Tag: grand sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the July 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Chiyoshoma (M15)
Wakatakakage (M14) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Churanoumi (M12)
Roga (M15) beat Nishikigi (M11)
Endo (M14) beat Midorifuji (M10)
Shodai (M10) beat Bushozan (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M11) beat Oshoma (M9)
Ura (M4) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Mitakeumi (M2) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Wakamotoharu (M2) beat Ryuden (M9)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Sadanoumi (M7)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Meisei (M1)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Kotoshoho (M7)
Oho (M6) beat Daieisho (K)
Kirishima 9S) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Takanosho (M6) beat Onosato (S)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Abi (S)
Shonannoumi (M5) beat Takakeisho (O)
Kotozakura (O) beat Terunofuji (Y). PLAYOFF!!!
Playoff: Terunofuji beat Takanosho. TERUNOFUJI YUSHO!!! The 10th Empteror’s Cup for the now Dai-Yokuzuna (Great Yokozuna)!

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (Sekiwake or below with winning record & most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): Onosato
Fighting Spirit (winning record with best display of fighting spirit): Takanosho
Technique (winning record with best display of technique): Hiradoumi
This continues Onosato’s run of at least one Special Prize in every career top-tier tournament so far.

Juryo:
Wakaikari (Ms5) beat Nabatame (J14)
Kiryuko (Ms1) beat Aoiyama (J11)
Ohsoumi (Ms3) beat Tochitaikai (J11)
Hakuoho (J13) beat Shishi (J10)
Chiyosakae (J9) beat Kotokuzan (Ms3)
Shiden (J7) beat Kayo (J13)
Tsurugisho (J5) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Tohakuryu (J5) beat Fujiseiun (J14)
Asakoryu (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J6)
Tamashoho (J6) beat Daishoho (J4)
Hakuyozan (J12) beat Mitoryu (J3)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Myogiryu (J8)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Daiamami (J2)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Hidenoumi (J9)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Tokihayate (J1). SHIROKUMA JURYO YUSHO!!! First Juryo and 3rd career championship. Now we wait to see if that’s enough to get him to the top tier from J8, recent history suggests he has a chance.

Tournament Champions:
Makuuchi-Terunofuji (Y). 10th career Emperor’s Cup, 13th overall championsihp
Juryo-Shirokuma (J8). 3rd career championship, 1st Juryo
Makushita-Daiseizan (Ms2). 1st career championship
Sandanme-Inami (Sd55). 1st career championship
Jonidan-Seihakuho (Jd25). 1st career championship
Jonokuchi-Shimizuumi (Jk14). 1st career championship

The more detailed wrap-up post will come later this week once post-tournament news and ranking notes come out.

The next tournament is the September Tournament from 9/8-9/22 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Tickets go on sale on 8/10.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the July 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ichiyamamoto (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M15)
Shodai (M10) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Midorifuji (M10) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Endo (M14)
NIshikigi (M11) beat Ryuden (M8)
Roga (M15) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Kotoshoho (M7) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
Bushozan (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M7)
Wakatakakage (M14) beat Oho (M6)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Oshoma (M9)
Ura (M4) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Wakamotoharu (M2) beat Meisei (M1)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Daieisho (K) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Abi (S) beat Kirishima (S)
Onosato (S) beat Churanoumi (M12)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takakeisho (O)
Takanosho (M6) beat Terunofuji (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 3rd career Gold Star Victory for Takanosho!
Leader: Terunofuji (12-2)
Of note: It’s not over yet! And it was a no contest as Takanosho just blew Terunofuji away. It remains Terunofuji’s to lose, but if he loses to Kotozakura tomorrow and Takanosho beats Onosato, there will be a playoff rematch. But if Takanosho loses or Terunofuji wins, #10 is secured. Takanosho now has 7 straight wins and is on an 11-1 run after an 0-2 start. Before that, Onosato equally blew away Churanoumi to take the other contender out of it.

Juryo:
Nabatame (J14) beat Myogiryu (J8)
Hakuyozan (J12) beat Shiden (J7)
SHimanoumi (J6) beat Fujiseiun (J14)
Tamashoho (J6) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tohakuryu (J5) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Hakuoho (J13) beat Tsurugisho (J5)
Kayo (J13) beat Daishoho (J4)
Aoiyama (J11) beat Asakoryu (J4)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Kitanowaka (J3)
Mitoryu (J3) beat Tochitaikai (J11)
Daiamami (J2) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Shishi (J10) beat Tokihayate (J1)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Leader: Shirokuma, Shishi (11-3)
Of note: It comes down to the final day. If one loses and the other wins, the winner is the champion. If both win or both lose, there will be a playoff rematch. On paper the final matches favor Shirokuma as he’s got Tokihayate (who must win to be promoted back to the top tier) while Shishi has Hakuoko (10-4).

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including the final matches, playoff if necessary, awards ceremony and champion’s interview, tomorrow at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day-of the July 224 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandname, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Chiyoshoma (M15) beat Daiamami (J2)
Nishikigi (M11) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Bushozan (M16) beat Ichiyamamoto (M11)
Kagayaki (M15) beat Shodai (M10)
Roga (M15) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Hokutofuji (M13) beat Oshoma (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Endo (M14) beat Ryuden (M6)
Sadanoumi (M7) beat Midorifuji (M10)
Kotoshoho (M7) beat Ura (M4)
Oho (M6) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Mitakeumi (M2) beat Wakamotoharu (M2)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Meisei (M1)
Wakatakakage (M14) beat Hiradoumi (K)
Churanoumi (M12) beat Daieisho (K)
Takanosho (M6) beat Kirishima (S)
Onosato (S) beat Hoshoryu (O) by default/withdrawal
Abi (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Takakeisho (O)
Leader: Terunofuji (12-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Hoshoryu (O). Hip joint. Happened in yesterday’s win over Kotozakura when he won by a head lock throw. Tournament over. Very unfortunate because he was 9-3 and still in championship contention. But he will remain a full Ozeki in September.
Of note: It’s over but still not over. Worst-case now for Terunofuji is a playoff, and only if he loses to Takanosho tomorrow. Churanoumi also must won to have any hopes of a playoff. But a win tomorrow means championship #10 for the Yokozuna.
Below that…it’s over. Takakeisho will be demoted from Ozeki after more than 5 1/2 years after taking his 8th loss, which came against Terunofuji, meaning 2 straight losing tournaments. Last time this happened in 2019 he got the 10+ wins at Sekiwake needed for quick re-promotion, now he must try again. It won’t happen for Kirishima as he took a 6th loss, so his Ozeki quest must start over. Onosato got the fusen today with Hosboryu out, meaning a free pass to staying at Sekiwake in September. If he can win his last 2 matches, Onosato would be looking at needing 11 wins in September or another championship for Ozeki consideration. He gets Churanoumi tomorrow. At this moment he would need 13 wins or a championship next time. At the bottom, Nishikifuji will probably be demoted back to Juryo. We also might be seeing Endo streaking into FIghting Spirit Prize contention, after a 1-4 start in his top-tier return form Juryo he now has won 8 straight. Usually 10 wins is the needed criteria for a Special Prize so a 9th straight tomorrow against Tamawashi may do it.

Juryo:
Fujiseiun (J14) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Aoiyama (J11) beat Akua (Ms3)
Kayo (J13) beat Shimazuumi (M10)
Hakuoho (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Tochitaikai (J11) beat Myogiryu (J8)
Shishi (J10) beat Tsurugisho (J5)
Tohakuryu (J5) beat Nabatame (J14)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Asakoryu (J8)
Daishoho (J4) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Shiden (J7) beat Mitoryu (J3)
Kittanowaka (J3) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Tamashoho (J6)
Shimanoumi (J6) beat Tokihayate (J1)
Leader: Shirokuma, Shishi (10-3)
Of note: Thanks so Shirokuma losing yesterday he & Shishi are again tied and possibly headed for a playoff rematch. 3 are right behind at 9-4 and still in it. As far as rankings go, Onokatsu finally got his 8th win and clinched promotion to the top tier for the first time in September. On the flip side, early leader Asakoryu has seen his chances slip away as a 4-0 start has turned into demotion as he now sits at 5-8.
Tomorrow Shirokuma faces Onokatsu in the last match right after Shishi faces Tokihayate, who now must win his last 2 to earn promotion back to the top tier.

Makushita:
Daiseizan (Ms2) beat Kurogimeyama (Ms54). DAISEIZAN MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! The first career championship for the China-born rikishi, who will be promoted to Juryo in September. He has yet to have a losing tournament, the only reason he isn’t ranked higher already is missing 2 tournaments in 2022. Otherwise he had gone 4-3 or 6-1 every time.

Sandanme:
Inami (Sd55) beat Tokitenran (Sd6). INAMI SANDANME YUSHO!!! First career championship in his third career tournament. He should be promoted to Makushita in September. He went 7-0 after going 6-1 in his first two tournaments.

Jonidan:
Shimizuumi (Jk14) beat Chikuba (Jd93)
Seihakuho (Jd25) beat Mishima Jd50). SEIHAKUHO JONIDAN YUSHO!!! First career championship in second tournament. Will be promoted to Sandanme in September. Chikuba’s loss eliminated any chances of a playoff that otherwise would have been needed.

Jonokuchi:
With above in Jonidan…SHIMIZUUMI JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! First career championship in debut tournament.
Of note: Enho won his final match, finishing his comeback effort at 6-1 with 6 straight wins after losing his first match. He will be promoted to Jonidan in September.l to continue his attempt to climb back up to Juryo or even Makuuchi after a long injury layoff. If he ever makes it back to Juryo he will qualify for elder stock upon retirement.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, where we’ll find out if Terunofuji clinches the Emperor’s Cup, tomorrow at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the July 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kagayaki (M16) beat Tokihayate (J1)
Wakatakakage (M14) beat Chiyoshoma (M15)
Nishikigi (M11) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Midorifuji (M10) beat Bushozan (M16)
Oshoma (M9) beat Roga (M15)
Endo (M14) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Hokutofuji (M13) beat Ryuden (M9)
Sadanoumi (M7) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Kotoshoho (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M11)
Churanoumi (M12) beat Oho (M6)
Takanosho (M6) beat Shodai (M10)
Shonannoumi (M5) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Meisei (M1) beat Ura (M4)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Daieisho (K) beat Wakamotoharu (M2)
Kirishima (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Takakeisho (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Abi (S)
Onosato (S) beat Terunofuji (Y)
Leader: Terunofuji (10-1)
Of note: No Zensho Yusho (15-0). Onosato now has beaten Terunofuji in each of the last 2 tournaments. But Kotozakura couldn’t capitalize, losing to remain 2 back at 8-3. Kirishima has long dominated Kotozakura and that happened again. This keeps Kirishima’s very faint promotion hopes alive, but he still must win his last 4 matches.
Terunofuji can still all but win the championship tomorrow as a win keeps him 2 ahead of the Kotozakura-Hoshoryu winner with 3 days to go, assuming the Yokozuna beats Abi. At the bottom, Wakatakakage clinched promotion in his return to the top tier after more than a year due to a serious injury as he attempts to climb back up to Sekiwake and Ozeki contention.

Juryo:
Aoiyama (J11) beat Nabatame (J14)
Fujiseiun (J14) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Hakuyozan (J12)
Myogiryu (J8) beat Hakuoho (J13)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Shishi (J10)
Shimanoumi (J6) beat Kayo (J13)
Tohakuryu (J5) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Tochitaikai (J11) beat Asakoryu (J4)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Daishoho (J8)
Tamashoho (J6) beat Mitoryu (J4)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Shiden (J7)
Daiamami (J2) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Tsurugisho (J5)
Leader: Shirokuma (9-2)
Of note: Shirokuma now takes the lead by beating Shishi but of course it’s not over. Shimazuumi also clinched promotion and moved into a tie with Shishi at 8-3. With a top tier appearance on tap tomorrow, Onokatsu is now one win from promotion and a top tier debut in September. At the bottom, both Nabatame & Taushimanada will be demoted to Makushita, the former now with a losing record in his Juryo debut at J14.

Also, Japanese news website Hochi News reports Takerufuji suffered a left ruptured pectoral muscle that led to his withdrawal yesterday, 2 days after returning from a right ankle injury suffered on March Day 14 before he won the Emperor’s Cup. No word on how long this may keep him out.

UPDATE: Tomokaze has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 12. Unknown why. He was 5-6 at J7. Hakuyozan will get the fusen tomorrow, leaving him one win from promotion at J13 with a 7-5 record

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the July 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Bushozan (M16) beat Tsurugisho (J5)
Hokutofuji (M13) beat Chiyoshoma (M15)
Endo (M14) beat Churanoumi (M12)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Ichiyamamoto (M11)
Kagayaki (M16) beat NIshikigi (M11)
Wakatakakage (M14) beat Midorifuji (M10)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Ryuden (M8) beat Roga (M15)
Shodai (M10) beat Kinbocan (M7)
Oshoma (M9) beat Sadanoumi (M7)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M7)
Ura (M4) beat Oho (M6)
Takanosho (M8) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Mitakeumi (M2) beat Meisei (M1)
Daieisho (K) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Wakamotoharu (M2)
Abi (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Kotozakura (O) beat Onosato (S)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kirishima (S)
Leader: Terunofuji (10-0)
Of note: It’s pretty much down to Kotozakura as the last obstacle to Terunofuji’s 10th title. The Ozeki has protected his rank with his 8th win today but is still 2 back of the Yokozuna, who continued his unbeaten dominance of Kirishima. Speaking of Kirishima, his Ozeki re-promotion hopes are all but dead, he now must win his last 5 matches. Takakeisho’s Ozeki status is more endangered now at 4-6, he must go 4-1 or 5-0 to avoid demotion. The repeat bid is now over for Onosato as he drops to 5-5. To have any semblance of a chance he must win tomorrow…and if he doesn’t the title race is over because tomorrow he gets Terunofuji.

Juryo:
Oshoumi (Ms3) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Hakuoho (J13) beat Tochitaikai (J11)
Hakuyozan (J12) beat Shishi (J10)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Fujiseiun (J14)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Nabatame (J14)
Kayo (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Myogiryu (J8) beat Aoiyama (J11)
Shirokuma (J6) beat Daishoho (J4)
Shiden (J7) beat Asakoryu (J4)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Kitanowaka (J3)
Mitoryu (J3) beat Tohajuryu (J5)
Daiamami (J2) beat Takerufuji (J2) by default/withdrawal
Tokihayate (J1) beat Tamashoho (J6)
Shimanoumi (J6) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Leader: Shirokuma, Shishi (8-2)
WITHDRAWAL: Takerufuji (J2). Left shoulder. Tournament probably over. Will finish the equivalent of 2-13 and demotion from Juryo will be a very big toss-up.
Of note: Hakuyozan ended Shishi’s 8-match winning streak to help Shirokuma pull even and clinch his first promotion in 3 tournaments (he missed out on a potential promotion in March due to injury). With Takerufuji pulling out again, the question now will be is 2 wins-and more significantly the Isegahama factor-enough to keep him in Juryo? It’ll depend on other factors but I think it’s enough. We also have to now watch Aoiyama, who is one loss from demotion and too many more losses could see him lose his salary for the first time in a very long time. Nabatame is now one loss from demotion back to Makushita and Tsushimanada seems likely to be demoted. With his win today, Makushita man Oshoumi clinches a promotion and, with one or ideally two more wins in his last two matches, has a chance at promotion to Juryo in September. Tomorrow could decide the championship, or at least the favorite, with Shirokuma-Shishi.

Lower tier notes: The Makushita is down to 4 at 5-0, and it looks like Daiseizan is probably going to earn promotion to Juryo from Ms2 regardless of what happens now. Former Makushita Champion Hitoshi, who earned promotion to Juryo after his first third-tier championship last September, will have a chance to return if he wins the title again although it may be too big a jump from Ms19. The Sandanme has 6 tied at 5-0 including former Juryo champion Tochimusashi, who holds the dubious distinction of first Juryo champion to be demoted without reaching the top tier following that championship. The Jonidan has 5 at 5-0 while in the Jonokuchi, two are at 5-0 although as of this post Day 11 is underway, and in the matchup of them Shimizuumi beat Daiyusho so Shimizuumi goes to 6-0 and the sole leader. Enho won today to improve to 4-1 and clinch promotion to Jonidan. Still a ways to go back to Juryo but it’s a good first step. He’ll probably next compete on Day 12.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the July 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Daishoho (J4)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Roga (M15)
Churanoumi (M12) beat Chiyoshoma (M15)
Nishikigi (M11) beat Bushozan (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M11) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
Endo (M14) beat Oshoma (M9)
Wakatakakage (M14) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Ryuden (M8)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Sadanoumi (M7)
Midorifuji (M10) beat Kotoshoho (M7)
Oho (M6) beat Shodai (M10)
Takanosho (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (M2)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Shonannoumi (M4)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Onosato (S)
Abi (S) beat Ura (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Meisei (M1)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hiradoumi (K)
Takakeisho (O) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Daieisho (K)
Leader: Terunofuji (9-0)
Of note: It’s still not over yet, but it feels like it’s over. Terunofuji is still 2 wins ahead and continues to dominate although he has been tested the last couple days and he still has most of Sanyaku and the Ozeki still to come. It still feels like the question is 15-0 or not? He’s probably got Sanyaku the rest of the way starting with Kirishima tomorrow. 2 back are Kotozakura & Churanoumi at 7-2. Elsewhere, any hopes Onosato had of making Ozeki next time out probably went away today as his 4-match winning streak ended, leaving the May champion at 5-4. Kirishima is also 5-4, meaning he needs to go 5-1 to get back to Ozeki right away, while Takakeisho showed up today and easily dispatched Mitakeumi but still needs to finish 4-2 to avoid demotion. Terunofuji goes for 10-0 tomorrow against Kirishima, a loss would put the former Ozeki against the wall in his re-promotion bid. Losing means Kirishima must win his last 5 matches or his Ozeki bid must start all over.

Juryo:
Hakuoho (J13) beat Kotokuzan (Ms3)
Tochitaikai (J11) beat Nabatame (J14)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Shishi (J10) beat Fujiseiun (J14)
Hakuyozan (J12) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Kayo (J13) beat Myogiryu (J8)
Shiden (J7) beat Aoiyama (J11)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Tsurugisho (J5)
Mitoryu (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J6)
Asakoryu (J4) beat Kitanowaka (J3)
Tamashoho (J6) beat Daiamami (J2)
Tohakuryu (J5) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Tokihayate (J1)
Leader: Shishi (8-1)
Of note: Shishi is the first to clinch promotion this time, with Shirokuma the only wrestler 1 win behind. Tsushimanada became the first demotion with loss 8, he’ll need some wins to avoid going down to Makushita. With a second win today, Takerufuji has almost certainly saved his Juryo spot after missing the first 7 days, and can still salvage a promotion if he wins out. He gets Daiamami tomorrow.

In the lower tiers, no match for Enho today in Jonokuchi. His next match is tomorrow, a win will take him to 4-1 and guarantee promotion back up to Jonidan. It also means he would still have an outside shot at the championship as while there are 2 in Jonokuchi tie at 5-0, there’s no guarantee the champion will go 7-0 so a playoff is a possibility.

UPDATE: Takerufuji has WITHDRAWN again ahead of Day 10. That clinches demotion again but apparently 2-13 will be enough to keep him in Juryo.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the Halfway Point-of the July 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Endo (J14) beat Asakoryu (J4)
Roga (M15) beat Hokurofuji (J13)
Bushozan (M16) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Churanoumi (M12) beat NIshikifuji (M17)
Ichiyamamoto (M11) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Chiyoshoma (M15) beat Nishikigi (M11)
Shodai (M10) beat Wakatakakage (M14)
Midorifuji (M10) beat Ryuden (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M7)
Sadanoumi (M7) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Oho (M6) beat Oshoma (M9)
Takanosho (M6) beat MitakeumI (M7)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (M2)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Meisei (M1)
Abi (S) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Onosato (S) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Ura (M4)
Takakeisho (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Daieisho (K)
Terunofyji (Y) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Leader: Terunofuji (8-0)
Of note: With now at least 2 more days before potential promotions are earned, Terunofuji is halfway to #10 and maintains his 2 win advantage. At this point the question may shift from will he win to will he go 15-0 and perhaps pull a Hakuho, retiring after a perfect championship finale. On the flip side, Nishikigi becomes the first demotion of the tournament as he is now 0-8. Elsewhere, a quick Ozeki re-promotion is all but gone for Kirishima as he is now 4-4, having to go 6-1 or 7-0 now to make is happen. Despite beating Kirishima, Takakeisho also has work to do in order to keep his Ozeki rank as he is now 3-5 so he must go 5-2 or better. And while he may be too far back to win another championship, Onosato has now won 4 straight after a 1-3 start and is now 5-3, keeping his slim Ozeki promotion hopes for September alive. He’s potentially setting up a shot for November promotion with 10-11 wins in September.
Terunofuji goes for 9-0 tomorrow against Daieisho.

Juryo:
Daiseizan (Ms2) beat Kayo (J13)
Shishi (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Aoiyama (J11)
Fujiseiun (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J9)
Nabatame (J14) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Hakuoho (J13)
Myogiryu (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J12)
Shiden (J7) beat Tochitaikai (J11)
Daishoho (J4) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Tamashoho (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J3)
Tsurugisho (J5) beat Mitoryu (J3)
Daiamami (J2) beat Shimanoumi (J6)
Tokihayate (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J5)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Leader: Shishi (7-1)
Of note: Takerutuji returned for the first time since winning the Emperor’s Cup in March, staving off another demotion for now and probably at least maintaining jis Juryo rank regardless of what happens now as 0-15 or Absent would mean demotion to Makushita. He can still get a promotion id he wins out but almost certainly wouldn’t get back to the top tier. Tohakuryu will be the first demotion this time at now 0-8. Shishi is now the sole leader, surely would be a popular one because he is a sentimental favorite being one of two current rikishi from Ukraine. At the bottom, Daiseizan came up for an unusual 5th match for an unbeaten Makushita man at this point-he’ll have a couple days off as a result but with this win he’s gone to 5-0 and will be in Juryo in September for the first time.

Lower tier notes:
In the Makushita, besides Daiseizan there are 7 others currently at 4-0 with Dewarnoryu at Ms9 having a chance at Juryo promotion if he can win the championship. The Sandanme has 10 currently at 4-0. The Jinodan has 11 at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 3 at 4-0. 2 of those 3 face each other tomorrow so there will only be 2 unbeatens remaining and potentially just one. Enho won today so he currently is 3-1. One more win will definitely see him promoted to Jonidan in September.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7 of the July 2024 Grand Sumo Touranemnt in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Chiyoshoma (M15) beat Mitoryu (J3)
Wakatakakage (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Bushozan (M16) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
Endo (M14) beat Nishikigi (M11)
Roga (M15) beat Ichiyamamoto (M11)
Churanoumi (M12) beat Midorifuji (M10)
Shodai (M10) beat Sadanoumi (M7)
Kotoshoho (M7) beat Ryuden (M8)
Oho (M6) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Takanosho (M6)
Shonannoumi (M5) beat Oshoma (M9)
Wakamotoharu (M2) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Daieisho (K) beat Meisei (M1)
Onosato (S) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Abi (S) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Takakeisho (O)
Kirishima (S) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Kotozakura (I) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Ura (M4)
Leader: Terunofuji (7-0)
Of note: Ura has one career win over Terunofuji and did his best to make it two before finally giving up, keeping the Yokozuna 2 clear of the field. Next o to take a shot tomorrow is Shonannoumi. Elsewhere, Takakeisho’s Ozeki rank is in serious jeopardy as he is now 2-5 and must finish 6-2 to avoid demotion. Kirishima is now 4-3 and must finish 6-2 or better for promotion back to Ozeki. At the bottom, NIshikigi is now one loss from demotion at 0-7.

Juryo:
Kayo (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J12)
Fujiseiun (J14) beat Tochitaikai (J11)
Nabatame (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Chiyosakae (J9) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Hakuoho (J13) beat Hidenoumi (J9)
Aoiyama 9J11) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Shishi (J10) beat Shiden (J7)
Tamashoho (J6) beat Myogiryu (J8)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Shimanoumi (J6)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Tsurugisho (J5)
Daiamami (J2) beat Tohakuryu (J5)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Asakoryu (J4)
Tokihayare (J1) beat Daishoho (J4)
Leader: Onokatsu, Shishi (6-1)
RE-ENTRY: Takerufuji (J2). Will return tomorrow. First match since winning the Emperor’s Cup in his top tier debut in March, but he suffered an ankle injury on Day 14 and missed May. Will be the equivalent of 0-7, but the goal is mainly to get 1 or 2 wins because no wins will mean demotion to Makushita in September. His first match will be against co-leader Onokatsu. It also means Daiseizan, a Makushita man originally from China, can potentially clinch promotion to Juryo in September as he comes up to face Kayo. At 4-0 from Ms2, Daiseizen will be promoted to Ms1 for sure but one more win means an official Juryo debut next time. He debuted in January 2022 so he could make it up in just over 2 1/2 years.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage tomorrow at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. The channel is available worldwide FOR FREE with no viewing restrictions/limits and no account/signup required.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the July 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Roga (M13)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Wakatakakage (M14)
Endo (M14) beat Bushozan (M16)
Hokutofuji (M13) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Chiyoshoma (M15) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Churanoumi (M12) beat Ichiyamamoto (M11)
Midorifuji (M10) beat Nishikigi (M11)
Shodai (M10) beat Oshoma (M9)
Kotoshoho (M7) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Takanosho (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M7)
Ryuden (M6) beat Oho (M6)
Kinbozan (M8) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Mitakeumi (M2) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Onosato (S) beat Meisei (M1)
Daieisho (K) beat Abi (S)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Kirishima (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Ura (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M2) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Leader: Terunofuji (6-0)
Of note: There may still be 9 days left, but it could already be over at the top. Terunofuji is now 2 clear of the field and continues to look like his old self, meaning he either wins the championship or withdraws at some point. So it stays healthy, Emperor’s Cup #10 is looking like reality here. Elsewhere, Chiyoshoma made his tournament debut today after missing 5 days due to hernia surgery, his lower back was taped (mostly covered up by his mawashi) but he looked good and hopefully can finish the tournament.
Tomorrow Terunofuji looks for 7-0 and to keep his lead at 2 against Ura.

Juryo:
Hakuyozan (J12) beat Nabatame (J14)
Fujiseiun (J14) beat Aoiyama (J11)
Shishi (J10) beat Kayo (J13)
SHimazuumi (J10) beat Hakuoho (J13)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Chiyosakae (J9) beat Tochitaikai (J11)
Shimanoumi (J6) beat Myogiryu (J8)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Tamashoho (J6)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Tohakuryu (J5)
Tsurugisho (J5) beat Shiden (J7)
Daiamami (J2) beat Mitoryu (J3)
Tokihayate (J1) beat Asakoryu (J4)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Daishoho (J4)
Leader: Onokatsu, Shirokuma, Tsurugisho, Shishi (5-1)

Lower tier notes: Tomorrow starts “Promotion Day” in the lower tiers as wrestlers who are co-leaders and win will be 4-0 and earn the first promotions of the tournament. In the Makushita, that means Daiseizan, currently at Mx2, could earn promotion to Juryo with a win. He’s among 16 who are 3-0 including Kazuma, a rookie making his career debut from Ms60. Further down the chart is fan favorite Enho, back in action after missing more than a year due to injury. He is 2-1 in Jonokuchi as he tries to get back up to Juryo one more time in order to qualify for elder stock upon retirement (he has 29 of the 30 tournaments required in the top 2 tiers, although he could petition for elder stock anyway being so close. Not impossible but odds are against him). After losing his first match back he has won his last 2. At this point he should all but be promoted to Jonidan in September, and could be back in Makushita as soon as January. Best-case for making it back to Juryo right now seems like next May.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the July 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Bushozan (M16) beat Daiamami (J2)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Endo (M14)
Roga (M15) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Hokutofuji (M13) beat Kagayaki (M16)
WWakatakakage (M14) beat Chouranoumi (M13)
Midorifuji (M10) beat Asanoyama (M12) by default/withdrawal
Shodai (M10) beat Nishikigi (M11)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Ichiyamamoto (M11)
Oshoma (M9) beat Kotoshoho (M7)
Oho (M6) beat Kinbozan (M7)
Takanosho (M6) beat Ryuden (M8)
Shonannoumi (M5) beat Sadanoumi (M7)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Meisei (M1)
Daieisho (K) beat Hiradoumi (K)
Abi (S) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Onosato (S) beat Kirishima (S)
Mitakeumi (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Takakeisho (O) beat Ura (M4)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Wakamotoharu (M2)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Leader: Terunofuji (5-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Asanoyama (M12). Torn ACL (left knee). Tournament over. Out at least 6 months. Will finish the equivalent of 3-12 (was 3-1 coming into today) and probably will be demoted to Juryo in September and Makushita by the end of the year.
RE-ENTRY: Chiyoshoma (M15). Will return tomorrow. Missed first 5 days due to a herniated disc (back). Will be the equivalent of 0-5, so he still has a chance to clinch a promotion or at least enough wins to avoid demotion back to Juryo.
Of note: There must have been some bad blood between Oho & Kinbozan because both of them pulled Hoshoryus post-match and gave each other angry stinky face glares instead of bowing. It certainly was an intense bout with a lot of hard pushing & slapping. Elsewhere, we’re clearly seeing “old” Terunofuji as he has mostly been dominant in cruising to a 5-0 start. If he stays healthy he seems to be on track for that elusive 10th championship he desires before retiring.
Ozeki Watch: At 3-2, Kirishima needs to go 7-3 or better the rest of the way to be promoted back to Ozeki in September. If he doesn’t get 10+ wins, he starts all over. Takakeisho is 2-3 and must go 6-4 or better to stay at Ozeki.

Juryo:
Hakuoho (J13) beat Nabatame (J14)
Fujiseiun (J14) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Kayo (J13) beat Tochitaikai (J11)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Hakuyozan (J12)
Shishi (J10) beat Aoiyama (J11)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J9)
Shiden (J7) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Myogiryu (J8) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Tamashoho (J8) beat Tohakuryu (J5)
Tsurugisho (J5) beat Asakoryu (J4)
Shimanoumi (J6) beat Daishoho (J4)
Mitoryu (J3) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Tokihayate (J1) beat Kitanowaka (J3)
Leader: 7 at 4-1. Both remaining unbeatens after Day 4 lost today.