Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the January 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (top tier):
Endo (M13) beat Roga (J3)
Takanosho (M12) beat Bushozan (M16)
Tsurugisho (M11) beat Shimazuumi (M17)
Oho (M11) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Onosato (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M10)
Kotoshoho (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M9)
Onosho (M14) beat Meisei (M9)
Tomokaze (M14) beat Ichiyamamoto (M7)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Shonannoumi (M6)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Hiradoumi (M8) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Midorifuji (M2) beat Ryuden (M5)
Abi (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Asanoyama (M7) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Ura (K) beat Shodai (M4)
Daieisho (S) beat Kinbozan (M6)
Kotonowaka (S) beat Kirishima (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Hoshoryu (O) by default/withdrawal
Leader: Terunofuji, Kotonowaka (12-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Hoshoryu (O). Ankle. Likely out for the final day. Will finish the equivalent of 10-5 it that is the case so he will maintain his Ozeki status but it cost him a chance at the championship.
Of note: There’s still a playoff chance but either we’ll have a repeat winner or a first-timer. Terunofuji may have been gifted another Emperor’s Cup today because of the Hoshoryu withdrawal but he still has to beat Kirishima tomorrow. Kotonowaka has easier for his potential first championship but not that easy-Tobizaru. The Flying Monkey is going for promotion and, along with Ura, is one of the most unpredictable rikishi in the top tier. If Kotonowaka does win, he either wins his first championship or will have a playoff rematch against Terunofuji. If Kotonowaka loses, Terunofuji is the champion if he beats Kisishima, but if Kirishima wins there would be a 3-way playoff. Elsewhere, that’s 7 straight wins for Abi, who has gone from a 1-6 start to promotion. Onosato has stopped his 4-match losing streak since an 8-1 start with 2 straight wins now, and with 10 wins he’s going to have a chance to win one of the Special Prizes.
Finally, I think we can say with confidence that it’s over for Takaraduji. 5-9 at M16 is going to send him to Juryo for the first time since 2012. If he wins his finale (Kotoshoho, who is now 9-5) it would take Isegahama really flexing his clout to keep his veteran in the top tier, and he’s had that kind of influence in the rankings lately. Maybe too much. A loss and demotion is definite.
Yokozuna Watch: Kotonowaka all but slammed the door shut on Kirishima but there still is hope. If Kirishima beats Terunofuji and Kotonowaka loses to Tobizaru, there will be a 3-way playoff for the championship. That gives Kirishima a good chance, he’ll almost definitely be promoted if he wins while a playoff loss still gives him hope because 12 wins would be equal to the championship. If he finishes 2nd with 12 wins to 13 for Kotonowaka, there’s still a possibility because when Terunofuji was promoted, he was runner-up with 14 wins after a final day loss to Hakuho for the legend’s final championship before retirement after a perfect 15-0 finale.
Ozeki Watch: Promotion is now Kotonowaka’s to lose. If he wins tomorrow, that’s 33 wins and potentially his first championship so it would be pretty much definite. If he is the champion, promotion will happen. If he loses, that’s 32 wins but it’s not mandatory to hit 33 wins so he will have a chance. If no promotion this time, he’s looking at a magic number of 10 wins in March.
Juryo:
Kitaharima (Ms2) beat Akua (J11)
Takerufuji (J10) beat Chiyosakae (J14). TAKERUFUJI JURYO YUSHO!!! The latest Isegahama super-prospect wins his first Juryo Championship and 3rd career championship. In 8 tournaments he has a career mark of 55-8. Depending on his final day result, he’ll probably go up to J1 or J2, with an outside chance of reaching the top tier.
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Tochimusashi (J14)
Yuma (J13) beat Shiden (J8)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Shitokuma (J6) beat Tenshoho (J12)
Oshoumi (J13) beat Chiyoshoma (J5)
Daishoho (J9) beat Tamashoho (J4)
Kotoeko (J4) beat Chiyomaru (J12)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Oshoma (J5) beat Nishikifuji (J2)
Tokihayate (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Asakoryu (J7) beat Daiamami (J1)
Shishi (J7) beat Miroryu (J1)
CHAMPION: Takerufuji (12-2)
Of note: The deal was sealed early. Although both Kitanowaka & Tokihayate win, Takerufuji closed the door and maintained his 2-win lead to end the championship race. At 13-2 or 12-3 when it ends he’s going to have at least a chance at reaching the top tier depending on what happens elsewhere. With Daiamami & Mitoryu both at 7-7 and having to win for promotion tomorrow, Takerufuji probably needs both to lose to reach Makuuchi. If one of both win, I’ll slot him at J1 in March. At the bottom, I think we’re now looking at a minimum of 4 demotions to Makushita-Yuma, Tochimusashi (again), Chiyosakae all for sure and one or both of Tenshoho & Chiyomaru. Kotoeko is in danger but at the equivalent of 3-11 at J4 (missed 3 days due to flu) I think he’s managed enough wins to hang on to salary for March, If he gets a 4th win tomorrow, he’s safe.
As far as Makushita, right now we’re looking at one definite promotion-Wakatakakage, the former Sekiwake who at Ms1 won the championship at 7-0 and will get his salary back, and 2 probable promotions-Kitaharima clinched promotion today at Ms2 and the numbers game is working in his favor, and Hakuoho, who went 6-1 at Ms5 in his return from shoulder surgery and has the rocket fully fired up for a quick return to the top tier, possibly by July. Tsushimanada, who is 4-2 at Ms2 with promotion already clinched, will also have a chance at a Juryo return, and if he wins it should be definite.
Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including the championship matches, playoffs if necessary, Emperor’s Cup award ceremony and champion’s interview, beginning tonight at 11:30 PM PT/2:30 AM ET.
