The Kyushu tournament opens at Fukuoka Kokusai Center on November 8. The first two days’ pairings were decided on November 6. On opening day, yokozuna Onosato meets komusubi Yoshinofuji, while Hoshoryu faces newly promoted komusubi Churanoumi.
The ozeki matchups are Aonishiki–Asanoyama, Kotozakura–Fujiryoga and Kirishima–Ura.
On November 9, Hoshoryu–Asanoyama is the final bout, with Onosato facing Fujiryoga. The ozeki pairings are Kotozakura–Churanoumi, Kirishima–Fujiseiun and Aonishiki–Yoshinofuji. Picking a bout to follow before tuning in adds another small pleasure to opening days.
Shiori’s note: Reading through the pairings is part of the fun before a tournament begins.
Sources: Nikkan Sports’ Day 1 and Day 2 reports, November 6.