Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (top tier):
Kinbozan (J1) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Hokutofuji (M12) beat Asakoryu (M17)
Bushozan (M17) beat Tamawashi (M11)
Meisei (M11) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takerufuji (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M14) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Shishi (M16) beat Midorifuji (M9)
Onokatsu (M15) beat Takayasu (M9)
Nishikifuji (M14) beat Roga (M8)
Ryuden (M13) beat Endo (M7)
Nishikigi (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M12)
Tobizaru (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Abi (M3) beat Atamifuji (M3)
Wakatakakage (M2) beat Ura (M2)
Oho (M1) beat Kotoshoho (M5) by default/withdrawal
Hiradoumi (M1) beat Oshoma (M4)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Gonoyama (M8)
Churanoumi (M4) beat Shodai (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Takanosho (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Onosato (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Leader: Kotozakura, Hoshoryu (13-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Kotoshoho (M5). Left foot/toe. Out about 2 months. That would mean questionable for January, which after a 3-12 tournament this time would see him demoted to Juryo if he can’t compete. Oho got the fusen as a result.
Of note: It’s winner-take all tomorrow in the final match as one of the two Ozeki will win the championship. It would be the first long-awaited title for Kotozakura or the second for Hoshoryu and it will mean Yokozuna Watch in January as 14 will be the champion’s win total. Hoshoryu sent a clear message by effortlessly lifting Kirishima out of the ring to win easily, and also perhaps lifting Wakamotoharu back up to Sekiwake as he’s promoted and Kirishima will be demoted. Kotozakura beat Onosato as the new Ozeki continues to struggle late at now 8-6, but his rank is already safe. Elsewhere, an odd occurrence as Shodai lost by a rare non-winning technique, koshikudake or inadvertent collapse. It appears his right foot slipped although it looked like it suddenly gave way, thankfully it does not appear to be an injury. Also, surprised there wasn’t a review of Takerufuji-Ichiyamamoto, it looked too close to call at the end and a replay may have overturned the result. Isegahama bias?
Juryo:
Hatsuyama (Ms1) beat Nabatame (J14)
Kiryuko (Ms2) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Chiyomaru (J11)
Tohakuryu (J6) beat Daishoho (J9)
Shimazuumi (J5) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Tochitaikai (J12) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Tamashoho (J4) beat Oshoumi (J14)
Aonishiki (J11) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Shiden (J6) beat Shirokuma (J3)
Kayo (J3) beat Daiamami (J9)
Kagayaki (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
Hakuoho (J2) beat Mitoryu (J7)
Hidenoumi (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J1)
Leader: Kinbozan (11-3)
Of note: Now Oshoumi is officially out of it. He returned from injury in time to mathematically still have a chance to win the championship despite missing 3 days, but today’s loss ended those chances. Kinbozan just has to win tomorrow (Aonishiki) to win the championship, but if Aonishiki wins there will be a playoff rematch, and it could be a 3-way playoff if Tsurugisho wins (Kitanowaka). Hakuoho probably clinched promotion back to the top tier today with his 9th win, but a 10th tomorrow makes it definite, while Kagayaki has a chance too but probably needs a 9th win tomorrow. The Makushita men up today should be promoted to Juryo in January as both will finish 5-2, Hatsuyama definitely is coming up for his Juryo debut while Kiryuko should be back after making his Juryo debut in September. I don’t see any other Makushita promotions happening as all the other top 5 ranks are either being demoted or only went 4-3, which likely won’t do it but there could be 2 more Juryo demotions tomorrow along with Chiyomaru if both Nabatame & Wakaikari lose as they are 7-7 at J14 & J13, respectively. Onosho will also be demoted too.
Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage tomorrow in English FOR FREE, including the Ozeki Championship Showdown, awards ceremony and champion’s interview, beginning TONIGHT at 11:30 PM PT/2:30 AM ET.
UPDATE: The Special Prizes have been announced ahead of the Final Day:
Outstanding Performance: Abi
Fighting Spirit: Takanosho (if he wins his final match)
Technique: Wakatakakage
