Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (top tier):
Aonishiki (M15) beat Nabatame (J5)
Tokiohayate (M18) beat Chiuranoumi (M10)
Ryuden (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Shishi (M13) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Oshoma (M8) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Meisei (M11)
Endo (M9) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Shodai (M7)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Nishikigi (M8)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Takanosho (M3)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Kirishima (K)
Oho (S) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Daieisho (S) beat Ura (M5)
Takayasu (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Abi (K)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Ichiyamamoto!
Leader: Onosato, Takayasu (8-1)
Of note: What’s going on with Hoshoryu? 2 straight losses and God Star Victories and 3 this tournament…he’s 5-4 overall, it may be two things in particular: Yokozuna debut and also he reportedly has been dealing with cellulitis in his right elbow. Elsewhere, Takayasu clinched the first promotion of the tournament with 8 wins and Onosato protected his rank as they share the lead, with Churanoumi falling one back at 7-2. At the bottom., Shonannoumi & Nishikigi are the first demotions, with the latter possibly dealing with an injury. Onosato & Takayasu won’t be co-leaders after today because they face each other tomorrow. Hoshoryu may not be through handing Kinboxhi out because tomorrow he gets Ura going for #3, but what may help the Yokozuna is Ura is on a 5-match losing streak after today.
Juryo:
Hitoshi (J12) beat Otsuji (J14)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Kusano (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J9)
Kazekeno (J13) beat Hokutofuji (J8)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Shinanoumi (J10)
Daiseizan (J10) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Tochitaikai (J3)
Shiden (J4) beat Roga (J3)
Kayo (J2) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Tamashoho (J1) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Leader: Kusano (9-0)
Of note: There’s still 6 days left but it’s turning into super-rookie Kusano’s to lose as he is now 2 ahead of the field. Shimanoumi took his second loss today and is now tied with Hitoshi for 2nd. Also now we may start hearing questions about the future of Hokutofuji as the veteran is looking at another demotion now at 2-7. At J8 he’s not safe in Juryo yet, I think he needs one more win and maybe two to avoid potential demotion to Makushita for the first time in 9 years. Kusano faces Shimanoumi tomorrow and could have a seemingly insurmountable 3 win lead with 5 days to go if he wins and Hitoshi loses (Tohakuryu, who is 4-5). Also, Nabatame was in the top tier today after returning following 5 days out with a left knee injury, the loss today guarantees demotion but if he can get a couple more wins he’ll probably avoid going down to Makushita.
Lower tier notes: Unfortunately no Makushita championship for Enho and thus no Juryo return in May as he took his first loss of the tournament today to fellow unbeaten Oshoryu, so Enho will now look for a 5th straight 6-1 finish and hopefully set up for another shot at a Juryo return for July. Asanoyama did win his Sandanme match as he is among 4 currently 5-0, and there’s the possibility of a playoff against stablemate Asagyokusei if both win their last 2 matches. The Makushita also has 4 tied at 5-0. The Jonidan currently has 6 at 5-0 while the Jonokuchi has just one at 5-0 right now.
UPDATE: Hoshoryu has WITHDRAWN. Cervical spine strain and right elbow. Out 2 weeks. Tournament over. Will finish the equivalent of 5-10. Ura will get the fusen tomorrow but no Kinboshi.
