Fujiryoga is looking pretty solid in his top division debut so far. He defended pretty well against Nishikigifuji's throws until it looks like he had a bit of the old slippy-otoshi at the end.

Mitakeumi got thrown out of position there. Seems his head isn't quite back in the game yet.

Ura giving us another tumbling loss as he gets pulled down and out by Ichiyamamoto. At least he hasn't gone flying into the crowd yet.

Oshoma was working the pressure on Onokatsu's neck and picked a good time to pull him down. Too bad he grabbed the hair to do it, for the first DQ of the basho.

Takanosho had a big tachiai but Kotoshoho read it well and Taka's momentum carried him out after being deflected.

Wakamotoharu stood Fujinokawa up with a big forearm shiver reminiscent of Osunaarashi, but it barely even registered to Fuji as he recovered and drove WMH over the bales. He's so fast and looking great.

Takayasu still looking strong but WTK got the position he needed and used his leg to block Taka's as he completed the overarm throw. The guy in the white suit and fedora in the audience looked disappointed.

Oho taking on Aonishiki's double belt grip by clamping the arms and keeping good position to counter Aoni's throws as he worked him toward the bales. Looks like the Ukranian's yokozuna run is just about done for now.

Here's Wakataka after throwing Takayasu

Looks like Oho may have figured out a reliable way to beat Aonishiki. Double arm lock and hold him up more vertical than he wants to be, so he can't drive forwards as effectively. We'll have to see what develops.

That nodowa on Hiradoumi by Hoshoryu was just .... wut?!?! That one small move - often used just to gain some time or space between other bigger moves - shoved Hiradoumi back almost to the tawara. I've noticed that moves that other wrestlers might think of as an arm move or a leg move, Hoshoryu puts his whole body into it instead. With that nodowa he pushed all the way from his feet. He adjusted his stance just before it, to transfer maximum force into the nodowa and Hiradoumi's face.

At least he hasn't gone flying into the crowd yet.

I kinda feel cheated that Ura somersaulted but not into the crowd.

Takayasu still looking strong but WTK got the position he needed and used his leg to block Taka’s as he completed the overarm throw.

Feelz bad that Takayasu lost, but WTK earned it thru strength, stamina, and skill. Lots of people in the lead. Takayasu's still got a shot.

Oho taking on Aonishiki’s double belt grip by clamping the arms and keeping good position to counter Aoni’s throws as he worked him toward the bales. Looks like the Ukranian’s yokozuna run is just about done for now.

Also feelz bad to watch Aonishiki struggling desperately to make something happen in that grip. Looks like some of the counters are starting to work. I thought it'd happen last tourney but it's not a bad thing to be happening now; imagine if Aonishiki had somehow sneaked into yokozuna with a limited moveset and THEN all the counters started working. He's a smart guy with a varied wrestling background, no doubt he'll figure out what to do.

Also Ura lost, Shishi lost... overall a feelz bad day, lel.

Double arm lock and hold him up more vertical than he wants to be, so he can’t drive forwards as effectively. We’ll have to see what develops.

Yeah, looks like the big guys can maybe use this for the time being, but I'm confident in Aoni continuing to develop strength and skill. I just don't think it was time for him to make it to the top yet, like @sergio@piefed.social said.

We should do an over-under on which audience row Ura's gonna end up in by the end of the basho. Maybe 4th?

Takayasu's still got a shot.

Papayusho!

in this tournament, there's something different with aonishiki's game (or rather, there's nothing different. He's no longer wrestling like he came from another line). He's playing like any other rikishi (?) and losing.

Might just be in his head a little bit. It's tough just knowing you're going against the top guys day after day, and especially when you don't have a ton of experience to rely on it can be hard to make the adjustments you need as people start figuring out your fighting style.

I think he's really showing nerves for the first time. Which is completely understandable, of course. But the other guys are also starting to figure him out. He's no longer the newcomer but the top dog that everyone chases after. But anyway, this has not been a yokozuna worthy performance so far.

Yeah definitely. I still think he's going places but he's not there yet.

Did you see him hang on by his toes against the bales for like 3 seconds today (day 7)? Even losing he's fun to watch.