Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the Halfway Point-of the July 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikigi (J1) beat Shishi (M17)
Kusano (M14) beat Hidenoumi (M15)
Kayo (M16) beat Fujinokawa (M14)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Kotoeiho (M17)
Kotoshoho (M15) beat Shodai (M13)
Takanosho (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M16)
Midorifuji (M12) beat Tokihayate (M11)
Roga (M10) beat Asakoryu (M12)
Ichiyamamoto (M8) beat Atamifuji (M10)
Tobizaru (M7) beat Chiyoshoma (M9)
Ura (M9) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Meisei (M5) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Tamawashi (M4) beat Abi (M2)
Aonishiki (M1) beat Oho (M2)
Takayasu (K) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Kirishima (S) beat Onokatsu (M3)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Kinbozan (M3)
Oshoma (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hakuoho (M4) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Hakuoho!
Leader: Kirishima, Tamawashi, Ichiyamamoto, Kusano (7-1)
Of note: The 6 co-leaders were trimmed down to 4 today after Onosato & Mitakeumi lost. And I thought Kotozakura had a good matchup against Oshoma today…oops. And while no promotions yet the first demotions were clinched today as Hidenoumi returned after being our 3 days and unfortunately had to face Kusano, which didn’t go well, and Chiyoshoma is also now 0-8 after a loss. Today was the second Kinboshi Onosato has given up this tournament as a new Yokozuna, but his pattern so far has been 3 wins, Kinboshi, 3 wins, Kinboshi. So no panic yet as he should win another 3 in a row now and he’s still only one off the lead. Tomorrow he faces Takayasu, who has been serving as sword-bearer for Onosato’s ring-entering ceremonies. For obvious reasons that won’t be the case tomorrow. Ichiyamamoto gets the honor instead.
Can’t declare Ozeki Watch yet and haven’t but if Kirishima keeps this up, he has a chance at re-promotion. He needs to win his last 7 to get to the unofficial “magic number” of 33 wins over the last 3 tournaments in Sanyaku for promotion chances, but if he can get 13 or maybe 12 a championship could do it as well.
Juryo:
Kitanowaka (Ms3) beat Shimanoumi (J12)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Shiden (J11)
Nishikifuji (J9) beat Miyanokaze (J14)
Tsurugisho (J9) beat Otsuji (J12)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Daiamami (J13)
Kotokuzan (J14) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Mita (J11) beat Takarafuji (J7)
Kazekeno (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J5)
Oshoumi (J3) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Tochitaikai (J4) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Daiseizan (J6) beat Shonannoumi (J2)
Tomokaze (J2) beat Tohakuryu (M5)
Ryuden (J1) beat Hitoshi (J6)
Leader: Daiseizan, Nishikifuji (7-1)
Of note: No promotions yet although the co-leaders are about there, but the first demotion will be Shirokuma who fell to 0-8. Otsuji seems to be headed back to Makushita as he is now 1-7 in his Juryo return and must win out to maintain his ranking. Same for Shimanoumi whose latest slow start in Juryo may be his last as he is also 1-7. That win over Shimanoumi also clinched promotion for Kitanowaka so any more wins he can get in Makushita will increase his chances of a Juryo return.
Lower tier notes: Unfortunately Enho has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 9. Left leg. Nikkan Sports reports it was injured in his Day 7 match. Status uncertain but if he misses Days 11-12 or doesn’t return that’s another demotion and means he won’t make it back to Juryo this year.
With Promotion Day now finished, the Makushita has 7 left at 4-0, with two-Asahakuryu & Kamito-with chances for Juryo promotion. Kamito probably needs to win the championship to be promoted while Asahakuryu probably needs at least one more win. The Sandanme has 10 left at 4-0. The Jonidan has 12 tied for the lead at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 4 at 4-0.
UPDATE: Nikkan Sports provided an update on Enho-avulsion fracture in left leg. Tournament over. Status uncertain beyond this. Will be demoted in September due to having equal yo a 2-5 record this time.