Tag: grand sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo,Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikigi (M12) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Hakuoho (M15)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Meisei (M10)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Oshoma (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Endo (M7)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Takayasu (M6)
Takanosho (M1) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Kirishima (M1) beat Oho (M3)
Shodai (M4) beat Abi (K)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Daieisho (S) beat Ura (M4)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Leader: Kinbozan (10-2)
Yokozuna Watch: Hoshoryu won the one he had to win today, easily beating Kinbozan to close to one off the lead in a group at 9-3. He still must win out and claim the championship (ideally at 12-3) for any chance at promotion.
Of note: The heat is on Kinbozan as the field is closing on the youngster, including a very hot Kirishima. That’s 9 wins in a row after an 0-3 start and that will send him back to Sanyaku in March. Tomorrow Kinbozan gets Kotozakura, who must win out just to protect his Ozeki rank now as he fell to 5-7. Oho & Takerufuji are also in the 9-3 group. Hoshoryu has the first Ozeki Showdown tomorrow against Onosato, who earned his 8th win today to protect his rank. Oho has Ura tomorrow, Kirishima goes for 10 straight against Takayasu while Takerufuji draws Abi.

Juryo:
Kazekeno (Ms1) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Nabatame (J14) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Daishoho (J14)
Shimanoumi (J5) beat Daiamami ((J11)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Shishi (J4) beat Aonishiki (J5)
Ryuden (J3) beat Wakaikari (J13) by default/withdrawal
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Shiden (J2)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Tomokaze (J6) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Kayo (J1) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Leader: Shishi (11-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Wakaikari (J13). Left upper arm (biceps-ruptured tendon). Injury suffered yesterday in loss to Shishi. Tournament over and, sadly, like Oshoumi in November as the injury comes at the worst time because he was in championship contention at 9-2 before today. But he already clinched promotion and will stay in Juryo. Ryuden got the fusen as a result.
Of note: It’s Shishi’s to lose now after winning the all-Ukraine match against Aonishiki, who is still in it at 10-2 as is Ryuden, and they face off tomorrow. Shishi gets Nabatame. Both Ryuden & Shishi are probably headed back to the top tier in March, while Aonishiki still has a chance from J5. Elsewhere, Shimanoumi finally got a win to avoid 0-15 and that win may be enough to keep him in Juryo while Kazekono, in perhaps his final match of the tournament, clinched what should be a promotion back to Juryo in March.

Lower tier note: Because the Sandanme co-leaders are stablemates (Oitekaze Beya), they will not face each other tomorrow for the championship despite both being 6-0. But that could open the door to a potential 11-WAY PLAYOFF! (Or more) If both co-leaders lose, at least a 4-way playoff is guaranteed. If one wins and the other loses, the winner is the champion. If both win, there will be a playoff and they’ll face each other. This does open the door for Enho to take the championship if there is at least a 5-way playoff if he wins tomorrow to finish 6-1. That would get him higher up the Makushita in March and make his promotion back to Juryo possibly a little easier.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Meisei (M10) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Oshoma (M9)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Ura (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Endo (M7) beat Shodai (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Kirishima (M1) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Takanosho (M1) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Abi (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Daieisho (S) beat Takerufuji (M11)
Takayasu (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Onosato (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Leader: Kinbozan (10-1)
Yokozuna Watch: Hoshoryu’s still-slim hopes for promotion come down to tomorrow-Kinbozan. Win and there’s still that chance Lose and it’s over. But he has at least protected bis rank with his 8th win today.
Of note: Here comes the Sanyaku shakeup. Wakamotoharu will be demoted from Sekiwake while Kirishima has gone from 0-3 to promotion with now 8 straight wins. At the bottom, Kagayaki is now in danger of demotion back to Juryo unless he wins out to get to 7-8. Tamashoho needs to win out to avoid demotion while Kotoshoho may go down if he can’t get at least 2 more wins.

Juryo:
Daiamami (J11) beat Otsuji (Ms5)
Nabatame (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Hatsuyama (J12) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Tomokaze (J6) beat Daishoho (J14)
Shishi (J4) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Tsurugisho (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Ryuden (J3) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Asakoryu (J2)
Shiden (J2) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Kayo (J1)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Leader: Aonishiki, Shishi (10-1)
Of note: No more waiting. The all-Ukraine showdown happens tomorrow after Shishi beat Wakaikari and Aonishiki won. The winner probably will get promoted to the top tier in March. But Wakaikari is not out of it yet at 9-2. Elsewhere, Nabatame clinched promotion in his second try at Juryo and will remain in the second tier in March, and Ryuden now has a chance to return to the top tier as he is also 9-2. Daishoho will now be demoted back to Makushita and, unless he gets a win or two, Shimanoumi is in demotion danger at 0-11. If he somehow goes 0-15 I think he goes down.

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita Championship is set for Day 13 and will be Ishizaki vs. Mudoho. Should Ishizaki win he almost certainly will be promoted to Juryo. The Sandanme Championship is also set and could be a rarity…STABLEMATES! Daimasakari & Daikosho, both 6-0 and the last unbeatens, are both from Oitekaze Beya so we’ll see how their final matches are scheduled. Also, Enho won today to improve to 5-1 so he is guaranteed to be promoted to Makushita in March. The Jonidan Championship will be Yago vs. Sekimoto while in the Jonokuchi Daikisho only needs to win his last match to be the champion, otherwise there could be a playoff.

UPDATE: Juryo shocker…Wakaikari has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 12. Unknown why. That means about the only one who can take the Juryo title away from the Ukranians now is Ryuden, and he’ll get the fusen tomorrow and remain one behind the Aonishiki-Shishi winner. This should also clinch promotion back to the top tier for Ryuden.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Tokihayate (M17) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Meisei (M10) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Churanoumi (M9) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Oshoma (M9) beat Hakuoho (M15)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Shodai (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Oho (M3) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Endo (M7) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Takanosho (M1) beat Takayasu (M6)
Kirishima (M1) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Abi (K) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Ura (M4)
Onosato (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Leader: Kinbozan (9-1)
Of note: No zensho yusho. Kinbozan’s perfect hopes ended where various hopes seem to-at the hands of Abi. But he’s still got the lead with 5 days to go. Oho & Takerufuji clinched promotions and joined Chiyoshoma, who lost today, in a tie for second at 8-2. Kirishima’s winning streak since starting 0-3 has now reached 7 and he’s in position to return to Sanyaku in March. At the bottom, Kotoshoho & Mitakeumi are the first demotions this time around, and it’s possible Kotoshoho may be dealing with another foot/ankle injury as he went down a little awkward.
Yokozuna Watch: Still a faint sliver of hope for Hoshoryu thanks to Kinbozan’s loss today, which gets him to 2 back at 7-3. He needs more help tomorrow, and it ironically could come from a fellow Ozeki as Onosato, who is also 7-3, gets Kinbozan tomorrow. Hoshoryu has Chiyoshoma.

Juryo:
Nabatame (J14) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Hitoshi (Ms4) beat Tohakuryu (J11)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Daiseizan (J9) beat Daiamami (J11)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Daishoho (J14)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Shishi (J4) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Ryuden (J3) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Tsurugisho (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Shiden ()2) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Tomokaze (J6) beat Asakoryu (J2)
Aonishiki (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Kayo (J1) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Leader: Wakaikari, Aonishiki, Shishi (9-1)
Of note: The 3 co-leaders will be down to 2 and maybe one tomorrow because Wakaikari faces Shishi as the potential all-Ukraine championship match still looms. Aonishiki gets Asakoryu. Elsewhere, Ryuden will now have a chance at promotion back to the top tier as he’s reached 8 wins, but probably needs at least 2 more. Tsurugisho managed to get his first win today which should save his Juryo spot but Shimanoumi is in danger of demotion as he’s now 0-10. And Hakuyozan…ouch, just ouch. Started 5-0, now 5-5. With his 5th win as a Makushita man, Hitoshi will have a chance at promotion back to Juryo in March. Winning his final match should do it for sure. Daishoho is now virtually a lock for demotion to Makushita with his 9th loss.

Lower tier notes:
In the Makushita, 3 remain tied with 5-0 and Ishizaki is now in a position to be promoted to Juryo if he can win the championship at Ms8. In the Sandanme, 6 remain tied at 5-0 and Enho, likely to be promoted back to Makushita at 4-1 at Sd4, can make it definite with a 5th win tomorrow or in his final match. The Jonidan has 5 remaining at 5-0 and while the Jonokuchi had 2 at 5-0, they’ve had their Day 11 matches as of this post and Daikisho beat Gonoumi to take the sole lead at 6-0 so the championship is his to lose.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kagayaki (J16) beat Shiden (J2)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Nishikigi (M12) beat Kitanowaka (M15) by default/withdrawal
Kinbozan (M14) beat Takerufuji (M11)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Meisei (M10)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Endo (M7) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Oshoma (M9)
Takayasu (M6) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Shodai (M4) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Oho (M3) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kirishima (M1) beat Abi (K)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Ura (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Leader; Kinbozan (9-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Kitanowaka (M15). Right ankle. Initial reports were it’s broken, if so, tournament over. Will be demoted back to Juryo again if he doesn’t return. He’s yet to have a winning tournament in the top tier.
Yokozuna Watch: It’s probably over for Hoshoryu. His first-ever loss to Hiradoumi leaves him 6-3 and 3 wins off the lead. He can still rally and get to 12-3, but even if that’s good enough for the championship it probably isn’t enough for promotion.
Of note: Chiyoshoma also bounced back from his first loss this tournament to clinch promotion and remains one off the pace at 8-1, with Oho & Takerufuji at 7-2. And Kirishima may have gotten back what he lost before, he has now won 6 in a row since starting 0-3. We’re also on the verge of the first demotions still, Wakamotoharu staved it off today but Atamifuji is showing he’s not ready for Sanyaku anytime soon as he’s fallen to 2-7.

Juryo:
Wakaikari (J13) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Daiamami (J11)
Nabatame (J14) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Daiseizan (J9) beat Daishoho (J14)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Shishi (J4) beat Miroryu (J8)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Ryuden (J3) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Asakoryu (J2)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Kayo (J1)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Leader: Wakaikari, Shishi, Aonishiki (8-1)
Of note: No changes at the top but all 3 co-leaders have clinched promotions, so Wakaikari will remain in Juryo while Shishi & Aonishiki could be in the top tier (back for Shishi) if they keep this up. The Ukranians remain on potential final day collision course. We’ll have a Makushita man up again each day starting tomorrow with Hitoshi, who is 4-1 and clinched promotion with a chance to return to Juryo if he can keep winning (he currently is at Ms4).

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita currently has 3 at 5-0 with Ishizaki, the younger brother of Asakoryu, having a chance at promotion to Juryo if he keeps winning (he is at Ms6). The Sandanme currently has 6 at 5-0 and Enho won today to go to 4-1 so he’ll be promoted back to Makushita in March from Sd4. The Jonidan has 5 currently at 5-0 while the Jonokuchi also has 2 remaining at 5-0.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the Halfway Point-of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kayo (J1) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Tokihayate (M17) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Kitanowaka (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Meisei (M10)
Takayasu (M6) beat Oshoma (M9)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Endo (M7)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Abi (K) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Kirishima (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kooyozakura (O) beat Oho (M3)
Onosato (O) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Shodai (M4) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: Kinbozan (8-0)
Of note: Kitanowaka’s streak of top tier appearances without a winning record appears set to continue as Nikkan Sports reports he suffered a broken ankle today against Takerufuji. If true, he’s done. Chiyoshoma’s perfect start ended today leaving Kinbozan as sole leader and first to clinch promotion this tournament. No demotions yet but they may happen tomorrow and include Wakamotoharu, whose latest stay at Sekiwake may end as he is now 1-7. Midorifuji & Kotoshoho are also in danger of demotion at 1-7 and need some wins to avoid dropping to Juryo (more likely for Kotoshoho right now). Elsewhere, Kotozakura now has consecutive wins as he tries to protect his Ozeki ranking and is up to 3-5 while Onosato is on the right side now at 5-3.
Yokozuna Watch: There’s pretty much no room for error left for Hoshoryu. Now at 6-2, he’ll probably have to win out for any real chance at promotion.

Juryo:
Wakaikari (J13) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Nabatame (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J11)
Daishoho (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Hatsuyama (J12) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Daiamami (J11)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Ryuden (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Shiden (J2)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Shishi (J4) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Leader: Wakaikari, Aonishiki, Shishi (7-1)
Of note: The Ukranians remain on a championship collision course but Wakaikari remains poised to be spoiler. There are 4 right behind them at 6-2. At the bottom, Daishoho avoided demotion today but Tsurugisho & Shimanoumi did not, clinching demotions at 0-8.

Lower tier notes:
In the Makushita, 7 have clinched promotions and share the lead at 4-0 with at least 2 former division champions among them. In the Sandanme, 10 remain unbeaten at 4-0 at this point. The Jonidan has 12 remaining perfect at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 2 tied at 4-0. No match for Enho in the Sandanme today, he’ll go for his promotion tomorrow.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7-the first Promotion Day-of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Hakuoho (M15) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Kitanowaka (M15)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Oshoma (M9)
Churanoumi (M9) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Meisei (M10)
Takayasu (M6) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Roga (M8) by default/withdrawal
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Endo (M7)
Ura (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Tobizaru (M2) beat Shodai (M4)
Kirishima (M1) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Takanosho (M1) beat Abi (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Onosato (O) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Oho (M3)
Kotozakura (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Leader: Chiyoshoma, Kinbozan (7-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Roga (M8). Right hamstring. Status uncertain. Will be demoted unless he returns tomorrow and wins out because he is now the equivalent of 0-7. Demotion to Juryo is a possibility. Chiyoshoma got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Is this finally the big moment for Oho? Expectations have always been sky-high for him as the grandson of legendary Yokozuna Taiho (fun fact: Who may be Oho’s brother, also a grandson of Taiho, is Japanese pro wrestler Yukio Naya in the DDT promotion), and he’s had his moments but generally has struggled at the upper ranks. He may finally be putting it all together after just missing out on Sanyaku after September despite taking his first loss today against Hoshoryu. Chiyoshoma got a free pass today to continue his best-ever start. Kotozakura also got another needed win as he tries to salvage a winning record with his Yokozuna hopes dashed, improving to 2-5. He can still get to a respectable 10 wins he he wins out. The other surprise leader is Kinbocan following demotion to Juryo due to injuries while Takerufuji is among a group right behind at 6-1.
Yokozuna Watch: Hoshoryu remains in contention after handing Oho his first loss today, sitting in a group of 4 at 6-1. He has Shodai tomorrow, who is currently 2-5.

Juryo:
Kiryuko (J12) beat Daishoho (J14)
Miyagi (Ms4) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Nabatame (J14) beat Daiamami (J11)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J5)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Ryuden (J3)
Shiden (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Shishi (J4) beat Kayo (J1)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Leader: Shishi, Aonishiki, Wakaikari (6-1)
Of note: It’s getting interesting with 2 Ukranians sharing the lead. That could make for quite the showdown when/if it happens between Shishi, trying to get back to the top tier after demotion last time out, and fast-rising Aonishiki who is on pact to reach the top tier in what would be only his 9th career tournament as his career so far is off to a blazing 54-10 start and he won the championship in his first 2 tournaments (Jonokuchi & Jonidan). November was by far his worst tournament to date and the only time so far he’s lost more than one match in a tournament, although he finished a still-impressive 10-5 in his Juryo debut. After just hanging on to Juryo after a losing record last time out, Wakaikari has nearly matched his November win total with a 6-1 start to share the lead.

:Lower tier notes:
It’s the first half of Promotion Day in the lower tiers, where the leaders are 4-0 and thus clinch promotions for the next tournament. In the Makushita, 5 are currently tied at 4-0 with 4 more trying to join them tomorrow. In the Sandanme, 6 are tired at 4-0 with 8 more getting their chance tomorrow. In the Jonidan, 5 are tied at 4-0 after the first half while the Jonokuchi has one at 4-0 with another at 3-0. Also of note, Enho won his 3rd straight match today to go to 3-1 in the Sandanme and one win away from promotion, which should get him back to Makushita in March.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage in English FOR FREE tomorrow beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kitanowaka (M15) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Shonannounmi (M13)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Hakuoho (M15)
Meisei (M10) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Oshoma (M9) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Takaradufji (M8) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Takayasu (M6) beat Roga (M8)
Endo (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Ura (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Abi (K)
Takanosho (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Kirishima (M1) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Shodai (M4)
Leader: Oho, Chiyoshoma, Kinbozan (6-0)
Of note: Atamifuji-Kotozakura had a very rare rematch declared because of a judge’s error-one of the judges raised his hand to indicate Kotozakura had stepped out and the referee stopped the match as a result. Replays confirmed this was incorrect and TV showed a clearly embarrassed judge over the mistake. But the result didn’t change and Kotozakura is now an inexplicable 1-5 after his November championship. We also now know that Roga missed the first 4 days due to a right knee injury, which appears to still be affecting him.
Yokozuna Watch: Hoshoryu’s hopes remain alive after a win today, keeping him one win off the lead at 5-1.
Also of note: Terunofuji & stablemaster Isegahama held a retirement press conference earlier today, which was covered by the Japanese media. Videos of the presser can be found on YouTube. The Yokozuna will remain at the stable as a coach for now, cashing in his Yokozuna elder stock which now gives him 5 years to find a permanent position, which should be easy as he’s considered a candidate to replace Isegahama when he must retire this summer due to reaching the mandatory retirement age. For the time being he will keep his ring name.

Juryo:
Kusano (Ms3) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Daiamami (J11) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Daishoho (J14)
Nabatame (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Ohsoumi (J9) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Mitoryu (J8)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Shishi (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Shiden (J2)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Ryuden (J3) beat Sadanoumi (J10
Kayo (J1) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Leader: 6 at 5-1
Of note: The last unbeaten left, Hakuyozan, lost today which made for a logjam at the top. Among those is Oshoumi, who may well have been November champion if he didn’t miss a couple days near the end. Interestingly, at the bottom are 3 surprises at 0-6: Tsurugisho, Shimanoumi and Daishoho, the last of which seems headed for sure demotion to Makushita this time. Kusano, the first Makushita man up this tournament for a Juryo appearance, is now 3-1 and the top prospect who began his pro career at Ms60 is setting himself up for a chance to be promoted to Juryo in March.

Lower tier notes:
As Promotion Day begins tomorrow, the Makushita has 14 tied at 3-0 who will go for 4-0 and promotion over the next 2 days. In the smaller Sandanme, 20 are 3-0 including rookie Ikarigata, who is at Sd80 in his career debut. The Jonidan has 24 tied at 3-0 while the Jonokuchi has 3 sharing the lead at 3-0. And for those wondering about Enho, he is 2-1 in the Sandanme having lost his first match but winning his last 2.

UPDATE: Roga has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 7. Right knee. Unless he returns on Day 8 this guarantees demotion as he is the equivalent of 0-6. Chiyoshoma will get the fusen as a result and remain at least a co-leader at 7-0.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo, and one that saw a seismic shift in the sumo landscape:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Kitanowaka (M15) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Hakuoho (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
NIshikigi (M12) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Meisei (M10)
Oshoma (M9) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Endo (M7) beat Roga (M8)
CHiyoshoma (M5) beat Takayasu (M6)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Tobizaru (M2) beat Ura (M4)
Kirishima (M1) beat Takanosho (M1)
Daieisho (S) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Abi (K) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Shodai (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Oho (M3) beat Onosato (O)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Terunofuji (Y) by default/withdrawal
Leader: Oho, Chiyoshoma, Tamawashi, Kinbozan (5-0)
WITHDRAWAL which soon became RETIREMENT: Terunofuji (Y). Unspecified as to why withdrawal but…it’s over. The 73rd Yokozuna has called it a career. A press conference will be held tomorrow (today Japan time) but it appears the major factor was health-chronic lower back & knee pain and diabetes. He will cash in his Yokozuna elder stock, retain his ring name and became an oyakata at Isegahama Beya. The question mark now is whether or not he’ll take over the stable this summer when the current Isegahama must step down due to turning 65 this summer, which is the mandatory retirement age in sumo, and it’s no secret he is undoubtedly the most powerful stablemaster in sumo despite Hakkaku being the director of the Japan Sumo Associasion. Nobody seems to have more influrnce. That means, for the first time in some time, there will be no Yokozuna active in grand sumo. His final match was yesterday’s loss to Tobizaru. For today, Gonoyama got the fusen as a result.
RE-ENTRY: Roga (M8). Returned today. Missed the first 4 days for unknown reasons.
Yokozuna Watch: It’s over for Kotozakura. The January champion has now stunningly lost 4 straight to fall to 1-4, and there is virtually no way a championship with 11-4, even consecutively, will earn him promotion. All hopes for now rest with Hoshoryu, who is 4-1 but took his first loss today. Onosato likely won’t get back into contention this time either at now 2-3.

Juryo:
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Daishoho (J14)
Nabatame (J14) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Daiamami (J11)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Tohakuryu (J11)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tomokaze (J6) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Tochitaikai (J6) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Shishi (J4) beat Asakoryu (J2)
Ryuden (J3) beat Shiden (J2)
Kayo (J1) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Leader: Hakuyozan (5-0)

Massive breaking news from sumo-after his withdrawal today ahead of Day 5 of the January Grand Sumo Tournament (results later, I could not post Days 3-4 results due to a scheduled medical procedure), the scenario Hakkaku feared most has come true…no active Yokozuna. Terunofuji has RETIRED effective immediately. He was 2-2 this tournament after a loss to Tobizaru yesterday, the third kinboshi (Gold Star Victory, when a Maegashira beats a Yokozuna) for The Flying Monkey. According to reliable YouTube English language source Chris Sumo, he will cash on his Yokozuna elder stock and remain at Isegahama Beya, presumably in line to take over when the current stablemaster must retire this summer due to reaching the mandatory retirement age (65). I think the only way he doesn’t take over is if Miyagino-former Yokozuna Hakuho-gets the spot but that seems extremely unlikely given the current elders’ great dialiking of the greatest Yokozuna ever (akin to why everyone outside of New York baseball hates the Yankees-they always seem to win). Because of the withdrawal today, Gonoyama got the fusen as a result, but no Kinboshi.

More as it becomes available.

UPDATE: It’s now official. Nikkan Sports has also confirmed the report. Reasons cites for withdrawal and now retirement were the usual for him-chronic lower back & knee pain and diabetes. An official retirement press conference will be held in the near future. Terunofuji, real name Seizan Suginomori, retires as The 73rd Yokozuna with a career record of (including tomorrow) 523-275-232 (win-loss-absent), 366-207-198 in the top tier, 10 Emperor’s Cups, 13 total championships and 9 Special Prizes and is considered a Dai-Yokozuna (Great Yokozuna), a distinction given to those who win at least 10 top-tier championships. He first debuted as Wakamisho in the now-closed Magaki Beya run by Wakanohana, then when it closed in the early-mid 2010s he transferred to Isegahama Beya and chamged bus name to Terunofuji. He reached Ozeki before prolonged injury absences saw him demoted all the way to Jonidan before storming back up the ranks and, following a final day loss in Hakuho’s final career match (Hakuho finished 15-0 in his final tournament, Terunofuji was runner-up at 14-1), was promoted to Grand Champion. Ironically, they’ll be likely working with each other now for a while until when/if Hakuho might get his Miyagino Beya back in a year or so.

UPDATE 2: His Yokozuna elder stock is good for 5 years so he must find an open position by this lime in 2030 to remain on the Association as more than a coach as he will be now. That should not be an issue, again the unanswered question is whether or not he’ll become the next Isegahama this summer.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tokihayate (M17) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Kitanowaka (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takerufuji (M11) beat NIshikigi (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Meisei (M10)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Oshoma (M9)
Churanoumi (M9) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Mitakeumi (M7) beat Endo (M7)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Takayasu (M6)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Shodai (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Abi (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Tobizaru (M2) beat Onosato (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kirishima (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Terunofuji (Y)
WITHDRAWALS (Pre-Tournament): Roga (M8), Hokutofuji (M14). Unspecified injuries for both. Roga-status uncertain. Hokutofuji-will not compete due to surgery and will probably be demoted to Juryo.
Of note: 2 upsets on day 1 starting with Tobizaru quickly flattening Onosato and Wakatakakage catching Terunofuji with bad footwork for an under shoulder swing down. Reportedly Terunofuji’s goal is 10+ wins, which supposedly will keep the Yokozuna Deliberation Council from recommending retirement actions until July, when Terunofuji will probably retire anyway after the current Isegahama must retire due to turning 65 (mandatory retirement age in sumo), opening up that valuable elder stock and stablemaster position. It’s early and no injury/health concerns here but still it’s not a good start. He has Takanosho tomorrow. Tobizaru has Hoshoryu tomorrow so another upset would put the Flying Monkey halfway to a potential Outstanding Performance Prize if he can finish with a winning record. Kotozakura, the leading Yokozuna contender after his first championship in November, has Abi tomorrow.

Juryo:
Wakanosho (Ms1) beat Daishoho (J14)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Nabatame (J14)
Wakaikari (J12) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Daiamami (J11)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Fujirsiun (J8) beat Toachitaikai (J7)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Shishi (J4) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Ryuden (J3) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Shiden (J2)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Kayo (J1)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Bushozan (J7). Unknown. Status uncertain.

Lower tier notes: No match for Enho in the Sandanme today, he’ll begin his 2025 tomorrow.