Short one today… prior commitment. Sorry!
MATCH OF THE DAY: Asanoyama and Tokihayate went early on but ultimately won the award for the best match. Asanoyama is an injured ex-Ozeki once exiled for some COVID scandals, and is now fighting his way back up after right knee trouble. He’s in Juryo and looking to come back up; today he fought Tokihayate, a rough match for both men. The man from Takasago-beya is extremely popular and seemed pleased with the celebrations of his loyal followers after he powered the smaller rikishi out by yorikiri. There were some cute children waving towels.
KIMARITE OF THE DAY: There’s seriously no good kimarite today except Onosato, who is Ura’s match and gets his own category. The honorable mention is Churanoumi’s delicate okuridashi, rear push out, against Abi. Churanoumi twisted out of his grasp and shoved him off the dohyo in a make-or-break-your-arm situation for Abi. He did not break his arm, and Churanoumi gently pressed him over the tawara. Good job, Chu-Chu!
PINK MAWASHI DAY SEVEN: Today was the day. The fated day. It went… fine. I mean, it went great when you consider the circumstances. Ura got low and shoved the Yokozuna, which was exciting–this is definitely the best anyone’s done against him, certainly a far cry from Hiradoumi’s match yesterday. However, the Yokozuna was ultimately too much for the pink man, and was able to grab Ura’s belt and win with an uwatehineri. What a jerk, right? I mean, it’s Ura. If you’re going to lose, lose to Ura. Who is going to give this guy trouble? Hoshoryu? Aonishiki? Well, start preparing, boys, because heading into Day Eight, Onosato looks in great shape to get his kachi-koshi…
OVERALL SUMMARY: Iron Man Tamawashi, on his birthday no less, will be against the 7-0 Yokozuna tomorrow. Oh boy… also, our chase group has narrowed down to young stars Fujinokawa, Aonishiki, and Yoshinofuji. I’m glad to see all three of them here–I mean, what an outstanding performance (cough) from Fujinokawa! And Aonishiki’s streak is to be expected, but still impressive. I’m very, very glad that Yoshinofuji clearly isn’t too hurt, and that all three of them are chasing our Yokozuna. Maybe one of them can pull something crazy. And by the way, down in Juryo, Fujiryoga still holds the lead of the yusho.
Today’s fun fact is about… the Iron Man! It is officially the Weekend of Tamawashi. As I said above, his forty-first (so old!!) birthday is tomorrow and he’ll be fighting Onosato… more on that tomorrow, obviously. Today, Tamawashi tied the record for all-time bouts in makuuchi, meeting retired Kaio (not Juryo Kayo–two different people with pretty similar shikona) at 1444 bouts. He’ll take first place in March 2026 when he gets 1470 bouts. Crossed fingers for no injuries–only one whole basho to go! Tomorrow he’ll take the second place spot.
Happy early birthday, Tamawashi. And happy Nakabi Eve! What a day tomorrow.