Tag: grand sumo

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.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 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):
Roga (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Wakatakakage (M14) beat Bushozan (M16)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Endo (M14)
Churanoumi (M12) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Ichiyamamoto (M11) beat Asnaoyama (M12)
Hokutofuji (M13) beat NIshikigi (M11)
Midorifuji (M10) beat Oshoma (M9)
Shodai (M10) beat Ryuden (M8)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Oho (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M7)
Takanosho (M6) beat Onosho (M5) by default/withdrawal
Kotoshoho (M7) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Daieisho (K) beat Kirishima (S)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Onosato (S)
Meisei (M1) beat Abi (S)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Takakeisho (O)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakamotoharu (M2)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Leader: Terunofuji (4-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Onosho (M5). Right knee. Out at least 3 weeks with surgery possible. Tournament over. Will finish the equivalent of 0-15.
WITHDRAWAL (Day 5): Asanoyama (M12). Left knee injury suffered today. Happened at the end when his knee went down badly at the end of the match against Ichiyamamoto. Torn ACL per Nikkan Sports. Tournament and, most likely, year over. While it depends on if surgery is needed, likely out at least 6 months. That would almost certainly see him demoted back down to Makushita. Midorifuji gets the fusen tomorrow.

Juryo:
Kiiryuko (Ms1) beat Fujiseiun (J14)
Hakuoho (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J12)
Tsushimanada (J12) beat Nabatame (J14)
Aoiyama (J11) beat Kayo (J13)
Shishi (J10) beat Tochitaikai (J11)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Myogiryu (J8) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Shimanoumi (J6)
Tamashoho (J6) beat Shiden (J7)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Tsurugisho (J6)
Daishoho (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J5)
Asakoryu (J4) beat Daiamami (J2)
Mitoryu (J3) beat Tokihayate (J1)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Kitanowaka (J3)
Leader: Asakoryu, Onokatsu (4-0)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 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 Kagayaki (M16)
Bushozan (M16) beat Roga (M15)
Wakatakakage (M14) beat Endo (M14)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
Aanoyama (M13) beat Churanoumi (M12)
Ichiyamamoto (M11) beat Nishikigi (M11)
Shodai (M10) beat Midorifuji (M10)
Oshoma (M9) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Ryuden (M8) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Kotoshoho (M7) beat Sadanoumi (M7)
Takanosho (MM) beat Oho (M6)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Onosho (M5)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Ura (M4)
Onosato (S) beat Daieisho (K)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Abi (S)
Kirishima (S) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Kotozakura (O) beat Meisei (M1)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Wakamotoharu (M2)
Leader: 5 at 3-0

Juryo:
Kazekeno (Ms1) beat Mabatame (J14)
Fujiseiun (J14) beat Kayo (J13)
Hakuyozan (J12) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Hakuoho (J13) beat Aoiyama (J11)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Tochitaikai (J11)
Shishi (J10) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Myogiryu (J8)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Shiden (J7)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Tamashoho (J6)
Tsurugisho (J5) beat Shimanoumi (J6)
Asakoryu (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J5)
Daishoho (J4) beat Mitoryu (J3)
Kitanowaka (J3) beat Daiamami (J2)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Tokihayate (J1)
Leader: 4 at 3-0

UPDATE: Onosho has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 4. Not sure why yet. He has started 0-3. Takanosho will get the fusen tomorrow.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 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):
Onokatsu (J1) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Bushozan (M16) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Wakatakakage (M14) beat Roga (M15)
Endo (M14) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Asanoyama (M12) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
Churanoumi (M12) beat Nishikigi (M11)
Ichiyamamoto (M11) beat Shodai (M10)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Midorifuji (M10)
Oshoma (M9) beat Ryuden (M8)
Sadanoumi (M7) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Kotoshoho (M7) beat Takanosho (M6)
Shonannoumi (M6) beat Oho (M6)
Tobizaru (M4) beat Onosho (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Abi (S) beat Takayasu (M3) by default/withdrawal
Kirishima (S) beat Mitakeumi (M2)
Wakamotoharu (M2) beat Onosato (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Takakeisho (O) beat Daieisho (K)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Hiradoumi (K)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Meisei (M1)
WITHDRAWAL: Takayasu (M3). Torn pectoral muscle. Likely out at least 3 weeks. Tournament likely over. Snakebit by the injury bug once again.

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

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Tokihayate (J1)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Bushozan (M16)
Roga (M15) beat Endo (M14)
Takawafuji (M17) beat Wakatakakage (M14)
Churanoumi (M12) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
Asanoyama (M12) beat Nishikigi (M11)
Midorifuji (M10) beat Ichiyamamoto (M11)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Shodai (M10)
Oshoma (M9) beat Kinbozan (M8)
Sadanoumi (M7) beat Ryuden (M8)
Oho (M6) beat Kotoshoho (M7)
Shonannoumi (M5) beat Takanosho (M6)
Ura (M4) beat Onosho (M5)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Tobizaru (M4)
Kirishima (S) beat Takayasu (M3)
Mitakeumi (M2) beat Onosato (S)
Wakamotoharu (M2) beat Abi (S)
Meisei (M1) beat Takakeisho (O)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Daieisho (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Hiradoumi (K)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Chiyoshoma (M15). Herniated disc. Status uncertain. But I imagine he’ll sit out the tournament and be demoted back to Juryo in September.
WITHDRAWAL (Day 2): Takayasu (M3). Stomach/midsection. He may have suffered an injury in his match against Kirishima as he gave up at the end and was holding his midsection and in pain, like perhaps ribs. Status uncertain. Abi will get a free win tomorrow as a result. (UPDATE: Left pectoral muscle. Out 3 weeks per Nikkan Sports. Tournament over)

Juryo:
Nabatame (J14) beat Fujiseiun (J14)
Hakuoho (J13) beat Kayo (J13)
Aoiyama (J11) beat Tsushimanada (J12)
Hakuyozan (J12) beat Tochitaikai (J11)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Shishi (J10)
Hidenoumi (J9) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Myogiryu (J8) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Shiden (J7) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Tamashoho (J6) beat Shimanoumi (J6)
Tsurugisho (J5) beat Tohakuryu (J5)
Asakoryu (J4) beat Daishoho (J4)
Mitoryu (J3) beat Kitanowaka (J3)
ONokatsu (J1) beat Daiamami (J2)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Takerufuji (J2). Right ankle. Status uncertain. If he does not compete or does and fails to win a match, he will be demoted to Makushita just 2 tournaments after winning his first top tier championship.

It’s that exciting time again-with 2 weeks until the next tournament, the Japan Sumo Association has announced the Banzuke (rankings) for the July 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the rankings for the top 2 tiers and notes:

Continue reading “Sumo-July 2024 Banzuke Announced”

Now that the news cycle is starting to settle down after the May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament ended last week, here are the final standings and noteworthy news items post-tournament:

Continue reading “Sumo-May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament Final Standings & Post-Tournament News (Updated 6/3/24)”

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Roga (M15) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Hokutofuji (M11) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Ryuden (M14) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Oshoma (M14) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Shodai (M9) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M12) beat Tamawashi (M9)
Nishikigi (M7) beat Tsurugisho (M17)
Meisei (M5) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Onosho (M5) beat Nishikifuji (M12)
Oho (M4) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Takayasu (M3) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Hiradoumi (M2) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Daieisho (M1) beat Kotoshoho (M8)
Takanosho (M8) beat Atamifuji (M1)
Ura (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Onosato (K) beat Abi (S). ONOSATO YUSHO!!!
Kotozakura (O) beat Hoshoryu (O)
CHAMPION: Onosato (12-3). First career Emperor’s Cup. 1st career championship
Final thoughts: This guarantees Onosato will be in Ozeki contention next time out, but since this was his first Sanyaku tournament he almost certainly must win the championship again to earn promotion. He’ll be at Sekiwake with a big head start towards the second highest rank. So close once again for Kotozakura as a late loss yesterday proved costly in another runner-up finish and Onosato winning ending hopes of what would have been a 4-way playoff with Abi & Daieisho included. With 10 wins this time Abi will have a slim chance at Ozeki promotion in July as well, but he’ll need to win the championship or finish with at least 14 wins. And thankfully Ura managed to win his final bout to cap off what was, on paper, an incredibly disappointing 7-8 finish, he started 6-0 and was the sole leader but then lost his next 8 to wind up with demotion. Just very bad luck.
We’ll be down to just 3 Ozeki in July as Kirishima will be demoted to Sekiwake and Takakeisho will be in kadoban status once again due to a very early injury withdrawal. Kirishima can be promoted back to Ozeki in September if he gets at least 10 wins at Sekiwake in July. Daieisho may be promoted back to Sekiwake along with Abi & Onosato, Wakamotoharu will be demoted from Sanyaku and Hiradoumi should be promoted to Komusubi for the first time in his career. Being demoted to Juryo for sure are Tsurugisho, Tomokaze and possibly Tokihayate, while Roga will be a toss-up after a 7-8 finish at M15.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): Onosato. 2 others had a chance at the prize with wins but didn’t get it
Fighting Spirit (best display of fighting spirit among lower ranked wrestlers): Oshoma. Shonannoumi would’ve won this too with a win
Technique (winning record with best technique display): Onosato. 2nd straight prize
In fact, Onosato has now won FIVE Special Prizes in just the last 3 tournaments-1 Outstanding Performance, 2 Fighting Spirit and 2 Technique.

Juryo:
Nabatame (Ms2) beat Kazekeno (J14)
Kitaharima (Ms4) beat Chiyomaru (J13)
Kiryuko (Ms3) beat Oshoumi (J13)
Hakuoho (J8) beat Akua (Ms1)
Wakatakakage (J6) beat Tsushimanada (J12). WAKATAKAKAGE JURYO YUSHO!!!
Shirokuma (J6) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Aoiyama (J11)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Onokatsu (J12) beat Asakoryu (J4)
Shimanoumi (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J4)
Chiyoshoma (J3) beat Tamashoho (J9)
Shiden (J10) beat Endo (J3)
Daishoho (J2) beat Chiyosakae (J9)
Bushozan (J2) beat Shishi (J7)
Hidenoumi (J8) beat Myogiryu (J1)
Shimazuumi (J7) beat Daiamami (J1)
CHAMPION: Waktakakakage (14-1). 5th career championship, first Juryo
Of note: 12 straight wins to finish and only a Day 3 loss to Kagayaki capped the former Sekiwake’s best post-injury tournament and will see him promoted back to the top tier as he won to deny rookie Onokatsu a playoff as Endo dropped out of it on the final day. Endo will also return to the top tier after one tournament down and, at 13-2 from J12 along with Chiyoshoma who went 12-3, Onokatsu will have a chance too. I think Onokatsu’s hopes depend on whether or not Roga is demoted down. Numbers may work against him so worst-case is probably J1. Kazekeno will be demoted to Makushita along with Oshoumi, Chiyomaru and possibly Myogiryu, who was demoted from the top tier and went 3-12 at J1. Hakuoho will also be dropped to neat the borttom of Juryo after essentially going 5-10, but he missed 5 days due to coronavirus.
From the Makushita, Kayo will be promoted to Juryo after going 5-2 at Ms1, Nabatame should be promoted with the same record at Ms2 while while Kiryuko, who did similar at Ms3, will have a chance too. Those who make it will be going up for the first time in their careers.

Sandanme:
Playoff-Kyokukaiyu (Sd87) beat Sadanohikari (Sd29). KYOKUKAIYU SANDANME YUSHO!!! 1st career championship in 3rd career tournament. May be promoted to Makushita in July.

Jonokuchi:
Playoff-Noda (Jk5) beat Seihakuho (Jk3). NODA JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! 1st career championship in debut tournament.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi: Onosato (K). 1st career
Juryo: Wakatakakage (J6). 5th career, 1st Juryo
Makushita: Fujiseiun (Ms11). 4th career, 1st Makushita
Sandanme: Kyokukaiyu (Sd87). 1st career
Jonidan: Asaazuma (Jd83). 1st career
Jonokuchi: Noda (Jk5). 1st career

The next tournament is July 14-28 at Aichi Prefectural Gym in Nagoya. The Banzuke will be announced at the start of July although the actual rankings will be determined later this week. The usual post-tournament news & early headlines will be coming in a few days as well.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Roga (M15)
Tokihayate (M15) beat Hokutofuji (M11)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Churanoumi (M13)
Shodai (M9) beat Tsurugisho (M17)
Takanosho (M8) beat Ichiyamamoto (M12)
Takarafuji (M16) beat Kotoshoho (M8)
NIshikifuji (M12) beat Nishikigi (M7)
Ryuden (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Onosho (M5) beat Tomokaze (M12)
Meisei (M5) beat Kinbozan (M10)
Hiradoumi (M2) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Midorifuji (M6)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Ura (M4)
Daieisho (M1) beat Takayasu (M3)
Onosato (K) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Oho (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Oshoma (M14)
Abi (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Onosato (11-3)
Of note: It’s down to 5, but with the final day matchups in reality it’s at most 3. The biggest of the remaining matches is Onosato vs. Abi tomorrow. If Onosato wins, he is the champion. If Abi wins, there will be a playoff between Onosato, Abi, the Hoshoryu-Kotozakura winner and, if he wins earlier, Daieisho (Kotoshoho) as all would be 11-4. So definitely a 3-way playoff and possibly a 4-way. Hoshoryu-Kotozakura is the last match after Onosato-Abi so the Ozeki will know their fate right before their match. Onosato & Kotozakura are both going for their first top-tier championship, Abi, Daieisho & Hoshoryu each for their 2nd. Abi probably won’t get promoted to Ozeki with a championship as he just returned to Sekiwake, but he’ll be in position to make it happen in July. Hoshoryu or Kotozakura could get into Yokozuna consideration for July although 11-4 is not an impressive championship record in what has been a very competitive tournament. Onosato will be promoted to Sekiwake no matter what.
Elsewhere…Ura, Ura, Ura…he’ll be so glad when this nightmare is over. From 6-0 and sole leader to demotion after 8 straight losses. Just very bad luck.

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (J12) beat Hakuoho (J8)
Kazekeno (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J7)
Chiyosakae (J9) beat Shirokuma (J6)
Wakatakakage (J6) beat Onokatsu (J12)
Kagayaki (J5) beat Shishi (J7)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J8)
Aoiyama (J11) beat Tohakuryo (J8)
Asakoryu (J4) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Endo (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J11)
Chiyoshoma (J3) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Bushozan (J2) beat Shiden (J10)
Oshoumi (J13) beat Daishoho (J2)
Tamashoho (J9) beat Daiamami (J1)
Chiyomaru (J13) beat Myogiryu (J1)
Leader: Wakatakakage (13-1)
Of note: The championship picture tomorrow is set. First up, Wakatakakage faces Tsushimanada (7-7) then Onokatsu (12-2) faces Asakoryu (7-7) and Endo (12-2) faces Shiden (7-7). If Wakatakakage wins, he is the champion. If Wakatakakage loses, he still is the champion if both Onokatsu and Endo lose, but if one or both win in that scenario, there will be a playoff. There are no tiebreakers in sumo so even though Wakatakakage beat Onokatsu today, it only means the former Sekiwake is in the lead by himself. Both Wakatakakage & Endo will be promoted back to the top tier. Onokatsu has a slim chance if he wins the championship. I think numbers work against him though as Chiyoshoma (11-3) will also be promoted back to Makuuchi and Bushozan (8-6) has a chance, almost guaranteed if he wins, so I’ll slot Onokatsu at J1 for July. It does help that Daiamami will be demoted from J1, as will Daishoho and Myogiryu at the top (the latter having a big fall coming at 3-11). Elsewhere, newcomer Kazekeno’s promotion hopes-and keeping his Juryo spot-will go to the final day as he is 7-7. And it’s a good thing for Shimanoumi he clinched promotion already because he’s gone through another second-week collapse, after an 8-1 start he now has lost 5 straight. Newcomer Tochitaikai has clinched promotion and will maintain his Juryo spot despite losing today as he already has 8 wins.
As usual on the final day, a handful of the top Makushita men will be up for promotion chances. Akua (Ms1) will be going for re-promotion at 3-3 against Hakuoho, and it does mean one potential imitation epic salt throw for the former Juryo man at least. Nabatame, who is 4-2 at Ms2, will face Kazekeno with a chance to earn promotion to Juryo with a win, same with Kiryuko (Ms3) also at 4-2 who is facing Oshoumi. Kitaharima, who was demoted last time after making an incredible career comeback to Juryo last time out, is 3-3 at Ms4 and cam earn promotion by beating Chiyomaru, but it won’t get him back to Juryo. Finally, Kayo, who is 5-1 at Ms1, will be promoted to Juryo in July and if he follows what seems to be a Nishonoseki trend, may be in line for a name change as well as this will be his second tier debut.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top-tier coverage, including the championship match, playoff if necessary, awards ceremony and champion’s interview, tomorrow beginning at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET. The network is available FOR FREE worldwide online and via mobile/tablet and select smart TV apps with no location or viewing restrictions.

Also, tickets for the July Touranement in Nagoya are now on sale.

Here are the quick results from yesterday’s Day 13-Championship Day 1-of the May 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ichiyamamoto (M12) beat Tsurugisho (M17)
Roga (M15) beat Hokutofuji (M11)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Tokihayate (M15)
Kinbozan (M10) beat Takarafuji (M16)
Ryuden (M14) beat Shodai (M9)
Churanoumi (M13) beat Kotoshoho (M8)
Takanosho (M8) beat Tomokaze (M16)
Tamawashi (M9) beat Oho (M4)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Nishikifuji (M12)
Nishikigi (M7) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Hiradoumi (M2) beat Takayasu (M5)
Daieisho (M1) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Atamifuji (M1) beat Onosho (M5)
Onosato (K) beat Ura (M4)
Abi (S) beat Meisei (M5)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Oshoma (M14)
Kotozakura (O) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Midorifuji (M5)
Leader: Kotozakura, Onosato (10-3)
Of note: The potential title field of 11 is down to 7, with just 2 co-leaders now. It’s also now definite that the championship will go to the Final Day to decide. Further down, more promotions & demotions are being secured, with 2 definitely headed to Juryo and maybe 3.
Tomorrow Kotozakura faces Abi and Onosato has Shonannoumi. Elsewhere, Ura tries to avoid going from 6-0 to an embarrassing demotion against Atamifuji, looking to not get an 8th straight loss.

Juryo:
Didn’t get a chance to add due to unforeseen circumstances.
Leader: Wakatakakage, Endo, Onokatsu (11-2)
Makushita:
Fujiseiun (Ms11) beat Kusano (Ms60). FUJISEIUN MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! 4th career championship, first Makushita. He’ll probably be promoted back to Juryo in July.

Sandanme:
Kyokukaiyu (Sd87) beat Inami (Jd27)
Sadanohikari (Sd29) beat Chiyodaigo (Sd54). PLAYOFF! That means Kyokukaiyu vs. Sadanohikari will be on the Final day for the championship as both go 7-0.

Jonidan:
Asaazuma (Jd83) beat Yurikisho (Jd97). And after Inami lost in the Sandanme after this…ASAAZUMA JONIDAN YUSHO!!! First career championship. He’ll probably be promoted to the Sandanme for the first time in his career.

Jonokuchi:
Seihakuho (Jk3) beat Daikosho (Jk8)
Noda (Jk5) beat MIshima (Jk4). PLAYOFF! That means Seihakuho vs. Noda will be on the Final day for the championship as both go 6-1.