Yoshinofuji vs Aonishiki
I felt that Yoshinofuji attacked effectively, but the key to Aonishiki’s victory was the speed of his decision-making and his ability to switch tactics instantly. Minatogawa-oyakata (former Ozeki Takakeisho), commenting on the NHK broadcast, pointed out that Yoshinofuji’s downfall was that “he failed to knock Aonishiki back at the tachi-ai (initial charge),” adding that Yoshinofuji wanted to create distance by thrusting his opponent away rather than continuing to push forward. Indeed, had he managed to keep Aonishiki at arm’s length, Aonishiki would not have been able to execute his techniques.
That said, when Aonishiki briefly touched the dohyo (ring) with his left hand at the end, I couldn’t help thinking that if it had been Takanohana (the 65th yokozuna) or Wakanohana (the 66th yokozuna), they would have gone down face-first without hesitation.
Wakatakakage vs Takayasu
Wakatakakage defeated Takayasu with a kata-sukashi (shoulder swing-down). At the tachi-ai, he applied pressure from the right with an ottsuke (forearm block), managed to settle into a migi-yotsu (right-hand inside grip), and continued to apply pressure from the left by persistently squeezing and ottsuke-ing. Only after that sustained pressure did he execute the kata-sukashi. This was sumo that truly embodied Wakatakakage’s style.
Kotozakura vs Ura
I thought Kotozakura fought Ura in exactly the way Ura dislikes most. From Ura’s perspective, when opponents hesitate and take a cautious approach, he can control the pace of the bout. When they charge forward without hesitation, however, he is forced to look for a last-second reversal at the edge of the ring. Kotozakura firmly locked up Ura’s left arm and gave him no opening to attempt such a comeback.
Hoshoryu vs Ichiyamamoto
Hoshoryu defeated Ichiyamamoto by yorikiri (frontal force-out). Because Ichiyamamoto shares some stylistic similarities with Abi, I watched the bout thinking he might have at least a small chance. In fact, Ichiyamamoto’s flow after the tachi-ai was quite good. However, rather than attempting to pull , Hoshoryu chose to brace himself, absorb the attack, and counter. This decision paid off, allowing him to secure a migi-zashi (right hand inside grip).
Oho vs Onosato
As for Onosato, facing Oho—a difficult opponent with whom he has an even head-to-head record over the past year—made this bout a good test of how well Onosato’s injury has healed. Oho’s tachi-ai and right-hand thrusts were impressive. At one point, I thought Onosato showed his bad habit of making a dangerous pull, but after rewatching the video, it also looked as though he may have been intentionally trying to create distance. I am curious which it truly was. In any case, Onosato’s left-hand hazu-oshi after separating was excellent.
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