Tag: ozumo

Now that most of the major news coming out of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament has broken, here is a final recap of the standings for the top 2 tiers and news following the event:

Continue reading “Sumo-January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament Post-Event News/Notes (Updayed)”

It’s now official-after winning the January Grand Sumo Tournament Sunday, former Ozeki Hoshoryu has been promoted and is now…HOSHORYU YOKOZUNA!!! He is now The 74th Grand Champion! This comes 7 years after he debuted and 16 months after being promoted to Ozeki. Hoshoryu has stated his goal is to match or surpass his uncle, former Yokozuna Asashoryu, who won 25 Emperor’s Cups. Hoshoryu, 25, has 2 top tier titles so far including this latest one, to go along with a career record to date is 330-200-5 (win-loss-absent), 248-152-5 in the top tier. He hasn’t had a losing tournament since 2 straight demotions in September 2021 (5-8-2) and November 2021 (7-8). He also won a Jonidan Championship and 3 Special Prizes.

He is expected to make his first official public appearance as a Yokozuna Friday.

Here are the quick LIVE results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo for the top 2 tiers:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Nishikigi (M12) beat Oshoma (M9)
Tokihayate (M17) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Takayasu (M6)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Shodai (M9)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Midorifuji (M7). Midorifuji misses promotion after starting 1-7 then going 6-0
Atamifuji (M2) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Tobizaru (M2) Meisei (M10)
Kirishima (M1) beat Takerufuji (M11)
Oho (M3) beat Kinbozan (M14). PLAYOFF!!! There will be a rematch OR, if Hoshoryu wins, a 3-way playoff
Kagayaki (M16) beat Takanosho (M1)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) Wakatakakage (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Abi (K)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Endo (M7)
Onosato (O) beat Ura (M4)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kotozakura (O). 3-WAY PLAYOFF!!!

Playoff (first to win 2 straight wins)
Hoshoryu beat Kinbozan
Hoshoryu beat Oho. HOSHORYU YUSHO!!! The 2nd Emperor’s Cup for Hoshoryu!

CHAMPION: Hoshoryu (O). And now…Hosboryu Yokozuna? There will be discussions in the coming week.

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record with most wins against Yokozuna/Ozeki): None. Had Hoshoryu not won the championship it would have gone to the Oho-Kinbozan winner
Fighting Spirit (best display of fighting spirit): Kinbozan, Kirishima. Tamawashi would’ve won it had he won as would have Takerufuji
Technique (best display of technique and/or most winning techniques used with winning record): Oho

Juryo:
Wakanosho (Ms1) beat Daiamami (J11)
Otsuji (Ms5) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Hatsuyama (J9)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Nabatame (J14)
Shimanoumi (J5) beat Daishoho (J14)
Shishi (J4) beat Tomokaze (J6). SHISHI JURYO YUSHO!!! 1st career championship
Shirokuma (J4) beat Mitoryu (J7)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Ryuden (J3). This means Aonishiki will finish 2nd (12-3). 1-2 finish for Ukraine
Asakoryu (J2) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Daiseizan (K9) beat Shiden (J2)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Kayo (J1). Kayo denied promotion to top tier
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
CHAMPION: Shishi (13-2)

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi: Hosboryu (O)
Juryo: Shishi (J4)
Makushita: Mudoho (Ms44)
Sandanme: Daimasakari (Sd32)
Jonidan: Yago (Jd19)
Jonokuchi: Daikisho (Jk4)

The next tournament is 3/9-3/23 in Osaka. More post-tournament news later this week as it becomes available.

UPDATE: This may or may not be true but coming from reliable YouTube English source Chris Sumo I am inclined to believe it. Want to know? POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW!

UPDATE 2: Further updates below.

Continue reading “Sumo-January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 15 LIVE Results (Final Day) (1/26/25) (Top 2 Tiers) (Updated x2)”

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikigi (M12) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Meisei (M10) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Tokihayate (M17) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Oshoma (M9) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Endo (M7)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Miforifuji (M11) beat Shodai (M4)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Oho (M3) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Kirishima (M1)
Takayasu (M6) beat Abi (K)
Ura (M4) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Daieisho (S) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Onosato (O) beat Kotozakura (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Takerufuji (M11)
Leader: Kinbozan (12-2)
Of note: Kinbozan faces Oho tomorrow after snapping Kirishima’s 10 match win streak. If Kinbozan wins, he is the champion. If Oho wins, there will be a playoff. If Oho wins then Hoshoryu also wins in the final match (Kotozakura), there will be a 3-way playoff. Their history, at least in the past year, is 1-0 Oho.
Yokozuna Watch: Hoshoryu will need help to have any chance-he must beat Kotozakura and Oho must beat Kinbozan which will force a 3-way playoff. Then Hoshoryu must win to claim the championship. The question then is will 13-2 runner-up and 12-3 championship be enough for promotion? I say yes but, in reality, it’s a toss-up and despite feelings of desperation with no potential Yokozuna I unfortunately lean slightly no. Had it been 13-2 yes.

Juryo:
Miyagi (Ms4) beat Daiamami (J11)
Hitoshi (Ms4) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Daishoho (J14)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Hatsuyama (J12) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Shishi (J4) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Nabatame (J14) beat Ryuden (J3)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Shiden (J2)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J7)
Kayo (J1) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Leader: Shishi (12-2)
Of note: It’s Shishi’s to lose again. He just has to beat Tomokaze (7-7) tomorrow to be the champion. If he loses, there will be a playoff, with how many in the playoff TBA, but at most a 3-way. It would be guaranteed to include the Nabatame-Aonishiki winner and could include Ryuden if he wins (Tohakuryu). Elsewhere, Sadanoumi managed to clinch promotion today so he will return to the top tier in January along with Shishi and Ryuden, possibly Aonishiki depending on what happens tomorrow.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage FOR FREE, including the championship matches, playoff if necessary, awards ceremony and champion’s interview, tonight beginning at 11:30 PM PT/2:30 AM ET.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day-of the January 2025 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):
Tamashoho (M16) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Oshoma (M9) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Meisei (M10) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Endo (M7)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Oho (M3) beat Ura (M4)
Tobizaru (M2) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Kirishima (M1) beat Takayasu (M6)
Takanosho (M1) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Shodai (M4)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Abi (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M5) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Onosato (O)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Kotozakura (O). Oh no…2 months ago he finally won the Emperor’s Cup and seemed to be on track to be the next Yokozuna at about this time. And now…Kotozakura kadoban…a 1-5 start did him in and means his first losing tournament since July 2022 (although that was only because he missed the last 5 days after being 7-3 to that point and that was during Covid). That one aside, his last full losing tournament was way back in November 2021. Now he must win 8 or more matches in March to avoid demotion.
Leader: Kinbozan (11-2)
Of note: Kinbozan cannot clinch the championship tomorrow because of Takerufuji-Hoshoryu, the winner there can still force a playoff. On another interesting side note, if Kirishima wins the championship he would be the first to do so after starting 0-3. That’s now 10 straight wins since that happened. And Kirishima’s opponent tomorrow? Kinbozan. Also still with a chance is Oho who is also 10-3, he gets Takanosho. At the bottom, Tokihayate will be demoted to Juryo after an 8th loss today.
Yokozuna Watch: Hoshoryu must beat Takerufuji tomorrow to keep hopes alive. A Kinbozan loss would certainly help.

Juryo:
Daiamami (J11) beat Kusano (Ms3)
Shimazuumi (J10) beat Kotokuzan (Ms2)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Daishoho (J14)
Daiseizan (J9) beat Tohakuryu (J11)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Shimanoumi (J5) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Nabatame (J14) beat Shishi (J4)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Hatsuyama (J12) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Ryuden (J3) beat Aonishiki (J5)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Asakoryu (J2)
Shiden (J2) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Kayo (J1)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Leader: Ryuden, Shishi (11-2)
Of note: And it’s wide open again after Ryuden won and Shishi lost. Today’s results keep Aonishiki in it despite losing to Ryuden but also open the door to Kotoeiho & Nabatame now having chances as all are now 10-3. Kotoeiho draws Ryuden tomorrow while Nabatame gets Shishi so there could very well be a 3 or 5-way tie going into the final day. Aonishiki faces Shirokuma tomorrow, who just clinched promtoion.

Makushita:
Mudoho (Ms44) beat Ishizaki (Ms8). MUDOHO MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! 1st career championship. His career high rank is Ms12 so this may get him back close to that. Ishizaki may possibly miss out on promotion to Juryo because of this.

Sandanme:
Noda (Sd8) beat Daikisho (Sd36)
Daimasakari (Sd32) beat Chiyodaigo (Sd7). DAIMASAKARI SANDANME YUSHO!!! First career championship. Also averts what would have been a 9-WAY PLAYOFF! This could have happened because Daimasakari & Daikisho, who were the only 6-0 wrestlers left, are stablemates (Oitekaze Beya), so they could not face each other unless it was a playoff despite that situation. But had Daikisho also won, the stablemates would have had said playoff Sunday. This win also denies Enho a spot in the playoff, he won his last match for another 6-1 finish and will be promoted to Makushita.

Jonidan:
Yago (Jd19) beat Sekimoto (Jd60). YAGO JONIDAN YUSHO!!! 2nd career championship & 1st Jonidan. He fell all the way down to Jonidan from Makushita due to missing the last 3 tournaments. This will promote him back to the Sandanme as he tries to climb back up the ladder-he has reached the top tier for 4 tournaments before.

Jonokuchi:
Daikisho (Jk4) beat Wakahizen (Jd84). DAIKISHO JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! 1st career championship. He was demoted from Makushita due to missing the last 4 tournaments.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo,Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikigi (M12) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Hakuoho (M15)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Meisei (M10)
Kagayaki (M16) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Oshoma (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M13)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Endo (M7)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Takayasu (M6)
Takanosho (M1) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Kirishima (M1) beat Oho (M3)
Shodai (M4) beat Abi (K)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Daieisho (S) beat Ura (M4)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Leader: Kinbozan (10-2)
Yokozuna Watch: Hoshoryu won the one he had to win today, easily beating Kinbozan to close to one off the lead in a group at 9-3. He still must win out and claim the championship (ideally at 12-3) for any chance at promotion.
Of note: The heat is on Kinbozan as the field is closing on the youngster, including a very hot Kirishima. That’s 9 wins in a row after an 0-3 start and that will send him back to Sanyaku in March. Tomorrow Kinbozan gets Kotozakura, who must win out just to protect his Ozeki rank now as he fell to 5-7. Oho & Takerufuji are also in the 9-3 group. Hoshoryu has the first Ozeki Showdown tomorrow against Onosato, who earned his 8th win today to protect his rank. Oho has Ura tomorrow, Kirishima goes for 10 straight against Takayasu while Takerufuji draws Abi.

Juryo:
Kazekeno (Ms1) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Nabatame (J14) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Daishoho (J14)
Shimanoumi (J5) beat Daiamami ((J11)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Shishi (J4) beat Aonishiki (J5)
Ryuden (J3) beat Wakaikari (J13) by default/withdrawal
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Hakuyozan (J10) beat Shiden (J2)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Tomokaze (J6) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Kayo (J1) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Leader: Shishi (11-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Wakaikari (J13). Left upper arm (biceps-ruptured tendon). Injury suffered yesterday in loss to Shishi. Tournament over and, sadly, like Oshoumi in November as the injury comes at the worst time because he was in championship contention at 9-2 before today. But he already clinched promotion and will stay in Juryo. Ryuden got the fusen as a result.
Of note: It’s Shishi’s to lose now after winning the all-Ukraine match against Aonishiki, who is still in it at 10-2 as is Ryuden, and they face off tomorrow. Shishi gets Nabatame. Both Ryuden & Shishi are probably headed back to the top tier in March, while Aonishiki still has a chance from J5. Elsewhere, Shimanoumi finally got a win to avoid 0-15 and that win may be enough to keep him in Juryo while Kazekono, in perhaps his final match of the tournament, clinched what should be a promotion back to Juryo in March.

Lower tier note: Because the Sandanme co-leaders are stablemates (Oitekaze Beya), they will not face each other tomorrow for the championship despite both being 6-0. But that could open the door to a potential 11-WAY PLAYOFF! (Or more) If both co-leaders lose, at least a 4-way playoff is guaranteed. If one wins and the other loses, the winner is the champion. If both win, there will be a playoff and they’ll face each other. This does open the door for Enho to take the championship if there is at least a 5-way playoff if he wins tomorrow to finish 6-1. That would get him higher up the Makushita in March and make his promotion back to Juryo possibly a little easier.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Meisei (M10) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Oshoma (M9)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Ura (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Endo (M7) beat Shodai (M4)
Oho (M3) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Kirishima (M1) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Takanosho (M1) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Abi (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Daieisho (S) beat Takerufuji (M11)
Takayasu (M6) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Onosato (O)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Leader: Kinbozan (10-1)
Yokozuna Watch: Hoshoryu’s still-slim hopes for promotion come down to tomorrow-Kinbozan. Win and there’s still that chance Lose and it’s over. But he has at least protected bis rank with his 8th win today.
Of note: Here comes the Sanyaku shakeup. Wakamotoharu will be demoted from Sekiwake while Kirishima has gone from 0-3 to promotion with now 8 straight wins. At the bottom, Kagayaki is now in danger of demotion back to Juryo unless he wins out to get to 7-8. Tamashoho needs to win out to avoid demotion while Kotoshoho may go down if he can’t get at least 2 more wins.

Juryo:
Daiamami (J11) beat Otsuji (Ms5)
Nabatame (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Hatsuyama (J12) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Tomokaze (J6) beat Daishoho (J14)
Shishi (J4) beat Wakaikari (J13)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Tsurugisho (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Ryuden (J3) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Asakoryu (J2)
Shiden (J2) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Kayo (J1)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Leader: Aonishiki, Shishi (10-1)
Of note: No more waiting. The all-Ukraine showdown happens tomorrow after Shishi beat Wakaikari and Aonishiki won. The winner probably will get promoted to the top tier in March. But Wakaikari is not out of it yet at 9-2. Elsewhere, Nabatame clinched promotion in his second try at Juryo and will remain in the second tier in March, and Ryuden now has a chance to return to the top tier as he is also 9-2. Daishoho will now be demoted back to Makushita and, unless he gets a win or two, Shimanoumi is in demotion danger at 0-11. If he somehow goes 0-15 I think he goes down.

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita Championship is set for Day 13 and will be Ishizaki vs. Mudoho. Should Ishizaki win he almost certainly will be promoted to Juryo. The Sandanme Championship is also set and could be a rarity…STABLEMATES! Daimasakari & Daikosho, both 6-0 and the last unbeatens, are both from Oitekaze Beya so we’ll see how their final matches are scheduled. Also, Enho won today to improve to 5-1 so he is guaranteed to be promoted to Makushita in March. The Jonidan Championship will be Yago vs. Sekimoto while in the Jonokuchi Daikisho only needs to win his last match to be the champion, otherwise there could be a playoff.

UPDATE: Juryo shocker…Wakaikari has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 12. Unknown why. That means about the only one who can take the Juryo title away from the Ukranians now is Ryuden, and he’ll get the fusen tomorrow and remain one behind the Aonishiki-Shishi winner. This should also clinch promotion back to the top tier for Ryuden.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Tokihayate (M17) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Meisei (M10) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Churanoumi (M9) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Oshoma (M9) beat Hakuoho (M15)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M6)
Shodai (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Oho (M3) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Endo (M7) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Takanosho (M1) beat Takayasu (M6)
Kirishima (M1) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Abi (K) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Ura (M4)
Onosato (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Hiradoumi (M5)
Leader: Kinbozan (9-1)
Of note: No zensho yusho. Kinbozan’s perfect hopes ended where various hopes seem to-at the hands of Abi. But he’s still got the lead with 5 days to go. Oho & Takerufuji clinched promotions and joined Chiyoshoma, who lost today, in a tie for second at 8-2. Kirishima’s winning streak since starting 0-3 has now reached 7 and he’s in position to return to Sanyaku in March. At the bottom, Kotoshoho & Mitakeumi are the first demotions this time around, and it’s possible Kotoshoho may be dealing with another foot/ankle injury as he went down a little awkward.
Yokozuna Watch: Still a faint sliver of hope for Hoshoryu thanks to Kinbozan’s loss today, which gets him to 2 back at 7-3. He needs more help tomorrow, and it ironically could come from a fellow Ozeki as Onosato, who is also 7-3, gets Kinbozan tomorrow. Hoshoryu has Chiyoshoma.

Juryo:
Nabatame (J14) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Hitoshi (Ms4) beat Tohakuryu (J11)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Daiseizan (J9) beat Daiamami (J11)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Daishoho (J14)
Wakaikari (J13) beat Shirokuma (J4)
Shishi (J4) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Ryuden (J3) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Tsurugisho (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Shiden ()2) beat Tochitaikai (J7)
Tomokaze (J6) beat Asakoryu (J2)
Aonishiki (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J5)
Kayo (J1) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Leader: Wakaikari, Aonishiki, Shishi (9-1)
Of note: The 3 co-leaders will be down to 2 and maybe one tomorrow because Wakaikari faces Shishi as the potential all-Ukraine championship match still looms. Aonishiki gets Asakoryu. Elsewhere, Ryuden will now have a chance at promotion back to the top tier as he’s reached 8 wins, but probably needs at least 2 more. Tsurugisho managed to get his first win today which should save his Juryo spot but Shimanoumi is in danger of demotion as he’s now 0-10. And Hakuyozan…ouch, just ouch. Started 5-0, now 5-5. With his 5th win as a Makushita man, Hitoshi will have a chance at promotion back to Juryo in March. Winning his final match should do it for sure. Daishoho is now virtually a lock for demotion to Makushita with his 9th loss.

Lower tier notes:
In the Makushita, 3 remain tied with 5-0 and Ishizaki is now in a position to be promoted to Juryo if he can win the championship at Ms8. In the Sandanme, 6 remain tied at 5-0 and Enho, likely to be promoted back to Makushita at 4-1 at Sd4, can make it definite with a 5th win tomorrow or in his final match. The Jonidan has 5 remaining at 5-0 and while the Jonokuchi had 2 at 5-0, they’ve had their Day 11 matches as of this post and Daikisho beat Gonoumi to take the sole lead at 6-0 so the championship is his to lose.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kagayaki (J16) beat Shiden (J2)
Kotoshoho (M13) beat Tamashoho (M16)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Tokihayate (M17)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Nishikigi (M12) beat Kitanowaka (M15) by default/withdrawal
Kinbozan (M14) beat Takerufuji (M11)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Meisei (M10)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Endo (M7) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Oshoma (M9)
Takayasu (M6) beat Takarafuji (M8)
Chiyoshoma (M5) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Shodai (M4) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Oho (M3) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kirishima (M1) beat Abi (K)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Ura (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Leader; Kinbozan (9-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Kitanowaka (M15). Right ankle. Initial reports were it’s broken, if so, tournament over. Will be demoted back to Juryo again if he doesn’t return. He’s yet to have a winning tournament in the top tier.
Yokozuna Watch: It’s probably over for Hoshoryu. His first-ever loss to Hiradoumi leaves him 6-3 and 3 wins off the lead. He can still rally and get to 12-3, but even if that’s good enough for the championship it probably isn’t enough for promotion.
Of note: Chiyoshoma also bounced back from his first loss this tournament to clinch promotion and remains one off the pace at 8-1, with Oho & Takerufuji at 7-2. And Kirishima may have gotten back what he lost before, he has now won 6 in a row since starting 0-3. We’re also on the verge of the first demotions still, Wakamotoharu staved it off today but Atamifuji is showing he’s not ready for Sanyaku anytime soon as he’s fallen to 2-7.

Juryo:
Wakaikari (J13) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Kotoeiho (J13) beat Hatsuyama (J12)
Tohakuryu (J11) beat Daiamami (J11)
Nabatame (J14) beat Oshoumi (J9)
Daiseizan (J9) beat Daishoho (J14)
Fujiseiun (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Shishi (J4) beat Miroryu (J8)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Ryuden (J3) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Asakoryu (J2)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Kayo (J1)
Sadanoumi (J1) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Leader: Wakaikari, Shishi, Aonishiki (8-1)
Of note: No changes at the top but all 3 co-leaders have clinched promotions, so Wakaikari will remain in Juryo while Shishi & Aonishiki could be in the top tier (back for Shishi) if they keep this up. The Ukranians remain on potential final day collision course. We’ll have a Makushita man up again each day starting tomorrow with Hitoshi, who is 4-1 and clinched promotion with a chance to return to Juryo if he can keep winning (he currently is at Ms4).

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita currently has 3 at 5-0 with Ishizaki, the younger brother of Asakoryu, having a chance at promotion to Juryo if he keeps winning (he is at Ms6). The Sandanme currently has 6 at 5-0 and Enho won today to go to 4-1 so he’ll be promoted back to Makushita in March from Sd4. The Jonidan has 5 currently at 5-0 while the Jonokuchi also has 2 remaining at 5-0.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the Halfway Point-of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kayo (J1) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Tokihayate (M17) beat Kotoshoho (M13)
Hakuoho (M15) beat Nishikigi (M12)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Kagayaki (M16)
Tamashoho (M16) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Takerufuji (M11) beat Kitanowaka (M15)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Shonannoumi (M13) beat Meisei (M10)
Takayasu (M6) beat Oshoma (M9)
Ichiyamamoto (M6) beat Churanoumi (M9)
Hiradoumi (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M7)
Takarafuji (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Endo (M7)
Gonoyama (M3) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Abi (K) beat Tobizaru (M2)
Kirishima (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kooyozakura (O) beat Oho (M3)
Onosato (O) beat Wakatakakage (K)
Shodai (M4) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: Kinbozan (8-0)
Of note: Kitanowaka’s streak of top tier appearances without a winning record appears set to continue as Nikkan Sports reports he suffered a broken ankle today against Takerufuji. If true, he’s done. Chiyoshoma’s perfect start ended today leaving Kinbozan as sole leader and first to clinch promotion this tournament. No demotions yet but they may happen tomorrow and include Wakamotoharu, whose latest stay at Sekiwake may end as he is now 1-7. Midorifuji & Kotoshoho are also in danger of demotion at 1-7 and need some wins to avoid dropping to Juryo (more likely for Kotoshoho right now). Elsewhere, Kotozakura now has consecutive wins as he tries to protect his Ozeki ranking and is up to 3-5 while Onosato is on the right side now at 5-3.
Yokozuna Watch: There’s pretty much no room for error left for Hoshoryu. Now at 6-2, he’ll probably have to win out for any real chance at promotion.

Juryo:
Wakaikari (J13) beat Kotoeiho (J13)
Nabatame (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J11)
Daishoho (J14) beat Shimazuumi (J10)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Daiseizan (J9)
Hatsuyama (J12) beat Fujiseiun (J8)
Mitoryu (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J10)
Tochitaikai (J7) beat Daiamami (J11)
Oshoumi (J9) beat Tomokaze (J6)
Ryuden (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Aonishiki (J5) beat Tsurugisho (J3)
Shirokuma (J4) beat Shiden (J2)
Asakoryu (J2) beat Shimanoumi (J5)
Shishi (J4) beat Sadanoumi (J1)
Leader: Wakaikari, Aonishiki, Shishi (7-1)
Of note: The Ukranians remain on a championship collision course but Wakaikari remains poised to be spoiler. There are 4 right behind them at 6-2. At the bottom, Daishoho avoided demotion today but Tsurugisho & Shimanoumi did not, clinching demotions at 0-8.

Lower tier notes:
In the Makushita, 7 have clinched promotions and share the lead at 4-0 with at least 2 former division champions among them. In the Sandanme, 10 remain unbeaten at 4-0 at this point. The Jonidan has 12 remaining perfect at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 2 tied at 4-0. No match for Enho in the Sandanme today, he’ll go for his promotion tomorrow.