Aki Basho: Day 6 results, insight, and current standings
Leaders manage to stay where they are, Hokuseiho upended by a shorty, Tsurugisho as a surprise contender, and Hoshoryu breaks even.
As the temperature continues to go down for the fall months, sumo continues its run through the fall months as we hit Day 6 of the Aki Basho. The Kokugikan has been filled to capacity and even for the lower division events as people are emerging from the pandemic and ready to re-tackle the world. The race for the Emperor’s Cup is still wide open as there is still no clear runaway winner.
Takakeisho sent Tamawashi to a 0-6 mark today to which Takakeisho wondered if Tamawashi may be pushing it a bit. “Obviously he wants the record of most consecutive bouts, but there comes a point where you have to say: I think I’ve had enough,” said a quizzical Takakeisho, “He’s 39, I get it, but on the same level, he’s made a good money, and I would suspect that retirement should be coming soon. I don’t think he’ll make it to 1630.”
Hokuseiho, 21, who stands 6 foot 8 1/2 inches tall, was upended by Midorifuji, who stands a foot shorter than him and weighs about 140lb less. Hokuseiho should take some pointers from another tall wrestler in the former Akebono, who knew that with his height, he was more susceptible to throws. Hokuseiho should use his long reach to his advantage. “I’m embarrassed, I’m not giving my all, and I need to do better,” said a dejected Hokuseiho, “I worked hard to get here and I’m not proud of myself.”
However, Ura had the move of the day which led fans to question the Kimarite called. Ura is known for being light his feet like Fred Astaire and as graceful/agile as a gymnast. Today was no exception as he picked up a dynamic win versus Daieisho with a barrel roll at the end. Ringside judge Asashifuji was blown away with the spin move, “I keep wondering if this guy took dance and gymnastic lessons somewhere because he is the most flexible wrestler I’ve ever seen,” said Asashifuji, “My kids play that game Star Fox and when I hear: Do a Barrel Roll. I immediately thought about that.”
Tsurugisho is off to a very fine start in the Aki basho as he is on with the leaders at 5-1. Since coming back from Division 2 Juryo, he’s been somewhat inconsistent but he’s starting to find his rhythm thanks to a win over Kotoshoho. Tsurugisho is looking for his first 10-win tournament since September 2019.
Final Results from Day 5 and Winning Kimarite
Aoiyama defeats Chiyoshoma
Winning Kimarite: Oshidashi (Frontal Push Out)
Tsurugisho defeats Kotoshoho
Winning Kimarite: Oshidashi (Frontal Push Out)
Myogiryu defeats Kagayaki
Winning Kimarite: Hatakikomi (Slap Down)
Nishikifuji defeats Daishoho
Winning Kimarite: Yorikiri (Frontal Force Out)
Atamifuji defeats Mitakeumi on Torinaoshi (Rematch)
Winning Kimarite: Uwatenage (Over Arm Throw)
Kinbozan defeats Takarafuji
Winning Kimarite: Yorikiri (Frontal Force Out)
Endo defeats Sadanoumi
Winning Kimarite: Yorikiri (Frontal Force Out)
Midorifuji defeates Hokuseiho
Winning Kimarite: Yorikiri (Frontal Force Out)
Kotoeko defeats Onosho
Winning Kimarite: Hikiotoshi (Hand Pull Down)
Hiradoumi defeat Ryuden
Winning Kimarite: Tsukitaoshi (Frontal Thrust Down)
Takayasu defeats Gonoyama
Winning Kimarite: Oshitaoshi (Frontal Push Down)
Shonannoumi defeats Oho
Winning Kimarite: Yorikiri (Frontal Force Out)
Hokutofuji defeats Takanosho
Winning Kimarite: Tsukiotosh (Thrust Down)
Meisei defeats Abi
Winning Kimarite: Oshidashi (Frontal Push Out)
Wakamotoharu defeats Tobizaru
Winning Kimarite: Oshidashi (Frontal Push Out)
Ura defeats Daieisho
Winning Kimarite: Oshidashi (Frontal Push Out)
Kotonowaka defeats Nishikigi
Winning Kimarite: Yorikiri (Frontal Force Out)
Takakeisho defeats Tamawashi
Winning Kimarite: Oshidashi (Frontal Push Out)
Kirishima defeats Shodai
Winning Kimarite: Sukuinage (Beltless Arm Throw)
Hoshoryu defeats Asanoyama
Winning Kimarite: Shitatenage (Underarm Throw)
STANDINGS AFTER DAY 6
Takakeisho – 5-1
Takayasu – 5-1
Kinbozan – 5-1
Atamifuji – 5-1
Tsurugisho – 5-1
Kirishima – 4-2
Wakamotoharu – 4-2
Kotonowaka – 4-2
Hokutofuji – 4-2
Gonoyama – 4-2
Onosho – 4-2
Mitakeumi – 4-2
Myogiryu – 4-2
Hoshoryu – 3-3
Nishikigi -3-3
Tobizaru – 3-3
Meisei -3 -3
Abi – 3-3
Ura – 3-3
Shonannoumi – 3-3
Endo – 3-3
Takarafuji – 3-3
Sadanoumi – 3-3
Nishikifuji – 3-3
Kagayaki – 3-3
Daieisho – 2-4
Asanoyama – 2-4
Shodai – 2-4
Takanosho – 2-4
Ryuden – 2-4
Oho – 2-4
Kotoeko – 2-4
Hiradoumi – 2-4
Midorifuji – 2-4
Hokuseiho – 2-4
Kotoshoho – 2-4
Aoiyama – 2-4
Daishoho – 2-4
Chiyoshoma – 1-5
Tamawashi – 0-6
The first week of sumo ends tomorrow, we’re closing in on the first wrestlers to make kachi-koshi.
