Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the September 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (top tier):
NIshikigi (M13) beat Shirokuma (M16)
Takayasu (M15) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
NIshikifuji (M17) beat Bushozan (M12)
Kitanowaka (M16) beat Kagayaki (M11)
Ryuden (M14) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Roga (M10) beat Onokatsu (M14)
Kinbocan (M12) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Oshoma (M9)
Wakatakakage (M7) beat Midorifuji (M8)
Endo (M8) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Meisei (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M9)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M4)
Mitakeumi (M3) beat Oho (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Takanosho (M1)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Daisieho (K)
Onosato (S) beat Wakamotoharu (M3)
Shodai (M4) beat Abi (S)
Kirishima (S) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Hiradoumi (K)
Ura (M5) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Onosato (9-0)
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! After a judges’ reversal when the win was given to Oshoma before review, Takarafuji was credited with a very rare technique victory-Sakatottari, arm bar throw counter. It was close at the end and appeared both went down at the same time but replays show Oshoma clearly touched down first. Elsewhere, Kagayaki became the first demotion of the top tier falling to 1-8 while Meisei staved off demotion for another day by going to 2-7. Shonannoumi then became the second demotion after falling to 1-8. Newcomer Shirokuma is now one loss from demotion and probably returning to Juryo as well. At the top, Onosato is now at 30 wins with a championship in his last 3 tournaments, so Ozeki consideration is virtually certain at this point. A championship does it for sure, 3 or more wins probably will too. Kirishima remained in contention and protected his rank with an 8th win, staying one back. Kotozakura’s title hopes took a big hit with a loss to Ura, but at 6-3 there is still hope because tomorrow is Onosato-Kirishima. If Onosato wins, he’s 2 up with 5 days to go.
Juryo:
Daiseizan (J12) beat Kayo (J14)
Takerufuji (J11) beat Oshoumi (J14)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Tomokaze (J11) beat Daishoho (J9)
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Mitoryu (J7) beat Aoiyama (J13)
Shimazuumi (J4) beat Shiden (J6)
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Asakoryu (J6)
Tsurugisho (J7) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Shishi (J2)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Daiamami (J5)
Chiyoshoma (J1) beat Hakuoho (J5)
Leader: Takerufuji (9-0)
Of note: The championship race may be down to 2. It’s still Takerufuji unbeaten, Chiyoshoma one back with promotion back to the top tier secured, then everyone else is now at least 3 off the lead. ANd now we have to have the potential thoughts and hard talk about Aoiyama again-he now must win out to avoid demotion, and 2 or more losses the rest of the way should mean demotion to Makushita and wondering if it’s finally the end of the Bulgarian veteran.
Lower tier notes:
The Makushita is down to the Final 4, with 4 leading at 5-0 so one of them likely will be the eventual champion as we’ll narrow it down to 2 on Day 11 or 12. Chiyomaru, who is trying to be promoted back to Juryo, will not be among them. The Sandanme currently has 5 at 5-0 which means a playoff may eventually be needed. In the Jonidan, Enho won again today and is among 5 at 5-0, so it’s safe to say he’ll be promoted to the Sandanme in November. In the Jonokuchi, both remaining unbeatens won to go to 5-0.
