Tag: grand sumo

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.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 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 Akua (J1)
Azumaryu (M14) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Takarafuji (M16) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Mitoryu (M15) beat Okinoumi (M12) by default/withdrawal
Chiyoshoma (M11) beat Takanosho (M9) by foul/DQ…HANSOKU! Takanosho originally won but got caught for pulling the topknot of his opponent, which is illegal regardless of if it’s intentional or not. Judges conference (Mono-ii) was held and the decision was reversed.
Endo (M9) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Onosho (M9) beat Aoiyama (M10)
Hiradoumi (M10) beat Oho (M8)
Myogiryu (M6) beat Hokutofuji (M6)
Ryuden (M5) beat NIshikigi (M5)
Ura (M7) beat Sadanoumi (M4)
Mitakeumi (M2) beat Nishikifuji (M4)
Daieisho (M1) beat Kiribayama (K)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Meisei (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Tamawashi (M2)
Shodai (S) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Takayasu (S) by default/withdrawal
Midorifuji (M3) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Abi (M3)
Leader: EIGHT (!) at 5-1
WITHDRAWALS: Takayasu (S), Okinoumi (M12). Takayasu out due to a right shin bone injury (but has also been bothered by a neck injury suffered in the November 2022 playoff), Okinoumi unspecified but believed to be a leg injury but he has now RETIRED.

Juryo:
Tamashoho (Ms1) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Takakento (J12) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Shimazuumi (J11) beat Tsuhsimanada (J14)
Gonoyama (J10) beat Shonannoumi (J13)
Asanoyama (J12) beat Roga (J9)
Kaisho (J13) beat Hidenoumi (J9)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Terutsuyoshi (J10)
Chiyonokuni (J7) beat Churanoumi (J5)
Daishoho (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Kotokuzan (J5) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Kinbozan (J5) beat Enho (J4)
Hokuseiho (J2) beat Oshoma (J3)
Atamifuji (J3) beat Daiamami (J2)
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Bushozan (J1)
Leader: Asanoyama (6-0)
Of note: Asanoyama-Roga lived up to the billing. Great match with the former Ozeki pulling it out to stay unbeaten and the sole leader. 2 wins to a 5th straight promotion. Tomorrow’s scheduled opponent is Shimazuumi (4-2). Ishizaki, a popular “muscle boy” at Makushita 1, is tomorrow’s Makushita man in Juryo, he’s 1-2 and gets Tsushimanada (3-3). Bushozan gets his Juryo man turn in the top tier and will face Takarafuji.

Breaking sumo news-according to the Japanese version of Yahoo Sports, veteran rikishi Okinoumi, who withdrew from the January Tournament today on Day 6, will retire effective immediately. According to a translation of the article, the lingering effects of a leg injury suffered during the November 2022 Tournament is the reason. Okinoumi, ranked at Maegashira 12, was 0-5 coming into today.

Okinoumi (real name Ayumi Fukuoka), 37, debuted in March 2005 and reached a highest rank of Sekiwake during his career. He won one Makushita championship, 5 Special Prizes and 4 Kinboshi (Gold Star Victories, awarded when a Maegashira defeats a Yokozuna). His career record with today’s withdrawal leaves him with a 674-675-33 (win-loss-absent) record.

This will mark the second straight tournament with a retirement during the tournament, following Chiyotairyu in November 2022.

More as it becomes available. Today’s Day 6 results will be posted later tonight.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Chiyomaru (M16)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Mitoryu (M15)
Azumaryu (M14) beat Okinoumi (M12)
Takarafuji (M16) beat Tochinoshin (M11) by default/withdrawal
Hiradoumi (M10) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Endo (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Aoiyama (M10) beat Oho (M8)
Takanosho (M9) beat Ura (M7)
Ryuden (M5) beat Onosho (M8)
Sadanoumi (M4) beat Hokutofuji (M6)
NIshikigi (M5) beat Nishikifuji (M4)
Midorifuji (M3) beat Myogiryu (M6). The winning technique, uchimuso, (watch NHK World Japan’s Day 5 replay for translation) is a very rare one that reportedly hasn’t been seen in nearly a decade!
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Kiribayama (K)
Meisei (K) beat Shodai (S)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Takayasu (S)
Daieisho (M1) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Abi (M3) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Tamawashi (M2)
WITHDRAWAL: Tochinoshin (M11). Dislocated shoulder. Expected to be out 2 weeks, which would mean the rest of the tournament. That puts the Georgian (country in Europe, not US state) in a dilemma-sit out and risk dropping to Juryo at the equivalent of 2-13, try to rush back to get some late wins to avoid that, or if it’s bad enough consider retirement? Tochinoshin is a former Ozeki and top-tier mainstay so if he was going to fall to Juryo at this point I’d imagine he’d pull a Kaisei and retire. He’s also 35, which in sumo is old and he has around 15 years of wear & tear on him. We’ll see. It does mean we’ll have a Juryo man each day in the top tier starting tomorrow, and on Day 6 it’s Akua, currently at Juryo 1 but 0-5 so far. Also watch Takarafuji as he suffered an apparent hand/finger injury on Day 4 but came back to get a free win today. Probably will try to fight through it as he is 4-1 and withdrawal means certain demotion to Juryo without 8 wins.
Leader: Abi, Aoiyama, Kotoshoho (5-0)
Key match tomorrow: Abi-Takakeisho. It’s the last bout of the day and while it’s still early, Takakeisho probably needs this one to stay in yusho and perhaps Yokozuna contention. It’s also a rematch of the November 2022 playoff that Abi won for his first top-tier championship.

Juryo:
Asanoyama (J12) beat Kaisho (J13)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Takakento (J12)
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J12)
Shonannoumi (J13) beat Terutsuyoshi (J10)
Chiyosakae (J11) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Gonoyama (J10)
Shimanoumi (J8) beat Daishoho (J6)
Roga (J9) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Chiyonokuni (J7) beat Kotokuzan (J5)
Kinbozan (J5) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Enho (J4) beat Daiamami (J2)
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Hokuseiho (J2)
Oshoma (J3) beat Bushozan (J1)
Atamifuji (J3) beat Akua (J1)
Leader: Asanoyama, Roga (5-0)
Of note: Although there were a couple of scares when it looked like he might go down, Asanoyama pulled out another win somehow and that’s his 4th straight 5-0 start. Only at the 1/3 mark but in the last 2 tournaments his 6th match of 7 resulted in his first and only loss. It’s not too early to begin wondering if he can go 15-0, although it almost certainly would not get him back to the top tier from J12. I think he projects to be between J2-J5 should he manage at least 12 wins, recent history suggests winning the championship with that win total or more would vault him up to J3, putting the top tier within reach for May. The Russian Roga continues to have his best tournament to date and looks to be a strong contender. Starting tomorrow we’ll see a Makushita man each day as a Juryo man goes to the top tier. Tomorrow it’ll be November Makushita Champion Tamashoho, who sits at Makushita 1 and is 2-1 so far. He gets to come up to face Hakuyozan.
Key matches tomorrow: Asanoyama-Roga, Kinbozan-Enho. There still will be 9 days left but the winner of the 5-0 matchup will undoubtedly be the yusho favorite as the only unbeaten. A playoff rematch would not be a surprise. The winner of the second match will stay one off the pace. Fan favorite Enho took the sound advice of stablemaster Miyagino, the former Yokozuna Hakuho, and has put on about 11-12 pounds of extra weight for this tournament and it’s had a positive impact on his results so far. He’s still the smallest man in Juryo at roughly 231 pounds, and the only man in the top 2 tiers that may be smaller (but not by very much) is Midorifuji. At this pace Enho could finally make his long-awaited return to the top tier (his career best rank is Maegashira 2).

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Mitoryu (M15) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Azumaryu (M14) beat Chiyomaru (M16)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Okinoumi (M12)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Tochinoshin (M11)
Aoiyama (M10) beat Kagayaki (M12)
Hiradoumi (M10) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Onosho (M8) beat Endo (M9)
Takanosho (M9) beat Oho (M8)
Ryuden (M5) beat Ura (M7)
Nishikifuji (M4) beat Myogiryu (M6)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Sadanoumi (M4)
Hokutofuji (M6) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Kiribayama (K) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Wakamotoharu (K) beat Meisei (K)
Takayasu (S) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Tamawashi (M2)
Daieisho (M1) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Abi (M3) beat Shodai (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Leader: Hoshoryu, Abi, Onosho, Aoiyama, Kotoshoho (4-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Tochinoshin (M11) is OUT heading into Day 5. Left elbow or shoulder injury, which he was favoring after his loss. This means Takarafuji, who seemed to injure his finger in his loss today, will get a free victory as long as he doesn’t withdraw. If Tochinoshin can’t return, he will finish with the equivalent of a 2-13 record, which could drop the Georgian & former Ozeki down to Juryo.

Juryo:
Hakuyozan (J14) beat Takakento (J12)
Asanoyama (J12) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Kaisho (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Shonannoumi (J13) beat Shimazuumi (J11)
Terutsuyoshi (J10) beat Hiradoumi (J9)
Gonoyama (J10) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Roga (J9) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Kitanowaka (J8) beat Churanoumi (J6)
Daishoho (J6) beat Chiyonokuni (J7)
Enho (J4) beat Kotokuzan (J5)
Hokuseiho (J2) beat Kinbozan (J5)
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Daiamami (J2)
Oshoma (J3) beat Akua (J1)
Bushozan (J1) beat Atamifuji (J3)
Leader: Asanoyama, Roga (4-0)
Of note: Another relatively easy win for Asanoyama as the former Ozeki is off to a 4th straight 4-0 start. In the lower tiers that’s a promotion but we’re not even 1/3 of the way through Juryo although that does put him halfway to promotion and getting closer to the top tier. I don’t think 15-0 will be enough but who knows. Also, the long nightmare for Terutsuyoshi is over as he stopped his 19-match losing streak dating back to September 2022. Among those struggling still is Akua, back on the verge of the top tier but 0-4, and Shimanoumi, who is in “here we go again” mode out of the gate with another weak start also 0-4.
Asanoyama is up first on Day 5 and will face Kaisho. Roga has Churanoumi. And unless there is another top-tier withdrawal, we’ll start seeing a Juryo man in the top tier each day beginning on Day 6 which would also mean a top-ranking Makushita man appearing in Juryo.

In the lower tiers, there is one return from injury as Obara, a pre-tournament withdrawal at Sandanme 22, is back today for Day 5 after 2 missed matches.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 of the January 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Takarafuji (M16) beat Azumaryu (M14)
Ichiyamamoto (M14) beat Chiyomaru (M16)
Mitoryu (M15) beat Kotoeko (M13)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Tochinoshin (M11) beat Okinoumi (M12)
Kagayaki (M12) beat Chiyoshoma (M11)
Endo (M9) beat Hiradoumi (M10)
Aoiyama (M10) beat Takanosho (M9)
Ura (M7) beat Oho (M8)
Onosho (M8) beat Myogiryu (M6)
Sadanoumi (M4) beat Ryuden (M5)
Hokutofuji (M6) beat Nishikifuji (M4)
Nishikigi (M5) beat Midorifuji (M3)
Kiribayama (K) beat Wakamotoharu (K)
Abi (M3) beat Meisei (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Mikakeumi (M2)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Shodai (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Tamawashi (M2) beat Takayasu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Daieisho (M1)
Leader: 7 at 3-0
Of note: Shodai picked up his first win today, meaning he now needs to go 9-3 or better the rest of the way to get 10 wins and return to Ozeki. On the flip side, after 2 runner-up finishes the last 2 tournaments Takayasu is already out of it at 0-3. A lot of the reason is a neck injury suffered in the November playoff against Abi when he seemed to possibly suffer a concussion, but also an ankle injury now. He may not make it thorugh all 15 days. Hoshoryu is among the group at 3-0 and now should be just 8 wins away from reaching Ozeki, but if he can finish with more than 11 that will help. He has a big early match tomorrow against fellow 3-0 Tamawashi. Also in the 3-0 group is November Champion Abi, who has Shodai tomorrow.

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Kaisho (J13)
Asanoyama (J12) beat Hakuyozan (J14)
Shonannoumi (J13) beat Takakento (J12)
Shimazuumi (J11) beat Terutsuyoshi (J10)
Gonoyama (J10) beat Chiyosakae (J11)
Hidenoumi (J0) beat Kitanowaka (J8)
Roga (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J8)
Churanoumi (J6) beat Tochimusashi (J7)
Daishoho (J6) beat Kotokuzan (J5)
Kinbozan (J5) beat Chiyonokuni (J7)
Enho (J4) beat Oshoma (J3)
Tohakuryu (J4) beat Atamifuji (J3)
Bushozan (J1) beat Daiamami (J2)
Hokuseiho (J2) beat Akua (J1)
Leader: Kinbozan, Roga, Shimazuumi, Asanoyama (3-0)
Of note: Another relatively easy win for the former Ozeki as Asanoyama is off to his 4th straight 3-0 start since returning from a 1 year suspension, but this time he has 12 matches to go instead of 4. Tomorrow’s opponent is Tsushimanada. Interesting to note there are 3 different countries represented at the top-Japan (Asanoyama, Shimazuumi), Kazakhstan (Kinbozan) and Russia (Roga). On the flip side. that’s now 19 straight losses for Terutsuyoshi. He’ll try to avoid making it 20 tomorrow against Hidenoumi.