Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (top tier):
Kitanowaka (M15) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Shonannounmi (M13)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Hakuoho (M15)
Meisei (M10) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Oshoma (M9) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Takaradufji (M8) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Takayasu (M6) beat Roga (M8)
Endo (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Ura (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Abi (K)
Takanosho (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Kirishima (M1) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Shodai (M4)
Leader: Oho, Chiyoshoma, Kinbozan (6-0)
Of note: Atamifuji-Kotozakura had a very rare rematch declared because of a judge’s error-one of the judges raised his hand to indicate Kotozakura had stepped out and the referee stopped the match as a result. Replays confirmed this was incorrect and TV showed a clearly embarrassed judge over the mistake. But the result didn’t change and Kotozakura is now an inexplicable 1-5 after his November championship. We also now know that Roga missed the first 4 days due to a right knee injury, which appears to still be affecting him.
Yokozuna Watch: Hoshoryu’s hopes remain alive after a win today, keeping him one win off the lead at 5-1.
Also of note: Terunofuji & stablemaster Isegahama held a retirement press conference earlier today, which was covered by the Japanese media. Videos of the presser can be found on YouTube. The Yokozuna will remain at the stable as a coach for now, cashing in his Yokozuna elder stock which now gives him 5 years to find a permanent position, which should be easy as he’s considered a candidate to replace Isegahama when he must retire this summer due to reaching the mandatory retirement age. For the time being he will keep his ring name.
Juryo:
Kusano (Ms3) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Daiamami (J11) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Daishoho (J14)
Nabatame (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Ohsoumi (J9) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Mitoryu (J8)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Shishi (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Shiden (J2)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Ryuden (J3) beat Sadanoumi (J10
Kayo (J1) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Leader: 6 at 5-1
Of note: The last unbeaten left, Hakuyozan, lost today which made for a logjam at the top. Among those is Oshoumi, who may well have been November champion if he didn’t miss a couple days near the end. Interestingly, at the bottom are 3 surprises at 0-6: Tsurugisho, Shimanoumi and Daishoho, the last of which seems headed for sure demotion to Makushita this time. Kusano, the first Makushita man up this tournament for a Juryo appearance, is now 3-1 and the top prospect who began his pro career at Ms60 is setting himself up for a chance to be promoted to Juryo in March.
Lower tier notes:
As Promotion Day begins tomorrow, the Makushita has 14 tied at 3-0 who will go for 4-0 and promotion over the next 2 days. In the smaller Sandanme, 20 are 3-0 including rookie Ikarigata, who is at Sd80 in his career debut. The Jonidan has 24 tied at 3-0 while the Jonokuchi has 3 sharing the lead at 3-0. And for those wondering about Enho, he is 2-1 in the Sandanme having lost his first match but winning his last 2.
UPDATE: Roga has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 7. Right knee. Unless he returns on Day 8 this guarantees demotion as he is the equivalent of 0-6. Chiyoshoma will get the fusen as a result and remain at least a co-leader at 7-0.
