Bout No. 21

Aminishiki versus Abi

On the east side we have

Aminishiki.

He is from the

Ashaenumi heya.

His challenger today is

Abi.

Abi

 trains at the

Benihana stable.

Abi is taller but Aminishikiis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Aminishiki

 may be his excellent

technique.

We are ready for the tachiai…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Abi

unbalances his opponent.

Abi

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Abi

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

Aminishiki

who also has a mawashi hold.

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

Abi

makes the most of his belt hold and

raises his opponent, throwing him back to win!

He showed tremendous strength!

Aminishiki

couldn't

get a good enough hold.

Abi wins by

Uwatenage

 

Bout No. 20

Yoshikaze versus Kotoyuki

On the east side we have

Yoshikaze.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(2e)

Opposite him will be

Kotoyuki.

Kotoyuki

 is ranked as

Maegashira(11e)

Yoshikaze is taller than Kotoyuki but Kotoyuki is heavier.

The best chance for

Kotoyuki

 may be his excellent

technique.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

Nokotta!

Oh what a violent tachiai!

Yoshikaze

looks to have the advantage.

Yoshikaze

stepped forward

whereas

Kotoyuki

stayed very low.

Yoshikaze

exchanges slaps while improving his dohyo position over

Kotoyuki

was trying to reach his opponent's belt.

They immediately come together once more…

Yoshikaze

shows fine kumi skills, gaining the best position.

Kotoyuki

loses balance trying to

get into position.

After that flail of arms the fighters remain apart.

Yoshikaze smartly pulls his opponent off balance.

Kotoyuki simply wasn't fast enough at the end.

He is trying to recover his balance!

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Yoshikaze uses all his weight to force out his opponent!

A win by Oshidashi

Kotoyuki was not quick enough on his feet.

 

Bout No. 19

Takakeisho versus Asanoyama

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Takakeisho.

He is ranked as

Kumisubi(1e)

Facing him is

Asanoyama.

Asanoyama

 is ranked as

Maegashira(16w)

Asanoyama is taller and heavier than Takakeisho.

The best chance for

Asanoyama

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi take their positions…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Asanoyama

has the upper hand.

Asanoyama

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Asanoyama

body charge forces back

Takakeisho

whose oshi-zumo was not very effective.

They immediately come together once more…

Asanoyama

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

Takakeisho

is unbalanced and is forced back.

as he tried to push.

Both rikishi come forward again.

Takakeisho slaps his opponent backwards.

Asanoyama failed to make his thrusts tell.

After that flail of arms the fighters remain apart.

Takakeisho drives his opponent back.

Asanoyama failed to make an effective thrust.

The thrusting tactics have dominated the start of this bout.

Takakeisho powers forward, gaining momentum.

Asanoyama failed to make his thrusts tell.

He is so close to going out!

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

Takakeisho wrestles him to the edge and thrusts him down on his back!

Takakeisho wins by Tsukiotoshi

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

 

Bout No. 18

Ichinojo versus Takekaze

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

Ichinojo.

He is from the

Rumaniago heya.

Facing him is

Takekaze.

Takekaze

 trains at the

Oguruma stable.

Ichinojo is taller and heavier than Takekaze.

The best chance for

Ichinojo

 may be his excellent

technique.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

the sound of the tachiai echoes through the hall!

Ichinojo

has the upper hand.

Ichinojo

kept low

whereas

Takekaze

stayed very low.

Ichinojo

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

Takekaze

attempted a belt hold.

They immediately come together once more…

Ichinojo

comes forward with a great thrusting attack.

Takekaze

can't do enough to stop the attack!

What a powerful attack by

Ichinojo

who wins by

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

 

Bout No. 17

Endo versus Shohozan

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Endo.

He has a record of 3 wins and 7 loses.

He has been matched today with

Shohozan.

Shohozan

 has a score of

2 wins and 8 loses.

Endo is taller and heavier than Shohozan.

The best chance for

Endo

 may be his excellent

technique.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

the rikishi collide in an awesome crash!

Endo

unbalances his opponent.

Endo

more or less stood up

whereas

Shohozan

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

Endo

manages passing dasinage, unsettling

Shohozan

who tried to evade.

They immediately come together once more…

Endo

slaps down on his opponent and moves.

Shohozan

has been outmanoeuvred!

What a skilful passing move by

Endo

who wins by

Hatukikomi

 

Bout No. 16

Shodai versus Kagayaki

On our left is the formidable

Shodai.

He is from the

Senkoho heya.

His challenger today is

Kagayaki.

Kagayaki

 trains at the

Torafujii stable.

Kagayaki is taller and heavier than Shodai.

The best chance for

Kagayaki

 may be his excellent

speed.

The ceremony is over, we are about to begin…

Nokotta!

the rikishi collide in an awesome crash!

Shodai

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Shodai

stayed very low

whereas

Kagayaki

sprung up.

Shodai

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

Kagayaki

who gets an inferior hold.

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

Shodai

makes the most of his belt hold and

raises his opponent, throwing him back to win!

He showed tremendous strength!

Kagayaki

was trying to

get a better hold.

Shodai wins by

Uwatenage

 

Bout No. 15

Mitakeumi versus Okinoumi

On our left is the formidable

Mitakeumi.

He is from the

Dewanoumi heya.

His opponent today is

Okinoumi.

Okinoumi

 trains at the

Hakkaku stable.

Okinoumi is taller and heavier than Mitakeumi.

The best chance for

Okinoumi

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi move into tachiai position…

Nokotta!

Oh what a violent tachiai!

Mitakeumi

gets the better of the tachiai.

Mitakeumi

stepped forward

whereas

Okinoumi

stayed very low.

Mitakeumi

slaps down and retreats, unbalancing

Okinoumi

attempted a belt hold.

They immediately come together once more…

Mitakeumi

uses quick feet to gain a superior angle.

Okinoumi

can't keep his balance!

Graceful movement of both feet and hands by

Mitakeumi

who wins by

Kakasukashi

 

Bout No. 14

Tochinoshin versus Yutakayama

Now we see

Tochinoshin.

He is from the

Reijinguoshan heya.

His challenger today is

Yutakayama.

Yutakayama

 trains at the

Tokitsukaze stable.

Tochinoshin is taller than Yutakayama but Yutakayama is heavier.

The best chance for

Yutakayama

 may be his excellent

balance.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

Nokotta!

Oh what a violent tachiai!

Tochinoshin

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Tochinoshin

more or less stood up

whereas

Yutakayama

stayed very low.

Tochinoshin

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

Yutakayama

whose oshi-zumo was not very effective.

They immediately come together once more…

Tochinoshin

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

Yutakayama

is knocked back

he was wanting a better belt grip.

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

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

Tochinoshin wins by Oshidashi

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

 

Bout No. 13

Onosho versus Arawashi

Preparing to fight now is

Onosho.

He has a record of 5 wins and 5 loses.

His opponent today is

Arawashi.

Arawashi

 has a score of

5 wins and 5 loses.

Arawashi is taller but Onoshois the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Onosho

 may be his excellent

balance.

The rikishi take their positions…

Nokotta!

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

Arawashi

gets the better of the tachiai.

Arawashi

more or less stood up

whereas

Onosho

stayed very low.

Arawashi

slaps down and retreats, unbalancing

Onosho

was trying to reach his opponent's belt.

They immediately come together once more…

Arawashi

uses quick feet to gain a superior angle.

Onosho

is in real trouble!

What a skilful passing move by

Arawashi

who wins by

Kakasukashi

 

Bout No. 12

Hokutofuji versus Daishomaru

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

Hokutofuji.

He is ranked as

Maegashira(1e)

Opposite him will be

Daishomaru.

Daishomaru

 is ranked as

Maegashira(11w)

Hokutofuji is taller and heavier than Daishomaru.

The best chance for

Daishomaru

 may be his excellent

speed.

The rikishi move into tachiai position…

Nokotta!

the sound of the tachiai echoes through the hall!

Hokutofuji

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Hokutofuji

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Hokutofuji

slaps down and retreats, unbalancing

Daishomaru

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

They immediately come together once more…

Daishomaru

establishes the better hold.

Hokutofuji

is in the weaker yotsu position although

he was trying to avoid this contact.

The rikishi's bodies are pressed together.

Daishomaru is not short of finishing it with that throw.

Hokutofuji struggled in the grapple.

He just about stay's upright!

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

Daishomaru lifts and waddles him out on his belly!

Daishomaru wins by Yorikiri

Hokutofuji couldn't overcome the inferior belt hold.

 

Bout No. 11

Chiyoshoma versus Daieisho

Preparing to fight now is

Chiyoshoma.

He has a record of 5 wins and 5 loses.

He has been matched today with

Daieisho.

Daieisho

 has a score of

5 wins and 5 loses.

Chiyoshoma is taller than Daieisho but Daieisho is heavier.

The best chance for

Daieisho

 may be his excellent

balance.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

the sound of the tachiai echoes through the hall!

Chiyoshoma

starts better.

Chiyoshoma

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Chiyoshoma

manages passing dasinage, unsettling

Daieisho

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

They immediately come together once more…

Chiyoshoma

establishes the better hold.

Daieisho

can't keep his balance!

What a skilful attack by

Chiyoshoma

who wins by

Uwatenage

 

Bout No. 10

Tochiozan versus Nishikigi

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Tochiozan.

He has a record of 6 wins and 4 loses.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Nishikigi.

Nishikigi

 has a score of

5 wins and 5 loses.

Tochiozan is taller than Nishikigi but Nishikigi is heavier.

The best chance for

Nishikigi

 may be his excellent

technique.

They position themselves for the tachiai…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

the rikishi smash into each other!

Tochiozan

wins the tachiai.

Tochiozan

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Tochiozan

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

Nishikigi

who also has a mawashi hold.

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.

Tochiozan has an overarm hold and throws his opponent down!

Tochiozan wins by Uwatedashinage

Nishikigi didn't have the strength to shift him

 

Bout No. 9

Chiyonokuni versus Daiamami

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

Chiyonokuni.

He has a record of 5 wins and 5 loses.

Opposite him will be

Daiamami.

Daiamami

 has a score of

5 wins and 5 loses.

Daiamami is taller and heavier than Chiyonokuni.

The best chance for

Daiamami

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi take their positions…

Nokotta!

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

Chiyonokuni

immediately gains momentum.

Chiyonokuni

more or less stood up

whereas

Daiamami

stayed very low.

Chiyonokuni

shows nice inashi, outmanoeuvring

Daiamami

whose thrusts lacked direction.

They immediately come together once more…

Chiyonokuni

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

Daiamami

loses balance trying to

secure a belt hold.

Neither man has secured any sort of grip.

Daiamami drives forward and makes a good hold.

Chiyonokuni failed to get out of the way.

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

Daiamami has the better position but is making only slow progress.

Chiyonokuni did not have the momentum to shift his opponent.

They are both waiting for the other to tire.

Chiyonokuni has the better position and shoulders his opponent towards the edge.

Daiamami couldn't shift his opponent.

He seems powerless in the face of this lift.

The two giants remain locked together.

Chiyonokuni performs a throw on his opponent's locked arm.  A stylish win!

Chiyonokuni wins by Kotenage

Daiamami couldn't get enough behind the throw.

 

Bout No. 8

Takarafuji versus Ikioi

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

Takarafuji.

He has a record of 7 wins and 3 loses.

On the western side of the dohyo is 

Ikioi.

Ikioi

 has a score of

8 wins and 2 loses.

Ikioi is taller and heavier than Takarafuji.

The best chance for

Ikioi

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi move into tachiai position…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

The rikishi move their great frames to the starting lines…

Takarafuji

wins the tachiai.

Takarafuji

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Takarafuji

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

Ikioi

whose blows did not land as intended

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

The fighters are joined in a mass of heaving flesh.

Ikioi is making progress in small lifts and steps.

Takarafuji went to throw and was caught off balance.

What a bout!  Still no breakthrough!

Ikioi tries to use his superior hold to get his opponent to the doho.

Takarafuji didn't have the strength to shift him

The rikishi rest upon one another, breathing hard.

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

Takarafuji had a hold but couldn't move him.

What a bout!  Still no breakthrough!

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

He wins by Yorikiri

Takarafuji didn't have the strength to shift him

 

Bout No. 7

Chiyotairyu versus Terunofuji

On our left is the formidable

Chiyotairyu.

He has a record of 7 wins and 3 loses.

Opposite him will be

Terunofuji.

Terunofuji

 has a score of

8 wins and 2 loses.

Terunofuji is taller but Chiyotairyuis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Terunofuji

 may be his excellent

speed.

The rikishi take their positions…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

The rikishi move their great frames to the starting lines…

Chiyotairyu

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Chiyotairyu

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Chiyotairyu

works a right-arm inside grip on

Terunofuji

manages an inside grip.

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

Chiyotairyu

capitalises on his better hold and

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

He showed tremendous strength!

Terunofuji

couldn't

throw him down.

Chiyotairyu wins by

Uwatedashinage - (pulling over-arm throw)

 

Bout No. 6

Tamawashi versus Sokokurai

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

Tamawashi.

He is ranked as

Sekiwake(1w)

Facing him is

Sokokurai.

Sokokurai

 is ranked as

Maegashira(12e)

Tamawashi is taller and heavier than Sokokurai.

The best chance for

Sokokurai

 may be his excellent

speed.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

a huge crash fills the arena as their bodies meet!

Tamawashi

looks to have the advantage.

Tamawashi

stayed very low

whereas

Sokokurai

more or less stood up.

Tamawashi

has a favourable hold on the mawashi of

Sokokurai

who was trying to prevent that.

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

Tamawashi

makes the most of his belt hold and

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

He showed tremendous strength!

Sokokurai

attempted to

lift him.

Tamawashi wins by

Uwatenage

 

Bout No. 5

Takayasu versus Chiyomaru

Now we see

Takayasu.

He is from the

Tagonoura heya.

His opponent today is

Chiyomaru.

Chiyomaru

 trains at the

Kokonoe stable.

Takayasu is taller than Chiyomaru but Chiyomaru is heavier.

The best chance for

Chiyomaru

 may be his excellent

speed.

The rikishi take their positions…

The rikishi smash together, their heads meeting like rams!

a deafening slap of flesh as they collide!

Chiyomaru

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Chiyomaru

stayed very low

as did his opponent.

Chiyomaru

makes a series of effective shoves on

Takayasu

was trying to grapple.

They immediately come together once more…

Takayasu

gets an excellent rear belt hold with his left hand.

Chiyomaru

is making the best of it but

he was wanting a better belt grip.

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

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

He wins by Yorikiri

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

 

Bout No. 4

Goeido versus Kotoshogiku

Preparing to fight now is

Goeido.

He is ranked as

Ozeki(1e)

His opponent today is

Kotoshogiku.

Kotoshogiku

 is ranked as

Maegashira(2w)

Goeido is taller than Kotoshogiku but Kotoshogiku is heavier.

The best chance for

Kotoshogiku

 may be his excellent

technique.

The rikishi take their positions…

Nokotta!

both rikishi launch forwards!

Goeido

has the advantage from the tachiai.

Goeido

stayed very low

whereas

Kotoshogiku

more or less stood up.

Goeido

fixes a good left hand grip on the mawashi of

Kotoshogiku

who was trying to prevent that.

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

Goeido

makes the most of his belt hold and

upsets his opponent to secure victory!

He showed tremendous strength!

Kotoshogiku

attempted to

push him away.

Goeido wins by

Shitatenage

 

Bout No. 3

Kakuryu versus Ryuden

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Kakuryu.

He is ranked as

Yokozuna(2e)

Opposite him will be

Ryuden.

Ryuden

 is ranked as

Maegashira(16e)

Ryuden is taller but Kakuryuis the heavier rikishi.

The best chance for

Ryuden

 may be his excellent

speed.

The two stare at each other before the tachiai…

Nokotta!

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

Ryuden

starts best.

Ryuden

more or less stood up

as did his opponent.

Ryuden

shows nice inashi, outmanoeuvring

Kakuryu

who wasn't quick enough to avoid getting caught.

They immediately come together once more…

Ryuden

slaps down on his opponent and moves.

Kakuryu

over committed trying to

connect cleanly with his thrust.

If either man wanted a hold they have failed.

Ryuden combines feet and hand speed judo style to throw his opponent onto his ribs!

Ryuden wins by Uwatenage

Kakuryu landed ineffective slaps.

 

Bout No. 2

Kisenosato versus Ishiura

Slapping his mawashi like a drum is

Kisenosato.

He has a record of 8 wins and 2 loses.

He has been matched today with

Ishiura.

Ishiura

 has a score of

7 wins and 3 loses.

Kisenosato is taller and heavier than Ishiura.

The best chance for

Ishiura

 may be his excellent

speed.

We are ready for the tachiai…

Nokotta!

gasps from the crowd as they slam together!

Kisenosato

wins the tachiai.

Kisenosato

stayed very low

whereas

Ishiura

more or less stood up.

Kisenosato

has a better belt hold than

Ishiura

who tried to evade.

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!

Ishiura

wasn't able to

improve his hold on the mawashi.

Kisenosato wins by

Uwatedashinage - (pulling over-arm throw)

 

Bout No. 1

Hakuho versus Kaisei

Now we see

Hakuho.

He is ranked as

Yokozuna(1e)

He has been matched today with

Kaisei.

Kaisei

 is ranked as

Maegashira(8w)

Kaisei is taller and heavier than Hakuho.

The best chance for

Kaisei

 may be his excellent

technique.

The wrestlers squat, eying one another…

Nokotta!

and bang!  They come together like trains!

Kaisei

starts best.

Kaisei

stayed very low

whereas

Hakuho

sprung up.

Kaisei

makes a series of effective shoves on

Hakuho

attempted a belt hold.

They immediately come together once more…

Kaisei

drives his way forward.

Hakuho

is knocked back

as he tried to push.

Both rikishi come forward again.

Hakuho gets in the more effective thrusts.

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

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

Hakuho has an overarm hold and throws his opponent down!

A win by Uwatedashinage

Kaisei needed to get inside and to the mawashi faster.