Same format as yesterday due to some time constraints…

MATCH OF THE DAY: It was close, but I’m awarding it to Tobizaru vs Tomokaze, since I am going to make an effort to give some love to the bottom of the banzuke. Tobizaru, though he doesn’t look too injured, lost his winning streak after a mono-ii from the judges. The bout was a deal longer than usual but fairly active and resulted in Tomokaze’s oshidashi win.

KIMARITE OF THE DAY: Not exactly the most uncommon of kimarite, but executed with uncommonly rare style from our Yokozuna Onosato. His oshitaoshi ended the bout swiftly after he engaged with Abi and disposed of him in neat fashion. Yokozuna-zumo from both he and Hoshoryu today, which was lovely to see. The top of the banzuke looks great!

PINK MAWASHI DAY THREE: The Ura zensho-yusho is ON! Fujinokawa is without doubt a fun rikishi, but hasn’t had the strongest basho. And however much I love the guy, his loss to Ura was for the greater good. Ura’s oshidashi win ended with Fujinokawa evidently landing on his head and Ura with a grimace on his lovely face.

OVERALL SUMMARY: Wakatakakage looked uncertain again today and got another loss, which isn’t a good sign for him. Onosato won decisively, and Hoshoryu, despite his henka, pulled off a great win, and I honestly don’t mind the henka too much against a guy like Hakuoho. Aonishiki and Kotozakura had a great bout and the Ukrainian got another victory. Kirishima looks wonderful and Kusano got a great first win. All the Kise-beya boys got their wins today, which was good to see.

Down in Juryo, there are four undefeated rikishi in the yusho race: young prospects Mita and Oshoumi, older star Kotokuzan, and middle-aged middler Asahakuryu. Favorite Asanoyama and a few others are trailing them by one win.

Today’s fun fact is that Asakoryu and Asasuiryu, who is also in Juryo, are brothers! Oho has brothers named Naya and Mudoho down in Makushita as well.

Thank you. So long and goodnight!