Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
At this point, nearly half-way through this tournament its hard to see too many leaders. Takakeisho, maybe? Endo. Asanoyama and even Shodai look strong but can they keep their momentum going?
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Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Yes, this one is hard to call indeed. A real struggle amongst the new generation for someone to become the dominant figure.
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Hatsu Day 7: Shodai takes first loss, blowing New Year meet wide open
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 18 January 2020
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Rank-and-filer Shodai suffered his first defeat and relinquished his sole lead at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday.
No. 4 maegashira Shodai lost to struggling ozeki Goeido (3-4) in the day’s penultimate bout at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan and fell into a five-way tie at 6-1. The 15-day tournament is missing yokozuna Hakuho and Kakuryu, who withdrew in the opening days of the competition with injuries.
Shodai started out convincingly, pushing the veteran ozeki toward the edge of the ring. Goeido, however, dodged that bullet. As he escaped to his left, Goeido grabbed Shodai by the arm in an attempt to swing him over the straw bales, but the No. 4 maegashira stayed on his feet until the moment of truth came.
With Goeido’s heels against the straw, Shodai attempted to topple him over with an off-balance left-handed shove, but the ozeki leaned back out of the way. Shodai missed, and his momentum carried him past his opponent, facing out of the ring with Goeido behind him. The ozeki then sealed the win with little more than a tap.
In the day’s final match, ozeki Takakeisho (6-1) easily defeated komusubi Abi (3-4) to earn a share of the lead as he continues his pursuit for his second Emperor’s Cup.
Takakeisho had two straight winning records after skipping the July meet with a right knee injury. He finished the September tournament 12-3, but lost to Mitakeumi in the championship playoff.
Sekiwake Takayasu defeated No. 1 Myogiryu (2-5) for his third win in his campaign to gain re-promotion to ozeki. While the bout started slow, Takayasu soon found an opportunity to seize control.
He grabbed Myogiryu’s belt with both hands and lifted him up before giving a final push. Takayasu needs to win at least seven more bouts to return as ozeki.
Meanwhile, komusubi Daieisho’s struggles continued, falling to his fifth defeat in his first tournament in the three sanyaku ranks below yokozuna. Following a slap fest in the middle of the ring, No. 2 Mitakeumi (4-3) wrapped his arms around the young komusubi before quickly taking him out.
Among the five rank-and-filers who started the day at 5-1, only three managed to win their respective bouts.
Top-ranked maegashira Endo (6-1) had an easy win over No. 3 Tamawashi (2-5), the winner of last year’s New Year meet.
No. 14 Terutsuyoshi and No. 17 Tokushoryu claimed their sixth wins by beating No. 17 Kiribayama (3-4) and No. 13 Kotoeko (2-5), respectively.
In the day’s shortest bout, former ozeki Tochinoshin (3-4) quickly dispatched Takarafuji (2-5) in a bout between the No. 6 wrestlers. At the initial charge, Tochinoshin shifted to the left and slapped down the 168-kg Takarafuji in half a second.
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Details
Written by Kyodo
Published: 18 January 2020
Hits: 13
Rank-and-filer Shodai suffered his first defeat and relinquished his sole lead at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday.
No. 4 maegashira Shodai lost to struggling ozeki Goeido (3-4) in the day’s penultimate bout at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan and fell into a five-way tie at 6-1. The 15-day tournament is missing yokozuna Hakuho and Kakuryu, who withdrew in the opening days of the competition with injuries.
Shodai started out convincingly, pushing the veteran ozeki toward the edge of the ring. Goeido, however, dodged that bullet. As he escaped to his left, Goeido grabbed Shodai by the arm in an attempt to swing him over the straw bales, but the No. 4 maegashira stayed on his feet until the moment of truth came.
With Goeido’s heels against the straw, Shodai attempted to topple him over with an off-balance left-handed shove, but the ozeki leaned back out of the way. Shodai missed, and his momentum carried him past his opponent, facing out of the ring with Goeido behind him. The ozeki then sealed the win with little more than a tap.
In the day’s final match, ozeki Takakeisho (6-1) easily defeated komusubi Abi (3-4) to earn a share of the lead as he continues his pursuit for his second Emperor’s Cup.
Takakeisho had two straight winning records after skipping the July meet with a right knee injury. He finished the September tournament 12-3, but lost to Mitakeumi in the championship playoff.
Sekiwake Takayasu defeated No. 1 Myogiryu (2-5) for his third win in his campaign to gain re-promotion to ozeki. While the bout started slow, Takayasu soon found an opportunity to seize control.
He grabbed Myogiryu’s belt with both hands and lifted him up before giving a final push. Takayasu needs to win at least seven more bouts to return as ozeki.
Meanwhile, komusubi Daieisho’s struggles continued, falling to his fifth defeat in his first tournament in the three sanyaku ranks below yokozuna. Following a slap fest in the middle of the ring, No. 2 Mitakeumi (4-3) wrapped his arms around the young komusubi before quickly taking him out.
Among the five rank-and-filers who started the day at 5-1, only three managed to win their respective bouts.
Top-ranked maegashira Endo (6-1) had an easy win over No. 3 Tamawashi (2-5), the winner of last year’s New Year meet.
No. 14 Terutsuyoshi and No. 17 Tokushoryu claimed their sixth wins by beating No. 17 Kiribayama (3-4) and No. 13 Kotoeko (2-5), respectively.
In the day’s shortest bout, former ozeki Tochinoshin (3-4) quickly dispatched Takarafuji (2-5) in a bout between the No. 6 wrestlers. At the initial charge, Tochinoshin shifted to the left and slapped down the 168-kg Takarafuji in half a second.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
Now we have a few rikishi with 6-1 records. I see Endo meets Enho on Sunday. I have to say I didn't like Tochinoshin's henka today against Takarafuji. He does that too often.
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Hatsu Day 8: Takakeisho, Shodai in 3-way tie for lead at New Year meet
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 19 January 2020
Hits: 9
Takakeisho and Shodai maintained their share of the lead at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday following losses by two of the five joint overnight leaders.
The pair sit in a three-way tie at 7-1 with No. 17 maegashira Tokushoryu after No. 1 Endo and No. 14 Terutsuyoshi were defeated on Day 8 of the 15-day tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Ozeki Takakeisho, who is chasing his second top-level title, overpowered No. 4 maegashira Okinoumi in the day’s penultimate bout. Takakeisho slammed Okinoumi (5-3) back to the straw from the opening charge, then held off an attempted rally by the maegashira before using his leverage to quickly secure the win by frontal force out.
No. 4 maegashira Shodai stayed at the front of the pack with a skillful display against sekiwake Asanoyama (5-3), who had been tipped as a contender here. After a powerful opening clash in which neither combatant took a step back, Shodai used Asanoyama’s momentum against him, pulling him off center and toppling him with a beltless arm throw.
Ozeki Goeido (3-5) teetered further toward demotion from sumo’s second-highest rank after quickly succumbing to a slap-down against komusubi Abi (4-4). Abi, who has been battling a knee injury, said he was rounding into form following an interrupted buildup to the meet.
Sekiwake Takayasu (3-5) saw his hopes of a return to ozeki slip further away following a push-out loss to No. 2 Hokutofuji (5-3). After a heavy clash, Takayasu tried in vain to secure a belt grip in the face of a relentless attack from the former komusubi.
With Hokutofuji surging forward, Takayasu withstood one force-out attempt at the edge. But after the action returned to the center of the ring, Hokutofuji buried his head into Takayasu’s chest and bulldozed his way to the win.
Following an impressive start to the tournament, including wins against both yokozuna, Endo (6-2) dropped off the pace with his second loss against No. 5 Enho (4-4).
In a highly anticipated bout between the pair of popular rikishi from Ishikawa Prefecture, 99-kg dynamo Enho gave an impressive demonstration of speed and footwork as he outmaneuvered his bigger, more powerful opponent.
Enho went inside early, fending off multiple attempts by Endo at an outside belt grip. Each time Endo advanced, Enho slipped away, pulling him off balance until he eventually yanked him to the edge of the ring, setting him up for a push out. The victory earned a huge ovation for the rising star who is aiming for his fourth straight winning record.
No. 14 Terutsuyoshi (6-2) took his second loss when he was muscled out by No. 9 Yutakayama (6-2). Tokushoryu ensured he would start Day 9 with a share of the lead after thrusting down No. 13 Kotoshogiku (4-4).
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 19 January 2020
Hits: 9
Takakeisho and Shodai maintained their share of the lead at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday following losses by two of the five joint overnight leaders.
The pair sit in a three-way tie at 7-1 with No. 17 maegashira Tokushoryu after No. 1 Endo and No. 14 Terutsuyoshi were defeated on Day 8 of the 15-day tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Ozeki Takakeisho, who is chasing his second top-level title, overpowered No. 4 maegashira Okinoumi in the day’s penultimate bout. Takakeisho slammed Okinoumi (5-3) back to the straw from the opening charge, then held off an attempted rally by the maegashira before using his leverage to quickly secure the win by frontal force out.
No. 4 maegashira Shodai stayed at the front of the pack with a skillful display against sekiwake Asanoyama (5-3), who had been tipped as a contender here. After a powerful opening clash in which neither combatant took a step back, Shodai used Asanoyama’s momentum against him, pulling him off center and toppling him with a beltless arm throw.
Ozeki Goeido (3-5) teetered further toward demotion from sumo’s second-highest rank after quickly succumbing to a slap-down against komusubi Abi (4-4). Abi, who has been battling a knee injury, said he was rounding into form following an interrupted buildup to the meet.
Sekiwake Takayasu (3-5) saw his hopes of a return to ozeki slip further away following a push-out loss to No. 2 Hokutofuji (5-3). After a heavy clash, Takayasu tried in vain to secure a belt grip in the face of a relentless attack from the former komusubi.
With Hokutofuji surging forward, Takayasu withstood one force-out attempt at the edge. But after the action returned to the center of the ring, Hokutofuji buried his head into Takayasu’s chest and bulldozed his way to the win.
Following an impressive start to the tournament, including wins against both yokozuna, Endo (6-2) dropped off the pace with his second loss against No. 5 Enho (4-4).
In a highly anticipated bout between the pair of popular rikishi from Ishikawa Prefecture, 99-kg dynamo Enho gave an impressive demonstration of speed and footwork as he outmaneuvered his bigger, more powerful opponent.
Enho went inside early, fending off multiple attempts by Endo at an outside belt grip. Each time Endo advanced, Enho slipped away, pulling him off balance until he eventually yanked him to the edge of the ring, setting him up for a push out. The victory earned a huge ovation for the rising star who is aiming for his fourth straight winning record.
No. 14 Terutsuyoshi (6-2) took his second loss when he was muscled out by No. 9 Yutakayama (6-2). Tokushoryu ensured he would start Day 9 with a share of the lead after thrusting down No. 13 Kotoshogiku (4-4).
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
Great match between Enho and Endo. Enho is impressive.
Surprising good match with Onosho. If he kept this style of sumo going he'd move up the ranks easier.
Hokutofuji always gives 100%, just fun watching him.
Surprising good match with Onosho. If he kept this style of sumo going he'd move up the ranks easier.
Hokutofuji always gives 100%, just fun watching him.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Still hard to call a winner, although I did think Asanoyama would be doing better.
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Hatsu Day 9: Shodai maintains share of first place
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 20 January 2020
Hits: 20
Rank-and-filer Shodai snapped a seven-bout losing streak against ozeki Takakeisho to leave himself in a two-way tie for the lead at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Shodai (8-1), chasing his first top-division title, brushed aside one of his overnight co-leaders after Takakeisho (7-2) briefly bounced back in the final bout of Day 9 at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The No. 4 maegashira found himself on the ropes but stepped aside as Takakeisho thrusted forward, giving the ozeki a push from behind for good measure. Takakeisho entered the bout with a 7-2 record against the rank-and-filer. The ozeki faces No. 5 Enho in a highly-anticipated match on Day 10 of the 15-day meet, while Shodai takes on No. 7 Shohozan (5-4).
New Year meet surprise Tokushoryu (8-1) retained his share of the lead after defeating No. 12 Tsurugisho (3-6) and earned his first winning record in the top division since the Summer Basho in 2017. A pair of false starts appeared to rattle the grapplers but Tokushoryu seized control and drove Tsurugisho, fighting on a bad left knee, over the straw.
In addition to Takakeisho, two other wrestlers trail the leaders at 7-2. No. 9 Yutakayama, Shodai’s stablemate, won a thrusting battle with No. 7 Onosho (4-5), while No. 11 Kagayaki kept pace by shoving out No. 14 Shimanoumi (3-6).
In other Day 9 bouts, popular division lightweight Enho faced and beat an ozeki for the first time, showing off his trademark agility against veteran Goeido (3-6). Fighting as a career-high No. 5 maegashira, Enho (5-4) dodged Goeido’s initial charge and then pulled the ozeki around by his left arm and pushed him out from behind as he fought to get back in the ring.
Goeido, troubled by his left ankle, is facing demotion from sumo’s second-highest rank for the first time since he was promoted in 2014.
No. 6 Takarafuji (4-5) outlasted Takayasu (3-6) and ended the sekiwake’s hopes of securing an automatic return to ozeki. The pair spent the majority of the bout locked up in the center of the ring, with Takarafuji slowly inching the struggling Takayasu toward his fate over the straw.
New sekiwake Asanoyama overpowered new komusubi Daieisho (3-6) and improved to 6-3. Daieisho took Asanoyama to the edge with a strong initial charge, but Asanoyama recovered and turned Daieisho around with a left-handed belt hold before finishing him off with an overarm throw.
Komusubi Abi (5-4) stunned Endo (6-3) and handed the No. 1 maegashira his second straight loss while improving to 7-2 over their nine meetings. The komusubi claimed his fifth win in seconds, charging out of the gates with outstretched arms to push out Endo, who began the meet by beating both yokozuna and ozeki Goeido.
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 20 January 2020
Hits: 20
Rank-and-filer Shodai snapped a seven-bout losing streak against ozeki Takakeisho to leave himself in a two-way tie for the lead at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament.
Shodai (8-1), chasing his first top-division title, brushed aside one of his overnight co-leaders after Takakeisho (7-2) briefly bounced back in the final bout of Day 9 at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The No. 4 maegashira found himself on the ropes but stepped aside as Takakeisho thrusted forward, giving the ozeki a push from behind for good measure. Takakeisho entered the bout with a 7-2 record against the rank-and-filer. The ozeki faces No. 5 Enho in a highly-anticipated match on Day 10 of the 15-day meet, while Shodai takes on No. 7 Shohozan (5-4).
New Year meet surprise Tokushoryu (8-1) retained his share of the lead after defeating No. 12 Tsurugisho (3-6) and earned his first winning record in the top division since the Summer Basho in 2017. A pair of false starts appeared to rattle the grapplers but Tokushoryu seized control and drove Tsurugisho, fighting on a bad left knee, over the straw.
In addition to Takakeisho, two other wrestlers trail the leaders at 7-2. No. 9 Yutakayama, Shodai’s stablemate, won a thrusting battle with No. 7 Onosho (4-5), while No. 11 Kagayaki kept pace by shoving out No. 14 Shimanoumi (3-6).
In other Day 9 bouts, popular division lightweight Enho faced and beat an ozeki for the first time, showing off his trademark agility against veteran Goeido (3-6). Fighting as a career-high No. 5 maegashira, Enho (5-4) dodged Goeido’s initial charge and then pulled the ozeki around by his left arm and pushed him out from behind as he fought to get back in the ring.
Goeido, troubled by his left ankle, is facing demotion from sumo’s second-highest rank for the first time since he was promoted in 2014.
No. 6 Takarafuji (4-5) outlasted Takayasu (3-6) and ended the sekiwake’s hopes of securing an automatic return to ozeki. The pair spent the majority of the bout locked up in the center of the ring, with Takarafuji slowly inching the struggling Takayasu toward his fate over the straw.
New sekiwake Asanoyama overpowered new komusubi Daieisho (3-6) and improved to 6-3. Daieisho took Asanoyama to the edge with a strong initial charge, but Asanoyama recovered and turned Daieisho around with a left-handed belt hold before finishing him off with an overarm throw.
Komusubi Abi (5-4) stunned Endo (6-3) and handed the No. 1 maegashira his second straight loss while improving to 7-2 over their nine meetings. The komusubi claimed his fifth win in seconds, charging out of the gates with outstretched arms to push out Endo, who began the meet by beating both yokozuna and ozeki Goeido.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
A good won for Shodai! For yusho at this point my brain says Takakeisho and my heart says Shodai.
Agreed. He seems to be rising well but needs to be more consistent. I'm hoping he makes ozeki this year.
Takakeisho vs Enho on Tuesday will be interesting.
Agreed. He seems to be rising well but needs to be more consistent. I'm hoping he makes ozeki this year.
Takakeisho vs Enho on Tuesday will be interesting.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Takakeisho needs to lose weight, for his lack of height he is losing a lot of agility.
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Hatsu Day 10: Maegashira Shodai retains co-lead of New Year meet
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 21 January 2020
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No. 4 maegashira Shodai put on an electric performance at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday to retain his place at the top with fellow rank-and-filer Tokushoryu.
Locking horns with No. 7 Shohozan (5-5) on Day 10 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Shodai (9-1) lifted the smaller man clear off the ground and blasted him out of the ring. The former sekiwake, who is coming off an 11-4 runner-up finish at the Kyushu meet in November, faces new komusubi Daieisho on Day 11 as he continues his hunt for a first makuuchi championship.
No. 17 Tokushoryu (9-1) kept his share of the lead by beating No. 12 Chiyomaru (4-6) for the first time in seven top-tier match-ups. Chiyomaru got the better of their initial clash and nearly shoved Tokushoryu out, but Tokushoryu sidled along the edge of the ring while getting a hand under Chiyomaru's arm and launching him over the straw. The 33-year-old Tokushoryu went 11-4 and finished runner-up here in 2015, his best result in the top division.
In the highlight bout of Day 10, No. 5 Enho (5-5) fought an ozeki for the second straight day but was outmaneuvered by Takakeisho, who improved to 8-2 to retain a shot at the title. Looking to follow up his Day 9 victory over Goeido, the top division's lightest grappler searched for an opening as Takakeisho kept him fighting for position. But the ozeki eventually connected on a massive thrust, pushing Enho straight off the dohyo.
No. 9 Yutakayama and No. 11 Kagayaki also secured winning records on Day 10 and remain one victory off the pace alongside Takakeisho. Yutakayama pushed out No. 15 Azumaryu (5-5) and Kagayaki thrusted out No. 13 Kotoeko (2-8).
In other bouts, Goeido fell to 3-7 and is now one loss away from losing his status at sumo's second-highest rank. The demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, who needs a winning record at the year's first basho to keep his rank, got turned around by No. 6 Takarafuji (5-5) and was pushed out from behind.
A day after relinquishing hopes of an automatic return to ozeki, sekiwake Takayasu (4-6) bounced back with a slap-down victory over Abi (5-5). Takayasu looked in danger of taking a third straight loss but was able to veer around the komusubi and knock him down to the clay.
New sekiwake Asanoyama was overpowered by No. 6 Tochinoshin (5-5) and fell to 6-4. The pair locked onto each other's belts, with each trying to swing the other down, but the Georgian's power prevailed in the end.
No. 2 Hokutofuji (7-3) turned the tables on Daieisho (3-7) and picked up his seventh win. The komusubi kept Hokutofuji on the defensive with a thrusting and shoving attack, but the maegashira held his ground and tugged Daieisho out by the arm.
No. 2 Mitakeumi (6-4) handed No. 1 Endo (6-4) his third straight loss. The former sekiwake had Endo on the ropes following an inadvertent clash of heads, then flung the popular maegashira around and down after Endo rallied back into the ring.
No. 14 Terutsuyoshi and No. 16 Tochiozan also claimed wins on Day 10 and joined Hokutofuji in third place on the leaderboard at 7-3.
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 21 January 2020
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No. 4 maegashira Shodai put on an electric performance at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Tuesday to retain his place at the top with fellow rank-and-filer Tokushoryu.
Locking horns with No. 7 Shohozan (5-5) on Day 10 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Shodai (9-1) lifted the smaller man clear off the ground and blasted him out of the ring. The former sekiwake, who is coming off an 11-4 runner-up finish at the Kyushu meet in November, faces new komusubi Daieisho on Day 11 as he continues his hunt for a first makuuchi championship.
No. 17 Tokushoryu (9-1) kept his share of the lead by beating No. 12 Chiyomaru (4-6) for the first time in seven top-tier match-ups. Chiyomaru got the better of their initial clash and nearly shoved Tokushoryu out, but Tokushoryu sidled along the edge of the ring while getting a hand under Chiyomaru's arm and launching him over the straw. The 33-year-old Tokushoryu went 11-4 and finished runner-up here in 2015, his best result in the top division.
In the highlight bout of Day 10, No. 5 Enho (5-5) fought an ozeki for the second straight day but was outmaneuvered by Takakeisho, who improved to 8-2 to retain a shot at the title. Looking to follow up his Day 9 victory over Goeido, the top division's lightest grappler searched for an opening as Takakeisho kept him fighting for position. But the ozeki eventually connected on a massive thrust, pushing Enho straight off the dohyo.
No. 9 Yutakayama and No. 11 Kagayaki also secured winning records on Day 10 and remain one victory off the pace alongside Takakeisho. Yutakayama pushed out No. 15 Azumaryu (5-5) and Kagayaki thrusted out No. 13 Kotoeko (2-8).
In other bouts, Goeido fell to 3-7 and is now one loss away from losing his status at sumo's second-highest rank. The demotion-threatened "kadoban" ozeki, who needs a winning record at the year's first basho to keep his rank, got turned around by No. 6 Takarafuji (5-5) and was pushed out from behind.
A day after relinquishing hopes of an automatic return to ozeki, sekiwake Takayasu (4-6) bounced back with a slap-down victory over Abi (5-5). Takayasu looked in danger of taking a third straight loss but was able to veer around the komusubi and knock him down to the clay.
New sekiwake Asanoyama was overpowered by No. 6 Tochinoshin (5-5) and fell to 6-4. The pair locked onto each other's belts, with each trying to swing the other down, but the Georgian's power prevailed in the end.
No. 2 Hokutofuji (7-3) turned the tables on Daieisho (3-7) and picked up his seventh win. The komusubi kept Hokutofuji on the defensive with a thrusting and shoving attack, but the maegashira held his ground and tugged Daieisho out by the arm.
No. 2 Mitakeumi (6-4) handed No. 1 Endo (6-4) his third straight loss. The former sekiwake had Endo on the ropes following an inadvertent clash of heads, then flung the popular maegashira around and down after Endo rallied back into the ring.
No. 14 Terutsuyoshi and No. 16 Tochiozan also claimed wins on Day 10 and joined Hokutofuji in third place on the leaderboard at 7-3.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
Looks as if Endo and Asanoyama could be out of the yusho race with four losses. Another bad day for Goeido, now one loss away from losing his ozeki rank.
Kotoshogiku shows no energy with his sumo.
I did peek at the juryo standing and see Terunofuji is 10-0. He may be back in March or May if he keeps it up. Ichinojo is 5-5 and seems to be wrestling in his passive sumo stay.
Kotoshogiku shows no energy with his sumo.
I did peek at the juryo standing and see Terunofuji is 10-0. He may be back in March or May if he keeps it up. Ichinojo is 5-5 and seems to be wrestling in his passive sumo stay.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Yes, I must admit I didn't expect Terunofuji to be doing as well. It still remains to be seen how long he can keep this up. If he avoids further injury, he can certainly go further but the knee injuries could well return.
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Hatsu Day 11: Shodai, Tokushoryu earn 10th wins
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 22 January 2020
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Rank-and-filers Shodai and Tokushoryu maintained their joint lead with one-loss records at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday, while ozeki Goeido staved off demotion by avoiding an eighth defeat.
Shodai (10-1), the No. 4 maegashira on the east, was put to the test by Daieisho (3-8) on Day 11 at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan. The new komusubi kept Shodai upright and on the ropes for the majority of the bout, but the maegashira held his ground and forced Daieisho from the ring with a last-gasp shove.
No. 17 Tokushoryu survived a scare against No. 8 Aoiyama (4-7) to collect his 10th win and keep a share of the lead. The Bulgarian gained the upper hand as the big men went chest to chest, and looked primed to drive Tokushoryu out. But Tokushoryu twisted Aoiyama down at the edge of the ring and avoided stepping out before his opponent hit the ground.
Shodai, whose only loss came against Goeido on Day 7, faces komusubi Abi on Day 12 of the 15-day meet, while Tokushoryu takes on No. 11 Kagayaki, who is tied for second. The two joint leaders are both chasing their first top-division title.
Goeido (4-7) managed a win against his former fellow ozeki Takayasu (4-7), who holds a 19-13 advantage in their head-to-head meetings. Goeido latched onto Takayasu’s belt and steadily budged the sekiwake out. As a demotion-threatened kadoban ozeki, Goeido needs to win all of his remaining bouts to avoid relinquishing the rank he has held since 2014.
Ozeki Takakeisho, No. 9 Yutakayama and Kagayaki remain one win behind the leaders at 9-2 after prevailing in their respective bouts on Day 11.
Takakeisho made quick work of No. 6 Takarafuji (5-6), launching him back with a strong blast and bulldozing the maegashira out of the ring. Yutakayama triumphed in a thrusting contest with No. 7 Shohozan (5-6), while Kagayaki repelled No. 16 Tochiozan (7-4) and pushed him over the straw.
Sitting two wins off the pace are No. 2 Hokutofuji and No. 14 Terutsuyoshi, who both secured winning records on Day 11. Hokutofuji, who beat both ozeki and yokozuna Kakuryu in the first days of the meet, pulled off a stunning reversal against No. 3 Tamawashi (3-8). Terutsuyoshi slapped down No. 9 Takanosho (5-6).
In other bouts, sekiwake Asanoyama (6-5) and No. 5 Enho (6-5) met for the first time, with the division’s lightweight bouncing back from his loss to Takakeisho on the 10th day of the tournament. Enho sidestepped Asanoyama’s initial charge, then deftly grabbed the new sekiwake by the arm and hastily flung him out.
No. 2 Mitakeumi (7-4) won a hard-fought match against Abi (5-6). Abi went thrust-for-thrust with the former sekiwake until Mitakeumi found a gap and slipped to the side while pushing Abi out from behind.
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 22 January 2020
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Rank-and-filers Shodai and Tokushoryu maintained their joint lead with one-loss records at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday, while ozeki Goeido staved off demotion by avoiding an eighth defeat.
Shodai (10-1), the No. 4 maegashira on the east, was put to the test by Daieisho (3-8) on Day 11 at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan. The new komusubi kept Shodai upright and on the ropes for the majority of the bout, but the maegashira held his ground and forced Daieisho from the ring with a last-gasp shove.
No. 17 Tokushoryu survived a scare against No. 8 Aoiyama (4-7) to collect his 10th win and keep a share of the lead. The Bulgarian gained the upper hand as the big men went chest to chest, and looked primed to drive Tokushoryu out. But Tokushoryu twisted Aoiyama down at the edge of the ring and avoided stepping out before his opponent hit the ground.
Shodai, whose only loss came against Goeido on Day 7, faces komusubi Abi on Day 12 of the 15-day meet, while Tokushoryu takes on No. 11 Kagayaki, who is tied for second. The two joint leaders are both chasing their first top-division title.
Goeido (4-7) managed a win against his former fellow ozeki Takayasu (4-7), who holds a 19-13 advantage in their head-to-head meetings. Goeido latched onto Takayasu’s belt and steadily budged the sekiwake out. As a demotion-threatened kadoban ozeki, Goeido needs to win all of his remaining bouts to avoid relinquishing the rank he has held since 2014.
Ozeki Takakeisho, No. 9 Yutakayama and Kagayaki remain one win behind the leaders at 9-2 after prevailing in their respective bouts on Day 11.
Takakeisho made quick work of No. 6 Takarafuji (5-6), launching him back with a strong blast and bulldozing the maegashira out of the ring. Yutakayama triumphed in a thrusting contest with No. 7 Shohozan (5-6), while Kagayaki repelled No. 16 Tochiozan (7-4) and pushed him over the straw.
Sitting two wins off the pace are No. 2 Hokutofuji and No. 14 Terutsuyoshi, who both secured winning records on Day 11. Hokutofuji, who beat both ozeki and yokozuna Kakuryu in the first days of the meet, pulled off a stunning reversal against No. 3 Tamawashi (3-8). Terutsuyoshi slapped down No. 9 Takanosho (5-6).
In other bouts, sekiwake Asanoyama (6-5) and No. 5 Enho (6-5) met for the first time, with the division’s lightweight bouncing back from his loss to Takakeisho on the 10th day of the tournament. Enho sidestepped Asanoyama’s initial charge, then deftly grabbed the new sekiwake by the arm and hastily flung him out.
No. 2 Mitakeumi (7-4) won a hard-fought match against Abi (5-6). Abi went thrust-for-thrust with the former sekiwake until Mitakeumi found a gap and slipped to the side while pushing Abi out from behind.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
I see he is now 11-0. Like Tochinoshin, Kotoshogiju and many others these injures never fully go away. Ikioi always looks to be in pain.
Goeido's ozaki status survived the day but how much longer.
Hokutofuji had another amazing match against Tamawashi. Asanoyama didn't do his homework on Enho, lesson hopefully learned.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
Hatsu Day 12: Shodai, Tokushoryu still tied, Goeido's demotion assured
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 23 January 2020
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Shodai and Tokushoryu each retained their leading records at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, while ozeki Goeido suffered an eighth loss and faces a demotion from the sport’s second-highest rank.
Goeido (4-8) was beaten by new sekiwake Asanoyama (7-5) in the day’s final bout after the rank-and-file co-leaders claimed their 11th wins at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The 33-year-old Goeido got into a good position after the initial clash with Asanoyama. But the ozeki allowed last year’s Summer Basho winner to navigate in, secure his favored belt hold and force him over the straw. Goeido, who will forfeit his rank for the first time since being promoted in 2014, can secure an automatic return to ozeki with 10 or more wins at March’s Spring Basho in Osaka.
Earlier, No. 4 maegashira Shodai (11-1) had to fend off a thrusting attack from komusubi Abi (5-7), while avoiding stepping out of the ring. Abi launched a deadly shove at the edge, but Shodai absorbed the blow and slapped the komusubi to the side while twisting him down.
No. 17 Tokushoryu (11-1) also retained his one-loss record, beating No. 11 Kagayaki (9-3) and taking out one of his closest rivals for the title in the process. Tokushoryu forced Kagayaki back with some powerful lunges before his opponent counterattacked and drove Tokushoryu backward to the straw. With defeat looming, Tokushoryu employed a last-ditch twisting thrust and was able to get Kagayaki down before taking a knee.
Shodai, who has already fought all the top-ranked grapplers still in contention, faces Kagayaki on Friday, while Tokushoryu takes on No. 9 Yutakayama.
Ozeki Takakeisho (10-2) became the sole wrestler one win behind the leaders, defeating No. 6 Tochinoshin (5-7). The Georgian had Takakeisho on the ropes, but Takakeisho executed a powerful overarm throw at the straw to stay in contention.
Yutakayama (9-3) was dealt his third loss by No. 16 Tochiozan (8-4), who picked up a winning record while pulling Yutakayama down the leaderboard. Yutakayama had worked Tochiozan to the edge, but Tochiozan stepped back to open up some space, then grabbed Yutakayama by the arm and swung him out.
No. 2 Hokutofuji (9-3) retained his slim hopes of a title by racking up his ninth victory with a push-out over No. 1 Endo (7-5). Endo banked on an early pull-down attempt, but Hokutofuji was unmoved and proceed to drive him out with a high stiff-arm to the neck.
No. 14 Terutsuyoshi (8-4) fell off the pace after getting slapped down by No. 14 Shimanoumi (5-7). Terutsuyoshi tried to get under Shimanoumi but found himself locked up and forced to the ground as he tried to escape.
In other bouts, komusubi Daieisho (4-8) pushed out No. 6 Takarafuji (5-7), while No. 5 Enho (7-5) escaped the clutches of sekiwake Takayasu (4-8). Enho had trouble maneuvering around the former ozeki and was eventually locked up. The division’s lightweight slipped away as both wrestlers went for an underarm throw and Takayasu crashed down.
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 23 January 2020
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Shodai and Tokushoryu each retained their leading records at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, while ozeki Goeido suffered an eighth loss and faces a demotion from the sport’s second-highest rank.
Goeido (4-8) was beaten by new sekiwake Asanoyama (7-5) in the day’s final bout after the rank-and-file co-leaders claimed their 11th wins at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The 33-year-old Goeido got into a good position after the initial clash with Asanoyama. But the ozeki allowed last year’s Summer Basho winner to navigate in, secure his favored belt hold and force him over the straw. Goeido, who will forfeit his rank for the first time since being promoted in 2014, can secure an automatic return to ozeki with 10 or more wins at March’s Spring Basho in Osaka.
Earlier, No. 4 maegashira Shodai (11-1) had to fend off a thrusting attack from komusubi Abi (5-7), while avoiding stepping out of the ring. Abi launched a deadly shove at the edge, but Shodai absorbed the blow and slapped the komusubi to the side while twisting him down.
No. 17 Tokushoryu (11-1) also retained his one-loss record, beating No. 11 Kagayaki (9-3) and taking out one of his closest rivals for the title in the process. Tokushoryu forced Kagayaki back with some powerful lunges before his opponent counterattacked and drove Tokushoryu backward to the straw. With defeat looming, Tokushoryu employed a last-ditch twisting thrust and was able to get Kagayaki down before taking a knee.
Shodai, who has already fought all the top-ranked grapplers still in contention, faces Kagayaki on Friday, while Tokushoryu takes on No. 9 Yutakayama.
Ozeki Takakeisho (10-2) became the sole wrestler one win behind the leaders, defeating No. 6 Tochinoshin (5-7). The Georgian had Takakeisho on the ropes, but Takakeisho executed a powerful overarm throw at the straw to stay in contention.
Yutakayama (9-3) was dealt his third loss by No. 16 Tochiozan (8-4), who picked up a winning record while pulling Yutakayama down the leaderboard. Yutakayama had worked Tochiozan to the edge, but Tochiozan stepped back to open up some space, then grabbed Yutakayama by the arm and swung him out.
No. 2 Hokutofuji (9-3) retained his slim hopes of a title by racking up his ninth victory with a push-out over No. 1 Endo (7-5). Endo banked on an early pull-down attempt, but Hokutofuji was unmoved and proceed to drive him out with a high stiff-arm to the neck.
No. 14 Terutsuyoshi (8-4) fell off the pace after getting slapped down by No. 14 Shimanoumi (5-7). Terutsuyoshi tried to get under Shimanoumi but found himself locked up and forced to the ground as he tried to escape.
In other bouts, komusubi Daieisho (4-8) pushed out No. 6 Takarafuji (5-7), while No. 5 Enho (7-5) escaped the clutches of sekiwake Takayasu (4-8). Enho had trouble maneuvering around the former ozeki and was eventually locked up. The division’s lightweight slipped away as both wrestlers went for an underarm throw and Takayasu crashed down.
Swami
Trick-or-Treat Stevens
'The Lovely Michelle'
It's not going to feel right with Goeido not being an ozeki. Hokutofuji smoked Endo.
Kotoshogiku now has a losing record. I just hope he can pull off a few more wins to keep him from dropping to juryo.
I was most impressed with Shohozan going for the mawashi on much larger Mitakeumi. Being one of the oldest rikishi at this level Shohozan can still impress.
Kotoshogiku now has a losing record. I just hope he can pull off a few more wins to keep him from dropping to juryo.
I was most impressed with Shohozan going for the mawashi on much larger Mitakeumi. Being one of the oldest rikishi at this level Shohozan can still impress.
Swami
Telly Talk Supreme
I don't think anybody would have predicted Tokushoryu being in the lead at this stage. But they're bound to bring him against Takakeisho or another of the top-rankers in the next couple of days.
Swami
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Hatsu Day 13: Shodai and Tokushoryu remain co-leaders at New Year meet
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 24 January 2020
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Tokushoryu vs Yutakayama © Kyodo
No. 17 maegashira Tokushoryu and No. 4 Shodai are the only wrestlers with a 12-1 record with two days remaining in the meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Ozeki Takakeisho trails the pair by a win.
Tokushoryu’s bout against No. 9 Yutakayama (9-4) started as a slap fest in front of a sold-out crowd. Tokushoryu remained calm despite being shoved toward the edge of the ring, and thrust down the 179-kg Yutakayama for the win.
Tokushoryu, whose highest career rank was No. 4 maegashira, is making his return to the elite makuuchi division after three straight meets in the second-tier juryo division. His only loss so far came against No. 16 Kaisei (7-6) on Day 2.
Meanwhile, Shodai easily beat No. 11 Kagayaki (9-4). After the initial charge, Shodai did not allow his opponent a chance to resist his pushes in a one-sided bout and sealed the win in just 5.1 seconds.
Tokushoryu and Shodai will face each other on Saturday. Shodai has won their only matchup. “There’s no pressure,” Tokushoryu said. “I’m ranked at the very bottom, so even if I lose, it’s no upset.”
Takakeisho continued his pursuit for his second career Emperor’s Cup with a hard-fought win over struggling sekiwake Takayasu (4-9) in the day’s final bout. The two wrestlers fought aggressively from the initial charge, with Takayasu having several chances to thrust the young ozeki down. Takakeisho, however, remained firm and pushed Takayasu out.
Ozeki Goeido (5-8) pulled off a convincing win over No. 6 Tochinoshin (5-8), a day after his demotion to sekiwake was assured. Goeido held the Georgian’s belt with his left hand and bulldozed his former ozeki rival out without giving Tochinoshin a chance to fight back.
In one of the most anticipated matches of the day, No. 5 Enho overcame a 56-kg disadvantage against komusubi Abi (5-8). Enho, the division lightweight, wrapped his arms around Abi’s right leg and lifted the 155-kg Abi over the straw bales in front of the vocal crowd chanting his name.
Earlier in the day, the Japan Sumo Association announced the retirement of former maegashira Arawashi, who competed in 21 grand tournaments in the makuuchi division. Arawashi earned three kimboshi prizes for beating a yokozuna, including wins over Hakuho and Kakuryu in the 2017 New Year Basho. He dropped to the third-tier makushita division in September last year largely due to a left knee injury.
Meanwhile, former ozeki Terunofuji, who plummeted from the elite rankings to the lower tiers after having surgery on both knees and missing four straight tournaments, clinched the juryo division championship. With braces on both knees, the 28-year-old Mongolian No. 13 juryo, improved to 13-0 on Friday, leaving him in the running for a possible promotion to the top tier in March.
Swami
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 24 January 2020
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Tokushoryu vs Yutakayama © Kyodo
No. 17 maegashira Tokushoryu and No. 4 Shodai are the only wrestlers with a 12-1 record with two days remaining in the meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Ozeki Takakeisho trails the pair by a win.
Tokushoryu’s bout against No. 9 Yutakayama (9-4) started as a slap fest in front of a sold-out crowd. Tokushoryu remained calm despite being shoved toward the edge of the ring, and thrust down the 179-kg Yutakayama for the win.
Tokushoryu, whose highest career rank was No. 4 maegashira, is making his return to the elite makuuchi division after three straight meets in the second-tier juryo division. His only loss so far came against No. 16 Kaisei (7-6) on Day 2.
Meanwhile, Shodai easily beat No. 11 Kagayaki (9-4). After the initial charge, Shodai did not allow his opponent a chance to resist his pushes in a one-sided bout and sealed the win in just 5.1 seconds.
Tokushoryu and Shodai will face each other on Saturday. Shodai has won their only matchup. “There’s no pressure,” Tokushoryu said. “I’m ranked at the very bottom, so even if I lose, it’s no upset.”
Takakeisho continued his pursuit for his second career Emperor’s Cup with a hard-fought win over struggling sekiwake Takayasu (4-9) in the day’s final bout. The two wrestlers fought aggressively from the initial charge, with Takayasu having several chances to thrust the young ozeki down. Takakeisho, however, remained firm and pushed Takayasu out.
Ozeki Goeido (5-8) pulled off a convincing win over No. 6 Tochinoshin (5-8), a day after his demotion to sekiwake was assured. Goeido held the Georgian’s belt with his left hand and bulldozed his former ozeki rival out without giving Tochinoshin a chance to fight back.
In one of the most anticipated matches of the day, No. 5 Enho overcame a 56-kg disadvantage against komusubi Abi (5-8). Enho, the division lightweight, wrapped his arms around Abi’s right leg and lifted the 155-kg Abi over the straw bales in front of the vocal crowd chanting his name.
Earlier in the day, the Japan Sumo Association announced the retirement of former maegashira Arawashi, who competed in 21 grand tournaments in the makuuchi division. Arawashi earned three kimboshi prizes for beating a yokozuna, including wins over Hakuho and Kakuryu in the 2017 New Year Basho. He dropped to the third-tier makushita division in September last year largely due to a left knee injury.
Meanwhile, former ozeki Terunofuji, who plummeted from the elite rankings to the lower tiers after having surgery on both knees and missing four straight tournaments, clinched the juryo division championship. With braces on both knees, the 28-year-old Mongolian No. 13 juryo, improved to 13-0 on Friday, leaving him in the running for a possible promotion to the top tier in March.
Swami