Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (top tier):
Onokatsu (M12) beat Ryuden (M14)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Sadanoumi (M15)
Meisei (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Nishikigi (M10) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Shonannoumi (M10) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Shishi (M13) beat Endo (M9)
Shodai (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M16)
Tokihayate (M18) beat TamawashI (M7)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Takayasu (M4)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M2) beat Takanosho (M3)
Oshoma (M8) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Kirishima (K) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Ura (M5) beat Abi (K)
Oho (S) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Onosato (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Takayasu, Onosato (11-3)
Of note: Oh no…that was my first reaction when Takayasu lost. The match just went too long and he couldn’t finish. Not again…he could have clinched the championship if all went well but now he must beat the always-tricky Abi tomorrow AND Onosato must lose in the Ozeki Showdown against Kotozakura to be champion. If both win, there will be a playoff. If Onosato wins and Takayasu loses, Onosato wins his third championship. But if both lose, there not only will be a playoff, it could be up to a 5-way playoff because that means Aonishiki, Churanoumi and Tokihayate all can get in with wins….and none face each other. Also, if Onosato wins then no matter what happens he’ll likely be on Yokozuna watch and have a chance at pomotion after May if he can win the championship. As for who the 10-4 trio face, Tokihayate is first and has Kirishima, who needs a win to stay in Sanyaku (7-7). Aonishiki has Oho, who is in a likewise situation despite demotion from Sekiwake coming (6-8). Churanoumi faces Daieisho (9-5), looking to make his chances for Ozeki promotion after May slightly better. Right now, the unofficial magic number for Daieisho in May will be 13-a win lowers it to 12, but he also can get there with a championship.
Juryo:
Kazekeno (J13) beat Ishizaki (Ms1)
Miyagi (Ms1) beat Hokutofuji (J11)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Otsuji (J14) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Kusano (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Nabatame (J5) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Daiseizan (J10) beat Shiden (J4)
Oshoumi (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Roga (J3) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Kayo (J2) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Tamashoho (J1)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Leader: Kusano (13-1)
Of note: I think Kusano will be promoted to the top tier if he wins tomorrow to finish his championship-winning effort at 14-1. Right now it’s a toss-up but he will have a chance with 13-2 even if he loses. Not helping is Roga likely taking away a spot as he’s almost certainly headed back to the top tier with 10 wins now and Kayo will have a chance with 9 so far. Kusano will go for 14-1 against Fujiseiun, who is 9-5. Elsewhere, I also believe that despite missing several days with injuries, both Oshoumi & Nabatame saved their Juryo spots with wins today. Miyagi clinched promotion to Juryo in May today but Ishizaki, the younger brother of Asakoryu (formerly Ishizaki), missed out and gets demoted instead. A mixed bag for the promotion chances for Makushita Champion Oshoryu, who sees one potential opening taken away. It sounds like it may come down to what Daiamami and Mita do tomorrow in Juryo (both are 3-3) and Akua in Makushita tomorrow (5-1 at Ms6). At worst he’s going to be looking at perhaps Ms3.
Lower tier notes: Lost in the shuffle yesterday was news that Enho won his final Makushita match so that’s a 5th straight 6-1 result in his comeback effort. It won’t get him back to Juryo in May but it puts a July return within reach. We’ll see how things shake out tomorrow but if I had to guess where he’ll be next time, I’ll put him somewhere between Ms7 & Ms11.
Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage tomorrow FOR FREE, including the final matches, potential playoff if necessary, awards ceremony & champion’s interview, beginning at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET.
UPDATE: In Juryo Hokutofuji has WITHDRAWN ahead of the final day. Right knee. This is leading to expectations of demotion to Makushita after finishing 3-12. Daiamami gets the fusen as a result.
