Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (top tier):
Ichiyamamoto (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Daishoho (M11)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Myogiryu (M16)
Oho (M16) beat Onosho (M9)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Ryuden (M10)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Ura (M4) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Nishikifuji (M3) beat Takanosho (M8)
Abi (M1) beat Meisei (M6)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Takayasu (M2)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Shodai (K) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Daieisho (S) beat Asanoyama (M14)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Korobayama (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Leader: Terunofuji (11-1)
Of note: ULTRA RARE PULL! As he has been known to do on occasion, Ura dazzled the crowd with an incredibly rare winning technique today-zubineri (head pivot throw). It must be seen to be believed, but it hasn’t been used to win in a match in over 25 years! Par for the course between the fan favorite and The Flying Monkey. Elsewhere, Asanoyama took his second loss as he allowed Daieisho to get his signature pusher/thruster offense going and then it was over quickly. That gave Terunofuji the sole lead but he seemed to land rough on his knees as both he and Wakamotoharu landed awkwardly at the end of their match. Monitor this going forward given his history of knee issues.
Ozeki Watch: Promotion? It seems to now be all but official for Kiribayama as he beat Takakeisho for what is now 33 wins over the last 3 tournaments at Sanyaku. That is a minimum criteria for Ozeki promotion consideration (the other is win 2 consecutive tournaments at Komusubi and/or Sekiwake, which Kiribayama can still do this time). Any more wins should be insurance and he’s still in championship contention. Takakeisho again missed an 8th win chance as a result and remains kadoban, but he may have caught the break he needed…his Day 13 opponent is Meisei, who has now lost 3 straight since beating Terunofuji. And there is concern about Meisei possibly suffering a knee injury in his loss today, leading to thoughts Takakeisho could get a freebie tomorrow with a potential Meisei withdrawal. If that happens, Takakeisho is safe at Ozeki and could withdraw himself to get treatment/rest for his knees and likely means 2 Ozeki again in July (again dependent on Kiribayama promotion, which seems a formality now).
While their Ozeki hopes for July are now gone, all the other Sekiwake have protected their rank with 8 wins so far and any further wins can help their post-July promotion chances, especially if they can get to 11 wins. Hoshoryu may be dealing with a thigh injury so that 8th win today was a big one. Elsewhere, a sophomore slump continues for Kinbozan as he will be demoted after his 8th loss today, but he’ll hopefully bounce back on July. One potential Sanyaku change is on the verge of happening too as Kotonowaka will be demoted from Komusubi if he loses again after his 7th loss today.
Key match tomorrow: Terunofuji-Asanoyama. The yusho race could be all but over if Terunofuji wins, but it also depends on Kiribayama who faces Hokuseiho. And if it happens, Takakeisho-Meisei.
Juryo:
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Shiden (Ms1)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Tonokaze (J12)
Daiamami (J9) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Ochiai (J8) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Takakento (J7)
Akua (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Oshoma (J4) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Roga (J4)
Bushozan (J3) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J1)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (11-1)
Of note: Rematch anyone? If Gonoyama & Ochiai keep winning, they’re on track for a playoff rematch for the championship even after Gonoyama won their match yesterday. And if Ochiai does win out, he’ll be in top tier contention. The only thing in the way of the playoff, besides themselves, is Atamifuji at 10-2.
Key matches tomorrow: Ochiai-Shonannoumi, Gonoyama-Shimazuumi, Atamifuji-Hakuyozan. Shonannoumi is 9-3 and, like Gonoyama, is headed to the top tier in July. Shimazuumi is 7-5 and going for promotion. In the latter, history favors Gonoyama as he leads the series vs. Shimazuumi 3-0. Ochiai-Shonannoumi is a first-time meeting. Hakuyozan is 6-6 and Atamifuji won their only prior meeting in March.
UPDATE: As of the start of Day 13 matches Meisei remains in the tournament. No withdrawal yet.
