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Kyushu Day 8: Hakuho remains alone at the top
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 17 November 2019
Hits: 28
Having started the second week of the meet as outright leader, Hakuho made sure it stayed that way by forcing out the No. 4 maegashira in the final bout of Day 8 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
The sole competing grand champion continued his career dominance over his fellow Mongolian-born wrestler, who has won just one of their 17 top-level meetings.
Following a pair of false starts, Hakuho (7-1) opened with a hard face slap, then resisted a half-hearted throw attempt as he bundled out Tamawashi (4-4). Hakuho, who is pursuing an unprecedented 43rd Emperor's Cup, will face No. 4 Kotoyuki (4-4) on Day 9.
The ranks of elite wrestlers at the 15-day tournament thinned even further Sunday with the sudden withdrawal of ozeki Takayasu due to severe lower back pain. The Tagonoura stable wrestler, who had taken part in the ring entry ceremony, dropped to 3-5 after forfeiting his bout against No. 3 Takarafuji (4-4). Takayasu joins fellow ozeki Goeido, yokozuna Kakuryu and sekiwake Tochinoshin on the sidelines due to health concerns.
The only ozeki in action, Takakeisho, had a convincing win by push-out against No. 4 Meisei. The pair collided heavily at the jump, but Takakeisho (5-3) had the momentum and bundled Meisei (4-4) out with little fuss.
Struggling sekiwake Mitakeumi (4-4) continued clawing toward a respectable record by forcing out No. 5 Aoiyama (4-4). The pair opened with an exchange of pushes and slaps, with Mitakeumi nearly losing his balance before driving his Bulgarian-born opponent over the straw. The win was the second in a row following three straight losses for the Autumn Grand Tournament winner, who is laboring with a large gash above his right eye.
Day 8 featured two bouts between komusubi, with Endo (4-4) defeating Hokutofuji (4-4), and Asanoyama (6-2) beating Abi (4-4). In a back-and-forth battle, Endo led with his left hand before finding Hokutofuji's belt with his right and driving him to the straw. But Hokutofuji dug in and rallied back with a barrage of blows, almost slapping Endo down. Having survived the attack, Endo regained control and pushed his way to the win.
Asanoyama stayed one win behind Hakuho with a straightforward victory against Abi. Shrugging off a slapping attack at the opening, Asanoyama calmly collected the win with a quick frontal push-out.
No. 13 Kagayaki remained in a two-way tie for second at 6-2 following a force-out victory over No. 9 Kotoshogiku (2-6).
Swami
Details
Written by Kyodo
Published: 17 November 2019
Hits: 28
Having started the second week of the meet as outright leader, Hakuho made sure it stayed that way by forcing out the No. 4 maegashira in the final bout of Day 8 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
The sole competing grand champion continued his career dominance over his fellow Mongolian-born wrestler, who has won just one of their 17 top-level meetings.
Following a pair of false starts, Hakuho (7-1) opened with a hard face slap, then resisted a half-hearted throw attempt as he bundled out Tamawashi (4-4). Hakuho, who is pursuing an unprecedented 43rd Emperor's Cup, will face No. 4 Kotoyuki (4-4) on Day 9.
The ranks of elite wrestlers at the 15-day tournament thinned even further Sunday with the sudden withdrawal of ozeki Takayasu due to severe lower back pain. The Tagonoura stable wrestler, who had taken part in the ring entry ceremony, dropped to 3-5 after forfeiting his bout against No. 3 Takarafuji (4-4). Takayasu joins fellow ozeki Goeido, yokozuna Kakuryu and sekiwake Tochinoshin on the sidelines due to health concerns.
The only ozeki in action, Takakeisho, had a convincing win by push-out against No. 4 Meisei. The pair collided heavily at the jump, but Takakeisho (5-3) had the momentum and bundled Meisei (4-4) out with little fuss.
Struggling sekiwake Mitakeumi (4-4) continued clawing toward a respectable record by forcing out No. 5 Aoiyama (4-4). The pair opened with an exchange of pushes and slaps, with Mitakeumi nearly losing his balance before driving his Bulgarian-born opponent over the straw. The win was the second in a row following three straight losses for the Autumn Grand Tournament winner, who is laboring with a large gash above his right eye.
Day 8 featured two bouts between komusubi, with Endo (4-4) defeating Hokutofuji (4-4), and Asanoyama (6-2) beating Abi (4-4). In a back-and-forth battle, Endo led with his left hand before finding Hokutofuji's belt with his right and driving him to the straw. But Hokutofuji dug in and rallied back with a barrage of blows, almost slapping Endo down. Having survived the attack, Endo regained control and pushed his way to the win.
Asanoyama stayed one win behind Hakuho with a straightforward victory against Abi. Shrugging off a slapping attack at the opening, Asanoyama calmly collected the win with a quick frontal push-out.
No. 13 Kagayaki remained in a two-way tie for second at 6-2 following a force-out victory over No. 9 Kotoshogiku (2-6).
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
Takayasu is out and surely will be demoted. He's had a tough couple of bashos with injuries. Also sad to see Kotoshogiku falling again. A 2020 retirement seems likely if things don't change. He lacks the energy he once had.
The match I liked the most was Enho vs. Yutakayama. I liked Yutakayama's strategy and it worked.
The match I liked the most was Enho vs. Yutakayama. I liked Yutakayama's strategy and it worked.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Kyushu Day 9: Hakuho stays on track for 43rd title
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 18 November 2019
Hits: 18
Yokozuna Hakuho retained his one-win buffer at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament after beating No. 4 maegashira Kotoyuki.
Targeting a record-extending 43rd makuuchi title at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, Hakuho (8-1) delivered a hard left-handed slap to Kotoyuki (4-5), then darted to the side while pulling the rank-and-filer down in the final bout on Day 9.
New komusubi Asanoyama and No. 13 Kagayaki remain one win behind the yokozuna, while five wrestlers sit two wins off the pace in the clash for the last Emperor’s Cup of the year.
Asanoyama (7-2) ended a seven-bout losing streak against No. 1 Daieisho (5-4) to stay in contention. The komusubi rebuffed a hard charge from Daieisho and kept his opponent upright before switching gears and slapping him down.
Kagayaki (7-2) won his fifth straight bout by pushing out No. 10 Shimanoumi (3-6). After his initial charge was repelled, Kagayaki emptied the tank and drove his fellow rank-and-filer over the straw.
In the penultimate bout of Day 9, ozeki Takakeisho (6-3) powered through a nosebleed to beat komusubi Hokutofuji (4-5). Having absorbed an inadvertent head-butt in the day’s most brutal match, Takakeisho stepped to the side and slapped Hokutofuji off the dohyo.
In other bouts Monday, sekiwake Mitakeumi (5-4) dominated No. 4 Tamawashi (4-5) to claim his 20th win against the Mongolian in 22 top-tier matches. September’s champion paid no heed to the wound above his right eye, using his entire body to force Tamawashi out.
Komusubi Abi improved to 5-4 after quickly thrusting out No. 5 Ryuden (3-6), while No. 1 Okinoumi (3-6) outmuscled Endo (4-5) to pick up his third win. Endo dug in with his favored hold and nearly pushed Okinoumi out, but the top-ranked maegashira stood his ground and downed the komusubi with an overarm throw.
Fans were split over a showdown between local favorite, No. 6 Kotoshogiku (2-7), and No. 6 Enho (5-4) which saw the popular lightweight outmaneuver the former ozeki with his crowd-pleasing speed and technique. Kotoshogiku withstood Enho’s aggressive initial attack that drove him to the edge, but Enho kept him on the defensive and pulled Kotoshogiku out by the arm.
Swami
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 18 November 2019
Hits: 18
Yokozuna Hakuho retained his one-win buffer at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament after beating No. 4 maegashira Kotoyuki.
Targeting a record-extending 43rd makuuchi title at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, Hakuho (8-1) delivered a hard left-handed slap to Kotoyuki (4-5), then darted to the side while pulling the rank-and-filer down in the final bout on Day 9.
New komusubi Asanoyama and No. 13 Kagayaki remain one win behind the yokozuna, while five wrestlers sit two wins off the pace in the clash for the last Emperor’s Cup of the year.
Asanoyama (7-2) ended a seven-bout losing streak against No. 1 Daieisho (5-4) to stay in contention. The komusubi rebuffed a hard charge from Daieisho and kept his opponent upright before switching gears and slapping him down.
Kagayaki (7-2) won his fifth straight bout by pushing out No. 10 Shimanoumi (3-6). After his initial charge was repelled, Kagayaki emptied the tank and drove his fellow rank-and-filer over the straw.
In the penultimate bout of Day 9, ozeki Takakeisho (6-3) powered through a nosebleed to beat komusubi Hokutofuji (4-5). Having absorbed an inadvertent head-butt in the day’s most brutal match, Takakeisho stepped to the side and slapped Hokutofuji off the dohyo.
In other bouts Monday, sekiwake Mitakeumi (5-4) dominated No. 4 Tamawashi (4-5) to claim his 20th win against the Mongolian in 22 top-tier matches. September’s champion paid no heed to the wound above his right eye, using his entire body to force Tamawashi out.
Komusubi Abi improved to 5-4 after quickly thrusting out No. 5 Ryuden (3-6), while No. 1 Okinoumi (3-6) outmuscled Endo (4-5) to pick up his third win. Endo dug in with his favored hold and nearly pushed Okinoumi out, but the top-ranked maegashira stood his ground and downed the komusubi with an overarm throw.
Fans were split over a showdown between local favorite, No. 6 Kotoshogiku (2-7), and No. 6 Enho (5-4) which saw the popular lightweight outmaneuver the former ozeki with his crowd-pleasing speed and technique. Kotoshogiku withstood Enho’s aggressive initial attack that drove him to the edge, but Enho kept him on the defensive and pulled Kotoshogiku out by the arm.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
It looks like it's Hakuho's yusho to lose.
Shohozan matches have been overall great thus far. Aggressive sumo at age 35. Nishikigi looks as if he's heading to juryo in January. I'd like to see Hokutofuji get at least eight wins to maintain his komusubi rank. A good basho so far for Asanoyama.
Shohozan matches have been overall great thus far. Aggressive sumo at age 35. Nishikigi looks as if he's heading to juryo in January. I'd like to see Hokutofuji get at least eight wins to maintain his komusubi rank. A good basho so far for Asanoyama.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
The young guns seem to be taking turns at beating each other, none of them seems to have made a really decisive step in establishing themselves as the leader of the new guard.
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Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Kyushu Day 10: Hakuho keeps lead and Asanoyama remains one win back
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 19 November 2019
Hits: 26
Asanoyama vs Meisei
Grand champion Hakuho picked up his ninth win of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday, beating rank-and-filer Aoiyama to maintain the sole lead.
Hakuho (9-1) needed a few extra seconds to overcome No. 5 maegashira Aoiyama (5-5) in the final bout of Day 10 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center but eventually drove the 199-kilogram Bulgarian out.
Asanoyama (8-2) secured a winning record in his debut tournament among the three "sanyaku" ranks below yokozuna after beating No. 2 Meisei (5-5). The new komusubi immediately latched onto Meisei with a left-handed belt hold and bulldozed the maegashira out of the ring.
No. 13 Kagayaki (7-3) fell down the leaderboard after losing to No. 14 Terutsuyoshi (6-4), who beat his fellow maegashira for the first time in four makuuchi matches. Kagayaki was unfazed by an initial slap to the face and took Terutsuyoshi to the edge, but appeared to run out of steam and allowed his opponent to rush him over the straw.
Takakeisho (7-3) defeated No. 4 Kotoyuki (4-6) to keep alive his hopes of hoisting the Emperor's Cup for the second time. The ozeki had little trouble thrusting the rank-and-filer out in their first meeting in the top division.
Ryuden (4-6) turned around Mitakeumi (5-5) to hand the sekiwake his fifth loss. Mitakeumi had Ryuden seesawing on the straw, but the maegashira recovered and reversed positions with the September meet winner before lifting him out.
Abi (6-4) quickly dispatched fellow komusubi Hokutofuji (4-6), keeping his opponent on the back foot with a throat hold and driving him out.
Komusubi Endo (4-6) also fell on Day 10, getting driven back to the straw and muscled out by No. 2 Myogiryu (4-6).
Among the rank-and-file, popular No. 6 Enho (5-5) stumbled out of the ring in his bout against No. 13 Chiyomaru (7-3) as he tried to circle away from the thrusting heavyweight.
Local favorite No. 9 Kotoshogiku (2-8) and No. 15 Daishoho (2-8) became the first men in the division to guarantee finishing the 15-day tournament with a losing record, falling to No. 6 Onosho (5-5) and No. 10 Shimanoumi (4-6), respectively.
Swami
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 19 November 2019
Hits: 26
Asanoyama vs Meisei
Grand champion Hakuho picked up his ninth win of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday, beating rank-and-filer Aoiyama to maintain the sole lead.
Hakuho (9-1) needed a few extra seconds to overcome No. 5 maegashira Aoiyama (5-5) in the final bout of Day 10 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center but eventually drove the 199-kilogram Bulgarian out.
Asanoyama (8-2) secured a winning record in his debut tournament among the three "sanyaku" ranks below yokozuna after beating No. 2 Meisei (5-5). The new komusubi immediately latched onto Meisei with a left-handed belt hold and bulldozed the maegashira out of the ring.
No. 13 Kagayaki (7-3) fell down the leaderboard after losing to No. 14 Terutsuyoshi (6-4), who beat his fellow maegashira for the first time in four makuuchi matches. Kagayaki was unfazed by an initial slap to the face and took Terutsuyoshi to the edge, but appeared to run out of steam and allowed his opponent to rush him over the straw.
Takakeisho (7-3) defeated No. 4 Kotoyuki (4-6) to keep alive his hopes of hoisting the Emperor's Cup for the second time. The ozeki had little trouble thrusting the rank-and-filer out in their first meeting in the top division.
Ryuden (4-6) turned around Mitakeumi (5-5) to hand the sekiwake his fifth loss. Mitakeumi had Ryuden seesawing on the straw, but the maegashira recovered and reversed positions with the September meet winner before lifting him out.
Abi (6-4) quickly dispatched fellow komusubi Hokutofuji (4-6), keeping his opponent on the back foot with a throat hold and driving him out.
Komusubi Endo (4-6) also fell on Day 10, getting driven back to the straw and muscled out by No. 2 Myogiryu (4-6).
Among the rank-and-file, popular No. 6 Enho (5-5) stumbled out of the ring in his bout against No. 13 Chiyomaru (7-3) as he tried to circle away from the thrusting heavyweight.
Local favorite No. 9 Kotoshogiku (2-8) and No. 15 Daishoho (2-8) became the first men in the division to guarantee finishing the 15-day tournament with a losing record, falling to No. 6 Onosho (5-5) and No. 10 Shimanoumi (4-6), respectively.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
It's been a weird basho with so many top rikishi being out. Sad to see Kotoshogiku get a mache-koshi today. How many wins do you think Kotoshigiku will need to stay in the Maegashira ranks?
Chiyomaru has had a good showing this time around. He may have changed his sumo up a bit.
Chiyomaru has had a good showing this time around. He may have changed his sumo up a bit.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Probably four or five wins to stay in Makunouchi. Then the big test will come in January - I reckon he'll retire rather than risk demotion to Juryo.
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Kyushu Day 11: Hakuho moves closer to record-extending 43rd title
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 20 November 2019
Hits: 30
The Mongolia-born grand champion maintained his outright lead, improving to 10-1 as he forced out the No. 5 maegashira Ryuden in the final bout of Day 11 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Eschewing his trademark face slap, Hakuho immediately took Ryuden's belt with his left hand and maneuvered him back toward the edge while securing a double outside grip. From there, Ryuden (4-7) was powerless to stop the all-time championship record holder from forcing him over the straw.
Komusubi Asanoyama remained Hakuho's closest rival at the 15-day tournament, improving to 9-2 against No. 3 Takarafuji (4-7). The winner of the Summer Grand Tournament opened with a hard charge and maintained his momentum, easily shoving Takarafuji out despite being denied a belt hold.
The lone competing ozeki, Takakeisho, claimed a winning record and retained an outside chance for the title with an easy push-out victory over No. 5 Aoiyama. The 23-year-old powerhouse improved to 8-3 as he quickly overwhelmed Bulgarian-born Aoiyama (5-6) with a pushing and thrusting attack.
Sekiwake Mitakeumi saw his hopes of an ozeki promotion take another hit following a force-out loss to komusubi Endo. Mitakeumi (5-6) had the momentum in the initial collision but Endo (5-6) countered with a shallow grip, holding his ground before using his leverage to drive out the two-time tournament winner.
Komusubi Abi fell to 6-5, succumbing to a slap down against No. 1 Okinoumi (5-6). Okinoumi shoved Abi off balance at the jump, then knocked the komusubi down before he had a chance to launch his favored thrusting attack.
Komusubi Hokutofuji (4-7) moved to the brink of a losing record after dropping a hard-fought bought against No. 2 Myogiryu (5-6). Hokutofuji went in straight and hard, knocking Myogiryu back to the edge, but the 33-year-old veteran kept his composure and resisted a second force out attempt before battling back to the center and thrusting the komusubi down.
No. 10 Shodai (8-3), who was unbeaten through Day 4, secured a winning record by dumping out No. 8 Sadanoumi (6-5). No. 13 Kagayaki (8-3) also captured an all-important eighth victory, pushing out No. 7 Tsurugisho (5-6) to ensure his first winning record in four tournaments.
Swami
Details
Written by Kyodo
Published: 20 November 2019
Hits: 30
The Mongolia-born grand champion maintained his outright lead, improving to 10-1 as he forced out the No. 5 maegashira Ryuden in the final bout of Day 11 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
Eschewing his trademark face slap, Hakuho immediately took Ryuden's belt with his left hand and maneuvered him back toward the edge while securing a double outside grip. From there, Ryuden (4-7) was powerless to stop the all-time championship record holder from forcing him over the straw.
Komusubi Asanoyama remained Hakuho's closest rival at the 15-day tournament, improving to 9-2 against No. 3 Takarafuji (4-7). The winner of the Summer Grand Tournament opened with a hard charge and maintained his momentum, easily shoving Takarafuji out despite being denied a belt hold.
The lone competing ozeki, Takakeisho, claimed a winning record and retained an outside chance for the title with an easy push-out victory over No. 5 Aoiyama. The 23-year-old powerhouse improved to 8-3 as he quickly overwhelmed Bulgarian-born Aoiyama (5-6) with a pushing and thrusting attack.
Sekiwake Mitakeumi saw his hopes of an ozeki promotion take another hit following a force-out loss to komusubi Endo. Mitakeumi (5-6) had the momentum in the initial collision but Endo (5-6) countered with a shallow grip, holding his ground before using his leverage to drive out the two-time tournament winner.
Komusubi Abi fell to 6-5, succumbing to a slap down against No. 1 Okinoumi (5-6). Okinoumi shoved Abi off balance at the jump, then knocked the komusubi down before he had a chance to launch his favored thrusting attack.
Komusubi Hokutofuji (4-7) moved to the brink of a losing record after dropping a hard-fought bought against No. 2 Myogiryu (5-6). Hokutofuji went in straight and hard, knocking Myogiryu back to the edge, but the 33-year-old veteran kept his composure and resisted a second force out attempt before battling back to the center and thrusting the komusubi down.
No. 10 Shodai (8-3), who was unbeaten through Day 4, secured a winning record by dumping out No. 8 Sadanoumi (6-5). No. 13 Kagayaki (8-3) also captured an all-important eighth victory, pushing out No. 7 Tsurugisho (5-6) to ensure his first winning record in four tournaments.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
No major upsets today. Shodai's footwork was impressive for a win. Glad to Kotoshogiku get his third win. It was good to see Ikioi in action on the televised broadcast again.
Swami
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Kyushu Day 12: Hakuho pushes ahead as rival falls
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 21 November 2019
Hits: 25
Mitakeumi vs Asanoyama
Yokozuna Hakuho extended his lead at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament with a win over Endo as new komusubi Asanoyama suffered his third loss and fell two wins off the pace.
Hakuho (11-1) blasted Endo (5-7) with his right forearm and issued a couple of ferocious slaps to bloody the komusubi’s nose and quickly put him down in the final bout of Day 12 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
The Mongolian-born yokozuna, who moved closer capturing his record-extending 43rd makuuchi title, entered the ring with some added confidence after sekiwake Mitakeumi (6-6) delivered some inadvertent aid by pushing out Asanoyama (9-3).
In the highlight bout of the day, Mitakeumi launched himself at Asanoyama and quickly drove May’s champion to the edge while keeping Asanoyama’s arms high and denying him a belt hold. Asanoyama could do little but struggle from there as the sekiwake inched him over the straw to even his record and earn a much-needed victory.
Hakuho faces komusubi Abi on Day 13, while Asanoyama takes on No. 4 Kotoyuki. The meet’s top grapplers have already clashed, with Hakuho handing Asanoyama his first loss on Day 3.
In other bouts, No. 5 Ryuden (5-7) pulled off an upset with a desperation move against Takakeisho (8-4). The ozeki found himself lunging at air and plunging to the sand as Ryuden promptly dashed to the side.
Komusubi Abi improved to 7-5 with a win over No. 4 Tamawashi (6-6). Abi tried to pull down the former sekiwake while circling away, then switched tactics and shoved Tamawashi straight off the dohyo.
Hokutofuji (5-7) avoided a losing record with a reversal against No. 2 Meisei (5-7). The komusubi was nearly pulled out after bouncing back from the edge, but spun out of the maegashira’s clutches and thrust him down to the sand.
Among the other wrestlers who started the day two wins behind Hakuho, No. 10 Shodai (9-3) held his position with a push-out win over No. 15 Daishomaru (4-8), while No. 13 Kagayaki (8-4) was upended by No. 11 Ishiura (7-5) and fell off the leaderboard.
No. 13 Chiyomaru and No. 12 Takanosho picked up victories on to secure winning records in their return to the top division. Chiyomaru pushed out No. 8 Sadanoumi (6-6) and Takanosho slapped down No. 6 Enho (6-6).
No. 7 Kotoeko, No. 10 Shimanoumi and No. 15 Daishomaru each suffered a decisive eighth loss.
Swami
Details
Written by Kyodo
Published: 21 November 2019
Hits: 25
Mitakeumi vs Asanoyama
Yokozuna Hakuho extended his lead at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament with a win over Endo as new komusubi Asanoyama suffered his third loss and fell two wins off the pace.
Hakuho (11-1) blasted Endo (5-7) with his right forearm and issued a couple of ferocious slaps to bloody the komusubi’s nose and quickly put him down in the final bout of Day 12 at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
The Mongolian-born yokozuna, who moved closer capturing his record-extending 43rd makuuchi title, entered the ring with some added confidence after sekiwake Mitakeumi (6-6) delivered some inadvertent aid by pushing out Asanoyama (9-3).
In the highlight bout of the day, Mitakeumi launched himself at Asanoyama and quickly drove May’s champion to the edge while keeping Asanoyama’s arms high and denying him a belt hold. Asanoyama could do little but struggle from there as the sekiwake inched him over the straw to even his record and earn a much-needed victory.
Hakuho faces komusubi Abi on Day 13, while Asanoyama takes on No. 4 Kotoyuki. The meet’s top grapplers have already clashed, with Hakuho handing Asanoyama his first loss on Day 3.
In other bouts, No. 5 Ryuden (5-7) pulled off an upset with a desperation move against Takakeisho (8-4). The ozeki found himself lunging at air and plunging to the sand as Ryuden promptly dashed to the side.
Komusubi Abi improved to 7-5 with a win over No. 4 Tamawashi (6-6). Abi tried to pull down the former sekiwake while circling away, then switched tactics and shoved Tamawashi straight off the dohyo.
Hokutofuji (5-7) avoided a losing record with a reversal against No. 2 Meisei (5-7). The komusubi was nearly pulled out after bouncing back from the edge, but spun out of the maegashira’s clutches and thrust him down to the sand.
Among the other wrestlers who started the day two wins behind Hakuho, No. 10 Shodai (9-3) held his position with a push-out win over No. 15 Daishomaru (4-8), while No. 13 Kagayaki (8-4) was upended by No. 11 Ishiura (7-5) and fell off the leaderboard.
No. 13 Chiyomaru and No. 12 Takanosho picked up victories on to secure winning records in their return to the top division. Chiyomaru pushed out No. 8 Sadanoumi (6-6) and Takanosho slapped down No. 6 Enho (6-6).
No. 7 Kotoeko, No. 10 Shimanoumi and No. 15 Daishomaru each suffered a decisive eighth loss.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
Hakuho's lead lengthens. I did like Hokutofuji's fancy footwork for his win. Kotoshogiku got another win. Of smaller rikishi I do like seeing Ishiura wrestle.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Kyushu Day 13: Hakuho one win from clinching record 43rd title
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 22 November 2019
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Hakuho claimed his 12th victory at Fukuoka Kokusai Center to retain a two-win buffer over his closest pursuers, new komusubi Asanoyama and No. 10 maegashira Shodai.
In the day's final bout, the Mongolian-born grand champion made quick work of Abi (7-6), who tried to leap out of Hakuho's clutches but was pushed out.
If Hakuho defeats his Day 14 opponent, sekiwake Mitakeumi, or if Asanoyama and Shodai both lose on the meet's penultimate day, the yokozuna will secure his 43rd makuuchi crown and first since becoming a Japanese citizen in September.
In earlier action, Asanoyama (10-3) bounced back from his third loss of the meet by pushing out Kotoyuki (6-7) to even their four-bout rivalry. The newest grappler at sumo's fourth-highest rank got the better of his initial clash with the maegashira and stayed aggressive to keep Kotoyuki on the back foot and send him out.
Shodai (10-3) furthered his case for promotion back to the "sanyaku" ranks, the three elite positions below yokozuna, with a win over Enho (6-7) in their first top-level match-up. Enho dug in low against the former sekiwake but Shodai wrapped him. After a brief deadlock, Shodai lifted the division's lightweight clear off the ground and deposited him over the straw.
In other top-division bouts, Takakeisho improved to 9-4 after steamrolling sekiwake Mitakeumi (6-7). The Autumn meet winner had no response as the ozeki blasted him off the dohyo with an aggressive thrusting attack.
Komusubi Endo (6-7) staved off a losing record while handing one to his Day 13 opponent, No. 3 Takarafuji (5-8). Endo pushed Takarafuji back with a high shove and kept the rank-and-filer on the defensive by grappling for an inside grip and driving him out in the process.
Hokutofuji (5-8), on the other hand, will likely forfeit his komusubi rank again after being shoved out by No. 4 Tamawashi (7-6) and falling to a losing record. The komusubi catapulted Tamawashi to the edge, but the Mongolian caught Hokutofuji under the arm and spun him around before chasing him out of the ring.
Among the rank-and-file, No. 8 Shohozan, No. 9 Yutakayama and No. 14 Terutsuyoshi all secured winning records -- and likely promotion -- on Day 13, while No. 2 Meisei and No. 7 Tsurugisho face a trip downward in the rankings after falling to 5-8.
Swami
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 22 November 2019
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Hakuho claimed his 12th victory at Fukuoka Kokusai Center to retain a two-win buffer over his closest pursuers, new komusubi Asanoyama and No. 10 maegashira Shodai.
In the day's final bout, the Mongolian-born grand champion made quick work of Abi (7-6), who tried to leap out of Hakuho's clutches but was pushed out.
If Hakuho defeats his Day 14 opponent, sekiwake Mitakeumi, or if Asanoyama and Shodai both lose on the meet's penultimate day, the yokozuna will secure his 43rd makuuchi crown and first since becoming a Japanese citizen in September.
In earlier action, Asanoyama (10-3) bounced back from his third loss of the meet by pushing out Kotoyuki (6-7) to even their four-bout rivalry. The newest grappler at sumo's fourth-highest rank got the better of his initial clash with the maegashira and stayed aggressive to keep Kotoyuki on the back foot and send him out.
Shodai (10-3) furthered his case for promotion back to the "sanyaku" ranks, the three elite positions below yokozuna, with a win over Enho (6-7) in their first top-level match-up. Enho dug in low against the former sekiwake but Shodai wrapped him. After a brief deadlock, Shodai lifted the division's lightweight clear off the ground and deposited him over the straw.
In other top-division bouts, Takakeisho improved to 9-4 after steamrolling sekiwake Mitakeumi (6-7). The Autumn meet winner had no response as the ozeki blasted him off the dohyo with an aggressive thrusting attack.
Komusubi Endo (6-7) staved off a losing record while handing one to his Day 13 opponent, No. 3 Takarafuji (5-8). Endo pushed Takarafuji back with a high shove and kept the rank-and-filer on the defensive by grappling for an inside grip and driving him out in the process.
Hokutofuji (5-8), on the other hand, will likely forfeit his komusubi rank again after being shoved out by No. 4 Tamawashi (7-6) and falling to a losing record. The komusubi catapulted Tamawashi to the edge, but the Mongolian caught Hokutofuji under the arm and spun him around before chasing him out of the ring.
Among the rank-and-file, No. 8 Shohozan, No. 9 Yutakayama and No. 14 Terutsuyoshi all secured winning records -- and likely promotion -- on Day 13, while No. 2 Meisei and No. 7 Tsurugisho face a trip downward in the rankings after falling to 5-8.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
Hakuho has this all but locked-up. It makes it easier when Kakuryu, Goeido, Takayashu, Tochinoshin and Ichinojo are out.
Shodai, like many other rikishi, have learned how to stop Enho's style of sumo. Sad to see Hokutofuji lose his komusubi rank for January.
Shodai, like many other rikishi, have learned how to stop Enho's style of sumo. Sad to see Hokutofuji lose his komusubi rank for January.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Kyushu Day 14: Hakuho seals 43rd career championship with day to spare
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 23 November 2019
Hits: 34
Yokozuna Hakuho won a record-extending 43rd championship and his first as a naturalized Japanese citizen on Saturday, taking out the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament with a day to spare.
The 34-year-old from Mongolia, who acquired Japanese citizenship in September and withdrew from that month’s tourney with a broken finger, claimed his first championship since going 15-0 in March.
Grabbing a left-handed belt hold on the charge, Hakuho stopped sekiwake Mitakeumi in his tracks and tipped him over backward in a matter of seconds. Mitakeumi, the September champion, had come to Kyushu with an outside shot of promotion to ozeki, but fell to his eighth loss.
“I prepared as well as I could. It’s been a long time since March, when I was hurt. After that I had the finger issue,” said Hakuho, who suffered his only loss on Day 2. “During that time I thought, and I thought, but in the end I stopped thinking and just executed.”
Having been hurt in the March tourney, Hakuho sat out the May tournament and missed most of the Autumn Basho in September.
Hakuho entered the day needing either to win or for both No. 10 maegashira Shodai and komusubi Asanoyama to lose. Shodai lost his match to make it a two-wrestler race. Asanoyama, however, refused to go easily into that good night, battling back to earn his 11th win.
Shodai lost a battle of former sekiwake wrestlers to suffer his fourth defeat. The No. 10 tried to rock No. 2 Myogiryu (7-7) back with a right forearm to the chest but lacked the power to make it work. Myogiryu absorbed the blow, wrapped both arms around Shodai’s torso and forced him out.
Asanoyama surrendered a belt hold as he drove No. 5 Ryuden (6-8) back to the straw only for his opponent to spin him around. But in the process, Asanoyama also got a secure hold on his opponent’s belt and was able to force him across the ring and out.
No. 1 Daieisho earned his eighth win, driving No. 6 Onosho (7-7) out of the ring with a powerful shove to the throat.
Komusubi Endo improved to 7-7, forcing No. 4 Tamawashi out to his seventh defeat.
In the day’s penultimate bout, ozeki Takakeisho (9-5) failed to earn his 10th win as he paid the price for an unimaginative charge against komusubi Abi (8-6). Abi forced the ozeki upward, spun him around and forced him out from behind.
No. 11 Ishiura (8-6) earned a winning record with a clever victory over Sadanoumi (7-7), who drove the 110-kg dynamo back to the straw but couldn’t force him out. Although Ishiura twice failed to twist Sadanoumi down, the effort compromised the No. 8’s balance and he was easily thrusted down.
No. 11 Chiyotairyu (8-6) clinched a winning record by shoving out No. 7 Kotoeko (4-10).
Popular No. 6 Enho stayed alive in his hunt for a winning record. The 168-cm, 98-kg wrestler used his quickness and small stature to get under No. 14 Terutsuyoshi’s (8-6) arms on the opening charge. He seized the back of his opponent’s belt with his left hand and flung him to the sandy surface and a sixth loss.
Swami
Details
Written by Kyodo
Published: 23 November 2019
Hits: 34
Yokozuna Hakuho won a record-extending 43rd championship and his first as a naturalized Japanese citizen on Saturday, taking out the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament with a day to spare.
The 34-year-old from Mongolia, who acquired Japanese citizenship in September and withdrew from that month’s tourney with a broken finger, claimed his first championship since going 15-0 in March.
Grabbing a left-handed belt hold on the charge, Hakuho stopped sekiwake Mitakeumi in his tracks and tipped him over backward in a matter of seconds. Mitakeumi, the September champion, had come to Kyushu with an outside shot of promotion to ozeki, but fell to his eighth loss.
“I prepared as well as I could. It’s been a long time since March, when I was hurt. After that I had the finger issue,” said Hakuho, who suffered his only loss on Day 2. “During that time I thought, and I thought, but in the end I stopped thinking and just executed.”
Having been hurt in the March tourney, Hakuho sat out the May tournament and missed most of the Autumn Basho in September.
Hakuho entered the day needing either to win or for both No. 10 maegashira Shodai and komusubi Asanoyama to lose. Shodai lost his match to make it a two-wrestler race. Asanoyama, however, refused to go easily into that good night, battling back to earn his 11th win.
Shodai lost a battle of former sekiwake wrestlers to suffer his fourth defeat. The No. 10 tried to rock No. 2 Myogiryu (7-7) back with a right forearm to the chest but lacked the power to make it work. Myogiryu absorbed the blow, wrapped both arms around Shodai’s torso and forced him out.
Asanoyama surrendered a belt hold as he drove No. 5 Ryuden (6-8) back to the straw only for his opponent to spin him around. But in the process, Asanoyama also got a secure hold on his opponent’s belt and was able to force him across the ring and out.
No. 1 Daieisho earned his eighth win, driving No. 6 Onosho (7-7) out of the ring with a powerful shove to the throat.
Komusubi Endo improved to 7-7, forcing No. 4 Tamawashi out to his seventh defeat.
In the day’s penultimate bout, ozeki Takakeisho (9-5) failed to earn his 10th win as he paid the price for an unimaginative charge against komusubi Abi (8-6). Abi forced the ozeki upward, spun him around and forced him out from behind.
No. 11 Ishiura (8-6) earned a winning record with a clever victory over Sadanoumi (7-7), who drove the 110-kg dynamo back to the straw but couldn’t force him out. Although Ishiura twice failed to twist Sadanoumi down, the effort compromised the No. 8’s balance and he was easily thrusted down.
No. 11 Chiyotairyu (8-6) clinched a winning record by shoving out No. 7 Kotoeko (4-10).
Popular No. 6 Enho stayed alive in his hunt for a winning record. The 168-cm, 98-kg wrestler used his quickness and small stature to get under No. 14 Terutsuyoshi’s (8-6) arms on the opening charge. He seized the back of his opponent’s belt with his left hand and flung him to the sandy surface and a sixth loss.
Swami