Bout No. 21

Yutakayama versus Takekaze

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Yutakayama.

He is from the

Tokitsukaze heya.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Takekaze.

Takekaze

 trains at the

Oguruma stable.

Yutakayama is taller and heavier than Takekaze.

The best chance for

Takekaze

 may be his excellent

balance.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Yutakayama

has the upper hand.

Yutakayama

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Yutakayama

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

Takekaze

was trying to reach his opponent's belt.

They immediately come together once more…

Yutakayama

is forcing his way forward.

Takekaze

can't do enough to stop the attack!

Wonderful oshi-zumo by

Yutakayama

who wins by

Oshidashi

 

Bout No. 20

Daieisho versus Asanoyama

On our left is the formidable

Daieisho.

He has a record of 2 wins and 3 loses.

His challenger today is

Asanoyama.

Asanoyama

 has a score of

1 wins and 4 loses.

Asanoyama is taller and heavier than Daieisho.

The best chance for

Asanoyama

 may be his excellent

technique.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

Nokotta!

a gigantic collision as the rikishi meet!

Daieisho

unbalances his opponent.

Daieisho

more or less stood up

whereas

Asanoyama

stayed very low.

Daieisho

manages passing dasinage, unsettling

Asanoyama

whose thrusts lacked direction.

They immediately come together once more…

Daieisho

uses quick feet to gain a superior angle.

Asanoyama

can't keep his balance!

Graceful movement of both feet and hands by

Daieisho

who wins by

Kakasukashi

 

Bout No. 19

Abi versus Daiamami

On the east side we have

Abi.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(14e)

Facing him is

Daiamami.

Daiamami

 is ranked as

Maegashira(17e)

Abi is taller than Daiamami but Daiamami is heavier.

The best chance for

Daiamami

 may be his excellent

technique.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

the rikishi collide in an awesome crash!

Daiamami

has the upper hand.

Daiamami

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Daiamami

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

Abi

Its all over!  That was quick!

Abi

was out of his depth today!

Daiamami

shows great strength and technique!

A win by Oshidashi.

 

Bout No. 18

Ishiura versus Ryuden

On our left is the formidable

Ishiura.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(15e)

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Ryuden.

Ryuden

 is ranked as

Maegashira(16e)

Ryuden is taller and heavier than Ishiura.

The best chance for

Ryuden

 may be his excellent

technique.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Ishiura

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Ishiura

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Ishiura

is quick to try hataki (slap down)on

Ryuden

who was trying to prevent that.

They immediately come together once more…

Ishiura

pulls his opponent off balance.

Ryuden

isn't quick enough to

secure a belt hold.

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Ishiura uses all his weight to force out his opponent!

Ishiura wins by Oshidashi

Ryuden couldn’t not reach his opponent's belt.

 

Bout No. 17

Kaisei versus Nishikigi

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

Kaisei.

He is from the

Tomozuna heya.

His challenger today is

Nishikigi.

Nishikigi

 trains at the

Isenoumi stable.

Kaisei is taller and heavier than Nishikigi.

The best chance for

Kaisei

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi take their positions…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

the sound of the tachiai echoes through the hall!

Kaisei

starts best.

Kaisei

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Kaisei

delivered his shoulder to the throat of

Nishikigi

was trying to reach his opponent's belt.

They immediately come together once more…

Kaisei

is forcing his way forward.

Nishikigi

is knocked back

as he tries to pull his opponent's arm.

After that flail of arms the fighters remain apart.

Kaisei gets some momentum and keeps going with it!  Great push out!

He wins by Oshidashi

Nishikigi looked like a deer in headlights there!

 

Bout No. 16

Chiyomaru versus Kagayaki

Preparing to fight now is

Chiyomaru.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(9w)

His opponent today is

Kagayaki.

Kagayaki

 is ranked as

Maegashira(12w)

Kagayaki is taller but Chiyomaruis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Kagayaki

 may be his excellent

speed.

We are ready for the tachiai…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

gasps from the crowd as they slam together!

Chiyomaru

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Chiyomaru

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Chiyomaru

delivered his shoulder to the throat of

Kagayaki

Its all over!  That was quick!

Kagayaki

is well beaten!

Chiyomaru

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

A win by Tsukiotoshi.

 

Bout No. 15

Chiyonokuni versus Sokokurai

On the east side we have

Chiyonokuni.

He is from the

Kokonoe heya.

His opponent today is

Sokokurai.

Sokokurai

 trains at the

Arashio stable.

Sokokurai is taller and heavier than Chiyonokuni.

The best chance for

Chiyonokuni

 may be his excellent

speed.

The referee calls them to the centre of the dohyo…

Nokotta!

The rikishi move their great frames to the starting lines…

Sokokurai

starts best.

Sokokurai

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Sokokurai

exchanges slaps while improving his dohyo position over

Chiyonokuni

who tried to evade.

They immediately come together once more…

Chiyonokuni

establishes the better hold.

Sokokurai

is making the best of it but

he was trying to avoid this contact.

The initial phase of the bout finishes and yotsu sumo begins!

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

Chiyonokuni went to throw and was caught off balance.

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

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

Chiyonokuni lost trying to muscle him out by his belt.

What a bout!  Still no breakthrough!

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

Chiyonokuni didn't have the strength to shift him

He just about stay's upright!

The two giants remain locked together.

Sokokurai shows enormous all round power to lean back and carry his opponent over the rope!

Sokokurai wins by Yorikiri

Chiyonokuni couldn't budge his opponent.

 

Bout No. 14

Chiyoshoma versus Terunofuji

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

Chiyoshoma.

He has a record of 3 wins and 2 loses.

Opposite him will be

Terunofuji.

Terunofuji

 has a score of

3 wins and 2 loses.

Terunofuji is taller and heavier than Chiyoshoma.

The best chance for

Terunofuji

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi take their positions…

Nokotta!

a huge crash fills the arena as their bodies meet!

Terunofuji

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Terunofuji

stayed very low

whereas

Chiyoshoma

more or less stood up.

Terunofuji

works a right-arm inside grip on

Chiyoshoma

who was trying to prevent that.

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

The shoving is over for now and we are into full wrestling mode.

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

Chiyoshoma couldn't budge his opponent.

He seems powerless in the face of this lift.

They are both waiting for the other to tire.

Terunofuji is first to move from the locked position and easily carries him out!

A win by Yorikiri

Chiyoshoma will wonder if he had a good enough grip to try lifting him out.

 

Bout No. 13

Tochiozan versus Shohozan

Now we see

Tochiozan.

He is from the

Kasugano heya.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Shohozan.

Shohozan

 trains at the

Nishonoseki stable.

Tochiozan is taller and heavier than Shohozan.

The best chance for

Shohozan

 may be his excellent

speed.

The referee calls them to the centre of the dohyo…

Nokotta!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Shohozan

starts better.

Shohozan

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

whereas

Tochiozan

stayed very low.

Shohozan

is quick to try hataki (slap down)on

Tochiozan

was trying to grapple.

They immediately come together once more…

Tochiozan

shows fine kumi skills, gaining the best position.

Shohozan

over committed trying to

get into position.

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Tochiozan seems to rest before launching a supreme pushing attack, winning by force!

He wins by Oshidashi

Shohozan couldn’t make any hold stick.

 

Bout No. 12

Ikioi versus Aminishiki

On our left is the formidable

Ikioi.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(6w)

Facing him is

Aminishiki.

Aminishiki

 is ranked as

Maegashira(10w)

Ikioi is taller and heavier than Aminishiki.

The best chance for

Aminishiki

 may be his excellent

balance.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

Nokotta!

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

Ikioi

looks to have the advantage.

Ikioi

more or less stood up

whereas

Aminishiki

stayed very low.

Ikioi

body charge forces back

Aminishiki

Its all over!  That was quick!

Aminishiki

was out of his depth today!

Ikioi

showed incredible power through his legs with that push out.

A win by Oshidashi.

 

Bout No. 11

Takarafuji versus Kotoyuki

On the east side we have

Takarafuji.

He is from the

Isegahama heya.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Kotoyuki.

Kotoyuki

 trains at the

Sadogatake stable.

Takarafuji is taller than Kotoyuki but Kotoyuki is heavier.

The best chance for

Kotoyuki

 may be his excellent

speed.

The referee calls them to the centre of the dohyo…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

both rikishi launch forwards!

Takarafuji

starts best.

Takarafuji

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Takarafuji

fixes a good left hand grip on the mawashi of

Kotoyuki

who gets an inferior hold.

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

Takarafuji

uses his advantage and

upsets his opponent to secure victory!

He showed tremendous strength!

Kotoyuki

couldn't

force him back.

Takarafuji wins by

Uwatenage

 

Bout No. 10

Endo versus Daishomaru

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

Endo.

He is from the

Katana heya.

He has been matched today with

Daishomaru.

Daishomaru

 trains at the

Oitekaze stable.

Endo is taller than Daishomaru but Daishomaru is heavier.

The best chance for

Endo

 may be his excellent

technique.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Daishomaru

gets the better of the tachiai.

Daishomaru

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Daishomaru

is quick to try hataki (slap down)on

Endo

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

They immediately come together once more…

Daishomaru

shows fine kumi skills, gaining the best position.

Endo

isn't quick enough to

secure a belt hold.

After that flail of arms the fighters remain apart.

Daishomaru cleverly slaps his opponent's should, knocking him slightly off balance.

Endo was striving to get a hold.

He is struggling to regain his balance.

Both rikishi come forward again.

Daishomaru pushes him out with extended arms!

A win by Oshidashi

Endo wanted to hold but never got close enough.

 

Bout No. 9

Onosho versus Okinoumi

On the east side we have

Onosho.

He has a record of 2 wins and 3 loses.

He has been matched today with

Okinoumi.

Okinoumi

 has a score of

1 wins and 4 loses.

Okinoumi is taller and heavier than Onosho.

The best chance for

Onosho

 may be his excellent

speed.

The referee calls them to the centre of the dohyo…

Nokotta!

both rikishi launch forwards!

Onosho

starts best.

Onosho

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

whereas

Okinoumi

stayed very low.

Onosho

delivered his shoulder to the throat of

Okinoumi

was trying to grapple.

They immediately come together once more…

Onosho

gains a strong outer arm grip on the mawashi.

Okinoumi

is in real trouble!

Wonderful yotsu-zumo by

Onosho

who wins by

Yoritaoshi

 

Bout No. 8

Takakeisho versus Hokutofuji

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Takakeisho.

He is ranked as

Kumisubi(1e)

He has been matched today with

Hokutofuji.

Hokutofuji

 is ranked as

Maegashira(1e)

Hokutofuji is taller and heavier than Takakeisho.

The best chance for

Takakeisho

 may be his excellent

speed.

The crowd fall silent as the rikishi crouch…

Nokotta!

the rikishi collide in an awesome crash!

Takakeisho

unbalances his opponent.

Takakeisho

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Takakeisho

manages passing dasinage, unsettling

Hokutofuji

who was trying to prevent that.

They immediately come together once more…

Hokutofuji

shows fine kumi skills, gaining the best position.

Takakeisho

isn't quick enough to

get into position.

For a moment there is space between the fighters…

Hokutofuji is on his toes and gradually making his opponent lose balance

Takakeisho was a little off target today with his hands.

The rikishi remain separated.

Hokutofuji uses all his weight to force out his opponent!

He wins by Oshidashi

Takakeisho was trying to force his opponent back.

 

Bout No. 7

Tamawashi versus Ichinojo

On our left is the formidable

Tamawashi.

He is ranked as

Sekiwake(1w)

Facing him is

Ichinojo.

Ichinojo

 is ranked as

Maegashira(1w)

Ichinojo is taller and heavier than Tamawashi.

The best chance for

Ichinojo

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi move into tachiai position…

Nokotta!

a huge crash fills the arena as their bodies meet!

Tamawashi

looks to have the advantage.

Tamawashi

stayed very low

whereas

Ichinojo

kept low.

Tamawashi

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

Ichinojo

whose thrusts lacked direction.

They immediately come together once more…

Tamawashi

comes forward with a great thrusting attack.

Ichinojo

can't do enough to stop the attack!

A great combination of force and technique by

Tamawashi

who wins by

Oshidashi

 

Bout No. 6

Mitakeumi versus Yoshikaze

Preparing to fight now is

Mitakeumi.

He has a record of 1 wins and 4 loses.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Yoshikaze.

Yoshikaze

 has a score of

0 wins and 5 loses.

Mitakeumi is taller and heavier than Yoshikaze.

The best chance for

Yoshikaze

 may be his excellent

speed.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Mitakeumi

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Mitakeumi

stayed very low

whereas

Yoshikaze

stepped forward.

Mitakeumi

has a favourable hold on the mawashi of

Yoshikaze

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

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

They are locked together - will this suit the bigger man?

Mitakeumi uses all his weight to force out his opponent!

A win by Oshidashi

Yoshikaze was in a very awkward spot and couldn't improve.

 

Bout No. 5

Takayasu versus Kotoshogiku

On our left is the formidable

Takayasu.

He is from the

Tagonoura heya.

His opponent today is

Kotoshogiku.

Kotoshogiku

 trains at the

Sadogatake stable.

Takayasu is taller and heavier than Kotoshogiku.

The best chance for

Kotoshogiku

 may be his excellent

balance.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

gasps from the crowd as they slam together!

Takayasu

looks to have the advantage.

Takayasu

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Takayasu

body charge forces back

Kotoshogiku

was trying to grapple.

They immediately come together once more…

Takayasu

drives his way forward.

Kotoshogiku

is taken back

as he tries to pull his opponent's arm.

The bout remains at distance.

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

A win by Oshitaoshi

Kotoshogiku was too slow.

 

Bout No. 4

Goeido versus Chiyotairyu

Preparing to fight now is

Goeido.

He has a record of 4 wins and 1 loses.

He has been matched today with

Chiyotairyu.

Chiyotairyu

 has a score of

3 wins and 2 loses.

Goeido is taller than Chiyotairyu but Chiyotairyu is heavier.

The best chance for

Chiyotairyu

 may be his excellent

technique.

The crowd fall silent as the rikishi crouch…

Nokotta!

the sound of the tachiai echoes through the hall!

Chiyotairyu

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Chiyotairyu

stayed very low

whereas

Goeido

more or less stood up.

Chiyotairyu

works a right-arm inside grip on

Goeido

whose blows did not land as intended

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

We are definitely into the grappling phase now.

Chiyotairyu rests on his opponent and then bursts into action, lifting him clean out!

A win by Yorikiri

Goeido knew he needed a better position.

 

Bout No. 3

Kakuryu versus Tochinoshin

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

Kakuryu.

He has a record of 5 wins and 0 loses.

He has been matched today with

Tochinoshin.

Tochinoshin

 has a score of

2 wins and 3 loses.

Tochinoshin is taller and heavier than Kakuryu.

The best chance for

Tochinoshin

 may be his excellent

technique.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

Nokotta!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Tochinoshin

gets the better of the tachiai.

Tochinoshin

more or less stood up

whereas

Kakuryu

stayed very low.

Tochinoshin

makes a series of effective shoves on

Kakuryu

was trying to reach his opponent's belt.

They immediately come together once more…

Kakuryu

shows fine kumi skills, gaining the best position.

Tochinoshin

isn't able to

secure a belt hold.

The fight remains at length - will this suit the taller man?

Kakuryu get the best position when the fighters connect.

Tochinoshin failed to make an effective thrust.

He seems dominated now.

The initial phase of the bout finishes and yotsu sumo begins!

Kakuryu is low and springs with powerful legs, running his opponent out of the ring!

A win by Oshidashi

Tochinoshin didn't have the strength to shift him

 

Bout No. 2

Kisenosato versus Shodai

Preparing to fight now is

Kisenosato.

He is ranked as

Yokozuna(1w)

His opponent today is

Shodai.

Shodai

 is ranked as

Maegashira(4e)

Kisenosato is taller and heavier than Shodai.

The best chance for

Shodai

 may be his excellent

speed.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

Oh what a violent tachiai!

Kisenosato

wins the tachiai battle.

Kisenosato

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Kisenosato

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

Shodai

was trying to grapple.

They immediately come together once more…

Kisenosato

is forcing his way forward.

Shodai

is forced backwards and out!

What a powerful attack by

Kisenosato

who wins by

Tsukidashi - series of hand thrusts

 

Bout No. 1

Hakuho versus Arawashi

On the east side we have

Hakuho.

He is ranked as

Yokozuna(1e)

His challenger today is

Arawashi.

Arawashi

 is ranked as

Maegashira(4w)

Hakuho is taller and heavier than Arawashi.

The best chance for

Arawashi

 may be his excellent

speed.

The rikishi move into tachiai position…

Nokotta!

a gigantic collision as the rikishi meet!

Hakuho

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Hakuho

stayed very low

whereas

Arawashi

more or less stood up.

Hakuho

has a better belt hold than

Arawashi

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

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.

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

He wins by Yorikiri

Arawashi did not have the momentum to shift his opponent.