Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the September 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Hiradoumi (M16) beat Oho (M13)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Terutsuyoshi (M15)
Takanosho (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M13)
Nishikifuji (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M14)
Kotoeko (M9) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Ryuden (M12) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Onosho (M7)
Okinoumi (M12) beat Aoiyama (M7)
Endo (M6) beat Chiyotairyu (M11)
Takaradufji (M5) beat Yutakayama (M14)
Myogiryu (M9) beat Takayasu (M4)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Hokutofuji (M8)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Ura (M3)
Meisei (M2) beat Kiribayama (K)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Ichinojo (K)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Daieisho (S)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat NIshikigi (M4)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Shodai (O) beat Wakamotoharu (M6)
Leader: Tamawashi (10-1)
Of note: First and foremost…the Ozeki ranks will thin. Because this was his 8th loss and he was in Kadoban status, Mitakeumi will be DEMOTED in November to Sekiwake. However, if he can earn at least 10 wins next time out, he will be re-promoted to Ozeki. Technically this was his 3rd straight losing tournament as an Ozeki but he, and countless other rikishi, got a free pass in July due to numerous coronavirus-related withdrawals (Mitakeumi was 2-6 when he pulled out, but that may have been due to injury) because if one member of a beya (stable) tested positive for the virus, EVERYONE in that beya had to withdraw. Elsewhere, promotions and demotions are starting to pile up, but the one to watch at the top now is Wakatakakage-the Sekiwake started 0-3 but has now won 8 straight and now still has a chance for his second championship (he won the March tournament) and, if he can win out, potential Ozeki promotion. Also, with promotion clinched and 8 wins, Tobizaru probably will make his Sanyaku debut in November as he should be promoted to Komusubi. Besides being at risk of demotion, Ichinojo now has been eliminated from contention so he will not repeat as champion.
Key matches tomorrow on Day 12: Tamawashi-Wakamotoharu, Tobizaru-Nishikifuji (Nishikifuji is tied for 2nd at 9-2), Wakatakakage-Takayasu (both 8-3 so the loser could be all but out), Hokutofuji-Takakeisho (Hokutofuji is 9-2).
Juryo:
Takakento (J14) beat Tomokaze (Ms2)
Chiyosakae (J11) beat Kinbozan (J12)
Gonoyama (J12) beat Enho (J7)
Tochimusashi (J14) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
Oshoma (J13) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Hidenoumi (J5) beat Tochimaru (J13)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Bushozan (J4)
Kagayaki (J4) beat Hokuseiho (J9)
Tohakuryu (J3) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tokushoryu (J10) beat Atamifuji (J3)
Akua (J5) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Chiyonokuni (J2) beat Kaisho (J9)
Daishoho (J8) beat Chiyomaru (J1)
Daiamami (J8) beat Shimanoumi (J1)
Leader: Tochimusashi (9-2)
Key match tomorrow: Tochimusashi-Kagayaki. If Kagayaki wins, we could have a potential 3-way tie for the lead and as many as 5 could still have a chance at the championship.
Asanoyama Watch: The perfect comeback run has been derailed by the 3:10 to Yuma. The former Ozeki, going for 13 straight wins since returning from a 1-year suspension, took a surprise first loss to Yuma in the Makushita today, dropping to 5-1 and eliminated from championship contention. This also likely means Asanoyama, currently at Makushita 15, probably won’t get a big enough promotion to reach Juryo in November even if he finishes 6-1. Yuma is one of 3 at 6-0 who will go for the Championship, presumably on Day 13. This means that, depending on the matches scheduled, there could be a Playoff on Day 15. Also, the possible faceoff for the title between two members of the same beya will not happen because while Asonoyama won to go 6-0, Sakaigawa stablemate Shosei lost against fellow unbeaten Daiseiryu. So one of Yuma, Asonoyama or Daiseiryu will be the winner.
In the Sandanme, the final should be Wakanosho vs. Oshoumi, who are both 6-0.The Jonidan has 3 at 6-0 while in Jonokuchi, Otani is the sole leader at 6-0 and will be champion as long as he wins his final match.
