Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the July 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Bushozan (M16) beat Takarafuji (M15)
Daishoho (M14) beat Hakuoho (M17)
Endo (M16) beat Gonoyama (M13)
Aoiyama (M17) beat Chiyoshoma (M12)
Ryuden (M15) beat Tsurugisho (M11)
Shonannoumi (M14) beat Kotoeko (M11)
Myogiryu (M10) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Takayasu (M7)
Hokutofuji (M9) beat Oho (M6)
Takanosho (M9) beat Hokuseiho (M6)
Onosho (M5) beat Nishikifuji (M8)
Shodai (M2) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Nishikigi (M1) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Abi (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Ura (M4)
Kirishima (O) beat Meisei (M3)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Nishikigi, Hokutofuji (8-1)
Of note: The first promotions and winning records of the tournament were clinched today by the leaders-that’s 10 straight winning tournaments for Hoshoryu and likely a Sanyaku debut for Nishikigi next time out. And also today was the first demotion as Mitakeumi is the first to 8 losses, meaning a losing record. 2 of the 3 rookies lost today as Shonannoumi was the only winner while Hakuoho & Gonoyama lost. Shonannoumi & Hakuoho are at 6-3 while Gonoyama is 5-4 and has now lost 4 straight. So has Takayasu, who started 5-0 but is now 5-4. Several others are on the verge of demotion at 2-7 while Endo can earn promotion tomorrow sitting at 7-2.
Ozeki Watch: Hoshoryu & Daieisho now are 4 wins away from the magic number with Walamotoharu now at 5 after all won again. Hoshoryu has protected his rank with 8 wins and the others now are just one win away. A mixed bag on tap tomorrow-Hoshoryu has Kotonowaka, Daieisho gets Hiradoumi while Wakamotoharu has Onosho. That means if we have the traditional Sekiwake Showdowns they’ll be in the final days and could ultimately decides who may-and may not-be promoted.
Kirishima managed a win today against Meisei, his 3rd so far, and gets Ura tomorrow. He’ll go to the equivalent of 4-6 with a win, but a loss leaves the new Ozeki on the verge of kadoban status.
Juryo:
Mukainakano (Ms3) beat Hidenoumi (J12)
Shishi (J12) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J11)
Kiho (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J10)
Tomokaze (J9) beat Chiyonoumi (J14)
Akua (J8) beat Yuma (J14)
Shiden (J13) beat Takakento (J8)
Daiamami (J9) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Oshoma (J4) beat Hakuyozan (J7)
Azumaryu (J6) beat Shimazuumi (J3)
Mitoryu (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Ichiyamamoto (J3) beat Roga (J2)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Atamifuji (J1)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Leader: Daiamami (8-1)
Of note: Daiamami is the first in Juryo to claim promotion as he tries to climb back up to the top tier. Only 2 more can get there tomorrow. On the other end, Ichiyamamoto winning today should keep him in Juryo even if he loses the rest of the way following being absent 2 days after an 0-8 start and pending demotion. 0-15 would’ve been a toss-up based on what happened after May, but I think this win keeps him in Juryo. Another win would be insurance though.
Lower tier notes:
The Makushita is down to 3 unbeatens at 5-0 with 2 more at 4-0 competing tomorrow. So that will leave between 3 & 5 still in championship contention. The Sandanme is down to 5 at 5-0, leaving the potential of a final day playoff open. The Jonidan is at 6 at 5-0 while Jonokuchi is down to just 2 with neither competing again until Day 11 at the earliest.
