Tag: grand sumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the September 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Takayas (M15) beat Shirokuma (M16)
Ryuden (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Nishikigi (M13)
Hokutofuji (M13) beat Onokatsu (M14)
Bushizan (M12) beat Kitanowaka (M16)
Kinbozan (M12) beat Kagayaki (M11)
Oshoma (M9) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Roga (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M9)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Endo (M8)
Midorifuji (M8) beat Churanoumi (M7)
Wakatakakage (M7) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Ura (M5) beat Meisei (M6)
Kotoshoho (M4) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Wakamotoharu (M3) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Daieisho (K) beat Shodai (M4)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Abi (S)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Kirishima (S)
Onosato (S) beat Takanosho (M1)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Oho (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Onosato (5-0)

Juryo:
Wakaikari (Ms2) beat Aoiyama (J13)
Tomokaze (J11) beat Oshoumi (J14)
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Daiseizan (J12)
Kayo (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Daishoho (J9) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Takerufuji (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Tsurugisho (J7) beat Shiden (J6)
Asakoryu (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Mitoryu (J7) beat Hakuoho (J5)
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Daiamami (J5)
Shimazuumi (J4) beat Tokihayate (J2)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Onosho (J1) by default/withdrawal
Chiyoshoma (J1) beat Shishi (J2)
Leader: Chiyoshima Takerufuji, Kayo (5-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Onosho (J1). Right knee/ankle. Out 3 weeks per Nikkan Sports. Tournament over. Will finish the equivalent of 1-14, which may be just enough to keep him in Juryo. Tamashoho got the fusen as a result.
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! Chiyoshoma beat Shishi with a very rare technique and one I’d never seem before-Susohirai, a foot sweep when attempting a pulling arm throw by kicking the opponent’s heel/back foot with your heel (from a description on the Japan Sumo Association official mobile app).

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the September 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Takarafuji (M15) beat Kitanowaka (M16)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Onokatsu (M14)
Shirokuma (M16) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
Nishikigi (M13) beat Takayasu (M15)
Ryuden (M14) beat Kinbozan (M12)
Bushozan (M12) beat Kagayaki (M11)
Ichiyamamoto (M9) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Oshoma (M9) beat Roga (M10)
Midorifuji (M8) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Endo (M8)
Wakatakakage (M7) beat Ura (M5)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Kotoshoho (M4) beat Meisei (M6)
Shodai (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M3)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Oho (M2)
Kirishima (S) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Onosato (S) beat Daieisho (K)
Abi (S) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: Kotozakura, Kirishima, Shodai, Onosato (4-0)
Of note: After becoming the Iron Man yesterday, Tamawashi today broke a tie for 6th longest streak of consecutive top-tier appearances at 991, taking 6th place from Takarafuji, who saw his streak end this year with a demotion to Juryo for one tournament. He should reach 1000 on Day 13, but at 1-3 at M10 he needs some wins to keep that streak alive past 1002.

Juryo:
Kayp (J14) beat Aoiyama (J13)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Oshoumi (J14)
Kiryuko (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J13) by default/withdrawal
Takerufuji (J11) beat Tomokaze (J11)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Daishoho (J9)
Mitoryu (J7) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Shiden (J6) beat Asakoryu (J8)
Tsurugisho (J7) beat Hakuoho (J5)
Shimazuumi (J4) beat Daiamami (J5)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Chiyoshoma (J1) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Shishi (J2) beat Onosho (J1)
Leader: Chiyoshoma, Takerufuji, Kayo (4-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Chiyosakae (J13). Unknown. Status unknown. Is halfway to demotion, 9+ losses probably mean demotion back to Makushita. Kiryuko got the fusen as a result.

UPDATE: Onosho has WITHDRAWN before Day 5. Uncertain why.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 of the September 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makiuchi (top tier):
Kitanowaka (M16) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Shirokuma (M16)
Onokatsu (M14) beat Takayasu (M15)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Ryuden (M14)
Hokutofuji (M13) beat Kinbozan (M12)
Nishikigi (M13) beat Bushozan (M12)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Roga (M10)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Kagayaki (M9)
Midorifuji (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M9)
Endo (M8) beat Oshoma (M9)
Walatakakage (M7) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Meisei (M6)
Ura (M5) beat Kotoshoho (M4)
Shodai (M4) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Daieisho (K) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Onosato (S) beat Oho (M2)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Abi (S)
Wakamotoharu (M3) beat Takakeisho (S) by default/withdrawal
Kirishima (S) beat Takanosho (M1)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Kotozakura (O) beat Tobizaru (M1)
WITHDRAWAL: Takakeisho (S). Neck. Tournament over per his stablemaster. Will not be promoted back to Ozeki and will be demoted, probably to lower Maegashira ranks as he will finish the equivalent of 0-15, which will lead to rumors he will retire instead (recent history suggests a drop to between M10-M12). Nikkan Sports reports that will not necessarily be the case, but we’ll see. Wakamotoharu got the fusen as a result.
Of note: I AM IRON MAN! Tamawashi made consecutive appearance 1631 since the start of his career in 2004 and that’s a new record! Asked how long he thinks he can keep going, he basically said as long as he can. He’s coming up on 40 but seems to show no signs of slowing down. With 90 matches per year if he can stay in the top 2 tiers, the question now may be can he make it to 2000? After this tournament he’d need to compete every day for the next 4 years (24 tournaments) and would get there about this time in 2028, just before turning 44 Remember the mandatory retirement age is 65 and some wrestlers-mainly in the lower ranks such as closing ceremony man Satonofuji (when Terunofuji actually competes) are still going that are in their late 40s or even early 50s so it’s certainly possible. Elsewhere, a big talking point will be the Kotozakura-Tobizaru ending. There was no judges conference but TV replays appear to show Tobizaru clearly won but the chief referee ruled for Kotozakura. I agree it should have been reviewed and overturned.

Juryo:
Akua (Ms2) beat Chiyosakae (M13)
Oshoumi (M14) beat Aoiyama (M13)
Kayo (J14) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Tomokaze (J11)
Takerufuji (J11) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Hakuyozan (J9) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Asakoryu (J8) beat Daishoho (J9)
Tsurugisho (M7) beat Mitoryu (M7)
Hakuoho (J5) beat Hiradoumi (J6)
Daiamami (J5) beat Shiden (J6)
Tamashoho (J5) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Shimazuumi (J4) beat Shishi (J2)
Chiyoshoma (J1) beat Onosho (J1)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 of the September 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Shirokuma (M16)
Kitanowaka (M16) beat Onosho (J1)
Takayasu (M15) beat Ryuden (M14)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Onokatsu (M14)
Bushozan (M12) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
Nishikigi (M13) beat Kinbozan (M12)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Tamawashi (M12)
Kagayaki (M11) beat Roga (M10)
Endo (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M9)
Oshoma (M9) beat Midorifuji (M8)
Wakatakakage (M7) beat Meisei (M6)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Churanoumi (M7)
Shodai (M4) beat Ura (M5)
Kotoshoho (M4) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Wakamotoharu (M3)
Abi (S) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Oho (M2) beat Takakeisho (S)
Kirishima (S) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Onosato (S) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Daieisho (K)
Of note: Co-Iron Man! If Tamawashi shows up and competes tomorrow, he will set the new all-time record for consecutive matches to start a career without missing a day with 1631 dating to March 2004. Remember that while he did miss 2 days a couple years back due to coronavirus protocols during the pandemic, those were expunged from his record because those absences were not his fault (at the time, when one wrestler got the virus and had to pull out, the entire stable had to withdraw too).

Juryo:
Kayo (J14) beat Satorufuji (Ms1)
Oshoumi (J14) beat Chiyosakae (J13)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Aoiyama (J13)
Takerufuji (J11) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Tomokaze (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Daishoho (J9)
Asakoryu (J8) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
Mitoryu (J7) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Daiamami (J5)
Shiden (J6) beat Hakuoho (J5)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Shimazuumi (J4)
Shishi (J2) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Chiyoshoma (J1) beat Tokihayate (J2)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the September 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Chiyoshoma (J1) beat NIshikifuji (M17)
Shirokuma (M16) beat Kitanowaka (M16)
Takayasu (M15) beat Takarafuji (M15)
Ryuden (M14) beat Onokatsu (M14)
Hokutofuji (M13) beat Nishikigi (M13)
Bushozan (M12) beat Kinbozan (M12)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Kagayaki (M11)
Roga (M10) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M9) beat Oshoma (M9)
Endo (M8) beat Midorifuji (M8)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Wakatakakage (M7)
Meisei (M6) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Ura (M5) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Shodai (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M4)
Wakamotoharu (M3) beat Daieisho (K)
Mitakeumi (M3) beat Takakeisho (S)
Kirishima (S) beat Oho (M2)
Onosato (S) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Abi (S)
Takanoisho (M1) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hiradoumi (K)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Terunofuji (Y). The usual, aka health-related complications from diabetes and, to a lesser extent, left knee injury. Will not compete this tournament. Reportedly he’s good with the Yokozuna Deliberation Council and won’t have any retirement pressures until January. Since being promoted to Yokozuna (19 tournaments) that gives him only 8 tournaments completed…but the incredibly odd stat line of 8 championships in those 8 tournaments completed and either sitting out or withdrawing before finishing the other 11.
Of note: If Tamawashi competes tomorrow, he will tie the “iron man” record for most consecutive career matches without missing a day and would break the record on Day 3. Also, this is the 4th straight tournament in which Hoshoryu has lost on opening day.

Juryo:
Oshoumi (J14) beat Tochitaikai (Ms1)
Kayo (J14) beat Chiyosakae (J13)
Aoiyama (J13) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Takerufuji (J11) beat Daiseizan (J12)
Tomokaze (J11) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Daishoho (J9) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Asakoryu (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Shiden (J6) beat Mitoryu (J7)
Tsurugisho (J7) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Hakuoho (J5) beat Daiamami (J5)
Shimazuumi (J4) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Shishi (J2) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Onosho (J1) beat Tokihayate (J2)
WITHDRAWALS (Pre-Tournament): Asanoyama (J3), Myogiryu (J9). Asanoyama-knee as expected. Out the rest of the year. Will be demoted to Makushita after the tournament. Myogiryu-unknown. Status uncertain. Reportedly needs to get at least 5 wins to avoid demotion to Makushita. Career may be over if he can’t come back, reportedly he’s got elder stock and can cash it in to become an oyakata.

It’s that time once again-with 2 weeks to go until the tournament begins, the Japan Sumo Aasociation has announced the official Banzuke (rankings) for the September 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here is the full ranking for the top 2 tiers and other notables:

Continue reading “Sumo-September 2024 Banzuke Announced”

Now that the July 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament has concluded and most of the post-event news has broken, here is the final wrap-up of the event:

Continue reading “Sumo-July 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament Final Standings & News”

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.