Tag: ozumo

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tokihayate (M18) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Kotoshoho (M16)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Ryuden (M14)
Shishi (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Meisei (M11) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Hakuoho (M9)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Shodai (M7) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Oshoma (M8) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Takerufuji (M8) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Endo (M9)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Takanosho (M3) beat Kirishima (K)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Abi (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Oho (S)
Takayasu (M4) beat Onosato (O)
Ichiyamamoto (M5) beat Kotozakura (O)
Ura (M5) beat Hoshoryu (Y) by default/withdrawal
Leader: Takayasu (9-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Hoshoryu (Y). Cervical spine and right elbow. Out 2 weeks. Tournament over. Will finish the equivalent of 5-10 in his Yokozuna debut as he was 5-4 after losing yesterday. It’s the first time in 39 years a new Yokozuna has pulled out in his debut tournament…ironically, the last time it was also from his Tatsunami Beya. Hoshoryu vowed pre-tournament he had no intent of withdrawing even if injured. It might have just been good PR according to Tatsunami. Ura got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Apparently someone(s) didn’t like Shishi’s recent antics when setting in for the start of matches and he reportedly was warned to tone it down. This clearly was mot Akiseyama “hulking up” before his matches. I guess showing off during salt tossing and pre-match rituals is as far as it can go (bot the same without guys like Terutsuyoshi who is retired now and Akua who attempted to take up the “epic salt thrower” mantle after ditching his “epic salt fist pose” for the cameras before that but can’t do it while he’s in Makushita-you don’t get all that fancy pre-match ritual stuff until you reach Juryo). Elsewhere, we’re back to hoping this is not yet again “so close, and yet so far away” for Takayasu. He has been here several times before and failed to win the championship due to either bad luck or injury issues but when he is healthy like this, he can still be a contender even at 35. Let’s hope for the best. Churanoumi & Takerufuji clinched promotions today and are still one back at 8-2 along with Onosato, still in position to set himself up for a Yokozuna bid in May. Tomorrow Takayasu has Kirishima, who may be affected by neck issues again so this could be a favorable matchup, while Onosato gets Ura. Churanoumi & Takerufuji face each other.

Juryo:
Hatauyama (J13) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Daiseizan (J10) beat Otsuji (J14)
Kusano (J14) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Kazekeno (J13)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Hokutofuji (J8) beat Shiden (J2)
Roga (J3) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J3)
Kayo (J2) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Tamashoho (J1)
Nabatame (J5) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Leader: Kusano (10-0)
RE-ENTRY: Oshoumi (J4). Will return tomorrow. Missed 5 days due to a foot injury. Will be the equivalent of 3-7 and can still salvage promotion by winning out. Otherwise will be demoted, but his position in Juryo is probably safe even if he loses out.
Of note: Kusano can all but clinch the championship tomorrow, if he wins and certain others lose then worst-case will be a playoff. He’s also the only one to clinch promotion so far and the only ones demoted thus far are Nabatame (due to missing 5 days, and this win will be big in his efforts to avoid demotion to Makushita) and Shiden. It’s only noncompetitive because of Kusano running away with it, otherwise this would be very wide open. Kusano has Tsurugisho (4-6) tomorrow and none of the other 7-3 wrestlers face off so we’ll see what happens.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Aonishiki (M15) beat Nabatame (J5)
Tokiohayate (M18) beat Chiuranoumi (M10)
Ryuden (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Shishi (M13) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Oshoma (M8) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Meisei (M11)
Endo (M9) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Shodai (M7)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Nishikigi (M8)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Takanosho (M3)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Kirishima (K)
Oho (S) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Daieisho (S) beat Ura (M5)
Takayasu (M4) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Abi (K)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Ichiyamamoto!
Leader: Onosato, Takayasu (8-1)
Of note: What’s going on with Hoshoryu? 2 straight losses and God Star Victories and 3 this tournament…he’s 5-4 overall, it may be two things in particular: Yokozuna debut and also he reportedly has been dealing with cellulitis in his right elbow. Elsewhere, Takayasu clinched the first promotion of the tournament with 8 wins and Onosato protected his rank as they share the lead, with Churanoumi falling one back at 7-2. At the bottom., Shonannoumi & Nishikigi are the first demotions, with the latter possibly dealing with an injury. Onosato & Takayasu won’t be co-leaders after today because they face each other tomorrow. Hoshoryu may not be through handing Kinboxhi out because tomorrow he gets Ura going for #3, but what may help the Yokozuna is Ura is on a 5-match losing streak after today.

Juryo:
Hitoshi (J12) beat Otsuji (J14)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Kusano (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J9)
Kazekeno (J13) beat Hokutofuji (J8)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Shinanoumi (J10)
Daiseizan (J10) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Tochitaikai (J3)
Shiden (J4) beat Roga (J3)
Kayo (J2) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Tamashoho (J1) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Leader: Kusano (9-0)
Of note: There’s still 6 days left but it’s turning into super-rookie Kusano’s to lose as he is now 2 ahead of the field. Shimanoumi took his second loss today and is now tied with Hitoshi for 2nd. Also now we may start hearing questions about the future of Hokutofuji as the veteran is looking at another demotion now at 2-7. At J8 he’s not safe in Juryo yet, I think he needs one more win and maybe two to avoid potential demotion to Makushita for the first time in 9 years. Kusano faces Shimanoumi tomorrow and could have a seemingly insurmountable 3 win lead with 5 days to go if he wins and Hitoshi loses (Tohakuryu, who is 4-5). Also, Nabatame was in the top tier today after returning following 5 days out with a left knee injury, the loss today guarantees demotion but if he can get a couple more wins he’ll probably avoid going down to Makushita.

Lower tier notes: Unfortunately no Makushita championship for Enho and thus no Juryo return in May as he took his first loss of the tournament today to fellow unbeaten Oshoryu, so Enho will now look for a 5th straight 6-1 finish and hopefully set up for another shot at a Juryo return for July. Asanoyama did win his Sandanme match as he is among 4 currently 5-0, and there’s the possibility of a playoff against stablemate Asagyokusei if both win their last 2 matches. The Makushita also has 4 tied at 5-0. The Jonidan currently has 6 at 5-0 while the Jonokuchi has just one at 5-0 right now.

UPDATE: Hoshoryu has WITHDRAWN. Cervical spine strain and right elbow. Out 2 weeks. Tournament over. Will finish the equivalent of 5-10. Ura will get the fusen tomorrow but no Kinboshi.

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

Makuuchi (top tier):
Aonishiki (M15) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Shiden (J4)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Shishi (M13) beat Kotoshoho (M16)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Tokihayate (M18)
Meisei (M11) beat Ryuden (M14)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Shodai (M7)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Endo (M9)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Oshoma (M8)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Hakuoho (M9)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Abi (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Takanosho (M3)
Oho (S) beat Ura (M5)
Onosato (O) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Kotozakura (O) beat Kirishima (K)
Takayasu (M4) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 6th career Gold Star Victory for Takayasu!
Leader: Onosato, Takayasu, Churanoumi (7-1)
Of note: The so-called Stormy Spring Basho is again living up to its moniker. No promotions or demotions yet but some surprises at the top, namely Churanoumi tied with Onosato looking to get into Yokozuna contention again and Takayasu going for his first Emperor’s Cup in his 20-year career, it’s seemingly the only accolade eluding the former Ozeki. Hoshoryu fell to 5-3 after today’s loss but isn’t out of it yet, while Kotozakura is also at 5-3, needing at least 3 more wins to maintain his Ozeki rank in May. 3 are at 6-2 including Iron Man Tamawashi going for his 3rd championship.
Tough matches for some of the co-leaders tomorrow as Takayasu has Kotozakura while Onosato faces Abi, who already has 2 wins over Yokozuna & Ozeki this tournament. Churanoumi gets Tokihayate. Hoshoryu’s opponent tomorrow is Ichiyamamoto, going for his first career Kinboshi.

Juryo:
Hitoshi (J12) beat Mudoho (Ms3)
Kusano (J14) beat Daiseizan (J10)
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Otsuji (J14)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Wakaikari (J9)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Kazekeno (J13)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Hokutofuji (J8)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Roga (J3)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Kayo (J2)
Tamashoho (J1) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Leader: Kusano (8-0)
RE-ENTRY: Nabatame (J5). Will return tomorrow. He missed the last 5 days due to a left knee injury. Will be the equivalent of 1-7 so he must win all his remaining matches to avoid demotion, but at least 2 more wins should keep him in Juryo. He’ll be in the top tier tomorrow to face Aonishiki.
Of note: Kusano is the first to clinch a promotion this tournament and will stay in both Juryo and the lead, after today’s results it’s now just a resurgent Shimanoumi one back after Roga lost to fall 2 off the pace.

Lower tier notes: Asanoyama clinched promotion in the Sandanme today with a win to move into a group at 4-0, if he can win any more matches he’ll be promoted back to Makushita in May. No match for Enho today in Makushita after clinching another promotion yesterday. He’s among 8 in Makushita who clinched promotions and share the lead at 4-0. That group currently includes 3 Isegahama men which raises the potential of one or more having to face each other in a playoff for the title, and there are 2 Fujishima newcomers also in that group. In the Sandanme, Asanoyama is in a group of 8 at 4-0 also including former top tier man Yago and former Juryo man Chiyosakae, with the firmer going for a second straight championship after starting his post-injury comeback attempt with a Jonidan title in January. The Jonidan has 12 tied at 4-0 while the Jonokuchi has 3 at 4-0.

There’s also been a reported retirement-while not yet confirmed by the Japan Sumo Association, reliable YouTube English news source Chris Sumo says Taiga has called it quits and retired. He was a pre-tournament withdrawal and it’s being reported he quit due to lack of passion/motivation for sumo even though he’s only 22. He withdrew midway through January and was the equivalent of 0-7 and, if this is indeed it, never got above the bottom half of Makushita in his career, with a high rank of Ms32. His career record will be 133-121-33 (win-loss-absent, assuming the last 2 matches are recorded as absent depending on when retirement becomes official, if not then it’ll be 31) in 7 years.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 7-Promotion Day-of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Asakoryu (M16) beat Tochitaikai (J3)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Tokihayate (M18)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Kotoshoho (M16)
Shirokuma (M17) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Meisei (M11) beat Shishi (M13)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Ryuden (M14)
Nishikigi (M10) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Endo (M9)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Oshoma (M8) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Ura (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Shodai (M7)
Takayasu (M4) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Kirishima (K) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Oho (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Abi (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Onosato (O) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Takanosho (M3)
Leader: Onosato, Takayasu, Chiranoumi (6-1)

Juryo:
Kusano (J14) beat Kiryuko (J12) by default/withdrawal
Hitoshi (J12) beat Kazekeno (J13)
Otsuji (J14) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J9)
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Hokutofuji (J8)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Daiseizan (J10)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Roga (J3) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Kayo (J2) beat Shiden (J4)
Mitoryu (J6) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Tamashoho (J1) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Leader; Kusano (7-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Kiryuko (J12). Knees. Tournament over. Out 3 months per reliable YouTube English-language source Chris Sumo. Will be demoted to Makushita as a result and maybe the Sandanme since that timeframe means he would miss May. Kusano got the fusen as a result to remain the sole unbeaten leader.

Lower tier notes: It’s the start of Promotion Day in the lower tiers where the leaders will be 4-0 and thus clinch winning records for the tournament and promotions. Enho will be among those in the Makushita as he won today to remain in the co-leader group at 4-0. No match for Asanoyama in the Sandanme today, so he’ll go for promotion tomorrow.

Reminder: NHK World Japan will have 50 minutes of LIVE top tier match coverage FOR FREE tomorrow at 1:10 AM PT/4:10 AM ET. If you don’t get the network on cable/satellite it is available for free online and on mobile, tablet & smart TV apps (it’s completely free with no account, email, TV provider or logins required) and no limits on viewing).

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 6 of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Mitakeumi (M17) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Roga (J3) beat Kotoshoho (M16)
Tokihayate (M18) beat Sadanoumi (M15)
Shirokuma (M17) beat Ryuden (M14)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Shishi (M13)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Meisei (M11) beat Hakuoho (M9)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Endo (M9)
Oshoma (M8) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Shodai (M7) beat Ura (M5)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Abi (K) beat Kirishima (K)
Takayasu (M4) beat Daieisho (S)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Oho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Takanosho (M3)
Kotozakura (O) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Leader: 4 at 5-1

Juryo:
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Tochimaru (Ms2)
Kusano (J14) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Otsuji (J14)
Kazekeno (J13) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Shinamoumi (J10) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Daiseizan (J10)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Tohakuryu (J8)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Hokutofuji (J8)
Mitoryu (J6) beat Tochitaikai (J3)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Kayo (J2)
Tamashoho (J3) beat Shiden (J4)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Oshoumi (J4) by default/withdrawal
Leader: Kusano (6-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Oshoumi (J4). Foot. Status uncertain but Nikkan Sports reports he may be able to return this tournament. He is currently 3-3 so if he can’t return it’s probably enough to stay in Juryo. Kagayaki got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Kiryuko may also be out as well as Hochi Sports reports he was taken out in a wheelchair after a right leg injury. Updates to follow. Demotion if he can’t return would send Kiryuko back to Makushita after 2 tournaments in Juryo. If he has to pull out, Kusano will get the freebie and remain the sole unbeaten leader.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 5 of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Mitakeumi (M17) beat Kayo (J2)
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Tokihayate (M18)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Ryuden (M14) beat Aonishiki (M15)
Shishi (M13) beat Onokatsu (M12)
Meisei (M11) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Shonannoumi (M10) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Endo (M9)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Oshoma (M8) beat Shodai (M7)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Ura (M5)
Ichiyamanoto (M4) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Takayasu (M4) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Kirishima (K)
Oho (S) beat Abi (K)
Daieisho (S) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Takanosho (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Chiyoshoma (M2) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Chiyoshoma!
Leader: 7 at 4-1
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT! Ryuden beat Onishiki with a new-to-me technique-kainahineri, 2 arm twisting pull down. And the Stormy Spring Basho is living up to its moniker as the last remaining unbeatens lost today and the first Kinboshi of the Hoshoryu Yokozuna era cane today as Chiyoshoma pulled off the upset.

Juryo:
Kazekeno (J13) beat Daiamami (Ms2)
Otsuji (J14) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Kusano (J14) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Daiseizan (J10) beat Wakaikari (J9)
Hokutofuji (J8) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Hidrnoumi (J6) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Oshoumi (J4) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Roga (J3) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Kagayaki (J1) beat Shiden (J4)
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Tamashoho (J1)
Leader: Kusano (5-0)

Lower tier notes: Both Enho in Makushita and Asanoyama in Sandanme won again on consecutive days so both are now 3-0 and one win away from promotion. Enho probably can’t get back to Juryo from Ms30 unless he goes 7-0 and wins the championship but even a 5th straight 6-1 tournament should put him in a good spot to have a real chance for a July return. Asanoyama could be promoted back to Makushita from Sd22 with 4 wins but probably needs 5 to make it definite, so ideally at least 2 more. No matches for either tomorrow so they’ll be back for Promotion Days this weekend. What will happen tomorrow is, for one day at least, the return of Tociimaru to Juryo. Tochimaru, a fan favorite for his rapid fire machine gun-like pushing, has been trying to work his way back up after demotion to the Jonidan due to injuries and comes into the day with a 2-1 record at Ms2, meaning a win tomorrow puts him one away from promotion and a chance at a Juryo return in May for the first time since September 2022. He’s had 4 winning tournaments in a row since returning including a Jonidan Championship in March 2024.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Shirokuma (M17) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Tokihayate (M18) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Kotoshoho (M16)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Ryuden (M14)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Shishi (M13) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Meisei (M11) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Endo (M9) beat Oshoma (M8)
Shodai (M7) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Ura (M5) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Takayasu (M4)
Chiyoshoma (M2) beat Abi (K)
Kirishima (K) beat Daieisho (S)
Takanosho (M3) beat Oho (S)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Onosato (O)
Kotozakura (O) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Leader: Endo, Onokatsu (4-0)

Juryo:
Kusano (J14) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Kiryuko (J12) beat Otsuji (J14)
Kazekeno (J13) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Daiseizan (J10)
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Hokutofuji (J6)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Nabatame (J5) by default/withdrawal
Shiden (J4) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Oshoumi (J4)
Roga (J3) beat Tochitaikai (J3)
Kayo (J2) beat Tamashoho (J1)
Leader: Fujiseium, Hitoshi, Kusano (4-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Nabatame (J5). Left knee. Out at least 3 days. Return uncertain though. If he can’t return he may be demoted to Makushita as he would finish the equivalent of 1-14. Hidenoumi got the fusen as a reault.

Lower tier notes: Both Enho in Makushita and Asanoyama in Sandname won their second matches today, each going to 2-0 and halfway to promotion. Both will compete on consecutive days tomorrow and will look to go 3-0, then they will not compete on Day 6.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tokihayate (M18) beat Tamashoho (J1)
Mitakeumi (M17) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Kotoshoho (M16)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Sadanoumi (M15)
Shishi (M13) beat Churanoumi (M14)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Ryuden (M14(
Onokatsu (M12) beat Meisei (M11)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Enho (M9) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Oshoma (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Hakuoho (M9)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Shodai (M7)
Takayasu (M4) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Ura (M5) beat Takanosho (M3)
Kirishima (K) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Oho (S) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Daieisho (S) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Abi (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Wakamotoharu (M1)
Leader: 6 at 3-0

Juryo:
Kusano (J14) beat Otsuji (J14)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Kazekeno (J13)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Daiseizan (J10) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Tohakuryu (J9) beat Wakaikari (J9)
Holkutofuji (J8) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Nabatame (J5)
Oshoumi (J4) beat Shiden (J4)
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Kayo (J2)
Roga (J3) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Leader: 5 at 3-0

Lower tier notes: No matches for Enho in Makushita and Asanoyama in Sandanme today. They both will have their second matches tomorrow.

UPDATE: While not yet officially announced, Hochi Sports reports Nabatame has WITHDRAWN ahead of Day 5. Left knee injuries suffered today. Out at least 3 days and may return in the second week. He is currently 1-2. If official then Hidenoumi will get the fusen as a result.

UPDATE 2: It’s now official.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Mitakeumi (M17) beat Tokihayate (M18)
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Aonishiki (M15)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Sadanoumi (M15)
Ryuden (M14) beat Nishikifuji (M13) by default/withdrawal
Shishi (M13) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Midorifuji (M11)
Meisei (M11) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Endo (M9) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Oshoma (M8)
Shodai (M7) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Takayasu (M4) beat Ura (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Takanosho (M3)
Abi (K) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Daieisho (S) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Oho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Kirishima (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
WITHDRAWAL: Nishikifuji (M13). Neck. Status uncertain. Per stablemaster Isegahama there is a chance he will return depending on how treatment goes and the severity of the injury. He probably needs to return by early in the second week and get at least 3 wins to avoid demotion to Juryo. Ryuden got the fusen as a result.

Juryo:
Otsuji (J14) beat Ishizaki (Ms1)
Kusano (J14) beat Kazekeno (J13)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Kiryuko (J12)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Daiseizan (J10)
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Wakaikari (J9) beat Hokutofuji (J8)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Hakuyozan (J8)
Mitoryu (J6) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Hidenoumi (J6)
Nabatame (J5) beat Shiden (J4)
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Oshoumi (J4)
Tamashoho (J1) beat Roga (J3)
Kayo (J2) beat Kagayaki (J1)

Lower tier notes: Enho won his Makushita return match today as he tries to get closer to promotion back to Juryo. No match tomorrow so his second match should be on Day 4. Asanoyama will also probably have his second Sandanme match on Day 4, but those have not been announced yet.

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Tokihayate (M18) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M15)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Aonishiki (M15)
Ryuden (M14) beat Shishi (M13)
Onokatsu (M12) beat Nishikifuji (M13)
Takarafuji (M12) beat Meisei (M11)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Sadanoumi (M10)
Endo (M9) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Oshoma (M8)
Atamifuji (M8) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Takerufuji (M6) beat Shodai (M7)
Hiradoumi (M6) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Ura (M5) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Takayasu (M4) beat Takanosho (M3)
Kirishima (K) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Chiyoshoma (M2) beat Oho (S)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Daieisho (S)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Kotozakura (O)
Onosato (O) beat Wakatakakage (M1)
Abi (K) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
Of note: RARE KIMARITE ALERT!!! Asakoryu won with a rare technique today-Okurihikiotoshi, rear pull down. It happened when Sadanoumi lost his balance and nearly fell back on his rear to the ground but managed to make the save, but soon was unable to maintain his balance a second time and went down. As for the new Yokozuna, Hoshoryu’s unbeaten reign as Grand Champion barely lasted two seconds as Abi blasted him away, and Hoshoryu’s face showed it afterwards. But it’s only Day 1. There have also been rumors Hoshoryu was suffering from food poisoning last week and lost 10-11 pounds as a result. Kotozakura got off to a bad start, taking an opening day loss, meaning he now must go 8-6 or better the rest of the way or he will be demoted from Ozeki.
Tomorrow brings the first kinboshi chance of the Hoshoryu Yokozuna era when he faces Wakatakakage.
Also a late add: When Tamawashi has his match tomorrow, he will move into #5 on the all-time list for most career matches.

Juryo:
Kusano (J14) beat Miyagi (Ms1)
Kazekeno (J13) beat Otsuji (J14)
Hatsuyama (J13) beat Kiryuko )J12)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Wakanosho (J11)
Shimanoumi (J10) beat Tsurugisho (J11)
Daiseizan (J10) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Wakaikari (J9)
Kotoeiho (J7) beat Hokutofuji (J8)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Tomokaze (J7)
Fujiseiun (J5) beat Mitoryu (J6)
Oshoumi (J4) beat Nabatame (J5)
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Shiden (J4)
Roga (J3) beat Kayo (J2)
Tamashoho (J1) beat Kagayaki (J1)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Kitanowaka (J2). Unknown but possibly related to an injury that caused him to withdraw during the January tournament. Status uncertain. Since this happened before today’s matches were announced, no freebies and instead a Makushita man was brought up as a replacement.

Lower tier notes: No match today for Enho in his Makushita return as he’s now halfway back to Juryo. His first match will be tomorrow. In his second recent comeback attempt, Asanoyama won his return match in the Sandanme as he looks to be promoted back to Makushita in May. This time the comeback attempt is from an injury that caused him to be demoted from the top tier.

UPDATE: Nishikifuji has WITHDRAWN after Day 1. More details tomorrow. Ryuden will get the fusen on Day 2 as a result.