Tag: grand sumo

Based on Twitter posts from the Nihon Sumo Kyokai’s (Japan Sumo Association) official Twitter that I translated, and a couple of YouTube videos, we’re getting a few hints at notable rankings items for March:

Ochiai, the Makushita Champion in his Debut, and November Makushita Champion Tamashoho, who finished with a winning record at Makushita 1, will be Shin-Juryo in March and make their second tier debuts. Ochiai, who earned a Makushita 15 debut ranking as the 2022 Corporate Champion, sets the record for fastest promotion to Juryo from his debut, and the fastest possible-one tournament. The previous record was 2 tournaments by top-tier mainstay Endo. (Had he turned pro earlier when he had the chance, he probably would have started at the bottom of the Sandanme, the 4th tier). Uncertain is whether January Juryo Champion Asanoyama, a former Ozeki, will jump back to the top tier after going 14-1 at Juryo 12. Typically the Juryo champion moves up 7-9 spots in the Banzuke but that has been with 11-12 wins. It’s a toss-up but I think it won’t happen. I’m putting him at Juryo 1. And we’re also waiting for any hints as to whether Emperor’s Cup winner Takakeisho is in Yokozuna contention. The Ozeki’s last two tournaments have been winner in Ianuary and equal to a win in November (losing in a playoff). Generally that is enough to meet one criteria for Yokozuna-it’s that or win consecutive championships.

Also updated is the typical post-tournament retired rikishi list. Okinoumi, who retired after Day 6, is the only notable name on the list, and he has become Kimigohama Oyakata and will remain active on the path to becoming a coach/stablemaster and training rikishi. The only Makushita or higher retirement was Hikarifuji, who was at Makushita 21 but was absent. That and the retirement of apparently unranked Hoshinofuji leads me to wonder if they were the wrestlers from Isegahama Beya punished for their role in an apparent bullying scandal that involved potential rankings manipulation and cost stablemaster Isegahama his spot as chief judge in tournaments. One was suspended for the tournament-I’m thinking that’s Hikarifuji-and one who wasn’t ranked was forced to retire. There’s never been any mention or knowledge of Yokozuna Terunofuji possibly being involved, nor any updates on his status for March-Terunofuji pulled out of the September tournament due to injury and had double knee surgery afterwards. The hope was he would have returned in January but may have had a setback in training.

It also sounds like former top tier champion Tokushoryu will be Sai-Juryo, returning to the second tier after a one-tournament demotion to Makushita. A long losing tournament streak was snapped with a 4-3 finish at Makushita 2.

UPDATED: A new YouTube video posted on 1/26 by an unofficial reporter/commentator indicates that Kinbozan will be promoted to the top tier for the March tournament. That probably means he’ll be at the bottom, actual rank may depend on how Sanyaku shakes out as that could add a Maegashira rank to make 17 instead of the usual 16.

Here are the quick results from today’s Final Day of the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo (Click below to read, breaking up post for front page display due to length):

Continue reading “Sumo-January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 15 Results (Final Day) (Top 2 Tiers)”

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14 of the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Kinbozan (J5)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Azumaryu (M14)
Hiradoumi (M10) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Mitoryu (M15) beat Takanosho (M9)
Takarafuji (M16) beat Hokutofuji (M6)
Ryuden (M5) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
NIshikigi (M5) beat Aoiyama (M10)
Oho (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M4)
Sadanoumi (M4) beat Chiyomaru (M16)
Endo (M9) beat Abi (M3)
Mitakeumi (M2) beat Ura (M7)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Daieisho (M1)
Kiribayama (K) beat Onosho (M8)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Tamawashi (M2)
Myogiryu (M6) beat Meisei (K)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Shodai (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Leader: Takakeisho, Kotoshoho (11-3)
Of note: And The Final Is Set! Will Kotoshoho extend the recent Maegashira Championship streak to 4 or is this perhaps the moment Takakeisho becomes Yokozuna? If Takakeisho emerges victorious it will be his 3rd Emperor’s Cup while Kotoshoho is going for his first. It’s all about Takakeisho and Yokozuna consideration though, because a loss would mean a second straight runner-up finish. Last time it was enough wins to equal a championship because of a playoff, this time a loss means runner-up. So in reality Takakeisho must win.
As far as the rest of Sanyaku, Wakatakakage saved his Sekiwake rank today with win 8 and will stay there for the 7th straight tournament in March. But Ozeki is all but out of reach in March unless he can win the championship, remember he did win his first title in March of last year though. If he wins his final match tomorrow he’ll need 13 wins in March to meet the criteria, otherwise it’s 14 so it’ll be more about trying to set himself up for a better chance in May. With his 4th straight loss today (including an absent), Hoshoryu is now in danger of losing his Sekiwake rank and starting over to reach Ozeki, but maybe it’s better to and recover from the sprained ankle that cost him the last few days. It’ll be tough tomorrow as his final opponent is Onosho. The loss today means Shodai is demoted from Sekiwake and virtually guarantees Kiribayama finally gets promoted there in March, and there could be two Wakas at Sekiwake too-Wakamotoharu got his 8th win as Shin Komusubi today, a 9th win should give him a chance to join his younger brother at the 3rd highest rank. Kotonowaka will stay at Komusubi if he can beat Hokutofuji while Meisei will be demoted. In the lower rank, the post-championship curse seems to be continuing as Abi started hot again but has now slumped to needing to win tomorrow to get promotion-a loss means demotion. He started 5-0 but is 2-7 since.
Key match tomorrow: Takakeisho-Kotoshoho for the Emperor’s Cup. Final Match.
Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including the final matches, championship ceremony and champion’s interview, beginning tonight at 11:30 PM PT/2:30 AM ET. I may try and do live results for the broadcast portion If I can manage watching this, Pro Wrestling NOAH and New Japan Pro Wrestling all live at the same time (between a laptop, smart TV, tablet and mobile phone it’s doable).

Juryo:
Roga (J9) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Shimanoumi (J9)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Asanoyama (J12) beat Chiyonokuni (J7). ASANOYAMA JURYO YUSHO! Because Kinbozan was in the top tier today, his loss clinched the championship for the former Ozeki. It’s Asanoyama’s 4th career championship overall.
Kaisho (J13) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Takakento (J12) beat Kotokuzan (J5)
Daishoho (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Shonannoumi (J13) beat Enho (J4)
Oshoma (J3) beat Shimazuumi (J11)
Hokuseiho (J2) beat Gonoyama (J10)
Daiamami (J2) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Terutsuyoshi (J10) beat Akua (J1)
Bushozan (J1) beat Hidenoumi (J9)
CHAMPION: Asanoyama (13-1)
Of note: Now the only question is will 13, or potentially 14 wins if he wins tomorrow be enough to get Asanoyama from J12 to the top tier? If he ends at 14, it’s a coin flip, but either way I am leaning very slightly towards no. I think he’ll be at J1 in March, meaning a winning records gets him back in May. Bushozan & probably Hokuseiho are headed to the top tier and Kinbozan has a chance (even better if he can win his final match). And a big shout-out to Shonannoumi who will finish his Juryo debut with at least 11 wins, a very impressive performance. Terutsuyoshi may have saved his Juryo status and epic salt throws for March with his 5th win today, if he can win his finale I think he’s safe as it would drop him to J12 or J13. If he loses tomorrow it’s a toss-up between J14 and Makushita.
As is tradition on the Final Day there will be 2 Makushita men in Juryo tomorrow-Tsukahara, who is at Ms5 and comes in with a chance at promotion to Juryo with a 5-1 record so far. If he beats Takakento tomorrow Tsukahara should be Shin Juryo in March, but he still has a chance with a loss. Also up tomorrow is November Makushita Champion Tamashoho, he’s 3-3 so a win gets him from Ms1 to Juryo. He’s got Terutsuyoshi. As for Kinbozan, he’s got a tough potential final step to the top tier tomorrow-Shonannoumi. That match will be for the runner-up finish. Asanoyama will go for 14-1 against Hokuseiho. If Asanoyama wins, he will be on an incredible 33-3 run since returning from a one-year suspension. If he loses, it’s still a just-as-incredible 32-4 mark since with 2 championships.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day in the lower tiers-of the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Enho (J4) beat Mitoryu (M15)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Kagayaki (J12)
Azumaryu (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Aoiyama (M19) beat Endo (M9)
Takanosho (M9) beat Chiyomaru (M16)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Ura (M7)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Myogiryu (M6)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Oho (M8) beat Sadanoumi (M4)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Abi (M3)
Daieisho (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M14)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Hokutofuji (M6)
Nishikifuji (M4) beat Meisei (K)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Tamawashi (M2)
Kiribayama (K) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Ryuden (M5) beat Shodai (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Onosho (M8)
Leader: Takakeisho, Onosho, Kotoshoho (10-3)
Of note: Once again it’s wide open! Back to a 3-way tie for the lead and 3 are just one win back…and how about Azumaryu? First top tier winning record in his career yesterday and he’s still in the yusho race! What a story that would be if he wins! At this point Takakeisho needs to win his last 2 matches to remain in Yokozuna contention-a championship should be enough but a runner-up finish could also do it as it would be a second straight (the criteria on the performance side are consecutive championships OR wins equal to consecutive runner-up finishes). At worst he needs to be part of another potential playoff. Fortunately for Takakeisho he gets the injured Hoshoryu tomorrow, nothing is a given but that could help Takakeisho’s cause.
Key matches tomorrow: Kotoshoho-Daieisho, Onosho-Kiribayama, Takakeisho-Hoshoryu. It’s not impossible to have a 6-way tie going into the final day!
Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage/beginning tomorrow at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET and 90 minutes of Final Day coverage beginning tomorrow at 11:30 PM PT, to include the first part of the awards ceremony and champion’s interview.

Juryo:
Shimazuumi (J11) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Takakento (J12) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Chiyonokuni (J7) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Shonannoumi (J13) beat Daishoho (J6)
Chiyosakae (J11) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Kotokuzan (J5) beat Terutsuyoshi (J10)
Asanoyama (J12) beat Kinbozan (J5)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Oshoma (J3)
Daiamami (J2) beat Kaisho (J13)
Hokuseiho (J2) beat Roga (J2)
Gonoyama (J10) beat Bushozan (J1)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Akua (J1)
Leader: Asanoyama (12-1)
Of note: We may have to wait tomorrow to find out if we have a champion after Asanoyama took the sole lead by beating Kinbozan. That is because Kinbozan will be the guest in the top tier tomorrow so no Juryo match. So if Asanoyama wins tomorrow we have to wait a couple hours. If Asanoyama loses, we could be looking at a playoff rematch. Kinbozan has a good chance of being promoted to the top tier in March (I think it’s definite with one more win) so tomorrow could be a preview of what is to come. If Asanoyama wins tomorrow and Kinbozan loses, it’s over and both will go for solidifying top tier promotion cases Sunday.
Key matches tomorrow: Asanoyama-Chiyonokuni, Kinbozan-Tsurugisho (in top tier)

Makushita:
Ochiai (Ms15) beat Kazekeno (Ms40). OCHIAI MAKUSHITA YUSHO! Champion in his debut tournament! That could quite possibly get him into Juryo in record time as the Makushita champion usually moves up 30 spots in the rankings.

Sandanme:
Kaizen (Sd74) beat Wakanosho (Sd13). KAIZEN SANDANME YUSHO! His first career championship should get him promoted back to Makushita after he was demoted to Jonidan after being absent for 3 straight tournaments last year (May, July, September). Wakanosho will likeiy get a second chance at Makushita in his 7th career tournament in March, he was demoted back to Sandanme after a 2-5 November record.

Jonidan:
Asakoga (Jd46) beat Ikazuchido (Jd73)
Takerufuji (Jd11) beat Daiseizan (Jd4). TAKERUFUJI JONIDAN YUSHO! 2nd championship in just 2 career tournaments. No playoff because Ikazuchido lost before the second match meaning the latter was for the championship.
Of note: Satonofuji, the likely oldest active rikishi at 45 who is seen performing the closing ceremony every day during tournaments, finished with a 4-3 record at Jd91 and will move up a couple spots in March. He has never promoted above the Sandanme in his career that I know of (which dates back to at least 2010). He performs the ceremony as the choice of the stable/beya the current Yokozuna originates from, which is Isegahama Beya. Usually it’s a Makushita ranked wrestler but this is an exception.

Jonokuchi:
Kazenoumi (Jk11) beat Okano (Jk12). Okano would have been champion with a win but now there could be a 3-way playoff with 3 at 6-1.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Chiyomaru (M16) by foul/judges reversal…HANSOKU!!! Over very quickly but replays show Chiyomaru clearly grabbed and pulled the Juryo man’s topknot in winning, which is illegal and thus a DQ.
Kagayaki (M12) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Aoiyama (M10) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Azumaryu (M14) beat Hiradoumi (M10)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Takanosho (M9)
Endo (M9) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Mitoryu (M15) beat Oho (M8)
Hokutofuji (M6) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Nishikigi (M5)
Abi (M3) beat Ura (M7)
Onosho (M8) beat Tamawashi (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Myogiryu (M6)
Daieisho (M1) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Sadanoumi (M4) beat Meisei (K)
Midorifuji (M3) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Shodai (S) beat Nishikifuji (M4)
Ryuden (M5) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Kirobayama (K) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: Onosho (10-2)
Of note: FINALLY!!! The happiest man today undoubtedly is Azumaryu, who has finally clinched a winning record in a top tier tournament on his TENTH try! The prior 9 ended in demotion with a losing record but not this time, he will be promoted in March and he still isn’t out of the yusho race. As for that, Takakeisho taking a second straight loss hands the lead to high school rival Onosho ahead of their meeting tomorrow. At this point Takakeisho almost certainly needs to win his last 3 matches to remain in Yokozuna consideration. And all Ozeki promotion discussions this time are now over as his loss today takes Hoshoryu out of it-he needed at least 11 wins but now can only finish with 10, but first he must manage one more win to maintain his Sekiwake ranking. Not easy on a sprained ankle. If he did finish with 10 wins the magic number in March to be in consideration for promotion is 9, but 10 is ideal. As long as he gets one more win worst-case is 11 again. Tomorrow he has a Sekiwake Showdown against Wakatakakage, who despite a win today is struggling at 6-6. And while it’s too late to mean more than pride and protecting his rank, Shodai is back to THE Shodai these last few days-since his troublesome 2-6 start he now has won 4 straight. Elsewhere his win today against Takakeisho should FINALLY get Kiribayama to Sekiwake in March with Takayasu being demoted. I could only see it not happening if he loses out and finishes with 8 wins and Daieisho wins out. Meisei will also be demoted from Sanyaku after an 8th loss today. Despite a nice turnaround after an 0-4 start, consecutive losses have Shin Komusubi Kotonowaka on the brink of demotion as well at 5-7. He’ll definitely be back up though.
Key match tomorrow: Onosho-Takakeisho. Final match of the day. Could be for the championship and Yokozuna hopes for Takakeisho.

Juryo:
Asanoyama (J12) beat Shonannoumi (J13)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Gonoyama (J10) beat Takakento (J12)
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Tochimusashi (J7) beat Kaisho (J13)
Kinbozan (J5) beat Roga (J9)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Kotokuzan (J5)
Shimazuumi (J11) beat Enho (J4)
Chiyonokuni (J7) beat Oshoma (J3)
Hokuseiho (J2) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Terutsuyoshi (J10) beat Daiamami (J2)
Akua (J1) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Daishoho (J6) beat Bushozan (J1)
Leader: Asanoyama, Kinbozan (11-1)
Of note: Asanoyama bounced back today from his first loss with another win against Shonannoumi, who despite the loss fought well today and is doing great as Shin Juryo with a promotion already secured and he’s not out of the yusho race yet. Terutsuyoshi is starting to get it together and possibly save his Juryo standing, but he probably needs at least one more win to be certain for March. Enho will be in the top tier tomorrow as he tries to break out of a 2-5 skid that has him at 6-6 following a 4 match winning streak after an opening loss. Today, like a couple of the losses, was a tough one as it was too close to call and was decided by the judges after both wrestlers appeared to go down at the same time.
Key match tomorrow: Asanoyama-Kinbozan. This may decide the championship. If Kinbozan wins this, or at least one more of his last 3 matches, he should make his top tier debut in March. 2 wins and I think it’s definite. If Asanoyama wins he should be at no lower than J2 in March. J1 maybe but he may be too far down for top tier. Oshoma’s top tier hopes after his November championship are gone for now, he needs to finish 3-0 just to avoid demotion. At the bottom, Kaisho will be demoted back to Makushita in March. Takakento may be as well and Chiyosakae is in danger of demotion too.

Lower tier notes: Tomorrow on Day 13 is Championship Day as we will have the Makushita championship match between Ochiai and Kazekeno, and the Sandanme championship match between Wakanosho & Kaizen. In the Jonidan, co-leader Ikazuchido is up early and if he wins his match there will be a playoff against the Takerufuji-Daiseizan winner for the championship, probably on Day 15. If Ikazuchido loses, that second match is for the championship. In the Jonokuchi, Okano is the champion if he wins the opening match tomorrow, otherwise a playoff would be needed unless they declare co-champions.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi. S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Oshoma (J3)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Mitoryu (M15) beat Hiradoumi (M10)
Takarafuji (M16) beat Aoiyama (M10)
Endo (M9) beat Azumaryu (M14)
Chiyomaru (M16) beat Oho (M8)
Onosho (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Kagayaki (M12) beat Ura (M7)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Myogiryu (M6)
Takanosho (M9) beat Hokutofuji (M6)
Tamawashi (M2) beat Nishikigi (M5)
Ryuden (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Abi (M3)
Daieisho (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Meisei (K) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Shodai (S) beat Sadanoumi (M4)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Nishikifuji (M4)
Kiribayama (K) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: Takakeisho, Onosho (9-2)
Of note: It’s bot over yet as Takakeisho took only his second loss today. He still has a chance at Yokozuna but now has to go either 3-1 or 4-0 the rest of the way. Onosho is now ties for the lead with Kotoshoho & Tamawashi one off the pace. Hoshoryu fought through a sprained ankle to keep his Ozeki hopes alive, but he’a gotta tough it out and win his last 4 matches.
Key matches tomorrow: Onosho-Tamawashi, Takakeisho-Kiribayama. One more win over the final 4 days should FINALLY get Kiribayama to Sekiwake in March. He’s just been blocked by the numbers game in front of him.

Juryo:
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Tochikamiyama (Ms3)
Terutsuyoshi (J10) beat Kaisho (J13)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Gonoyama (J10)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Takakento (J12)
Roga (J9) beat Shimazuumi (J11)
Shonannoumi (J13) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Daishoho (J6) beat Asanoyama (J12)
Enho (J4) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Kinbozan (J5) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Atamifuji (J3) by default/withdrawal
Daiamami (J2) beat Kotokuzan (J5)
Chiyonokuni (J7) beat Hokuseiho (J2)
Bushozan (J1) beat Churanoumi (J8)
Tochimusashi (J7) beat Akua (J1)
Leader: Asanoyama, Kinbozan (10-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Atamifuji (J3). Flu. Probably done for the tournament and now officially demoted so no return to the top tier in March.
Of note: DENIED! No 15-0 for Asanoyama after Daishoho basically manhandled the former Ozeki. That means now virtually zero chance of a top tier return in March even with a 14-1 finish. But each of the last 2 tournaments Asanoyama lost right about now in the Makushita so perhaps he was due. The big winner there is Kinbozan, who once again goes into the final stretch tied for the lead. A couple more wins could make him the first rikishi from Kazakhstan to reach the top tier in March. Also right there is Bushozan, with 7 wins at J1 he needs just one more win to set up his top tier debut in March.
Key matches tomorrow: Asanoyama-Shonannoumi (first match), Kinbozan-Roga.

Lower tier notes: The Makushita final is now set, it will be Ochiai in his debut tournament vs. Kazekeno in his 5th and going for his 2nd career championship (worth noting that in each of his first 4 tournaments Kazekeno finished 6-1). Ochiai could jump to Juryo if he wins the championship from Ms15 while Kazekeno would be looking at a jump to roughly Ms10 if he wins (he is currently at Ms40). In the Sandamne, a potential all-Sadogatake Beya final and/or playoff will not happen as all 3 of their 5-0 wrestlers lost today. That sets up a final of Wakanosho vs. Kaizen, both 6-0. The Jonidan has 3 at 6-0 and may need a playoff to determine the champion while in the Jonokuchi Okano is the only 6-0 and just needs to win his final match to claim the championship.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Azumaryu (M14) beat Daiamami (J2)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Mitoryu (M15)
Hiradoumi (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Endo (M9) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Taurugisho (M15) beat Oho (M8)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Ura (M7)
Hokutofuji (M6) beat Aoiyama (M10)
Myogiryu (M6) beat Chiyomaru (M16)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Takanosho (M9)
Onosho (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M4)
Abi (M3) beat Ryuden (M5)
Tamawashi (M2) beat Daieisho (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Mitakeumi (M2) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Kiribayama (K) beat Hoshoryu (S) by default/withdrawal
Sadanoumi (M4) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Shodai (S) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Takakeisho (O) beat Meisei (K)
Leader: Takakeisho (9-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Hoshoryu (S). Sprained ankle suffered yesterday. Will return tomorrow.
Of note: With Hoshoryu out today but back tomorrow, he still has a chance at Ozeki promotion in March but he must go 5-0 the rest of the way. Wakatakakage can’t make Ozeki again now as 10 wins is the best he can do and he needed at least 11. Could there be no Ozeki in March? If Takakeisho keeps winning that is possible as each win now moves him ever so closer to Yokozuna consideration. Elsewhere, Kotoshoho and Onosho clinched promotions today and remain one win off the lead. While Chiyomaru will be demoted to Juryo unless he maybe wins out as he took his 8th loss. Oho dropped to a shocking 1-9 today but compared to recent demotions one win and being at M8 is probably enough to keep him in the top tier but not a guarantee. I’d say he needs at least two more wins to be safe. Daiamami’s loss means he will remain a Juryo man in March.
Key matches tomorrow: Onosho-Kotoshoho, Takakeisho-Kotonowaka. The first could all but drop the loser out of yusho contention while Takakeisho needs to win to maintain the lead. Hoshoryu is scheduled to face Nishikifuji.

Juryo:
Takakento (J12) beat Chiyonoo (Ms3)
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Shonannoumi (J13) beat Roga (J9)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Kaisho (J13)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Terutsuyoshi (J10)
Chiyonokuni (J7) beat Gonoyama (J10)
Asanoyama (J12) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Enho (J4) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Shinazuumi (J11) beat Atamifuji (J3)
Kinbozan (J5) beat Oshoma (J3)
Daishoho (J6) beat Hokuseiho (J2)
Akua (J1) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Bushozan (J1) beat Kotokuzan (J5)
Leader: Asanoyama (10-0)
Of note: 5 to go for the former Ozeki as Asanoyama is 2/3 of the way to a perfect tournament. At this point he would likely move up to J6 in March if he finished with 10 wins. Kinbozan at 9-1 is on the brink of reaching the top tier based on his performance so far-if he manages 1 more win, ideally at least 2 more, he may be there in March. On the flip side, Terutsuyoshi saw his win overturned on judge’s conference after a spectacular looking close call victory, but replays show it was the right call as his elbow touched down first so unfortunately that’s another demotion. He probably needs at least 3 more wins to stay in Juryo and continue his epic salt throws in March. Another big winner today was Shonannoumi, who clinched a winning record and promotion in his Juryo debut.
Key matches tomorrow: Asanoyama-Daishoho, Kinbozan-Tohakuryu. Daishoho is now 8-2.

Lower tier notes: The Makushita has 4 remaining at 5-0 headed into the final 2 rounds, including newcomer Ochiai. As is common, tomorrow’s matches have the unbeatens face each other to set up the championship match for Day 13. The Sandanme is getting interesting as they have 5 at 5-0 but more because 3 of the 5 are from Sadogatake Beya. That means if at least 2 of those 3 win there is a potential of having to face each other in a playoff for the championship, the only scenario in which stablemates face each other in a tournament (they can face off in special touring events that feature informal exhibition matches-one between the last few tournaments saw an only-there exhibition between brothers Wakamotoharu & Wakatakakage). The Sandanme could still have 3 unbeatens going into the final day because of this and if that includes all 3 of the stablemates, odds of a playoff between them are high.
The Jonidan has 6 at 5-0. In Jonokuchi Okano is the only 5-0 left and is the sole leader.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Chiyomaru (M16) beat Mitoryu (M15)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Atamifuji (J3)
Kagayaki (M12) beat Azumaryu (M14)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Hiradoumi (M10) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Aoiyama (M10)
Endo (M9) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Myogiryu (M6) beat Takanosho (M9)
Onosho (M8) beat Hokutofuji (M6)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Oho (M8)
Ura (M7) beat Nishikifuji (M4)
Midorifuji (M3) beat Abi (M3)
Tamawashi (M2) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Mitakeumi (M2) beat Meisei (K)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Daieisho (M1)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Ryuden (M5)
Shodai (S) beat Kiribayama (K)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Sadanoumi (M4)
Leader: Takakeisho (8-1)
Of note: The most immediate concern is Hoshoryu, who appeared to suffer a leg/foot injury and was notably limping after his loss. If he has to withdraw and misses more than 1 day, his Ozeki hopes are over for now (he is at 6-3 and must finish with at least 11 to meet the criteria) and he’ll have to start over. Wakatakakage has kept his Ozeki hopes alive this time but still needs to finish 6-0. On the flip side, Oho becomes the first demotion after an unlikely 1-8 start so far, opposite of what he’s done so far while Kotonowaka seems to be shaking off the Shin Komusubi struggles-he’s now 4-1 after an 0-4 start to improve to 4-5. January Champion Abi is falling out of contention as he has dropped to 5-4 after a fast start. As for Takakeisho, if he can manage at least 5 more wins Yokozuna should be in reach for March. 4 more for 12 total may be enough too if it results in a championship or another runner-up finish. He showed no ill effects from another bloody nose suffered in a physical match yesterday and had an easy victory today. At worst he will maintain his Ozeki standing with another winning record.
Key matches tomorrow: Takakeisho-Meisei, Onosho-NIshikifuji, Kotoshoho-Ura

Juryo:
Shonannoumi (J13) beat Tokushoryu (Ms2)
Terutsuyoshi (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Gonoyama (J10) beat Kaisho (J13)
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J9)
Roga (J9) beat Takakento (J12)
Asanoyama (J12) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Chiyosakae (J11) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Shimazuumi (J11) beat Chiyonokuni (J7)
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Daishoho (J6) beat Oshoma (J3)
Churanoumi (J6) beat Daiamami (J2)
Kotokuzan (J5) beat Hokuseiho (J2)
Kinbozan (J5) beat Bushozan (J1)
Akua (J1) beat Enho (J4)
Leader: Asanoyama (9-0)
Of note: 6 to go for the former Ozeki as Asanoyama ran his opening win streak to 9, every win he gets now will move him further up the rankings. Kinbozan became the second to clinch promotion this time around with his 8th win, staying one off the pace. Although already demoted, Akua got his first win today, not a popular one because he handed Enho a 4th straight loss-he is now 4-5 after a hot 4-1 start. Also on the verge of demotion is Daiamami after a 7th straight loss and, for the second straight time, Tochimusashi. After winning the Juryo championship in his debut in September, he is now 2-7. Last time he maintained his rank despite a 7-8 November.
Key matches tomorrow: Asanoyama-Tohakuryu, Kinbozan-Oshoma. It should be noted the last couple tournaments 11 wins was either enough for the championship or one off the pace and resulted in a roughly 9-10 spot jump in the rankings, so with a win tomorrow Asanoyama is looking at a move up to, at worst, J5 in March. If he can get to a minimum of 13, the top tier is in reach but I still think it’s a longshot and 15-0 would still only get him to perhaps J1 but we’ll see what happens.

UPDATE: Hoshoryu has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 10. His quest to earn promotion to Ozeki this tournament is over. If he misses more than 4 of the 6 days remaining he will also likely be demoted, meaning he would have to start over by getting back to Sekiwake then getting the 30+ wins or 2 championships over 3 consecutive tournaments. This means Kiribayma will get a free victory today.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the halfway point of the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Hokuseiho (J2) beat Mitoryu (M15)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Chiyomaru (M16)
Takarafuji (M16) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Azumaryu (M14) beat Aoiyama (M10)
Hiradoumi (M10) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Kagayaki (M12) beat Takanosho (M9)
Ura (M7) beat Endo (M9)
Hokutofuji (M6) beat Oho (M8)
Ryuden (M5) beat Myogiryu (M6)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Onosho (M8)
Tamawashi (M2) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Meisei (K) beat Daieisho (M1)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Kiribayama (K) beat Abi (M3)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Shodai (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Sadanoumi (M4)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Takakeisho (O) beat Nishikifuji (M4)
Leader: Kotoshoho, Takakeisho (7-1)
Of note: It’s over again for Shodai. No promotion back to Ozeki as he can’t get to 10 wins now so he must start from the beginning again, meaning stay at Sekiwake long enough to get 30+ wins over 3 consecutive tournaments, all with winning records. Hoshoyu now needs at least 5 wins the rest of the way to get to Ozeki consideration although today he picked up what some called a cheap win because of the HENKA! sidestep and rear push out. But when it works, it works. Wakatakakage also won to keep his Ozeki hopes alive but he must win all 7 of his remaining matches. Meanwhile, at the top, 5 were narrowed down to 2 and, more significantly, the Yokozuna hope remains alive for Takakeisho, after one bloody nose courtesy of a physical match against Nishikifuji he remains co-leader and a championship may be enough along with potentially another runner-up finish. 6 are still right behind at 6-2.
Key matches tomorrow: Kotoshoho-Hiradoumi, Takakeisho-Sadanoumi. If Kotoshoho wins, that’s a promotion. If Takakeisho wins, he is assured of maintaining his Ozeki ranking.

Juryo:
Tomokaze (Ms2) beat Kaisho (J13)
Shonannoumi (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Asanoyama (J12) beat Gonoyama (J10)
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Terutsuyoshi (J10)
Roga (J9) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Shimazuumi (J11)
Takakento (J12) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Tochimusashi (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Chiyonokuni (J7) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Daishoho (J6) beat Atamifuji (J3)
Oshoma (J3) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Kinbozan (J5) beat Daiamami (J2)
Kotokuzan (J5) beat Akua (J1)
Bushozan (J1) beat Enho (J4)
Leader: Asanoyama (8-0)
Of note: In an exciting match in which both seemed on the verge of going down every second, Asanoyama prevailed against a game Gonoyama and the former Ozeki remains unbeaten and clinches promotion, moving one step closer to a return to the top tier. Meanwhile, the Kazakhstan native Kinbozan continues his eventual climb to the top tier, remaining one win off the pace and closing in on another promotion-4 more wins may be enough this time to get him to Makuuchi in March. Meanwhile, the first demotion has also been handed out as after going unbeaten almost the entire first week last time, Akua is now 0-8 and won’t be moving back up.
Key matches tomorrow: Asanoyama-Kitanowaka (3-5), Kinbozan-Bushozan

Lower tier notes:
At the halfway point, 8 in the Makushita have promotions and are tied for the lead at 4-0, including Ochiai in his debut tournament at Ms15. In the Sandanme, 10 are tied at 4-0 as the field thins out more due to 5 new withdrawals for Day 9. In the Jonidan, a group of 12 promoted and tied at 4-0 includes November Jonokuchi Champion Takerufuji, going for his second championship in just 2 career tournaments and who will almost certainly be a Sandanme man in March. Finally, the Jonokuchi is down to 2 at 4-0: Nishikinoryu, who dropped down from the Sandanme after missing the last 2 tournaments, and Okano, a 17-year-old rikishi in his debut tournament.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7 of the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Bushozan (J1) beat Takarafuji (J16)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Mitoryu (M15)
Kagayaki (M12) beat Chiyomaru (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Aoiyama (M10) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Endo (M9)
Takanosho (M9) beat Azumaryu (M14)
Onosho (M9) beat Hiradoumi (M10)
Oho (M8) beat Myogiryu (M6)
Ura (M7) beat Nishikigi (M5)
Hokutofuji (M6) beat Ryuden (M5)
Daieisho (M1) beat Sadanoumi (M4)
Kiribayama (K) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Meisei (K) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Abi (M3)
Nishikifuji (M4) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Tamawashi (M2) beat Shodai (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Leader: 5 at 6-1
Of note: The margin for error for Shodai to return to Ozeki in March is now gone. To get back he needs 10 wins this time, meaning Shodai now must go 8-0 because he is 2-5 after today. Otherwise he has to get back to Sekiwake and put together 3 consecutive winning campaigns with 30+ total wins or win a tournament or two. Same for Watakakakage to have any chance at Ozeki-he needs 11 wins and that’s all he can get now at 3-4.
It was also announced that just-retired Okinoumi would become Kimigohama (sp?) Oyakata and remain active in sumo, working towards becoming a coach or stablemaster and training future rikishi.
Key matches tomorrow: Kotoshoho-Chiyomaru, Aoiyama-Azumaryu, Onosho-Nishikigi, Daieisho-Meisei, Takakeisho-Nishikifuji. All 5 co-leaders could be 7-1 at the halfway point.

Since tomorrow is Day 8, NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE English-language coverage of the top tier’s final matches of the day beginning at 12:10 AM PT/3:10 AM ET. The network is available on participating cable/satellite providers but can also be watched worldwide FOR FREE online and on mobile/tablet/smart TV apps. No email or login/registration is required.

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Ishizaki (Ms1)
Takakento (J12) beat Kaisho (J13)
Asanoyama (J12) beat Shimazuumi (J11)
Chiyosakae (J11) beat Terutsuyoshi (J10)
Gonoyama (J10) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Shonannoumi (J13) beat Hidenoumi (J9)
Chiyonokuni (J7) beat Roga (J9)
Daishoho (J6) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Kotokuzan (J5)
Kinbozan (J5) beat Kitanowaka (J6)
Churanoumi (J6) beat Enho (J4)
Oshoma (J3) beat Daiamami (J2)
Hokuseiho (J2) beat Atamifuji (J3)
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Akua (J1)
Leader: Asanoyama (7-0)
Of note: There may be no stopping the former Ozeki at this point-the sole unbeaten is now just one win away from another promotion and the real question is can he go 15-0? Roga, who was tied with Asanoyama a couple days ago at the top, is fading and now has lost 2 straight but isn’t out of it. Kinbozan now has a real chance to become the first rikishi from Kazakhstan to make it to the top tier, sitting 6-1 now and one off the pace. Tohakuryu is also tied for second at 6-1. Who is out of it and won’t be returning to the top tier this time around is Akua, now at 0-7. And don’t look now but Terutsuyoshi is on another skid, 3 straight since his record-snapping win and is 1-6. Makushita may be calling along with a temporary end to his epic salt throws. Also at the same mark is September champion Tochimusashi, having lost 5 straight and hasn’t been the same since his Juryo debut title.
Tomorrow is the halfway point, which has Asanoyama scheduled to face Gonoyama (5-2), while Tomokaze is the Makushita man of the day. He’s at Ms2 and will face Kaisho, but a loss means Tomokaze will stay in Makushita as he’d be 1-4 and that means demotion. At the top, Tohakuryu faces Chiyonokuni (5-2) while Kinbozan has the proverbial trap match in Daiamami (2-5). In the final match, Akua will be the first demotion at 0-8 if he loses to Kotokuzan, who is 1-6.