Tamawashi

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.

Nagoya 2023: Day 2 Preview

Andy Nagoya 2023, Nagoya Basho, Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Ōzeki (大関) ,

A lot of excellent action last night, with a dash of controversy. Hakuoho and several of the young guns impressed. But was Tobizaru dead? Why did no one bother to look? It may have just been a missed call or a conscious decision that the off-balance, tumbling monkey didn’t deserve to win. Frankly, that’s my view but why not throw in a torinaoshi; have them do it again. Well, we’ll put that aside as we gear up for Day 2 with the expectation that the debate will fire back up as Hoshoryu inches closer to 12 wins.

Torikumi

Kagayaki (J1-0) vs Hakuoho (1-0): Hakuoho took a battering from Aoiyama but emerged victorious. Kagayaki visits from Juryo tonight and will have much the same game plan, though a bit less forceful. Hakuoho’s left shoulder, though, is a bit of a concern and might present an opportunity to Kagayaki.

Aoiyama (0-1) vs Bushozan (0-1): We saw Aoiyama on the offense against Hakuoho but Bushozan didn’t get to illustrate much of his brand of sumo last night as he fell, quickly and easily, to Endo. Expect guns blazing from Aoiyama and possibly another quick bout.

Ryuden (0-1) vs Endo (1-0): Endo holds the numerical edge in this rivalry and certainly put his best face forward last night, while Ryuden just fell face forward. Ryuden has won their last few meetings but Endo’s a different challenge for Ryuden, compared to Takarafuji, and likely a healthier opponent. We’ll get a better sense tonight if Ryuden belongs kyujo and if Endo can put together a strong run.

Takarafuji (1-0) vs Shonannoumi (1-0): “Down. Go down.” Takarafuji had one plan against Ryden, and it worked. I don’t think that he will find the same success tonight against Shonannoumi, without changing things up. A long bout would seem to favor Shonannoumi.

Daishoho (0-1) vs Kotoshoho (0-1): After his loss yesterday, Kotoshoho seemed to stare at the heavens and wonder, “why am I here?” If he loses convincingly again today, I think we’ll all wonder the same thing.

Chiyoshoma (1-0) vs Gonoyama (1-0): Chiyoshoma will face a healthier opponent today, certainly one who can fight back with more than token resistance. It’s also their first ever meeting. I expect this bout to be a highlight bout from the bottom third of the division.

Kotoeko (1-0) vs Tsurugisho (0-1): Kotoeko was rather dominant in his win over Myogiryu while Tsurugisho appeared lame, unable to press forward with the left leg. This could be another quick one.

Kinbozan (0-1) vs Myogiryu (0-1): Young gun on his way up meets grizzled veteran on his way down in their first ever clash. Kinbozan needs this one.

Takanosho (0-1) vs Hokutofuji (1-0): Hokutofuji was on his game last night while Takanosho may have had a bit of that ring rust. Both are ranked a bit lower than their talents suggest so they should have good tournaments but Hokutofuji should have the edge in this bout.

Sadanoumi (0-1) vs Nishikifuji (1-0): Nishikifuji is no Tamawashi. Sadanoumi should be able to wrangle him and knotch a victory tonight.

Takayasu (1-0) vs Tamawashi (1-0): Expect fireworks. I have no idea who will win but I’m eager to see both of these geezers try.

Hokuseiho (1-0) vs Oho (0-1): This will be another exciting clash. They’ve split their first two meetings but after watching Hokuseiho dismantle Onosho, Oho may just be a bigger bump on the road to the joi-jin.

Hiradoumi (1-0) vs Onosho (0-1): Hiradoumi is ready while we didn’t get to see much of an attack from Onosho. Hopefully Hokuseiho knocked the ring-rust loose and Onosho comes back with the quality we’ve seen before.

Asanoyama (0-1) vs Ura (0-1): Asanoyama needs to bounce back from that loss to Meisei. He seemed to have the edge but the desperation lunge caught Asanoyama out. Ura’s whole thing seems to be desperation acrobatics at the edge. Asanoyama needs this, so he’ll need to keep his wits about him and not let Ura do anything crazy.

Sanyaku

Kotonowaka (1-0) vs Meisei (1-0): These guys are evenly matched demonstrated by the 4-4 record in this rivalry. Meisei did what he needed to win against Asanoyama. Will the confidence boost from that upset carry over to tonight?

Midorifuji (1-0) vs Abi (0-1): Is it as surprising to you as it is to me that Abi has never beaten Midorifuji? After seeing how stablemate and Yokozuna, Terunofuji, completely dismantled Abi’s big guns, maybe it shouldn’t. I would normally expect Abi to blast Midorifuji, repeatedly, and pick up the win. I will pay closer attention tonight to see if Abi is actually able to use his main weapon.

Hoshoryu (1-0) vs Shodai (0-1): We saw dreadful sumo from both of these guys last night. Shodai is nowhere near as mobile or dynamic as Tobizaru, however, so should be easy prey for the dragon.

Tobizaru (0-1) vs Wakamotoharu (1-0): Tobizaru snatched defeat from the jaws of victory yesterday with that wild, off-balance display. Wakamotoharu will need to contain him.

Mitakeumi (0-1) vs Daieisho (1-0): I’m eagerly anticipating this fight. Mitakeumi came in a bit high last night and was shown the exit…but at least he looks healthy. Daieisho has fire in his belly and laser-guided tsuppari. Of the three Ozeki candidates, I thought he put on the most convincing performance.

Terunofuji (1-0) vs Nishikigi (1-0): We haven’t seen Nishikigi in action yet but that shouldn’t matter. Terunofuji should dismantle Nishikigi with the ease that he displayed against Abi.

Who, exactly, is the old guard ?

Timothée Heinz Haru Basho 2020 (Osaka) , , , , ,

So, the 2020 Haru basho went through all coronavirus fears, and, fortunately, could go all the way and without incident.

It certainly has been a pretty unusual basho, with no spectators admitted. However, some recurring themes went on appearing; among them, the continuous rise – and, on several occasions, disappointment brought by the new generation of rikishi.

Thirteen’s day musubi no ichiban, which saw Hakuho facing Asanoyama, could have been subtitled as: “Who is going to take the lead of this basho? Young talent Asanoyama, or old guard leader, dai yokozuna Hakuho?”

If it’s not too hard remembering when our youngsters made their makuuchi debuts (guessing the correct year, at least), who, exactly, constitutes the “old guard”?

Let’s divide this topic into two questions:

1. Who made the oldest makuuchi appearance?

2. Who has the longest uninterrupted makuuchi appearance from today?

First of all, let’s spoil things a bit, as the podium can already be determined. Three names spring to mind: both yokozuna, obviously, and former ozeki Kotoshogiku, now 36, who has stayed in makuuchi after his demotion.

Both yokozuna have stayed in makuuchi right from their first appearance (May 2004 for Hakuho, November 2016), whereas Kotoshogiku made one last stint in juryo before establishing himself in makuuchi on the long run (first appearance in January 2005, continuously in makuuchi since May of the same year).

36 and kicking : Kotoshogiku Kazuhiro (left)

So, who are the best of the rest ?

1. Who made the oldest makuuchi appearance?

Several names come to mind but it’s no surprise one of the “seven samurai”, Tochiozan, holds the oldest appearance, back in March 2007! He stayed in makuuchi the whole time since his unfortunate demotion by the end of 2019, which makes an impressive 12 years stint.

An impressive twelve year stint in makuuchi: Tochiozan Yuichiro

His career highlight? The nervous playoff he lost to Kyokutenho, in May 2012.

Tochinoshin is known for his famous comeback from makushita to makuuchi in 2013-2014, after having sustained a serious knee injury. What is less known is that he already had five years in makuuchi behind him, his debut being back in May 2008.

His career highlight? His promotion to ozeki after, notably, clinching the January 2018 yusho.

The year 2008 also saw the first appearance of Tamawashi. He took the lift down to juryo five times – never for more than one basho – from 2008 to 2013, before establishing himself for good.

January 2019’s surprise winner: Tamawashi Ichiro (right)

His career highlight? A nice run at sekiwake, which saw him clinching the January 2019 tournament.

Okinoumi got promoted to makuuchi in March 2010, and after a short period back to juryo, has fought in makuuchi with no exception since the end of that year.

His career highlight? Three runner up performances, and no less than four gold stars (three wins against Harumafuji, one win against Kakuryu).

However, the main core of the old guard belongs to the “2011 promotion”. Let’s pay tribute to these brave fighters. Under brackets, their age and numbers of jun yusho: Kaisei (33 y.o./2 jun yusho), Takayasu (30/4), Takarafuji (33/1), Aoiyama (33/1), Shohozan (36/1) and Myogiryu (33/0).

All of them have reached san’yaku: Takayasu got promoted to ozeki, Shohozan had a career best as komosubi, all the others went as high as sekiwake.

Let’s finally point out Ikioi, who began a makuuchi career in March 2012.

To sum up:

RikishiOldest makuuchi appearance
Hakuho ShoMay 2004
Kotoshogiku KazuhiroJanuary 2005
Kakuryu RikisaburoNovember 2006
Tochiozan YuichiroMarch 2007
Tochinoshin TsuyoshiMay 2008
Tamawashi IchiroSeptember 2008
Okinoumi AyumiMarch 2010
Kaisei IchiroMay 2011
Takayasu AkiraJuly 2011
Takarafuji DaisukeJuly 2011
Aoiyama KosukeNovember 2011
Shohozan YuyaNovember 2011
Myorigyu YasunariNovember 2011
Ikioi ShotaMarch 2012

2. Who has the longest uninterrupted makuuchi appearance from today?

Continuously fighting in makuuchi on the long run is no easy task, as we shall see. We may (and we should) all applause Kotoshogiku for his incredible longevity, as well as we can praise Okinoumi for being around since November 2010, and Takayasu for having not being demoted a single time to juryo, since his first makuuchi appearance in July 2011!

Present since 2010: Okinoumi Ayumi

Several rikishi have unfortunately suffered demotion since their debut, but do hang to makuuchi for quite some time: Tamawashi (present since July 2013), Takarafuji (since July 2013), Tochinoshin (since November 2014), Shohozan (demoted during the year 2015, present since November 2015).

Some of the courageous warriors have unfortunately suffered demotion lately. Myogiryu and Aoiyama came back to makuuchi in March 2018, whereas Ikioi, Tochiozan and Kaisei all stormed back in January 2020.

So, who complete our table? Incredibly, the “new guard”! Shohozan brought Mitakeumi with him, in November 2015. We witnessed, shortly after, Shodai (January 2016), Endo (May 2016) and Kagayaki’s (July 2016) rise.

Finally setting his sights on ozeki promotion? Mitakeumi Hisashi
RikishiStayed in makuuchi since
Hakuho ShoMay 2004
Kotoshogiku KazuhiroMay 2005
Kakuryu RikisaburoNovember 2006
Okinoumi AyumiNovember 2010
Takayasu AkiraJuly 2011
Tamawashi IchiroJuly 2013
Takarafuji DaisukeJanuary 2013
Tochinoshin TsuyoshiNovember 2014
Shohozan YuyaNovember 2015
Mitakeumi HisashiNovember 2015
Shodai NaoyaJanuary 2016
Endo ShotaMay 2016
Kagayaki TaishiJuly 2016
Myogiryu YasunariMarch 2018
Aoiyama KosukeMarch 2018
Ikioi ShotaJanuary 2020
Tochiozan YuichiroJanuary 2020
Kaisei IchiroJanuary 2020

So what’s the conclusion? Some of the old guard is having a rough time, with Shohozan, Tochiozan or Myogiryu having suffering big make kochi in Osaka, not even mentioning Takayasu’s worrying state.

At the same time, the clock is ticking for the young hopes to shine…

Asanoyama succeeded where others faltered

Timothée Heinz Haru Basho 2020 (Osaka) , , , , ,

Upper san’yaku ranks desperately needed a new face, as the presence of just one ozeki required one of the two ageing yokozuna to be recorded as “yokozuna – ozeki” – but how long are Hakuho and Kakuryu last in the sport?

There was a certain amount of expectation surrounding Asanoyama’s ozeki quest, and a lot of pressure – inherent, of course, in such a run.

Other very talented rikishi, unfortunately, failed to meet ozeki standards as they were approaching sumo’s second top rank. Let’s look back at the past decade.

  1. Tochiozan Yuichiro

Tochiozan is certainly a name that springs to mind, as he was dubbed one of the “seven samurai”, alongside with Goeido, Kisenosato, Kotoshogiku, Homasho, Tonoyoshima and Toyohibiki.

Looking as far back as 2010, he could show the extend of his skills. A 9-6 record as maegashira 1, produced during the Nagoya basho, wasn’t really mind blowing, but enough to open some possibilities – he defeated then ozeki Harumafuji and Baruto in the process.

In September, a strong 11-4 ranked sekiwake proved that Tochiozan’s ozeki run was very much on. This time, ozeki Kaio, Kotooshu and Harumafuji were his victims. With twenty wins amassed, and five ozeki wins over both tournaments, Tochiozan definitely had a shot at the ozeki rank, provided he could finish even better at 12-3. Or, worseways, just produce double digits and try his luck again the next tournament.

It started reasonably well in Fukuoka, Tochiozan being 4-1 after the first third of the tournament. Incredibly, the sekiwake lost seven bouts in a row – including everyone ranked above him, and noticeable names like Kisenosato or Aminishiki – to end up the basho with a make kochi (7-8). He could stay in san’yaku right after, but his quest was over.

Arguably, that was Tochiozan’s best spot, and perhaps most natural attempt to reach ozeki rank. Before we could see him performing well in san’yaku again, two other “samurai”, Kotoshogiku and Kisenosato, had long been promoted above him. Apart from seeing his great rivals wrestling well, he had to swallow another big disappointment, too: losing to a playoff to surprise winner Kyokutenho, during the famous May 2012 tournament.

A talented rikishi: Tochiozan Yuichiro

Tochiozan did fare well as a sekiwake – jumping forward to 2014, where he produced 9-6 and 10-5 performances in March and May, defeating Kotoshogiku (twice) and Harumafuji along the way. Sadly, he went kyujo in Nagoya, after getting a precarious 2-5 record. He had a final noticeable stint as a sekiwake, where he stayed during four basho between 2015 and 2016 – he produced double digits one single time. After a 7-8 make kochi, he never reched that rank again.

2. Myogiryu Yasunari

Myogiryu used to produce great sumo; even if he wasn’t really on an ozeki run, I enjoyed watching him on the dohyo, and some fine performances are definitely worth mentioning.

A skilled man: Myogiryu Yasunari

One of his best runs came as early as 2012, where he received the gino sho (the technique prize) three times in a row. For his san’yaku debut in Nagoya, Myogiryu went kachi koshi (8-7) while defeating ozeki Kakuryu and Baruto, to secure a spot as a sekiwake. Remarkably, he produced double digits (10-5) as a shin sekiwake, defeating Kakuryu again. Unfortunately, he couldn’t raise his level further up, ending the next tournament 6-9 to end up an early dream.

3. Mitakeumi Hisashi

It is simply impossible not to mention Mitakeumi’s case. Of the modern era, he’s the only rikishi, alongside Kotonoshiki, to have won the yusho more than once without ending up promoted to ozeki. In fact, it looks a bit awkward to rank a double yusho winner down the maegashira ranks.

Mitakeumi is a hugely talented boy. He started his career doing ochi zumo, before – unlike Takakeisho – successfully switching to yotsu zumo.

He entered makuuchi at the end of 2015, and produced three double digits records as early as 2016. He began an incredible run in san’yaku after a fine 11-4 performance in January 2017, where he earned two kinboshi. He finally left san’yaku, after seventeen (!) tournaments of uninterrupted presence. In comparison, Goeido’s run – which did not see a single demotion from sekiwake to komusubi – lasted fourteen tournaments, before reaching… ozeki status.

Obviously, Mitakeumi missed two golden opportunities to reach the desired ozeki rank, after each of his two yusho.

Looking back at 2018, Mitakeumi produced a respectable 9-6 record in May, without defeating any ozeki or yokozuna. However, his first yusho, obtained right after in Nagoya, following a career best 13-2 record (including a win against Goeido) meant another fine performance in September would be enough to climb one more step on the banzuke.

Mitakeumi started the Aki basho 5-0 while defeating Tochinoshin. He got some quality wins, he got an impressive san’yaku streak, he almost got the numbers – what could go wrong? After a reasonable loss to Goeido on day 6, Mitakeumi bounced back, defeating then komusubi Takakeisho to move up 6-1.

Did pressure prove too heavy for his shoulders? Mitakeumi litterally crumbled, losing in succession to Ikioi, Hakuho, Kakuryu, Kaisei and Kisenosato (yes, that make or break basho where Kisenosato came from nowhere). Scratch these unnecessary losses to both maegashira, send a 8-3 Mitakeumi against an obivously not 100% fit Kisenosato, and get him a 9-3 record. He’s almost there!

Two time yusho winner, and maegashira in January 2020: Mitakeumi Hisashi (left)

Obviously, things – could have, but – didn’t happen that way, and his five defeat streak did not impress any one. Ozeki run over.

Story kind of repeated one year later. After a respectable, albeit a bit slack 9-6 performance in Nagoya, Mitakeumi clinched his second yusho in a playoff, after having amassed twelwe wins. He defeated ozeki Tochinoshin and Goeido, although nobody was impressed by the henka produced on the latter.

In Fukuoka, nobody was talking about ozeki run any more, after four losses over the first six days. Just like Tochiozan, Mitakeumi’s first attempt to reach ozeki rank was arguably the most serious. Can he prove us wrong in the coming months?

4. Tamawashi Ichiro

Tamawashi has been around for quite some time. After a somewhat indifferent career – with a few juryo drops, the Mongolian has had a great later career.

2017 has been remarkable for him, spending almost the entire year in san’yaku (he ended up as maegashira 1 in Fukuoka). Tamawashi produced 9, 8, 10, and 7 wins as a sekiwake. Pretty decent, but not enough for a clear ozeki run.

That quest came after his stunning yusho, won in January of 2019. Tamawashi has beaten, along the way, everybody ranked above him who showed up on his path: Tochinoshin, Takayasu, Goeido and Hakuho!

Irresistible in Hatsu 2019: Tamawashi Ichiro

Prior to that, Tamawashi had a reasonable 9-6 tournament in Kyushu, where he defeated Tochinoshin (and won by default against Kisenosato). Twenty one wins amassed and a yusho in his belt meant Tamawashi needed a strong performance in Osaka to reach, in incredible fashion, the rank of ozeki.

The dream did not last long, however. After a win on shonichi, three defeats in a row burried Tamawashi’s late hopes of success.