Haru 2021 Day Ten

Torikumi

Banzuke

Yusho Arasoi

9 wins

K1e Takayasu

7 wins

O1w Asanoyama

S1e Terunofuji

M8w Tobizaru

M9e Chiyonokuni

Notable Maneuvers

Tobizaru beat Chiyoshoma with a komotasukui. That's an "over thigh scooping body drop." Basically, after a chaotic start, Chiyoshoma got sideways and Tobizaru grabbed his thigh and picked him up.

Match of The Day

Sekiwake East Terunofuji versus Maegashira 3 West Shimanoumi

Shimanoumi had no right to win this match, and not just because he was at a disadvantage based on rank and record. Terunofuji by all rights had this won five or six times, except for the key part of actually finally showing Shimanoumi outside. That came back to bite him, when a final rally from the edge allowed him to throw Terunofuji to the clay.

Recap

This is absolutely Takayasu's yusho to lose now. Not only does the two win lead with ten days favor him, he has a favorable schedule. With a 3-2 record over his final five days, Takayasu would still guarantee a playoff at the very least. To his benefit, he's already faced Asanoyama, Daieisho, Mitakeumi, Terunofuji, and Takakeisho. On Day 11, he gets Shodai to finish his Ozeki slate. The last four are probably some combo of Takanosho, Hokutofuji, Wakatakakage, and Shimanoumi, with Tobizaru and Chiyonuni possibly playing interloper. Most of all, he's been fighting extremely well with his trademark stamina.

Behind Takayasu is some intrigue, but maybe not for the Yusho. Terunofuji might also be eyeing 3-2 as a minimum. For the yusho, he'll likely need to win out, but for a return to Ozeki it's different. He's at 31 wins over three basho with his current 7-3. Yet he also will likely not get the promotion with 9 wins, and 10 would be a tough argument.

Takakeisho meanwhile is fighting to stay at Ozeki, due to his kadoban status. He's currently at 6-4, and needs two more wins to insure it. He will likely close with Terunofuji, Asanoyama, and Shodai in some order. The next two days are key for him. Shodai simultaneously will be looking for eight wins to avoid a kadoban status for May. He needs 3 wins, and his final five almost needs to be Takayasu, Takanosho, Terunofuji, Takakeisho, and Asanoyama.

The third Ozeki, Asanoyama, is positioned to spoil all the above plans, and is just two back. If he gets a nice comeback yusho, a Yokozuna possibility looms again. Or he could fade over the last few days like he has before. Takanosho can also play spoiler over the final five days, while also quietly setting up an Ozeki run at Natsu if he climbs up to 10 or 11 wins in this basho.

A glance at the yusho arasoi might make this basho seem boring for the final third. Just remember that two wins can be erased in a flash, and even if Takayasu cruises, lots of intrigue remains for other rikishi.