Terunofuji (照ノ富士)

Quiz! 2020 in sumo

Timothée Heinz Tokyo November Basho , , , , , , ,

Just like in recent years, 2020 has been quite an eventful year in sumo: surprise winners, stunning comebacks and the Covid pandemic all coloured this year. The dust might settle a bit next year, but still, how much do we remember about sumo highlights this year?

1. 2020 has been a year to forget for the yokozuna, who will both need to get at least ten wins in January. How many wins did they get combined in 2020?

a. 29

b. 33

c. 37

d. 41

2. In how many bouts did Hakuho actually participate in 2020 (during honbasho, of course; not counting fusen losses and torinaoshi)?

a. 25

b. 30

c. 35

d. 40

3. What about Kakuryu? How many times did he fight in 2020?

a. 15

b. 20

c. 25

d. 30

Both yokozuna will face a make or break situation in January 2021.

4. Let’s now focus to 2020’s ozeki. How many times did an ozeki finish with a losing record?

a. Three

b. Four

c. Five

d. Six

5. Going further down the banzuke, Mitakeumi had a (very) disappointing year 2020. How many make koshi did he get?

a. One

b. Two

c. Three

d. Four

Mitakeumi won a yusho in 2018 and 2019, but was less successful this year (Photo Courtesy Rob Donner)

6. Tokushoryu, on the other hand, obviously had a great year 2020, winning the first yusho, then keeping a place in makuuchi. Following his surprise win in January, how many more kachi koshi did he get?

a. None

b. One

c. Two

d. Three

7. Let’s have some fun with names: which one of these pairs of rikishi have shared the same division at some point (1/3)?

a. Hoshoryu – Shohoryu
b. Hoshoryu – Oshoryu
c. Oshoryu – Shohoryu
d. Kaisei – Kaisho

8. Same question: which pair of rikishi has fought together in the same division in 2020 (2/3)?

a. Daieisho – Daishoho

b. Terunofuji – Fujinoteru

c. Tomisakae – Tokisakae

d. All three pairs

9. This time, which pair of rikishi has NOT been together in the same division (3/3)?

a. Chiyonokuni – Chiyonoumi

b. Churanoumi – Chiyonoumi

c. Churanoumi – Chiyonokuni

d. None of the above – they have all shared the same division at some point.

10. Kotoshogiku’s body could not enable him to remain fully fit in 2020. He hasn’t been able, in either tournament, to get more than…

a. Six wins

b. Seven wins

c. Eight wins

d. Nine wins

11. How many newcomers have been welcomed in makuuchi?

a. Six

b. Seven

c. Eight

d. Nine

12. Who got five kachi koshi in makuuchi this year?

a. Nobody

b. Takakeisho

c. Takanosho

d. Takakeisho and Takanosho

13. How many bouts did Ura lose this year?

a. Four

b. Six

c. Eight

d. Ten

Ura produced a stunning comeback this year.

14. Hanakaze is still wrestling, being half a century old! But how many kachi koshi did he get this year?

a. Zero

b. One

c. Two

d. Three

15. Going right to the bottom of the banzuke, how many bouts did Hattorizakura win this year?

a. Zero

b. One

c. Two

d. Three

The answers:

1. 2020 has been a year to forget for the yokozuna, who will both need to get at least ten wins in January. How many wins did they get combined in 2020?

c. 37. 24 for Hakuho, and only 13 for Kakuryu. In my opinion, it comes as no surprise they are facing the risk of having to retire early next year.

2. In how many bouts did Hakuho actually participate in 2020 (during honbasho, of course; not counting fusen losses and torinaoshi)?

b. 30. Three bouts in January, fifteen in March and twelve in July.

3. What about Kakuryu? How many times did he fight in 2020?

b. 20. Four times in January, fifteen in March, and just one in July.

4. Let’s now focus to 2020’s ozeki. How many times did an ozeki finish with a losing record?

b. Four times, by four different sekitori: Asanoyama (1-2-12) and Shodai (3-2-10) in November; Takakeisho (7-8) in March, and let’s not forget Goeido (5-10), in January!

5. Going further down the banzuke, Mitakeumi had a (very) disappointing year 2020. How many make koshi did he get?

b. Two, in January and November. Mitakeumi will start 2021 approximately where he started in 2020: below the rank of sekiwake, no yusho and one more aborted ozeki run. Put it briefly, trademark Mitakeumi.

6. Tokushoryu, on the other hand, obviously had a great year 2020, winning the first yusho, then keeping a place in makuuchi. Following his surprise win in January, how many more kachi koshi did he get?

b. One time only, in November (8-7). He got payback right in March (4-11), but had decent efforts in July and September, barely missing kachi koshi (7-8).

7. Let’s have some fun with names: which one of these pairs of rikishi have shared the same division at some point?

c. Oshoryu – Shohoryu. Hoshoryu has reached juryo in November 2019, whereas Shohoryu is still in makushita. Kaisho got relegated from juryo in November 2019, while Kaisei returned to makuuchi in January 2020. So the only pair having shared the same division is Oshoryu – Shohoryu. Actually, they’re still together in makushita.

Bow twirler Shohoryu

8. Same question: which pair of rikishi has fought together in the same division in 2020 (2/3)?

c. Tomisakae – Tokisakae. Daishoho wasn’t higher than juryo 3, and actually finished the year in makushita. Terunofuji went so low down the banzuke that he chould say hi to Fujinoteru in jonidan, but actually started the year in juryo. Tomisakae and Tokisakae have seen each other in makushita.

9. This time, which pair of rikishi has NOT been together in the same division (3/3)?

d. None of the above – they have all shared the same division at some point. That one was tricky. Churanoumi and Chiyonoumi have been together in juryo thrice, in March, July and November. Churanoumi actually spent the whole year in juryo; therefore, he met Chiyonokuni during his sole basho in juryo, in September. Chiyonoumi sat in makushita in September, and has NOT met Chiyonokuni – but they BOTH were in makushita, in January 2020.

10. Kotoshogiku’s body could not enable him to remain fully fit in 2020. He hasn’t been able, in either tournament, to get more than…

c. Eight wins, in July.

11. How many newcomers have been welcomed in makuuchi?

a. Six: Kiribayama (January), Kotonowaka (March), Kotoshoho (July), Tobizaru, Hoshoryu (September) and Akua (November) have all been new to makuuchi – and will begin 2021 in sumo’s first division.

12. Who got five kachi koshi in makuuchi this year?

a. Nobody. If both mentioned rikishi had a fine 2020 year, both finished 7-8 earlier this year (Takanosho in January, Takakeisho in March).

13. How many bouts did Ura lose this year?

c. Eight. One bout in July, one in September, and six in November. He won back to back yusho in jonidan and sandanme

14. Hanakaze is still wrestling, being half a century old! But how many kachi koshi did he get this year?

b. One, a 4-3 record in March. He’ll be relegated to jonokuchi in January.

15. Going right to the bottom of the banzuke, how many bouts did Hattorizakura win this year?

Hattorizakura has not won a single bout since January 2019.

a. Zero. No big surprise here, unfortunately…

Quiz ! l’année 2020 en sumo

Timothée Heinz Tokyo November Basho , , , , , , ,

Comme les années précédentes, 2020 a été une année assez mouvementée en sumo: de surprenants vainqueurs, d’improbables retours, et la pandémie liée au Covid-19 ont tous marqué cette année. Nous pourrions avoir un peu de repos l’an prochain ; mais de quoi pouvons-nous nous remémorer de cette année ?

1. 2020 a été une année à oublier pour les yokozuna, qui vont devoir obtenir au moins dix victoires en janvier. Combien de victoires ont-ils obtenu à eux deux en 2020 ?

a. 29

b. 33

c. 37

d. 41

2. A combien de combats Hakuho a-t-il participé en 2020 (en prenant en compte uniquement les honbasho, mais ni les défaites par défaut, ni les torinaoshi) ?

a. 25

b. 30

c. 35

d. 40

3. Et Kakuryu? Combien de fois a-t-il combattu en 2020 ?

 a. 15

b. 20

c. 25

d. 30

Les deux yokozuna auront leur fin de carrière en jeu en janvier 2021

4. Concentrons-nous à présent sur les ozeki. Combien de fois un ozeki a-t-il obtenu un résultat négatif ?

a. Trois

b. Quatre

c. Cinq

d. Six

5. Allons plus bas dans le banzuke. Mitakeumi a eu une année 2020 (très) décevante. Combien de make koshi a-t-il obtenu ?

 a. Un

b. Deux

c. Trois

d. Quatre

Mitakeumi a remporté un tournoi en 2018, et en 2019. Mais il n’a pas été aussi décisif cette année (Photo Courtesy Rob Donner)

6. Tokushoryu, de son côté, a de toute évidence eu une belle année 2020, remportant le premier tournoi, puis conservant sa place en makuuchi. Après sa victoire surprise en janvier, combien d’autres kashi koshi a-t-il obtenu ?

 a. None

b. One

c. Two

d. Three

7. Amusons-nous à présent avec les noms: laquelle de ces paires de lutteurs a été dans la même division, à un moment quelconque de l’année 2020 ? (1/3)?

a. Hoshoryu – Shohoryu
b. Hoshoryu – Oshoryu
c. Oshoryu – Shohoryu
d. Kaisei – Kaisho

8. Même question: laquelle de ces paires de lutteurs a combattu dans la même division en 2020 (2/3)?

a. Daieisho – Daishoho

b. Terunofuji – Fujinoteru

c. Tomisakae – Tokisakae

d. Toutes ces trois paires

9. Cette fois, laquelle de ces paires n’a PAS combattu dans la même division (3/3)?

a. Chiyonokuni – Chiyonoumi

b. Churanoumi – Chiyonoumi

c. Churanoumi – Chiyonokuni

d. Aucune de ces paires – ils ont tous partagé la même division à un moment donné

10. Kotoshogiku n’était pas suffisamment rétabli pour combattre à 100 % en 2020. Dans aucun tournoi, il n’a pu engranger plus de…

a. Six victoires

b. Sept victoires

c. Huit victoires

d. Neuf victoires

11. Combien de lutteurs ont découvert le makuuchi en 2020 ?

a. Six

b. Sept

c. Huit

d. Neuf

12. Qui a obtenu cinq kashi koshi en makuuchi, cette année ?

a. Personne

b. Takakeisho

c. Takanosho

d. Takakeisho et Takanosho

13. Combien de combats Ura a-t-il perdu cette année ?

a. Quatre

b. Six

c. Huit

d. Dix

Ura a réalité un superbe retour cette année

14. Hanakaze combat toujours, âgé d’un demi-siècle ! Mais combien de kashi koshi a-t-il obtenu cette année ?

a. Zero

b. Un

c. Deux

d. Trois

15. Allons tout en bas du banzuke. Combien de victoires Hattorizakura a-t-il remporté cette année ?

a. Zéro

b. Une

c. Deux

d. Trois

Les réponses :

1. 2020 a été une année à oublier pour les yokozuna, qui vont devoir obtenir au moins dix victoires en janvier. Combien de victoires ont-ils obtenu à eux deux en 2020 ?

c. 37. 24 pour Hakuho, et seulement 13 pour Kakuryu. Ce n’est à mon avis pas une surprise si tous deux risquent d’être contraints à la retraite, début 2021.

2. A combien de combats Hakuho a-t-il participé en 2020 (en prenant en compte uniquement les honbasho, mais ni les défaites par défaut, ni les torinaoshi) ?

b. 30. Trois combats en janvier, quinze en mars et douze en juillet.

3. Et Kakuryu? Combien de fois a-t-il combattu en 2020 ?

b. 20. Quatre combats en janvier, quinze en mars, et un seul en juillet.

4. Concentrons-nous à présent sur les ozeki. Combien de fois un ozeki a-t-il obtenu un résultat négatif ?

b. Quatre fois, et par quatre lutteurs différents: Asanoyama (1-2-12) et Shodai (3-2-10) en novembre ; Takakeisho (7-8) en mars, et n’oublions pas Goeido (5-10), en janvier !

5. Allons plus bas dans le banzuke. Mitakeumi a eu une année 2020 (très) décevante. Combien de make koshi a-t-il obtenu ?

b. Deux, en janvier et en novembre. Mitakeumi va débuter l’année 2021 tout comme il a débuté 2020 : en-dessous du rang de sekiwake, pas de yusho, et une campagne d’ozeki avortée. En un mot, typique de Mitakeumi.

6. Tokushoryu, de son côté, a de toute évidence eu une belle année 2020, remportant le premier tournoi, puis conservant sa place en makuuchi. Après sa victoire surprise en janvier, combien d’autres kashi koshi a-t-il obtenu ?

b. Une seule fois, en novembre (8-7). Il a eu un retour de bâton en mars (4-11), mais a obtenu des résultats corrects en juillet et septembre, ratant le kashi koshi de peu (7-8).

7. Amusons-nous à présent avec les noms: laquelle de ces paires de lutteurs a été dans la même division, à un moment quelconque de l’année 2020 ? (1/3)?

c. Oshoryu – Shohoryu. Hoshoryu a atteint le juryo en novembre 2019, alors que Shohoryu est toujours en makushita. Kaisho a été relégué du juryo en novembre 2019, tandis que Kaisei est revenu en makuuchi en janvier 2020. Ainsi, la seule paire à avoir partagé la même division est Oshoryu – Shohoryu. En réalité, ils se trouvent toujours tous les deux en makushita.

Le yumitori shiki : Shohoryu

8. Même question: laquelle de ces paires de lutteurs a combattu dans la même division en 2020 (2/3)?

c. Tomisakae – Tokisakae. Daishoho n’a jamais été mieux classé que juryo 3, et a terminé l’année en makushita. Terunofuji est descendu si bas dans le banzuke qu’il a pu saluer Fujinoteru, mais il a débuté l’année en juryo. Tomisakae et Tokisakae ont été ensemble en makushita.

9. Cette fois, laquelle de ces paires n’a PAS combattu dans la même division (3/3)?

d. Aucune de ces paires – ils ont tous partagé la même division à un moment donné. C’était une question piège ! Churanoumi et Chiyonoumi ont été trois fois ensemble en juryo, en mars, en juillet et en novembre. Churanoumi a finalement passé toute l’année en juryo ; ainsi, il a rencontré Chiyonokuni lors de son seul tournoi en juryo, en septembre. Chiyonoumi était en makushita en septembre, et n’y a donc PAS rencontré Chiyonokuni – mais les DEUX étaient en makushita, en janvier 2020.

10. Kotoshogiku n’était pas suffisamment rétabli pour combattre à 100 % en 2020. Dans aucun tournoi, il n’a pu engranger plus de…

c. Huit victoires, en juillet

11. Combien de lutteurs ont découvert le makuuchi en 2020 ?

a. Six : Kiribayama (janvier), Kotonowaka (mars), Kotoshoho (juillet), Tobizaru, Hoshoryu (septembre) and Akua (novembre) sont les nouveaux venus de 2020 – et ils débuteront tous l’année 2021 en makuuchi.

12. Qui a obtenu cinq kashi koshi en makuuchi, cette année ?

a. Personne. Si les deux lutteurs mentionnés ont eu une belle année 2020, tous deux ont eu un résultat négatif de sept victoires pour huit défaites, plus tôt cette année (Takanosho en janvier, Takakeisho en mars).

13. Combien de combats Ura a-t-il perdu cette année ?

c. Huit. Un match en juillet, un en septembre, et six en novembre. Il a remporté deux yusho consécutifs en jonidan et sandanme.

14. Hanakaze combat toujours, âgé d’un demi-siècle ! Mais combien de kashi koshi a-t-il obtenu cette année ? b. Un seul, 4-3 en mars. Il va être relégué en jonokuchi pour le tournoi de janvier.

15. Allons tout en bas du banzuke. Combien de victoires Hattorizakura a-t-il remporté cette année ?

Hattorizakura n’a plus remporté le moindre match depuis janvier 2019

a. Zéro. Pas une grosse surprise, malheureusement…

Tokyo November basho post analysis. Playoff is cool, but cruel – just ask Terunofuji

Timothée Heinz Tokyo November Basho , , , , , ,

I think it’s fair to say all of us like playoffs. It brings a fun, dramatic, sudden death situation, where involved rikishi go all in. We even prefer multiple playoffs, which can contain original rules.

Former ozeki Terunofuji, on the other hand, probably does not want to hear the word “playoff” any more. Last Sunday, the Mongolian succumbed to Takakeisho’s thrusts, meaning that he has now lost all three playoffs where he participated – prior to that, he faced two yokozuna, Kakuryu in Aki 2015, and Kisenosato in Osaka 2017. The object of this article will be to see if somebody else holds such a miserable record.

Having no fun during playoffs: Terunofujji Haruo

Prior to that, a few words about playoffs themselves:

  • Playoffs aim to decide between rikishi tied for first place. The outcome of the bout between them during the regular phase – should it exist – is NOT taken into account. Taking Terunofuji’s example, the Mongolian defeated Kakuryu in 2015, lost to Kisenosato in 2017, and defeated Takakeisho one week ago – each time on day 15. But he wasn’t declared winner in any of these basho – he had to face his opponents once again, and lost thrice.
  • The rules are:

a) For a two-way playoff: one bout is scheduled, and the winner takes it all. Straightforward.

b) For a three-way playoff: the wrestler A faces the wrestler B. Let’s say A wins. A faces the wrestler C. If A wins, he’s the champion. If C wins, he faces B. If C wins, he’s the champion. If B wins, he faces A, and so on, until someone wins twice in a row.

Three- way playoffs rarely occur, but it actually took place in March 1990, between Konishiki, Kirishima and Hokutoumi (the eventual winner, who actually lost the first bout!)

c) For a four-way playoff: two semi-finals (A vs B, C vs D) and a final are scheduled.

d) For a five-way playoff: lots are drawn. A faces B, C faces D, and E – banzuke’s highest ranked rikishi – goes directly to the final stages. A/B, C/D and E then meet in a three-way playoff.

Incredibly, such a playoff occured in Kyushu 1996, where Akebono, Wakanohana, Takanonami, Kaio and Musashimaru (the eventual winner) were all tied with a noticeable 11-4 record. Takanonami defeated Kaio; Musashimaru defeated Wakanohana; Akebono directly qualified for the three-way playoff. Musashimaru defeated Akebono, then Takanonami.

e) For a six-way playoff: the aim is to reduce the number of rikishi to three, in order to set up a three-way playoff. Therefore, A faces B in a single bout, whereas C faces D, and E confronts F. Losers are eliminated.

Such a configuration seems impossible to get, but juryo is more prone to bring such a tied lead, when there’s no clear favorite at the beginning of the basho. It actually took place this year in July: Kyokutaisei, Hoshoryu, Akua, Chiyonoo, Mitoryu and Meisei (the eventual winner) were all tied with a 10-5 record. Remarkably, all three finalists (Akua, Hoshoryu and Meisei) came from the same stable (Tatsunami beya).

So, does anybody else holds a “minus three” record in playoffs?

It comes to no surprise that Hakuho holds the record of playoff participations – alongside Takanohana. The dai yokozuna has been top of the chart for an uncountable number of times – and he sometimes had to face stern opposition.

His first participation came as early as in May 2006, where he defeated Miyabiyama; his last one occured in January 2014, where he defeated Kakuryu (who actually got promoted to yokozuna after a yusho the following tournament). Overall, Hakuho has a “plus two” score: six wins to four losses.

In a way, Hakuho did worse than Terunofuji, as the yokozuna lost no less than three playoffs in 2009! Asashoryu (twice) and Harumafuji were the winners. Apart from Asashoryu, Harumafuji (including one playoff where he was still named “Ama”) and Kakuryu, Hakuho also faced… Toyonoshima (in November 2010)!

As mentioned, Takanohana also participated in ten playoffs – and his record is even, five wins to five losses.

With even records: former yokozuna Takanohana

Interestingly, Futahaguro has participated in two playoffs. But as we know, he’s the only yokozuna ever who never won a single yusho during his entire career – it goes therefore without saying that he lost both… but there’s better – or, rather, worse.

Kitanoumi has a noteworthy record, that might inspire Terunofuji. Indeed, the yokozuna participated in eight playoffs, won three of them, and actually got a “minus four” record, after his first four playoffs!

Actually, another great man from the past, Musashimaru, holds the most terrible record: one win (during the afore-mentionned Kyusho basho 1996) in six tries!

Deadly during playoffs: former yokozuna Chiyonofuji

Meanwhile, Chiyonofuji has been the true playoff-killer: six wins, and no loss…

Tokyo July Basho Senshuraku Highlights

Andy Abi (阿炎), Aoiyama, Asanoyama (朝乃山), Chiyomaru, Chiyotairyū (千代大龍), Daieisho (大栄翔), Endo (遠藤), Enho, Hakuho (白鵬), Hokutōfuji (北勝富士), Ikioi (勢), Ishiura (石浦), Kagayaki (輝), Kaisei (魁聖), Kakuryu (鶴竜), Kiribayama (霧馬山), Kotoeko, Kotonowaka, Kotoshogiku (琴奨菊), Kotoshoho, Kotoyuki, Mitakeumi(御嶽海), Myogiryu (妙義龍), Nishikigi, Okinoumi (隠岐の海), Ryuden (竜電), Sadanoumi (佐田の海), Shimanoumi, Shohozan, Shōdai (正代直也), Takakeishō (貴景勝), Takanosho, Takarafuji (宝富士), Takayasu (高安), Tamawashi (玉鷲), Terunofuji (照ノ富士), Terutsuyoshi, Tochinoshin (栃ノ心), Tokushoryu, Tokyo July Basho, Wakatakakage, Yutakayama, Ōnoshō (阿武咲) ,
Octagon Presents Terunofuji the Emperor’s Cup

Leonid did a great job of explaining what’s at stake today. One thing that I can’t get over, though, it is August 2nd. The July basho yusho was, oddly enough, decided in August after being fought in Tokyo. One Ozeki on the torikumi for senshuraku and zero Yokozuna confirm we are in a time of flux on the dohyo. But off the dohyo, the whole damn world is in flux. However, the drama of this past fortnight has served as a wonderful distraction.

Terunofuji’s Championship serves to demonstrate that our substantial challenges can be overcome. The next time we get together, we will be confident for the health and safety of all involved and that we can all breathe a deep sigh of relief. The coronavirus reminders have been everywhere and lapse in protocols may end up costing Abi very dearly. The virus robbed Terunofuji’s triumphant return of much of the pomp and celebration he’s due. No parade. No senshuraku parties. Supporters are beyond arms reach, though we are with him in spirit. I hope he gets to party properly after his next title.

Highlight Matches

Sadanoumi (8-7) defeated Nishikigi (6-9): Sadanoumi hot off the line, wrapped up Nishikigi and walked him back and out to pick up his kachi-koshi. Yorikiri.

Tochinoshin (10-5) defeated Kotoshoho (8-7): Tochinoshin got the better of the initial charge, forcing Kotoshoho back a step. Kotoshoho pivoted but Tochinoshin followed and got his big left paw up around the back of Kotoshoho’s neck and pulled down violently. Kotoshoho had no choice but to touch down. Hatakikomi.

Kaisei (6-9) defeated Shimanoumi (5-10): Shimanoumi tried to drive forward into Kaisei but Kaisei’s trunk was well set at the center of the ring. Kaisei shoved Shimanoumi backwards twice, hurling the matching orange mawashi out of the ring. Tsukidashi.

Wakatakakage (10-5) defeated Ishiura (4-11): Ishiura seemed to pull something in his right leg. He was unable to put much weight on his right foot. Wakatakakage blasted the hopping Ishiura off the dohyo. Ishiura limped back up onto the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Kotoeko (10-5) defeated Terutsuyoshi (8-7): Terutsuyoshi’s ashitori worked once but Kotoeko was ready for it. He dodged out of the way and regrouped grabbing for Terutsuyoshi’s belt. Taking a page from Tochinoshin, Kotoeko landed his left on the back of Terutsuyoshi and pulled him down to the floor. Hatakikomi.

Ryuden (7-8) defeated Kotonowaka (4-6-4): Kotonowaka still could not put much weight on his left leg. Ryuden was able to get Kotonowaka sliding backwards to the bales and over. Yorikiri.

Hokutofuji (9-6) defeated Kotoshogiku (8-7): Hokutofuji met Kotoshogiku head on but stepped to the side with his right arm up on Kotoshogiku’s shoulder, forcing Kotoshogiku to the ground. Hatakikomi.

Chiyotairyu (6-9) defeated Aoiyama (5-10): Aoiyama was a bit over-eager, charging forward off balance. Chiyotairyu pulled with his left hand up on Aoiyama’s shoulder applying sufficient pressure to force Aoiyama down. Hikiotoshi.

Ikioi (3-12) defeated Kagayaki (5-10): Ikioi showed some strength and wile for the first time this week. Driven to the bales by Kagayaki he drove forward, forcing Kagayaki back. However, Kagayaki wasn’t going to go over the bales easily, either. Kagayaki grabbed Ikioi by the mawashi, forcing him back but Ikioi deftly slipped to the side and pulled Kagayaki down. Shitatenage.

Halftime

Kiribayama (6-9) defeated Takarafuji (5-10): Takarafuji wiggled and retreated, trying to keep Kiribayama off his belt. But Kiribayama was relentless and able to slip both hands on there. Once he was secure in the morozashi, queue deathspin throw. Uwatenage.

Onosho (2-13) defeated Chiyomaru (4-11): Follow the bouncing Chiyomaru. Onosho got the better of the tachiai but Chiyomaru used his mass to arrest Onosho’s progress and started moving forward. Onosho pivoted several times in retreat to stay away from the edge of the ring but as Chiymaru forced him along it, Onosho executed a throw. Shitatenage.

Takayasu (10-5) defeated Takanosho (8-7): Takayasu’s aggressive tsuppari pushed Takanosho up and back. A well-timed pull sent Takanosho to the clay. Hikiotoshi.

Yutakayama (5-10) defeated Enho (5-10): Enho eager to get things started but Yutakayama. Yutakayama advanced forward, keeping his weight low. His effective tsuppari targeted Enho’s face and shoulders. He attempted two hatakikomi pulls, the second of which was more effective in getting Enho off balance but Enho sprang backwards. Yutakayama pursued and forced Enho out. Oshitaoshi.

Endo (8-7) defeated Tokushoryu (7-8): Our sole Darwin bout? Tokushoryu allowed Endo in to the belt far too easily. Endo bounced Tokushoryu to the edge where Tokushoryu’s foot slipped from the bales. They give Endo the yorikiri.

Sanyaku

Tamawashi (10-5) defeated Okinoumi (9-6): Tamawashi is a bruiser and Okinoumi was ready for a brawl. Okinoumi chased Tamawashi around the ring with effective slaps and thrusts. Tamawashi won on the belt, though, throwing Okinoumi at the edge. Uwatenage.

Daieisho (11-4) defeated Myogiryu (10-5): Daieisho ducked to the side, as Myogiryu was pitched too far forward. A disappointing end to Myogiryu’s fantastic basho. Hikiotoshi.

Terunofuji (13-2) defeated Mitakeumi (11-4): Showtime. Wow. Morozashi from Terunofuji and Mitakeumi was done. Terunofuji advanced, marching Mitakeumi out. Yusho Terunofuji! Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (12-3) defeated Shodai (11-4): Asanoyama bulldozed into Shodai who’s back to a less-than-impressive tachiai. After yesterday’s bout with Terunofuji, I was expecting more fire from the Daikon. However, Asanoyama corralled Shodai effectively, working Shodai back to the edge. Shodai nearly pulled the Ozeki down but Asanoyama recovered. Oshidashi.

Terunofuji has been here before. But I NEVER would have thought he’d storm back in his first makuuchi tournament. The pink macaron! Congratulations, Terunofuji!!!

Aside from the yusho, Terunofuji picked up the Outstanding Performance and Technique Prizes. Daieisho and Mitakeumi also collected Outstanding Performance Prizes. Not to be left out, Shodai was given the Fighting Spirit Prize for actually having a solid tachiai against Kaiju. See what you can do?

Thank you for enjoying this tournament with us. Time to clean up and get ready for September.