Day 15

Juryo
Started out with some rikishis visiting from Makushita.
Yuma had a quick but intereting bout, right after tachi-ai he had his chance. Tsushimanada could hold himself, and turned the tables quick.
Shishi is a Ukrainian fella, as "Westerners" he is a big lad 192cm tall. Has weight too, especially compared to his opponent Tokihayate. He won 6-1. I assume he starts in Juryo next time.
Third is Ryuo, at Makushita #3, but had 1-6 balance. He lost again. Daiamami is big and has routine.
Important bouts:
Atamifuji vs. Chiyosakae. The latter ain't too skillful, and Atami got his 13th win! Had a chance for yusho depending on two other fights.
Oshoma vs. Ochiai. Latter starting from 13-1 and adding one more to that. 14! Atamifuji is out of the race (13 wins are still nice), and Gonoyama has to score one to challange Ochi in playoff.
Gonoyama vs Kitanowaka. Big henka done by Kitanowaka, and then Gonoyama saved the match twice more! Then pushed out Kitano from the dohyo.
Playoff!
Gonoyama vs Ochiai. They faced each other earlier, the former taking the point home. Short relentless pushy-pushy offense on behalf of Gonoyama decided the outcome. He won, Juryo yusho is his.


Makuuchi
In this division the yusho was decided yesterday when yokozuna Terunofuji beat sekiwake Kiribayama in a lengthy bout. It was quite good, Kiribayama avoided getting hugged, but Teru waited out his chance patiently.
So.
Hokuseiho vs. Kagayaki. The veteran beat the greenhorn. Still 7-8 and I think he faces relegation.
Ryuden vs. Kotoeko. Sadly Ryuden lost again, on the plus side, Kotoeko got his kachi-koshi, 8-7. Kotoeko isn't among the best rikishi but always fights in good spirit, and gives in everything he has.
Another rikishi like that is Hiradoumi. He had the 9th win, he's position was safe.
Tobizaru vs. Tamawashi. What an intense bout! And in the end Tobizaru was rightfully happy.
Oho vs. Midorifuji. Oho is having a good run this basho. But Midori is quite skillful and strong relative to his size. Long bout with different techniques thrown in. With long deadlock. Where the Big Lad pulled down to the clay the Tiny One. 11th win, Oho.
The battle of the two ex-ozekis: Shodai vs. Mitakeumi. Mita seems recovering, pocketing his 9th win.
Important bout: Kiribayama vs. Hoshoryu. K on ozeki run, and while it seems he gathered enough points I think it would mean much if he could beat all the other sekiwakes. Hoshoryu is skillful, and won in a raltively short, but interesting bout. He managed to grab Kiribayama's mawashi, both hands with strong grip, and lifted him up and throw him down the ground. K really dun goofed this one.
Terunofuji vs Takakeisho. Takakeisho did not have much chance. At least he already had his 8th win, safe from demotion. He fell on his legs, I hope his knees hold, he walked away relatively fine. A nice return for the yokozuna with solid 14-1 wins.

See you in July.