Commentaries

Bout No. 21

Aminishiki versus Asanoyama

On the east side we have

Aminishiki.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(10w)

His opponent today is

Asanoyama.

Asanoyama

 is ranked as

Maegashira(16w)

Asanoyama is taller and heavier than Aminishiki.

The best chance for

Aminishiki

 may be his excellent

balance.

The referee calls them to the centre of the dohyo…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

gasps from the crowd as they slam together!

Asanoyama

unbalances his opponent.

Asanoyama

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Asanoyama

delivered his shoulder to the throat of

Aminishiki

Its all over!  That was quick!

Aminishiki

loses in record time!

Asanoyama

showed incredible power through his legs with that push out.

A win by Oshidashi.

Bout No. 20

Kotoyuki versus Takekaze

Now we see

Kotoyuki.

He has a record of 2 wins and 12 loses.

His challenger today is

Takekaze.

Takekaze

 has a score of

2 wins and 12 loses.

Kotoyuki is taller and heavier than Takekaze.

The best chance for

Takekaze

 may be his excellent

balance.

We are ready for the tachiai…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

The rikishi move their great frames to the starting lines…

Kotoyuki

wins the tachiai.

Kotoyuki

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Kotoyuki

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

Takekaze

who also has a mawashi hold.

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

The rikishi lean into each other securing their holds.

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

Kotoyuki wins by Yorikiri

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

Bout No. 19

Yoshikaze versus Kagayaki

Now we see

Yoshikaze.

He is from the

Takekuma heya.

His challenger today is

Kagayaki.

Kagayaki

 trains at the

Torafujii stable.

Kagayaki is taller and heavier than Yoshikaze.

The best chance for

Kagayaki

 may be his excellent

technique.

The referee calls them to the centre of the dohyo…

Nokotta!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Kagayaki

gets the better of the tachiai.

Kagayaki

sprung up

whereas

Yoshikaze

stepped forward.

Kagayaki

has a favourable hold on the mawashi of

Yoshikaze

who tried to evade.

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

Kagayaki

uses his advantage and

raises his opponent, throwing him back to win!

He showed tremendous strength!

Yoshikaze

wanted to

match his hold.

Kagayaki wins by

Yorikiri

Bout No. 18

Shohozan versus Daieisho

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Shohozan.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(9e)

Facing him is

Daieisho.

Daieisho

 is ranked as

Maegashira(13w)

Daieisho is taller and heavier than Shohozan.

The best chance for

Daieisho

 may be his excellent

technique.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

a gigantic collision as the rikishi meet!

Daieisho

starts better.

Daieisho

more or less stood up

whereas

Shohozan

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

Daieisho

is quick to try hataki (slap down)on

Shohozan

who tried to evade.

They immediately come together once more…

Daieisho

pulls his opponent off balance.

Shohozan

isn't able to

secure a belt hold.

After that flail of arms the fighters remain apart.

Shohozan is single minded is his successful attempt to reach his opponent's belt.

Daieisho was trying to get to the side.

The rikishi's bodies are pressed together.

Daieisho spins his opponent who only just keeps his footing.

Shohozan was trying to trip his opponent.

His hand nearly brushes the floor!

The rikishi rest upon one another, breathing hard.

Daieisho shows sharp speed to get into position to win by shoulder slap down!

A win by Hatukikomi

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

Bout No. 17

Okinoumi versus Endo

On our left is the formidable

Okinoumi.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(5e)

Facing him is

Endo.

Endo

 is ranked as

Maegashira(5w)

Okinoumi is taller and heavier than Endo.

The best chance for

Okinoumi

 may be his excellent

technique.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

the sound of the tachiai echoes through the hall!

Okinoumi

gets the better of the tachiai.

Okinoumi

stayed very low

whereas

Endo

more or less stood up.

Okinoumi

has a better belt hold than

Endo

who tried to evade.

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

The fighters are joined in a mass of heaving flesh.

Okinoumi knocks his opponent way off balance and then just pokes him out!

Okinoumi wins by Okuridashi

Endo couldn't overcome the inferior belt hold.

Bout No. 16

Hokutofuji versus Abi

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Hokutofuji.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(1e)

Facing him is

Abi.

Abi

 is ranked as

Maegashira(14e)

Abi is taller but Hokutofujiis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Abi

 may be his excellent

speed.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

Oh what a violent tachiai!

Abi

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Abi

stayed very low

whereas

Hokutofuji

more or less stood up.

Abi

has a better belt hold than

Hokutofuji

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

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

Both men are committed to grappling now.

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

He wins by Yorikiri

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

Bout No. 15

Yutakayama versus Daiamami

Preparing to fight now is

Yutakayama.

He is from the

Tokitsukaze heya.

Opposite him will be

Daiamami.

Daiamami

 trains at the

Oitekaze stable.

Yutakayama is taller than Daiamami but Daiamami is heavier.

The best chance for

Yutakayama

 may be his excellent

technique.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

a gigantic collision as the rikishi meet!

Daiamami

looks to have the advantage.

Daiamami

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Daiamami

makes a series of effective shoves on

Yutakayama

whose blows did not land as intended

They immediately come together once more…

Daiamami

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

Yutakayama

isn't strong enough to stop him!

A great combination of force and technique by

Daiamami

who wins by

Oshitaoshi - frontal push down.

Bout No. 14

Shodai versus Chiyomaru

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

Shodai.

He is from the

Senkoho heya.

Facing him is

Chiyomaru.

Chiyomaru

 trains at the

Kokonoe stable.

Shodai is taller than Chiyomaru but Chiyomaru is heavier.

The best chance for

Chiyomaru

 may be his excellent

technique.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

the rikishi collide in an awesome crash!

Chiyomaru

starts better.

Chiyomaru

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Chiyomaru

body charge forces back

Shodai

attempted a belt hold.

They immediately come together once more…

Chiyomaru

gains a strong outer arm grip on the mawashi.

Shodai

is in real trouble!

What a skilful attack by

Chiyomaru

who wins by

Uwatenage

Bout No. 13

Ichinojo versus Chiyonokuni

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Ichinojo.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(1w)

Opposite him will be

Chiyonokuni.

Chiyonokuni

 is ranked as

Maegashira(7w)

Ichinojo is taller and heavier than Chiyonokuni.

The best chance for

Ichinojo

 may be his excellent

technique.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Chiyonokuni

wins the tachiai.

Chiyonokuni

more or less stood up

whereas

Ichinojo

kept low.

Chiyonokuni

manages passing dasinage, unsettling

Ichinojo

whose blows did not land as intended

They immediately come together once more…

Chiyonokuni

uses quick feet to gain a superior angle.

Ichinojo

is in real trouble!

Graceful movement of both feet and hands by

Chiyonokuni

who wins by

Okuridashi

Bout No. 12

Tochinoshin versus Daishomaru

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Tochinoshin.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(3w)

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Daishomaru.

Daishomaru

 is ranked as

Maegashira(11w)

Tochinoshin is taller and heavier than Daishomaru.

The best chance for

Tochinoshin

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi move into tachiai position…

Nokotta!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Daishomaru

wins the tachiai battle.

Daishomaru

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Daishomaru

exchanges slaps while improving his dohyo position over

Tochinoshin

whose thrusts lacked direction.

They immediately come together once more…

Daishomaru

slaps down on his opponent and moves.

Tochinoshin

has been outmanoeuvred!

What a skilful passing move by

Daishomaru

who wins by

Okuridashi

Bout No. 11

Chiyoshoma versus Nishikigi

On our left is the formidable

Chiyoshoma.

He has a record of 8 wins and 6 loses.

He has been matched today with

Nishikigi.

Nishikigi

 has a score of

5 wins and 9 loses.

Nishikigi is taller and heavier than Chiyoshoma.

The best chance for

Nishikigi

 may be his excellent

balance.

The rikishi take their positions…

Nokotta!

gasps from the crowd as they slam together!

Chiyoshoma

starts best.

Chiyoshoma

more or less stood up

whereas

Nishikigi

stayed very low.

Chiyoshoma

is quick to try hataki (slap down)on

Nishikigi

was trying to reach his opponent's belt.

They immediately come together once more…

Chiyoshoma

gains a strong outer arm grip on the mawashi.

Nishikigi

can't recover from this!

A display of technical speed from

Chiyoshoma

who wins by

Yoritaoshi

Bout No. 10

Kotoshogiku versus Arawashi

On our left is the formidable

Kotoshogiku.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(2w)

His opponent today is

Arawashi.

Arawashi

 is ranked as

Maegashira(4w)

Arawashi is taller but Kotoshogikuis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Kotoshogiku

 may be his excellent

balance.

We are ready for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

and bang!  They come together like trains!

Arawashi

wins the tachiai.

Arawashi

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Arawashi

is quick to try hataki (slap down)on

Kotoshogiku

who tried to evade.

They immediately come together once more…

Arawashi

shows fine kumi skills, gaining the best position.

Kotoshogiku

can't keep his balance!

What a skilful passing move by

Arawashi

who wins by

Hatukikomi

Bout No. 9

Tochiozan versus Terunofuji

On the east side we have

Tochiozan.

He is from the

Kasugano heya.

Facing him is

Terunofuji.

Terunofuji

 trains at the

Tenshinhan stable.

Terunofuji is taller and heavier than Tochiozan.

The best chance for

Terunofuji

 may be his excellent

technique.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Tochiozan

gets the better of the tachiai.

Tochiozan

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Tochiozan

works a right-arm inside grip on

Terunofuji

who gets an inferior hold.

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

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

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

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

The rikishi rest upon one another, breathing hard.

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

He wins by Yorikiri

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

Bout No. 8

Kaisei versus Sokokurai

On the east side we have

Kaisei.

He has a record of 9 wins and 5 loses.

Facing him is

Sokokurai.

Sokokurai

 has a score of

7 wins and 7 loses.

Kaisei is taller and heavier than Sokokurai.

The best chance for

Kaisei

 may be his excellent

technique.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Sokokurai

wins the tachiai battle.

Sokokurai

more or less stood up

whereas

Kaisei

stayed very low.

Sokokurai

is quick to try hataki (slap down)on

Kaisei

whose thrusts lacked direction.

They immediately come together once more…

Kaisei

gets an excellent rear belt hold with his left hand.

Sokokurai

is knocked back

he was trying to avoid this contact.

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

Kaisei is making progress in small lifts and steps.

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

He seems powerless in the face of this lift.

The rikishi rest upon one another, breathing hard.

Kaisei lifts him out as he might a barrel!

Kaisei wins by Yorikiri

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

Bout No. 7

Chiyotairyu versus Takarafuji

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

Chiyotairyu.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(3e)

His challenger today is

Takarafuji.

Takarafuji

 is ranked as

Maegashira(6e)

Takarafuji is taller but Chiyotairyuis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Chiyotairyu

 may be his excellent

technique.

The crowd fall silent as the rikishi crouch…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

a huge crash fills the arena as their bodies meet!

Chiyotairyu

gets the better of the tachiai.

Chiyotairyu

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Chiyotairyu

has a better belt hold than

Takarafuji

manages an inside grip.

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

We are definitely into the grappling phase now.

Takarafuji is not short of finishing it with that throw.

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

He just does enough to stay up.

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

Takarafuji lifts and waddles him out on his belly!

A win by Yorikiri

Chiyotairyu couldn't get enough behind the throw.

Bout No. 6

Ikioi versus Ishiura

Preparing to fight now is

Ikioi.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(6w)

Facing him is

Ishiura.

Ishiura

 is ranked as

Maegashira(15e)

Ikioi is taller and heavier than Ishiura.

The best chance for

Ikioi

 may be his excellent

technique.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

Nokotta!

and bang!  They come together like trains!

Ikioi

immediately gains momentum.

Ikioi

stepped forward

whereas

Ishiura

more or less stood up.

Ikioi

has a favourable hold on the mawashi of

Ishiura

who tried to evade.

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

Ikioi

makes the most of his belt hold and

raises his opponent, throwing him back to win!

He showed tremendous strength!

Ishiura

was trying to

get a better hold.

Ikioi wins by

Uwatenage

Bout No. 5

Tamawashi versus Ryuden

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

Tamawashi.

He is from the

Kataonami heya.

His challenger today is

Ryuden.

Ryuden

 trains at the

Takadagawa stable.

Ryuden is taller but Tamawashiis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Ryuden

 may be his excellent

speed.

The rikishi take their positions…

Nokotta!

a huge crash fills the arena as their bodies meet!

Tamawashi

wins the tachiai.

Tamawashi

stayed very low

whereas

Ryuden

more or less stood up.

Tamawashi

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

Ryuden

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

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.

Tamawashi has an overarm hold and throws his opponent down!

A win by Uwatedashinage

Ryuden couldn't move his opponent.

Bout No. 4

Mitakeumi versus Onosho

Now we see

Mitakeumi.

He is from the

Dewanoumi heya.

His challenger today is

Onosho.

Onosho

 trains at the

Onomatsu stable.

Mitakeumi is taller and heavier than Onosho.

The best chance for

Onosho

 may be his excellent

speed.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

a huge crash fills the arena as their bodies meet!

Mitakeumi

has the upper hand.

Mitakeumi

more or less stood up

whereas

Onosho

stayed very low.

Mitakeumi

shows nice inashi, outmanoeuvring

Onosho

Its all over!  That was quick!

Onosho

is well beaten!

Mitakeumi

was quick to slap down his shoulder.

A win by Hatukikomi.

Bout No. 3

Goeido versus Takayasu

On our left is the formidable

Goeido.

He is ranked as

Ozeki(1e)

His challenger today is

Takayasu.

Takayasu

 is ranked as

Ozeki(1w)

Takayasu is taller and heavier than Goeido.

The best chance for

Takayasu

 may be his excellent

technique.

We are ready for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

the rikishi collide in an awesome crash!

Goeido

immediately gains momentum.

Goeido

stayed very low

whereas

Takayasu

stepped forward.

Goeido

has a favourable hold on the mawashi of

Takayasu

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

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

Goeido

uses his advantage and

raises his opponent, throwing him back to win!

He showed tremendous strength!

Takayasu

wasn't able to

get a better hold.

Goeido wins by

Shitatenage

Bout No. 2

Kisenosato versus Takakeisho

On the east side we have

Kisenosato.

He is from the

Tagonoura heya.

His opponent today is

Takakeisho.

Takakeisho

 trains at the

Takanohana stable.

Kisenosato is taller and heavier than Takakeisho.

The best chance for

Takakeisho

 may be his excellent

speed.

The crowd fall silent as the rikishi crouch…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

a huge crash fills the arena as their bodies meet!

Kisenosato

wins the tachiai battle.

Kisenosato

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Kisenosato

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

Takakeisho

whose oshi-zumo was not very effective.

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

Kisenosato

capitalises on his better hold and

raises his opponent, throwing him back to win!

He showed tremendous strength!

Takakeisho

helplessly tried to

push him back.

Kisenosato wins by

Yoritaoshi  (forced out and on back)

Bout No. 1

Hakuho versus Kakuryu

Now we see

Hakuho.

He is ranked as

Yokozuna(1e)

His challenger today is

Kakuryu.

Kakuryu

 is ranked as

Yokozuna(2e)

Hakuho is taller than Kakuryu but Kakuryu is heavier.

The best chance for

Kakuryu

 may be his excellent

speed.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

Nokotta!

the rikishi collide in an awesome crash!

Hakuho

has the upper hand.

Hakuho

sprung up

whereas

Kakuryu

more or less stood up.

Hakuho

has a favourable hold on the mawashi of

Kakuryu

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

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

Hakuho

capitalises on his better hold and

upsets his opponent to secure victory!

He showed tremendous strength!

Kakuryu

attempted to

find a decent grip.

Hakuho wins by

Yoritaoshi  (forced out and on back)