Tag: ozumo

It’s that wonderful time of the even months again-with just 2 weeks until the next tournament, the Japan Sumo Association has announced the official Banzuke (rankings) for the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament. Below are the full rankings for the top 2 tiers and other lower tier notes:

Continue reading “Sumo-November 2024 Banzuke Announced”

Here are the final results and post-tournament news from the September 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:

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

It’s now official-the Japan Sumo Association had announced that September Tournament Champion Onosato has been promoted to the second-highest rank of Ozeki after 34 wins and 2 championships over the last 3 tournaments. Now the quest for Yokozuna promotion begins. This means there will be 3 Ozeki in November.

In other sumo news, Myogirtu and Aoiyama join Takakeisho in retiring post-tournament instead of being demoted to Makushita. Both are cashing in elder stock and will become oyakata. There were 11 total retirements.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the September 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):
Shishi (J2) beat Kinbozan (M12)
Onokatsu (M14) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Kitanowaka (M16) beat Roga (M10)
Ryuden (M14) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Oshoma (M9) beat Bushozan (M12)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Ichiyamamoto (M9)
Hokutofuji (M13) beat Midorifuji (M8)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Endo (M8)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Nishikigi (M13)
Wakatakakage (M7) beat Takayasu (M15)
Kagayaki (M11) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Wakamotoharu (M3) beat Ura (M5)
Oho (M2) beat Shodai (M4)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Meisei (M6) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Kotoshoho (M4) beat Takanosho (M1)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Kirishima (S) beat Daieisho (K)
Abi (S) beat Onosato (S)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kotozakura (O)
CHAMPION: Onosato (13-2)

SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): Wakatakakage
Fighting Spirit (best displays of fighting spirit/perseverance): Onosato, Nishikigi
Technique (winning record with best technique displayed and/or most different winning techniques): Onosato
If he is indeed promoted to Ozeki as expected, Onosato will finish-for now-with an astounding 8 Special Prizes in just 5 top tier tournaments. And 2 Prizes in 3 of the 5.That’s 2 Outstanding Performance, 3 Fighting Spirit and 3 Technique. Only thing he doesn’t have is any Kinboshi-he has beaten Yokozuna Terunofuji twice already, but both came when he already was in Sanyaku and not as a Maegashira.

Also of note, it’s been confirmed that Takakeisho will now become Minatogawa Oyakata following his retirement yesterday. Among former Ozeki he was the second-youngest retirement at just 28 but could have more than 35 years left to be a coach and eventually stablemaster before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65.

Juryo:
Wakaikari (Ms2) beat Oshoumi (J14)
Kototebakari (Ms5) beat Aoiyama (J13)
Tochitaikai (Ms1) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Asakoryu (J8) beat Tohakuryo (J10)
Shiden (J6) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Daiseizan (J12)
Hakuoho (J5) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Tomokaze (J11) beat Daiamami (J5)
Kayo (J14) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Daishoho (J9) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Takerufuji (J11) beat Tokihayate (J2)
Tsurugisho (J7) beat Chiyoshoma (J1)
CHAMPION: Takerufuji (13-2)
The final margin was 2 wins for Takerufuji over Kayo, who surged to 2nd at 11-4 as Chiyoshoma slumped to a 1-4 finish after a 9-1 start, winding up 10-5 but still earning promotion back to the top tier. Now the question is will Takerufuji be back in the top tier too? After 13-2 with a second Juryo title at J11 plus the Isegahame influence, I would say yes. Tokihayate has a chance to go back up as does Shishi.

Jonidan:
Playoff: Shimizuumi (Jd5) beat Daiyusho (Jd57). SHIMIZUUMI JONIDAN YUSHO!!! First Jonidan championship and second overall in 2 tournaments. Will be promoted to the Sandanme.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi-Onosato (S). 2nd Emperor’s Cup
Juryo-Takerufuji (J11). 2nd Juryo, 5th overall
Makushita-Hatsuyama (Ms16). 1st Makushita and 1st overall
Sandanme-Kawazoe (Sd51). 1st Sandanme and 1st overall
Jonidan-Shimizuumi (Jd5). 1st Jonidan and 2nd overall (2 tournaments)
Jonokuchi-Goseizan (Jk15). 1st Jonokuchi (debut tournament)

The next tournament is November 10-24 at Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka. More to come later this week after the usual post-tournament meetings to determine the new rankings, promotions/demotions, retirements and more significantly if Onosato will be promoted to Ozeki. Hopefully we’ll know Wednesday.

UPDATE: Myogiryu has also retired. He will cash in his elder stock and become (I believe based on translation of a Nikkan Sports report) Furiwake oyakata. He did not compete this time due to injuries and would have been demoted from Juryo (his rank was J9). He ends with a career record of 601-597-79, 495-539-31 in the top tier, 4 championships (3 Juryo, 1 Makushita), 6 Special Prizes (all Technique), 6 Kinboshi and a highest rank of Sekiwake.

UPDATE 2: It’s indeed over for Aoiyama. Retired and will become Iwatomo oyakata. Originally from Bulgaria, he became a Japanese citizen in recent years which allows him to stay in the country and also cash in his elder stock. He ends with a career record of 613-607-35 over 15 years, 504-528-33 in the top tier, 3 championships (1 Makushita, 1 Jonidan, 1 Jonokuchi), 5 Special Prizes (4 Fighting Spirit, 1 Technique), 1 Kinboshi and a highest rank of Sekiwake.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 14-the penultimate day-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 Tokiahayate (J2)
Hokutofuji (M13) beat Ryuden (M14)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Takarafuji (M13)
Roga (M10) beat Kinbozan (M12)
Onokatsu (M14) beat Ichiyamamoto (M9)
Oshoma (M9) beat Kitanowaka (M16)
Kagayaki (M11) beat Endo (M8)
Midorifuji (M8) beat Bushozan (M12)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M3) beat Kotoshoho (M4)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Ura (M5)
Nishikigi (M13) beat Oho (M2)
Takanosho (M1) beat Meisei (M6)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Wakatakakage (M7) beat Daieisho (K)
Shodai (M4) beat Hiradoumi (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Takayasu (M15)
Kotozakura (O) beat Abi (S)
Onosato (S) beat Hoshoryu (O). ONOSATO YUSHO!!! His second top tier championship! Both in the last 3 tournaments. And…Onosato Ozeki? It could be official as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. Now the last question left-will he finish 14-1 or 13-2? We’ll find out tomorrow when he faces Abi.
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! Due to a judges’ reversal, Tobizaru beat Shonannoumi with a technique I’d never seen before-sokubiotoshi, head chop down. Elsewhere, while he’s now out of title contention there are worries that Takayasu suffered yet another injury in his loss today, possibly knee or leg as he went down awkwardly when the match ended. Let’s hope not. Hokutofuji came back today after missing 3 days with a knee issue and will still have a chance at promotion on the final day. At worst now a loss should mean maintaining his current rank.
With the championship settled, it’s all over but the shouting and the celebrating tomorrow, but Hoshoryu must win to maintain his full Ozeki rank as he is only 7-7. However it won’t be easy because tomorrow is the Ozeki Showdown against Kotozakura, who also struggled the second week but protected his rank today with his 8th win. Shishi will be the Juryo man up again tomorrow, likely needing a win to have a chance to move up to the top tier in November. This time he has a more favorable matchup in Kinbozan (his first appearance a couple days ago was against Takarafuji).

Juryo:
Oshoumi (J14) beat Daishomaru (Ms5)
Aonishiki (Ms4) beat Aoiyama (J13)
Nabatame (Ms4) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Kayo (J14) beat Takerufuji (J11)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
Daoshoho (J9) beat Shiden (J6)
Daiamami (J5) beat Daiseizan (J12)
Hakuoho (J5) beat Tomokaze (J11)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Shimanoumi (J4)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Shishi (J2) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Asakoryu (J8) beat Chiyoshoma (J1). TAKERUFUJI JURYO YUSHO!!! 5th career championship and 2nd Juryo. So now the question will be will 13-2 or 12-3 be enough for a top tier return in November? If 13-2 I’d say yes. If 12-3, toss-up but will depend on other results and the Isegahama pull.
Of note: I think this is truly the end for Aoiyama. Now 5-9, demotion out of Juryo seems all but certain after losing to Makushita man Aonishiki, the next hot prospect from Ukraine who, after today’s win, finishes 6-1 and has a chance to reach Juryo in November. 3 Makushita men with promotion chances at 3-3 are up tomorrow: Wakaikari at Ms2 to face Oshoumi (who will be demoted back to Makushita), Kototebakari at Ms5 (4-2, already promoted, could be the finale for Aoiyama), and Tochitaikai at Ms1 (must beat Kiryuko to be promoted to Juryo).

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 90 minutes of LIVE top tier coverage, including the final matches, championship ceremony and champion’s interview with Onosato, tomorrow beginning at 12:30 AM PT/3:30 AM ET. Dpeending on when the requisite meetings are held, Tuesday or Wednesday is the earliest we could see Onosato promoted to Ozeki. That would mean 3 Ozeki for November and Onosato could have a chance at Yokozuna promotion for January 2025 if he can win the tournament or finish in a playoff. Don’t count on Terunofuji being back but we’ll see.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 13-Championship Day-of the September 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):
Takarafuji (M13) beat Shirokuma (M16) by default/withdrawak)
Onokatsu (M14) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Ryuden (M14) beat Bushozan (M12)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Kinbozan (M12)
Midorifuji (M8) beat Kagayaki (M11)
Endo (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Kitanowaka (M16)
Wakatakakage (M7) beat Oshoma (M9)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Roga (M10)
Meisei (M6) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Wakamotoharu (M3) beat Oho (M2)
Mitakeumi (M3) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Ura (M5) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Shodai (M4) beat Takanosho (M1)
Nishikigi (M13) beat Hiradoumi (K)
Daieisho (K) beat Takayasu (M10)
Abi (S) beat Kotoshoho (M4)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kirishima (S)
Onosato (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Onosato (12-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Shirokuma (M16). Ankle. Tournament over. Out 3 weeks. Will be demoted back to Juryo.
RE-ENTRY: Hokutofuji (M13). Will return tomorrow. Missed 3 days due to re-aggravating an old injury. Will be the equivalent of 6-7 so still a chance for promotion by winning his last 2 matches.
RETIREMENT: Takakeisho (S). Retired today. Was rumored to be happening if he didn’t earn re-promotion to Ozeki and that bid ended early due to injury (he would have needed at least 10 wins this time). The former long-time Ozeki ends his career with 4 Emperor’s Cups, 8 total championships, 7 Special Prizes, 3 Kinboshi (Gold Star Victories as a Maegashira over a Yokozuna) and a record of 441-254-117, 353-219-117 in the top tier. He was 0-2 this tournament before withdrawing on Day 3 so his final official record for September will be 0-3-11. He came so very close to becoming Yokozuna on multiple occasions but usually those chances were done in by injuries. No word yet on if he will be able to cash in elder stock and become an oyakata.
Of note: It could end tomorrow. Onosato can win his second championship tomorrow and now worst case is potentially up to a 4-way playoff (it can’t be 5-way despite 4 tied at 10-3 because two of them-Kirishima & Takayasu-face off tomorrow). The others, Wakatakakage & Nishikigi, face other opponents. Onosato faces Hoshoryu and wins the title with a win. But more importantly now…Onosato Ozeki? Today made 33 wins over the last 3 tournaments-the unofficial magic number-and he has a championship with potentially a second one.

Juryo:
Asakoryu (J6) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Kiryuko (J9) beat Mitoryu (J7) by default/withdrawal
Kayo (J14) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
Shiden (J7) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Hakuoho (J5) beat Oshoumi (J14)
Aoiyama (J13) beat Daiamami (J5)
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Daiseizan (J12)
Takerufuji (J11) beat Shishi (J2)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Daishoho (J9)
Chiyoshoma (J1) beat Tomokaze (J11)
Leader: Takerufuji (12-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Mitoryu (J7). Knee & thigh. Tournament over. Out 3 weeks.
Of note: Worst-case now is a playoff but it’s Takerufuji’s to lose. He won but so did Chiyoshoma so the gap remains 2 with 2 days left. Takerufuji potentially denied Shishi promotion to the top tier in November as he drops to 7-6 while Tokihayate will have a chance to return to the top tier with 9 wins now. At the bottom, Oshoumi will be demoted back to Makushita while Aoiyama is staying alive for now at 5-8, but still needs to win his last two.

Makushita:
Hatsuyama (Ms16) beat Asakoki (Ms55). HATSUYAMA MAKUSHITA YUSHO!!! First career championship. He will have a chance at promotion to Juryo in November for the first time. If he makes it then it will have taken him just over 2 1/2 years.

Sandanme:
Kawazoe (Sd51) beat Kiyonoumi (Sd24). KAWAZOE SANDANME YUSHO!!! First career championship for the former “human slinky” and Hakuho prospect toughing it out at Isegahama. Should be promoted back to Makushita.

Jonidan:
Daiyusho (Jd57) beat Oatari (Jd42)
Shimizuumi (Jd5) beat Imamura (Jd40). PLAYOFF!!! It will be Daiyusho vs. Shimizuumi for the championship on the Final Day. Daiyusho is going for his first career championship, Shimizuumi his second in 2 career tournaments.

Jonokuchi:
Goseizan (Jk15) beat Tsuru (Jk3). GOSEIZAN JONOKUCHI YUSHO!!! First career championship in debut tournament. Avoided a playoff because Aoifuji won in Jonidan and would have had a second chance at 6-1 if Goseizan lose.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top-tier coverage tomorrow, with potentially the championship deciding matches, beginning at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET.

UPDATE: Takakeisho does have elder stock for Minatogawa and will cash it in, likely becoming an assistant coach and perhaps eventually forming his own stable. It’s believed the Tokiwayama stock, or at least the front runner to replace their current stablemaster, currently is held by stablemate Takanosho.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 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):
Takarafuji (M15) beat Shishi (J2)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Onokatsu (M14)
Roga (M10) beat Shirokuma (M16)
Ichiyamamoto (M9) beat Kitanowaka (M16)
Misorifuji (M8) beat Ryuden (M14)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Bushozan (M12)
Meisei (M6) beat Kagayaki (M11)
Gonoyama (M6) beat Oshoma (M9)
Ura (M5) beat Endo (M8)
Shonannoumi (M5) beat Kinbozan (M12)
Kotoshoho (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Oho (M2) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Wakamotoharu (M3) beat Takanosho (M1)
Shodai (M4) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Daieisho (K) beat Nishikigi (M13)
Takayasu (M15) beat Hiradoumi (K)
Wakatakakage (M7) beat Onosato (S)
Kirishima (S) beat Kotozakura (O)
Abi (S) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Leader: Onosato (11-1)
Of note: No 15-0 here either. And now the lead is down to one so Onosato can’t clinch the championship tomorrow against Kotozakura, who still needs a win to secure a winning record. Kirishima, now back in it and with a solid 10 wins, has Hosboryu who is struggling at 6-6 (granted the Ozeki fell to a HENKA! from a clearly desperate Abi who will be demoted from Sekiwake and possibly Sanyaku at 3-9) Takayasu, back in form at 10-2 and with that elusive first championship still within reach, faces Daieisho. Wakatakakge still has a chance as well for what wiuld be his second Emperor’s Cup. Despite a loss today, Nishikigi also still is in it at 9-3. At the bottom, Onokatsu & Shirokuma will be demoted in their first top tier efforts, the latter possibly back to Juryo if he can’t get 3 more wins. The thinking is that Kagayaki will also be demoted to Juryo, at least if he keeps losing as he is now 1-11.

Juryo:
Chiyomaru (Ms3) beat Oshoumi (J14)
Apiyama (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Asakoryu (J8) beat Daiseizan (J12)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Kayo (J14)
Mitoryu (J7) beat Tomokaze (J11)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Daiamami (J5)
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Daishoho (J9)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Hakuoho (J5)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Shiden (J6)
Takerufuji (J11) beat Chiyoshoma (J1)
Leader: Takerufuji (11-1)
RE-ENTRY: Tsurugisho (J7). Will return tomorrow. Missed 2 days for unknown reasons. Will be the equivalent of 5-7 so he can still save promotion by winning his last 3 matches.
Of note: It’s all but over now. Takerufuji can clinch the championship-and a potential top tier return-tomorrow if he wins and Chiyoshoma loses. Either happening (but not both) means worst-case is a playoff. Takerufuji faces Shishi tomorrow, the latter needing one more win for promotion and possibly to the top tier but those hopes faded slightly with a loss today in the top tier. Chiyoshoma faces Tomokaze.

UPDATE: Shirokuma has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 13. Right ankle. He was noticeably limping after his loss today. Tournament over. Out at least 3 weeks. Guarantees demotion back to Juryo for the July champion. Takarafuji will get the fusen tomorrow. Mitoryu is also out of Juryo. Right knee injury and right thigh contusion. Tournament over. Out about 3 weeks. Will finish the equivalent of 6-9 and be demoted but stay in Juryo. Kiryuko gets the fusen tomorrow, which will keep his faint hopes of staying in Juryo alive despite being 4-9.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shirokuma (M16) beat Onokatsu (M14)
Kitanowaka (M16) beat Kinbozan (M12)
Takarafuji (M13) beat Bushozan (M12)
Nishikifuji (M17) beat Kagayaki (M11)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Hokutofuji (M13) by default/withdrawal
Ichiyamamoto (M9) beat Ryuden (M14)
Sadanoumi (M11) beat Midorifuji (M8)
Takayasu (M15) beat Endo (M8)
Roga (M10) beat Churanoumi (M7)
Nishikigi (M13) beat Wakatakakage (M7)
Oshoma (M9) beat Meisei (M6)
Shodai (M4) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Wakamotoharu (M3) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Oho (M2) beat Takanosho (M1)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Hiradoumi (K)
Kirishima (S) beat Abi (S)
Onosato (S) beat Kotoshoho (M4)
Ura (M5) beat Hoshoryu (O)
Daieisho (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Onosato (11-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Hokutofuji (M13). Right knee (re-aggravated old injury). Status uncertain. Would finish the equivalent of 6-9 if he can’t return as he was 6-4 going into today. Tamawashi got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Onosato is all but certain to be promoted to Ozeki now. He’s still 2 wins ahead and is now at 32 wins and a championship over the last 3 tournaments and possibly now a second championship. Another title would certainly help with going for Yokozuna, plus no Terunofuji in November is a safe bet. Kirishima, Nishikigi and Takayasu are 2 back. Kotozakura will now have to try again for that elusive first title as he is now 4 back with only 4 matches left. There are rumors Hoshoryu is dealing with a hip injury, which may partly explain his struggles at only 6-5.
Onosato has Wakatakakage tomorrow while Kirishima faces Kotozakura and Takayasu gets Hiradoumi, so tomorrow Onosato can all but clinch the championship (a win plus losses by Kirishima and Takayasu mean worst-case would be a playoff).

Juryo:
Oshoumi (J14) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Kayo (J14) beat Fujiseiun (J10)
Daiseizan (J12) beat Daishoho (J9)
Haluyozan (J8) beat Aoiyama (J13)
Tomokaze (J11) beat Asakoryu (J8)
Takerufuji (J11) beat Ahimazuumi (J4) by default/withdrawal
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Tsurugisho (J7) by default/withdrawal
Mitoryu (J7) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Shishi (J2) beat Shiden (J6)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Hakuoho (J5)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Chiyoshoma (J1)
Leader: Takerufuji (10-1)
WITHDRAWALS: Shimazuumi (J4), Tsurugisho (J7). Unknown for both. Statuses uncertain. Important today because one of the fusen went to Takerufuji. Shimanoumi got the other. Shimazuumi was 6-4 coming in, Tsurugisho was 5-5.
Of note: A potentially big free win for Takerufuji today as Chiyoshoma took a loss, especially important because they face off tomorrow. A Takerufuji win would mean a 2-win lead with just 3 days left. Elsewhere, it may now be the end for Aoiyama. Demotion is coming after an 8th loss today. His only hope of staying in Juryo is to win his last 4 and get to 7-8, maybe 3 wins for 6-9. Kayo clinched promotion and will stay in Juryo but Kiryuko likely will be demoted to Makushita. With a top tier withdrawal again, Shishi will be the Juryo man in the top tier tomorrow with a chance at promotion if he can beat Takarafuji. Chiyomaru, who has a chance at promotion from Makushita, faces Oshoumi tomorrow needing a win to have a chance to return to Juryo. It will also depend on how Tochitaikai and Wakaikari fare in their last match as Ms1 & Ms2 respectively. Both are 3-3 so the former is Juryo-bound with a win. It also will depend on Aonishiki at Ms4, who is 5-1 with one match left.

Lower tier notes: Most of the championship matches are now set. Enho will not be among them as he lost today and is 5-1 in Jonidan. The Makushita championship match Friday will be Hatauyama vs. Asakoki. If Hatsuyama wins, he will have a chance at promotion to Juryo from Ms16. Asakoki is Ms55 and would be in line to jump up to around Ms25 if he wins. The Sandanme championship will be Kiyonoumi vs. Kawazoe with both likely promoted to Makushita regardless. The Jonidan may need a playoff because there are 3 at 6-0. In the Jonokuchi, Goseizan beat Aoifuji today and now only needs to win his last match to be champion. If he loses, a playoff is possible.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the September 224 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Takayasu (M15) beat Nishikifuji (M17)
Shirokuma (M16) beat Bushozan (M12)
Onokatsu (M14) beat Kinbozan (M12)
Kitanowaka (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Nishikigi (M13) beat Kagayaki (M11)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Roga (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M9) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
Oshoma (M9) beat Ryuden (M14)
Wakatakakage (M7) beat Endo (M8)
Tamawashi (M10) beat Churanoumi (M7)
Shonannoumi (M5) beat Midorifuji (M8)
Shodai (M4) beat Meisei (M6)
Wakamotoharu (M3) beat Atamifuji (M2)
Takanosho (M1) beat Mitakeumi (M3)
Oho (M2) beat Daieisho (K)
Hiradoumi (K) beat Tobizaru (M1)
Onosato (S) beat Kirishima (S)
Ura (M5) beat Abi (S)
Kotozakura (O) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Kotoshoho (M4)
Leader: Onosato (10-0)
Of note: It seems like only a disastrous collapse will keep Onosato from both a second championship and Ozeki promotion. He’s now 2 ahead with 5 days left and he’s now at 31 wins and a championship the last 3 tournaments after dispatching Kirishima, who falls to 8-2 after trying a HENKA! that completely backfired and is now tied with Takayasu, Nishikigi & Wakatakakage for 2nd (and all 3 clinched promotions today). Kotozakura still has a chance for his elusive first title but at 7-3 it’s not looking good. Tomorrow Onosato has Kotoshoho, who is currently 5-5. Abi will now be demoted from Sekiwake after falling to 2-8, opening the door for Hiradoumi to have a chance at promotion if he can finish with 8+ wins, he currently is 6-4.

Juryo:
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Takerufuji (J11)
Daishoho (J9) beat Oshoumi (J14)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Daiseizan (J12)
Aoiyama (J13) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Daiamami (J5) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Kayo (J14) beat Hakuoho (J5)
Tomokaze (J11) beat Shimanoumi (M4)
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Shimazuumi (J4)
Asakoryu (J8) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Mitoryu (J7)
Shishi (J2) beat Tsurugisho (J7)
Chiyoshoma (J1) beat Shiden (J6)
Leader: Takerufuji, Chiyoshima (9-1)
Of note: No 15-0. Takerufuji took his first loss and that allowed Chiyoshoma to reclaim a share of the lead. It also makes the climb back to the top tier much tougher for Takerufuji, although 12+ wins and a championship should be enough with the Isegahama pull, but 13-14 is ideal. Elsewhere, Aoiyama staved off demotion for another day with a win but still must win out to avoid a losing record. Tomorrow Takerufuji faces Shimazuumi while Choyoshoma has Hidenoumi. If one or both win, they would remain 2 clear of second, currently a 3-way tie that will be narrowed down tomorrow when Tomokaze faces Asakoryu (both 7-3) in a match also for promotion. Kayo is also 7-3 and faces Fujiseiun, a win keeps Kayo in Juryo in November.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the September 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
NIshikigi (M13) beat Shirokuma (M16)
Takayasu (M15) beat Hokutofuji (M13)
NIshikifuji (M17) beat Bushozan (M12)
Kitanowaka (M16) beat Kagayaki (M11)
Ryuden (M14) beat Sadanoumi (M11)
Roga (M10) beat Onokatsu (M14)
Kinbocan (M12) beat Tamawashi (M10)
Takarafuji (M15) beat Oshoma (M9)
Wakatakakage (M7) beat Midorifuji (M8)
Endo (M8) beat Gonoyama (M6)
Meisei (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M9)
Churanoumi (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M4)
Mitakeumi (M3) beat Oho (M2)
Tobizaru (M1) beat Takanosho (M1)
Atamifuji (M2) beat Daisieho (K)
Onosato (S) beat Wakamotoharu (M3)
Shodai (M4) beat Abi (S)
Kirishima (S) beat Shonannoumi (M5)
Hoshoryu (O) beat Hiradoumi (K)
Ura (M5) beat Kotozakura (O)
Leader: Onosato (9-0)
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! After a judges’ reversal when the win was given to Oshoma before review, Takarafuji was credited with a very rare technique victory-Sakatottari, arm bar throw counter. It was close at the end and appeared both went down at the same time but replays show Oshoma clearly touched down first. Elsewhere, Kagayaki became the first demotion of the top tier falling to 1-8 while Meisei staved off demotion for another day by going to 2-7. Shonannoumi then became the second demotion after falling to 1-8. Newcomer Shirokuma is now one loss from demotion and probably returning to Juryo as well. At the top, Onosato is now at 30 wins with a championship in his last 3 tournaments, so Ozeki consideration is virtually certain at this point. A championship does it for sure, 3 or more wins probably will too. Kirishima remained in contention and protected his rank with an 8th win, staying one back. Kotozakura’s title hopes took a big hit with a loss to Ura, but at 6-3 there is still hope because tomorrow is Onosato-Kirishima. If Onosato wins, he’s 2 up with 5 days to go.

Juryo:
Daiseizan (J12) beat Kayo (J14)
Takerufuji (J11) beat Oshoumi (J14)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Tomokaze (J11) beat Daishoho (J9)
Fujiseiun (J10) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Mitoryu (J7) beat Aoiyama (J13)
Shimazuumi (J4) beat Shiden (J6)
Shimanoumi (J4) beat Asakoryu (J6)
Tsurugisho (J7) beat Tamashoho (J3)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Shishi (J2)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Daiamami (J5)
Chiyoshoma (J1) beat Hakuoho (J5)
Leader: Takerufuji (9-0)
Of note: The championship race may be down to 2. It’s still Takerufuji unbeaten, Chiyoshoma one back with promotion back to the top tier secured, then everyone else is now at least 3 off the lead. ANd now we have to have the potential thoughts and hard talk about Aoiyama again-he now must win out to avoid demotion, and 2 or more losses the rest of the way should mean demotion to Makushita and wondering if it’s finally the end of the Bulgarian veteran.

Lower tier notes:
The Makushita is down to the Final 4, with 4 leading at 5-0 so one of them likely will be the eventual champion as we’ll narrow it down to 2 on Day 11 or 12. Chiyomaru, who is trying to be promoted back to Juryo, will not be among them. The Sandanme currently has 5 at 5-0 which means a playoff may eventually be needed. In the Jonidan, Enho won again today and is among 5 at 5-0, so it’s safe to say he’ll be promoted to the Sandanme in November. In the Jonokuchi, both remaining unbeatens won to go to 5-0.