Haru 2026: Day Six

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , ,

Day Six in Osaka. A bit of news from the infirmary to start things off. Hakunofuji will return to action on Day Seven. We also had a rather rare event to report down in the lowest Jonokuchi division, called a ryosha fusenpai 両者不戦敗. Both competitors in the Katsunonishiki/Higonoryu bout were kyujo so both received a loss.

If you’ve ever been curious about what happens in that case, the Sumo Association website shows both men losing. OneLoveLulit on Twitter has the video of what you see and hear on the dohyo.

In Makushita, Elder Onami brother, Wakatakamoto, appears to have suffered a significant knee injury. He was taken by wheelchair from the dohyo and then to the hospital. He fought Kurohimeyama. Kurohimeyama drove him back, Wakatakamoto resisted at the bales but was crushed out with a yoritaoshi.

Concern is for the right knee/leg. I’ll let you all know any news. Not only is he the elder brother to Wakamotoharu and Wakatakakage, he serves as Wakamotoharu’s tsukebito and therefore will not be there at the hanamichi for WMH’s bout today against Fujinokawa.

In today’s Juryo action, Wakanosho (6-0) is the lone undefeated competitor in the division with his tsukidashi win over Sadanoumi (2-4). Kazekeno defeated Kazuma, so both men are 5-1 alongside Kitanowaka. Enho had the day off today but is scheduled to fight Ms1E Himukamaru tomorrow. It’s really a pivotal bout because Himukamaru is the top guy in the division. Enho will really want this guy to finish the tournament with a make-koshi to improve his own odds of promotion.

NHK videos of today’s top division action are here.

Makuuchi Action

Chiyoshoma (3-3) defeated Asahakuryu (4-2). Asahakuryu forced Chiyoshoma to the edge. Chiyoshoma slipped his grasp by shuffling along the bales and turned the tables by grabbing and pulling on his arm. Asahakuryu tried to right himself but Chiyoshoma followed up quickly by wrapping Asahakuryu up and driving him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Nishikifuji (4-2) defeated Fujiryoga (3-3). Nishikifuji grabbed Fujiryoga’s belt with a righthand overarm (uwate) grip and drove him to the tawara. Fujiryoga latched on with his own left-arm underarm (shitate) hold and both men tried to pitch the other over the side. Nishikifuji broke the stalemate by using his left hand to shove Fujiryoga backwards. Oshitaoshi.

Kinbozan (4-2) defeated Tobizaru (1-5). Kinbozan battered Tobizaru with tsuppari and then finished him off with a slapdown. Hatakikomi.

Fujiseiun (4-2) defeated Mitakeumi (2-4). Fujiseiun twisted and pulled Mitakeumi over to the tawara and finished him off with strong gaburi yotsu hip thrusts. He also got a deep grip on Mitakeumi’s mawashi knot, like yesterday’s Wakatakakage/Kotozakura bout. This time, though, they let Fujiseiun finish Mitakeumi off without pausing to fix the knot. Yorikiri.

Kotoeiho (4-2) defeated Asakoryu (4-2). Asakoryu tried to shove Kotoeiho, but Kotoeiho slipped his grasp to the right and slapped Asakoryu down while jumping out. Mono-ii. The shimpan decided both men died and called for a rematch. In the rematch, Asakoryu pulled and Kotoeiho chased him out with steady footwork and tsuppari. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (4-2) defeated Shishi (3-3). While Shishi tried to twist and throw Asanoyama down, Asanoyama maintained his balance and drove Shishi back with his right hand under Shishi’s armpit. Asanoyama forced Shishi to the bales and over the edge. Yorikiri.

Oshoumi (1-5) defeated Tokihayate (2-4). Oshoumi wrapped up Tokihayate with his left hand uwate grip and forced him back and out. Yorikiri.

Gonoyama (5-1) defeated Tamawashi (1-5). Gonoyama pulled and used his right arm under Tamawashi’s shoulder to heave him back to the bales. Gonoyama finished him off with strong thrusts. Oshidashi.

Shodai (5-1) defeated Roga (2-4). Shodai grabbed Roga with a left-hand overarm grip and used it to force Roga over the bales. Uwatenage.

Ichiyamamoto (4-2) defeated Ura (3-3). This bout attracts a heap of kensho for a mid-maegashira bout because of Ura’s local hero status, which earned him the top. Ichiyamamoto spoiled the day, though, by pulling and slapping Ura down, claiming A Fistful of Yen. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Onokatsu (1-3-2) defeated Oshoma (2-4). Oshoma slipped left as Onokatsu charged forward and slapped Onokatsu down. Gunbai Oshoma. Mono-ii? Oshoma got A Fistful of Topknot, and thus lost by Hanzoku.

Kotoshoho (5-1) defeated Takanosho (5-1). Kotoshoho pulled and Takanosho’s momentum carried him forward and off the dohyo. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (3-3) defeated Churanoumi (2-4). Daieisho hit Churanoumi with tsuppari but Churanoumi cycled around the edge to get better position. As he charged forward, Daieisho slipped to the side and slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Fujinokawa (3-3) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-6). Fujinokawa blitzed Wakamotoharu and drove the Komusubi back and out, quickly. His mind may be on his elder brother and tsukebito, Wakatakamoto. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (5-1) defeated Yoshinofuji (2-4). Yoshinofuji charged forward, it looked a bit early. Kirishima stopped briefly to look at the gyoji, “you going to call a matta? No? Okay.” Kirishima then shifted left, grabbed Yoshinofuji’s belt and threw him down. Uwatenage.

Wakatakakage (3-3) defeated Takayasu (5-1). Takayasu’s left-hand inside grip was not giving him enough leverage to force Wakatakakage back. Eventually Wakatakakage used his right uwate to drive Takayasu back and throw him to the clay. Wakatakakage was cradling that right arm after the bout. He already wears a compression sleeve on and tape on that right elbow. Uwatedashinage.

Oho (2-4) defeated Aonishiki (3-3). Welp, there goes the rope. Aonishiki got a morozashi early, double inside grip, and used that to hoist Oho around the ring. He could not finish him off or get leverage for a throw. Instead, Oho managed to keep his footing and as Aonishiki tired, turned the tables. With Aonishiki’s arms wrapped up, Oho drove Aonishiki back to the edge and drove him back off the dohyo. Kimedashi.

Atamifuji (3-3) defeated Kotozakura (3-3). Kotozakura telegraphed his pathetic pull attempt at the outset. Well, at least he pivoted at the start of his pull? Kotozakura pivoted right and put his hand up to pull Atamifuji down but Atamifuji just charged forward and forced the faux-zeki over the edge. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (5-1) defeated Hiradoumi (4-2). Hoshoryu was not playing around today. He met Hiradoumi head-on and shoved him back and out. Oshidashi.

Wrap-up

Some idiot from the crowd reached over the railing and patted Hoshoryu on the back as he walked down the hanamichi, and was immediately admonished by the guard and an oyakata (I couldn’t tell which, from behind).

Osaka’s venue is a bit of a security nightmare with how close the crowd interacts with the wrestlers. Some twits heckled Hoshoryu’s dohyo-iri the other day… News reports have been unflattering regarding fan behavior over the past few months.

Anyway, Hoshoryu is representing his office well, and has been rather dominant, despite the blemish against Fujinokawa. No one remains undefeated so we’ve got a whole slew of guys with five wins. Let’s see how that field looks at the end of the weekend.

Let’s pivot to the schedule for tomorrow. Wakamotoharu will fight Yoshinofuji, Takayasu will take on Daieisho, Kirishima will face Hiradoumi, Kotozakura will fight Fujinokawa, Aonishiki will battle Atamifuji and Hoshoryu will end the day’s action against his nemesis, Oho.

As for the rank-and-filers at 5-1, Takanosho will fight Ichiyamamoto, Kotoshoho will battle Oshoma, Gonoyama will take on Ura and Shodai will square up to Shishi.

Once again, I will not be reporting on Day Seven or Day Eight. I will see you back here on Day Nine, hopefully with better sumo and an interesting yusho race. If it’s a Shodai runaway, I’ll be here with bells on.

Haru 2026: Day Five

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho ,

Day Five in Osaka. As I mentioned yesterday, Onokatsu returns to action today. No other kyujo announcements, which is a welcome relief as the infirmary had been busy. I’m glad I get to use a different picture for today’s post.

Unfortunately, on Day Seven and Day Eight, I will not be able to watch the action or write. I guess you could say that I’ll be kyujo. Except my kyujo is not injury related. I’m just too busy this weekend. I’m sure you will still enjoy the tournament. I will be here tomorrow for Day Six but after the weekend, I will need to catch up with you all on Day Nine.

On to the action.

Asahifuji threw Kyoda to stay undefeated in Jonidan but Enho picked up his first loss today against Okaryu. He had defeated Shimanoumi (which I neglected to mention yesterday, my apologies). So, he has a 2-1 record heading into the middle weekend, which is not bad. Two more wins and he’ll possibly earn promotion but he’ll be much more likely to lock it down with a 5-2 record. Takakento missed out on promotion with 4-3 from the same rank in January. Okaryu and Himukamaru are ahead of Enho in the promotion race at the moment. But the loss will take him out of the winners’ bracket, maybe making a slightly easier path to 5 wins?

Okaryu is from Tatsunami beya, and is known to Tachiai followers as the guy who can open an apple with his bare hands (and make it look rather easy). I got it but it was a bit more of a challenge. He was a solid Kinki University sumo recruit, earning a sandanme debut. He’s steadily been working his way through Makushita since earning promotion in late 2024. It’s a slog, as Enho can attest.

In Juryo, the group of undefeated has winnowed down to two: Wakanosho and Kazuma. Wakanosho will face Sadanoumi tomorrow and Kazuma will battle Kazekeno.

Your NHK videos for today’s top division action are here.

Makuuchi Action

Kotoeiho (3-2) defeated Mitakeumi (2-3). Kotoeiho tried to use his right hand ottsuke to block Mitakeumi from getting a hold of his mawashi with his left hand. Mitakeumi still landed the grip but didn’t do anything with it. So Kotoeiho reared back to slip his right hand inside. This popped Mitakeumi’s left hand off Kotoeiho’s belt and gave Kotoeiho the leverage he needed to drive the former Ozeki back and over the bales. Yorikiri.

Fujiryoga (3-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-3). Fujiryoga ignored Chiyoshoma’s tsuppari and shoved him back over the edge. Oshitaoshi.

Kinbozan (3-2) defeated Fujiseiun (3-2). Kinbozan obliterated Fujiseiun with thrusts to the face and shoulders. This drove Fujiseiun back and out. Oshidashi.

Asahakuryu (4-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-4). Tobizaru got a right hand inside grip and spent a good deal of time trying to keep Asahakuryu’s right hand away. Asahakuryu tried a slapdown but Tobizaru kept his balance. Tobizaru was not able to get enough leverage to pitch Asahakuryu forward and throw him over the edge. The two tussled back and forth for a long time in a bit of a stalemate. Tobizaru tried to trip Asahakuryu but Asahakuryu’s balance was solid. Asahakuryu’s patience and endurance won out. He eventually got his right hand inside, hugged around Tobizaru. He then drove forward and forced Tobizaru out. Yorikiri.

Asanoyama (3-2) defeated Nishikifuji (3-2). Nishikifuji lashed out with tsuppari and headbutts. Asanoyama is going to have a bit of a shiner on his left eye as a result. Nevertheless, Asanoyama weathered the attack, corralled Nishikifuji and slapped him down in the middle of the ring. That’s a slapdown I can appreciate. He did it while moving forward. He didn’t pull. He just grabbed Nishikifuji by the back of the shoulders and shoved him down. Hatakikomi.

Asakoryu (4-1) defeated Roga (2-3). Asakoryu seemed to jump early, so the gyoji called a matta. On the second tachiai, Asakoryu leapt to the left with a henka. Roga adjusted well but Asakoryu got his right hand inside. With the left he thrust Roga back and out. Oshidashi.

Gonoyama (4-1) defeated Oshoumi (0-5). Gonoyama grabbed Oshoumi’s belt with his left hand inside, right hand outside. He used some gaburi-yotsu hip thrusts to drive forward and overpower Oshoumi. Oshoumi resisted as much as he could but Gonoyama just went through him and crushed him out by forcing all of his weight on him. Oshoumi is trying and fighting hard. Today, he just wasn’t strong enough. Abisetaoshi.

Shishi (3-2) defeated Tokihayate (2-3). Shishi kept up with Tokihayate’s spin and got a solid left hand inside. Tokihayate pulled and tried an armbar on that left arm but Shishi just pressed forward and forced him out. Yorikiri.

Tamawashi (1-4) defeated Ura (3-2). Tamawashi drove Ura back and out behind his powerful tsuppari. Tsukidashi.

Shodai (4-1) defeated Oshoma (2-3). Shodai really wanted this one because he weathered Oshoma’s headbutts, tsuppari and arm grab. He eventually pulled Oshoma forward to the ground. Hikiotoshi.

Halftime

Takanosho (5-0) defeated Onokatsu (0-3-2). Takanosho thrust Onokatsu back to the bales where Onokatsu used his left foot to brace himself from going out. Takanosho did not relent, however, and shoved Onokatsu, making him fall forward. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (2-3) defeated Kotoshoho (4-1). Daieisho slipped right and slapped Kotoshoho down. Kotoshoho seemed very disappointed, having fallen for that very quickly and picking up his first loss as a result. Hatakikomi.

Ichiyamamoto (3-2) defeated Oho (1-4). Ichiyamamoto battered Oho with tsuppari and drove him out. Ichiyamamoto might be headed back up the banzuke. I’ve got to say, he gives his all, like Ikioi. Oshidashi.

Sanyaku

Hiradoumi (4-1) defeated Atamifuji (2-3). Atamifuji charged forward, shoving Hiradoumi back to the edge. Hiradoumi slipped to his left at the bales and shoved Atamifuji forward and out. Okuridashi.

Takayasu (5-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (2-3). Takayasu got his left hand inside, deep on Yoshinofuji’s belt, extending his body to keep Yoshinofuji’s right hand out of reach from his own belt. Takayasu was able to secure a right-hand outside grip. He paused to secure his hold, then pulled up and charged forward to force the youngster over the edge. Yorikiri.

Kirishima (4-1) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-5). Wakamotoharu showed some initiative on offense today, grabbing Kirishima’s left arm. Kirishima backed away and battered Wakamotoharu with a few thrusts of tsuppari as punishment before slapping him down. Hatakikomi.

Wakatakakage (2-3) defeated Kotozakura (3-2). Kotozakura grabbed Wakatakakage’s belt, deep on the knot. He pulled it loose which put us in danger of wardrobe malfunction. The gyoji spotted the issue and retied Wakatakakage’s mawashi. However, the extra leverage did not help Kotozakura. Wakatakakage was able to drive Kotozakura back and over the tawara. Yorikiri.

Aonishiki (3-2) defeated Fujinokawa (2-3). Aonishiki steadily and methodically corralled the hyper-caffeinated Fujinokawa and drove him back and out. Oshidashi.

Hoshoryu (4-1) defeated Churanoumi (2-3). I liked seeing the patience from Hoshoryu today. He endured Churanoumi’s attack and was able to turn the tables, grab Churanoumi and drive him to the edge. When Churanoumi resisted, Hoshoryu used his right hand hold under Chura’s shoulder and threw him down in the middle of the ring. Sukuinage.

Wrap-up

It’s far too early to start talking about a yusho race. So, let’s turn to tomorrow’s matchups. Early in the action, we’ll see Asakoryu take on Kotoeiho and Shishi battle Asanoyama. Ichiyamamoto will fight Ura and moving up a bit, Takanosho will take on Kotoshoho.

In Sanyaku, hapless Wakamotoharu will fight Fujinokawa for the first time. Kirishima will fight Yoshinofuji and Takayasu will need to muster something special to defeat Wakatakakage and remain undefeated. Aonishiki will face danger as he will fight Oho. Kotozakura will be challenged by Atamifuji and Hoshoryu will close the day out against Hiradoumi.

I’ll see you tomorrow…but remember there will be a break in my usual coverage over the weekend.

Haru 2026: Day Four

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho , ,

News from the infirmary that Onosato will be kyujo from Day Four. Yoshinofuji will receive the default win. Also, we have news that Onokatsu will return tomorrow, Day Five. Onokatsu will fight Takanosho.

In Juryo, the leadership group with four wins has narrowed to four men, Wakanosho (who might be looking to repeat his yusho from Hatsu), Kyokukaiyu, Kazuma and the newly promoted, shin-nyumaku, Fujitensei.

The NHK videos for Day Four are here. Of course, if you want to bookmark this page it has links to bouts from the previous two tournaments, as well.

Makuuchi action

Asahakuryu (3-1) defeated Fujiryoga (2-2). Just as Fujiryoga began to chug forward, Asahakuryu shifted to his right and hooked his right arm under Fujiryoga’s left shoulder and thrust him forward to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Kotoeiho (2-2) defeated Kinbozan (2-2). Henka! Kotoeiho shifted to his left at the tachiai and slapped Kinbozan down. Hikiotoshi.

Nishikifuji (3-1) defeated Mitakeumi (2-2). Nishikifuji got a left hand inside grip and Mitakeumi fought well with his right-hand overarm grip. Mitakeumi tried to pull and that’s when Nishikifuji was able to charge forward and force Mitakeumi out. Yorikiri.

Fujiseiun (3-1) defeated Tobizaru (1-3). Tobizaru got his right hand inside. Fujiseiun battled to get his left hand overarm grip but couldn’t quite get it. So, Fujiseiun grabbed Tobizaru’s right arm and pivoted, trying a kotenage. This broke Tobizaru’s hold on Fujiseiun’s belt. Fujiseiun followed up by shoving Tobizaru until he pushed him out. Oshidashi.

Asanoyama (2-2) defeated Chiyoshoma (2-2). Asanoyama wasn’t playing around today. He worked his right arm in under Chiyoshoma’s left shoulder and swung Chiyoshoma down by pulling hard and rotated counter-clockwise, dragging him down. Sukuinage.

Asakoryu (3-1) defeated Oshoumi (0-3). While Oshoumi still struggled to get a sashi, Asakoryu had locked on with his left-hand inside and threw Oshoumi with that left-hand grip. I need to get stats on the length of guys’ arms. Asakoryu had that grip but was able to extend his body and keep Oshoumi off his belt because Oshoumi couldn’t reach that far. Shitatenage.

Tokihayate (2-2) defeated Roga (2-2). Tokihayate got his right-hand inside grip and pulled Roga forward, flipping him over the bales. Shitatenage.

Shishi (2-2) defeated Tamawashi (0-4). Tamawashi owns the record in makuuchi bouts at 1471, breaking Kyokutenho’s record. Tamawashi tried everything. He hit Shishi with fierce tsuppari, tried a slapdown, wrenched Shishi’s arm for a kotenage…but Shishi stood. As Tamawashi did the unthinkable, grabbed Shishi’s belt and heaved toward the bales, Shishi used a last second left-hand belt grip to counter-attack and throw Tamawashi over the edge. I know folks have been talking about Tamawashi as being winless this tournament so far but the old man certainly brought the heat today. He just got beat by better sumo. “Zannen desu”, as they say. Shitatenage.

Shodai (3-1) defeated Gonoyama (3-1). Shodai shifted left then right, knocked Gonoyama off-balance and thrust him to the ground. Tsukiotoshi.

Daieisho (1-3) defeated Ura (3-1). Homeboy finally lost. Ura tried to feel his way forward through Daieisho’s tsuppari but Daieisho quickly slapped him down. Hatakikomi.

Halftime

Takanosho (4-0) defeated Oshoma (2-2). Takanosho blasted Oshoma back to the bales. As Oshoma tried to brace against the tawara, he took a knee. Takanosho slapped him down just to be sure but this is one of those, “Oops,” non-winning moves. Tsukihiza.

Hiradoumi (3-1) defeated Ichiyamamoto (2-2). Hiradoumi pressed through Ichiyamamoto’s volleys of tsuppari, charged forward and forced him over the bales. Yorikiri.

Kotoshoho (4-0) defeated Oho (1-3). This was a great bout where both men battered each other with headbutts and tsuppari, leaving both men bloodied. An exhausted Oho flopped down onto the bales, rather comedically. Oho knew the slapdown was coming. He’d faced about five attempts and defeated all of them with solid footwork. Rather than resist this final slapdown, he embraced it. “Please, end it. Just, end it. I’m tired.” Well, you’ll never make Ozeki with that attitude. From out of nowhere, Shodai pipes in. “Don’t be so sure.” Tsukiotoshi.

Sanyaku

Atamifuji (2-2) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-4). Wakamotoharu wasn’t even a blocking sled. Wakamotoharu moved back as if he were a blocking sled with thousands of helium balloons tied to it so that it hovered an inch off the ground. A strong fart could have taken him out. WTH, WMH? You hurt, too? Maybe we’ve got one more on kyujo watch. Oshidashi.

Kirishima (3-1) defeated Wakatakakage (1-3). Kirishima forced Wakatakakage to the bales with his initial charge. Wakatakakage resisted so Kirishima grabbed him with his left-hand over-arm grip, right hand up under WTK’s shoulder, and drove forward. Yorikiri.

Yoshinofuji default win over Onosato. No doubt sad he misses out on a double-fisted payday.

Churanoumi (2-2) defeated Aonishiki (2-2). What a brawl. Both men peppered the other with tsuppari. Churanoumi tried a little misdirection but Aonishiki’s footwork was excellent and he re-engaged. Aonishiki’s tsuppari wouldn’t move Churanoumi back so he pulled and Churanoumi surged forward with both men crashing down along the bales. Gunbai Churanoumi. No mono-ii. Yoritaoshi.

News Break?!?!?! You’re literally going to have the news in 23 minutes! “Andy, we’re starved for action…and for oil. There’s barely anyone left to fight and we can’t drag things out forever. Besides, these oil ships are a big deal for us.”

Takayasu (4-0) defeated Kotozakura (3-1). Kotozakura stood his ground and didn’t reverse immediately to the bales. Instead, he stood up Takayasu and tried to shove him back. Both men locked on to each other’s belt. Kotozakura pulled back to get a better inside grip with the left hand and that’s when Takayasu surged forward. Kotozakura freaked out and backed away but Takayasu was not letting go with that left hand. Takayasu chased and forced the Ozeki out. Yorikiri.

Fujinokawa (2-2) defeated Hoshoryu (3-1). The disrupter strikes again. Kinboshi Number Two. Fujinokawa charged ahead as Hoshoryu rotated left. Fujinokawa backed away and slapped the Yokozuna down. This one is totally on the Yokozuna. He needed much better footwork and a plan would have been nice. Hatakikomi.

Wrap-up

Freaking upsets!! Onosato out. Hoshoryu falls. Kotozakura had just started looking solid!!! Now, Aonishiki’s first rope-run is on life support. Takayasu leads Kotoshoho and Takanosho. Well, at least we don’t have Fujiryoga or Kotoeiho on a yusho run. Dig up the squid!!

When the descriptions get long and Andy starts getting silly, it’s time for bed. Not before we take a look at tomorrow’s bouts, though. So, what do we have on tap? Atamifuji will fight Hiradoumi, Takayasu will fight Yoshinofuji, and Kirishima is set to take on Wakamotoharu. Kotozakura will fight Wakatakakage, Aonishiki versus Fujinokawa and Hoshoryu ends the day’s action against Churanoumi.

Haru 2026: Day Three

Andy Haru 2026, Haru Basho ,

News from the infirmary today that Abi will sit out from Day Three. He was a non-factor against the steady, bureaucratic ways of Ichiyamamoto. Oshoma will receive the default win. An interview with Homasho indicated Abi will likely return to the tournament after resting to heal for a few days. As Herbern pointed out in the comments yesterday, he likely needs at least a win or two to maintain a position in Makuuchi.

Enho did not fight today but he’s scheduled to take on fellow former Makuuchi wrestler, Shimanoumi, tomorrow. It’s not going to be an easy path this tournament, that’s for sure. Gambare, Enho!!

Day Three videos are here.

Makuuchi Action

Fujiryoga (2-1) defeated Kotoeiho (1-2). Kotoeiho forced a grapple by getting his left-hand inside belt grip. Fujiryoga quickly switched from tsuppari to acquiring his own belt grip. He grabbed Kotoeiho’s belt with his left-hand inside, hauled him up and rotated, forcing his opponent to the bales. He then shoved him out. Oshitaoshi.

Kinbozan (2-1) defeated Asasuiryu (1-2). Kinbozan’s thrust hard into Asasuiryu, battering him and disrupting Asasuiryu’s yotsu attack. Kinbozan’s first slapdown attempt missed but the second worked. Hatakikomi.

Asahakuryu (2-1) defeated Nishikifuji (2-1). Nishikifuji tried a pushing-thrusting attack, trying to shove Asahakuryu back. But Asahakuryu dug in and wasn’t yielding space. Nishikifuji then retreated and tried to slap Asahakuryu down but Asahakuryu kept his balance and chased Nishikifuji out of the dohyo. Oshidashi.

Chiyoshoma (2-1) defeated Mitakeumi (2-1). Immediately after the tachiai, Chiyoshoma grabbed Mitakeumi’s belt with his right-hand over arm grip, spun and wrangled Mitakeumi to the ground and hogtied him in record time. Rodeo champion. Uwatenage.

Tobizaru (1-2) defeated Asanoyama (1-2). Tobizaru’s lateral movement nearly caught Asanoyama out early, so he grabbed him in a big bear hug and forced him to the edge. Tobizaru dug in, “you’re going to have to crush me out.” So Asanoyama pressed forward and crushed Tobizaru out. Gunbai Tobizaru. Mono-ii. A quick conference checked the replay, Asanoyama’s foot stepped out while Tobizaru was clearly still in bounds. Gunbai-dori. The non-winning technique of Isamiashi. “Dude stepped out.”

Fujiseiun (2-1) defeated Asakoryu (2-1). Fujiseiun wrapped up Asakoryu and forced him out. Yorikiri.

Roga (2-1) defeated Oshoumi (0-3). Roga drove Oshoumi to the edge but Oshoumi dug deep to resist and force Roga back through the dohyo. The two had a great yotsu grapple, trading the advantage. Finally, in the center of the ring Roga used his right-hand inside grip and rotated, dragging Oshoumi to the ground. Great bout. Shitatenage.

Gonoyama (3-0) defeated Shishi (1-2). Gonoyama slammed Shishi and overpowered him, quickly shoving him back and out. Oshidashi.

Shodai (2-1) defeated Tamawashi (0-3). By climbing onto the dohyo today, Tamawashi tied with Kyokutenho for the most Makuuchi bouts at 1470. Shodai rained on Tamawashi’s parade by really dominating, despite Tamawashi’s nodowa. Shodai chugged forward and shoved Tamawashi back and out. Oshidashi.

Ura (3-0) defeated Tokihayate (1-2). Tokihayate tried over and over to get his left hand inside and pull Ura up. Ura would stay low, shove Tokihayate off his belt and re-engage to try to get his own left hand inside. On the third or fourth engagement, Ura knocked Tokihayate off balance and thrust him down. Tsukiotoshi.

Halftime

Kotoshoho defeated Ichiyamamoto. Kotoshoho met Ichiyamamoto with a firm tachiai, shoving his hands into Ichiyamamoto’s face. But then Kotoshoho pivoted to the side and slapped Ichi down. Ichiyamamoto’s momentum carried him, stumbling to the edge, where he landed in a heap. Hatakikomi.

Oshoma (2-1) default win over Abi (0-3).

Oho (1-2) defeated Daieisho (0-3). Since Daieisho’s thrusts seem to be at 60% power, he switched quickly to trying to slap Oho down. Oho chased Daieisho and kept his balance, shoving Daieisho out. Oshidashi.

Takanosho (3-0) defeated Hiradoumi (2-1). Takanosho slammed into Hiradoumi but quickly slapped him down. Quick bout, using Hiradoumi’s hyperactivity against him to devastating effect. Takanosho has never attracted a big fan base, seemingly always getting very few kensho. And today the crowd barely acknowledged the bout happened. Takanosho is one of my faves, but he’s got wild swings lately. There was a stretch where he was always in sanyaku or the joi, but quietly performing under stablemate, Takakeisho. Hatakikomi.

Sanyaku

Takayasu (3-0) defeated Wakamotoharu (0-3). Takayasu forced Wakamotoharu to the tawara and then suddenly backed up, letting a rather listless Wakamotoharu fall to the floor. Tsukiotoshi.

Kirishima (2-1) defeated Atamifuji (1-2). Kirishima nearly threw Atamifuji with his left-hand overarm grip. It seemed he needed a bit more leverage so he took a big gamble to switch his grip. He quickly released his left hand and immediately Atamifuji began charging forward. Kirishima worked his left hand inside around Atamifuji’s trunk, pivoted and dumped the big man on his face. Sukuinage.

Kotozakura (3-0) defeated Churanoumi (1-2). Kotozakura loves being up against the bales. He immediately reversed himself, backing to the edge, and tried over and over to slap Churanoumi down. Those slapdowns were not working so he wrapped up Churanoumi’s trunk and twisted him to the ground. Sukuinage.

Aonishiki (2-1) defeated Wakatakakage (1-2). Aonishiki slapped Wakatakakage hard. You could hear that land. I’ve got jokes about pimps and hustlers but will keep them to myself. Maybe if we were back in the 90s… Anyway, Wakatakakage then decided to pull. So, Aonishiki chased him out. WTK just noped himself out of there. Hilarious. Oshidashi.

Fujinokawa (1-2) defeated Onosato (0-3). Hatsu-Kinboshi Fujinokawa! Onosato drove forward into Fujinokawa’s nodowa. Fujinokawa slipped to his left and Onosato fell forward. Hikiotoshi.

Hoshoryu (3-0) defeated Yoshinofuji (1-2). Yoshinofuji did great to get his hands inside and hold Hoshoryu at bay. He seemed to think he had time to get a better grip and launch an attack. The Yokozuna wasn’t going to wait, wrapped his arms around Yoshinofuji’s head and twisted, dragging Yoshinofuji down. Kubinage.

Wrap-up

The kyujo train might have more passengers after today’s action. Will Onosato tough it out? This Fujinokawa bout was certainly “a must win.” Given the Yokozuna’s size advantage, it was great to see him moving forward and not retreating as he had done the first two days. The fact that he had to sit and wait for Hoshoryu’s bout to end before leaving…oh, that must have been an uncomfortable few minutes.

The komusubi will face each other on Day Four, Wakamotoharu versus Atamifuji. Wakamotoharu owns a 6-1 advantage in this rivalry. Might this give him confidence to turn things around? Atamifuji is fighting well, despite only having one win. As lost as Wakamotoharu has been, I’ve got to favor Atamifuji in tomorrow’s matchup.

Kirishima will fight Wakatakakage, Aonishiki will fight Churanoumi, Kotozakura faces Takayasu in a “Bout of the Unbeatens.” Finally Hoshoryu fights Fujinokawa and Onosato is scheduled to take on Yoshinofuji.