost his position as sole leader but more importantly, Shodai has apparently lost his position as spoiler-in-chief. Tomorrow, Shodai will face Shirokuma as the latter needs to figure something out, quickly, to avoid demotion.

  • 9-2: Onosato, Takayasu, Takerufuji
  • 8-3: Daieisho, Tamawashi, Aonishiki, Churanoumi*

*because I forgot

The bout makers thrust Takerufuji right into the heat of things by pitting him against Onosato tomorrow. So, the leadership race will narrow by at least one tomorrow. Takayasu will fight Oho. Oho is staring makekoshi in the eye and must win out to preserve his rank. He should be motivated tomorrow.

Our chase group will not have an easy time of it tomorrow, either. Daieisho will take on Kotozakura and Tamawashi will face Kirishima. Aonishiki, whose presence among the leaders is a welcome surprise, will fight Meisei who will try again for kachi-koshi. Elsewhere, Shishi is brought up to fight Wakamotoharu as both seek kachi-koshi. Tokihayate will face Shonannoumi.

Well, I’m off to sleep. See y’all tomorrow.

Haru 2025: Day Ten

Andy Haru 2025, Haru Basho , , ,

Day Ten in Osaka. The big news is that Yokozuna Hoshoryu is kyujo. He is the first shin-Yokozuna to go kyujo in his debut in 39 years. Back in 1986, Futahaguro went kyujo. Comparisons between the two are irrelevant because Hoshoryu actually has titles to his name. It will be his first losing record since 2021. Ura will pick up the fusen win.

Nonetheless, some of you had called it in the comments, particularly Justme who postulated that despite no bandages, the band-aid was a sign of likely pain medicine injections. Tatsunami Oyakata revealed Hoshoryu had injured his right elbow at Hatsu Basho. He had thought he would be ready for Haru but apparently not. We hope he heals those injuries and comes back strong in May.

Down in Juryo, Kusano continues his charge though he was saved by the shimpan today. Kusano plowed forward but Shimanoumi slapped him down at the edge while stepping out. Gunbai Shimanoumi. The shimpan called a mono-ii and replay showed Shimanoumi stepped out before Kusano came down. Kusano moves to 10-0. With Hitoshi’s loss, Kusano is now three clear of the field.

Hokutofuji is not one of the chase group. Quite the opposite, he has a mere 3 wins and will fight Hatsuyama to stave off make-koshi.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

Makuuchi Action

Tokihayate (6-4) defeated Fujiseiun (Juryo 6-4). Tokihayate grabbed Fujiseiun by the shoulders and pulled back, dragging Fujiseiun forward and thrusting him to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Aonishiki (7-3) defeated Kotoshoho (4-6). After a brief oshi brawl, Aonishiki grabbed Kotoshoho’s belt with his right hand and immediately yanked him forward to the ground. Uwatedashinage.

Sadanoumi (6-4) defeated Ryuden (4-6). Sadanoumi locked on with a morozashi, double-inside belt grip and heaved Ryuden over the bales. Both men tumbled down the dohyo. Shitatenage.

Shishi (7-3) defeated Mitakeumi (4-6). Mitakeumi drove Shishi toward the bales but Shishi was able to pivot the pair and press Mitakeumi up against the bales. Mitakeumi went inside to resist being pushed out and grabbed onto Shishi’s belt. This allowed Shishi access with his left hand and he immediately dragged Mitakeumi forward and rolled him to the floor. Uwatenage.

Asakoryu (6-4) defeated Takarafuji (3-7). Asakoryu shoved Takarafuji out behind the force of his nodowa. Takarafuji had some success shifting direction but could not follow up with an attack of his own. So Asakoryu re-engaged and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Meisei (7-3) defeated Shirokuma (3-7). As Shirokuma drove forward, Meisei slipped left and dragged Shirokuma down by his right arm. Kotenage.

Churanoumi (8-2) defeated Hakuoho (6-4). Pull at your peril. After a brawl which bloodied Churanoumi, the two settled into a stalemate at the center of the ring. Churanoumi began charging forward so Hakuoho pulled…but could not slap down Churanoumi. Churanoumi kept Hakuoho centered and drove him off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (6-4) defeated Atamifuji (5-5). After a lengthy tussle, Onokatsu acquired a double-inside hold and escorted a weary Atamifuji over the bales. Yorikiri.

Shodai (4-6) defeated Midorifuji (6-4). Shodai tried to heave Midorifuji out early but Midorifuji resisted at the bales and had the gall to go on the attack and try that katasukashi of his. After several attempts to grab Midorifuji and throw him out, Shodai had enough of this little guy and crushed him down to the floor in the middle of the dohyo. Makiotoshi.

Tamawashi (7-3) defeated Nishikigi (1-9). Nishikigi pivoted and thrust Tamawashi forward, stumbling to the edge. Just when it looked like Nishikigi might pick up another rare win, Tamawashi spun and forced Nishikigi out. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (5-5) defeated Hiradoumi (5-5). After a few matta, Oshoma slipped left at the tachiai and slapped the hard-charging Hiradoumi to the floor at the tachiai. A decidedly less entertaining hatakikomi than the previous bout, it elicits a few groans but mostly silence from the assembled crowd.

Halftime

Takerufuji (8-2) defeated Shonannoumi (1-9). Shonannoumi tried to pull Takerufuji over to the side but Takerufuji had read the brief and new what to look for. He kept Shonannoumi centered and droe forward, forcing Shonannoumi back and out. Oshidashi.

Kinbozan (5-5) flattened Endo (5-5). I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone just completely bowled over like that at the tachiai, without kachi-age KO. Kinbozan’s two-arm thrust to the head lifted the poor kid off his feet and propelled him backward. Tsukiotoshi.

Tobizaru (4-6) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-7). If you watch Chiyoshoma’s tachiai here, this is how a henka-artiste defends against a henka. Nonetheless, Tobizaru went on the attack and forced Chiyoshoma from the ring. Chiyoshoma could not get inside to get at the belt. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (5-5) defeated Gonoyama (3-7). Wakatakakage got inside and seized Gonoyama’s belt with his left hand. Gonoyama’s “flight” reflex kicked in. He tried to get himself free and run away but Wakatakakage shoved him out from behind. Okuridashi.

Sanyaku

Takanosho (3-7) defeated Kirishima (4-6). Just when we are all wondering, “how is Takanosho consistently up here in the joi, or even sanyaku?” he pulls out a great oshi-tsuki display like today. Excellent footwork and steady oshi pressure forced Kirishima out. He just does not seem to have a reliable, “go-to,” secondary attack, no mis-direction or slapdown or yotsu game. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (6-4) defeated Abi (4-6). Now, Abi’s got the tsuppari attack and the nodowa like Takanosho but he also has the hatakikomi attack. But Wakamotoharu was prepared for that today and stayed upright, forcing Abi from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (7-3) defeated Oho (4-6). One heck of a pusher-thruster bout. Oho seemed to have the advantage early but could not get Daieisho out. However, Oho soon tired. This was a stamina win for Daieisho. After a minute of blasting away and chasing Daieisho around the ring, Oho was gassed and fell to the easy thrustdown. Great bout. I look forward to more of this from both guys. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (4-6) fusen against Hoshoryu (5-5-5).

Takayasu (9-1) defeated Onosato (8-2). Pull at your peril, I say! Onosato forced Takayasu back to the tawara behind his strong tsuppari. But he latched on with his right hand on Takayasu’s belt, pivoted, and pulled Takayasu. But Takayasu stayed up, moved with Onosato’s rotation, and forced the Ozeki from the ring. Both tumbled down in a heap, gunbai Takayasu. No mono-ii. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (6-4) defeated Kotozakura (5-5). Ichiyamamoto comes out and what does he do? He pulls; and he wins. He stood up Kotozakura at the tachiai with a brief shove, then rotated in the same direction Onosato had in the previous bout, and slapped Kotozakura down to the clay. The key here is that wrap around Kotozakura’s knee. He cannot survive the pivot left. Ichiyamamoto played it well. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Takayasu leads with one loss. The “adult in the room” was put to bed by Papa-yasu. Onosato falls into the chase group with Takerufuji and Churanoumi.

  • 9-1: Takayasu
  • 8-2: Onosato, Takerufuji, Churanoumi.

Takayasu will fight Kirishima tomorrow. Onosato will face Ura. Schedulers pit Takerufuji against Churanoumi. “We’re only going to put up with one of you guys challenging for the yusho.”

Kotozakura still has a struggle on his hands to save himself from demotion. He needs three wins in the final five days or Onosato will be alone at the rank in May.

Yes, pulls work…sometimes. Actually, they work quite a bit. But when they work, they usually work quickly, within a step or two backwards. In cases like today’s Onosato-Takayasu bout, Onosato cut off half of the ring by pivoting so hard. If Takayasu stayed with him, he had no where to go but out. And that’s where he went. I guess my frustration with the pull isn’t the pull itself, it’s the overcommittment. Frequently, it will be akin to tipping your king or going “all-in” with rags.

Onosato’s forward sumo forced Takayasu to the edge. Why give up on it? If you reach in for the belt, rather than pull, use gaburi-yotsu and force Takayasu over the edge. Don’t cede the winning position! In keiko, you spend the entire time learning how to move forward, perfecting how to move forward. Sure, there’s some lateral movement in there but no one’s doing suriashi backwards! You’re not rabbits. You can’t see behind you! You can’t see how much room you have or where those tawara are as it closes in on you! You’re Phoenixes and Eagles and Tigers and Lions and Flying Monkeys. Birds and Beasts of Prey. Attack! GAH!

Alright, that’s my rant. Feel free to argue with me in the comments about how pulling is the greatest tactic, ever and how you will now have posters of Ichiyamamoto on your walls.

Hatsu 2025, Day Lucky Thirteen

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho, Kinbozan (金峰山) , , , , ,

All four of the lower division yusho races were decided earlier today. Mudoho won the Makushita yusho, Daimasakari won the Sandanme yusho, Yago won the Jonidan yusho and Daikisho won the Jonokuchi yusho.

Your NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

In Juryo, Shishi lost to Nabatame and Ryuden defeated Aonishiki, so we now have a two-man yusho contest in the second division. Matches have not been set for the next two days but Ryuden already beat Shishi, so they cannot meet again unless there’s a playoff.

Makuuchi Action

Tamashoho (5-8) defeated Nishikigi (6-7). Tamashoho kept plugging away at Nishikigi with his tsuppari and drove Nishikigi over the edge. Oshidashi.

Midorifuji (6-7) defeated Kotoshoho (3-10). Solid tachiai but when Kotoshoho charged ahead, Midorifuji slipped to the side and Kotoshoho ran himself off the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Tamawashi (8-5) defeated Onokatsu (7-6). Onokatsu reached in with his left hand but Tamawashi immediately wrapped it in an arm bar. As Onokatsu extracted his arm, Tamawashi dragged Onokatsu toward the edge and battered him until he backed out. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (7-6) defeated Tokihayate (5-8). Oshoma pulled and tried a slapdown. It failed but drew Tokihayate toward the edge. At the edge, Oshoma attacked with another armbar, kotenage, and dragged Tokihayate along the bales by his arm. He then finished him off with a quick shove. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (8-5) defeated Churanoumi (4-9). Nishikifuji’s tsuppari never allowed Churanoumi to establish himself inside or get a belt grip. Churanoumi tried some misdirection but Nishikifuji’s footwork was solid today. Nishikifuji continued to press forward and drove Churanoumi to his ninth loss. Oshidashi.

Kagayaki (5-8) defeated Takarafuji (5-8). Solid tachiai. Kagayaki plowed ahead and Takarafuji slowly shifted to his left. Kagayaki maintained his steady pressure and forced Takarafuji back and out. Oshidashi #5.

Meisei (5-8) defeated Mitakeumi (2-11). Mitakeumi showed up and Meisei forced him out. Yorikiri #1.

Shonannoumi (7-6) defeated Endo (6-7). Endo did a henka and Shonannoumi thrust him from the dohyo. As Endo rolled down the dohyo, he made sure to kick Oho in the face a few times. Oshitaoshi #1.

Hakuoho (8-5) defeated Hiradoumi (6-7). Hiradoumi jumped early. Reset. Solid tachiai. Hakuoho got his left hand inside but Hiradoumi immediately shifted his right hand to force Hakuoho’s grip outside. Hakuoho seemed fine with the outside grip and bulldozed forward, forcing HIradoumi out. Yorikiri.

Oho (10-3) defeated Ura (6-7). Oho’s improved ring sense this tournament. He pulled but shifted left well in front of the bales to pull Ura down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime. Shimpan Shuffle.

Newsbreak. Another FujiTV update. Stick it to your competitor. Kick him when he’s down, repeatedly.

Tobizaru (6-7) defeated Atamifuji (3-10). Atamifuji spent a lot of time and energy on his right hand ottsuke, squeezing Tobizaru’s left hand and not allowing him to get too deep. With his left-hand outside, he tried to swing Tobizaru around but Tobizaru’s footwork was solid today. He countered by continuing to press inside with his right hand inside. Atamifuji was too big to throw but as the two danced along the edge, Tobizaru forced his weight into Atamifuji and pressed him out before tumbling from the dohyo himself. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (10-3) defeated Takayasu (7-6). A battle of former Ozeki. Kirishima longed for an inside position but Takayasu brawled him to keep him off his belt. “I will fight you.” Eventually, Takayasu tired and Kirishima took the opportunity to get his left hand inside. Takayasu trapped Kirishima’s left arm so Kirishima pulled and dragged Takayasu down while rotating and shoving Takayasu with his left. Both men tumbled down the dohyo’s side. A mono-ii was called to check if they fell at the same time but Takayasu was clearly down first. Tsukiotoshi.

Takanosho (6-7) defeated Gonoyama (6-7). Takanosho lives on the edge. After a back-and-forth grapple, Gonoyama finally worked Takanosho to the bales but Takanosho escaped right and shoved Gonoyama down. No kensho on this bout? Both of these men are heyagashira. Takakeisho’s supporters have not shifted to the pleasant, cheerful Onigiri-kun? Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (7-6) defeated Shodai (6-7). Shodai tried to shift his left-hand inside but as this brought Shodai’s body up, Wakatakakage took advantage, bulled forward and toppled Shodai into the crowd. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (10-3) defeated Abi (7-6). Abi decided to play tawara roulette today. Abi shifted left, pulled and Takerufuji charged forward. Takerufuji seemed to stay up just long enough to force Abi out. Mono-ii. Replay showed Abi’s heel touching outside the ring as Takerufji was still falling forward. Oshidashi #6.

Daieisho (9-4) defeated Chiyoshoma (8-5). Chiyoshoma has been taking on the top guys, head-on. I have to give him props. No henka today. In fact, Daieisho was the one to shift to the right, thrusting Chiyoshoma from the left side. He followed up with his steady blasts. Chiyoshoma dropped off the dohyo. It was a good run. Props to Kokonoe’s top dog. Tsukidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (7-6) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-9). Ichiyamamoto yanked yard on Wakamotoharu, pulling him to the edge of the ring. Ichiyamamoto then followed up with powerful thrusts and forced Wakamotoharu off the ring and out of sanyaku altogether. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (10-3) defeated Onosato (8-5). Hoshoryu wanted a left-hand grip but Onosato batted his arm away and pressed forward. Hoshoryu then reached up with his right arm and put Onosato into a headlock. Onosato was trying to reach in with his right hand and Hoshoryu’s pivot carried him forward and off the ground. Hoshoryu dropped Onosato with the Kubinage.

Kinbozan (11-2) defeated Kotozakura (5-8). Kinbozan blasted Kotozakura head-on at the tachiai. Kotozakura pulled weakly and Kinbozan’s footwork was solid. He quickly rushed the Ozeki to his make-koshi. Tsukidashi.

Wrap-up

What a Tournament! As we head into the final weekend, Kinbozan leads a yusho race we did not see coming on Day One. Kotozakura has gone from the consensus favorite for Yokozuna promotion to Kadoban. Hoshoryu’s slim hopes might still be alive, though even with a yusho, I’m not sure if it will be enough to impress and earn a promotion at this tournament.

Schedulers need to get cracking because they have not set up our Day 14 bouts, yet. I’ll try to bring an update later with the details but it might not come until late. In the meantime, I’m eager to hear what bouts you will be looking forward to this weekend! Will Kotozakura continue? If he does not, who will get the fusen win?

Hatsu 2025, Day Nine

Andy Hatsu 2025, Hatsu Basho , , , , ,

News from the infirmary is that Kitanowaka is kyujo. He broke his leg in yesterday’s action and will need two months to recover. He will surely drop back into Juryo for March. With Terunofuji’s retirement and several demotions incoming, Shiden and Kayo are going to kick themselves if they miss this opportunity at promotion. Meanwhile, there are several guys a bit deeper on the banzuke willing to fill in the gaps. We’re obviously skipping over makuuchi veterans Tsurugisho and Shimanoumi, who cannot buy a white star between them.

Today’s NHK videos are here: Juryo Part I & Part II, Makuuchi Part I & Part II.

Shishi put his head down and drove into heavyweight Mitoryu, earning his kachi-koshi. Wakaikari threw everything at Kiryuko, even starting with a henka, before finally winning with a nice throw. Both of those matches are in the Juryo Part I videos. Aonishiki, meanwhile, easily forced Kayo out to stay on pace. This might be the yusho race to watch this basho. Wakaikari will take on Shirokuma tomorrow. Shishi will face Oshoumi and Aonishiki will have his hands full against Sadanoumi.

Makuuchi Action

Kagayaki (3-6) defeated Shiden (2-7). Shiden slow rolled Kagayaki into a matta. The tachiai games won him no advantage as Kagayaki drove into him, forced him back to the bales, and out. Shiden had nothing to counter. He tried some ottsuke with his right arm for a few seconds but gave up to get a belt grip. That allowed Kagayaki to get his belt and chug forward. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (2-7) defeated Tamashoho (3-6). Kotoshoho charged forward, then pulled but Tamashoho kept his balance and kept up his tsuppari. After trying the same thing twice, Kotoshoho tried Plan B. Kotoshoho grabbed Tamashoho’s left arm at the shoulder and pulled him forward. Kotenage.

Shonannoumi (4-5) defeated Tokihayate (4-5). Shonannoumi completely abandoned his style of sumo and just laid into Tokihayate with powerful tsuppari. His tsuppari forced Tokihayate back to the edge and another, violent shove forced Tokihayate out. Where has this Shonannoumi been? Oshidashi.

Onokatsu (6-3) defeated Nishikifuji (4-5). Nishikifuji and Onokatsu traded tsuppari for a few seconds before switching to yotsu-zumo with left-hand inside grips. Nishikifuji’s fatal mistake was to try to pull. Onokatsu used the momentum shift to charge forward and drive Nishikifuji backward and down to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Nishikigi (5-4) fusen win over Kitanowaka (4-5-6).

Kinbozan (9-0) defeated Takerufuji (7-2). A bout that lived up to the hype. This was a very entertaining back-and-forth. Takerufuji tried an early pull but Kinbozan forced him to the edge. Takerufuji pressed his way back to the center. Kinbozan pivoted and tried to pull Takerufuji down he then pressed forward, forcing Takerufuji to the edge again. Takerufuji suddenly turned the tables and forced Kinbozan to teeter at the edge by twisting. But Takerufuji could not finish him off. Kinbozan recovered and pulled Takerufuji across the ring. Takerufuji’s legs couldn’t keep up and Kinbozan won by dragging Takerufuji down by his arm. Kotenage.

Hakuoho (6-3) defeated Meisei (2-7). Both men locked in for a yotsu battle. Hakuoho drove forward and forced Meisei to the edge. Meisei pivoted and tried to throw Hakuoho but Hakuoho’s footwork was solid. The pair settled in the middle of the ring to catch their breath. Hakuoho caught his first, suddenly pulled and rotated counter-clockwise, throwing Meisei to the ground. Uwatedashinage.

Midorifuji (2-7) defeated Mitakeumi (2-7). Mitakeumi let Midorifuji have a morozashi, double-inside belt grip. Mitakeumi tried to pick up Midorifuji and charge forward for a kimedashi but Midorifuji resisted. Having failed at Plan A, Mitakeumi caught his breath and tried Plan A again, charging forward to the bales. Midorifuji pivoted and each man tried to topple the other over the bales. Midorifuji won with better leverage from his inside grip and threw Mitakeumi. Shitatenage.

Endo (4-5) defeated Tamawashi (6-3). Tamawashi hit Endo with tsuppari and put his head down to charge forward. Endo timed his pull well, shifted right and slapped Tamawashi down. Hikiotoshi.

Ichiyamamoto (6-3) defeated Oshoma (4-5). Ichiyamamoto plugged forward with his tsuppari. Oshoma tried to pull Ichiyamamoto over the bales but Ichiyamamoto latched onto Oshoma with his left hand outside. The two danced along the bales trying to throw the other. Ichiyamamoto was able to get Oshoma turned and shoved Oshoma over. Oshitaoshi.

Halftime

Takayasu (6-3) defeated Takarafuji (4-5). Takarafuji grabbed Takayasu’s left arm but Takayasu did not like where Takarafuji was going with it. So, Takayasu extracted his arm and thrust into Takarafuji, hard, shoving him out. Tsukidashi.

Chiyoshoma (8-1) defeated Churanoumi (3-6). Quite the brawl. Churanoumi’s tsuppari kept Chiyoshoma off his belt. When Chiyoshoma tried to reach in, Churanoumi would freak out and shove him away, hard. The thing is, Chiyoshoma’s tsuppari game is fierce and he plugged away, driving Chiyoshoma to the edge…but not over. Chiyoshoma pulled and as Churanoumi followed, Chiyoshoma grabbed his arm and pulled him forward over the bales. Tottari.

Shodai (4-5) defeated Gonoyama (5-4). THAT Shodai is still in the house. His footwork was excellent and he resisted Gonoyama’s opening nodowa. Gonoyama kept up with his forceful thrusts but Shodai weathered the torrent. Shodai shifted to the side and Gonoyama nearly toppled over but recovered and reengaged Shodai. Shodai had had enough and drove forward into Gonoyama with all of his might, forcing him to tumble backwards off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Oho (7-2) defeated Atamifuji (2-7). Oho grabbed Atamifuji with his left arm under Atamifuji’s right shoulder. Oho rotated clockwise and slammed his right arm down onto Atamifuji’s back while pulling at that shoulder, forcing Atamifuji down. Katasukashi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (4-5) defeated Takanosho (2-7). Takanosho drove forward and had Wakatakakage at the bales but Wakatakakage reached in with both hands on Takanosho’s belt and hoisted up. Wakatakakage let go of Takanosho’s belt but rotated and threw Takanosho over the bales. Sukuinage.

Kirishima (6-3) defeated Abi (5-4). Kirishima pulled as Abi was blasting away with his tsuppari. Abi stumbled forward and Kirishima pursued. Abi turned to resist at the bales but Kirishima shoved him over. Does this Kirishima only come out in Tokyo? Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (2-7) defeated Tobizaru (5-4). Wakamotoharu avoided make-koshi by keeping Tobizaru in front of him and hitting him with forceful tsuppari. Tobizaru tried to grab Wakamotoharu’s belt but WMH yanked him off. Wakamotoharu fired off with more tsuppari and drove Tobizaru over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (5-4) defeated Hoshoryu (6-3). Hiradoumi launched into Hoshoryu at the tachiai. He then shifted left and Hoshoryu stumbled forward to the ground. Rope hopes dashed. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (5-4) defeated Kotozakura (3-6). Ura charged into the Ozeki with both arms inside. Ura then rotated right and pulled Kotozakura down. Why did that look so easy? I think it was because Kotozakura braced himself with his left leg against the bales. Ura twisted in that direction and that is the knee that Kotozakura has taped up and is wearing a supporter. Oshitaoshi.

Onosato (6-3) defeated Daieisho (6-3). Onosato drove his forearm into Daieisho’s chin, forcing him back. As Daieisho attempted to right himself and charge forward, Onosato shifted to his right and slapped Daieisho down. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

No Ozeki kachi-koshi for Kotozakura. He can only give up one more loss before he is kadoban in Osaka. If the left knee is really giving him this much trouble, he needs to go kyujo now. He has not faced either of his Ozeki peers. They have their own problems to sort out and will be more than motivated to drop him.

We’re going to have another maegashira yusho. Everyone in sanyaku is just fighting for pride and position at this point. As we take a look at the leader board, only Kinbozan is undefeated and only Chiyoshoma is one back with one loss. Takerufuji and Oho follow with two losses.

As we head into the final furlong, Kinbozan and Chiyoshoma will face their toughest battles yet as the Kyokai tries to stop their advance. Kinbozan will fight Abi and Chiyoshoma will take on Kirishima. Takerufuji will fight Ichiyamamoto and Oho will take on Tamawashi.

Oho might still be a favorite for the yusho, though he has two losses. The Kyokai cannot make his schedule more difficult; He has already faced the top guys. Takerufuji will probably start facing joi-level fights on Day 11.

One positive from Terunofuji’s retirement may be that this will open the door for another wrestler to enter the top division. At this rate, we are looking at an extended period of time with no Yokozuna. Our next Yokozuna is hopefully in Makuuchi right now and we will not need to wait for Wakaikari to establish himself as a sanyaku mainstay.

As was eluded to in the comments, this might impact the Kyokai’s Jungyo plans. For the past couple of years, even if Terunofuji had not been available for tournaments, he would participate in the local tours and events at shrines, performing his dohyo-iri. We just came out of a pandemic, so we know these events do not have to go on. At this time of increased popularity of sumo, his presence will be missed.