Nagoya 2025 Day Three
The third day of the July sumo tournament keeps shaping the early part of the basho.
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Scores from Fantasizr
Notable Maneuvers
Hatakikomi. Abi did not commit a henka, technically, because he put his hands on Wakatakakage’s shoulders before flying up and sideways. So that means he wins by slap down. Still looked like a massive dodge by Abi.
Match of the Day
01 Yokozuna East Hoshoryu versus 09 Maegashira #1 East Aonishiki
This match was the first-ever matchup with two oddly similar rikishi, athletic and powerful guys with a bunch of techniques. From the tachiai, Aonishiki tried to get under, but got pushed back by the Yokozuna’s power. Showing skill beyond his years, Aonishiki regrouped to get a belt grip. That moved the match around, although not necessarily in a way that would drop Hoshoryu. So Aonishiki used his oddly long and flexible arms to reach for the legs and essentially rugby tackle Hoshoryu for his first career kinboshi. Aonishiki might not get many more because he’ll be in Sanyaku for awhile.
Recap
Hoshoryu’s second-straight loss is the headline of Day Three. It could spell doom, or it could be a blip. Hoshoryu’s kinboshi were given up to the Maegashira #1 pair, a former Sanyaku man and a young rising star. Hoshoryu also dropped back to back early matches in May, but ended up at 12-3 with a Jun-Yusho. He isn’t dead in the water. Perhaps this should be better seen as a match that announced Aonishiki’s presence even more.
Onosato found no such trouble on Day Three. The Shin-Yokozuna did have to do slightly more work against Wakamotoharu than he’s gotten used to. Wakamotoharu took the tachiai to try and get around Onosato for a pull or throw. Being huge and extremely skilled, Onosato just sent Wakamotoharu sideways without needing to move much himself. Onosato is quickly becoming the best defensive sumotori, while also being as big as anyone and remarkably athletic. The next 12 days should be challenging for the rest of Makuuchi.
The real lasting effect of Day Three will be how many rikishi picked up their first loses in Nagoya’s IG Arena. Wakatakakage, Takerufuji, Gonoyama, Roga, Midorifuji, Shodai, and Kusano all dropped to 2-1. That’s not a big problem, but it does mean they are all one back of a Yokozuna who doesn’t look like losing. It also demonstrates how even much of the top division is right now. Onokatsu, Meisei, Tobizaru, Atamifuji, Tokihayate, Churanoumi, and Fujinokawa all got their first win. Any Maegashira versus Maegashira match feels like it could go either way.
The group at 3-0 is interesting, even though Onosato is still clearly the leading light. Kirishima is looking to regain an Ozeki rank. Tamawashi is an ageless wonder. Ichiyamamoto is a pusher-thruster trying to add variety. Ura’s controlled chaos is working so far. Kotoshoho has used his athleticism better. Mitakeumi is enjoying his Makuuchi return, although the sumo hasn’t looked outstanding as much as smart. Maybe only Kirishima seems like a real threat to Onosato among the other undefeated, but wins are wins.
Hoshoryu is probably a little desperate now, as is fellow 1-2 rikishi Kotozakura. A disastrous basho from the Ozeki would just mean kadoban status, but it makes the question of who can be the next Ozeki a little more pressing. Wakatakakage’s hopes aren’t gone with one loss, and Kirishima’s narrower path to an Ozeki promotion is also still alive. Aonishiki is looking like he’s closer to a longer Sanyaku run than a 21-year-old wrestler in his third Makuuchi basho should be. Yes, Onosato could be in a position to run away with this one too, but there’s still plenty of intrigue left.