Hakuho downed the third ozeki in a row to secure kachi-koshi after the shaky 5-4 start. He still plays a role in the yusho race as leader Kisenosato suffered a surprising loss to pursuer Tochiozan and all other pursuers lost except veteran Kyokutenho in a bout against another pursuer Takarafuji. In a defense of the five losing pursuers must be said that all of them had clear head-to-head disadvantages in the past against their opponents (except Aoiyama who was 1-1 against Daido).
Anyway, this means that Hakuho suddenly is in shared fourth place two wins behind the sole leader Kisenosato (and Tochiozan and Kyokutenho at 9-3 probably aren't real yusho threats). The yokozuna is facing Kisenosato tomorrow and a loss of the leader would mean big pressure on the final two days against rather strong opponents Harumafuji and Baruto. Of course the three ozeki at 8-4 (Baruto, Kotoshogiku and Kakuryu) would play a big role in the yusho race as well.
The juryo yusho leaders are Tamaasuka and Kyokushuho as the other three co-leaders lost, Ikioi in a makuuchi visit. Tamaasuka pretty much clinched a return to makuuchi as did lead juryo Masunoyama with a henka win over Kimurayama (both after four juryo basho). Ikioi also is likely to get back with Czech Takanoyama riding a hot stretch (6-1 in the last week) to stay one behind the leaders and also put himself in promotion discussions. It remains to be seen if enough open spots are available as Chiyonokuni and Fujiazuma are certain demotees with only Tenkaiho, Asasekiryu and Kimikaze still in danger.
Masakaze got his third consecutive wins and still has a fighting chance to stay in juryo after the 0-5 start, Masuraumi also needs two more wins to stay. It's tougher for Satoyama who can't afford any more losses but he sent lead makushita Arawashi to make-koshi. Tomorrow he gets the other lead makushita Takanoiwa, also at 3-3.
Doitsuyama (sumoforum)
