Tobizaru

Natsu 2026: Day Eleven

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho , ,

Day 11 in Tokyo. No new kyujo to report. However, due to a record number of kensho banners, Sasaki Ichiro reports that the text size for the sheet listing the bouts used the smallest text ever for one of these sheets. This had to be scaled to 65% for the sponsor list and 80% for the actual bouts.

In Juryo, Kazekeno took on Enho head-to-head. With the push down victory, Kazekeno improved to 10-1 and now has a two-win lead over Kazuma, who lost to Onokatsu. As Leonid mentioned in his Day 9 post, they pitted Asahifuji against tsukedashi Omori; Asahifuji won. Enho will fight Hatsuyama tomorrow as he still seeks that all important kachi-koshi to seal his status as sekitori for Nagoya.

NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Mitakeumi (6-5) defeated Hatsuyama (3-8). After a failed slapdown attempt, Mitakeumi overpowered Hatsuyama and drove him back over the bales. Oshidashi.

Oshoumi (3-8) defeated Shishi (3-8). Shishi hauled Oshoumi around using his right arm tucked under Oshoumi’s left. Oshoumi resisted at the bales and grabbed Shishi in a bear hug. He held Shishi high and drove him back through the ring and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (2-9) defeated Kinbozan. Both men took turns charging forward behind their tsuppari and nodowa. Tamawashi shifted his weight to the side and thrust Kinbozan down. With the win, Tamawashi is now tied with Kisenosato for 7th on the all-time top division wins list on 714 Makuuchi wins. Tsukiotoshi.

Ura (8-3) defeated Wakanosho (6-5). Ura resisted at the bales and used the leverage to grab Wakanosho in a bear hug. He then rotated and pulled Wakanosho down by his shoulder. Katasukashi.

Hakanofuji (8-3) defeated Fujiryoga (8-3). Hakanofuji grabbed Fujiryoga inder the right shoulder with his left arm. Once he secured an overarm belt grip with his right hand, he rotated and dragged Fujiryoga down. Uwatenage.

Tobizaru (9-2) defeated Asanoyama (7-4). Asanoyama drove forward with his right hand inside. At the bales, Tobizaru spun, slipped his grasp and pulled him down. Hikiotoshi.

Ryuden (4-7) defeated Nishikifuji (3-8). Ryuden used his right hand uwate to turn Nishikifuji around and then chased him out from behind. Nishikifuji locks in his make-koshi while Ryuden staves it off. Okuridashi.

Roga (6-5) defeated Abi (4-7). Roga quickly forced his way forward, immediately getting inside any of Abi’s tsuppari. Roga drove him all the way back over the edge. Yorikiri.

Tokihayate (4-7) defeated Asahakuryu (3-8). In an excellent and exciting grapple, Tokihayate used his right hand inside to pull Asahakuryu around the ring. Once he got his left hand inside, too, he was able to rotate and topple Asahakuryu to the ground. Shitatenage.

Kotoeiho defeated Oshoma. Both men dragged each other to the bales and teetered over the edge. Kotoeiho seemed to push Oshoma forward as he was falling out backwards. Gunbai Kotoeiho. Mono-ii. Video review confirmed Motoki’s call that Oshoma fell out just before Kotoeiho. We saw that Kotoeiho’s foot had not stepped out prior to the throw but rested on the bales. Okurinage.

Halftime

Wakamotoharu (3-8) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-7). Chiyoshoma pulled so Wakamotoharu drove forward through him and shoved him backward, out of the ring. Oshitaoshi.

Ichiyamamoto (5-6) defeated Gonoyama (8-3). Ichiyamamoto caught Gonoyama too far forward, shifted right and slapped Gonoyama down. Hikiotoshi.

Yoshinofuji (8-3) defeated Hiradoumi (4-7). Yoshinofuji really wanted his left hand overarm grip but Hiradoumi continued to deny access. Yoshinofuji had to rely on his right hand inside to haul Hiradoumi over onto his head. Ouch! Shitatenage.

Daieisho (5-6) defeated Takanosho (4-7). Daieisho quickly thrust Takanosho back and over the bales. Oshidashi.

Oho (5-6) defeated Fujinokawa (5-6). Oho offered no quarter today as he hugged Fujinokawa and charged forward, crushing Fujinokawa out at the edge. Yoritaoshi.

Sanyaku

Kotoshoho (7-4) defeated Fujiseiun (5-6). Kotoshoho used angles to beat Fujiseiun. He deflected Fujiseiun’s tachiai to the left and then attacked from the right to knock him down. Oshitaoshi.

Churanoumi (7-4) defeated Atamifuji (5-6). Churanoumi used his left-hand belt grip to pivot and haul Atamifuji to the edge. He then followed up by pressing forward to force Atamifuji to step back and out. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (9-2) defeated Wakatakakage (8-3). Kirishima’s morozashi won this bout. Wakatakakage kept trying to improve his own grip, never quite getting a great hold and never sneaking his arms inside. Kirishima pulled up and steadily pressed forward. Yorikiri.

I love seeing women with inflatable daikon radishes in the stands. I mean, step back for a second and appreciate the absolute WTF-ness of this sport.

Shodai (5-6) defeated Kotozakura (3-8). Was there ever any doubt? The Kyokai required a small army of yobidashi to display all of the kenho banners on this bout. In the end, Daikon-Power dominated as Shodai pulled Kotozakura forward from the bales, snuck around back as the Ozeki stumbled forward, and shoved Kotozakura out from behind. Okuridashi.

Wrap-Up

Our yusho race is still a bit of a cluster.

  • 2-Losses: Kirishima, Kotoeiho, Tobizaru
  • 3-Losses: Wakatakakage, Yoshinofuji, Gonoyama, Hakunofuji, Ura, Fujiryoga

Kotozakura is officially kadoban. Will he drop out of the tournament? I doubt it. There must be a bit of pressure to keep two Ozeki in the basho in order to close things out with some sort of High-Ranker Showdown on senshuraku.

As we turn to look at the schedule remaining, Kirishima will face Kotoshoho tomorrow. That leaves Atamifuji and Kotozakura as his only sanyaku competition remaining. Kotozakura kyujo would bring yet another rank-and-filer into play.

Kotozakura will fight Churanoumi tomorrow. Atamifuji will fight Fujiseiun and Wakatakakage will take on Gonoyama.

Down in the rank-and-file, Yoshinofuji will fight Tobizaru. They want to put the kibosh on the Monkey’s run soon. Hakunofuji will fight Oho. Kotoeiho will battle Asanoyama who fell out of the running today but is still seeking his kachi-koshi. And Ura will fight Fujiryoga.

Natsu 2026: Nakabi

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho , , , , ,

It is Nakabi in Tokyo which means Shinjo Shusse Hiro. These seven noobies are put on display in their master’s kesho mawashi because they have completed maezumo and will be in Jonokuchi for Nagoya. Kakizoe (Ikazuchi), Uza (Onoe), Ogawa (Tamanoi), Otsuna (Kokonoe), Tetsufuji (Isegahama), Ibata (Sakaigawa), and Haruto (Shikoroyama).

We talked about Chiyoshoma yesterday and Otsuna (far left front) is wearing one of his kesho mawashi. I imagine he might be Chiyoshoma’s recruit. Behind him, I think Haruto is wearing one of Abi’s. If that’s true, it should give you hints as to who is planning to join the ranks of the oyakata and who will likely inherit a stable or branch out on their own. Or I’m reading too much into things and they just grabbed one that was laying around.

In Juryo, Kazekeno shoved Toshinofuji from the dohyo to remain undefeated. With Daiseizan’s defeat at the hands of Kyokukaiyu, Kazekeno has opened a 2-bout lead over Daiseizan and Enho. For his part Enho beat Kayo, as expected. Nay, as we demanded.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Sadanoumi (4-4 Juryo) defeated Wakanosho (4-4) That was the fastest and most aggressive move I have seen from Sadanoumi. He might have been irritated at the kachi-age from Wakanosho at the tachiai but he blitzed the shin-nyumaku, grabbed the front of Wakanosho’s mawashi and charged toward the front edge of the dohyo. He worked that right hand inside and finished Wakanosho off and drove him into the crowd. Wakanosho was just along for the ride. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (6-2) defeated Kotoeiho (6-2). Fujiryoga pressed into Kotoeiho and Kotoeiho slid back to the tawara, expecting to use the bales as a backstop. Fujiryoga kept driving him back though, and crushed him out. Watashikomi.

Ryuden (3-5) defeated Tamawashi (0-8). Ryuden worked to get both hands inside on Tamawashi’s belt. To me, it looked like Ryuden twisted and pulled Tamawashi forward, so I was expected a shitatenage. Maybe with the sudden shift of weight, Tamawashi fell forward. Instead, they’re saying Tamawashi basically took a knee. Tsukihiza.

Tokihayate (3-5) defeated Oshoumi (1-7). Tokihayate grabbed Oshoumi quickly, pivoted and pressed him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Tobizaru (7-1) defeated Ura (5-3). Tobizaru and Ura shoved each other around the ring. At the decisive moment, Tobizaru pulled and Ura drove forward. Tobizaru fell out of the dohyo as Ura fell down. Gunbai Ura. Mono-ii. The shimpan decided on a Torinaoshi (rematch). In the rematch, Ura pulled and Tobizaru kept his footing as he pressed ahead and shoved him out of the ring. Oshidashi.

Roga (5-3) defeated Kinbozan (4-4). Henka! Kinbozan fell for it. Hatakikomi.

Mitakeumi (4-4) defeated Hakunofuji (5-3). Mitakeumi was all offense today. He charged into Hakunofuji with a nodowa and continued to press forward while grabbing Hakunofuji’s belt. Hakunofuji used the tawara to stop Mitakeumi’s advance. Undeterred, Mitakeumi pivoted and pulled Hakunofuji down by that inside belt grip. Shitatedashinage.

Nishikifuji (2-6) defeated Shishi (2-6). Nishikifuji rammed his head into Shishi and bulldozed ahead. Shishi tried to avoid that head butt and turned away. Nishikifuji kept charging ahead and shoved Shishi out from behind. Okuridashi.

Asanoyama (5-3) defeated Oshoma (5-3). Asanoyama waltzed around the ring with Oshoma for a while before pivoting and using his left-hand over-arm belt grip to throw Oshoma into the middle of the ring. Uwatenage.

Asahakuryu (3-5) defeated Chiyoshoma (4-4). Asahakuryu outlasted Chiyoshoma in this lengthy grapple. Both men had left-hand inside grips and tussled for advantage. Asahakuryu forced Chiyoshoma back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Halftime

Abi (4-4) defeated Fujiseiun (5-3). Abi Henka! Abi leapt to the left, reached over Fujiseiun’s back for a grasp of his belt and pulled him forward. Uwatenage.

Hiradoumi (4-4) defeated Churanoumi (5-3). Hiradoumi blitzed Churanoumi and drove him to the edge. Churanoumi tried to find a way to counter at the bales but Hiradoumi put his head down and blasted his way forward, shoving Churanoumi out. Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (5-3) defeated Fujinokawa (4-4). Yoshinofuji did a great job of keeping Fujinokawa in front of him, though he earned a bloody nose for his efforts. As Fujinokawa flailed around, Yoshinofuji used his excellent balance and footwork to stay centered and steadily work Fujinokawa to the edge. Fujinokawa tried to trip him and change directions. Yoshinofuji eventually shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Ichiyamamoto (3-5) defeated Takanosho (3-5). Ichiyamamoto grasped the big onigiri in both hands, like a minister holding up a wafer for communion, and then — exactly like a minister during communion — Ichiyamamoto shifted right and dumped Takanosho on the floor. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (7-1) defeated Oho (3-5). Wakatakakage pulled Oho forward toward the edge, cycled along the tawara in order to regain an advantageous position while forcing Oho to the edge. While he couldn’t execute an uwatenage, he followed up by pressing forward into Oho and driving Oho over the bales. Yorikiri.

Atamifuji (4-4) defeated Shodai (2-6). Shodai’s ACME-brand gear shift was stuck in reverse. Atamifuji jumped all over him, grabbed the front of his belt with his left hand and shoved him over the bales. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (5-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-6). Wakamoto-henka jumped to the left. Kotoshoho adjusted and charged ahead, shoving Wakamotoharu from the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Daieisho (3-5) defeated Kotozakura (2-6). Kotozakura didn’t have any offense today. Daieisho Dai-ei-Showed him to the exit with his tsuppari (as depleted as it has been the past few basho). Kotozakura is on a Path to Kadobanship. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (6-2) defeated Kirishima (7-1). After Kirishima’s throw attempt failed, Kirishima seemed to just run out of ideas and strength. Gonoyama pressed forward and ushered the Ozeki over the bales. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Gonoyama denied Kirishima his kachi-koshi. Kirishima falls back into a share of the lead with Wakatakakage and Tobizaru, way down in the rank-and-file. On 6-2 we have Gonoyama, Kotoeiho, and Fujiryoga.

  • 1-Loss: Kirishima, Wakatakakage, Tobizaru
  • 2-Losses: Gonoyama, Kotoeiho, Fujiryoga

Kirishima will fight Wakamotoharu tomorrow. Wakamotoharu has looked completely lost this tournament but I’d expect him to be able to find focus against an Ozeki, especially one battling his brother for the title. Gonoyama will get a crack at Kotozakura, aka the lost Ozeki wandering around in the wilderness. Atamifuji will fight Daieisho and Kotoshoho will fight Wakatakakage. Tobizaru will fight Kotoeiho as the Kyokai begins to put an end to these rank-and-file yusho runs. Fujiryoga will fight Mitakeumi.

Natsu 2026: Day Seven

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho , ,

Asakoryu is kyujo beginning today. Hakunofuji will receive the default win. With a 3-4 record, if he does not return this tournament he’s likely to just miss the barge to Juryo and end up in the bottom rungs of the division.

Speaking of injured folks, Nikkan Sports reports that Aonishiki is not going to return to the tournament. I had mentioned this on social media but I can expand upon it here. They report that Aonishiki’s ankle injury is still not healed so he will not compete in this tournament. That means he will drop back to Sekiwake. (**Update: SEKIWAKE, not Juryo, Andy.**)

They make a point that it’s tied for the second shortest run at Ozeki for a shin-Ozeki…but they neglect mentioning the shortest was Takakeisho with only two basho. Aonishiki had not hit a ceiling in his career until Ozeki. The likelihood is high that he will be able to get the 10 wins required in Nagoya to immediately reclaim the rank of Ozeki in September. Even if he doesn’t, Kirishima shows a longer path back is possible.

What Nikkan Sports also pointed out was that Aonishiki will plan to participate in June events, such as the retirement ceremonies for Hokutofuji and Takarafuji (no relation) and the big Paris shindig. Since those events will happen before the Nagoya banzuke comes out, he will participate as Ozeki Aonishiki.

Now, let’s turn back to the tournament at hand. Enho dropped another bout, this one to Hitoshi. As the last guy on the bottom rung of Juryo, he will need 8 wins to be safe. Any more wins are obviously gravy and help him earn some breathing space. He’ll fight Kayo tomorrow and I expect a “W” here.

Kazekeno still leads the yusho race. He will fight Toshinofuji tomorrow. Daiseizan trails at 6-1 and will fight Kyokukaiyu. With a win and kachi-koshi, he’ll likely earn promotion to the top division. Speaking of kachi-koshi, Makushita Tsukedashi wrestler Omori took down Gonosho for his all-important fourth win. And in Sandanme Asahifuji threw Hinataryu and stays on the path to join the 21-win club.

Let’s get to the action.

Your NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Roga (4-3) defeated Fujiryoga (5-2). Roga quickly got his left hand up front of Fujiryoga’s belt and rushed him out. Oshidashi.

Ryuden (2-5) defeated Mitakeumi (3-4). Ryuden made Mitakeumi look like he’s the one who needs a trip on the barge. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (6-1) defeated Wakanosho (4-3). Somewhere in this brawl, Kotoeiho grabbed Wakanosho’s arm and pulled him forward to a knee. Hikiotoshi.

Tobizaru (6-1) defeated Shishi (2-5). As punishment for the slow-ass kachiage, Tobizaru quickly got a right hand over-arm grip, pivoted, and pulled Shishi down. Uwatedashinage.

Kinbozan (4-3) defeated Oshoumi (1-6). JME coverage started here because there was some gymnastics competition. Don’t they know sumo is more important? Anyway, Kinbozan used his tsupppari to thrust Oshoumi out. Tsukidashi.

Ura (5-2) defeated Tamawashi (0-7). Ura charged Tamawashi and drove him out. Oshidashi.

Tokihayate (2-5) defeated Asanoyama (4-3). Asanoyama charged forward, forcing Tokihayate to the bales but yielding a morozashi, double-inside grip. At the bales, Tokihayate found the leverage he needed to counter Asanoyama. With that double-inside grip he was able to charge ahead and force Asanoyama across the dohyo to the other side. When Asanoyama tried to brace himself at the bales, Tokihayate continued to press forward, forcing Asanoyama to fall backward out of the ring. Yoritaoshi.

Hakunofuji default win over Asakoryu.

Chiyoshoma (4-3) defeated Nishikifuji (1-6). Chiyoshoma pulled and quickly slapped Nishikifuji down. Hatakikomi.

Fujiseiun (5-2) defeated Asahakuryu (2-5). Asahakuryu put his head down and charged forward. Fujiseiun absorbed the attack and shifted to his right while reaching inside and grabbing Asahakuryu’s belt with both hands. When Asahakuryu’s back was to the tawara, Fujiseiun reversed gears and bulldozed ahead, shoving Asahakuryu out. Oshidashi.

Halftime

Churanoumi (5-2) defeated Abi (3-4). Abi launched into his usual attack but Churanoumi was ready for it. Churanoumi avoided the slapdown and took advantage of Abi’s change in direction to shove Abi out. Oshidashi.

Oshoma (5-2) defeated Shodai (2-5). Shodai got Oshoma to back up a few steps but he had come in too high, as usual. So Oshoma drove forward and sent Shodai back from whence he came. Oshoma then strolled back to collect his kensho like, “Don’t come at me with that weak ish, Okay man? Making me get dressed and get my hair done and come all the way down here for what? That?” Oshidashi.

Yoshinofuji (4-3) defeated Gonoyama (5-2). Gonoyama wanted to dislodge Yoshinofuji’s head from his neck but when it didn’t pop off, he backed straight up for a slapdown…only to be standing well outside the ring before Yoshinofuji came down. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (4-3) defeated Takanosho (3-4). Fujinokawa with a socially distant henka. Hands up like, “I’m not touching that.” Poor Takanosho. Hikiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Wakatakakage (6-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-5). Wakatakakage blitzed Ichiyamamoto. Ichi half-tried a pull but it was too little, too late. Oshidashi.

Kotoshoho (4-3) defeated Hiradoumi (3-4). So, Hiradoumi grabbed Kotoshoho’s arm and pulled him forward. Kotoshoho then did this dramatic, “Be gone!” motion with his arms and Hiradoumi fell backwards. Oshitaoshi.

Atamifuji (3-4) defeated Wakamotoharu (2-5). The Atamidozer came out of nowhere and rolled right through the dohyo. Wakamotoharu had no chance. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (7-0) defeated Daieisho (2-5). Daieisho with another terribly executed pull. Kirishima easily drove him out. Oshidashi.

Oho (3-4) defeated Kotozakura (2-5). La piece de resistance. Oho pressed forward. After all, why would he be intimidated in the slightest by this Stay-Puffed Sakura character? Oho forced Kotozakura back. The pair got two feet from the edge and Kotozakura thought he would try to spring an uwatenage. No. Then a sukuinage. No. Then, he stepped out and with his right foot square on the outermost tawara, a yard outside the ring, he grabbed Oho’s head and pulled him forward. The beautiful bit was the way he tried to sneak his feet back onto the inside set of tawara to act like, “What? I was inside the whole time!” I cannot wait for him to collect his umpteenth kadoban. He’s earning it. Oshidashi.

Wrap-Up

Enjoy the video piece about Chiyoshoma. It’s a great montage found at the bottom of the page which shows him as a young recruit under the tutelage of the great Chiyonofuji, and now under the Ozeki Chiyotaikai. He put in a lot of work learning Japanese as he climbed the ranks.

He was promoted to Juryo and Chiyonofuji travelled to Mongolia to visit with Chiyoshoma’s folks a few months before he died (10 years ago this July). Chiyoshoma also shares the last texts he received from The Wolf in the weeks before. We see more footage of him training more recently with his current shisho, Chiyotaikai, we meet his family, watch him collect his kinboshi from Hoshoryu…it’s really a nice video. Please check it out.

Getting back to the tournament at hand, Kirishima will fight Gonoyama on nakabi. He’ll have a chance to pick up his kachi-koshi. Now that I’ve had some time to process the day, I’ve cooled off and am not quite so steaming mad at Kotozakura. He’ll fight Daieisho tomorrow. Kotoshoho will take on Wakamotoharu. Atamifuji will take on Shodai. Wakatakakage will face Oho.

Natsu 2026: Day Three

Andy Natsu 2026, Natsu Basho , , ,

First thing’s first. I overslept. I forgot to set my alarm and missed the live action. Watching these video clips misses so much of the drama. I feel a bit distant from it today. Oh well, que sera, sera. 仕方がない。

Thankfully no new kyujo and Enho keeps tearing things up in Juryo. Today, he beat Takakento, visiting from Makushita.

On with the descriptions. NHK videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Onokatsu (2-1) defeated Fujiryoga (2-1). Fujiryoga leaned forward to start chugging away with tsuppari but Onokatsu caught him right under the chin with a forearm kachi-age, followed by a slap down. And down Fujiryoga went. Hatakikomi.

Wakanosho (2-1) defeated Ryuden (0-3). Wakanosho used his powerful thrusts to keep Ryuden from getting anywhere near his belt. Ryuden made one good surge forward but Wakanosho charged right back and thrust the veteran off the dohyo. Tsukidashi.

Tobizaru (3-0) defeated Oshoumi (1-2). Tobizaru pulled and slapped Oshoumi down like it was a jungyo training bout with a high-schooler. Tsukiotoshi.

Roga (2-1) defeated Mitakeumi (1-2). Roga overpowered Mitakeumi, plain and simple. Wulftrax may be right about Mitakeumi’s right hand. He got it inside Roga’s arm quickly but never grabbed the belt and really did nothing with it. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (3-0) defeated Tamawashi (0-3). Kotoeiho persevered through Tamawashi’s attack, grabbing Tamawashi’s belt with his left hand. He didn’t quit until he’d driven Tamawashi back over the bales. At this rate, Kaio’s record is safe. Oshidashi.

Shishi (1-2) defeated Tokihayate (0-3). Shishi rested on Tokihayate’s shoulder as if Shishi had a rough night out and Tokihayate was responsible for getting him back home. As Tokihayate turned, to get the big lug off him, Shishi pressed more of his weight onto him and crushed him over the edge. Abisetaoshi.

Hakunofuji (2-1) defeated Kinbozan (2-1). Henka-ish side-step there from Hakunofuji. He stepped left before driving forward with his attack. Coming from Kinbozan’s right side, Kinbozan didn’t get a chance to recover or retaliate before Hakunofuji shoved him out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-1) defeated Ura (1-2). Asanoyama just drove hard into Ura and threw him backward off the dohyo like, “why are you here?.” Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (2-1) defeated Nishikifuji (1-2). Asahakuryu got a strong hold of Nishikifuji’s belt with his left hand over-arm grip. Nishikifuji was still struggling to get his hand inside so he put it in reverse and tried a slapdown. Asahakuryu just rode him over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oshoma (1-2) defeated Abi (1-2). Abi’s thrusting attack is back and Oshoma let Abi shove him to the bales. Oshoma is much more comfortable with his feet supported by the raised tawara. Once there, he just shifted right and shoved Abi to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Chiyoshoma (1-2) defeated Asakoryu (2-1). This one looked easy. No henka from Chiyoshoma. He just seemed to absorb Asakoryu’s attack in slow motion, shifted to his left and slapped him down. Frankly, it’s been quite a while since we’ve seen a Chiyo-henka. I’m starting to miss them. Hatakikomi.

Fujiseiun (2-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-1). Churanoumi laid into Fujiseiun with a strong shoving attack and drove him backwards. Fujiseiun tried to shove back but it wasn’t getting him much. The slapdown attempt got batted away. So, Fujiseiun reached around for Churanoumi’s belt with his left hand. He missed but Churanoumi backed away as if he’s ticklish on that side. Fujiseiun then drove harder and grabbed Churanoumi’s belt deep with his left hand. Once inside, he drove Churanoumi back and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Wakamotoharu (1-2) defeated Shodai (1-2). Shodai tried to stand Wakamotoharu up in the center of the ring but he was standing way too high. Despite no leverage from the bales to support his attack, Wakamotoharu held Shodai high, drove forward and forced Shodai over the edge. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (2-1) defeated Daieisho (2-1). As Daieisho charged forward, Gonoyama cycled right to the bales, forcing Daieisho to the outside. Then Daieisho gave up and Gonoyama gently eased him over the bales. A disappointing end to someone I was looking to for a yusho run. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (2-1) defeated Takayasu (2-1). Hiradoumi charged forward and Takayasu pulled…right off the dohyo. Goddamn it. There goes another one of my yusho hopes. Oshidashi.

Wakatakakage (3-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-2). Wakatakakage got inside and bulldozed Yoshinofuji through the ring and over the edge. A little dame-oshi there to finish him off? Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (1-2) defeated Ichiyamamoto (1-2). Ichiyamamoto got his left hand on Kotoshoho’s belt and was determined to win this on the belt. He surged forward, forcing Kotoshoho to the edge where Kotoshoho pivoted, twisted, and used his right hand inside Ichi’s shoulder to sling him – face first – to the clay. Ouch. What a move. Great bout. Sukuinage.

Atamifuji (1-2) defeated Oho (1-2). Atamifuji just drove Oho back like Oho was still asleep. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (3-0) defeated Fujinokawa (2-1). Kirishima got a kimedashi grip with both hands outside Fujinokawa and tried to wrangle the youngster. Fujinokawa tried a trip but Kirishima avoided it and used the leverage to force Fujinokawa backward to the edge and over. Yorikiri.

Kotozakura (1-2) defeated Takanosho (1-2). What the hell was Takanosho doing trying to grab Kotozakura’s belt? He got a fistful of sagari instead. When he realized, “oh, I’m a pusher-thruster,” and backed up to do some pusher-thrusting, Kotozakura just followed him and pushed him out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

I don’t know where this yusho race will go but we’ve got Kirishima and Wakatakakage as the only undefeated sanyaku competitors. Only Kotoeiho and Tobizaru join them from the rank-and-file.

Wakatakakage will fight Daieisho tomorrow, followed by Takayasu and Oho. Then Atamifuji will fight Takanosho and Kotoshoho will fight Fujinokawa. Kotozakura will take on Yoshinofuji and then Kirishima will wrap things up against Ichiyamamoto.

It’s really way too early to start thinking about the yusho, yes. But I do like seeing who is still undefeated after the first few days and we don’t have many guys left. Well, let’s see where this goes…