Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key/ M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Ryuden (M14)
Mitakeumi (M17) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Sadanoumi (M15)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Meisei (M11)
Tokohayate (M18) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Endo (M9) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Oshoma (M8) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Shirokuma (M17) beat Shodai (M7)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Hakuoho (M9)
Ura (M5) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Nishikigi (M10) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Chiyoshoma (M2) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Takanosho (M3)
Shishi (M13) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Kirishima (K)
Abi (K) beat Churanoumi (M14)
Takayasu (M4) beat Oho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Kotozakura (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Leader: Onosato, Takayasu (10-2)
Of note: Remember that since Onosato already beat Takayasu the only way they will face each other again this tournament is a playoff, and that could happen if they both keep winning. On paper Takayasu should have the easier path but Onosato may have a more favorable match tomorrow against the now-demoted Oho, whose first effort at Sekiwake will end after this tournament. Takayasu has Wakamotoharu tomorrow, who is going for promotion and another Sanyaku return. Aonishiki joins Takerufuji & Tamawashi one back at 9-3. Takerufuji has a big one tomorrow against Kotozakura-the Ozeki mow needs just one more win to protect his rank and avoid demotion.
Juryo:
Hatduyama (J13) beat Daiseizan (J10)
Kazekeno (J13) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Otsuji (J14) beat Hokutofuji (J8)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Shiden (J4) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Kusano (J14) beat Roga (J3). KUSANO JURYO YUSHO!!! 1st career championship
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Kayo (J2) beat Oshoumi (J4)
Tamashoho (J1) beat Nabatame (J5)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Leader and CHAMPION: Kusano (12-0)
Of note: W-O-W. This is almost Prime Hakuho levels of dominance. Now Kusano can focus on trying to go 15-0 and a possible promotion all the way to the top tier in May. And the fact that every other result that needed to happen to make it possible happened! This also ties the record for fastest championship clinching in Juryo AND the 12 straight wins is a new Juryo record. The prior win streak record was held by The 33rd Yokozuna Musashiyama. Otherwise it’s all about promotions & demotions now. Kusano goes for 13-0 tomorrow against Kayo, who needs one more win for promotion. Tomokaze will be headed to the top tier in May as he clinched promotion today with his 8th win at J1.
Lower tier notes: Enho bounced back from his first Makushita loss with a win today, putting him at 5-1 so he will go for yet another 6-1 finish in his last match. That won’t get him to Juryo in May but should set him up for a much better chance at promotion for July. His last match of the tournament is scheduled for tomorrow. In the Sandanme, co-leaders Asanoyama & Asagyokusei have their last matches tomorrow, but not against each other due to being stablemates. If both win, they will face each other in a playoff on the final day. If one wins but one loses, the winner is the champion. If both lose, there will be a MASSIVE playoff-on paper based on tomorrow it could be at least a TEN-WAY playoff!
