May 2022 Basho (Natsu--Summer)--DAY 3--May 10, 2022
May 2022 (Natsu) Basho
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Recap and statistics
A. Video and Photo
Note: NHK videos will be available on demand until 2 weeks after the end of the Basho (Tournament). After that, they will be removed from the site. They are usually available for on demand viewing about 1 day after the matches. Note that "highlights" means complete full match video of all daily Makuuchi matches.
NHK match highlights (condensed, all matches in their entirety, the highlights are 27 minutes long).
All NHK Video Highlights from one link (latest day should be uploaded by about 12:30 am Central Daylight Time the next day, i.e. Day 3 video should by available by 12:30 the next day. It might be available before that, so check).
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Japan Sumo Association Youtube offers selected full matches on its Youtube and Website channel. They are usually Makuuchi (Top Division) bouts, but sometimes there are Juryo (2nd Division) bouts as well. There is no commentary.
1. Terunofuji (Y1e) (1-1--2-1) v Kiribayama (M2e) (1-1--1-2) (Match Video) Terunofuji is on the left.
3. Terutsuyoshi (M8w) (1-1--2-1) v Tochinoshin (M9w) (0-2--0-3) (Match Video) Terutsuyoshi is on the right.
Imagine Tochinoshin's surprise when his power finishing move, the Tsuridashi (Frontal lift out, in which he lifts his opponent off the dohyo (ring) and carries the victim (often while his legs are flailing like those of a petulant child), had the tables turned on him by an opponent who he outweighs by 57 kg (126 pounds). The big man's feet didn't get too far off the ground, and it wasn't the finishing move of the match, but it was impressive. Earlier Tochinoshin had used the move on Terutsuyoshi, but was unable to win with it, possibly bringing into question his fitness after his tumble off the dohyo yesterday that seemed to injure both his bad knee and neck.
In Juryo (2nd Division:
4. Daiamami (J6e) (1-1--1-2) v Enho (J7e) (1-1--2-1) (Match Video) Diamami is on the left.
Just another day at the office for Enho (168 cm, 5'6", 100 kg, 220 pounds), as he shows Daiamami (185 cm, 6'3", 180 kg, 397 pounds) who the boss is with a stylish Shitatedashinage (Pulling Under Arm Throw)
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Chris Sumo Youtube. Chris Gould is a long time free lance Sumo journalist and videographer. His videos are shot at the venue.
"The key events of Day 3 - including Akua's belt, Kotonowaka's close call, Kotoshoho's gritty resistance, Chiyoshoma's tailored gameplan - retold here."
Matches not covered by JSA links above
All 3 Ozeki lost today
Kotonowaka opens with three consecutive wins against Ozeki, this one a bit contentious, like yesterday. This time there was a mono-ii (Judges Conference) which reversed the Gyoji's (Referee's) original decision. Even with the controversy, Kotonowaka has made his intentions clear in this Basho, after barely missing out on a Playoff in the last one.
Shodai was defeated by The January Champion for the 4th consecutive time. All his momentum from the end of the March Basho seems completely dissipated. Is yet another "Kadoban" (losing record for an Ozeki, if he has another in the next Basho, he loses Ozeki rank)? Since he was promoted to Ozeki after winning the September 2020 Basho, he has been Kadoban twice and collected more than 10 wins only once.
Takakeisho looks a shadow of his former self. Is an injury involved? Takayasu is asking no questions as he broke a 4 match losing streak going back to the March Basho, in which he lost his last match and Playoff.
Kotoshoho (M9e) (1-1--2-1) v Nishikigi (M10w) (1-1--1-2) (Direct Link to Match Video)
Okinoumi (M10e) (1-1--1-2) v Chiyoshoma (M11w) (1-1--2-1) (Direct Link to Match Video)
Ichiyamamoto increases his winning streak to 8.
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Tachiai.org coverage of the Jonokuchi (Division 6--non salaried, lowest division) Basho. Note: The Japan Sumo Association links to all Jonokuchi Rikishi in its daily accounting of the Basho. (Under Banzuke, arrow to Jonokuchi). The Jonokuchi Basho, as with all Division 3-6 Basho, consist of 7 matches over the 15 Day Tournament.
Jonokuchi Match Day 1 (consisting of Day 1 and Day 2 matches). Today's installment features several maezumo ("Before sumo"--unranked sumo wrestlers in their first bouts. Participation in at least one maezumō bout is required to enter the Jonokuchi Division [6--non salaried] for the following Basho matches"--source: Wikipedia Glosssary of Sumo terms). Maezumo was dispensed with in March due to Pandemic restrictions. If you look at any modern Rikishi's Record, the first line of their record is, with few exceptions, a Maezumo line. These matches are interesting because everybody involved with them, from Rikishi, to Gyoji (referees) to Yobidashi (ring announcers who sing out the match ups) are very young and inexperienced). The first Jonokuchi video is Detachi (J21e) v Najima (J22w) and begins after the exit of the maezumo at about 3:55 on the video. There are four Jonokuchi matches featured today. It is interesting to watch how these new Rikishi sometimes are not sure of what side of the dohyo (ring) to return to after the match, or what locker room to return to. Note how the Judges gently prod them to the right areas. If you are interested in following these careers at their birth, the best way to do so is via the Japan Sumo Association Results Page. Pick "Jonokuchi Division" under "Banzuke". Click on any Rikishi link to find out excellent information obout his record and background.
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Photos:
Nikkan Sports Day 3 Photo Feature: There are photos of today's Makuuchi matches, with selected Rikishi quotes. (Japanese). (24 photos)
Mainichi Shimbun Day 3 photo feature (Japanese) (7 photos)
Japanese Sumo Association Twitter Feed provides a steady stream of great photos throughout the Basho. Look for the dates on the tweets for the latest ones. (Japanese)
Sumo Forum Day 2 Photo Feature: Note: these photographs are one day behind, but are certainly worth the wait. (English, from various sources) (150 photos)
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B. Notable and Quotable
Note: Rikishi names that are not linked are those who are linked above in the videos.
News:
"Hotaka Suyama became the first-ever University of Tokyo wrestler to enter professional sumo when he made his maezumo debut and won his first bout in the on-dohyo initiation to sumo tournaments."
"The day has finally come. I'm from Todai (University of Tokyo) (which includes the kanji for east), so I want to aim to become ozeki on the (more prestigious) east side. I'm going to take it one day at a time, surely and steadily."
Hotaka Suyama
"If he doesn't follow proper stable manners, like how to clean and respond to greetings, the younger wrestlers will warn him. He may be the highly hyped Todai wrestler, but once in the sumo world, everyone is treated equally,"
Kise (formerly Rikishi Higonoumi, who reached as high as M1w, and had a Top Division record of 334-417-33 [absences], with 2 Kinboshi [Gold Star wins over Yokozuna] and 2 Special Prizes, in 53 Top Division Basho from March 1993-Novermber 2001, as part of a 10 year Sumo career), Stable Master at Kise Stable, Suyama's new home. (Source for all quotes: Kyodo News). This was a big story in the Sumo world, as Tokyo University is more well known for its academic than sporting pursuits.
Notable:
The big story of Day 3 was the collapse of the Ozeki. All three lost and they are a combined 2-7 so far. As far as looking for a new Yokozuna, none of these Ozeki seem at all ready for this. Takakeisho (O2w) looks out of sorts and is wrestling with little power. Shodai (O1e) has begun this Basho just like he did the last, with 3 losses, putting him in danger of yet another "Kadoban" (losing record, 2 consecutive losing records means loss of Ozeki rank). And Mitakeumi, after an opening win, has lost his last two (although he might have been hard done by today, losing an extremely close and controversial match to Kotonowaka (M2w). Kotonowaka, who has been the beneficiary of two extremely close wins, is off and running at 3-0. March Champion Wakatakakage (S1e), followed up his loss yesterday with a win today and is now 2-1. All five leaders (3-0) are Rank and Filers ranging from Kotonowaka down through Ichiamamoto (M15w) (who, by the way, won his 8th consecutive match over the last two Basho today).
And then there is Terunofuji (Y1e), who has followed up a shock loss on Day 1 with 2 workman like wins. He lurks in the shadows as Rank and Filers help him by dominating the Ozeki. This may become very important when the Top Rankers begin fighting each other next week. It all makes for an intriguing story, but there is definitely some trouble in Sumo's Penthouse.
For the Day: (san'yaku)
Yokozuna: Terunofuji (Y1e)--(W) (2-1)
Ozeki: 2-7: Mitakeumi (O1e) (L) (1-2); Shodai (O1w) (L) (0-3); Takakeisho (O2w) (W) (1-2)
Sekiwake: 4-2: Wakatakakage (S1e) (W) (2-1), Abi (S1w) (W) (2-1)
Komusubi: 4-2 Daieisho (K1e) (W) (2-1); Hoshoryu (K1w) (W) (2-1)
Top Rankers finished 5-3 (.625) Today; In March they were also 5-3.
Top Rankers are 12-12 (.500) through Day 3. In March they were 13-11 (.542).
Maegashira (Rank and File) were 2-4 (.333) against san'yaku today. In the Day standings Maegashira are 1-1-1 against the Top Rankers. In March they were 2-4 (.333) in matches and 0-1-2 in the Day standings. (.000--not counting the tie). For the Basho they are 9-9 (.500). In March they were 8-10 (.444).
There were 10 Kimarite (finishing moves) used today, including 4 types of throws. In March there were 9, including 3 types of throws.
In Juryo (2nd Division), there were 6 Kimarite (finishing moves) used today, including 2 types of throws. In March: 5, with 1 type of throw.
Fighting Time Today :
Makuuchi (Top Division)
Average: 10.6 seconds. In March: 9.0 seconds
Median Fighting Time: 7.8 seconds
Juryo (2nd Division) (see time-keeping caveats below)
Average: 10.0
Median: 7.7
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Quotable: (Source for all, unless specifically stated, is Chris Sumo Youtube)
"Careful and deliberate."
Terunofuji (Y1e), a man of few words when it comes to strategy and tactics, on his grind it out (22 seconds) win over Kiribayama (M2e).
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Mitakeumi (O1e) really came for me, but I did well to hold firm at the rope. I aimed to stay on the attack myself and think that's what led to the winning chance. I picked my moment well."
Kotanowaka (M2w) on his win over Mitakeumi.
"I was left in a tight spot, and it came right at the edge. I'm happy (to beat three ozeki). My body is moving well."
Kotonowaka (Kyodo News).
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"Only against me does Okinoumi come in hands to chest so I thought 'I'm not having that today.' I fought to steal a march, then felt I could drive back all the way. But then he pulled so I tried for inside left and he got outside grip first. Damn! From there, to stop moving is to give him control. So I kept things going and a good job I did."
Chiyoshoma (M11w), talking through his win over Okinoumi (M10e), quite the Thinking Man's Sumo strategy talk, in a sport where much of the interviews are about "imposing my Sumo" and "Gamborizing" (doing my best).
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"My way of staying in was terrible, and coach will hammer me for it. If you're not closing ranks and leaning forward, you'll get injured."
Kotoshoho (M9e), on his remarkable defense at the tarawa (straw bales) that led to his win over Nishikigi (M10w).
"My finish was poor, but it's difficult against someone who's both supple and heavy. Had I been calmer, though, I'd have not walked into that throw."
Nishikigi
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"Pat on the back for me though. I fought well against a man I especially want to beat."
Ichiyamamoto (M15w) on his win over University rival Yutakayama (M14w).
"You're really not supposed to bring baggage into bouts. But I really want to beat him. I tried to keep things calm but now feel I should have gone harder today. I lost our battle of wills."
A clearly disappointed Yutakayama.
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C. Condensed results (20 matches--60 total)
Key: Time of Match--s=seconds; Rank; Winner; Basho Record; Finishing Move; Rank; Loser; Basho Record
Day 3
Makuuchi (Top Division)
Partial or complete absences from this Basho
Ichinojo (M1w) 0-0-3 (Covid)
Ishiura (M16e) 0-0-3 (Neck injury)
12.6s M16w Midorifuji (2-1) yorikiri M17e Kotokuzan (0-3)
06.1s M17w Kagayaki (2-1) oshidashi M15e Azumaryu (0-3)
05.4s M15w Ichiyamamoto (3-0) oshidashi M14w Yutakayama (2-1)
02.1s M14e Oho (2-1) tsukiotoshi M13e Chiyotairyu (0-3)
09.5s M12w Sadanoumi (2-1) yoritaoshi M13w Meisei (1-2)
05.0s M11e Aoiyama (3-0) kotenage M12e Myogiryu (2-1)
11.6s M11w Chiyoshoma (2-1) shitatenage M10e Okinoumi (1-2)
25.0s M9e Kotoshoho (2-1) shitatenage M10w Nishikigi (1-2)
29.5s M8w Terutsuyoshi (2-1) yorikiri M9w Tochinoshin (0-3)
18.2s M6w Wakamotoharu (2-1) uwatenage M8e Shimanoumi (0-3)
08.2s M6e Ura (2-1) oshidashi M7w Kotoeko (2-1)
07.4s M5w Tobizaru (3-0) yorikiri M7e Takarafuji (0-3)
12.4s M3w Tamawashi (3-0) tsukiotoshi M5e Onosho (2-1)
06.9s K1e Hoshoryu (2-1) tsukiotoshi M3e Hokutofuji (0-3)
07.0s S1w Abi (2-1) tsukiotoshi M4w Takanosho (1-2)
05.8s S1e Wakatakakage (2-1) uwatedashinage M4e Endo (1-2)
04.1s K1w Daieisho (2-1) oshidashi O1w Shodai (0-3)
08.6s M2w Kotonowaka (3-0) tsukiotoshi O1e Mitakeumi (1-2)
05.4s M1e Takayasu (1-2) oshitaoshi O2w Takakeisho (1-2)
22.0s Y1e Terunofuji (2-1) kirikaeshi M2e Kiribayama (1-2)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and Nikkansports.com length of bouts data (see result sources below)
Juryo (Second Division--14 matches--42 total)
02.9s J13w Tochimaru (2-1) tsukidashi J14w Churanoumi (2-1)
16.8s J12w Atamifuji (2-1) yorikiri J14e Takakento (1-2)
14.0s J12e Shohozan (2-1) yorikiri J13e Chiyoarashi (0-3)
03.9s J10w Bushozan (2-1) oshidashi J11w Daishomaru (0-3)
04.4s J11e Hiradoumi (3-0) oshidashi J10e Shimazuumi (2-1)
06.3s J8w Asanowaka (2-1) sukuinage J9w Kaisei (1-2)
04.1s J9e Kaisho (1-2) sukuinage J8e Tokushoryu (2-1)
17.4s J6w Nishikifuji (3-0) yorikiri J7w Yago (0-3)
08.7s J7e Enho (2-1) shitatedashinage J6e Daiamami (1-2)
01.9s J4w Tohakuryu (1-2) oshidashi J5w Daishoho (1-2)
29.9s J5e Kitanowaka (1-2) sukuinage J4e Akua (1-2)
04.6s J3w Ryuden (3-0) oshidashi J2e Chiyonokuni (0-3)
20.2s J2w Tsurugisho (2-1) yorikiri J1w Hidenoumi (1-2)
04.6s J1e Chiyomaru (3-0) hikiotoshi J3e Mitoryu (1-2)
Source: Sumo Reference (text results) and my own calculation of times using a stop watch app. (unofficial to say the least)
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D. Kimarite (Finishing Moves)
D 1. Makuuchi (Top Division) Finishing Moves (20 matches--40 Total)
Note: finishing move links below link to short NHK videos demonstrating the technique. Source: Sumo Reference Bout Query--D3; All (Note: the query is for wins only)
10 Finishing Moves Today, 14 Total
Thrust Down (Tsukiotoshi)....................5(9)
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi).................4(18)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri).................3(11)
Under Arm Throw (Shitatenage)................2(3)
Twisting Backward Knee Trip (Kirikaeshi).....1(1)
Arm Lock Throw (Kotenage)....................1(2)
Frontal Push Down (Oshitaoshi)...............1(2)
Pulling Over Arm Throw (Uwatedashinage)......1(1)
Over Arm Throw (Uwatenage)...................1(1)
Frontal Crush Out (Yoritaoshi)...............1(1)
Totals for Basho
Frontal Thrust Out (Tsukidashi)..............5
Hand Pull Down (Hikiotoshi)..................3
Under Shoulder Swing Down (Katasukashi)......2
Slap Down (Hatakikomi).......................1
Out 8(35), Down 12(25)
Frontal 9(37), Lock 1(2), Pulling 1(1), Twisting Backward 1(1)
Push 5(20), Throw 5(7), Thrust 5(14), Force 3(11), Crush 1(1), Trip 1(1), Pull 0(3), Slap 0(1), Swing 0(2)
Under 2(4), Over 1(1)
Arm 5(7), Knee 1(1), Hand 0(3), Shoulder 0(2)
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D 2. Juryo (Second Division) Finishing Moves (14 matches--42 Total)
6 Finishing Moves Today, 10 Total
Frontal Push Out (Oshidashi).................4(9)
Frontal Force Out (Yorikiri).................4(11)