Sumo-Top Tier Leader Out

BREAKING: Today’s Day 9 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament has seen a huge shakeup before the top tier begins-Ichiyamamoto, a co-leader at 6-2, has WITHDRAWN. Unknown why but my first thought is coronavirus, maybe an outbreak at his beya (stable). His stablemate Shimazuumi is out of Juryo too. This means fellow co-leader Nishikifuji will get a free win and remain at least a co-leader, putting the Maegashira 17 one win from promotion. Japan is seeing another surge in virus cases and it may be accounting for numerous withdrawals at all ranks-it seems that everyone in both Dewanoumi and Naruto Beya is now out of the tournament.
More as it becomes available.

In other news, former Ozeki Asanoyama won his Day 9 match in the Sandanme, remaining a co-leader at 5-0. At Sandanme 22, promotion to Makushita is just about guaranteed in September no matter what.

Sumo-July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 8 Results (Halfway Point-Top 2 Tiers)

Here are the quick results from Day 8 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya, the halfway point:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top tier):
Onosho (M15) beat Daishoho (J3)
Oho (M15) beat Chiyomaru (M17)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Daiamami (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M13) beat Tsurugisho (M14)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Yutakayama (M16)
Terutsuyoshi (M12) beat Shimanoumi (M9)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Nishikigiki (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Chiyotairyu (M10) beat Okinoumi (M7)
Meisei (M10) beat Hokutofuji (M10)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Kotoeko (M9)
Ura (M3) beat Aoiyama (M6)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Ichinojo (M2)
Hoshoryu (K) beat Kiribayama (M1)
Abi (K) beat Sadanoumi (M5)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Daieisho (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Endo (M5)
Shodai (O) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Wakamotoharu (M4). VERY CONTROVERSIAL MATCH. Was stopped to fix loose mawashi just as they began moving again, which denied Wakamotoharu a win and his first Kinboshi (gold star victory). Judges ordered it restarted from the point of stoppage and Terunofuji would win after the restart.
Leader: Terunofuji, Kotonowaka, Ichinojo, Tobizaru, Nishigiki, Ichiyamamoto, Nishikifuji (6-2)

Juryo:
Oshoma (J13) beat Tochimaru (J11)
Gonoyama (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Kitanowaka (J12) beat Kaisho (J9)
Hokuseiho (J13) beat Churanoumi (J9)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Hiradoumi (J8)
Enho (J8) beat Yago (J12)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Kaisei (J11)
Akua (J7) beat Asanowaka (J4)
Bushozan (J6) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Asanowaka (J2)
Tokushoryu (J5) beat Tokakuryu (J2)
Ryuden (J1) beat Chiyonokuni (J4)
Hidenoumi (J1) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Leader: Ryuden, Hiradoumi, Hokuseiho (6-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Oshoma is out starting tomorrow (Day 9). Unknown but given he won today and didn’t look injured, my first suspiciion is coronavirus. Withdrawals are piling up in the lower ranks too so there could be more outbreaks. Bad way to end Oshoma’s Juryo debut, he was 5-3 after today and could be going back to Makushita.
DEMOTION: Ishiura is the first official demotion in the top 2 tiers effective today. Pre-tournament withdrawal due to cervical cord/spine injury.
Asanoyama Watch: As expected, no match today.
Lower division notes: Makushita has 8 tied for the lead at 4-0, all have earned promotions. Asanoyama is among 10 in the Sandamne tied for the lead at 4-0. The Jonidan has 12 at 4-0, while the Jonokuchi has 2 at 4-0.

UPDATE: MAJOR early Day 9 Makuuchi development-Ichiyamamoto, one of the co-leaders at 6-2, has WITHDRAWN. More to come…

Sumo-July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 7 Results (7/16/22)

Here are the quick results from Day 7 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top tier):
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Yutakayama (M16)
Oho (M15) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Tsurugisho (M14) beat Chiyomaru (M17)
Ichiyamamoto (M13) beat Daiamami (M16)
Onosho (M15) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Chiyotairyu (M10) beat Meisei (M10)
Kotoeko (M9) beat Okinoumi (M7)
Aoiyama (M6) beat SHimanoumi (M9)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Sadanoumi (M5)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Endo (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat TObizaru (M3)
Daieisho (S) beat Kiribayama (M1)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Takanosho (M1) by default/withdrawal
Shodai (O) beat Ichinojo (M2)
Abi (K) beat Takakeisho (O)
Hoshoryu (K) beat Mitakeumi (O) by default/withdrawal
Terunofuji (Y) beat Ura (M3)
WITHDRAWAL: Takanosho (M1). Foot/ankle injury. Return uncertain.
Leader: Ichinojo (6-1)

Juryo (2nd tier):
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Tochimaru (J11)
Hokuseiho (J13) beat Kaisei (J11)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Yago (J12)
Churanoumi (J9) beat Gonoyama (J14)
Oshoma (J13) beat Kaisho (J9)
Kotokuzan (j7) beat Kitanowaka (J12)
Bushozan (J6) beat Enho (J8)
Hiradoumi (J8) beat Atamifuji (J6)
Akua (J7) beat Tokushoryu (J5)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Chiyonokuni (J5)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Daishoho (J3)
Hidenoumi (J1) beat Asanowaka (J4)
Ryuden (J1) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Leader: Hiradoumi (6-1)

Lower tier notes: 5 Makushita have earned promotion with 4-0 records so far, including Kinbozan (Makushita 1), who will be making his Juryo debut in September as likely the first rikishi from Kazakhstan to do so.
Asanoyama Watch: The former Ozeki, now at Sandanme 22, went to 4-0 and earned promotion with a win today. At least one more win should be enough to get him up to Makushita in September. He is one of 6 in the Sandanme who have earned promotion at 4-0. 5 in the Jonidan have promotions now along with one in the Jonokuchi.
In the top 2 tiers, Day 9 is now the earliest anyone can clinch promotion/winning records or demotion/losing records.

Sumo-July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 6 Results (7/15/22)

Here are the quick results from Day 6 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
But first, as I was posting this…
BREAKING: Mitakeumi (Ozeki) has WITHDRAWN from the tournament after today. Right shoulder injury. That means if he misses at least 3 more days of the tournament after tomorrow, he will be DEMOTED from Ozeki due to 2 straight losing tournaments. An Absent day is treated as a loss. This also means a free Day 7 win for Hoshoryu (Komosubi), who was to have been the opponent.

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Nishigiki (M17) beat Chiyomaru (M17)
Yutakayama (M16) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Daiamami (M16) beat Oho (M15)
Onosho (M15) beat Ichiyamamoto (M13)
Tsurugisho (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Terutsuyoshi (M12)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Meisei (M10) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Kotoeko (M9) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Okinoumi (M7) beat Shimanoumi (M9)
Chiyotairyu (M10) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Nishigiki (M8)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Endo (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Aoiyama (M6)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Takanosho (M1)
Hoshoryu (K) beat Abi (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Kiribayama (M1)
Ichinojo (M2) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Takakeisho (O) beat Ura (M3)
Shodai (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Trunofuji (Y) beat Tamawashi (M3)
WITHDRAWN: Mitakeumi (O) after the day, which will count as a Day 7 withdrawal. Right shoulder injury. Day 7 opponent Hoshoryu gets a free win.
Leader: Ichinojo (6-0)

Juryo:
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Kitanowaka (J12)
Yago (J12) beat Gonoyama (J14)
Hokuseiho (J13) beat TOchimaru (J11)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Oshoma (J13)
Kaisho (J9) beat Kaisei (J11)
Hiradoumi (J8) beat CHuranoumi (J9)
Enho (J8) beat AKua (J7)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
Chiyonokuni (J5) beat Bushozan (J6)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Tokushoryu (J5)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Asanowaka (J4) beat Ryuden (J1)
Daishoho (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J1)
Leader: Kagayaki, Hiradoumi (5-1)
Asanoyama Watch: The former Ozeki (now DSandanme 22) went to 3-0 with a 3rd straight win, beating Hokutomaru (Sandanme 18) by “uwatenage” (over arm throw). This means that Asanoyama now needs only 1 win over his final 4 matches to be promoted and move up the rankings. 2 or more wins should get him back to the 3rd tier Makushita next tournament. He can only be demoted again if he loses all 4 of his remaining matches. No match on Day 7 (now underway).

UPDATE 2: Mitakeumi withdrawal is NOT due to the shoulder injury per NHK World Japan. Coronavirus outbreak in his beya (stable). Whether or not this will mean demotion will not be known until after the tournament, likely not until the September Banzuke is announced at the end of August.

Sumo-July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 5 Results (7/14/22)

Here are the quick results from Day 5 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Azumaryu (J2) beat Daiamami (M16)
Oho (M15) beat Onosho (M15)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Tsurugisho (M14)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Chiyomaru (M17)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Ichiyamamoto (M14)
Terutsuyoshi (M12) beat Yutakayama (M16)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Chiyotairyu (M10)
Meisei (M10) beat Shimanoumi (M9
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M8)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Kotoeko (M9)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Aoiyama (M6)
Okinoumi (M7) beat Sadanoumi (M5)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Endo (M5)
Kiribayama (M1) beat Takanosho (M1)
Daieisho (S) beat Abi (K)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Hoshoryu (K)
Takakeisho (O) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Shodai (O)
Ura (M3) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Ichinojo (M2) beat Terunofuji (Y). KINBOSHI! 9th career Gold Star Victory! (Whenever a Maegashira beats a Yokozuna)
Leader: Ichinojo (5-0)

Juryo:
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Yago (J12)
Kitanowaka (J12) beat Oshoma (J13)
Gonoyama (J14) beat Tochimaru (J11)
SHimazuumi (J10) beat Hokuseiho (J13)
Churanoumi (J9) beat Kaisei (J11)
Hiradoumi (J8) beat Kaisho (J9)
Enho (J8) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Akua (J7)
Tokushoryu (J5) beat Bushozan (J6)
Hidenoumi (J1) beat Kagayaki (J3)
Asanowaka (J4) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Chiyonokuni (J5) beat Daishoho (J3)
Hidenoumi (J1) beat Kagayaki (J3
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Ryuden (J1)
Leaders: Ryuden, Kagayaki, Mitoryu, Hiradoumi, Churanoumi, Gonoyama (all 4-1)
Asanoyama Watch (Sandanme 22, former Ozeki): No match today. Probably will have 3rd match tomorrow.

Sumo-July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 4 Results (Top 2 Tiers)

Here are the quick results from Day 4 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Onosho (M15) beat Chiyomaru (M17)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Yutakayama (M16) beat Tsurugisho (M14)
Oho (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Ichiyamamoto (M13) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Chiyotairyu (M10) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Meisei (M10) beat Terutsuyoshi (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Kotoeko (M9)
Shimanoumi (M9) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Nishigiki (M8) beat Aoiyama (M6)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Endo (M5) beat Okinoumi (M7)
Sadanoumi (M5) beat Tamawashi (M3)
Ura (M3) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Abi (K) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Takanosho (M1)
Shodai (O) beat Hoshoryu (K)
Mitakeumi (O) beat Kiribayama (M1)
Ichinojo (M2) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kotonowaka (M2)
RETURNING: Daiamami (M16). Will return on Day 5 after withdrawing on Day 2 (left ankle injury).

Juryo:
Kinbozan (Makushita 1) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Gonoyama (J14) beat Kitanowaka (J13)
Hokuseiho (J13) beat Yago (J12)
Oshoma (J13) beat Kaisei (J11)
Tochimaru (J11) beat Churanoumi (J9)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Enho (J8)
Kaisho (J9) beat Akua (J7)
Bushozan (J6) beat Hiradoumi (J8)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Tokushoryu (J5)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Atamifuji (J6)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Chiyonokuni (J5)
Asanowaka (J4) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Ryuden (J1) beat Daishoho (J3)
Hidenoumi (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J2)

Leaders:
Makuuchi: Ichinojo, Nishigiki, Ichiyamamoto (4-0)
Juryo: Ryuden, Kagayaki, Mitoryu (4-0)
Lower tier notes: If Kinbozan (Makushita leader, now 3-0) wins at least one of his final 4 matches, he will be promoted to Juryo and would almost certainly be the first rikishi from Kazakhstan to reach the top 2 ranks.
No match for former Ozeki Asanoyama (Sandanme 22) today or tomorrow (Day 5 is underway as of this post). His next match should be on Day 6 on Friday but that is TBD.

Sumo-July Grand Sumo Tournament Day 3 Results (Top 2 Tiers)

Here are the quick results from Day 2 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Chiyomaru (M17) beat Yutakayama (M16)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Oho (M15)
Onosho (M15) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Tsurugisho (M14)
Ichiyamamoto (M13) beat Terutsuyoshi (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Chiyotairyu (M10)
Kotoeko (M9) beat Meisei (M10)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Shimanoumi (M9)
Nishigiki (M8) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Aoiyana (M6) beat Okinoumi (M7)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M5)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Endo (M5)
Ichinojo (M2) beat Hoshoryu (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Wakatakakage (S) beat Ura (M3)
Abi (K) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Takakeisho (O) beat Kotonowaka (M2)
Kiribayama (M1) beat Shodai (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Takanosho (M1)

Juryo:
Gonoyama (J14) beat Takakento (Makushita 1)
Chiyosakae (J14) beat Oshoma (J12)
Hokuseiho (J13) beat Kitanowaka (J12)
Yago (J12) beat TOchimaru (J11)
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Kaisei (J11)
Churanoumi (J9) beat Kaisho (J9)
Hiradoumi 9J8) beat Enho (J8)
Kotokuzan (J7) beat Akua (J7)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Bushozan (J6)
Chiyonokuni (J5) beat TOkushoryu (J5)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Daishoho (J3)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Asanowaka (J4)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Ryuden (J1) beat Hiradoumi (J1)

Asanoyama Watch: The former Ozeki, now at Sandamne 22, is 2-0 in his comeback tournannet after picking up his second win today.

Sumo-July Grand Sumo Tournament Day 2 Results (Top 2 Tiers)

Here are the quick results from Day 2 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Hidenoumi (J1) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Chiyomaru (M17) beat Daiamami (J16) by default (withdrawal)
Yutakayama (M16) beat Onosho (M15)
Oho (M15) beat Tsurugisho (M14)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Ichiyamamoto (M13) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Kotoshoho (M11) beat Terutsuyoshi (M12)
Midofiruji (M11) beat Meisei (M10)
Chiyotairyu (M10) beat Shimanoumi (M9)
Nishigiki (M8) beat Kotoeko (M9)
Okinoumi (M7) beat Tochinoshin (M8)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Tobizaru (M6)
Aoiyama (M6) beat Endo (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M4) beat Sadanoumi (M5)
Ura (M3) beat Abi (K)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Ichinojo (M2) beat Daieisho (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Hoshoryu (K)
Takanosho (M1) beat Shodai (O)
Kotonowaka (M2) beat Mitakeumi (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kiribayama (M1)
WITHDRAWAL: Daiamami (M16). Left ankle injury. Return uncertain

Juryo (2nd tier):
Oshoma (J13) beat Gonoyama (J14)
Hokuseiho (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Kaisei (J11) beat Yago (J12)
Kitanowaka (J11) beat Tochimaru (J12)
Kaisho (J9) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Churanoumi (J9) beat Enho (J8). Notable in that the win was by the rare “sokubiotoshi” technique (head chop down)
Hiradoumi (J8) beat Akua (J7)
Bushozan (J6) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
Chiyonokuni (J5) beat Atamifuji (J6)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Tokushoryu (J5)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Asanowaka (J4)
Daishoho (J3) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Ryuden (J1) beat Azumaryu (J2)

Note from the lower tiers: In his first match since returning from a 1 year suspension (6 tournaments) for coronavirus protocol violations and dishonesty in the subsequent investigation, former Ozeki Asanoyama, now at Sandanme 22, was a winner against Goshimaru (Sandanme 22) by “yorikiri” (frontal force out). My guess if he consistently racks up winning records and/or lower titles is the soonest he could return to the top tier is probably May 2023. That assumes he wins 5+ matches this tournament, which should get him to Makushita, then he will need similar in at least 1 but probably 2 Makushita tournaments to reach Juryo, then at least 2 12+ win tournaments in Juryo to return to Maegashira.

Sumo-July Grand Sumo Tournament Day 1 Results (Top 2 Tiers)

Here are the quick results from Day 1 of the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament from Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira; K-Komosubi; S-Sekiwake; O-Ozeki; Y-Yokozuna; J-Juryo (2nd tier)
Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Ryuden (J1) beat Chiyomaru (M17)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Daiamami (M16)
Yutakayama (M16) beat Oho (M15)
Tsurugisho (M14) beat Onosho (M15)
Myogiryu (m14) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Tetutsuyoshi (M12)
Ichiyamamoto (M13) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Meisei (M10) beat Kotoshoho (M11)
Kotoeko (M9) beat Chiyotairyu (M10)
Nishigiki (M8) beat Shimanoumi (M9)
Tochinoshin (M8) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Tobizaru (M6) beat Okinoumi (M7)
Aoiyama (M6) beat Sadanounmi (M5)
Endo (M5) beat Wakamotoharu (M4)
Hoshoryu (K) beat Ura (M3)
Tamawashi (M3) beat Daieisho (S)
Ichinojo (M2) beat Wakatakakage (S)
Kotonowaka (m2) beat Shodai (O)
Mitakeumi (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kiribayama (M1) beat Takakeisho (O)
Abi (K) beat Terunofuji (Y). 2nd straight opening day loss for Terunofuji, last time he went on to win the tournament.
WITHDRAWAL: Takayasu (M4). Coronavirus. Out for the tournament

Juryo:
Gonoyama (J14) beat Chiyosakae (J14)
Oshoma (J13) beat Hokuseiho (J13)
Kitanowaka (J12) beat Yago (J12)
TOchimaru (J11) beat Kaisei (J11). Kaisei appeared to suffer a neck/shoulder injury.
Churanoumi (J9) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Enho (J8) beat Kaisho (J9)
Hiradoumi (J8) beat Kotokuzan (J7)
Bushozan (J6) beat Akua (J7)
Tokushoryo (J5) beat Atamifuji (J6)
Mitoryu (J4) beat Chiyonokuni (J5)
Asanowaka (J4) beat Daishoho (J3)
Kagayaki (J3) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Hidenoumi (J1)
WITHDRAWAL: Ishiura (J10). Unknown but likely injury. This will be the 2nd straight tournament he misses if he does not return and likely would be demoted to Makushita as he will have missed the equivalent of 2 1/2 straight tournaments.

Early Day 2 UPDATE: Daiamami (M16) has WITHDRAWN. Details to come after I watch the NHK World Japan replay late tonight. (UPDATE: Left ankle injury. Return uncertain)

Sumo-July Banzuke Announced

With the July 2022 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya less than 2 weeks away, the Banzuke for July 2022 has been announced, which is as follows (going forward I’ll only be doing the top 2 tiers, to do the entire thing is too time consuming):
Makuuchi (Top 5 rankings):
Yokozuna: Terunofuji (May Tournament Champion)
Ozeki-Mitakeumi (K), Shodai (K), Takakeisho
Sekiwake-Wakatakakage, Daieisho
Komosubi-Hoshoryu, Abi
Maegashira 1-Kiribayama, Takanosho
Maegashira 2-Kotonowaka, Ichinojo
Meegashira 3-Tamawashi, Ura
Maegashira 4-Wakamotoharu, Takayasu
Maegashira 5-Endo, Sadanoumi
Maegashira 6-Aoiyama, Tobizaru
Maegashira 7-Okinoumi, Hokutofuji
Maegashira 8-Tochinoshin, Nishigiki
Maegashira 9-Shimanoumi, Kotoeko
Maegashira 10-Chiyotairyu-Meisei
Maegashira 11-Kotoshoho, Midorifuji
Maegashira 12-Terutsuyoshi, Takarafuji
Maegashira 13-Ichiyamamoto, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 14-Myogiryu, Tsurugisho
Maegashira 15-Onosho, Oho
Maegashira 16-Yutakayama, Daiamami
Maegashira 17-Nishikifuji (Debut), Chiyomaru
Notes:
Terunofuji will be going for his second straight championship, 4th as Yokozuna, 8th Emperor’s Cup (top tier championship) and 11th overall Championship.
Nishikifuji is making his top tier debut after being the Juryo champion in May, being promoted from Juryo 6.
Both Mitakeumi and Shodai are in Kadoban Status as Ozeki, meaning if one or both lose 8 or more matches this tournament they will be demoted from Ozeki. This is only the 3rd tournament at Ozaki for Mitakeumi. Technically this is the second straight Kadoban tournament for Shodai, he was Kadoban in March but finished with a winning record.
The last time Sanyaku stayed the same in terms of wrestlers for sonecutive tournaments was November 2020 & January 2021. The only changes this time were Daieisho is promoted to Sekiwake while Abi is demoted to Komodubi.
If Wakatakakage can finish with at least 9 wins, ideally 10 or more, he has a chance at promotion to Ozeki in September. Wakatakakage won the March tournament with 12 wins and finished with 9 wins in May, so 9 wins give him the 30 minimum over 3 consecutive tournaments required for Ozeki promotion.
Daiamami is back in the top tier after a year.

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Ryuden, Hidenoumi
Juryo 2-Azumaryu, Tohakuryu
Juryo 3-Kagayaki, Daishoho
Juryo 4-Asanowaka, Mitoryu
Juryo 5-Chiyonokuni, Tokushoryu
Juryo 6-Atamifuji, Bushozan
Juryo 7-Akua, Kotokuzan
Juryo 8-Hiradoumi, Enho
Juryo 9-Kaisho, Churanoumi
Juryo 10-Shimazuumi, Ishiura
Juryo 11-Kaisei, Tochimaru
Juryo 12-Kitanowaka, Yago
Juryo 13-Oshoma (May Makushita Champion), Hokuseiho
Juryo 14-Chiyosakae, Gonoyama (name change from Nishikawa)
Notes:
Ryuden probably was one win away in May from returning to the top tier. He’ll be back in September with a winning record.
Oshoma is the first rikishi from Naruto Beya to reach Juryo.
Chiyosakae is the 4th oldest rikishi to make his Juryo debut post-World War 2 at 31 years, 11 months.

Gonoyama, who changed his name from Nishikawa after the May tournament, is making his Juryo debut. He was the January Makushita champion.
In notable items from the lower ranks, former Ozeki Asanoyama, who has completed his 1 year suspension for coronavirus protocol violations and dishonesty during subsequent investigations, should be back and will begin his climb back up to the top tier from the rank of Sandamne 22. The last time an Ozeki fell this low or even lower and climbed all the way back up? Terunofuji, who made it to Yokozune.
For the second straight tournament there are only 90 Sandanme ranks instead of the normal 100.
At the bottom of the banzuke, there are 109 ranks in the Jonidan (218 total wrestlers) and 20 ranks (40 total wrestlers) in the Jonokuchi.
Kamitani, the May Sandanme Champion, made a massive leap up from Sandanme 29 to Makushita 19. May Jonidan Champion Kototebakari likewise zooms up from Jonidan 21 to Sandanme 27 while May Jonokuchi champion Kazekeno is at Jonidan 49 after winning his Debut tournament at Jonokuchi 22, the bottom rank of the lowest division.

The July Tournament begins on July 10.

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