Takayasu is out with a right thigh injury. I did sense some bad mojo from him yesterday but my mind did not go to a thigh injury. The bear’s yusho hopes are down the drain now. Now about half of sanyaku is kyujo, which is a really fun statistic for Day Four. I’m kind of loving the chaotic vibes this basho, but oh man, poor Takayasu.

MATCH OF THE DAY: Hakunofuji, despite the injury and scandal reports, had a very, very good bout against young Asahakuryu today. I’ve been impressed by both of them so far this basho, and Hakunofuji looked to be in a lot of pain after Asahakuryu nearly pushed him over the edge at least 500 times. Asahakuryu seemed to just run out of stamina and Hakunofuji was able to sling him over the tawara at the last second.

KIMARITE OF THE DAY: This is more just a “hey, let’s keep tabs on the promising young Maegashira” one, but Kotoeiho has been doing really well so far. It is very easy to trick and throw Kinbozan, to be fair, but Kotoeiho did a very nice job of it. Kinbozan seemed to have the smaller rikishi figured out, but Kotoeiho was able to brace and throw Kinbozan down with a lovely shitatenage.

PINK MAWASHI DAY FOUR: I am trying so hard to support young Shishi’s career, but he was comically slow compared to Ura today, who was kind of just leaping merrily about and hoping for the best. Unfortunately, that seems to be the best sumo he can offer, but it’s admittedly pretty fun to watch. He disposed of the Ukrainian by shitatenage today and Shishi stomped off the dohyo.

OVERALL SUMMARY: The JSA took pity on our winless boys today and put Tamawashi up against Tokihayate so someone had to win. Tamawashi, unfortunately, did not, and he and Ryude have booked, though not quite punched, their tickets to Juryo. Tamawashi is really worrying me, though I can’t quite find it in me to feel much concern for Ryuden, who seems to live on a very, very thin island between Makuuchi and Juryo.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Wakatakakage, Kotoeiho, and Kirishima are our yusho threats. I mean, I’m pretty happy with these three rikishi, but I probably wouldn’t have pegged Wakatakakage as a leader and certainly not Kotoeiho. A very solid group of rikishi is at 3-1, including Wakanosho, Hakunofuji, and Fujinokawa. Also Chu Chu!

Tomorrow, we’ll hopefully a look at Juryo tomorrow.