MATCH OF THE DAY: The runner-up absolutely goes to Fujinokawa and Wakatakakage for a fantastic bout, but I wanted to cover this one because it was such a weird one. I have been delighting in the sumo of previously-unknown Fujiseiun, and today, he came up against Oshoma. Oshoma grabbed his arms and then they began to pummel each other, but somehow, Fujiseiun appeared to pirouette and ended up attempting to brace his feet on the tawara and lean back against Oshoma. The attempt absolutely did not work, and Oshoma paraded him out of the ring with an okuridashi rear push out. Really, really good sumo from Oshoma, though I hate to say it.

KIMARITE OF THE DAY: Yoshinofuji restored balance to the Force, and the Kimarite of the Day, whilst eliminating the balance of Takanosho. Takanosho charged right into the young man from Isegahama-beya and Yoshinofuji threw him, and himself, into a throw. I do think that Takanosho touched down first, but it was close enough that the torinaoshi restart was valid. Torinaoshi usually occur when two rikishi touch down simultaneously and make it hard for the judges to fairly call who did what. So, after the mono-ii judge’s conference, they had a rematch, which Yoshinofuji clearly won with a kubinage headlock throw. Very good kimarite for the young man, though he’s having a rough basho so far.

PINK MAWASHI DAY SIX: Beautiful. Just beautiful sumo from the People’s Yokozuna today as he came up against 5-0 Kotoeiho. Ura had the stronger tachiai and was forcing Kotoeiho back when the younger rikishi slipped away, and Ura, panicked, threw him into an uwatenage throw, with Ura tucking up his foot so Kotoeiho touched down first. The magic of Ura is crazy good throws and very good ring sense, and today, I practically saw sparkles in the air around him. I’m sure Kirishima will credit Ura for the assist in the yusho race. On the way down, Ura landed on top of Hakunofuji’s injured foot as he sat on the side waiting for his bout, and had to pull Hakunofuji to his feet so that Kotoeiho could crawl out from behind him, which was a little weird, but Ura made sure to apologize to them both. He’s pink, he’s creative, and he’s a gentleman. What’s not to like?

OVERALL SUMMARY: Since Tobizaru is a stupid jerk and wasted everyone’s time today, most of all Wakanosho’s, and Fujiseiun also lost out of the yusho race, we are left with Kirishima as the sole leader, followed by Tobizaru, Fujiryoga, Kotoeiho, Wakatakakage, and Gonoyama. That’s a pretty good group, though Wakanosho should be in it instead of Tobi. Also, Ryuden got a narrow win over Roga today, leaving Tamawashi as the only 0-6 rikishi. I haven’t watched Juryo yet, but we’re currently looking at a lot of low Maegashira in rough spots, so we might have some exchanges…

Asakoryu looks to be in some serious injury trouble, probably a calf or ankle problem, but so far, I don’t think we’re looking at any other likely kyujo besides him. Best of luck to the youngster from Takasago-beya as he heals up.

Check in tomorrow for some pre-Nakabi action!