2020 July Basho.

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

The first week of this basho seemed to go the way one would predict. I'm glad Shodai is doing well thus far. Kotoshoguki has had a good week overall.

Abi seems careless to dine out during a basho. That couldn't have gone over well with his stable.

 

[Swami]

The first week of this basho seemed to go the way one would predict. I'm glad Shodai is doing well thus far. Kotoshoguki has had a good week overall.

Abi seems careless to dine out during a basho. That couldn't have gone over well with his stable.

And Terunofuji still just one win off the lead as well.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Tokyo Day 9: Hakuho and Asanoyama cruising towards clash
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 27 July 2020
Hits: 3

Yokozuna Hakuho and newly-promoted ozeki Asanoyama each captured their ninth straight win Monday at a July Grand Sumo Tournament which looks increasingly like a two-horse race.

Just two wrestlers remain a win behind the joint leaders to maintain the pressure after nine days of action at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan — sekiwake Shodai and former ozeki Terunofuji.

Hakuho slapped down No. 4 maegashira Aoiyama (3-6) to close out the elite makuuchi division bouts on Day 9. The Bulgarian was facing overwhelming odds, having fought the 44-time champion 23 times for just one win, which was the result of a withdrawal by Hakuho.

Asanoyama survived a scare against Okinoumi (4-5), tossing the komusubi down by the belt with an overarm throw in a rematch after they crashed down at the same time in their first bout.

The Mongolian-born yokozuna and the man tipped to be the next to reach the sport's highest rank are the only undefeated wrestlers in the tournament after sekiwake Mitakeumi dropped down the leaderboard on Day 8.

Mitakeumi and No. 5 Hokutofuji will look to unseat the joint leaders on Day 10 when they face Asanoyama and Hakuho, respectively.

Hokutofuji, the recipient of seven kinboshi prizes for defeating a yokozuna as a rank-and-filer, has beaten Hakuho three times in 10 meetings, while Mitakeumi holds a 4-2 head-to-head advantage over Asanoyama.

The returning sekiwake's chances at a third title diminished further, however, after his second loss on Day 9.

Mitakeumi met No. 3 Kiribayama (4-5) for the first time and locked up with the up-and-coming grappler, but was unable to find a hold as Kiribayama inched him out.

Shodai held his ground against No. 4 Kagayaki (3-6) to pick up his eighth win. Kagayaki drove the sekiwake back with a strong initial blast and had him on the ropes, but Shodai executed the reversal and pushed his opponent out.

Terunofuji (8-1) quickly pushed out No. 12 Sadanoumi (4-5) and secured a winning record in the top division for the first time since May 2017, when he was still an ozeki.

In other bouts, Takakeisho (6-3) shoved out No. 6 Enho (4-5) before stepping out and earned his sixth win of the meet. The kadoban ozeki needs to collect at least two more wins over the next six days to hold onto his rank.

Komusubi Daieisho fell to 5-4 after Hokutofuji (6-3) thrust him down at the last second while being drilled over the straw.

No. 10 Myogiryu, No. 15 Kotoshoho and No. 14 Kotoshogiku all recorded victories on Day 9 to remain in contention for the title at 7-2. Makuuchi newcomer Kotoshoho is one triumph away from earning a winning record in his top-division debut.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

I think they should have had a re-match between Daieisho and Hokutofuji. I also think Enho won his bout with Takakeisho.

On Sunday I saw former yokozuna Kisenosato was doing some commentary on the Japanese language edition on NHK. I only wish I know what he was saying.

 

[Swami]

I think they should have had a re-match between Daieisho and Hokutofuji. I also think Enho won his bout with Takakeisho.

On Sunday I saw former yokozuna Kisenosato was doing some commentary on the Japanese language edition on NHK. I only wish I know what he was saying.

It would be nice to see Asanoyama winning, it looks as if it is between him and Hakuho.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Tokyo Day 10: Hakuho takes sole lead at July tournament as Asanoyama stumbles
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 28 July 2020
Hits: 10

Yokozuna Hakuho claimed his 10th win for the sole lead at the July Grand Sumo Tournament, while newly-promoted ozeki Asanoyama suffered his first loss. The Mongolian is sitting a win ahead of two wrestlers after the 10th day of the relocated tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

In the day's final bout, Hakuho advanced one step closer to his record-extending 45th championship with a quick and easy win over No. 5 maegashira Hokutofuji (6-4). Fighting his 1,000th bout as a yokozuna, Hakuho bulldozed the 157-kilogram Hokutofuji straight off the raised ring in a matter of seconds.

In the day's penultimate bout, Asanoyama suffered his first setback in his bid for a second Emperor's Cup, losing a hard-fought bout against sekiwake Mitakeumi (8-2). Mitakeumi prevented Asanoyama from getting a belt hold after the opening charge and tossed the overnight co-leader down with an overarm throw.

One of the two wrestlers who started the day at 8-1, former ozeki Terunofuji, won his bout against No. 12 Shohozan (2-8) to continue his strong return in the top makuuchi division. The 28-year-old Terunofuji, who was demoted from the top tier in 2018, pulled on Shohozan's shoulder after the initial charge and forced him to fall forwards onto the clay.

Sekiwake Shodai, who also started the day one win behind the lead, was unable to stop a shoving attack from komusubi Daieisho (6-4) and was quickly thrust out for his second loss of the tournament.

In other bouts, ozeki Takakeisho (7-3) thrust down No. 4 Aoiyama (3-7) following a round of slaps. Takakeisho, fighting as a demotion-threatened kadoban ozeki, needs to collect one more win to hold onto his rank.

Top-ranked maegashira Endo (4-6) dispatched winless No. 2 Onosho (0-10). Looking for his first win after finishing 9-6 at the March meet, Onosho bulldozed his opponent toward the edge of the ring, but Endo survived and pulled off a textbook overarm throw.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

A good win for Mitakeumi. Takarafuji was very lucky with his win today over Yutakayama, another bout where a torinaoshi should have happened.

Hakuho is very solid. I think this is his tournament to win. I would like to see someone at least give him a loss.

Tochinoshin vs Terunofuji tomorrow, that will be interesting.

 

[Swami]

A good win for Mitakeumi. Takarafuji was very lucky with his win today over Yutakayama, another bout where a torinaoshi should have happened.

Hakuho is very solid. I think this is his tournament to win. I would like to see someone at least give him a loss.

Tochinoshin vs Terunofuji tomorrow, that will be interesting.

Although Tochinoshin has declined very rapidly, he is a shadow of what he was when he won the yusho and got promoted to ozeki.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Tokyo Day 11: Hakuho loses sole possession of lead after being upset by Daieisho
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 29 July 2020
Hits: 10

Yokozuna Hakuho relinquished his perfect record and sole lead at the July Grand Sumo Tournament following an upset loss to komusubi Daieisho. With his first defeat of the 15-day tournament, the overnight leader fell back into a three-way tie at 10-1 with ozeki Asanoyama and No. 17 maegashira Terunofuji.

In the final bout of Day 11 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, Hakuho, the only yokozuna left in the tournament, lost his footing as Daieisho (7-4) blocked his attempt to take a right inside grip from the jump.

From there, the komusubi was able to shove the all-time championship record-holder sideways and push him out before he could regain his balance. The win was just Daieisho's second in eight meetings against the yokozuna.

Asanoyama had little trouble taking care of No. 4 Kagayaki (4-7), ramming him with a right forearm before wrapping him up and lifting him over the straw.

Former ozeki Terunofuji has the chance to lift the Emperor's Cup in his first top-division tournament since January 2018 after improving to 10-1 with a win over No. 11 Tochinoshin (6-5).

Ozeki Takakeisho pushed out sekiwake Mitakeumi to clinch a winning record at 8-3 and keep his place at sumo's second-highest rank. The 23-year-old powerhouse, who has been competing here as a demotion-threatened kadoban ozeki, launched himself out of the blocks and gave Mitakeumi (8-3) no chance to counter. The victory was payback for his loss to Mitakeumi in March and evened their head-to-head record at eight wins apiece.

Shodai's title hopes may have suffered a fatal blow with his second straight loss of the 15-day tournament. The sekiwake dropped to 8-3 as he succumbed to No. 5 Hokutofuji (7-4) for the first time in his career. Hokutofuji, a former komusubi, was quick out of the blocks and yanked Shodai to the clay after the sekiwake lunged forward in search of an inside grip.

No. 14 Kotoshogiku (8-3) secured his first winning record since March 2019 with a win against No. 7 Terutsuyoshi (5-6). The veteran former ozeki credited his younger Sadogatake stablemates — including talented newcomers Kotoshoho and Kotonowaka — for helping him stay motivated at age 36.

No. 9 Tamawashi (8-3) clinched a winning record for the first time since last November's grand tournament with a victory against Kotoshoho (7-4), who is making his makuuchi debut at No. 15.

Komusubi Okinoumi (6-5) celebrated his 35th birthday by beating No. 3 Takarafuji (4-7) by thrust down. The Hakkaku stable grappler was pushed back by Takarafuji but used his opponent's momentum to execute the winning move at the edge of the ring.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

YES! Great win for Daieisho! I think Daieisho flies under the radar too often as he is capable of defeating top rikishi. At least this keeps the yusho interesting. I just don't have much faith that Asanoyama can beat Hakuho.

The Tochinoshin vs Terunofuji match was great. Terunofuji is one a role.

 

[Swami]

Not sure how this one will play out now!

Swami

 

[Swami]

Not sure how this one will play out now!

Swami

 

[Swami]

Ozeki Takakeisho pulls out of July tourney after avoiding demotion
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Written by Kyodo
Published: 30 July 2020
Hits: 16

Ozeki Takakeisho withdrew from the ongoing July Grand Sumo Tournament on Thursday, with sources saying the wrestler had complained of discomfort in his left knee before the basho got under way.

Takakeisho posted his eighth win a day earlier to escape his second career kadoban, or demotion from the second-highest rank of ozeki to sekiwake, the sport's third-highest rank. A kadoban-threatened ozeki needs to finish with a winning record in order to avoid demotion.

The 23-year-old Takakeisho, a Chiganoura stable fighter, is the fourth makuuchi division wrestler to pull out of the 15-day meet at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan after yokozuna Kakuryu and rank-and-filers Abi and Kotonowaka.

It is the first time since last year's Nagoya meet in July that Takakeisho will miss all or part of a grand tournament. His scheduled opponent for Thursday, komusubi Daieisho, wins by forfeit.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Tokyo Day 12: Mitakeumi stuns Hakuho to leave Asanoyama and Terunofuji tied for lead
Details
Written by Kyodo
Published: 30 July 2020
Hits: 13

Hakuho suffered his second-straight upset loss at the July Grand Sumo Tournament to leave new ozeki Asanoyama tied for the lead with rank-and-file grappler Terunofuji.

A day after his first defeat at the hands of komusubi Daieisho, yokozuna Hakuho (10-2) was outmaneuvered by sekiwake Mitakeumi (9-3) and surrendered his place at the front of the pack.

The yokozuna opened the final bout of Day 12 at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan with a powerful face slap and drove Mitakeumi to the edge with a solid belt grip. With Hakuho seemingly set for victory, Mitakeumi pivoted with one foot on the straw to execute a thrust down.

Asanoyama (11-1) stayed in the running for the Emperor’s Cup in his first tournament as ozeki by throwing down No. 5 Hokutofuji (7-5). The ozeki opened with a solid hit and took a right-arm grip beneath Hokutofuji’s left armpit. The former komusubi held on gallantly, but eventually succumbed to a beltless arm throw.

Terunofuji — a No. 17 maegashira who once held the rank of ozeki — beat fellow Mongolian No. 9 Tamawashi to move a step closer to the championship in his first top-division tournament since January 2018. Tamawashi (8-4) tried to keep Terunofuji (11-1) at a distance with a series of slaps, but the former ozeki traded blows before finding the opening for a force out.

Following his impressive win over Hakuho, Daieisho improved to 8-4 with a victory by default over Takakeisho (8-4). Having secured the eighth win needed to avoid demotion on Day 11, Takakeisho withdrew from the tournament to rest an injured medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

The victory gave Daieisho his first winning record fighting from sumo’s three elite sanyaku ranks below yokozuna.

Sekiwake Shodai snapped out of a two-match losing skid and improved to 9-3 by forcing out No. 6 Enho (5-7). The Tokitsukaze stable grappler resisted an attempted belt-hold by 96-kg fan favorite Enho, pinning his arms before driving him over the straw.

No. 14 Wakatakakage secured his first winning record in the elite makuuchi division at 8-4 after outlasting veteran No. 16 Nishikigi. The result marked a triumphant return to the top flight for the 25-year-old, who has been hitting the weight room following an injury withdrawal just five days into his only previous makuuchi tournament last November.

Myogiryu (8-4), a former sekiwake, picked up his crucial eighth win by forcing out No. 14 Kotoshogiku (8-4).

Komusubi Okinoumi (7-5) earned his third straight win by pulling down No. 4 Kagayaki (4-8). He will gun for his eighth win against Enho on Friday.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

I wonder if Hakuho will pull out after two losses. I'm eager to see the Terunofuji/Asanoyama bout on Friday. Could you imagine Terunofuji winning this yusho?

 

[Swami]

I wonder if Hakuho will pull out after two losses. I'm eager to see the Terunofuji/Asanoyama bout on Friday. Could you imagine Terunofuji winning this yusho?

Before the start, I thought Terunofuji might win 9 or 10, but clearly he has done well. In many ways he has nothing to lose, in that nobody was expecting his performance this time, whereas Asanoyama is now coming under pressure for promotion to Yokozuna. So you never know.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Hakuho withdraws from July Basho, leaving both yokozuna out
Details
Written by Kyodo
Published: 31 July 2020
Hits: 21

Mongolian-born yokozuna Hakuho withdrew from the July Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday due to a knee injury with three days remaining in the relocated event, which is now missing both grand champions.

According to his stablemaster Miyagino, Hakuho aggravated a right knee injury on Thursday when he suffered his second loss of the 15-day meet at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan to sekiwake Mitakeumi in a tsukiotoshi thrust down.

He first aggravated the pre-existing injury in his fourth day bout, and since then he has been getting painkilling shots, Miyagino told reporters. "He needed medical treatment to get this far. His knee injury worsened when he fell (during the bout against Mitakeumi)," Miyagino said. "It's too bad because Hakuho said he was in good condition. We were gunning for championship in this basho," he said.

Hakuho was diagnosed with cartilage and ligament damage, and is expected to be out for at least two weeks.

It is the 15th time in his career he will have missed all or part of a grand tournament, and the first time since he left the first meet of the year after just four days, having won one and lost three bouts.

"All I'm focusing on now is how to deal with my new injury and my body and get treated in order to return to the dohyo as soon as possible," Hakuho said through stable officials.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Tokyo Day 13: Terunofuji continues epic comeback with win over Asanoyama
Details
Written by Kyodo
Published: 31 July 2020
Hits: 10

Fighting in his first top-division tournament since January 2018, Terunofuji is two days away from his first title in over five years with a win against ozeki Asanoyama that gave him the outright lead at the July Grand Sumo Tournament.

In the final bout of Day 13, Terunofuji, who is returning to the top division as a No. 17 maegashira, avoided being tipped over at the straw after joint overnight leader Asanoyama (11-2) had the early momentum at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan. The rank-and-filer was able to regain his feet and levered the new ozeki out, flinging him from the raised ring to win their first career meeting at the 15-day event.

The 28-year-old Mongolian former ozeki, whose ranking plummeted due to injuries and surgeries on both knees, last fought in sumo's top flight in January 2018. On Saturday, he will take on sekiwake Shodai (10-3), against whom he trails 5-4 in head-to-head competition.

Sekiwake Mitakeumi also improved to 10-3 with a victory over No. 4 Kagayaki (4-9) to maintain a slim hope of winning his third career championship.

Shodai's win came by default after his opponent, yokozuna Hakuho, announced his withdrawal from the tournament due to injury earlier in the day.

No. 11 maegashira Tochinoshin (8-5) forced out No. 15 Chiyomaru (3-10) in the first makuuchi division match of the day. With his eighth win, the Georgian former ozeki posted a winning record for the first time in over a year.

Another former ozeki, No. 13 Takayasu (8-5) also notched his first winning record since he won eight last July in Nagoya.

Kotoshoho (8-5), who is making his makuuchi-division debut in the month before his 21st birthday, also earned his eighth win. The young No. 15 maegashira withstood the charge of No. 8 Chiyotairyu (5-8), rocking him back and off balance before slapping him down.The win snapped a three-match losing skid.

In other bouts, komusubi Okinoumi (8-5) secured his winning record by pushing down No. 6 Enho (5-8), who suffered his second straight loss. Komusubi Daieisho (9-4) also won, thrusting down No. 4 Aoiyama (5-8) to his eighth defeat.

Swami

 

[Trick-or-Treat Stevens]

These final days will be interesting. A great win for Terunofuji.

Onosho is having a terrible showing. I kinda felt sorry that Shohozan pulled a henka on him.

Not too surprised with Hakuho pulling out.

 

[Swami]

These final days will be interesting. A great win for Terunofuji.

Onosho is having a terrible showing. I kinda felt sorry that Shohozan pulled a henka on him.

Not too surprised with Hakuho pulling out.

Both sekiwake have being going great as well, tomorrow's match between Shodai and Terunofuji will be crucial.

Swami