Bout No. 18

Umiwatari versus Sawanofuji

Preparing to fight now is

Umiwatari.

He has a record of 1 wins and 5 loses.

He has been matched today with

Sawanofuji.

Sawanofuji

 has a score of

0 wins and 6 loses.

Sawanofuji is taller but Umiwatariis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Sawanofuji

 may be his excellent

speed.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

Nokotta!

only the screams of the referee match the energy of the tachiai!

Umiwatari

gets the better of the tachiai.

Umiwatari

kept low

whereas

Sawanofuji

more or less stood up.

Umiwatari

shows speed and technique to secure a hold on the belt of

Sawanofuji

who was trying to prevent that.

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

Umiwatari

capitalises on his better hold and

is able to lift the body of his opponent to win!

He showed tremendous strength!

Sawanofuji

was trying to

get a better hold.

Umiwatari wins by

Shitatenage

 

Bout No. 17

Kototebakari versus Asahijo

In higashi-kata (the eastern side of the dohyo) is

Kototebakari.

He is ranked as

Makushita (7e)

His opponent today is

Asahijo.

Asahijo

 is ranked as

Makushita (11w)

Kototebakari is taller and heavier than Asahijo.

The best chance for

Kototebakari

 may be his excellent

balance.

The referee calls them to the centre of the dohyo…

Nokotta!

The rikishi move their great frames to the starting lines…

Kototebakari

looks to have the advantage.

Kototebakari

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Kototebakari

is quick to try hataki (slap down)on

Asahijo

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

They immediately come together once more…

Kototebakari

slaps down on his opponent and moves.

Asahijo

isn't quick enough to

secure a belt hold.

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Kototebakari works his arm under his opponents armpit and in a flash he has him on the floor!

He wins by Sukuinage

Asahijo never got a lasting hold.

 

Bout No. 16

Tsukahara versus Narumi

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Tsukahara.

He is ranked as

Makushita (6w)

Opposite him will be

Narumi.

Narumi

 is ranked as

Makushita (13w)

Tsukahara is taller and heavier than Narumi.

The best chance for

Tsukahara

 may be his excellent

technique.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

Nokotta!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Narumi

looks to have the advantage.

Narumi

more or less stood up

whereas

Tsukahara

stayed very low.

Narumi

exchanges slaps while improving his dohyo position over

Tsukahara

Its all over!  That was quick!

Tsukahara

was out of his depth today!

Narumi

finished with a forceful shoulder slap down.

A win by Hatukikomi.

 

Bout No. 15

Kiminofuji versus Moriurara

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Kiminofuji.

He is from the

0 heya.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Moriurara.

Moriurara

 trains at the

0 stable.

Moriurara is taller but Kiminofujiis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Moriurara

 may be his excellent

technique.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

a gigantic collision as the rikishi meet!

Moriurara

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Moriurara

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Moriurara

lets loose harite, a fury of slaps against the face of

Kiminofuji

was trying to reach his opponent's belt.

They immediately come together once more…

Moriurara

is forcing his way forward.

Kiminofuji

is forced backwards and out!

Wonderful oshi-zumo by

Moriurara

who wins by

Oshidashi

 

Bout No. 14

Shachinofugi versus Kotoimagawa

On our left is the formidable

Shachinofugi.

He has a record of 2 wins and 4 loses.

He has been matched today with

Kotoimagawa.

Kotoimagawa

 has a score of

2 wins and 4 loses.

Kotoimagawa is taller but Shachinofugiis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Kotoimagawa

 may be his excellent

technique.

The crowd fall silent as the rikishi crouch…

Nokotta!

Oh what a violent tachiai!

Shachinofugi

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Shachinofugi

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Shachinofugi

manages passing dasinage, unsettling

Kotoimagawa

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

They immediately come together once more…

Kotoimagawa

gets an excellent rear belt hold with his left hand.

Shachinofugi

is knocked back

he was trying to avoid this contact.

They come together, each clasping for some sort of hold.

Shachinofugi twists sharly trying to fling his opponent over his back but he was wise to it.

Kotoimagawa twisted to try and throw his opponent but got caught out.

The rikishi rest upon one another, breathing hard.

Shachinofugi is not short of finishing it with that throw.

Kotoimagawa twisted to try and throw his opponent but got caught out.

They are leaning upon one another like rival walrus.

Shachinofugi spins his opponent who only just keeps his footing.

Kotoimagawa couldn't get enough behind the throw.

The two giants remain locked together.

Shachinofugi attempts a throw which unbalances his opponent.

Kotoimagawa couldn't get the position he needed to execute the throw.

They are leaning upon one another like rival walrus.

Shachinofugi attempts a throw which unbalances his opponent.

Kotoimagawa was trying a throw but didn't have the strength.

Neither man can demonstrate a telling advantage.  Only their hands move.

Shachinofugi fails with the throw but is still in change.

Kotoimagawa twisted to try and throw his opponent but got caught out.

The wrestlers continue to seek a telling grip on the other's belt.

Shachinofugi spins his opponent who only just keeps his footing.

Kotoimagawa was trying a throw but didn't have the strength.

His hand nearly brushes the floor!

They are both waiting for the other to tire.

Shachinofugi will try and use this two handed mawashi hold to lift him out. And he does!

He wins by Yorikiri

Kotoimagawa couldn't get enough motion into his attempted throw.

 

Bout No. 13

Yoshoyama versus Higohikari

Preparing to fight now is

Yoshoyama.

He is ranked as

Makushita (8w)

His opponent today is

Higohikari.

Higohikari

 is ranked as

Makushita (18e)

Higohikari is taller and heavier than Yoshoyama.

The best chance for

Higohikari

 may be his excellent

technique.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

Nokotta!

gasps from the crowd as they slam together!

Higohikari

wins the tachiai battle.

Higohikari

stayed very low

whereas

Yoshoyama

kept low.

Higohikari

delivered his shoulder to the throat of

Yoshoyama

Its all over!  That was quick!

Yoshoyama

loses in record time!

Higohikari

connected with an almighty thrust that knocked his opponent onto his back.

A win by Tsukiotoshi.

 

Bout No. 12

Watanabe versus Shimizu

Now we see

Watanabe.

He is ranked as

Makushita (5w)

Facing him is

Shimizu.

Shimizu

 is ranked as

Makushita (16e)

Shimizu is taller and heavier than Watanabe.

The best chance for

Watanabe

 may be his excellent

speed.

The rikishi take their positions…

Nokotta!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Watanabe

starts best.

Watanabe

sprung up

whereas

Shimizu

more or less stood up.

Watanabe

shows speed and technique to secure a hold on the belt of

Shimizu

who tried to evade.

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

Both wrestlers are trying to improve their grips while preventing their opponents from doing the same.

Shimizu is trying to throw his opponent but can quite execute.

Watanabe did not have the momentum to shift his opponent.

The stalemate is unbroken.  They remain with faces pressed sideways into shoulders.

Shimizu spins his opponent who only just keeps his footing.

Watanabe didn't have the strength to shift him

The wrestlers continue to seek a telling grip on the other's belt.

Shimizu twists sharly trying to fling his opponent over his back but he was wise to it.

Watanabe didn't have the strength to shift him

They are leaning upon one another like rival walrus.

Shimizu goes for a trip but it doesn’t work this time.

Watanabe didn't have the strength to shift him

He seems bound to go down!

The two giants remain locked together.

Shimizu is trying to throw his opponent but can quite execute.

Watanabe couldn't lift his opponent.

He is very close to going down!

The crowd applaud warmly at this prolonged effort!

Shimizu is not short of finishing it with that throw.

Watanabe lost trying to muscle him out by his belt.

His hand nearly brushes the floor!

What a bout!  Still no breakthrough!

Shimizu tries an overarm throw but somehow his opponent hops and keeps up.

Watanabe had a hold but couldn't move him.

He is very close to going down!

The two giants remain locked together.

Shimizu works his hands to ever better grips and then lifts and slides his giant cargo over the rope!

Shimizu wins by Yorikiri

Watanabe lost trying to muscle him out by his belt.

 

Bout No. 11

Hayasaka versus Kitasatsuma

In higashi-kata (the eastern side of the dohyo) is

Hayasaka.

He is from the

0 heya.

He has been matched today with

Kitasatsuma.

Kitasatsuma

 trains at the

0 stable.

Hayasaka is taller and heavier than Kitasatsuma.

The best chance for

Kitasatsuma

 may be his excellent

speed.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

gasps from the crowd as they slam together!

Kitasatsuma

starts better.

Kitasatsuma

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Kitasatsuma

manages passing dasinage, unsettling

Hayasaka

who tried to evade.

They immediately come together once more…

Hayasaka

circles back, pulling at a leading arm and gains the advantage.

Kitasatsuma

isn't able to

get into position.

They bounce off each other and prepare to launch their next attacks.

Hayasaka is using a slap and  move policy to good effect.

Kitasatsuma found his opponent too evasive.

Both rikishi come forward again.

Hayasaka is circling his opponent and unsettling him.

Kitasatsuma literally never got to grips with his opponent.

Both rikishi come forward again.

Hayasaka locks and upper body hold but then extends his arms and forces his opponent out!

Hayasaka wins by Oshidashi

Kitasatsuma needed to get inside and to the mawashi faster.

 

Bout No. 10

Wakaseiun versus Kotomiyakura

Preparing to fight now is

Wakaseiun.

He is ranked as

Makushita (2e)

Facing him is

Kotomiyakura.

Kotomiyakura

 is ranked as

Makushita (11e)

Wakaseiun is taller and heavier than Kotomiyakura.

The best chance for

Wakaseiun

 may be his excellent

technique.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

Nokotta!

The rikishi move their great frames to the starting lines…

Wakaseiun

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Wakaseiun

stepped forward

whereas

Kotomiyakura

more or less stood up.

Wakaseiun

works a right-arm inside grip on

Kotomiyakura

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

Wakaseiun

capitalises on his better hold and

walks his opponent to the edge of the ring to win!

He showed tremendous strength!

Kotomiyakura

was trying to

match his hold.

Wakaseiun wins by

Uwatenage

 

Bout No. 9

Satoiazuma versus Fukuda

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Satoiazuma.

He is ranked as

Makushita (3w)

Facing him is

Fukuda.

Fukuda

 is ranked as

Makushita (5e)

Fukuda is taller and heavier than Satoiazuma.

The best chance for

Fukuda

 may be his excellent

balance.

We are ready for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

both rikishi launch forwards!

Fukuda

immediately gains momentum.

Fukuda

stayed very low

whereas

Satoiazuma

kept low.

Fukuda

delivered his shoulder to the throat of

Satoiazuma

attempted a belt hold.

They immediately come together once more…

Fukuda

gets a hold under his opponents arms and moves him towards the outside.

Satoiazuma

is forced backwards and out!

A great combination of force and technique by

Fukuda

who wins by

Tsukiotoshi - hard thrust over the doho forcing opponent off his feet.

 

Bout No. 8

Tenei versus Kakutaiki

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Tenei.

He has a record of 3 wins and 3 loses.

He has been matched today with

Kakutaiki.

Kakutaiki

 has a score of

3 wins and 3 loses.

Tenei is taller and heavier than Kakutaiki.

The best chance for

Tenei

 may be his excellent

technique.

We are ready for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

the sound of the tachiai echoes through the hall!

Tenei

wins the tachiai.

Tenei

sprung up

whereas

Kakutaiki

kept low.

Tenei

shows speed and technique to secure a hold on the belt of

Kakutaiki

who gets an inferior hold.

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

The rikishi are locked together.

Tenei tries for a sideways throw but was unable to get enough leverage.

Kakutaiki couldn't get the position he needed to execute the throw.

He just about stay's upright!

This is turning into an epic bout. Sweat is oozing from both men!

Tenei tries an overarm throw but somehow his opponent hops and keeps up.

Kakutaiki didn't have the strength to shift him

He just about stay's upright!

This is turning into an epic bout. Sweat is oozing from both men!

Tenei cunningly uses his opponents forward commitment to press him down with a shoulder slap!

A win by Hatukikomi

Kakutaiki had a hold but couldn't move him.

 

Bout No. 7

Mitsumune versus Nishimura

Now we see

Mitsumune.

He is ranked as

Makushita (7w)

Facing him is

Nishimura.

Nishimura

 is ranked as

Makushita (17w)

Nishimura is taller but Mitsumuneis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Nishimura

 may be his excellent

speed.

The rikishi take their positions…

Nokotta!

the sound of the tachiai echoes through the hall!

Mitsumune

starts best.

Mitsumune

sprung up

whereas

Nishimura

more or less stood up.

Mitsumune

has a favourable hold on the mawashi of

Nishimura

who was trying to prevent that.

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

Mitsumune

uses his advantage and

upsets his opponent to secure victory!

He showed tremendous strength!

Nishimura

was trying to

improve his hold on the mawashi.

Mitsumune wins by

Uwatenage

 

Bout No. 6

Orgiryu versus Yokuyusei

Now we see

Orgiryu.

He has a record of 4 wins and 2 loses.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Yokuyusei.

Yokuyusei

 has a score of

4 wins and 2 loses.

Yokuyusei is taller and heavier than Orgiryu.

The best chance for

Yokuyusei

 may be his excellent

technique.

The crowd fall silent as the rikishi crouch…

Nokotta!

The rikishi move their great frames to the starting lines…

Orgiryu

wins the tachiai battle.

Orgiryu

more or less stood up

whereas

Yokuyusei

stayed very low.

Orgiryu

slaps down and retreats, unbalancing

Yokuyusei

whose blows did not land as intended

They immediately come together once more…

Yokuyusei

gets an excellent rear belt hold with his left hand.

Orgiryu

is in the weaker yotsu position although

he was trying to avoid this contact.

Now they are caught together !

Yokuyusei goes for brute force but his opponent uses the rope to hold him up.

Orgiryu was not well enough placed to pull off a throw.

He has his heel on the rope in desperation!

What a bout!  Still no breakthrough!

Yokuyusei was in no mood to continue and there may have been an air of malice in the way his put his opponents into the crowd!

A win by Oshitaoshi

Orgiryu was not well enough placed to pull off a throw.

 

Bout No. 5

Osumifuji versus Mitsuuchi

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Osumifuji.

He is from the

0 heya.

Opposite him will be

Mitsuuchi.

Mitsuuchi

 trains at the

0 stable.

Osumifuji is taller than Mitsuuchi but Mitsuuchi is heavier.

The best chance for

Osumifuji

 may be his excellent

technique.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

gasps from the crowd as they slam together!

Osumifuji

wins the tachiai battle.

Osumifuji

stayed very low

whereas

Mitsuuchi

kept low.

Osumifuji

delivered his shoulder to the throat of

Mitsuuchi

was trying to reach his opponent's belt.

They immediately come together once more…

Osumifuji

gets a hold under his opponents arms and moves him towards the outside.

Mitsuuchi

rocks back and tries to hold

as he tries to pull his opponent's arm.

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Mitsuuchi smartly pulls his opponent off balance.

Osumifuji showed no regard for defence.

The bout remains at distance.

Osumifuji knocks aside obstructing arms to fix a grip on his opponent's mawashi.

Mitsuuchi was striving to get a hold.

Now they become locked.

Mitsuuchi tries to use his belly to carry his opponent.

Osumifuji was trying a throw but didn't have the strength.

A feint foothold on the tawara is all that’s saving him!

The rikishi rest upon one another, breathing hard.

Osumifuji heaves his opponent to the tawara - but not quite over.

Mitsuuchi couldn't get enough motion into his attempted throw.

The rikishi rest upon one another, breathing hard.

Mitsuuchi heaves his opponent to the tawara - but not quite over.

Osumifuji couldn't get the position he needed to execute the throw.

He seems powerless in the face of this lift.

The rikishi rest upon one another, breathing hard.

Osumifuji is making progress in small lifts and steps.

Mitsuuchi went to throw and was caught off balance.

They are leaning upon one another like rival walrus.

Mitsuuchi will try and use this two handed mawashi hold to lift him out. And he does!

Mitsuuchi wins by Yorikiri

Osumifuji was trying to trip his opponent.

 

Bout No. 4

Hattorizakuru versus Takita

Preparing to fight now is

Hattorizakuru.

He is from the

0 heya.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Takita.

Takita

 trains at the

0 stable.

Takita is taller and heavier than Hattorizakuru.

The best chance for

Hattorizakuru

 may be his excellent

speed.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Takita

starts better.

Takita

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Takita

shows speed and technique to secure a hold on the belt of

Hattorizakuru

whose oshi-zumo was not very effective.

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

The rikishi are locked together.

Takita deliberately steps back and then turns, spinning his opponent over the rope and landing on top of him!

He wins by Utchari

Hattorizakuru was not strong enough today.

Bout No. 3

 

Asahimaru versus Daishiryu

 

On the east side we have

 

Asahimaru.

 

He has a record of 3 wins and 3 loses.

 

 

He has been matched today with

 

Daishiryu.

 

Daishiryu

 

 has a score of

 

3 wins and 3 loses.

 

Asahimaru is taller than Daishiryu but Daishiryu is heavier.

 

The best chance for

 

Asahimaru

 

 may be his excellent

 

speed.

 

 

The rikishi move into tachiai position…

 

Nokotta!

 

the rikishi collide in an awesome crash!

 

Daishiryu

 

looks to have the advantage.

 

Daishiryu

 

sprung up

 

whereas

 

Asahimaru

 

stepped forward.

 

Daishiryu

 

slaps down and retreats, unbalancing

 

Asahimaru

 

attempted a belt hold.

 

They immediately come together once more…

 

Daishiryu

 

circles back, pulling at a leading arm and gains the advantage.

 

Asahimaru

 

can't keep his balance!

 

Graceful movement of both feet and hands by

 

Daishiryu

 

who wins by

 

Kotenage

 

 

Bout No. 2

 

Matsuoka versus Tamanoryu

 

In higashi-kata (the eastern side of the dohyo) is

 

Matsuoka.

 

He has a record of 5 wins and 1 loses.

 

 

Facing him is

 

Tamanoryu.

 

Tamanoryu

 

 has a score of

 

5 wins and 1 loses.

 

Tamanoryu is taller and heavier than Matsuoka.

 

The best chance for

 

Tamanoryu

 

 may be his excellent

 

technique.

 

 

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

 

Nokotta!

 

gasps from the crowd as they slam together!

 

Tamanoryu

 

wins the tachiai battle.

 

Tamanoryu

 

sprung up

 

whereas

 

Matsuoka

 

stayed very low.

 

Tamanoryu

 

fixes a good left hand grip on the mawashi of

 

Matsuoka

 

manages an inside grip.

 

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

 

 

The rikishi lean into each other securing their holds.

 

Tamanoryu heaves his opponent to the tawara - but not quite over.

 

Matsuoka twisted to try and throw his opponent but got caught out.

 

 

 

Bout No. 14

Osunaarashi versus Takanosho

Preparing to fight now is

Osunaarashi.

He is from the

Otake heya.

His challenger today is

Takanosho.

Takanosho

 trains at the

Chiganoura stable.

Osunaarashi is taller and heavier than Takanosho.

The best chance for

Takanosho

 may be his excellent

speed.

The referee calls them to the centre of the dohyo…

Nokotta!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Osunaarashi

starts best.

Osunaarashi

stayed close to the ground - what might be called "hira-gumo" or "low spider" technique

whereas

Takanosho

stayed very low.

Osunaarashi

lets loose harite, a fury of slaps against the face of

Takanosho

whose thrusts lacked direction.

They immediately come together once more…

Osunaarashi

shows fine kumi skills, gaining the best position.

Takanosho

isn't able to

get into position.

They bounce off each other and prepare to launch their next attacks.

Osunaarashi uses his overarm hold to spin his opponent sidelong into the clay!

He wins by Uwatenage

Takanosho simply wasn't fast enough at the end.

 

Bout No. 13

Homarefuji versus Seiro

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Homarefuji.

He has a record of 3 wins and 3 loses.

His opponent today is

Seiro.

Seiro

 has a score of

5 wins and 1 loses.

Seiro is taller but Homarefujiis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Homarefuji

 may be his excellent

technique.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

Oh what a violent tachiai!

Homarefuji

looks to have the advantage.

Homarefuji

stayed very low

whereas

Seiro

sprung up.

Homarefuji

fixes a good left hand grip on the mawashi of

Seiro

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

We are definitely into the grappling phase now.

Homarefuji lifts him out as he might a barrel!

He wins by Yorikiri

Seiro knew he needed a better position.

 

Bout No. 12

Tsurugisho versus Takagenji

In higashi-kata (the eastern side of the dohyo) is

Tsurugisho.

He is ranked as

Juryo(6e)

Facing him is

Takagenji.

Takagenji

 is ranked as

Juryo(11w)

Takagenji is taller but Tsurugishois the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Takagenji

 may be his excellent

speed.

The crowd fall silent as the rikishi crouch…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Takagenji

starts better.

Takagenji

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Takagenji

uses hazuoshi (lifting push under armpit) technique to push back

Tsurugisho

was trying to grapple.

They immediately come together once more…

Tsurugisho

shows top oshi-zumo skills, forcing his opponent back.

Takagenji

rocks back and tries to hold

as he tried to push.

The rikishi remain separated.

Tsurugisho slams in low and secures the best hold.

Takagenji was a little off target today with his hands.

This is a really bad position for him.

The rikishi's bodies are pressed together.

Tsurugisho wriggles right into his opponent's belly, almosts sitting him on his lap and lifts him over the rope!

He wins by Yorikiri

Takagenji did not have the momentum to shift his opponent.

 

Bout No. 11

Amakaze versus Toyohibiki

Now we see

Amakaze.

He is ranked as

Juryo(8e)

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Toyohibiki.

Toyohibiki

 is ranked as

Juryo(9w)

Toyohibiki is taller but Amakazeis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Amakaze

 may be his excellent

technique.

The crowd fall silent as the rikishi crouch…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Amakaze

starts best.

Amakaze

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Amakaze

uses hazuoshi (lifting push under armpit) technique to push back

Toyohibiki

whose blows did not land as intended

They immediately come together once more…

Amakaze

shows top oshi-zumo skills, forcing his opponent back.

Toyohibiki

is forced backwards and out!

A great combination of force and technique by

Amakaze

who wins by

Oshidashi

 

Bout No. 10

Gagamaru versus Yamaguchi

On our left is the formidable

Gagamaru.

He is from the

Kise heya.

He has been matched today with

Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi

 trains at the

Miyagino stable.

Gagamaru is taller and heavier than Yamaguchi.

The best chance for

Gagamaru

 may be his excellent

balance.

The crowd fall silent as the rikishi crouch…

Nokotta!

both rikishi launch forwards!

Yamaguchi

wins the tachiai.

Yamaguchi

sprung up

whereas

Gagamaru

stayed close to the ground - what might be called "hira-gumo" or "low spider" technique .

Yamaguchi

delivered his shoulder to the throat of

Gagamaru

whose blows did not land as intended

They immediately come together once more…

Gagamaru

comes forward with a great thrusting attack.

Yamaguchi

rocks back and tries to hold

as he tried to push.

After that flail of arms the fighters remain apart.

Gagamaru makes progress with some hefty forearm pushes.

Yamaguchi was too slow.

They bounce off each other and prepare to launch their next attacks.

Yamaguchi is using a slap and  move policy to good effect.

Gagamaru failed to make an effective thrust.

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Gagamaru sends his opponent back with a first thrust.

Yamaguchi showed no regard for defence.

The thrusting tactics have dominated the start of this bout.

Yamaguchi is proving evasive and unbalancing his opponent with little pushes.

Gagamaru certainly tried to get going but lacked co-ordination.

He is struggling to regain his balance.

Both rikishi come forward again.

Yamaguchi drives his opponent back.

Gagamaru was flailing away but it didn't achieve much.

He cant hang on much longer, surely?

For a moment there is space between the fighters…

Gagamaru powers forward, gaining momentum.

Yamaguchi was a little off target today with his hands.

Both rikishi come forward again.

Yamaguchi turns on the style with a critical throw on his opponents locked arm.

A win by Kotenage

Gagamaru certainly tried to get going but lacked co-ordination.

 

Bout No. 9

Tokushoryu versus Tochihiryu

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Tokushoryu.

He has a record of 1 wins and 5 loses.

His opponent today is

Tochihiryu.

Tochihiryu

 has a score of

6 wins and 0 loses.

Tokushoryu is taller and heavier than Tochihiryu.

The best chance for

Tokushoryu

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi move into tachiai position…

Nokotta!

the sound of the tachiai echoes through the hall!

Tochihiryu

starts best.

Tochihiryu

more or less stood up

whereas

Tokushoryu

sprung up.

Tochihiryu

manages passing dasinage, unsettling

Tokushoryu

whose thrusts lacked direction.

They immediately come together once more…

Tochihiryu

slaps down on his opponent and moves.

Tokushoryu

isn't quick enough to

secure a belt hold.

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Tochihiryu uses all his weight to force out his opponent!

A win by Oshidashi

Tokushoryu never got a lasting hold.

 

Bout No. 8

Meisei versus Mitoryu

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Meisei.

He has a record of 3 wins and 3 loses.

His opponent today is

Mitoryu.

Mitoryu

 has a score of

4 wins and 2 loses.

Mitoryu is taller and heavier than Meisei.

The best chance for

Mitoryu

 may be his excellent

technique.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

Nokotta!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Mitoryu

gets the better of the tachiai.

Mitoryu

stayed very low

whereas

Meisei

stayed close to the ground - what might be called "hira-gumo" or "low spider" technique .

Mitoryu

delivered his shoulder to the throat of

Meisei

whose blows did not land as intended

They immediately come together once more…

Meisei

slaps down on his opponent and moves.

Mitoryu

over committed trying to

connect cleanly with his thrust.

The thrusting tactics have dominated the start of this bout.

Meisei locks and upper body hold but then extends his arms and forces his opponent out!

A win by Oshidashi

Mitoryu failed to make an effective thrust.

Bout No. 7

Kyokushuho versus Daishoho

On the east side we have

Kyokushuho.

He is from the

Tomozuna heya.

Opposite him will be

Daishoho.

Daishoho

 trains at the

Oitekaze stable.

Kyokushuho is taller than Daishoho but Daishoho is heavier.

The best chance for

Daishoho

 may be his excellent

technique.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

Nokotta!

The rikishi move their great frames to the starting lines…

Kyokushuho

unbalances his opponent.

Kyokushuho

more or less stood up

whereas

Daishoho

stayed close to the ground - what might be called "hira-gumo" or "low spider" technique .

Kyokushuho

exchanges slaps while improving his dohyo position over

Daishoho

whose blows did not land as intended

They immediately come together once more…

Kyokushuho

slaps down on his opponent and moves.

Daishoho

has been outmanoeuvred!

What a skilful passing move by

Kyokushuho

who wins by

Kotenage

 

Bout No. 6

Hidenoumi versus Akua

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Hidenoumi.

He has a record of 0 wins and 6 loses.

His opponent today is

Akua.

Akua

 has a score of

0 wins and 6 loses.

Hidenoumi is taller than Akua but Akua is heavier.

The best chance for

Akua

 may be his excellent

technique.

The referee calls them to the centre of the dohyo…

Nokotta!

and bang!  They come together like trains!

Hidenoumi

wins the tachiai.

Hidenoumi

stayed close to the ground - what might be called "hira-gumo" or "low spider" technique

whereas

Akua

stayed very low.

Hidenoumi

body charge forces back

Akua

whose blows did not land as intended

They immediately come together once more…

Hidenoumi

shows top oshi-zumo skills, forcing his opponent back.

Akua

is taken back

as he tried to grab the mawashi.

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Hidenoumi is taking no prisoners!  An easy push out was enough and he dispatches his opponent into the crowd sitting below!

He wins by Tsukiotoshi

Akua wanted to hold but never got close enough.

 

Bout No. 5

Takanoiwa versus Kizenryu

On our left is the formidable

Takanoiwa.

He is from the

Takanohana heya.

Opposite him will be

Kizenryu.

Kizenryu

 trains at the

Kise stable.

Kizenryu is taller and heavier than Takanoiwa.

The best chance for

Kizenryu

 may be his excellent

technique.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

and bang!  They come together like trains!

Takanoiwa

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Takanoiwa

more or less stood up

whereas

Kizenryu

stayed very low.

Takanoiwa

manages passing dasinage, unsettling

Kizenryu

whose oshi-zumo was not very effective.

They immediately come together once more…

Takanoiwa

pulls his opponent off balance.

Kizenryu

isn't able to

secure a belt hold.

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Takanoiwa works him to the edge and then mercilessly dispatches him over the rope and into the judges!

He wins by Oshitaoshi

Kizenryu needed to get inside and to the mawashi faster.

 

Bout No. 4

Aoiyama versus Sadanoumi

On the east side we have

Aoiyama.

He is from the

Kasugano heya.

He has been matched today with

Sadanoumi.

Sadanoumi

 trains at the

Sakaigawa stable.

Aoiyama is taller and heavier than Sadanoumi.

The best chance for

Aoiyama

 may be his excellent

technique.

The crowd fall silent as the rikishi crouch…

Nokotta!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Aoiyama

immediately gains momentum.

Aoiyama

sprung up

whereas

Sadanoumi

more or less stood up.

Aoiyama

fixes a good left hand grip on the mawashi of

Sadanoumi

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

The fighters are joined in a mass of heaving flesh.

Aoiyama twists sharply trying to fling his opponent over his back but he was wise to it.

Sadanoumi went to throw and was caught off balance.

He just does enough to stay up.

The crowd applaud warmly at this prolonged effort!

Aoiyama shows clinical speed to get a good mawashi grip before sliding his opponent onto his side!

He wins by Uwatenage

Sadanoumi decided to go for a throw and it proved a costly mistake.

 

Bout No. 3

Azumaryu versus Kotoeko

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Azumaryu.

He is from the

Tamanoi heya.

His challenger today is

Kotoeko.

Kotoeko

 trains at the

Sadogatake stable.

Azumaryu is taller and heavier than Kotoeko.

The best chance for

Azumaryu

 may be his excellent

technique.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

Nokotta!

a huge crash fills the arena as their bodies meet!

Azumaryu

starts better.

Azumaryu

stayed very low

whereas

Kotoeko

more or less stood up.

Azumaryu

works a right-arm inside grip on

Kotoeko

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

The wrestlers search for good holds and positions in the yotsu-zumo.

Azumaryu

capitalises on his better hold and

raises his opponent, throwing him back to win!

He showed tremendous strength!

Kotoeko

couldn't

lift him.

Azumaryu wins by

Uwatenage

 

Bout No. 2

Kyokutaisei versus Ura

On our left is the formidable

Kyokutaisei.

He is from the

Tomozuna heya.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Ura.

Ura

 trains at the

Kise stable.

Kyokutaisei is taller and heavier than Ura.

The best chance for

Kyokutaisei

 may be his excellent

technique.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

the sound of the tachiai echoes through the hall!

Kyokutaisei

gets the better of the tachiai.

Kyokutaisei

more or less stood up

whereas

Ura

stayed close to the ground - what might be called "hira-gumo" or "low spider" technique .

Kyokutaisei

slaps down and retreats, unbalancing

Ura

was trying to reach his opponent's belt.

They immediately come together once more…

Kyokutaisei

shows fine yotsu-zumo skills, gaining the best position.

Ura

has been brought into an unfavourable grapple - 

he was trying to avoid this contact.

The rikishi mesh, each clasping for some sort of grip.

Kyokutaisei lifts and waddles him out on his belly!

He wins by Yorikiri

Ura went to throw and was caught off balance.

 

Bout No. 1

Myogiryu versus Chiyonoo

Now we see

Myogiryu.

He is from the

Sakaigawa heya.

Opposite him will be

Chiyonoo.

Chiyonoo

 trains at the

Kokonoe stable.

Myogiryu is taller and heavier than Chiyonoo.

The best chance for

Chiyonoo

 may be his excellent

speed.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

the rikishi collide in an awesome crash!

Myogiryu

looks to have the advantage.

Myogiryu

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Myogiryu

manages passing dasinage, unsettling

Chiyonoo

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

They immediately come together once more…

Chiyonoo

gets and excellent over arm hold

Myogiryu

is knocked back

he was trying to avoid this contact.

The rikishi's bodies are pressed together searching for an advantage.

Chiyonoo spins his opponent who only just keeps his footing.

Myogiryu couldn't budge his opponent.

Neither man can demonstrate a telling advantage.  Only their hands move.

Chiyonoo tries an overarm throw but somehow his opponent hops and keeps up.

Myogiryu couldn't shift his opponent.

Neither man can demonstrate a telling advantage.  Only their hands move.

Chiyonoo spins his opponent who only just keeps his footing.

Myogiryu couldn't move his opponent.

The stalemate is unbroken.  They remain with faces pressed sideways into shoulders.

Chiyonoo twists sharply trying to fling his opponent over his back but he was wise to it.

Myogiryu couldn't move his opponent.

He is very close to going down!

Neither man can demonstrate a telling advantage.  Only their hands move.

Chiyonoo cunningly uses his opponents forward commitment to press him down with a shoulder slap!

He wins by Hatukikomi

Myogiryu couldn't lift his opponent.