Takerufuji

Aki 2024: Day Seven Highlights

Andy Aki 2024 , , ,

No new kyujo in the paid ranks.

Action in Juryo is really heating up. We know these guys are fighting hard for the right to wear their somenuki kimono. These specialized yukata feature the wrestler’s shikona and usually amazing designs and ONLY makuuchi wrestlers are permitted to wear them during the May, July, and September tournaments. Unfortunately, that’s only a summer-time benefit. After Aki, they will need to wait until May to fish them out of their akeni.

Takerufuji charged forward and Tsurugisho had to cycle back and to the left…which is not the way he would want to go. His knee buckled and Takerufuji continues to chew through the division. Chiyoshoma’s henka was well read by Shimazuumi and the Mongolian nearly dropped this bout but he threw Shimazuumi down to remain undefeated with Takerufuji.

Chiyoshoma will seal his return to Makuuchi with a win tomorrow over (…checks notes…) 1-win Daiamami. Yeah, Chiyoshoma will be back in Makuuchi in Kyushu. Takerufuji will need to do something much more spectacular to earn his return from Juryo 11 (probably 13-2 or better. -lksumo). Asakoryu stands in the way of picking up his kachi-koshi tomorrow. Hakuoho will have a tough match against Shishi tomorrow.

I’ve added direct links to the NHK bout videos here. I’m interested to know whether you all like that or not. I wish it would embed the videos but I’ve not figured out how to get that to work cleanly. VIDEO LINKS DON’T WORK. That’s a bummer.

Makuuchi Action

Ryuden (5-2) defeated Kitanowaka (2-5). Hidari-yotsu. Ryuden steadily worked Kitanowaka back and over the edge. Yorikiri. You were expecting susoharai?

Nishikigi (5-2) defeated Onokatsu (2-5). Nishikigi drove forward and Onokatsu fell down at the edge of the dohyo. Yoritaoshi.

Hokutofuji (5-2) defeated Takarafuji (4-3). Hokutofuji’s ottsuke kept Takarafuji from establishing any sort of hold. At the same time Hokutofuji’s tsuppari drove Takarafuji back and out. Oshidashi.

Nishikifuji (3-4) defeated Kinbozan (2-5). Nishikifuji shoved Kinbozan back. As Kinbozan tried to change direction at the edge he lost his balance and tumbled to the ground. Oshitaoshi.

Sadanoumi (3-4) defeated Shirokuma (2-5). Shirokuma had a strong start but Sadanoumi quickly turned the tables when he established his migi-yotsu grip. He hoisted Shirokuma to the edge of the ring and drove him over. Yorikiri.

Takayasu (5-2) defeated Roga (3-4). Takayasu locked on with his left-hand inside and maintained steady pressure on Roga, forcing him back. Just as it looked like the two were settling into a lean, Roga tried to change his grip and Takayasu charged forward, driving Roga out. Oshidashi.

Tamawashi (3-4) defeated Bushozan (4-3). Bushozan drove forward at the tachiai, forcing Tamawashi back to the bales. But it was just a feint from Tamawashi as he slipped to the side and dropped Bushozan to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Oshoma (5-2) defeated Kagayaki (1-6). Taking a page from Tamawashi, Oshoma let Kagayaki press forward. Just as Kagayaki ducked his head to charge forward, Oshoma slipped away and slapped Kagayaki down. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (5-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-5). Don’t they say, “never meet your idol?” Ichiyamamoto discovered that his idol has the power to make him look silly. Ichiyamamoto charged forward but Wakatakakage slipped to his right, grabbed Ichiyamamoto’s arm and forced him to continue forward. He then wrapped him up from behind and walked him out. Okuridashi.

Gonoyama (3-4) defeated Midorifuji (3-4). Midorifuji with the sidestep tachiai but Gonoyama recovered. Midorifuji’s high-octane style continuously probed Gonoyama for a weakness. Gonoyama just kept Midorifuji in front of him and steadily forced him back and over the edge. Tsukidashi.

Halftime

Endo defeated Meisei. Endo with solid hidari-yotsu, forced Meisei back to the edge. Meisei’s knee buckled and he fell to the ground under the white tassel. The way Meisei went down seems a troubling sign that there is a bit of an injury there that he has been trying to mask by not using a supporter. Yoritaoshi.

Churanoumi defeated Shonannoumi. Shonannoumi absolutely dwarfed Churanoumi before the tachiai. But Churanoumi had this bout under control. He focused on keeping Shonannoumi’s right arm at bay and steadily worked him around the dohyo. Shonannoumi seemed to be reaching too far forward as he tried to latch on and maintain that right hand grip. Churanoumi then grabbed Shonannoumi’s belt and pulled him farther forward…and down he went. Tsukiotoshi.

Mitakeumi defeated Ura. Mitakeumi waited for Ura to pull and when Ura made that pull, Mitakeumi cast him from the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Atamifuji (3-4) defeated Tobizaru (2-5). Atamifuji patiently and calmly corralled Tobizaru and shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (4-3) defeated Takanosho (2-5). Daieisho waited for Takanosho to start pressing forward to execute pull. He shifted right and pulled in a well-timed maneuver that brought Takanosho forward to the floor. Hatakikomi.

Kirishima (6-1) defeated Kotoshoho (4-3). Kirishima used all of his strength to yank Kotoshoho to the edge…but Kotoshoho twisted and pulled Kirishima out at the last second. Gunbai Kirishima. After a review, the call on the field was confirmed. Yoritaoshi.

Onosato (7-0) defeated Hiradoumi (4-3). Onosato calmly dispatched Hiradoumi with ease. Migi-yotsu grip established, he pressed forward and shoved Hiradoumi out. Yorikiri.

Oho (4-3) defeated Abi (2-5). Oho shifted to the side and bought Abi down. This bout may be a cautionary tale of winning the battle but losing the war. As Abi charged forward his head drove into the right side of Oho’s face. Oho appeared to be concussed afterward, unsteady on his feet, and his right eye rapidly swelled shut.

Hoshoryu (3-4) defeated Shodai (4-3). Hoshoryu gave Shodai no time or room for a counter attack at the edge. His nodowa forced Shodai back and another quick shove sent him over the edge. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (5-2) defeated Kotozakura (5-2). Hidariyotsu. Wakamotoharu pulled up on Kotozakura’s belt and moved forward, dragging Kotozakura to the edge. Kotozakura franticly tried to change grips to get a counter-attack going. At the edge he tried to twist Wakamotoharu down but WMH had already shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Wrap-up

Wakamotoharu with the big upset. Kotozakura certainly has difficulties establishing any kind of dominance in the division. Onosato, however, has been making Week One look like a cake walk.

“Mmmm…baumkuchen…”

Suddenly, this tournament is a story of two Sekiwake: undefeated Onosato and 1-loss Kirishima. Onosato, the phenom should have an easy time of it against Mitakeumi on nakabi. If he keeps rolling, he will earn Ozeki promotion after this tournament. Sealing the deal with a title, especially a run-away, would be an effective changing of the guard.

Kirishima’s story is one of redemption. He fought hard to earn his title and promotion to Ozeki. We were even talking about Yokozuna promotion. But then the wheels fell off and his struggles in 2024 resulted in his demotion to Sekiwake. If he remains in contention, it would be great to see him begin talk of another Ozeki run. That is a big “IF” because he has not shown anything near the dominance we have seen from Onosato. His bouts are very competitive.

Meanwhile, Kotozakura and Hoshoryu have had their difficulties this week. Will either Ozeki make a serious charge in Week Two to make this interesting?

Finally, I do want to mention my concern for Oho. His eye was clearly swollen after the bout and he was staggered. I am sure he will be back tomorrow because he is a sumo wrestler but I think the smart play here is to take two days off to recover. Kachi-koshi is in reach but it will slip from his hands if he fights while injured and makes things worse.

Haru 2024 Senshuraku Highlights

Andy Haru 2024, Haru Basho , ,

No new kyujo today. Takerufuji and Onosato both locked up two special prizes (Fighting Spirit and Technique) today before they entered the stadium. The yusho winner will receive the Outstanding Performance prize.

Makuuchi Action

Churanoumi (7-8) defeated Kitanowaka (3-12). Churanoumi quickly secured a left-hand inside hold on Kitanowaka’s belt and pressed forward until Kitanowaka was out. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto (7-8) defeated Ryuden (6-9). Despite the kimarite, this was Ichiyamamoto sumo. Ichiyamamoto hit Ryuden with forceful tsuppari, then attempted a pull. The pull failed so he bull rushed Ryuden and forced him out of the dohyo. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi (9-6) defeated Endo (5-10). Endo tried to pull Mitakeumi down at the edge but Mitakeumi forced Endo out first. Oshidashi.

Shodai (8-7) defeated Nishikifuji (8-7). Shodai slammed into Nishikifuji at the tachiai. Nishikifuji tried to slide to the left but Shodai pursued well and secured his kachi-koshi by driving Nishikifuji out. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (8-7) defeated Roga (7-8). Roga quickly grabbed Kotoshoho’s the front of Kotoshoho’s belt. Kotoshoho did not accept this willingly. He tried hard to force Roga away. Roga tugged at Kotoshoho’s belt, pulling him forward but Kotoshoho maintained his balance. At the edge, Kotoshoho grabbed Roga’s arm and twisted him down. Amiuchi.

Hokutofuji (6-9) defeated Shonannoumi (9-6). Hokutofuji and Shonannoumi locked up a left hand grip but kept each others’ right hands away. Hokutofuji tugged hard on Shonannoumi’s belt to pull him forward toward the bales and tried to slap him down. But Shonnanoumi resisted and kept his balance. Hokutofuji then decided to attack with his more familiar oshi-/tsuki- and blasted Shonannoumi away. Oshidashi.

Takayasu (11-4) defeated Daiamami (7-8). Once Takayasu got the morozashi, double-inside grip, Daiamami was done. Takayasu pulled up and escorted Daiamami out. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (7-8) defeated (6-9) Myogiryu. Myogiryu wanted a belt grip but Tamawashi was not going to let him have one. Tamawashi shoved Myogiryu back, hard. Oshidashi.

Takerufuji (13-2) defeated Gonoyama (10-5). Storybook here. First of all, just seeing Takerufuji walk during the dohyo-iri and then enter the hanamichi…he was not going to let this yusho be decided by Onosato. Solid tachiai. Takerufuji drove forward and forced Gonoyama to the edge. Gonoyama tried to pull Takerufuji down but Takerufuji pressed forward again and shoved Gonoyama off the dohyo. Oshitaoshi.

Sadanoumi (8-7) defeated Midorifuji (7-8). Sadanoumi wrapped up Midorifuji and drove him toward the edge. At the edge, he picked Midorifuji up and dropped him on the other side of the bales. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Onosho (9-6) defeated Tobizaru (8-7). Onosho’s left arm in Tobizaru’s right arm-pit won this fight. He shoved Tobizaru to the side and tried to shove him down. Tobizaru resisted valiantly but Onosho continued to press forward and drove Tobizaru off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Meisei (6-9) defeated Onosho (5-10). Twice, Meisei tried to win this by grabbing Onosho’s right shoulder and pulling him forward but Onosho kept his balance. Onosho was able to turn the tables at the edge and nearly forced Meisei out. Once this became a belt-battle, though, Meisei locked Onosho up. Morozashi secured, he easily forced Onosho over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oho (7-8) defeated Ura (6-9). Oho had great footwork today. Ura tried to avoid his tsuppari and slip to the side but Oho did not fall and kept up the pressure on Ura. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Nishikigi (3-12) defeated Kinbozan (6-7-2). Nishikigi blasted Kinbozan at the tachiai. Kinbozan pulled up, likely still feeling the effects of his earlier injury. Nishikigi pressed him forward and out. Yorikiri.

Abi (9-6) defeated Atamifuji (8-7). Abizumo. His forceful tsuppari drove Atamifuji back. Atamifuji tried to push his head down but Abi remained focused and forced Atamifuji from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu (9-6) defeated Asanoyama (9-6). Wakamotoharu fought through Asanoyama’s throw attempt. Yorikiri.

Kore-Yori San Yaku

Hiradoumi (9-6) defeated Daieisho (6-9) and was presented with the arrows. A subtle shift left and Hiradoumi forced Daieisho to tumble out of sanyaku. It was kind of fitting to lose this way as it is really Daieisho’s main weakness. Tsukiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (11-4) defeated Onosato (11-4). Brilliant throw by Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu locked up Onosato with his right hand inside and twisted the young man down at the edge. I am sure Onosato will go cry into his special prizes. Shitatenage.

Kirishima (5-10) defeated Kotonowaka (10-5). This was a great bout, back and forth as Kotonowaka tried to throw Kirishima and strongly resisted Kirishima’s throws. Gunbai Kotonowaka. Mono-ii. Kotonowaka fell first. Uwatenage.

Wrap-up

Well, the Kyokai sure knows how to put on a show and the applause and cheers from the crowd in Osaka demonstrated how much we fans appreciate it. Is it me or did the narrative shift after Takerufuji’s injury — from the collective under-performance of the sanyaku to the historic charge of Takerufuji and Onosato? It may be minor but it is significant, to me at least. Instead of highlighting the negative it shifts the spotlight to the hopeful rise of this fresh crop of talent.

There will be more talent coming behind them, as well. But we may be in for a long and interesting rivalry between guys like Hoshoryu, Onosato, Takerufuji, Kotonowaka, Atamifuji, and the toddler, Hakuoho. It may even be a broader shift in body shape as these wrestlers bulk up in their arms, shoulders, and legs. This was not a case where a lucky hiramaku wrestler sneaked away with the title as the sanyaku cannibalized itself, like Kyokutenho or Tokushoryu or Abi. This was a case where the hiramaku wrestlers are the top developing talents. They can go toe-to-toe with the upper echelon and they need the time to assert themselves with rank appropriate for their skills and strength. As they grow and rise in rank, they will create the separation we have been looking for between Ozeki, sanyaku, and hiramaku.

Haru 2024, Day 12 Highlights

Andy Haru 2024, Haru Basho , , ,

No new kyujo announcements have come in to the infirmary. This means Kirishima will try to tough it out for at least today. We shall see whether that was a wise decision. If he is injured as many people speculate, he should be able to get a doctors’ certificate to go kyujo. Regardless, he has not been fighting well and will not be much competition for the two high-flying hiramaku contenders. Both of them will fight other Ozeki today but whom will they face tomorrow?

To take them out of yusho contention, Onosato needs to lose twice and Takerufuji will need to lose three times in these closing days so they need healthy, strong sanyaku fighters, capable of getting dirt on these kids. Abi didn’t. Nishikigi won’t. Kirishima and Takakeisho are doubtful.

Makuuchi Action

Bushozan (6-6) defeated Churanoumi (5-7). Bushozan hit Churanoumi hard enough at the tachiai to keep Churanoumi from grabbing his belt. Then, he drove forward and shoved Churanoumi out. Oshidashi.

Kitanowaka (3-9) defeated Ichiyamamoto (6-6). Kitanowaka moved well enough to avoid being caught by Ichiyamamoto’s pulls. Kitanowaka just kept chasing along the tawara until Ichiyamamoto tripped and fell. Tsukiotoshi.

Sadanoumi (7-5) defeated Daiamami (6-6). Daiamami pressed forward and both men fell from the ring. Gunbai Sadanoumi. The naked eye could not tell who fell first so the shimpan called a mono-ii, judges’ conference. They determined both men fell at the same time and a rematch, torinaoshi, was necessary. In the rematch, Sadanoumi took the initiative. Daiamami seemed a bit gassed but used his girth well to avoid being thrown by Sadanoumi. However, Sadanoumi pressed forward a second time and forced Daiamami over the bales. Yoritaoshi.

Shodai (6-6) defeated Ryuden (5-7). Shodai was motivated today. He wrapped up Ryuden and pressed forward, forcing Ryuden over the bales. Yorikiri.

Hokutofuji (4-8) defeated Roga (6-6). Hokutofuji squared up to Roga and slapped him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Endo (3-9) defeated Kotoshoho (5-7). Kotoshoho did well to keep Endo off of his belt but Endo slipped to the right and slapped Kotoshoho down for his third win. Hatakikomi.

Onosho (7-5) defeated Mitakeumi (7-5). Onosho controlled the action once Mitakeumi gave up a morozashi, double-inside grip. He pulled up and drove forward. Mitakeumi was able to force one hand back inside but Onosho had the momentum. He kept up the pressure as Mitakeumi was forced into retreat. Eventually he was able to force Mitakeumi out. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (5-5-2) defeated Myogiryu (5-7). Kinbozan was too strong and dominant. He forced himself inside and pressed forward until Myogiryu stepped out. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (7-5) defeated Tamawashi (5-7). Tamawashi charged forward but after the tachiai, Nishikifuji slipped left and tried a slapdown. The slapdown failed but he kept up the attack and drove forward into Tamawashi and shoved Tamawashi out. Oshidashi.

Shonannoumi (8-4) defeated Tobizaru (6-6). Shonannoumi kept Tobizaru in front of him and wanted to avoid any tricks. Tobizaru didn’t really attack with any, though. Shonannoumi kept trying to slap him down. Shonannoumi eventually forced Tobizaru forward and down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime.

Hiradoumi (7-5) defeated Oho (4-8). Oho did not seem prepared for Hiradoumi to hit him that hard at the tachiai. Hiradoumi kept up the pressure and shoved Oho out. Oshidashi.

Ura (6-6) defeated Meisei (4-8). Ura used the tawara to brace himself and resist Meisei’s forward motion. As Meisei pressed forward, Ura slipped to the right. Meisei’s momentum brought him to the edge of the dohyo but not out. However, Ura was in position to get behind and shove Meisei out. The crowd erupted in cheers. Okuritaoshi.

Asanoyama (7-5) defeated Takanosho (4-8). Takanosho fought well and had a few opportunities but Asanoyama was too strong. After fighting to a stalemate, Asanoyama dug deep and drove Takanosho to the bales and hoisted him over. Yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Abi (8-4) defeated Takayasu (8-4). Takayasu had the early advantage and should have driven Abi out but he did not pursue quick enough. Abi resisted at the bales and went back in for the attack. He pressed Takayasu across the ring and over the bales. Oshidashi.

Atamifuji (7-5) defeated Nishikigi (1-11). Atamifuji waited for Nishikigi to press forward. When he did, Atamifuji pulled left and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Gonoyama (9-3) defeated Daieisho (5-7). Daieisho used his tsuppari to press forward but Gonoyama slipped to the right and shoved him down. Daieisho is on the ropes and must win out to preserve his Sekiwake rank. Hatakikomi.

Wakamotoharu (7-5) defeated Takakeisho (7-5). Wakamotoharu hit Takakeisho and pressed forward. Takakeisho had nothing. Yorikiri.

Hoshoryu (9-3) defeated Takerufuji (11-1)! Takerufuji pressed forward and Hoshoryu tried to reach around and grab his belt but couldn’t. Instead, he wrapped up Takerufuji’s left shoulder. As Takerufuji continued to charge forward, Hoshoryu spun around at the bales and used his arm bar to throw Takerufuji to his first loss. Kotenage.

Midorifuji (7-5) defeated Kirishima (3-9). This seemed like a great opportunity for Kirishima to turn things around. He controlled the pace for much of the bout and avoided Midorifuji’s usual katasukashi, shoulder pull. Instead, it looked like Kirishima was trying to set up one of his own. After a long lean, where the two jostled for position, Kirishima adjusted his grip but this left him standing a bit too high. Midorifuji seized the opportunity and drove forward, forcing the Ozeki from the dohyo. At least he didn’t get pushed out as quickly as Takakeisho (who’s still kadoban) but Midorifuji should be a piece of cake for an Ozeki. Yorikiri.

Kotonowaka (9-3) defeated Onosato (9-3). Kotonowaka reached around for Onosato’s belt. Onosato did not want to give that up so he pivoted and drove forward. Kotonowaka used that left arm to wrap up Onosato’s right arm while simultaneously slipping to the left again. Kotenage.

Wrap-up

Both youngsters fell to kotenage today. The Day 13 torikumi is not available as of this writing but both men are still clearly in the yusho race and need to continue to fight sanyaku opponents. Takerufuji’s lead is still two wins. Onosato has fallen back into a group of four guys who still have a hope here: Hoshoryu, Kotonowaka, Onosato, and Gonoyama.

I would not be surprised if Onosato and Gonoyama square off tomorrow to at least eliminate one from the race. The biggest question, however, is who should face Takerufuji. If they pit him against Takakeisho or Kirishima, they’re handing him the yusho. Maybe Wakamotoharu? Takakeisho has his kachi-koshi still on the line here, so they might set him up against Takerufuji and see how Takerufuji can handle the henka? The schedulers have their task. I’m eager to see how they set this up. Maybe Gonoyama vs Takerufuji? This is a tough decision.

Haru 2024: Day 11 Highlights

Andy Haru 2024, Haru Basho ,

News from the infirmary is that Tobizaru is back after his one day stomach bug. His brother had the same issue earlier this week. I would not go near their Nana’s pudding. Down in Juryo, Shirokuma is back, as well.

Takerufuji leads, undefeated. Onosato is two losses back, tied with Kotonowaka. This is such a surreal time. I can’t tell if I want the Yokozuna here, or if it is more fitting that he is absent. But if anyone is going to stop the freight train that is Takerufuji as he rolls toward Yusho station, the will need to do it quick. He has a two-win cushion against Onosato and KNW with a three-win cushion on the rest of the field and only five bouts remain.

Makuuchi Action

Roga (6-5) defeated Myogiryu (5-6). The two men locked in on a right-hand inside grip. Once Roga got this grip and was comfortable, he pulled up and walked Myogiryu out. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (6-5) defeated Oshoma (7-4). Oshoma visited from Juryo and hoped to pick up his kachi-koshi. Thankfully, this retreating style of sumo that he presented today was soundly defeated by Nishikifuji. Nishikifuji pressed forward and shoved Oshoma out. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (6-5) defeated Churanoumi (5-6). Ichiyamamoto jumped too soon, matta. Reset. When they got a solid tachiai, Churanoumi pressed Ichiyamamoto deep to the edge of the dohyo. However, Ichiyamamoto kept up his tsuppari and executed his pulldown with his back on the tawara. Hatakikomi.

Kotoshoho (5-6) defeated Daiamami (6-5). Kotoshoho quickly pivoted and twisted Daiamami down. Sukuinage.

Hokutofuji (3-8) defeated Endo (2-9) with a rapid slapdown. Despite the kiddies calling out their support for Endo, he’s already packing his akeni to be loaded on the barge to Juryo. Tsukiotoshi.

Takayasu (8-3) defeated Sadanoumi (6-5). Sadanoumi tried to switch his grip for a right-hand inside grip. As he slid in, Takayasu struck and threw Sadanoumi down. Takayasu picked up his kachi-koshi. Uwatenage.

Tamawashi (5-6) defeated Ryuden (5-6). Tamawashi plowed forward and drove Ryuden to the edge. Ryuden resisted on the tawara but Tamawashi was having none of it and hefted Ryuden up and over the bales. Both men tumbled into the crowd. Yorikiri.

Kinbozan (4-5-2) defeated Kitanowaka (2-9). Kinbozan shoved Kitanowaka to the edge. Kitanowaka used the resistance offered by the bales to wrap up Kinbozan. Paying Kitanowaka no mind, Kinbozan pivoted with Kitanowaka and bulldozed him across the ring and out quickly. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (8-3) defeated a blocking sled with a cardboard cutout of Mitakeumi (7-4) pasted to the front. Thrilling sumo this. Thank you for blessing us with your time, cardboard cutout of Mitakeumi. Tsukidashi.

Midorifuji (6-5) defeated Shodai (5-6) by katasukashi. Because, of course. It’s his thing and who is Shodai to keep a man from doing his thing?

Halftime

Hiradoumi (6-5) defeated Onosho (6-5). Hiradoumi baited Onosho into pressing forward while he reached inside with his right hand. At the edge, Hiradoumi struck. With the support of the straw bales at his feet, Hiradoumi twisted to pull Onosho down. Tsukiotoshi.

Tobizaru (6-5) defeated Meisei (4-7). Meisei attempted an uwatenage and threw Tobizaru with his left-hand overarm grip. Both men tumbled, Meisei landing beneath the dohyo and shocked to see Hisanosuke’s gunbai pointed toward Tobizaru. Yes, Tobizaru used his right-hand inside to pull Meisei and remain in the air a few beats longer. No mono-ii. Meisei, everyone in the stadium could see that you landed first, no need to slow roll your exit. Get moving. Yoritaoshi.

Asanoyama (6-5) defeated Oho (4-7). In the boring, sumo-themed variant of “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” there are only two options: forward and backward. Forward sumo always beats Backward sumo. Asanoyama and his forward sumo defeated Oho and his backward sumo. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (6-5) defeated Ura (5-6). Atamifuji wrapped up Ura immediately. Ura accepted it and pulled back, seeking the support of the tawara so he could try a throw. Annoyed by Ura’s refusal to go out and his impertinence to attempt a throw, Atamifuji settled back to the center and used gabburi-yotsu to back Ura to the bales, again. This time, Atamifuji left no doubt. He hefted Ura clear from the dohyo and plopped him down on the other side of the bales. Tsuridashi…aka, the “pick him up like a baby” kimarite.

Sanyaku

Takanosho (4-7) defeated Nishikigi (1-10). Takanosho slipped his right hand inside and ushered a lost and confused Nishikigi toward the exit. Yorikiri.

Abi (7-4) defeated Shonannoumi (7-4). Abi’s tsuppari pressed Shonannoumi out. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (7-4) defeated Daieisho (5-6), eventually. As the length of the bout increases, the probability of Daieisho flopping onto his belly approaches 1. It’s simple math. Hoshoryu ran around for a good long while and Daieisho flopped into the center. Tsukiotoshi.

Wakamotoharu (6-5) defeated Kirishima (3-8). I forgot which one was Ozeki. The one on the left of the screen gave a half-assed throw attempt on his way back and then let himself get perp-walked out after it failed. The Ozeki is officially kadoban. He could have done that from his couch. Yorikiri.

Takerufuji (11-0) defeated Kotonowaka (8-3)! Takerufuji pulled back and to his right, trying to swipe for Kotonowaka’s belt. Kotonowaka was not going to fall for the quick throw down. So Takerufuji squared up to Kotonowaka and drove him through the ring like a raging bull. Kotonowaka pitched to the side to try a last-ditch throw but Takerufuji just kept his legs churning forward. Yorikiri.

Onosato (9-2) defeated Takakeisho (7-4). Takakeisho’s tsuppari made no impact as Onosato drove him backwards. Takakeisho tried a pull and Onosato just blasted him into the third row. Onosato quickly got in place to accept his win…and stood there for a few seconds before looking back, “We’re waiting on you, ‘Ozeki.’ You’re still kadoban.”

Wrap-up

The young-guns have arrived. Takerufuji has tied the great Taiho with 11 wins in his makuuchi debut. He will go for the record tomorrow against Hoshoryu. I am sure Hoshoryu will get some counsel from his Uncle before tomorrow’s bout. It would be something if Asashoryu flies in to Osaka tomorrow to watch. Meanwhile, Onosato barely broke a sweat against Takakeisho.

These hiramaku wrestlers completely dominated two Ozeki today. Let me be clear. They didn’t beat them, they dominated them. To make it even worse, it was two Ozeki not named, “Kirishima.” As for Kirishima, he just seemed resigned to his eighth loss today. He will need to come back strong in May. He will have the support of Otowayama-beya.