Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (top tier):
Tokihayate (M17) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Kitanowaka (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takerufuji (M11) beat NIshikigi (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Meisei (M10)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Oshoma (M9)
Churanoumi (M9) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Mitakeumi (M7) beat Endo (M7)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Takayasu (M6)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Shodai (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Abi (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Tobizaru (M2) beat Onosato (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kirishima (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Terunofuji (Y)
WITHDRAWALS (Pre-Tournament): Roga (M8), Hokutofuji (M14). Unspecified injuries for both. Roga-status uncertain. Hokutofuji-will not compete due to surgery and will probably be demoted to Juryo.
Of note: 2 upsets on day 1 starting with Tobizaru quickly flattening Onosato and Wakatakakage catching Terunofuji with bad footwork for an under shoulder swing down. Reportedly Terunofuji’s goal is 10+ wins, which supposedly will keep the Yokozuna Deliberation Council from recommending retirement actions until July, when Terunofuji will probably retire anyway after the current Isegahama must retire due to turning 65 (mandatory retirement age in sumo), opening up that valuable elder stock and stablemaster position. It’s early and no injury/health concerns here but still it’s not a good start. He has Takanosho tomorrow. Tobizaru has Hoshoryu tomorrow so another upset would put the Flying Monkey halfway to a potential Outstanding Performance Prize if he can finish with a winning record. Kotozakura, the leading Yokozuna contender after his first championship in November, has Abi tomorrow.
Juryo:
Wakanosho (Ms1) beat Daishoho (J14)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Nabatame (J14)
Wakaikari (J12) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Daiamami (J11)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Fujirsiun (J8) beat Toachitaikai (J7)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Shishi (J4) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Ryuden (J3) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Shiden (J2)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Kayo (J1)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Bushozan (J7). Unknown. Status uncertain.
Lower tier notes: No match for Enho in the Sandanme today, he’ll begin his 2025 tomorrow.
