Terunofuji

Nagoya 2024: Day Twelve Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho , ,

I’m starting with a bit of a rant today, so if you want to skip down a few paragraphs to the action, feel free.

Fire up the VPNs. There’s significant rain in Yamagata prefecture so several bouts were preempted by coverage of the flooding. Last tournament it was the Tokyo Derby on senshuraku. This basho it’s rain. It would be nice if BS1 or another channel were included in the Jme service to ensure continuity of coverage. Then the coverage cut out during the Kirishima/Atamifuji bout.

It will be an uphill slog for Jme to pull folks from the illicit sumo streams with technical snafus and competing priorities. Sumo fans want reliable sumo coverage, they want more sumo coverage, and they want the community that has grown up along the various platforms. I will personally keep my subscription but keep pressing for improvements and expansion of coverage. (Also, my wife is hooked on some Tiger Lady show and I prefer the NHK news to the absolute garbage they call news over here.) Anyway, I continue to believe that if we subvert the official outlets in favor of mostly free-riding on the illicit platforms, the change will be much slower coming and complaints will largely be ignored. I think it’s more powerful to be a dissatisfied paying customer than a silent lurker on Twitch…especially if we are a large number of vocal dissatisfied paying customers. /rant

Back to the action on the dohyo. In Juryo, we learned that Tomokaze is kyujo. He was limping yesterday after his bout and probably tweaked that right ankle. With five wins and Juryo 7, he is safe from demotion so we will probably see him at Aki.

Meanwhile, the yusho race is heating up with Kitanowaka’s defeat of Shirokuma. Shirokuma is joined by Shishi and Shimazuumi with three losses. Hidenoumi, Fujiseiun and Hakuoho picked up their kachikoshi are thus one loss behind the leaders. Day 13 will see Shirokuma fight Asakoryu, Shishi will battle Tsurugisho, and Shimazuumi will square up against a super-motivated Kayo.

Makuuchi Action

Roga (6-6) defeated Onokatsu (Juryo 7-5). Onokatsu overcommitted and Roga quickly slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Endo (8-4) defeated Hokutofuji (5-7). Old Hokutofuji came out blasting Endo with a headbutt followed by powerful tsuppari. At the edge, though, Endo escaped by batting Hokutofuji’s arms away and slipping to Hokutofuji’s right along the edge. He then reached back and grabbed Hokutofuji’s mawashi by the thong and whipped him around. An emotive Endo expressed his happiness in his kachikoshi interview. Okuridashi.

Churanoumi (9-3) defeated Bushozan (6-6). Churanoumi got shoved out by Bushozan but on the edge, Churanoumi shoved Bushozan down. Gunbai Churanoumi? Mono-ii. As far as who touched down/out first, it was too close to call so the shimpan quickly decided on a rematch. In the rematch, Churanoumi quickly slapped Bushozan down after the tachiai. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (6-6) defeated Wakatakakage (8-4). Wakatakakage drove Ichiayamamoto back, powering through Ichi’s tsuppari. At the edge, Ichiyamamoto slipped left like Endo, reached behind WTK and pulled him forward. Uwatenage.

Ichiyamamoto will fight Bushozan.

Oshoma (7-5) defeated Kagayaki (7-5). Oshoma shifted right at the tachiai. Kagayaki caught it and shifted with him. He put his head down and bulled forward. Oshoma then shifted left at the bales and slapped Kagayaki down at the edge. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma will fight Hokutofuji on Lucky Day 13.

Tamawashi (6-6) defeated Nishikifuji (5-7). Tamawashi was not in the mood for any brawling or tsuppari today. Instead, he and Nishikifuji locked in on the belt. Nishikifuji seemed to have the early advantage. But then Tamawashi yanked Nishikifuji around to the edge and hoisted him clean from the ground and plopped him outside the ring. Tsuridashi.

Tamawashi will fight Roga tomorrow.

Takarafuji (5-7) defeated Ryuden (3-9). Takarafuji reached in deep with his left hand. The extension helped him keep his own belt away from Ryuden’s grasp. Ryuden had a grip with the left but kept reaching out, seeking that right hand grip. Suddenly, Takarafuji twisted and whipped Ryuden around to the groun. Shitatenage.

Ryuden will fight Endo tomorrow. Will New Endo show up?

Chiyoshoma (4-3-5) defeated Kinbozan (3-9). Chiyoshoma tried to keep the no-yorikiri/oshidashi streak going by trying a quick hit-and-shift followed by a throw but Kinbozan resisted at the edge. Chiyoshoma was stronger on the belt, though, and forced Kinbozan over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Chiyoshoma will be challenged by Daiamami from Juryo tomorrow. Kinbozan drew Takarafuji.

Shodai (8-4) defeated Kotoshoho (6-6). Kotoshoho pressed forward, Shodai relied on his edge antics to push Kotoshoho down while being shoved out. Gunbai Kotoshoho. Mono-ii. After review, both men were dead at the same time. More bonus sumo! Shodai was not going to leave it to chance the second time. He wrapped up Kotoshoho and heaved him around. Beautiful throw. Uwatenage.

Shodai will fight Kagayaki.

Nishikigi (3-9) defeated Sadanoumi (4-8). Sadanoumi wanted to keep the excitement going with another great throw but Nishikigi bulled forward casting Sadanoumi into the crowd. Oshidashi.

Nishikigi will fight Nishikifuji tomorrow.

Halftime

Oho (7-5) defeated Midorifuji (7-5). My words will be insufficient to describe the greatness of this bout and the effort of both competitors. Midorifuji gave it his all but Oho’s footwork was flawless. Once Midorifuji wore out, Oho finally wrapped up Midorifuji’s arms, charged forward and forced Midorifuji out. Maybe bout of the day. Just…Wow. Kimedashi.

Midorifuji will fight Sadanoumi.

Takanosho (9-3) defeated Ura (4-8). Ura tried his best to avoid Takanosho’s tachiai but Takanosho slammed forward and blasted Ura out. Oshidashi.

Ura will hope to dodge Kotoshoho on Day 13.

Tobizaru (7-5) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-8). Tobizaru pressed forward then released and shfted. This propelled Wakamotoharu forward across the ring. Tobizaru then rang WMH’s bell as he slammed him out of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Tobizaru will fight Oho.

Meisei (4-8) defeated Shonannoumi (6-6). Shonannoumi tried to slap Meisei down a few times but then Meisei demonstrated the proper form. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Mitakeumi (5-7) defeated Daieisho (7-5). Mitakeumi weathered the torrent of tsuppari produced by Tropical Storm Daieisho. He pivoted at the edge to stay in then charged forward and forced Daieisho over the bales. Oshidashi.

Mitakeumi will fight Wakamotoharu. Daieisho takes on Churanoumi.

Hiradoumi (8-4) defeated Gonoyama (3-9). Gonoyama charged forward at the tachiai but that just pissed Hiradoumi off. He charged forward like a honey badger, taking no prisoners. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi will fight Wakatakakage. Gonoyama will face Shonannoumi.

Kirishima (7-5) defeated Atamifuji (4-8). I wish I had seen this bout in realtime. Instead we got “buffering” from Jme.tv as they again worked on the audio feeds switching from Japanese to English. Yorikiri, so they say.

Kirishima will fight Takanosho, whom he has only beaten once in eleven tries.合い口が悪い. Atamifuji will take on Meisei.

Hoshoryu (9-3) finally defeated Kotozakura (8-4). Hoshoryu wrapped his right arm around Kotozakura’s neck while using his right leg to lever Kotozakura’s weight over. Kubinage.

Onosato (7-5) defeated Takakeisho (5-7). Takakeisho drove forward into the young upstart. At the edge, Onosato slipped to the side, grabbed Takakeisho’s belt and tugged him over the bales. Uwatenage.

Onosato will fight Hoshoryu.

Terunofuji (11-1) defeated Abi (6-6). Terunofuji was unfazed by Abi’s patty-cake tsuppari. He wrapped Abi up, charged forward and forced Abi over the edge. Yorikiri.

Terunofuji will fight Takakeisho and Abi will fight Kotozakura.

Wrap-up

After so many dud bouts yesterday, we sure got a full slate of exciting sumo today. Like a playlist of 90’s Grunge, Indie and hip-hop music, this torikumi was banger-after-banger. The Midorifuji bout was today’s “Bittersweet Symphony.”

Takakeisho is up against the wall, along with Kirishima. Neither man can lose now. It will be a tough final three days. Takakeisho will have to go through Terunofuji who famously put an end to Kotoshogiku’s Ozeki rank. I’m sorry, but if Terunofuji henkas Takakeisho I will personally buy him a beer when I am in Japan next week. Purely out of appreciation of such cheek.

Onosato is pressing ahead, one win away from his all-important kachikoshi. Hoshoryu swapped places with Kotozakura as the Ozeki “challenger” in this cup race, although he, Churanoumi, and Takanosho are two losses off pace.

Nagoya 2024: Day Eleven Highlights

Andy Natsu 2024, Natsu Basho , , ,

Shirokuma has taken over the lead in the Juryo yusho race, defeating Shishi. Shishi falls to 8-3 with Shimazuumi. A raft of guys lay in wait at 7-4.

Makuuchi Action

Kagayaki (7-4) defeated Tokihayate (Juryo 6-5). Tokihayate tripped as Kagayaki shoved him back. When he tripped, he stepped out. He tried to continue but the eagle-eyed shimpan called him out. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (8-3) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-3-5). Wakatakakage grabbed Chiyoshoma’s belt with his right hand and pulled Chiyoshoma forward. Chiyoshoma slid forward and extended his legs into a very uncomfortable split before twisting over and down to save himself from injury. Good thing these guys are flexible. Wakatakakage picked up his kachikoshi. Uwatedashinage.

Nishikigi (2-9) defeated Takarafuji (4-7). Nishikigi drove forward while Takarafuji was still fumbling for a belt grip. Once Nishikigi got momentum moving forward, Takarafuji he forced Takarafuji into the crowd. Yorikiri.

Midorifuji (7-4) defeated Bushozan (6-5). Midorifuji hit Bushozan from the side with his right hand. As Bushozan stumbled forward, Midorifuji snuck in behind and ushered him out. Okuridashi.

Oshoma (6-5) defeated Roga (5-6). After a long, thrilling yotsu battle, Oshoma twisted his body and threw a weary Roga to the ground.

Roga will take on Onokatsu from Juryo while Oshoma will fight Kagayaki. I wonder how often a Juryo wrestler fights in Makuuchi twice during the same basho.

Endo (7-4) defeated Kinbozan (3-8). Who the hell is this Endo guy? After escaping Kinbozan’s clutches earlier in the bout, Endo used his belt grip to drag Kinbozan across the ring. While being dragged, Kinbozan’s leg caught on Endo’s knee and he fell over. Where has this Endo been for the last ten years? Kinbozan isn’t exactly an Ozeki but he’s no Beard Papa crème puff just waiting to be dragged around the ring. Kirikaeshi.

Kinbozan will fight Chiyoshoma on Day 12.

Hokutofuji (5-6) defeated Ryuden (3-8). Ryuden slipped both of his hands inside, under Hokutofuji’s armpits. What a mistake. Hokutofuji clamped down hard. This kept Ryuden from moving his hands deeper and getting a belt grip. Hokutofuji then drove forward and blasted Ryuden into the crowd. Ryuden makekoshi. Kimedashi.

Yotsu-Hokutofuji will take on a rejuvenated Endo. Ryuden will fight Takarafuji.

Sadanoumi (4-7) defeated Nishikifuji (5-6). Nishikifuji lost his footing as he tried a pull. Oshitaoshi.

Sadanoumi will fight Nishikigi on Day 12.

Kotoshoho (6-5) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-6). The pair traded tsuppari until they tired and locked into a grapple. Kotoshoho released his grip with one hand while the other was wrapped tightly onto Ichiyamamoto’s arm. Then he rotated and dragged him down. Kotenage.

Ichiyamamoto will fight Wakatakakage on Day 12.

Churanoumi (8-3) defeated Oho (6-5). Oho’s dreaded pull meant he obviously got shoved out by Churanoumi. MOVE FORWARD YOUNG MAN!

Churanoumi will battle Bushozan, Oho will fight Midorifuji.

Halftime.

Takanosho (8-3) defeated Shodai (7-4). This long-awaited highlight bout deservingly received a new set of shimpan and freshly swept dohyo. Shodai got pushed back and I am sure he was going to try some fancy escape at the edge but he stumbled backwards over the tawara and lost before he could manage any kind of offense. “Zzzzzzzzzzzz.” Takanosho kachikoshi. Oshidashi.

Shodai will fight Kotoshoho on Day 12.

Shonannoumi (6-5) defeated Tamawashi (5-6). I think Tamawashi’s ankle is hurt. Shonannoumi drove him back like a blocking sled. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi will fight Nishikifuji on Day 12.

Tobizaru (6-5) defeated Mitakeumi (4-7). Tobizaru stopped Mitakeumi’s forward progress and then lifted his dead weight over the bales. Yorikiri.

Meisei (3-8) defeated Ura (4-7). Meisei made Ura wait in a crouch for a good long time and then blasted him with a Juggernaut tachiai. Ura ran out of ideas and made a dreadful pull/slapdown attempt. Meisei blasted him and forced him awkwardly to the bales. He then followed up with another blast that sent Ura sprawling off the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Ura will fight Takanosho and Meisei will battle Shonannoumi tomorrow.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (7-4) defeated Atamifuji (4-7). Hiradoumi tried an uwatenage but Atamifuji stayed upright. Unfortunately for Atamifuji, this put him up against the bales and a bit off balance, so Hiradoumi followed up with a forceful shove to send Atamifuji out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (7-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-7). Daieisho did Daieisho things. WMH was just along for the ride. Oshidashi.

Wakamotoharu will fight Tobizaru tomorrow. Daieisho gets a much deserved break and will be paired against Mitake-listless.

Kirishima (6-5) defeated Kotozakura (8-3). No words. This is becoming a runaway for Terunofuji. Kirishima locked on with his left hand and dragged the deadweight Ozeki over to the bales where he shoved him out. Yorikiri.

Kirishima will fight Atamifuji tomorrow.

Takakeisho (5-6) defeated Gonoyama (3-8). Gonoyama survived the first pull attempt, but not the second. Slapdown. Tsukiotoshi.

Gonoyama is paired up with Hiradoumi tomorrow.

Hoshoryu (8-3) defeated Abi (6-5). Abi-zumo took Hoshoryu to the edge and he looked legitimately in trouble of going down there. But Hoshoryu grabbed Abi’s right arm and pulled him forward and out. Sakatottari.

Hoshoryu will fight Kotozakura tomorrow.

Onosato (6-5) defeated Terunofuji (10-1). I have nothing to say about that one. Tsukiotoshi.

Terunofuji will fight Abi and Onosato will fight Takakeisho.

Wrap-up

Nagoya 2024 is turning into, The Yusho No One Wanted. Terunofuji still has a two-bout lead over the field. The best anyone else can do is 12-3. I don’t like it. It’s a terrible day for sumo when the best bout is the Endo bout. I’ll say it right now. Improbably, both Kirishima and Takakeisho will save their ranks, Terunofuji will win a 13-2 yusho and Onosato will be promoted on the strength of his 10-5 jun yusho and victory over the Yokozuna. It is thus written. All right, guys. Now prove me wrong on Day 12. PLZ.

It might be time to pay more attention to the Juryo yusho race.

Nagoya 2024: Day Ten Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho

Down in Juryo, Takerufuji is kyujo again. He picked up the two wins he needed to keep his Juryo status in Aki. Now, it’s back to the couch to rest that foot. Shishi ran into Hakuyozan today and picked up his second loss. He is now tied with Shirokuma and the two will fight tomorrow. Hakuoho and Shimazuumi are just off pace at 7-3. Hakuoho will fight Myogiryu and Shimazuumi fights Daishoho.

Weird things with the Jme.tv service. I’ll be reaching out to tech support as the stream suddenly switched from Japanese to English commentary and back again. Their support chat is a little annoying but so is this glitch.

Anyway, let’s turn to the action.

Makuuchi Division

Bushozan (6-4) defeated Tsurugisho (Juryo 6-4). Bushozan persevered through multiple slapdown attempts from Tsurugisho and forced his Juryo-ranked opponent out. Oshidashi.

Hokutofuji (4-6) defeated Chiyoshoma (3-2-5). Hokutofuji’s blue shimekomi came embued with yotsu-boosting properties. Hokutofuji locked on to Chiyoshoma’s left arm and dragged him out of the ring with it. We are definitely witnessing the evolution of Hokutofuji’s sumo. And this is a good thing. Yoritaoshi.

Endo (6-4) defeated Churanoumi (7-3). I need data on bout duration because I swear this was Endo’s longest bout in years. He was confident on the belt, locked in with a right-hand inside and eventually ushered Churanoumi over the bales for the win. Steady pressure and endurance that I have not seen from that man in AGES. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (5-5) defeated Ichiyamamoto (5-5). Nishikifuji charged ahead for about two seconds before executing a slapdown. Down goes Ichiyamamoto. Hatakikomi.

Kagayaki (6-4) defeated Nishikigi (1-9). Nishikigi offered the offensive output of a blocking sled today. Once Kagayaki got inside and seized his belt, he was toast. Yorikiri.

Wakatakakage (7-3) defeated Midorifuji (6-4). Thrilling bout. Midorifuji struggled to find Wakatakakage’s belt through all of the tsuppari coming at him. Once he finally established a grip and pressed forward, Wakatakakage slipped deftly to the side. Beautiful inashi. Midorifuji charged past and WTK finished him off with a shove. Oshidashi.

Takarafuji (4-6) defeated Tamawashi (5-5). Tamawashi was pressing forward when he suddenly stumbled in the middle of the ring. Hikiotoshi.

Ryuden (3-7) defeated Roga (5-5). Ryuden’s relentless yotsu is back. He quickly locked on with a left-hand outside. Roga fought hard to release Ryuden’s right hand but Ryuden kept up the pressure and steadily walked forward, blocking Roga from escape. Yorikiri.

Shodai (7-3) defeated Kinbozan (3-7). Shodai looked like he was going over the edge with help of a Kinbozan nodowa. He slipped to the side and when Kinbozan followed, Shodai grabbed at his belt and shoved him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Oshoma (5-5) defeated Sadanoumi (3-7). Oshoma executed a swift slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Tobizaru (5-5) defeated Kotoshoho (5-5). Kotoshoho charged forward into Tobizaru’s tsuppari but Tobizaru sidestepped to his left and Kotoshoho fell onto the bales. Hikiotoshi.

Ura (4-6) defeated Oho (6-4). As Oho charged forward (yay!) Ura seized his arm and yanked him forward. Well, at least the youngster seems to be making progress. Tottari.

Takanosho (7-3) defeated Gonoyama (3-7). Strong tachiai from both men but Gonoyama backed Takanosho to the edge. From the bales, Takanosho worked his way inside Gonoyama’s arms and wrapped him up. As Takanosho drove forward, Gonoyama tried to pull and slapdown but Takanosho had him secured in front. Yorikiri.

Mitakeumi (4-6) defeated Meisei (2-8). Meisei charged forward, driving Mitakeumi to the edge with force. But it was a trap. Mitakeumi twisted and drove him down to the ground. No mono-ii. Meisei makekoshi. Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Daieisho (6-4) defeated Atamifuji (4-6). Atamifuji demonstrated the danger of “pulling” sumo of the variety that Mitakeumi used today. Sometimes, you go back too far and step out. Atamifuji wanted to deflect Daieisho’s attack and send him forward over the bales but Daieisho knocked Atamifuji over the bales instead. Oshidashi.

Hiradoumi (6-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (4-6). Forceful tachiai as usual. Hiradoumi blasted Wakamotoharu to the bales and as Wakamotoharu resisted, Hiradoumi shifted to the side. Wakamotoharu stumbled forward to the clay. Tsukiotoshi.

Abi (6-4) defeated Takakeisho (4-6). Abi pulled, Takakeisho flopped forward. Gunbai Takakeisho. Mono-ii. Video review shows Takakeisho’s hand touching the ground before Abi went out. Abi’s slapdown gamble paid out today. Hatakikomi.

Hoshoryu (7-3) defeated Shonannoumi (5-5). It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Hoshoryu use kicks and trips. Against Shonannoumi he used his left foot and wrapped it around Shonnanoumi’s right. Sotogake.

Kotozakura (8-2) defeated Onosato (5-5). After a great oshi battle, Kotozakura saw an opening to Onosato’s belt and latched on. He grabbed Onosato’s belt with his left hand, rotated and threw Onosato to the ground. Uwatenage.

Terunofuji (10-0) defeated Kirishima (5-5). Terunofuji locked on to Kirishima with both arms and drove forward. When he reached the bales and Kirishima resisted, he rotated and threw Kirishima to the ground. Kotenage.

Wrap-up

Takakeisho can only lose one more bout and preserve his rank. He will face Gonoyama tomorrow but he still needs to fight Terunofuji, Hoshoryu, Kotozakura and Onosato. That will be…difficult. Kirishima, though, must win out. Kotozakura can put the final dagger in Kirishima’s hopes tomorrow. Kotozakura secured his kachikoshi today. Churanoumi missed out with his loss today. So, Terunofuji remains sole leader and the field narrowed even further.

There are some great matchups on tap for us tomorrow. The musubi-no-ichiban features Terunofuji and Onosato. The May tournament champion will hope to keep his Ozeki run alive but he still has work to do in order to secure his kachikoshi. A loss to the Yokozuna tomorrow will hand him a 6th loss and he gets closer to having to start from scratch.

Hoshoryu versus Abi and Takakeisho against Gonoyama are not at the top of my list for tomorrow but they are important bouts, nonetheless. Hoshoryu will fight for his kachikoshi and Takakeisho falls ever closer to makekoshi and demotion. Daieisho will fight Wakamotoharu and Atamifuji will fight Hiradoumi. It is difficult to have a favorite in that bout. The highlight bout tomorrow, though, is undoubtedly Takanosho versus Shodai. Two guys who have really disappeared of late are looking strong. Be careful. They might end up back in sanyaku.

Nagoya 2024: Day Three Highlights

Andy Nagoya 2024, Nagoya Basho ,

I love the NHK shots of the two Nagoya stadiums. You have the 1960s Sweatbox Dolphin’s Arena on one side and the modern design of IG Arena on the other. Back away a little to add in the sleek, ancient Nagoya Castle for quite the contrast. I look forward to what I presume will be the demolition of the old building.

In lower division action, Enho did win his Day 3 matchup and will get tomorrow off.

NHK posts the video footage here. Day Three coverage of Juryo Part I and Part II. Makuuchi Part I and Part II.

Day Three Highlights

Nishikifuji (2-1) defeated Kagayaki (1-2). Kagayaki was in attack mode after the tachiai. Nishikifuji transformed the bout when he was able to get inside Kagayaki’s oshi attack and get a belt grip. Nishikifuji thend drove Kagayaki out. Yorikiri.

Bushozan (2-1) defeated Roga (1-2). Solid sumo from Bushozan today. He kept Roga in front of him and steadily cornered Roga at the edge with excellent footwork and constant tsuppari. He then shoved Roga over the edge. Oshidashi.

Roga will fight Nishikifuji on Day Four.

Wakatakakage (2-1) defeated Endo (1-2). Wakatakakage just overpowered Endo from the tachiai. Endo tried a slapdown as Wakatakakage drove him toward the edge. But Wakatakakage shrugged it off and drove Endo over the tawara. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage will target Bushozan tomorrow. Endo will face Kagayaki.

Takarafuji (2-1) defeated the shadow of Hokutofuji (0-3). Hokutofuji pressed forward with his usual oshi attack. A nodowa drove Takarafuji back to the tawara. Hokutofuji then tried a slapdown but Takarafuji kept his balance and launched his counter attack. He quickly forced Hokutofuji to the edge and shoved him over. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (3-0) defeated Churanoumi (2-1). Churanoumi immediately went for the maemitsu but Asanoyama batted his hands away. Asanoyama then fought hard to establish a right-hand inside position on Churanoumi’s belt. Once he locked in on the belt with both hands, he advanced quickly and drove Churanoumi over the edge.

Churanoumi will take on Takarafuji tomorrow.

Bizzaro-yamamoto (2-1) defeated Nishikigi (0-3). What the hell was Ichiyamamoto doing on the belt? Well, it sure worked. He fought to establish a hold of Nishikigi’s belt and drove his straight back and out. Remember back when Nishikigi was in sanyaku? He’s on his way to Juryo now. They must have beaten him up. Yorikiri.

Ichiyamamoto will not want anything to do with Asanoyama’s belt tomorrow. I can assure you of that. The shadow of Nishikigi will fight the shadow of Hokutofuji.

Shodai (1-2) defeated Midorifuji (1-2). No silliness from Shodai today. All business against Midorifuji as he patiently worked for a solid yotsu attack. The two-handed belt grip over Midorifuji’s back wasn’t getting Shodai anywhere. He released with his right and used his left-hand grip to spin Midorifuji around and out. Uwatenage.

Oshoma (3-0) defeated Tamawashi (2-1). As Tamawashi charged forward, Oshoma slapped him down. Hikiotoshi.

Oshoma will fight Midorifuji tomorrow.

Ryuden (1-2) defeated Kinbozan (0-3). Ryuden locked in. Two handed belt grip, head firmly in Kinbozan’s chest. Kinbozan did not seem to get much power from his own belt hold. Ryuden closed quickly and forced him to the edge. Ryuden patiently waited out his counter attack, maintained his own forward pressure and walked him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Ryuden will take on Shodai. Kinbozan will face Tamawashi.

Kotoshoho (2-1) destroyed Sadanoumi (2-1). Wow. Fierce tachiai, followed with firm tsuppari. Once he had Sadanoumi on the edge he blasted him into the third row. The kid must’ve eaten his Wheaties this morning. Tsukidashi with extreme prejudice. The highlight bout of the first half of action.

Halftime

Takanosho (1-2) defeated Oho (1-2). You can pinpoint the moment Takanosho won this bout. It’s the moment Oho pulled and tried that pathetic slapdown. Before that, it was a great, well contested battle. Oho was trying to advance and was looking good. As soon as he put the gear into reverse, however, he was toast. Oshidashi.

Sadanoumi will dust himself off and face Oho.

Shonannoumi (3-0) defeated Onosho (0-3). Onosho was super-charged and eager to slam into Shonannoumi at the tachiai. Shonannoumi shifted right and pulled the eager beaver onto his belly. Uwatedashinage.

Shonannoumi will fight Kotoshoho and hopefully one of the No-show’s will show up.

Tobizaru (2-1) defeated Ura (2-1). More like, Ura lost this one. The two locked horns early. Tobizaru steadily cornered Ura so Ura lashed out and blasted Tobizaru backward. From there, Ura tried a slapdown but Tobizaru was unfazed, pursued Ura and shoved him backwards. Ura lost his balance and fell hard on his butt. Oshitaoshi.

Sanyaku

Onosato (1-2) defeated Daieisho (1-2) Onosato read the brief. He withstood some powerful thrusts then shifted to the side and slapped Daieisho down onto his belly. It pays to prepare for a bout. Hatakikomi.

Hiradoumi (1-2) defeated Abi (1-2). Hiradoumi’s Abi-zumo was stronger than Abi’s. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (3-0) defeated Gonoyama (1-2). Gonoyama timed his charge simultaneous with Kirishima’s ill-advised pull. This forced Kirishima back to the edge quickly and I’m sure we all thought the same thing, “Oh, crap.” But Kirishima regrouped at the bales, locked in on Gonoyama’s belt and forced the action back to the center of the dohyo. After a brief tussle for belt grips. Gonoyama heaved the pair toward the edge where he tried a throw but Kirishima countered with one of his own and stayed up on his feet and in bounds a beat longer as Gonoyama flopped to his belly. Uwatenage.

Hoshoryu (2-1) defeated Mitakeumi (1-2). Mitakeumi’s strength does seem to be coming back. He wrapped up Hoshoryu and tried to power him backwards. He is just too high, though, in his attack. Hoshoryu quickly turned the tables by turning Mitakeumi. He spun him back to the edge, and walked him out. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (2-1) defeated Meisei (1-2). Meisei pulled and Kotozakura followed, quickly ushering Meisei over the edge.

Atamifuji (2-1) defeated Takakeisho (1-2). Takakeisho tried a quick slapdown which caught Atamifuji by surprise; he stumbled forward but did not panic. He regained his balance, backed up and re-engaged with the Ozeki. Atamifuji hit the Ozeki from the side, grabbed his belt and forced him ingloriously to the ground. Yoritaoshi.

Terunofuji (3-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-1). Dominant. Terunofuji hit Wakamotoharu hard at the tachiai and did not stop until Wakamotoharu was falling from the dohyo.

Wrap-up

Terunofuji leads the charge. This is great to see. He has been powerful and dominant so far. He is not trying to overwhelm with the kimedashi strategy from earlier tournaments. Instead, he’s staying low and charging ahead with overwhelming force.

Atamifuji gets a bit of a reprieve after facing the three Ozeki. He will face Ura tomorrow. We shall see if Kirishima can keep his streak alive against Daieisho. Hiradoumi will need to dig deep against Onosato and Abi will fight Meisei. Tobizaru is being thrown to Takakeisho while Hoshoryu will face Gonoyama and Kotozakura will fight what’s left of Wakamotoharu. Terunofuji will fight Mitakeumi. I would not sleep on that musubi. Mitakeumi has a way of shaking things up…or being a Beard Papa cream puff. Let’s hope for the former, shall we?