Tag: ozumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 12 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Ichiyamamoto (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Daishoho (M11)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Myogiryu (M16)
Oho (M16) beat Onosho (M9)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Ryuden (M10)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Ura (M4) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Nishikifuji (M3) beat Takanosho (M8)
Abi (M1) beat Meisei (M6)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Takayasu (M2)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Shodai (K) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Daieisho (S) beat Asanoyama (M14)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Korobayama (S) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Leader: Terunofuji (11-1)
Of note: ULTRA RARE PULL! As he has been known to do on occasion, Ura dazzled the crowd with an incredibly rare winning technique today-zubineri (head pivot throw). It must be seen to be believed, but it hasn’t been used to win in a match in over 25 years! Par for the course between the fan favorite and The Flying Monkey. Elsewhere, Asanoyama took his second loss as he allowed Daieisho to get his signature pusher/thruster offense going and then it was over quickly. That gave Terunofuji the sole lead but he seemed to land rough on his knees as both he and Wakamotoharu landed awkwardly at the end of their match. Monitor this going forward given his history of knee issues.
Ozeki Watch: Promotion? It seems to now be all but official for Kiribayama as he beat Takakeisho for what is now 33 wins over the last 3 tournaments at Sanyaku. That is a minimum criteria for Ozeki promotion consideration (the other is win 2 consecutive tournaments at Komusubi and/or Sekiwake, which Kiribayama can still do this time). Any more wins should be insurance and he’s still in championship contention. Takakeisho again missed an 8th win chance as a result and remains kadoban, but he may have caught the break he needed…his Day 13 opponent is Meisei, who has now lost 3 straight since beating Terunofuji. And there is concern about Meisei possibly suffering a knee injury in his loss today, leading to thoughts Takakeisho could get a freebie tomorrow with a potential Meisei withdrawal. If that happens, Takakeisho is safe at Ozeki and could withdraw himself to get treatment/rest for his knees and likely means 2 Ozeki again in July (again dependent on Kiribayama promotion, which seems a formality now).
While their Ozeki hopes for July are now gone, all the other Sekiwake have protected their rank with 8 wins so far and any further wins can help their post-July promotion chances, especially if they can get to 11 wins. Hoshoryu may be dealing with a thigh injury so that 8th win today was a big one. Elsewhere, a sophomore slump continues for Kinbozan as he will be demoted after his 8th loss today, but he’ll hopefully bounce back on July. One potential Sanyaku change is on the verge of happening too as Kotonowaka will be demoted from Komusubi if he loses again after his 7th loss today.
Key match tomorrow: Terunofuji-Asanoyama. The yusho race could be all but over if Terunofuji wins, but it also depends on Kiribayama who faces Hokuseiho. And if it happens, Takakeisho-Meisei.

Juryo:
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Shiden (Ms1)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Tonokaze (J12)
Daiamami (J9) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Ochiai (J8) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Takakento (J7)
Akua (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Oshoma (J4) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Roga (J4)
Bushozan (J3) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J1)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (11-1)
Of note: Rematch anyone? If Gonoyama & Ochiai keep winning, they’re on track for a playoff rematch for the championship even after Gonoyama won their match yesterday. And if Ochiai does win out, he’ll be in top tier contention. The only thing in the way of the playoff, besides themselves, is Atamifuji at 10-2.
Key matches tomorrow: Ochiai-Shonannoumi, Gonoyama-Shimazuumi, Atamifuji-Hakuyozan. Shonannoumi is 9-3 and, like Gonoyama, is headed to the top tier in July. Shimazuumi is 7-5 and going for promotion. In the latter, history favors Gonoyama as he leads the series vs. Shimazuumi 3-0. Ochiai-Shonannoumi is a first-time meeting. Hakuyozan is 6-6 and Atamifuji won their only prior meeting in March.

UPDATE: As of the start of Day 13 matches Meisei remains in the tournament. No withdrawal yet.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Daishoho (M11) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Kagayaki (M17) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Ryuden (M10) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Onosho (M9) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Takanosho (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Oho (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Neisei (M6)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Ura (M4) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Takayasu (M3) beat Abi (M1)
Shodai (K) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Kiribayama (S) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Takakeisho (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Leader: Terunofuji, Asanoyama (10-1)
Of note: Takayasu was a surprise return today as a thigh injury suffered in morning practice before Day 1 began was expected to keep him out 3 weeks. He looked limited on his mobility but still quickly dispatched Abi. Any wins will reduce the drop he’ll take in July as he’s already got a demotion for missing 8+ days.
Ozeki Watch: It’s all but official for Kiribayama. Of course it’s up to the Japan Sumo Association to decide, but to meet the minimum 33 wins over 3 consecutive tournaments in Sanyaku eligibility criteria Kiribayama now needs just one more win the rest of the way. That or win the championship again. The other Sekiwake have pretty much been mathematically eliminated from consideration this time unless 11-4 winds up winning the championship (or 12-3 if Wakamotoharu wins out). Only Wakamotoharu seems to have any championship chance now.
Key matches tomorrow: Terunofuji-Wakamotoharu, Asanoyama-Daieisho, Kiribayama-Talakeisho. A lot on the line in that last one because Takakeisho needs one more win to get out of kadoban status and remain Ozeki. If he gets it before the final day, anticipate an immediate withdrawal to get his knees some rest and treatment.

Juryo:
Yuma (Ms5) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Tonokaze (J12) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Shimazuumi (J8)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Akua (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Oshoma (J4)
Roga (J4) beat Bushozan (J3)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Daiamami (J9)
Takakento (J7) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Churanoumi (J7
Gonoyama (J1) beat Ochiai (J8)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (10-1)
Of note: If Ochiai doesn’t reach the top tier in July, today may be why. For comparison, Asanoyama was at this spot in January, finished 14-1 and won the championship at J12 and was promoted to J1. Ochiai may be in a better place to make the leap at J8 but we’ll have to see what happens over the last 4 days.
Shiden, who has earned promotion back to Juryo in July with a 4-2 record at Makishita 1, gets the Makushita man spot tomorrow although if he loses, he could be in an odd spot as he should have one more Makushita match and could wind up 4-4.
Key matches tomorrow: Ochiai-Tamashoho, Gonoyama-Hakuyozan, Atamifuji-Shonannoumi. If both leaders lose, the Atamifuji-Shonannoumi winner will be in a 3-way tie for the lead.

Lower tier notes:
As is typically the case after Day 12, the Makushita Championship is now set for what should be Day 13: Daishomaru vs. Kiryuko. Daishomaru beat Okinohama and Kiryuko beat Shishi to set it up. Neither will be promoted to Juryo as Daishomart is at Ms42 and Kiryuko is at Ms26. But who will be promoted is Kawazoe, who got his 4th win today at Ms1 so he will be Shin-Juryo in July while despite a loss today Shiden will be Sai-Juryo, getting a second chance after being forced to moss his forst Juryo tournament.
In the Sandanme, the championship match will be Yutakasho vs. Sazanami as the last 2 at 6-0. In the Jonidan, 3 are still at 6-0 so a playoff may be needed. In the Jonokuchi, Reonmaru is the sole leader at 6-0 but 5-0 Haruyama has his 6th match tomorrow, so if Haruyama wins theu probably would face off on Day 14 as usually the lower tier wrestlers won’t conpete 3 days on a row.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kagayaki (M17) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Aoiyama (M12) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Oho (M16) beat Ryuden (M10)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Onosho (M9)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Tsurugisho (M10) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Daishoho (M11) beat Takanosho (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Meisei (M6)
Ura (M4) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Nishigiki (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Abi (M1) beat Shodai (K)
Kirobayama (S) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Kotoshoho (M5) by default/withdrawal
Hoshoryu (S) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Leader: Terunofuji, Asanoyama (9-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Kotoshoho (M5). Left knee. Return uncertain. Regardless this officially means another demotion for the January runner-up.
Also, Takayasu (M2), a last-minute Day 1 withdrawal due to a thigh injury, will return tomorrow. He is currently the equivalent of 0-10 and will be demoted, but any wins now mean gaining back rankings spots he would have otherwise lost. If he finishes with 5 straight wins I could see his drop only being to M7 instead of perhaps M11 or M12. He faces Abi tomorrow.
Of note: Almost 2 straight losses for Terunofuji as Kotonowaka had him on the edge of the dohyo early before the yokozuna managed a better position and came back for the victory. In an exciting earlier match, Hokuseiho managed a couple of miracle escapes in a similar position against Meisei, using his height brilliantly to rally and win. Definitely not a post-Kinboshi letdown for Meisei, the effort was certainly there and he just got unlucky. No such issues for Asanoyama as he won easily to stay a co-leader. Takakeisho took a tough loss today against Kinbozan and now needs 2 more wins to get out of kadoban status instead of being on the verge of safety. In his first try against an Ozeki, Kinbozan gets a huge bounceback win after losing to Terunofuji. Hopefully the rikishi from Kazakhstan can use this momentum to get back to a winning record.
Ozeki Watch: The presumptive magic number is now 2 for Kiribayama. He’s clinched his winning record and protected his Sekiwake rank with 8 wins so now the goal is finish better than 2-3 to hopefully earn promotion. Wakamotoharu probably lost any chances at Ozeki this time unless he wins the championship, which he still has a chance at. Daieisho got a freebie today to stay in range at 7-3, with Hoshoryu at the same record.
Key matches tomorrow: Asanoyama-Meisei, Terunofuji-Hoshoryu, Kiribayama-Hiradoumi, Hokuseiho-Wakamotoharu. Hokuseiho clinched promotion today and is also one off the lead

Juryo:
Tokihayate (J14) beat Hayatefuji (Ms3)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Daiamami (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Chiyonokuni (J9) by default/withdrawal
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Oshoma (J4)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Roga (J4)
Ochiai (J8) beat Bushozan (J3)
Akua (J5) beat Enho (J3) by default/withdrawal
Churanoumi (J7) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Gonoyama (J1)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Takakento (J7)
Leader: Ochiai (10-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Enho (J3), Chiyonokuni (J9). Enho-herniated cervical disk. Out at least 3 months. Chiyonokuni-knees (both MCLs and osteoarthritis). Out indefinitely but, based on recent history and using Terunofuji as a comparison, possibly done for the year (Terunofuji missed 8 months with similar). Both details per Nikkan Sports. If Enho can return in September on this timeline, he’ll be a Makushita man.
Of note: Welcome to the show, Shonannoumi! With win #8 at J1 today, he has clinched promotion to the top tier and will make his debut there in July. In the meantime, what would have been an all-unbeaten showdown tomorrow or later was denied when Gonoyama was beaten by Atamifuji, leaving Ochiai as the lone unbeaten left. Also, Azumaryu will not bounce back to the top tier again this time as an 8th loss today means another demotion for the inconsistent Mongolian.
Key match tomorrow: Gonoyama-Ochiai. A day short of the unbeaten showdown after what happened today. This could all but clinch the championship for Ochiai-a win puts him 2 clear of the field with 4 days left although recent history in that situation has not been good to leaders. Atamifuji and Shonannoumi are still in it at 8-2. Also stopping in Juryo tomorrow is the 3:10 To Yuma as Yuma is the Makushita man up tomorrow. At Ms5 this time, he has already clinched promotion at 4-1 and has an outside chance to reach Juryo if he can finish 6-1. He gets Shimanoumi, who at 6-4 has a chance to end his long demotion streak.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Oho (M16) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Apiyama (M12) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Daishoho (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M16)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Onosho (M9)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Takanosho (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Ura (M4)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Shodai (K) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Abi (M1)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Kiribayama (S) beat Daieisho (S)
Nishikigi (M3) beat Takakeisho (O)
Meisei (M6) beat Terunofuji (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Meisei! (Awarded when a Maegashira beats a Yokozuna in a tournament)
Leader: Terunofuji, Meisei, Asanoyama (8-1)
Of note: It’s a 3-way tie again after Meisei upset Terunofuji and also clinched promotion, as did Asanoyama. But now the letdown must be avoided and it won’t be easy as the giant (killer) Hokuseiho awaits tomorrow for Meisei. On the flip side, Kotoshoho’s post-near January title slump continues as he is the first to what is now a second straight demotion with his 8th loss.
Ozeki Watch: We had 2 of the 3 Sekiwake Showdowns today with Kiribayama beating Daieisho and Wakamotoharu beating Hoshoryu. The trio wraps up tomorrow with Kiribayama-Wakamotoharu. Kiribayama now needs to finish 3-3 or better for likely Ozeki promotion while Wakamotoharu still needs to go 6-0 or win the championship. Kiribayama & Wakamotoharu are both 7-2 with Daieisho & Hoshoryu at 6-3 and both probably needing to win out for promotion chances.
Key matches tomorrow: Terunofuji-Kotonowaka, Meisei-Hokuseiho, Asanoyama-Hiradoumi, Kiribayama-Wakamotoharu (Wakamotoharu probably can’t be promoted to Ozeki this time if he loses).

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Tochimusashi (Ms4)
Tokihayate (J14) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Kitanowaka (J10)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Daiamami (J9)
Ochiai (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Takakento (J7) beat Enho (J3)
Oshoma (J4) beat Bushozan (J3)
Roga (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Akua (J5)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (9-0)
Of note: No new promotions earned today as the co-leaders are now 2 wins clear of the field and still on a championship collision course. But Shonannoumi is now just one win away from the top tikuahimself with his 7th win today. Alua joined Enho & Chiyonokuni in demotion territory with his 8th loss, both Enho & Chiyonokuni are 0-9.
Key matches tomorrow: Ochiai-Bushozan, Gonoyama-Atamifuji.
Hayatefuji is the Makushita man up tomorrow, at 3-2 so far he’ll be going for a promotion.

Lower tier notes: As expected the 8 Makushita unbeatens are now down to 4, and a potential awkward Juryo July is being set up because Shishi, 5-0 at Ms2, is almost certainly going to Juryo and could be on track to face Roga there. That would mean a Ukraine-Russia sumo match against the backdrop of their ongoing real-life war (Shishi is from Ukraine, Roga is from Russia). In the Sandanme, 5 are at 5-0 so far while the Jonidan has 6 at 5-0. In the Jonokuchi, Reonmaru is the sole leader at 5-0 while Haruyama is 4-0.

UPDATE: 2 Juryo withdrawals ahead of Day 10-Enho and Chiyonokuni are both out. Unknown. Both will finish the equivalent of 0-15 as a result. Chiyonokuni almost certainly will be demoted to Makushita as he was J9 while Enho should stay at Juryo given he was at J3. Tomokaze gets a free win over Chiyonokuni to go to 4-5 while Akua gets the freebie over Enho to go to 2-8.

Subsequent Update: Nikkan Sports reports Enho is out due to a herniated cervical disc. Out at least 3 months, meaning he’ll miss the July tournament and almost certainly be demoted from Juryo to Makushita. As for Chiyonokuni, knees-both meniscus and left knee osteoarthritis (the latter condition is part of what kept Terunofuji out most of the last year). Out indefinitely.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 8-the halfway point-of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

MakuuchI (top tier):
Myogiryu (M14) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Ichiyamamoto (M15) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Oho (M16)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Asanoyama (M14)
Kagayaki (M17) beat Daishoho (M11)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Takanosho (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Meisei (M6)
Onosho (M9) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Nishikifuji (M3) beat Kinbozan (M6)
Abi (M1) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Kiribayama (S) beat Ura (M4)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Shodai (K)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Leader: Terunofuji (8-0)
Of note: UPSET ALERT DAY! 2 of the 3 remaining unbeatens went down as both Asanoyama and Meisei took their first losses so no promotions earned although Terunofuji remained perfect. And Takakeisho’s knees are somehow holding up as his win over Shodai puts him just 2 wins from getting out of kadoban status. I would not be surprised if, should he get to 8 wins soon enough, he withdraws at that point.
Ozeki Watch: At 6-2 at the halfway point, Kiribayama needs to go 4-3 or better to be eligible for promotion to Ozeki or win the tournament. Wakamotoharu, now at the same record but with consecutive losses, must either win out (go 7-0) or win the tournament for a promotion chance. Daieisho & Hoshoryu probably need 6-1 finishes or the title.
Key match tomorrow: Terunofuji-Meisei. EIther a kinboshi and perhaps 3-way tie at the top again or the Yokozuna could pull 2 clear of the field. Asanoyama gets Ryuden (3-5).

Juryo:
Chiyonoumi (Ms3) beat Tomokaze (J12)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Kitanowaka (J10)
Tsushimanada (J12) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Daiamami (J8) beat Takakento (J7)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Tokihayate (J11)
Ochihi (J8) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Bushozan (J3) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Enho (J3)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Akua (J5)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Roga (J3)
Oshoma (J4) beat Shonannoumi (J1)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (8-0)
Of note: Welcome to the show, Gonoyama-8 wins and a promotion means he is headed to the top tier in July. It seems to be between him and Ochiai for the title but surely Bushozan and Atamifuji will have a say at 7-1 (the latter having a great bounceback tournament after a slump once he reached the top tier for the first time). Now the question with Ochiai is can he possibly rack up enough wins to make the top tier in July from J8 should he win the championship? It’s probably the only way along with at least 13 wins (as reference, remember that about that same number of wins and a championship got Asanoyama from J12 to J1 after January), if not he’ll all but be there in September. On the flip side we have our first demotions as well, as both Enho and Chiyonokuni are now 0-8.
Key matches tomorrow: Gonoyama-Akua, Ochiai-Hidenoumi. Having seemingly switched from epic salt fist poses to Terutsuyoshi-like epic salt throws, Akua is fighting like Terutsuyoshi and has slumped to a 1-7 record so far. Hidenoumi is 3-5. As for the 7-1s, Atamifuji gets Tomokaze while Bushozan has Oshoma.

Lower tier notes: At the halfway point, 8 are tied for the Makushita lead at 4-0, including notably Wakatakamoto, the oldest of the Wakas who has never reached higher than Makushita in his career. All unbeatens face each other tomorrow so the 8 will go down to 4. Also, if Kawazoe, the popular human slinky, can get one more win this tournament, he will be promoted to Juryo in July (he is 3-1 at Ms1). Also with a promotion chance is Onosato, a former 2-time amateur yokozuna champion who earned a provisional Makushita 10 ranking for his debut this tournament-he is also 3-1 with 3 straight wins after a debut loss. 10 are tied for the Sandanme lead at 4-0. 12 are tied for the Jonidan lead at 4-0 while 3 are tied for the Jonokuchi lead at 4-0 with one at 3-0. Also, the Makushita has one withdrawal for tomorrow (Ienoshima, Ms39, was 1-3 so that’s a demotion), the Sandanme has 3 withdrawals and Jonidan has one.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (Top Tier):
Myogiryu (M14) beat Enho (J3)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Kagayaki (M17) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Oho (M16) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Daishoho (M11) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Onosho (M9) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Takanosho (M8)
Meisei (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Abi (M1)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Endo (M21) by default/withdrawal
Shodai (K) beat Kiribayama (S)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Daieisho (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Takakeisho (O) beat Ura (M4)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Leader: Terunofuji, Meisei, Asanoyama (7-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Endo (M2). Knee injury. Doubtful to return this tournament. If he doesn’t, he will be the only top tier rikishi to finish winless. That would mean a big drop in the rankings-he’ll stay in the top tier in July but I’d knock him down all the way to Maegashira 12.

Juryo:
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Tokihayata (J14) beat Kitanowaka (J10)
Daiamami (J9) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Ochiai (J8) beat Takakento (J7)
Bushozan (J3) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Azumaryu (J2) beat Akua (J5)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Roga (J4)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Oshoma (J4)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (7-0)

Reminder: NHK World Japan will air 50 minutes of LIVE top tier matches tomorrow FOR FREE at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. NHK World Japan is available online and via smart TV apps FOR FREE in addition to select cable/satellite providers.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Seliwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Bushozan (J3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Oho (M16) beat Tsurugisho (M15)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Myogiryu (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Onosho (M9) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Daishoho (M11)
Takanosho (M8) beat Ryuden (M10)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Tanawashi (M7)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Meisei (M6) beat Ura (M4)
Midorifuji (M1) beat Endo (M2)
Shodai (K) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Kirobayama (S) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Abi (M1) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Takakeisho (O) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Nishikigi (M4)
Leader: Terunofuji, Meisei, Asanoyama (6-0)

Juryo:
Tokihayate (J14) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Ryuo (Ms3)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Daiamami (J9)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Ochiai (J8) beat Kitanowaka (J10)
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Takakento (J7) beat Tochinoshin (J5) by default/withdrawal
Oshoma (J4) beat Akua (J5)
Roga (J4) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Enho (J3)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (6-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Tochinoshin (J5). Retirement. Nikkan Sports reports he will not remain with the Nihon Sumo Kyokai in an Oyakata role or other position due to not having full Japanese citizenship (he is a dual national and a citizen of his native Georgia).
This means no more Makushita man daily in Juryo for now but we’ll still have a Juryo man in the top tier at least through tomorrow (tomorrow it’s fan favorite Enho who is a disappointing 0-6 so far).

It looks like we have another in-tournament retirement in sumo-Nikkan Sports reports Tochinoshin submitted retirement paperwork today to the Japan Sumo Association and has officially withdrawn from the May Tournament, finishing with an 0-6 record. The former Ozeki, originally from the country of Georgia, announced he will not remain in the Association in another role due to apparently not having full Japanese citizenship.

Tochinoshin finishes his career with 6 championships including one Emperor’s Cup, 11 Special Prizes and 2 Gold Star Victories. His final career record is 681-615-106 (win-loss-absent). He was demoted from the top tier after January following a string of losing tournaments and a withdrawal due to injuries. Retirement ceremony plans are pending.

UPDATE: The retirement has been confirmed via the Nihon Sumo Kyokai English website. Final match today is recorded as a loss by default/withdrawal.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Mitoryu (M16) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Oho (M16) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Myogiryu (M14) beat Kotoeko (M12)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Daishoho (M11)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Takarafuji (M10) beat Takanosho (M8)
Ryuden (M10) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Onosho (M9) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Hokutofuji (M7) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Meisei (M6) beat Nishikigi (M4$
Nishikifuji (M3) beat Endo (M2)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Abi (M1) beat Daieisho (S)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Shodai (K)
Korobayama (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Takakeisho (O)
terunofuji (Y) beat Ura (M4)
Leader: 4 at 5-0
Of note: There was some controversy surrounding Tobizaru-Takakeisho as the referee declared Takakeisho the winner in a clearly blown call. Takakeisho was going for an uwatenage (over arm throw) and his arm clearly hit the ground before Tobizaru’s body did. Replays quickly confirmed the obvious overturning by the judges. Nikkan Sports reported afterwards that the referee, who is the chief referee in sumo, offered his resignation to stablemaster Hakkaku, who is also the head of the Japan Sumo Association, following what was his 10th mistaken call since promotion to chief referee in 2019. The offer was declined.
Elsewhere, Daieisho fell from the unbeaten group today after his first loss, leaving 4 at 5-0: Terunofuji, Wakamotoharu, Meisei & Asanoyama. There are two at 0-5, Midorifuji & Endo, but somebody’s 0 has got to go tomorrow because they face each other.
Bushozan, currently 4-1, is the Juryo man up tomorrow and faces Ichiyamamoto.

Juryo:
Shishi (Ms2) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Tokihayate (J14) beat Hidenoumi )J11)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Kitanowaka (J10)
Ochiai (J8) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Daiamami (J9)
Takakento (J7) beat Akua (J5)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Tochinoshin (J5)
Roga (J4) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Oshoma (J4) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Bushozan (J3) beat Shonannoumi (J1)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Enho (J3)
Leader: Gonoyama, Shimazuumi, Ochiai (5-0)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki. Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Mitoryu (M16) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Ichiyamamoto (M15) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Oho (M16)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Daishoho (M11)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Onosho (M9)
Takanosho (M8) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Meisei (M6) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Ura (M4) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Daieisho (S) beat Shodai (K)
Hoshoryu (S) beat Abi (M1)
Kiribayama (S) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Takakeisho (O) beat Endo (M2)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Leader: 5 at 5-0
Of note: If you want fans to be disappointed, go for the big man HENKA!!! Takakeisho did just that to the crowd’s dismay, and it was more a half move due to his knees but it got him the easy win over Endo to go to 3-1, 5 wins from getting out of kadoban status. No such issues for Terunofuji as he showed hos upper body strength is still there-once his arms lovk in the opponent’s arms near the biceps, it’s simple lift and carry to victory for the yokozuna as demonstrated today against Tobizaru by his impressive kimedashi (arm barring force out). Terunofuji is in a group of 5 atop the leaderbord including 2 Sekiwake (Wakamotoharu & Daieisho), a resurgent Meisei and of course Asanoyama. On the other side, the biggest disappointment has to be Midorifuji, who started 10-0 in March. In May his start is now 0-4.
Watch for potential HENKA!!! again at the top tomorrow as Takakeisho gets The Flying Monkey Tobizaru tomorrow while Terunofuji’s opponent is the always-unpredictable Ura. Tohakuryu will be the Juryo man up for the day tomorrow from J2, drawing Tsurugisho.

Juryo:
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Kotokuzan (Ms2)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Chiyomaru (J10) beat Tomokaze (J12)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Daiamami (J9)
Ochiai (J8) beat Churanoumi (J7)
Takakento (J7) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Akua (J5)
Oshoma (J4) beat Tochinoshin (J5)
Roga (J4) beat Enho (J3)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Bushozan (J3)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Leader: Gonoyama, Shimazuumi, Ochiai (4-0)
Of note: Ochiai has been competing with a heavily taped left shoulder/upper body, perhaps related to his apparent injury last tournament. Perhaps his performance with maybe one good arm should serve as a warning-when/if he gets fully healthy, look out as the former Hakuho could have a Yokozuna in his stable much sooner rather than later, very fitting for the greatest Yokozuna ever. Co-leader Gonoyama is now halfway to the top tier at J1, if he keeps this up he’ll be in Makuuchi in July.
Interesting side note tomorrow-Shishi, a favorite of who I get Makushita match videos from on YouTube-is tomorrow’s Makushita man in Juryo. He gets huge crowd reactions in part because he is from Ukraine, which makes for interesting backstories should he ever face Russian rikishi Roga. Shishi is 2-0 at Ms2 and will face 3-1 Fujiseiun.

Finally, during a live stream of his SUMO PRIME TIME show yesterday on YouTube, host/NHK announcer Hiro Morita seemingly confirmed that Takayasu, who withdrew on Day 1 due to a thigh injury suffered in practice that morning, is out for the tournament and will try to return in July. He’ll be in the top tier still but will be demoted from Maegashira 2, probably down to Maegashira 10 or 11. Also, former top tier mainstay Ishiura, who has fallen down to Jonidan, again pulled out due to a back injury that has kept him out for about a year now. He’ll maybe drop to Jonokuchi or even be unranked in July.

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